NUMBER TEN, 2017
Taking
RESPONSIBILITY
In this issue
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6
6 8
My Passion for the Gospel
charles r. swindoll Breaking Bad Habits
robyn roste
Rights and Wrongs of Grace
steve johnson
Names of Jesus
11 Lord
The Hea[r]t of the Issue
12 Forgiveness and Reconciliation
steve johnson
Beyond the Broadcast
15 Getting Past the Guilt of Your Past
Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bible-teaching ministry of Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll. Chuck is the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Texas. His international radio program Insight for Living has aired for more than 35 years. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Copyright Š 2017 Insight for Living Canada. All rights reserved. No portion of this monthly publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages are taken from the NLT. Unless otherwise noted, photography and illustration by Tim Schellenberg. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
Cover Image: Dawid Zawiła on Unsplash
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’ve never been one to view life from an easy chair. I want to be in the thick of things up to my kneecaps. I like to be engaged. The last thing I want is to float through life down a lazy river. I want to live like I’m on a Harley roaring down a backcountry road, gripping the handles and feeling the wind in my face, the rumble of the engine, and the vigour of being fully alive. I have one passion, though, that leaves all the rest in the dust: proclaiming the Gospel. I’m never more in the action than when I’m telling people the Good News. Every time I do, I feel a spiritual wind blowing—God’s powerful Spirit moving and transforming lives. I sense a spiritual battle raging, and I’m right in the middle of it! What could be more invigorating? A friend of mine once asked Billy Graham, “What do you feel when you give an invitation?” He responded, “I feel like power is going out of me.” I know the feeling! I present the Gospel virtually every time I preach, because power pulsates in it. I can sense it! The Apostle Paul could too: For I am not ashamed of the Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) The same power that first pushed up the mountains moves within the simple words of the Gospel: Jesus died for sinners and is alive today. Believe in Him, receive His forgiveness, and follow Him into the life God intended.
There’s no reason to be sheepish about sharing this life-changing message. People need it! Yet, sharing the Gospel is risky. I get that. Talking about Christ means stepping onto a battlefield, and you must decide if you’re ready. When I did my stint in the Marine Corp, I distinctly remember dropping my sea bag on the floor of that Quonset hut on the Island of Okinawa, thinking: Before I even put my clothes in this little foot locker, I’ve got to decide whether or not I’m going to walk with Christ. Was I going to be His witness there, at “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8)...or keep my mouth shut and blend in? Silence always seems like the easiest way; doesn’t it? Our culture doesn’t just push aside our faith; it aggressively assaults it. The battle for souls is deep and constant. Many people have walked in darkness their entire lives, and the forces of darkness will mobilize to keep those souls. But then suddenly they become aware of the light at the end of the tunnel— Christ calling them to Himself. When people respond, it’s the most remarkable moment. It’s the power of God, and we get to participate in it! May I give you four tips to spark your passion for sharing the Gospel? First, ask the Lord for assistance. Dark, sinister forces conspire against the Gospel. Unbelievers are blinded to the truth by Satan himself (2 Corinthians 4:4). Ask the Lord to open their hearts (Acts 16:14)!
The same power that first pushed up the mountains moves within the simple words of the Gospel: Jesus died for sinners and is alive today. Believe in Him, receive His forgiveness, and follow Him into the life God intended. Second, think through an approach ahead of time. Write out several that would work. Put yourself in a lost person’s shoes and think, What’s my world like? Start where people are and walk them to an island across that bridge they’ve never taken. Make them want to travel with you. Third, keep it simple. Tell the other person what it’s like to get right with God and have a satisfying relationship with Him— how it feels to be spiritually fed. You know where to find food that fills you like none other. The person you’re talking to has never tasted this kind of food. If you serve the truth in an appealing way, very few will say, “No, thanks. I’m gonna live on scraps.” Most folks are desperately lonely, struggling with shame and guilt, heartbreak and failure. They’re hungry for the hope the Gospel offers. Finally, don’t be afraid to share the cracks in your own life and the difference
Christ makes. People will identify with that and want what you have. Remember, when you share, they won’t just hear your voice. They will hear the voice of Christ and feel the tug of the Spirit. There’s no greater power than an invitation of love from our gracious Saviour. I promise—once you participate in the power of the Gospel, you’ll never want to stop. Are you ready to catch the passion?
Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
Body Life at Its Best SINGLE CD MESSAGE
WHAT KEEPS US CONNECTED? For ordering information visit insightforliving.ca or view enclosed flyer.
by robyn roste
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The easy answer was because I joined n January I made a decision I still can’t quite believe. I a challenge. There was a group of people decided I would get up at 4:30 getting up at 4:30 a.m. for 21 weekdays in January. I found it intriguing. But now a.m. on weekdays. At first I kept it quiet. I didn’t know if I’d it’s October and I’m still getting up at 4:30 be able to do it, I didn’t know if I’d stick to a.m. Why? Before this, here’s how my days were going. it. I didn’t know if it would make any difference to my life. But, of course, word spread. • Get up And the main question I fielded was why? • Make coffee • Get ready for work Why am I getting up so early?
Something I’ve learned this year is good intentions don’t effect change, action does.
• • • • •
Go to work Go home or to the gym Eat something Watch TV or do freelance work Go to sleep Follow this routine for long enough and you become stressed out and exhausted. It also leads to some bad habits that are hard to break when you’re tired all the time. This had been my lifestyle for at least seven years. I needed a kick-start, a re-boot, and a re-energy for going after the things I wanted in life. For me this was more than just getting up a couple hours earlier. It meant I had time to prioritize what mattered to me. Through the challenge I learned how to craft a morning routine to help me focus and have found it not only life giving, but energizing. I’ve carved space for Bible reading, for cooking, for morning exercise, and for writing. All the things I tried to cram in at the end of my long days I was now doing first—before the world wakes up. I’ve seen positive changes in my health, my spiritual walk, and the quality of the work I do. This challenge has allowed me to discover how to make the most out of my days, and I’m grateful for it. Ephesians 5:11-16 is a passage I think of often. It keeps me motivated to continue pushing to become my best self, and break the bad habits that keep me down. Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for
the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! (MSG) Something I’ve learned this year is good intentions don’t effect change, action does. For me it meant sacrificing things like evening socialization, television, and fast food but what I’ve gained is so much greater I don’t even miss it. I don’t think I will ever be a morning person, but that doesn’t mean I can’t get up early. I’m learning to break habits and guard against laziness by deciding ahead of time what my actions will be. I know this can’t last forever—but for now it’s helping me figure out how to make the most of the time I have in my current life stage.
Robyn Roste is the media and marketing manager at Insight for Living Canada.
by steve johnson
The nature of grace means that God doesn’t owe it to us. Grace is simply defined as undeserved favour. As such it cannot be owed; it would cease to be grace.
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n recent years, the “rights gracious, a permissive attitude to sin usurevolution” has exploded in ally results. We’ve all heard Christians say, our world. It seems as if every “I’m not under law, I’m under grace.” This time one watches television is often said in the context of questions or reads a newspaper there is someone about their behaviour. The implication is, demanding a new right. And it also seems “I don’t have to be ‘legalistic’ about things that some Christians have transferred the because God is a God of grace. Even if I same ideas over to their faith. They pre- sin, God will forgive me.” It’s the “easier sume they have the right to be treated to ask forgiveness than permission” kind graciously by God. Why do they think of attitude. Paul’s argument in Romans rejects this this? Is it valid? It may be rooted in the fact that in our sin attitude. “But as people sinned more and nature we are sometimes envious and jeal- more, God’s wonderful grace became ous of the grace received by others when more abundant” (5:20), leads logically to such grace is not also extended to us. People the question, “Well then, should we keep believe that it is unfair for such favour to be on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace?” (6:1). shown to others and not to themselves. Presuming upon God’s grace can also The answer is an emphatic “Of course not! grow out of lopsided beliefs about Him. Since we have died to sin, how can we conThe “I only like to think of God as a God of tinue to live in it?”