NUMBER THREE, 2017
In this issue 8
6 3 6 8
Can't‌or Won't
charles r. swindoll In Long Months of Drought
robyn roste
Here and Now, Then and There
steve johnson
12 Names of Jesus
11 Son of God
The Hea[r]t of the Issue
12 The Life to Come
steve johnson
Beyond the Broadcast
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 photo: Unsplash.com
15 The Lamb That Was Slaughtered
CAN’T …or
WON’T by charles r. swindoll
N
o offense, but some of you don't have any business reading this today. Normally, I do not restrict my words to any special group of people. But now I must. This time it is for Christians only. Everything I write from now to the end of these readings on excuses is strictly for the believer in Christ. If you're not there yet, you can skip on to the next page because you lack a major ingredient: the power of God. Non-Christians are simply unable to choose righteous paths consistently. That divine response upon which the Christian can (and must) draw is not at the unbeliever's disposal. That is, not until personal faith in Jesus Christ is expressed. This is one of those now-not-later issues that's limited to believers only. Now then, if you know the Lord, you are the recipient of limitless ability...incredible strength. Just read a few familiar lines out of the Book, slowly for a change: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NASB) "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (2 Corinthians 12:9) For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father...that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His spirit in the inner man. (Ephesians 3:14, 16)
He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature. (2 Peter 1:4) And one more: No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Wait a minute now. Did you read every word—or did you skip a line or two? If so, please go back and slowly pore over those five statements written to you, a Christian. It's really important. OK, what thought stands out the most? Well, if someone asked me that question, I'd say, "Special strength or an unusual ability from God." In these verses it's called several things: strength, power, divine nature, ability. God has somehow placed into the Christian's insides a special something, that extra inner reservoir of power that is more than a match for the stuff life throws at us. When in operation, phenomenal accomplishments are achieved, sometimes even miraculous. Let’s get specific. It boils down to the choice of two common words in our vocabulary. Little words, but, oh, so different! Can't and won't. Christians need to be very careful which one they choose. It seems that we prefer to use can't.
Hey, let's face it; we don't because we won't... we disobey because we want to, not because we have to...because we choose to, not because we're forced to. "I just can't get along with my wife." "My husband and I can't communicate." "I can't discipline the kids like I should." "I just can't give up the affair I'm having." "I can't stop overeating." "I can't find the time to pray." "I can't quit gossiping." No, any Christian who takes seriously those five passages we looked at (there are dozens more) will have to confess the word really should be won't. Why? Because we have been given the power, the ability to overcome. Literally! And therein lies hope in hoisting anchors that would otherwise hold us in the muck and mire of blame and self-pity. Non-Christians have every right and reason to use can't, because they really can't! They are victims, trapped and bound like slaves in a fierce and endless struggle. Without Christ and His power, they lack what it takes to change permanently. They don't because they can't! It is a fact...a valid excuse.
But people like us? Hey, let's face it; we don't because we won't...we disobey because we want to, not because we have to...because we choose to, not because we're forced to. The sooner we are willing to own up realistically to our responsibility and stop playing the blame game at pity parties for ourselves, the more we'll learn and change and the less we'll burn and blame. I wish I could find a less offensive way to communicate all this, but I just can't. Oops! If there’s a “won’t” in your life that you’ve been calling a “can’t,” talk it over with God. Use any or all of these short passages to help you find God’s perspective as you pray: Psalm 105:4, Isaiah 43:18-19, Habakkuk 3:19, and Hebrews 10:35-39.
Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
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In Long
Months of Drought by ROBYN ROSTE
O
ver the past couple years I’ve had a lot of time to consider topics most of us would rather avoid. Topics like death, suffering, and how unfair life is. It began when my grandmother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and the tragedies continued for what felt like forever. While life spiralled out of control, my grandmother’s example helped me discovered a remarkable peace I find difficult to explain. At the time I had been reading the book of Colossians every day, and was overwhelmed with the concept of how to find peace no matter your circumstances. I always thought peace was something you achieved over time—you grow to accept your circumstances and make peace with
them. But that’s not what my grandmother demonstrated. She had for real, immediate peace. There was no coming to terms or period of mourning. She was content and at peace with whatever God put in her path. After some pondering I think I know her secret—deep roots. There are many garden metaphors in Scripture but the one in Jeremiah 17:7-8 speaks to me in particular. “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”
When facing tragedy or enduring long months of drought, it’s easy to shut down and go through the motions until you don’t feel so vulnerable.
