What if Christ had NOT Been Risen?

What if Christ had not been risen from the grave?  Would it really matter as long as he died for our sins?  The sacrifice was certainly acceptable in God's sight and God poured his wrath upon Christ for our sins.  It would appear that many times we freely share that Christ died for our sins and it is true.  However, Christ also rose from the grave to complete our salvation.  You see, everyone will die but not everyone can raise themselves from the grave--only Christ.

The apostle Paul presented this question to the Corinthians because there were some who denied the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12).  I would like to say that if there was no resurrection of Jesus Christ then there is no Christianity.  We would have no reason to meet and worship each week.  Our sacrifices to serve, study the Word, and be different are a waste of time.  There is no need to give to the church or to missions because there is no message of hope for the world.  The only thing that matters is the here and now.  Someone would have been correct when they said, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die" if there was no resurrection.  The resurrection has massive implications and it is part of the Gospel and the Good News!  It is the cornerstone without which the building collapses.

Here is what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:13-20 concerning the implications if Christ had never been risen from the grave.  If there was no resurrection of Jesus Christ....

1. Then our preaching of the Gospel is useless (1 Cor. 15:14).  There is no point in preaching.  The Gospel (according to Scripture) is the Good News "that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3-4). There is NO Gospel without the resurrection!
2. Then our faith is useless (1 Cor. 15:14).  All this repentance and all this faith is absolutely meaningless.  We have labored in vain and we are all fools.
3. Then the apostles were liars (1 Cor. 15:15).  They fabricated a story of a Christ that did not rise from the grave.  These liars even wrote the New Testament which now cannot be believed.  Even the Old Testament spoke of an event that never happened (Psalm 16).  Jesus even said himself that he would come out of the grave but he would have lied to his followers as well.
4. Then the dead are not raised (1 Cor. 15:16).  If Christ was not raised then nobody will ever live after the grave.  All Old and New Testament saints are still in the grave today and that is where we will forever remain after death.  Game over.
5. Then we are still in our sins (1 Cor. 15:17).  Without a resurrection there is no satisfaction of God's wrath. There is no forgiveness of sins, no penalty has been paid, no justification, no salvation.  
6. Then our current sufferings are for nothing (1 Cor. 15:18).  It means we trusted and lived for a Savior who could never save us.  Our sacrifices for him really made no difference.
7. Then this life is all that really matters (1 Cor. 15:19).   We made a mistake and put all of our eggs in one Easter basket for this short life.  We are the most pitiful according to Scripture.  It's all been pointless!  We've played the fool from start to finish.

Praise God for verse 20!  "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."  Because Christ did rise from the dead:  we have a life-changing Gospel, we have a faith that is alive and active, eye-witnesses saw him, believers in Christ will be raised from the grave as well,  we have been freed from our sins, we will be rewarded for our sufferings in this life, and we can live with eternity in view!  Jesus Christ is the guarantee of our salvation and future resurrection!

How Does God Use Evil?

In my Monday morning life group we have been studying God's sovereignty and God's providence.  How are we to understand that everything is under God's control?  How can we walk in confidence knowing that God always has everyone's best interest at heart even when circumstances do not appear to be that way? Does anything happen by random chance?

I believe it is safe to say that God uses all things to fulfill his purposes and he even uses evil for his glory and for our good.  Romans 8:28 says, "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose."  This type of knowledge allowed Joseph to tell his brothers, "You meant evil against me; but God meant if for good" (Gen. 50:20).  Even in the punishment of evil God is glorified.  We read in Proverbs 16:4 that "the Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble."  David says, "Surely the wrath of men shall praise you" (Ps. 76:10).

We see throughout Scripture how God used evil to bring about his desires.  Joseph was mentioned already and it serves as a very clear example of how the acts of evil men are used by God for his greater purposes.   Joseph shares with his brothers that, "God sent me before you to preserve life" (Gen. 45:5).  He said again, "You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today" (Gen. 50:20).

The story of the exodus from Egypt repeatedly affirms that God hardened the heart of Pharaoh:  God says, "I will harden his heart" (Ex. 4:21), "I will harden Pharaoh's heart" (Ex. 7:3), "The Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart" (Ex. 9:12).  God's promises happened long before Pharaoh hardened his own heart.  Paul informs us about Pharaoh, "The scripture says to Pharaoh, 'I have raised you up for the very purpose of showing my power in you, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth'" (Ro. 9:17).

