March 28, 2011 Monday Message:
Do you believe what you believe?
As David was coming of age, the Hebrew people were constantly threatened by their long-time rivals, the Philistines. Especially troublesome was the Philistine giant-of-a-warrior, Goliath, who stood nearly 10 feet tall. His armor weighed 125 pounds and had to be carried by others, and the head of his spear weighed 15 pounds. “Meanest man in the valley,” this imposing, uncircumcised pagan.
Each day, the battle went like this: The Hebrews and the Philistines would come to opposite sides of the valley of Elah. Then the Philistine giant would step forward, insult the God of Israel and issue this challenge: If anyone could fight him and win, the Philistines would become their subjects. But if Goliath won, the Jews would have to become servants of the Philistines.
It was believed that defeating Goliath was not possible. For 40 days, no one came forth to fight the giant. It was an embarrassing time for the Jews, hearing their God insulted daily, but not a single person willing to defend the name of Yahweh.
The Hebrews taught that God was the creator of all things. They knew that He was Jehovah-jireh, the God of provision; El Shaddai, the Lord God Almighty; omnipresent (everywhere), omnipotent (all powerful) and omniscient (knows all.) Here’s the problem: God’s chosen people no longer believed what they believe. They had grown distant from God, and while their writings taught that the Lord God Almighty could win any battle, they no longer trusted it to be so.
It took a sturdy little shepherd-boy with faith in spades answer the Philistine challenge. David knew God had protected him from the bear and the lion; the LORD had worked in his life before, so David trusted that God would be there again. After all, this was really GOD’s battle! But key in David’s mission is that he truly believed what he professed to believe.
In the end, David triumphed over Goliath. Once again God came to the rescue right when it was needed. God will rescue each of us when we need it, too. We just need to give God credit for being God. We need to believe that Jesus is who he said he is. We need to believe what we believe.
May the Lord bless you and your loved ones during this Lenten season.
Norton Lawellin
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Apostles' Creed Unlocked Pt. 3
March 21, 2011 Monday Message:
“I believe in the Holy Spirit.” from the Apostle’s Creed
This week we wrap up our journey through the Apostles’ Creed, resuming at the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost). Jesus promised, in John 14:16, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will never leave you.” That’s one additional helper, the final 1/3 of our Triune God.
In the Greek, it’s “Paraclete,” meaning, "one who consoles, one who intercedes on our behalf, a counselor, a comforter, an encourager and an advocate." The Holy Spirit is called to walk through life with you, and to never leave you. You should consider the Spirit’s passion for helping mankind to be similar to the love of God, the same God who desires that not one of us would perish, and the love Jesus felt for us as He walked the earth and gave his life to redeem us.
Some churches keep the Holy Spirit locked up in the creed, while in other congregations, the Holy Spirit is passionately worshiped. God is in heaven, and Jesus ascended to be with the Father, but the Holy Spirit is with us right now! Many believers rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for healing, provision and supernatural intervention in their lives.
We believe in the “holy catholic Church,” not to be confused with the Roman Catholic Church. Notice the lower case “c” in the Apostles’ Creed. The word “catholic” mean “one,” “whole,” or “universal.” Some congregations believe in “the holy Christian church,” thereby removing the confusion. This sentence just means that all believers are on the same team.
The also confusing “communion of saints” isn’t referring to the Eucharist. Another victim of juxtapositioned linguistics, “communion” means fellowship, association, sharing and oneness, like the word, “community.”
We believe in the forgiveness of sins. This one’s obvious – Jesus died to redeem us out of our sinful nature. If you’re a repentant believer, you too can be forgiven.
Believing in the resurrection of the body was controversial in Jesus’ time, when the Sadducees didn’t even expect an afterlife. But full-body resurrection? That’s quite a stretch. But that’s what Jesus taught, that’s what Paul wrote, and that’s what our Bibles say. Our earthly bodies will be changed into “resurrection bodies” or “new heavenly bodies” as we rise to be with Jesus in the life everlasting, forever. See you there!
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Norton Lawellin
“I believe in the Holy Spirit.” from the Apostle’s Creed
This week we wrap up our journey through the Apostles’ Creed, resuming at the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost). Jesus promised, in John 14:16, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will never leave you.” That’s one additional helper, the final 1/3 of our Triune God.
In the Greek, it’s “Paraclete,” meaning, "one who consoles, one who intercedes on our behalf, a counselor, a comforter, an encourager and an advocate." The Holy Spirit is called to walk through life with you, and to never leave you. You should consider the Spirit’s passion for helping mankind to be similar to the love of God, the same God who desires that not one of us would perish, and the love Jesus felt for us as He walked the earth and gave his life to redeem us.
Some churches keep the Holy Spirit locked up in the creed, while in other congregations, the Holy Spirit is passionately worshiped. God is in heaven, and Jesus ascended to be with the Father, but the Holy Spirit is with us right now! Many believers rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for healing, provision and supernatural intervention in their lives.
