NUMBER THREE, 2018
GRACE: GOD’S MASTER PLAN FOR YOU…HIS MASTER PLAN FOR ALL charles r. swindoll
EASTER READING GUIDE insight for living canada
SALVATION steve johnson + more
In this issue 3
Grace: God’s Master Plan for You… His Master Plan for All
6
Easter Reading Guide
8
Living Our Death
11
Reflection and Doubt
charles r. swindoll
insight for living canada steve johnson robyn roste
Coming to Terms 12 Salvation
steve johnson
Beyond the Broadcast 15 When God Untied the Death Ropes
Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bibleteaching 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 © 2018 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.
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here’s one Sunday from the 1970s I’ll never forget. I’d just finished preaching in Fullerton, California, when my friend and radio expert, Al Sanders, came to me and said, “Chuck, this ought to be on the radio.” I responded, “What ought to be on the radio?” Being heard anywhere other than the pulpit had never entered my mind! Al looked at me and said, “What you’re preaching, it ought to be on the airwaves.” I laughed, “Al, I don’t have time for that.” He shook his head, “Oh, no, no! We’ll take care of everything.” I said, “Well, Al, you’re the radio man. I’m the preacher man. I’m made for the pulpit. If
by charles r. swindoll
Cover and artilce Images:Daniel McCullough from unsplash.com
you think something can be prepared and packaged for a broadcast, sure. Give it a try.” July 1979, Insight for Living was born. Today, it can be heard worldwide on more than 2,000 stations and in eight languages! People often ask, “Chuck, was this your plan?” No! Cynthia and I never had a master plan, but we did follow THE Master’s plan. Plenty of things have changed since 1979. Some things haven’t. We’re still committed to excellence in teaching the study and application of God’s Word. We’re also still partnering with individuals called by God to serve in the roles He created for them. Remember, I told Al, “You’re the radio man.
I’m the preacher man.” Allowing the Lord to guide us to the right people...and then trusting Him to guide them is an essential part of what’s made us grow. It’s also an essential part of Vision 195—our strategy to extend God’s grace and teach His Word in all 195 countries. The genius of Vision 195 is that it’s God’s idea. The Great Commission is HIS master plan...and we get to do it together—with each of us filling the role He created for us. That’s why, at Insight, we’re training pastors in their own countries to minister to their people, in their languages and cultures. It’s also why we’re partnering with YOU.
We’ve dedicated this article to telling Today, we’ve adapted a bit for you to get a you about one of those pastors, Charlie sneak peek in writing. Costa, who leads the IFLM Arabic-language ministry in Lebanon. I want you to get to ********* know him better. Let me stop and answer one big question, Charlie: Chuck, my connection to you Why Arabic? started very early, because my father was Why not! Where did God send Jesus? an avid listener to your preaching. Later, Where did He grow up? He was in the Middle the Lord opened the opportunity for me to East, speaking a language very similar to serve at the ministry, and it has impacted Arabic. Almost 2,000 years later, darkness not only my preaching, but my life. On my reigns where the Light walked. desk, I have a piece of cedarwood with an Terrorism is frightening, but God has not engraving: “This is a place of grace.” People called us to play it safe. Satan has convinced ask, “Where did that come from?” I say, many Christians that even peaceful Muslims “I’ve learned that from Chuck.” I want to be aren’t worth it, that no one who speaks a man of grace and a conduit of grace. Arabic would listen, that terrorists are a lost Chuck: Isn’t it true that you rarely come cause. It’s a LIE! Christ called us to proclaim across grace in your culture? His Truth in every one of the 6,875 languages Charlie: Arab culture is tough, harsh, that people around the world dream in...and legalistic. This is the only world people He’s given us what we need to do it: His Word have ever known when they walk into my and His Spirit. office and start confessing their sins. When God’s Word is irresistible everywhere. It’s I answer, “OK,” they can’t believe it: “Is that alive and powerful in every language and all you’re saying?” “Yes,” I answer. “Because every culture! It provides the freedom every of grace, what you’ve done can be covered Muslim longs for! It transforms terrorists’ by the blood. You’re accepted in Christ hearts! If you pray for peace, for God’s will to already! You can be rejuvenated, renewed, be done on earth, you must support getting and in full fellowship with Christ because His Word to Arabic-speakers. of the grace of God.” That’s why, when the Lord began opening Chuck: Who doesn’t want to know that, doors for an Arabic-language ministry in the believe that, and live in that kind of freedom? late 1990s, Cynthia and I said, “YES!” When Charlie: Their minds are blown up by we met Charlie, we knew he was God’s man to grace! “You’re not going to judge me?” they lead it. Today, as our Arabic-language pastor, ask. “If it wasn’t for God’s grace,” I answer, Charlie lives in Beirut, translating resources, “I would be in your seat.” voicing Insight for Living in Arabic, and Chuck: Christians often miss that. They maintaining our Arabic-language website. think, You’re letting people off light. If that’s His ministry covers the Middle East, and true, God let us all off light! At the cross through technology, extends worldwide to Jesus said, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). 