I realize these deep roots of faith don’t just happen. They are planted, watered, fertilized, nurtured, grown, tended, pruned, and cultivated over a lifetime. And this comes from a healthy and growing relationship with Jesus, prayer, and regular Bible study. A friend of mine is reading through the book of Jeremiah and she painted the most wonderful image of the prophet for me. I’ve always seen him as a whiner but she “respectfully disagreed” with me. She said he followed God with all his heart, and did whatever was asked of him. For Jeremiah this meant spending much of his life in isolation and facing endless ridicule and rejection. As a response Jeremiah spilled his heart out to God—the good and the bad.
In return God did not shame him or tell him he was only supposed to think happy thoughts. No, God spoke to him, and gave him comfort. When facing tragedy or enduring long months of drought, it’s easy to shut down and go through the motions until you don’t feel so vulnerable. Instead, take a page from Jeremiah and give it to God—tell Him everything (He knows it anyway) and trust Him to water your soul. Because that’s how you grow deep roots. That’s how you find peace when it doesn’t make sense. Trust me, it will happen.
Robyn Roste is the media and marketing manager at Insight for Living Canada.
by Steve Johnson
I hear Christians ask, “Sin is sin, isn’t it?” as they think about judgment and consequences. The answer is yes and no.
aster is a time when we spend more time than usual thinking about Christ’s death and resurrection. We may also think more about our own death and resurrection. After all, they are intimately connected. Scripture says everyone great and small, believer and unbeliever will stand before God (John 5:28-29). Death is a doorway everyone passes through from life here and now to life there and then. Our “now” life is connected to our “forever” life. I’ve always known what I did in this life mattered on the other side of death. But despite years of theological training, the connection between the two has only recently become clear to me. Previously, I thought that as a Christian I was to strive to do the best I could at living a godly life. Then standing before the Lord after death, my life would pass through the crucible of His judgment at the judgment seat of Christ where my works would be tested. Good works, like gold, merited a crown. Bad works would garner God’s disappointment and a frown. Then I would lay my crowns, if I had any, at His feet and He would say something like, “Thanks. It’s all good now, come on
original photo from: unsplash.com
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in.” I would rejoice in my successes, wipe away tears from my failures, and go on to enjoy heavenly bliss. I believed all Christians would have this same experience and once in heaven we would all be on equal footing forever and ever. I don’t believe some of that now. What has become clearer for me is the reward (the word is literally “repayment”) God gives for how we live in this life is something enduring that I will experience for all eternity. It is an eternal reward. I don’t give it back to God and all believers in heaven will not have the same experience or be on the same footing for eternity. The Bible is clear that our eternal destination, either heaven or hell, is determined by grace through faith. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Works don’t determine destination but they do determine our repayment once we have reached our destination of heaven or hell. " For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds” (Matthew 16:27).
I hear Christians ask, “Sin is sin, isn’t it?” as they think about judgment and consequences. The answer is yes and no. Insofar as every sin, whether taking a pencil or taking a life breaks God’s law, it is sin. But the consequences for life, judgment, reward, punishment, and eternity are not the same for all sins or for all good works. The justice of God requires that some sins will result in harsher punishment in hell than others (Matthew 11:22; 18:6). Conversely, the good works of some believers will achieve for them a better or greater heavenly reward to enjoy while others will enter heaven with no eternal reward at all (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). In simple terms, the reality in heaven and hell is that there will be degrees of reward and punishment and they will be experienced for eternity. So what really matters forever? Here are some of the things in this life that God says determine the way He will repay in the next. • How we do our jobs (Ephesians 6:5-9) • How we do our spiritual disciplines (Matthew 6:6)
• How we help those in need (Titus 3:14; James 1:25; Mark 9:41) • How we love our spouse and family (1 Timothy 5:4, 8; Colossians 3:18-20) • How we make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20a) • How we share our money and resources (Matthew 6:3-4) • How we submit to and follow Christ (Matthew 16:24-27) I don’t know the exact nature of the rewards we’ll receive in heaven—whether they relate to some actual treasure I receive, the nature and size of the dwelling I have, what or whom I rule over, or my placement in serving the Lord. I suspect it is all this and more. More than ever before I’m aware that my “now” life is totally connected to my “forever” life on the other side. Since God will repay me for how I lived this life, here and now definitely matters there and then.
Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.
We have hundreds of Bible-teaching articles, audio programs, and other resources designed to help you grow in your faith. Visit insightforliving.ca today!
“…why do you call it blasphemy when I say, ‘I am the Son of God’? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world.” (John 10:36)
Origins: The Old Testament concept is that a son uniquely reflects the likeness or sameness of nature and equality of being as his father
Meaning: Being the Son of God means to possess the nature of, and display the qualities of God. Jesus is the one, only-begotten Son, co-equal, co-eternal with the Father (Colossians 2:9) Usage: Jesus showed His deity by forgiving sins, healing the sick, raising the dead, exercising control over nature and demons, and rising from the dead Himself
Application: Jesus forgives sin and secures salvation for all who believe (Colossians 1:13-14). Believe in Him, be forgiven, and be saved. Jesus forgives the sins of His followers (1 John 2:1-2). If you have sinned, confess and ask Him to forgive, cleanse, and restore. Jesus heals sickness (John 5:1-17). When sick ask Him to heal you. Through Jesus we have victory over the Devil (1 John 3:8). Resist the Devil. Stand firm. As sons of God we are to reflect the character of our Heavenly Father and live in obedience to Him (Ephesians 5:1). Can others see the family likeness in you? Because He rose from the dead Jesus will resurrect and reward believers (John 5:19-30). Live today with eternity’s values in view.
the
to come
by steve johnson
H
eaven. Where people dwell in happiness with God after mortal life. What do you think about heaven? What do your kids think? How about your neighbour? Thoughts about heaven cover a wide spectrum ranging from spiritualized notions where heaven is a mindset rather than a distinct reality, to where heaven is materialized with physical features and a physical location. Some views are God-centred, with heaven being an experience of God, while others are man-centred, with heaven consisting primarily of relationships, especially family and friends. When speaking with others about heaven, you may be surprised at just how far apart your view is from theirs.
Here’s Where They’re At In conversation, here are some statements you might hear about heaven. “Just be a good person and you will be rewarded with heaven. Even if you have been bad, you will get a second chance. After all, if there is a hell how can a good God send people there? Hell is here on earth.” “Heaven is a state of mind. We die and then there is nothing.” “I think God lets us come to Him in our own way. He does not require us to believe in any specific god. So when you say that
unless I believe in your God I am going to hell, you claim that your beliefs are better than mine and that is judging. People of all religions will go to heaven.” “We die and come back again.” “Angels are human beings who have died and become perfect.” “Jesus died for everyone so everyone will be forgiven and accepted into heaven.”
Here’s Where You’re At You believe a decision on earth to seek God’s forgiveness based on the substitutionary death of Jesus is the only way to be sure of being accepted into heaven. People who reject God during their lives will have their earthly decision respected, and be rejected from heaven in turn. They will suffer separation from God in hell for eternity. You believe only true Christians and babies and those with mental disabilities and maybe pets will be in heaven. You believe heaven is a real place inhabited by God and His created angels and when a Christian dies he or she will go to heaven and be there forever.