We believe in the “holy catholic Church,” not to be confused with the Roman Catholic Church. Notice the lower case “c” in the Apostles’ Creed. The word “catholic” mean “one,” “whole,” or “universal.” Some congregations believe in “the holy Christian church,” thereby removing the confusion. This sentence just means that all believers are on the same team.
The also confusing “communion of saints” isn’t referring to the Eucharist. Another victim of juxtapositioned linguistics, “communion” means fellowship, association, sharing and oneness, like the word, “community.”
We believe in the forgiveness of sins. This one’s obvious – Jesus died to redeem us out of our sinful nature. If you’re a repentant believer, you too can be forgiven.
Believing in the resurrection of the body was controversial in Jesus’ time, when the Sadducees didn’t even expect an afterlife. But full-body resurrection? That’s quite a stretch. But that’s what Jesus taught, that’s what Paul wrote, and that’s what our Bibles say. Our earthly bodies will be changed into “resurrection bodies” or “new heavenly bodies” as we rise to be with Jesus in the life everlasting, forever. See you there!
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Norton Lawellin
Monday, March 14, 2011
I believe in Jesus Christ...
March 14, 2011 Monday Message:
“I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.” from the Apostle’s Creed
The Apostles Creed, a statement of faith used by many denominations, can be studied in three parts. Last week we talked about God the Father, and next week we’ll move on to the Holy Spirit and everything else (at least that’s what I call it). But this week we’re in the middle - Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
Saying, “I believe in Jesus Christ,” implies way more than is written. It’s not just believing that Jesus was real, that he actually walked on earth. It’s believing that Jesus is who the Bible says he is. Simon Peter stated it best: "You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16
This creed goes on to list some unique and notable events in the life of Christ; significant yes, but this is certainly not an exhaustive list.
We believe in Mary’s super-natural conception and the virgin birth of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, where it also names Jesus, “Immanuel – God with us.”
We believe Jesus suffered under the Roman Perfect (Governor) Pontius Pilate. We believe Jesus died on the cross - no heartbeat, no breathing – dead by all our earthly standards. He was placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.
Next, the version of the Apostle’s Creed on the ELCA web site says, “He descended to the dead,” but explains that the traditional reading is “hell.” From Hebrew to Aramaic to Greek to English, there’s a bit of confusion here, as different religions, different cultures and different times held different understandings of life after death. For example, “sheol” (Hebrew) or “hades” (Greek) sometimes means “pit (hell),” “grave,” or “abyss (separation).” So it can mean “place of the dead,” but not necessarily a bad place. When a Greek citizen died, they were said to be “sleeping.” And the Bible says that the dead will rise again, meaning, in a way, that they weren’t really dead in the first place. See the potential confusion?
So did Jesus go anywhere during the 3 days he was “dead?” The truth is we don’t really know, but he may not have gone anywhere. I’ve had people tell me that Jesus had to duke it out with Satan, to let him know who’s the boss. Others say that Jesus personally delivered the sins of the world to hell, where all evil belongs. Still others say that because Jesus had the sins on the world upon him, he was temporarily sentenced to the lake of fire.
Personally, I don’t buy any of it. Reformed Theology teaches that Jesus took the sins of the world upon himself, and in the great exchange, covered the people with his righteousness. Since Jesus was a lamb without blemish, he was a sufficient sacrifice to pay for the sins of the whole world. And that’s all that was necessary. When Jesus spoke from the cross, “It is finished,” the mission was indeed complete. Jesus had fulfilled his greatest purpose in coming to earth – to redeem mankind. John 19:30a
Death has no hold on the Son of God, and we believe Jesus walked away from it all. The women found the tomb empty, but over the next 40 days about 600 people saw our Lord walking around and heard him speak the Good News. Then they watched in awe as Jesus was taken into the clouds, returning to the Father. We believe he will return again (with fire in his eyes and a sword in his hand, riding a white horse – don’t make me sing the whole song!). That will be the time of judgment, and Jesus will be in charge.
Next week we’ll move on to the Holy Spirit and remainder of the Apostle’s Creed.
Blessings,
Norton Lawellin
“I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.” from the Apostle’s Creed
The Apostles Creed, a statement of faith used by many denominations, can be studied in three parts. Last week we talked about God the Father, and next week we’ll move on to the Holy Spirit and everything else (at least that’s what I call it). But this week we’re in the middle - Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
Saying, “I believe in Jesus Christ,” implies way more than is written. It’s not just believing that Jesus was real, that he actually walked on earth. It’s believing that Jesus is who the Bible says he is. Simon Peter stated it best: "You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16
This creed goes on to list some unique and notable events in the life of Christ; significant yes, but this is certainly not an exhaustive list.
We believe in Mary’s super-natural conception and the virgin birth of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, where it also names Jesus, “Immanuel – God with us.”
We believe Jesus suffered under the Roman Perfect (Governor) Pontius Pilate. We believe Jesus died on the cross - no heartbeat, no breathing – dead by all our earthly standards. He was placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.