420 million Arabic-speaking people. Charlie: That’s what impacts people, to feel Last month, Charlie Costa visited our accepted and loved unconditionally. One of international headquarters to talk with the biggest misconceptions I encounter is board member, Roger Kemp, and me. The this: “Muslim people don’t want to hear the conversation will be on the air March 20. Gospel.” But many, if given the opportunity
and freedom, would seek Christ. Some do in secret, like Nicodemus. They hear about Jesus and want to know more—despite the risk. Recently, we baptized six people, five of whom were Muslim converts. Later, two were ambushed and beaten. Muslim people are hungry for truth, to be loved, accepted, just as they are. Have you ever thought that maybe terrorism exists because the church has failed to spread the Gospel? Terrorism is an exemplification of the total depravity of the human heart—evidence that we have failed to take the message. Insight for Living Ministries has taken this very seriously! ...One of the most impactful series we’ve translated and aired is Getting Through the Tough Stuff. People thought, That’s me! I’m going through THAT! When we aired the series, I got a letter from a gentleman, written in beautiful Arabic, so well written that I assumed, correctly, he was an Arabic-language teacher from the Palestinian refugee camps. I called him, and we arranged to meet. When I arrived, he pulled out a piece of paper with all his questions. He meant business! We spent three hours answering his questions. Then I said, “I want to give you something very valuable,” and pulled out a New Testament. I said, “I want you to read
this. In this lie all your answers.” Then I gave him some of your books in Arabic. Chuck: Did he not have a copy of the Scriptures? Charlie: No. He was well educated, spoke very eloquently. But he had never read the Word. He didn’t have the answers he longed for. I see a replica of the same story over and over! I meet with someone who has a heavy burden, I share the Gospel, and then I hear the same thing: a huge sigh of relief. They ask, “Why has no one ever told me this!” ********* Why has no one ever told me this! Are you as ready as I am for no Arabicspeaker to have to ask that question ever again? Imagine: A world in which EVERY Arabic-speaker knows God’s grace. It’s not some far-fetched dream! The Light IS dawning for Arabic-speakers. God IS fulfilling the Great Commission. It’s His master plan, and He’s inviting you and me to be a part of it! Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
Reaching Our World SINGLE CD MESSAGE
What did Jesus mean when He said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you”?
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by insight for living canada
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he death and Resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in all human history. Understanding its significance requires reading and reflection. This three-week reading plan will help you to better understand and appreciate these events and help you prepare for Easter.
Week One—Prediction and Preparation Day 1 God’s plan for our redemption began before the world was formed (Ephesians 1:4; Revelation 13:8). What is God’s purpose in saving you? Day 2 Christ the Lamb of God would be sacrificed (Isaiah 53:1-9; 1 Peter 2:23; Mark 15:27; Matthew 27:57-60). Not reviling in return, crucified with criminals, buried with the rich—how does knowing this was predicted approximately 700 years before it happened impact you?
Day 3 Christ would be sacrificed and raised for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-6, 10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Read these verses replacing “we” and “our” with “me” and “my.” Day 4 Christ would suffer at the hands of the wicked (Psalm 22; Hebrews 2:9-12; John 20:25; John 19:33; Matthew 27:35; Luke 13:34). How does knowing God let Jesus suffer for a greater good help you understand your suffering? Day 5 Christ the Holy One would be raised (Psalm 16:10-11). Jesus endured suffering knowing he would be raised. How does that help you deal with your suffering? Day 6 Jesus prepares His disciples telling them He will suffer, die, and rise again (Matthew 12:39-40; 16:21; 20:17-19; Mark 8:31; 9:30-32; 14:27-28; John 2:18-22). How does expecting suffering help to deal with it?