Another great example is seen in Job.  The Lord gave Satan permission (even Satan needs God's permission) to bring harm to Job's family and possessions.  Job never blamed God but acknowledged that, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).  Neither Joseph or Job suffered because of their own sin but God was working His good through these men and their circumstances.

Lastly, the most evil deeds of all history were the crimes committed against Jesus Christ.  These crimes were ordained by God and were not random acts of violence.  God's timing, the place, those who would betray Christ, and his persecutors were identified in advance.  The church of Jerusalem recognized this as they prayed, "For truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place" (Acts 2:47).  It should be noted that all of the actions and all of the people noted at the crucifixion of Christ were "predestined" by God.

God NEVER does evil and is NEVER to be blamed for evil.  James says, "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one; but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire" (James 1:13-14).  ALL MEN are responsible for their choices and will be held accountable for their evil.  These are difficult thoughts to process and although we may not be able to understand it all, we can walk in confidence knowing that God has always been in control and nothing escapes him.

Does God Know My Future?

Just how much does God really control and how much do we control?  I totally object to the idea that God is learning my moves and as a result He is adjusting His moves accordingly.  This is called Open Theism and it is heresy.  David says in Psalm 139:16, "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." God controls nature, governments, and mankind fully.  Paul says that God "accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will."  We even know that with random events in life and things that seem to just happen by chance that, "The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly from the Lord" (Pr. 16:33).  Scripture even tells us that God "makes nations great, and he destroys them: he enlarges nations, and leads them away" (Job 12:23).

All our actions are under God's providential care, for "in him we live and move" (Acts 17:28).  Jeremiah said with confidence, "I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23).  Solomon stated that "A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Pr. 16:9).  We know that we make willing choices, but who formed our will to make those choices?  God guides the desires and inclinations of believers, working in us "both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13). 

Although it is difficult at times to reconcile our will and God's providential care, God is in full control of ALL things.  Theologian, Wayne Grudem, summed it up, "It seems better simply to affirm that God causes all things that happen, but that he does so in such a way that he somehow upholds our ability to make willing, responsible choices, choices that have real and eternal results, and for which we are held accountable."  Scripture does not explain just exactly how these two aspects come together but they cannot be refuted.  We cannot refute the idea just because we cannot explain the idea--especially since it is in Scripture.  The number of passages that support the providential working of God are so formidable that we cannot refute this doctrine but we should be able to rest in Him and be at peace knowing that He is at the helm. 

The more that we understand God's providence the more it shapes our lives in how we pray, live, and trust Him.  What other way would we want it to be?  God has established the best plan for all of his creation to rest in Him and to move in Him.  God in His infinite wisdom has made it possible for the finite to intersect with Him through the work of Christ.  His understanding, kindness, and love is above measure!

Evidence of Our Salvation

Perhaps Christ, more than anyone, spoke about the type of life that ought to characterize His followers.  Most of you, like me, can identify with people who claim to know Jesus Christ but yet they often look nothing like Jesus Christ (That is probably all of us at times but it should definitely not be the rule.).  This is truly a Big problem as our future hinges on this issue.  If Christ's followers fail to look and act like Jesus Christ then there is a very good chance that they do not belong to Jesus Christ and it would all make sense.  However, those who are adamant that they know Jesus Christ but fail to reflect Him in how they live are probably living in disobedience to Him as their Lord.  God certainly knows the truth and will hold all men accountable to Himself.

Matthew 3:7-10 says, "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?  Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.  The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."

You see, God is not so much concerned with our family tree as He is with our bearing fruit that demonstrates a repentant heart that is following Him.  The things that we say and do should give evidence of the God that we say we serve.  If found in the court of law, would there be enough evidence to convict us of being a genuine Christ--follower???  The name Christian is used VERY loosely today so we must be careful to define a Christian from God's perspective.  Hebrews 13:15-16 says, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."  A life that is sold out to God will be the greatest evidence that we truly KNOW Him as the Savior and Lord of our lives. 

The lost and dying world around us longs to see genuine Christians who are living out their faith!

What Does It Mean to Live the Gospel

I wish that I would have understood just exactly what the Gospel really meant years ago.  For many of us, the Gospel is the Good News that Jesus Christ came to save sinners from their sins in order for them to have a relationship with God Almighty.  It required a perfect, sinless sacrifice for our sins.  It required Jesus' death and resurrection which guarantees our salvation and future resurrection.  This is all true but it doesn't stop there. 