(6:2). Later in Romans love” kind of thinking usually betrays that 11:21-22 Paul wrote, “If God didn't think outlook. Naturally, it is emotionally more twice about taking pruning shears to the satisfying to think that our God is solely natural branches, why would he hesitate a God of love who is waiting like a divine over you? He wouldn't give it a second vending machine to respond quickly and thought. Make sure you stay alert to these positively to our every prayer, satisfy our qualities of gentle kindness and ruthless every want, and keep us and our loved ones severity that exist side by side in God— comfortable. Viewing God only as loving ruthless with the deadwood, gentle with without the other truths of God’s charac- the grafted shoot. But don't presume on ter—His justice, His displeasure with sin— this gentleness. The moment you become results in truth out of balance, or in other deadwood, you're out of there” (MSG). The nature of grace means that God words, error. Beliefs determine behaviour. When doesn’t owe it to us. Grace is simply one believes exclusively that God is defined as undeserved favour. As such
it cannot be owed; it would cease to be grace. The extension of grace to the undeserving is founded in the nature of the one bestowing the favour, not in the one receiving it. In our case, God shows us favour because of who He is, not because of who we are. A more thorough understanding of salvation indicates that God doesn’t owe us grace. One might ask, “Doesn’t God owe us grace because of what Jesus did in dying on the cross for us?” No. It was a gracious act to send Christ to remove the penalty of sin, but God could have stopped there. He was under no obligation to us to go further and adopt us as His children or give His Spirit to us. Scripture reveals God’s nature as One who is not under obligation to be gracious. He says, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose” (Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:15). If God had chosen to show grace and mercy to only one person, He would not have been under obligation to
show it to anyone else. If you give a gift to someone you are not obligated to give a gift to everyone. It would no longer be a gift, but a duty. Someone once said something that stuck with me, “Anything this side of hell is sheer grace.” That sums it up pretty well. We cannot lay claim to any favour God might show. Yet, how wonderful it is to be treated with mercy and grace! Such treatment should always give rise to a heart of thankfulness and gratitude, not a presumption that it was owed or more is deserved. Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.
Insight for Living’s Bible-teacher Chuck Swindoll has spent more than 40 years emphasizing God’s grace alongside a commitment to practical application. Learn more about our pastor at insightforliving.ca/chuck-swindoll.
“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” (Acts 2:36)
Origins: From the Hebrew ‘adon; at times rendering God’s name Yahweh as Lord. In Greek kurios
Meaning: Someone who is owner, master, boss; having control over people and places and events. A respectful title like “sir” Usage: “Lord” is used as a title of respect toward people and God. It is also used to describe God in the Old Testament and by Jesus’ disciples as their Master. After the resurrection it was used to refer to Jesus as God with power and authority over all.
Illustration by: Laura Vanderwel
Application: Calling Jesus “Lord” is a confession of belief that He is God, and loyalty to Him, and a claim to be a disciple. If your life is not focused on obeying Jesus then repent and change your focus. Honour and worship Him as the supreme authority in your life (1 Peter 3:15). Submit to your master and do His will in every area of conduct, relationships, time use, talents, and treasure (Matthew 7:21). Unless He is Lord of all He is not Lord at all. Take comfort and strength in knowing Him as the Lord of all. He is in control of all that comes into your life (1 Corinthians 15:58). Imitate Him. Become like Him in your character (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Forgiveness & Reconciliation by steve johnson
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eople, including Christians, are confused about forgiveness. The Bible speaks mostly about God’s forgiveness of us and doesn’t say much about how forgiveness between people works. Words like forbearance, repentance, and reconciliation are sometimes added into the conversation making the issue even more difficult to understand. The heart of the issue though is the purpose of forgiveness is the healing of a relationship.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Here’s Where They’re At
When you talk about this topic with your adult children or people in your neighbourhood, you may hear statements like, “Let bygones be bygones”; “Forgive and forget”; “Get over it and move on”; “Don’t get mad, get even”; “People are too sensitive”; “I never meant to hurt you so I don’t need to ask your forgiveness.”
Here’s Where You’re At
You believe we are to love our enemies and we are to forgive because God forgave us. You believe God forgives the repentant and you believe no matter what a person does you are to forgive them. You may believe until a person repents you should not forgive them and be reconciled.