Next, the version of the Apostle’s Creed on the ELCA web site says, “He descended to the dead,” but explains that the traditional reading is “hell.” From Hebrew to Aramaic to Greek to English, there’s a bit of confusion here, as different religions, different cultures and different times held different understandings of life after death. For example, “sheol” (Hebrew) or “hades” (Greek) sometimes means “pit (hell),” “grave,” or “abyss (separation).” So it can mean “place of the dead,” but not necessarily a bad place. When a Greek citizen died, they were said to be “sleeping.” And the Bible says that the dead will rise again, meaning, in a way, that they weren’t really dead in the first place. See the potential confusion?
So did Jesus go anywhere during the 3 days he was “dead?” The truth is we don’t really know, but he may not have gone anywhere. I’ve had people tell me that Jesus had to duke it out with Satan, to let him know who’s the boss. Others say that Jesus personally delivered the sins of the world to hell, where all evil belongs. Still others say that because Jesus had the sins on the world upon him, he was temporarily sentenced to the lake of fire.
Personally, I don’t buy any of it. Reformed Theology teaches that Jesus took the sins of the world upon himself, and in the great exchange, covered the people with his righteousness. Since Jesus was a lamb without blemish, he was a sufficient sacrifice to pay for the sins of the whole world. And that’s all that was necessary. When Jesus spoke from the cross, “It is finished,” the mission was indeed complete. Jesus had fulfilled his greatest purpose in coming to earth – to redeem mankind. John 19:30a
Death has no hold on the Son of God, and we believe Jesus walked away from it all. The women found the tomb empty, but over the next 40 days about 600 people saw our Lord walking around and heard him speak the Good News. Then they watched in awe as Jesus was taken into the clouds, returning to the Father. We believe he will return again (with fire in his eyes and a sword in his hand, riding a white horse – don’t make me sing the whole song!). That will be the time of judgment, and Jesus will be in charge.
Next week we’ll move on to the Holy Spirit and remainder of the Apostle’s Creed.
Blessings,
Norton Lawellin
Monday, March 7, 2011
Apostle's Creed Unlocked - 1
March 07, 2011 Monday Message:
“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” Beginning of Apostle’s Creed
I’ve recently been asked several questions about The Apostle’s Creed. Perhaps we should park here for the next few weeks.
Of course the common myth is that the Apostles themselves authored this Creed. You’d think that from the name. But the first mention of The Apostle’s Creed is 400 years after Jesus, and that wasn’t the form we know today. We know of a version close to what we use nowadays from c. 700 A.D.
The original thinking was that an apostle had, at some time, stated the principles set forth in this creed. Another tradition is that each of the 12 apostles spoke a portion. What we translate as “creed” is actually “symbol” in Latin. So this creed is our symbol of what Christians believe, based on what the apostles taught.
While The Apostle’s Creed includes many basic truths that express what Christians should believe, it is not an exhaustive list. The divine nature of Jesus and the Holy Spirit is not clarified, nor is the fact that our salvation comes to us by the grace of God because of our faith in what God can do, key points in Reformed Theology.
“I believe in God,” should be different than believing in an earthly entity. What we’re saying is that God IS! God is who he says he is, did the things he claims to have done, and in the future will do what has been prophesied in scripture. God is the creator of all things, the giver of life and our assurance of salvation in His heavenly kingdom. God is God, and we are not. This is an unchanging, non-negotiable reality. There’s a lot in this first sentence.
Next week we’ll look at Jesus in the Creed, and the Holy Spirit the following week.
May God bless each of you on your walk with the Him!
Norton Lawellin
“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” Beginning of Apostle’s Creed
I’ve recently been asked several questions about The Apostle’s Creed. Perhaps we should park here for the next few weeks.
Of course the common myth is that the Apostles themselves authored this Creed. You’d think that from the name. But the first mention of The Apostle’s Creed is 400 years after Jesus, and that wasn’t the form we know today. We know of a version close to what we use nowadays from c. 700 A.D.
The original thinking was that an apostle had, at some time, stated the principles set forth in this creed. Another tradition is that each of the 12 apostles spoke a portion. What we translate as “creed” is actually “symbol” in Latin. So this creed is our symbol of what Christians believe, based on what the apostles taught.
While The Apostle’s Creed includes many basic truths that express what Christians should believe, it is not an exhaustive list. The divine nature of Jesus and the Holy Spirit is not clarified, nor is the fact that our salvation comes to us by the grace of God because of our faith in what God can do, key points in Reformed Theology.
“I believe in God,” should be different than believing in an earthly entity. What we’re saying is that God IS! God is who he says he is, did the things he claims to have done, and in the future will do what has been prophesied in scripture. God is the creator of all things, the giver of life and our assurance of salvation in His heavenly kingdom. God is God, and we are not. This is an unchanging, non-negotiable reality. There’s a lot in this first sentence.
Next week we’ll look at Jesus in the Creed, and the Holy Spirit the following week.
May God bless each of you on your walk with the Him!
Norton Lawellin
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