With that said, repenting of our sin and turning to Christ is only the starting point for the believer.  Because of the Gospel, the Christian is no longer under the bondage of sin.  We are free to live unto Him in the ways that He has called us to live.  Because of the Gospel, we don't speak the way that we used to.  Because of the Gospel, we don't long for the things that we once did.  Because of the Gospel, we have new priorities and desires in our lives.  Because of the Gospel, we now have a fulfilling mission in our lives.  Because of the Gospel, we have a future hope and confidence for each day.  Because of the Gospel, we have something to share with those who are lost in their sin.  Because of the Gospel, our families spend time with God's people in worship.  Because of the Gospel, we sacrifice and serve others.  Because of the Gospel, we give to our church.  Because of the Gospel, we're blessed to be involved in a Gospel ministry.  Because of the Gospel, lives continue to be radically transformed.

For me, I'm learning that the Gospel changes EVERYTHING!  It is why I get up each day.  The Gospel is why the church must stay a Gospel driven church.  The Gospel causes me to live for Him and it keeps me looking forward to the blessed hope--Christ Jesus.  Paul said it well, that the Gospel  "...is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." (Romans 1:16)  

Prayer: "Father, help us to appreciate the richness and the cost of the salvation that You have blessed us with.  Help us to see that your desire is that we would reflect the beauty of Jesus Christ in our own lives each day.  May Your Gospel forever change the way we live our lives.  May Your Gospel guide our thoughts, words, choices, and the things that we take part in during this short life. Amen."

Transparency--Good or Bad?

I can recall over and over again mom and dad coaching us  kids that our best behavior was expected when visiting others--it did make sense.  Going to church even demanded that we conduct ourselves like angels with problem free lives.  I suppose there was some fear that others may not accept us or want anything to do with us if they truly knew we were not perfect and we had some bad habits or poor practices.  Many folks live life with fear that others will not accept them if they are truly seen for who they are.  At the same time, some people refuse to allow others to get too close to them because they know that the life that they are living would be unacceptable and is truly not Christian.  We can establish a safe zone where others are not invited to enter in because it only exists for ourselves and those who must see us for who we really are.  The problem is that we are truly not safe and we portray ourselves as someone that we are not.  It is amazing that we can even get used to living as another person for so long.

The psalmist, David, boldly petitioned the Lord to have free roam in his life in order to expose anything that should not exist in his life.  He prayed, "Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"  (Psalm 139:23-24)  David cared most about God's view of him and he wanted to live in view of eternity and not for the moment.  As you read through the book of Psalms, David is very transparent and it even appears that he lived his life like a yo-yo in his relationship with God.  David repeatedly found his strength in the character and love of God and not in being someone else.

I'm afraid that too many times we are more concerned about our pride, how we look to others, and how others value us that we fail to understand that God ought to be our greatest concern.  You see, transparency is not a sign of weakness but of character.  It allows others to know that we are truly weak but yet we are made strong through the strength of Christ alone (2 Cor. 12:10).  Transparency allows others to see us for who we truly are and it allows them to see us trust God on the journey.  The goal of transparency is that God would be glorified as the Completer of our lives.  It allows others to glorify God as they see Him at work in us.  

Good behavior is indeed important--mom and dad were right.  However, let's be careful not to portray ourselves as another person when we know that he or she does not exist.  Others love broken people who are redeemed by God!

Does My Vote Even Count?

Let me say that at times I get very frustrated with the current situation in the world around me—especially with our government.  I know that the world is Satan’s domain, but I want the right things to always be done.  On this side of glory I know that Satan is on a mission but I want to stop him.

God has established a system of order, called government, that Christians are to operate under, support, and pray for.  The Biblical consensus is overwhelming that God appoints leaders, and is in control of those in power, and these verses appear to support this statement.  Please take the time to read, consider, and pray through these Bible verses.


“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” — Romans 13:1

“Jesus answered him (Pilate), ‘You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.’”  —John 19:11

“By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;”  — Proverbs 8:15

“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” — Daniel 2:21

“And when he had removed him (Saul), he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’” — Acts 13:22

“No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.  It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.”  — Psalms 75:6-7

“The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.” — Daniel 4:17

Whether or not we like who God has appointed is not the primary focus.  God reigns above all kings and kingdoms and He uses them for His purposes.  It may be punitive or corrective at times and it may even cause the advancement of the Gospel.  We cannot forget that God controls the heart of the king and is at work to accomplish His greater purposes.  It may appear chaotic and frustrating at times, but believers should walk in confidence by looking forward to the coming of their blessed hope.

Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

As far as the question of voting goes, God expects His people to contribute to society in positive ways—which means casting our votes for righteous people and righteous ways.  Take heart that our God is sovereignly in control and nothing slips by Him without His permission.