Here’s Where Scripture’s At The God of heaven inspired the Bible, so it gives us the truth about how to get there. Jesus lived in heaven before coming to earth so He knows more about it than anyone else
who ever lived (John 3:11-13). Heaven is not a state of mind but a real spiritual realm populated by personal beings (Matthew 6:9; John 3:13,31; 6:38). People can achieve heaven by keeping God’s commandments perfectly in thought, word, and deed (Romans 2:12-15). However, all people are sinners by nature, disobey Him and so are unfit for heaven (John 3:19; Mark 15:19). All by default are headed for hell (Matthew 5:20). Trusting in Christ as our Saviour is the only way to heaven (John 3:16; 14:6; Acts 4:12) and by doing so our souls immediately go to heaven upon death (Revelation 6:9,10; Luke 23:43). When Christ returns our bodies will be resurrected, glorified, and we will spend eternity with God (1 Corinthians 15:20-58; Philippians 3:21) in the new heaven and earth (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1). Everyone will be judged for his or her deeds and rewarded or punished accordingly (1 Corinthians 3:1315; Revelation 20:12).
Where to Go From Here • The Bible is your only authority for what happens after you die. Everything apart from Scripture, including near-death experiences, is not authoritative • Make sure you know how to get to heaven (John 3:16). The Bible tells you to acknowledge your sin and to accept God’s provision of Christ’s life and death in your place. There is no other way into heaven and there is no second chance after death • Focus on the fact that Jesus is coming again and will make all things right
and new (Titus 2:13; Revelation 21:5). Be encouraged and encourage others in that • Share the Good News that the God of heaven has provided eternal life exclusively through faith in Christ. Good works are not good enough • Be ready to face Jesus who will preside over the final judgment and reward you according to your deeds. Live a godly and holy life (2 Peter 3:10-12) motivated by pleasing Him and your reward in heaven • Joyfully anticipate living in an immortal body in a recreated new heaven and earth (2 Peter 3:13) in the presence of God forever (Revelation 21:3). Regularly meditate on that to keep your perspective about life on earth.
REMINDER:
Ask yourself, “Do I believe what I am saying or am I speaking from platitudes?”
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.
The Lamb That Was Slaughtered
“The Lamb of God paid for the sin that forever plagued humanity—past, present, and future.” - CHARLES R. SWINDOLL Rarely do you hear someone described as “a person of character.” The idea speaks of maturity and integrity and self-sacrifice. But the phrase has fallen on hard times— perhaps because people of this sort are harder to find or harder to appreciate. Those who are meek and mild possess a character too wimpy for the times, so we think. We love lions, not lambs. But Jesus demonstrates that meekness isn’t weakness—it’s incredible strength. Lambs are the most significant animals in the Scriptures; they appear throughout the Old Testament and New Testament. Jesus is the Lamb prophesied by the prophet (Isaiah 53:3-7), introduced by the baptizer (John 1:29), and affirmed by the apostle (1 Peter 1:18-19). When we look closely at God’s words to Abraham, we see a very simple, seemingly straightforward command: offer Isaac as a burnt offering (Genesis 22:2). As readers of this narrative, we’re told up front that this command was a test (22:1). But at the time, Abraham didn’t know this. From our vantage point, we know God always intended to provide a substitute (22:12-13). Yet neither Abraham nor Isaac knew any of this for sure. All Abraham had to go on was a command, not an explanation.
As readers, we aren’t surprised when we get to the end of the story. We knew that when God said, “Offer Isaac as a burnt offering,” He intended all along to provide a substitute—a stand-in sacrifice that He would accept as payment in full. From this story on, the principle of offering a firstborn child to God and his being “redeemed” through the offering of an animal substitute runs throughout the Old Testament (Exodus 13:13, 15). As believers, we don’t have to think long before we see parallels between the offering of Isaac by means of a substitute and the substitutional sacrifice of Jesus Christ that took place centuries later in the same region of Moriah. Some have even speculated that the mount on which Isaac was offered was the same one on which Jesus Himself gave His life as a substitute for us... or the same hill on which the temple was built, where the sacrifices offered anticipated and pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. In any case, God’s provision of the ram in place of Isaac illustrates His later provision of Jesus, the Lamb of God who willingly sacrificed Himself for our sins— the just for the unjust, to bring us into a relationship with God.
“The Lamb That Was Slaughtered” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series How Great Is Our God! You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
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Prepare Your Heart for Easter Our Easter page helps you better understand what really happened when Jesus died and rose from the dead, why there was no alternative, and why it makes all the difference today and every day! Visit insightforliving.ca/easter for articles, audio messages, and more to help you prepare your heart for Easter.