Here’s Where Scripture’s At
The governing command regarding all who have offended us is “love your enemies” (Luke 6:27). In all instances we are to be free from bitterness, hatred, and vengeance (Ephesians 4:31). When faced with the annoyances of another person we must exercise forbearance and overlook them (Ephesians 4:2). If others commit major offences against us and repent we are to forgive them even as God in Christ has forgiven us (Luke 17:3; Ephesians 4:2). If we do not forgive others, our Father in heaven will
not forgive us (Matthew 6:12). Our forgiveness is modelled upon God's forgiveness of sinners, whom he forgives conditioned upon their repentance (Acts 3:19). If others commit major offences against us but are not repentant, we are to forgive in the sense of being in a position where we are willing and ready to be restored. Until they repent there is no forgiveness in the sense of reconciliation. The result is they will pay the penalty of separation from having a relationship with us. We are responsible to pursue reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-35) but live with the pain if it does not succeed (Romans 12:18).
Where to Go From Here
1. Others’ major offences against you To forgive means to release or let go. It means cancelling a debt incurred against you and not holding it to the offender’s account in favour of a restored relationship. You know your heart attitude isn’t right if, when thinking of that person or their actions, you get upset, angry, or you feel tightness in the pit of your stomach. You need to seek reconciliation. If someone repents and asks for your forgiveness grant it and be reconciled, because God forgave you. To not grant it shows perhaps you have never experienced God’s forgiveness. When someone sins against you but isn’t repentant, have an attitude of mercy and love and do not seek vengeance. Be ready to reconcile upon repentance but do not dwell on the offence. When your offender is repentant be reconciled to them and commit to not bring up the incident again, not talk to others about
it, and not allow the incident to hinder your relationship with that person. 2. Your major offences against others Even if you didn’t intend to hurt someone but you did, you still need to go to them and ask their forgiveness, seeking reconciliation. If someone is continuously hostile, angry, or upset with you then you have likely offended him or her in some way at some time. You need to find out what it is if you don’t know, and ask for forgiveness. Telling someone you are sorry is not the same as asking them to forgive you. Saying sorry is simply telling someone how you feel. Asking them to forgive you requires them to make a choice to forgive and be reconciled or not.
REMINDER:
Ask yourself, “What kind of relationship do I want with this person now and in the future?”
This series provides training on having difficult conversations. How do you discuss difficult topics in a way you hear and are heard, maintain your influence, and avoid alienation? How do you deal with different worldviews while still valuing the person? Read our basic guidelines for having difficult conversations at insightforliving.ca/tough-talk.
Getting Past the Guilt of Your Past
“When you’re ready to come to terms with the guilt of your past, begin by humbling yourself.” - CHARLES R. SWINDOLL You can pick your friends, you can pick your spouse, but you can’t pick your family! Family relationships are bound to strain at times and in many cases fracture, leading to feelings of failure and guilt, but there is a way to repair and rebuild damaged relationships—whether or not we’ve chosen them. The wounds we’ve suffered need not be fatal, not if we apply four principles of divine truth. Truth #1: We are all imperfect. Each and every one of us is a sinner and sin affects every aspect of our lives—our wills, minds, and emotions. Truth #2: We cannot change the past. Neither God nor we can change what has been, but God can redeem our past and bring healing. Truth #3: We are personally responsible for our own wrongs. No excuses. No playing the blame game. We must break free from immature attitudes of irresponsibility. Truth #4: We are not responsible for another’s wrongdoings. When pain comes because of someone else’s foolishness we aren’t responsible; it isn’t our fault.
The Lord, through the mouthpiece of Isaiah in Isaiah 58:1-12, gives us a blueprint for restoring damaged relationships with others and with God when we’re in the wrong. In order to heal broken relationships we’re instructed to put away empty religiosity (58:1-5) and humble ourselves (58:7-8). Next, we must pray (58:9). We cannot really pray and be proud at the same time; true prayer is an act of humility. When coming to grips with our wrongs, we must remove the yoke (58:9-10). This step demands we clean up our attitudes and quit blaming others. Then we must make ourselves available and vulnerable to the person we’ve offended (58:10-11). All the previous steps lead to this one—it will test our humility because it requires us to confess and ask for forgiveness. Finally, we must trust God to bring changes (58:12). There is no guarantee that our confessions will lead to relationship restoration, but confession gives God an opportunity to work. God can remove our guilt and shame and heal the other person’s brokenness. God can turn enemies into allies.
“Getting Past the Guilt of Your Past” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series Family Matters: Investing in the Things That Last. You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
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