Day 7 Jesus said He would leave but later return to earth in glory (John 13:31-14:3; 16:16-17, 28-29; Matthew 24:27-30; 27:62-64). What is one thing Jesus said He would be doing for us while away from us? Week Two—Passion and Pain Day 1 Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and us (John 17). What does it mean to you that Jesus prayed for you? Day 2 Jesus prays anticipating violent death and is arrested (Matthew 26:36-56). How is Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will an example for you? Day 3 Jesus endures false accusations, punishment, and religious trials (John 18:12-14; Matthew 26:57-27:10). Why did the religious leaders want Jesus killed? Day 4 Jesus endures more accusations, punishments, and civil trials (Matthew 27:2, 11-30; Luke 23:6-12). How do these trials highlight the innocence of Jesus? Day 5 Jesus proceeds to Calvary (Luke 23:26-33; Mark 15:21) Comparing these verses to Romans 6:13 what impact might carrying Jesus’ cross have had on Simon of Cyrene? Day 6 Jesus is crucified with criminals and dies (Matthew 27:35-56). Jesus was submissive to the Father to the very end. How do you respond in suffering? Day 7 Jesus is buried (John 19:31-42); the tomb is sealed (Matthew 27:62-66). What is the significance that Jesus was buried and the tomb sealed?
Week Three—Power and Proclamation Day 1 He is not here; He is risen (Matthew 28:115; 1 Corinthians 15:1-9). How is your faith validated by Jesus’ Resurrection? Day 2 Believers too have been raised (Romans 6:1-11; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 3:1-3). What is the significance of being raised with Christ? Day 3 In Christ believers are no longer condemned and are victors over sin and death (Romans 8:1-17; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58). Why are we victors over sin and death by virtue of being raised with Christ? Day 4 Believers will be resurrected and given new bodies (1 Corinthians 15:35-53; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Romans 8:11; Colossians 3:4). What are some of the attributes of having a body like Christ’s Resurrection body? Day 5 Believers have a mission to proclaim the Good News of redemption through Christ (Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 2:22-36; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21). Are there people in your life you need to share the Good News with? Day 6 He is coming back as the conquering King (Matthew 24:30-44; Acts 1:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Jesus is already the victorious King although the world doesn’t see that. How is His kingship and kingdom present in your life now? Day 7 Believers will spend eternity glorified in His presence (Romans 8:18-25; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10). How does knowing this help you gain perspective for your life?
by steve johnson
Illustration by Tori Nikkel
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ere’s a thought—this Easter, not applied until I received Christ as my while commemorating Jesus’ Saviour, Christ’s death, burial, and Resurdeath, burial and Resurrection, rection was also mine. It is something I why not celebrate yours as well? In fact, can point to, outside of me and apart from make it a part of every Easter. Better still, me, as an historical event. Paul goes on in make it a part of every day for the rest of Romans 6 to point out that one practical implication of our death and resurrecyour life. Let me explain. One of the most impor- tion is that sin’s power over us is broken. tant truths of Scripture, both theologically It is no longer our master (Romans 6:8-9). and practically, is one of the least com- The war with sin and Satan was won prehended by many believers today. The and any battles we have with it now are result of this lack of comprehension is we fought from the position of victory over are overcome, rather than being overcom- a defeated foe. The second truth is ers; living as victims Because Jesus triumphed spelled out in 1 John instead of victors. over Satan through the 5:19. John indicates This came home to me again as I spoke to cross, and we are in Him, we how the whole world a longtime Christian are no longer under Satan’s (those not in Christ) lies in the grip of the friend. She had been control, rule, or authority. evil one, Satan. The considering suicide— she was haunted by horrific memories world is under his rule and authority. John goes on to point out how Satan of an abusive childhood that were stirred up through recent mistreatment. In the cannot touch believers in Christ. Because course of our conversation I shared two Jesus triumphed over Satan through the truths that helped change her perspec- cross, and we are in Him, we are no longer under Satan’s control, rule, or authority. tive. The first truth is unpacked in Romans 6. We are beyond his reach forever. When the It is the great truth that when Christ died, Holy Spirit opens our eyes and we see the was buried, and rose from the dead so did truth of our sin and our Saviour, Satan has each and every believer. This is part of been thwarted in one of his objectives— the result of being “in Christ.” That week- that of blinding the minds of unbelievers end in history 2,000 years ago has real, to the truth that sets them free. Satan knows he can never reclaim us personal significance for me and every Christian. Although the effects were because God who is greater has delivered
us. But Satan can still strive for his other objective, which is to steal glory from God by enticing believers to sin and live in a defeated state. How does Satan do this? Knowing that he cannot touch us he uses his arsenal of lies, deceptions, and half-truths to snare, trip, and trap believers so we fall. Think of it this way. Imagine a large field with a fence running through the middle of it. On one side is Satan and his kingdom of death and darkness and on the other side stands Christ and His kingdom of life and light. As believers, we have been transferred from darkness to light by the action of our omnipotent God. It is irreversible because neither we nor Satan are more powerful than God. Satan knows this, but he leans over the proverbial fence and whispers to us anyway. He lies about everything. He tells us we are useless, worthless, unforgiven, unloveable, even lost. He says things like God doesn’t care, can’t be trusted, isn’t in control, has abandoned us, and that Christ’s work wasn’t real—just to name a few of the usual lies.
When we start believing the lies instead of holding on to the truth, which was what my friend was doing, and looking at everything and everyone instead of fixing our eyes on Christ, we begin to falter. The next thing you know we fall—into sin, despair, and maybe even, like my friend, thoughts of suicide. Knowing what Christ has done for us through His death, burial, and Resurrection, what our true position is in Him, what Satan can and cannot do to us as a result of Christ’s victory, and the devilish schemes he uses to trip us up—knowing all these things gives us hope for everyday life. And in this hope we live and die with joyful confidence. This Easter, starting today, join me in celebrating Christ’s death and victory. Let’s do it by standing firm in the life brought about by our own death and resurrection in Him. Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.
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by robyn roste
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Thinking about my own wrestling with familiar character in the New Testament is Thomas. One of the faith, I’m grateful for a story like this to give Twelve Apostles, Thomas is maybe me hope. It teaches me doubt is not sinful but in fact shows courage—by admitting better known for his doubt. One of the twelve disciples, Thomas my limitations and fears, and by daring (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the to fail and struggle, I’m giving Jesus the others when Jesus came. They told him, opportunity to show up! John 1:14 says, “So the Word became “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing I see the nail wounds Thinking about my own love and faithfulness. in his hands, put my wrestling with faith, I’m And we have seen his fingers into them, and place my hand grateful for a story like this glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only into the wound in his to give me hope. Son.” Even though side.” (John 20:24-25) When I put myself in Thomas’ place, it’s Jesus no longer walks on earth I can look to not hard to understand why he hesitated to the Scriptures to see evidence of Him here rejoice when the other disciples told him of with me. Thomas’ story is one of encouragetheir time with Jesus. For one thing, Thomas hadn’t been there. As far as he knew, Jesus ment—he doubted, but it never overtook was dead and buried and he had spent days him. He allowed Jesus to take him from the grieving about it. To me it seems reasonable place of uncertainty to a place of belief. I’m for Thomas to be hesitant to believe things learning silent doubts rarely find answers. Instead, I’m challenged to give voice to my had changed without seeing proof. It was eight days before Jesus appeared to questions. I’m confident even though I may Thomas. Eight days is a long time to struggle struggle for a while, Jesus will show up and with anything, but overwhelming doubt give me peace. is extra difficult. When Jesus did appear before Thomas He didn’t condemn him for Robyn Roste is the media and marketing manager having doubts. Instead Jesus said, “Peace be at Insight for Living Canada. with you” (John 20:26).
SALVATION | God brought Salvation to man the nature and extent of Salvation the good news of Salvation By Steve Johnson
Photo by Hugues de BUYER-MIMEURE on Unsplash
Terms in the Bible are specialized words of particular significance. In Coming to Terms we explore the significance of these terms to deepen our understanding of biblical truth through a question and answer and fill in the blank format. (Fill in the blanks where applicable to gain a deeper understanding of the term. I’ve used the New Living Translation for the Scripture passages.)
Unpacking the term
While the word “salvation” can apply to physical rescue or deliverance it also has special significance in Scripture as a term referring to spiritual salvation. That is, rescue and deliverance from the consequences of man’s sinful condition. At creation, God designed man to have loving fellowship with Him. The world was made for humans to flourish and where we could live in joy in the presence of our Maker, worshipping God by loving Him and one another forever. What was the command and warning He gave to Adam and Eve? “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die” (Genesis 2:16-17). But they rebelled, ate the forbidden fruit, and disobeyed God’s command. What was the immediate consequence they experienced? They fell into a sinful condition where sin—like a disease—contaminated
every aspect of their being, mind, will, and emotions (Jeremiah 17:9). How did Adam and Eve’s sinfulness affect their relationship to their holy God? They were alienated from Him and were in need of rescue from their sinful condition (Isaiah 53:6). Since they represented all humanity how did their disobedience affect their posterity? Now, we are born with a sinful nature and our attitudes and actions declare ourselves enemies of God. We are all sinners in need of saving (Romans 3:23). And because sin infects every aspect of our being (Psalm 51:5), we are helpless to save ourselves (Ephesians 2:9). What happens if we die in this sinful condition? The consequence of continuing in our sinful state is remaining under God’s judgment (John 3:18) and eternal separation from Him (2 Thessalonians 1:9). Instead of carrying out an immediate physical death sentence God responded
Concepts like redemption (Romans 3:24), with grace and began the process of redemption and restoration. His first act adoption (Romans 8:23), and inheritance of salvation and grace was the promise of a (Colossians 1:12) all deepen our understanding of the nature and extent of salvation. Saviour (Genesis 3:15). Does the story of salvation end with His second gracious act was shedding the blood of animals and using their skins the death and Resurrection of Jesus? No. to atone for their sin, covering the couple’s The book of ____________ recounts how shame and guilt, and restoring their fellow- the good news of salvation was carried ship with God (Genesis 3:21). throughout the world. The New Testament God’s third gracious act was to banish letters were written to Christians to explain Adam and Eve from the garden and the this great salvation and how we should tree of life so they couldn’t eat it and live then live. for eternity in a sinful state and sin-cursed What is the final chapter of our salvation universe (Genesis 3:23). story? In Romans 8:18-23, God promised Salvation was God’s master plan for the restoration of all things and to renew redeeming His world and rescuing fallen the whole __________. sinners. This was better than living eterHow will the restoration of all things nally in a sin-cursed universe. His master take place? The Bible gives us a peek into plan came in the Person of Jesus Christ. this glorious future and the final phase of God Himself entered the world to renew the story. Second Thessalonians 1:7-10 says and restore His people. ____________ will return to judge sin and The history unfolded throughout the evil and He will usher in righteousness and rest of the Bible is the story of how God peace. Revelation 20 and 21 says God will brought salvation to man. Bible history is purge this world of evil once and for all and His story of salvation. The grand narrative His people will live with Him ____________. of Scripture climaxes with the death and What aspect of this great salvation is Resurrection of ____________. most meaningful to you and why? The many stories, words, and concepts in Scripture help us understand the breadth and depth of God’s salvation. Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Stories like the deliverance of Israel Living Canada. from __________ demonstrate God’s power to save. Words like justification (Romans 4:25 NASB), reconciliation (Romans 5:11), and regeneration (Titus 3:5) unfold new facets and dimensions of salvation.
When God Untied the Death Ropes
“Christ breaks the dominion. He stops the chain. He cuts the rope. He sets you free.” - CHARLES R. SWINDOLL Bold, rough around the edges, and earnest to a fault. Peter spent his days reacting: to the fish that fought to stay in the sea, to his brother Andrew who wanted to introduce him to an uncommon leader, and to his environment fraught with oppression. Then Peter answered Jesus’ call and his world—and destiny—changed forever. Petros, the name Jesus gave to Peter in Matthew 16:18 is defined as “rock,” taken from the Greek petra—the bedrock, stone, or foundation. Upon the rock of truth— that Jesus is Messiah, Son of the living God, as properly observed by Simon— Jesus promised to build His church. Yet Peter would demonstrate that the life of a disciple isn’t just one of immutable faith but also of paralyzing sin—the word translated “petrified” also comes from the root petra. Many of us know what it’s like to be chained to sinful patterns to the point of immobilization. This is what death ropes do. They bind. They restrict. They hold hostage.
This seesaw struggle isn’t an indication of salvation. Peter was chosen by Jesus. He has walked, talked, fished, and dined with Jesus and still rebuked, doubted, and denied the Saviour. In the same way, we can be chosen by God yet divided in being ruled by our sin or by our Saviour. Peter’s transformation from a rash fisherman in the Gospels to a bold witness for Christ in the book of Acts boils down to one Person—the Holy Spirit. This truth should not only take root in your mind but capture your heart and soul as well: the Power that worked in Peter is the Power working in us...when we submit ourselves to Him. Father, we are free because of Your compassion. We are free because of Your Son’s loving, sacrificial work on the cross. We are free because we accept His rescue as the Spirit guides us to faith. Help us to live, move, and have our being in Jesus and outside of the death ropes that no longer hold us captive. Amen.
“When God Untied the Death Ropes” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series A Living Hope. You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
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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.