When Hope Really Matters

When Hope Really Matters

When hope really matters. Life is full of hopes and dreams like the warm, fuzzy feelings of a Hallmark movie. But when death is near and you’re uncertain what’s next? That’s when the need for hope gets real. When it really matters.

Years ago, just before Christmas, my friend Ken shared some bad news. He had incurable cancer. No time frame was mentioned and there were medical measures to take. But even better, he and I believed in an Almighty God, the power of prayer, the miracle of divine healing.

As a young pastor, I offered encouraging words. But a question burned in my mind that I wanted to shout out loud.

WHY GOD? IT JUST ISN’T FAIR!

When hope really matters. When you intellectually reject hope you’re probably young and healthy.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (ESV, Romans 15:13)

I once attended a panel discussion that included an Evangelical Christian and an Atheist. It was a healthy, civil dialogue between two attractive, intelligent young people. Both presented reasonable arguments supporting their position and the debate, though passionate, was respectful. There was humor, good natured teasing, and great interaction. It was an engaging encounter that was intellectually stimulating. But that’s all it was—intellectual.

It’s a different scene with people in the hospital facing life and death. Intellectualism is stripped away. Raw emotions are bare and honest. And regardless of religious convictions, prayer is always appreciated.

There are two categories. People who approach death with hope and confidence and people who don’t. Yes, there are varying levels of intensity in these feelings, differences in attitudes, and degrees in level of assurance. But there is a clear separation between the two.

I’ve been with people so confident and assured in their faith that they radiate joy. And seen uncertainty and fear in the eyes of those with none. You may shrug your shoulders with a cavalier attitude that rejects Christianity. Or embrace a busy lifestyle that doesn’t think about the end of life. But when you face the most profound moment of your life, it matters. A lot.

When hope really matters. Jesus Christ provides a reason for it.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (ESV, Romans 5:1-2)

Scripture explains the reason we need hope. Because sin disqualifies us from the presence of a holy God. But God sent Jesus to die as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. And by confessing our sins to Jesus and asking him to be our Lord and Savior, we are forgiven of sin.

Many of the people I encounter with uncertain or no hope don’t understand this idea or simply reject it. And hang on to the idea you earn your way to heaven through personal merit. They say things like, “I’ve tried to live a good life. I’ve tried to do the right things.”  Honestly? They are often decent people who live good lives and do the right things.

Still, doubt nags at them like an unscratchable itch. Can they be sure all their good deeds will outweigh the bad on God’s cosmic scales of justice?

When hope really matters. God offers hope beyond wishful thinking

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. (ESV, 1 Peter 3:15)

Ken lost the fight against cancer, but I’m confident he is now fully healed and living joyously in heaven. For me, this makes Christian hope more than Pinocchio’s “When you wish Upon a Star.” Because it’s based on the truth of God’s word.

Ultimately, of course, it requires a step of faith. But it’s not blind faith or warm and fuzzy, hopeful feelings. However, a confident, unshakeable hope in Jesus Christ. I’ve seen this faith demonstrated over and over at the bedside of believers living their last moments. The confidence, joy, and peace as they prepare to step into eternity. But I’ve also witnessed the uncertainty and absolute terror in the eyes of those with no hope.

And it’s heartbreaking. Because that is when we all want hope. And when it really matters.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??

Check out Philippians Bible Study For Individuals and Groups.

Encountering A Holy God

Encountering A Holy God

Encountering a holy God. Isaiah was a prophet of God. What we consider a holy man. But when Isaiah encountered the holiness of God in a vision, his reaction said something different.

Encountering a holy God. You recognize your sinful condition

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (ESV, Isaiah 6:3)

Isaiah chapter six describes a prophetic vision. In the vision, the prophet observes a majestic God, seated on his throne, surrounded by angels who proclaimed the holiness and glory of God. And immediately, Isaiah is overcome with a sense of unworthiness. In other words, he recognizes his sinful condition before a holy God.

Scripture pictures a similar scene when everyone appears before the judgment seat of God.

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books. (ESV, Revelation 20:11-12)

It’s impossible for our minds to grasp the magnitude of this event. All humanity appearing one by one before a perfectly holy God. I imagine two possible responses. Those who immediately recognizes their sinful condition, kneel before the throne, and cry out to Jesus for his grace. And those who make excuses.

Encountering a holy God. You confess your sin to God

Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (ESV, Isaiah 6:5)

Why was Isaiah unworthy? He confesses as “a man of unclean lips.” Recognizing your sinful condition before a holy God is the first step toward reconcilliation with him. But that’s not the end to it. Because…

Christ-followers are to pursue holiness.

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 7:1)

The Greek word for “holy” is hagios, which means set apart. It indicates completeness and spiritual maturity rather that perfection. Even though Christ-followers are to imitate Jesus, we won’t attain moral perfection because of sin. Nevertheless, we should demonstrate lives set apart from this world.

Christ-followers are made holy by God

It is poignant the angel purified Isaiah’s lips. The source of his unholiness. In other words, although he was unworthy, God made him so. And he does the same for us. The apostle Paul put it this way:

 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:21)

What does this mean? That we should confess our unholiness before God. He will purify and makes us holy through Jesus Christ. And when we encounter him, he will make our holiness and righteousness perfect. And we’ll live with him in heaven forever.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

Want to explore the Christian faith?

Check out: Christianity For The Average Joe

Christianity for the average joe
Carrying Out God’s Specific Purpose

Carrying Out God’s Specific Purpose

Carrying out God’s specific purpose. Esther was a beautiful, young, Jewish girl. And God used her for a specific purpose. To save the people of Israel from annihilation

Carrying out God’s specific purpose. He positions us to represent him.

The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. (ESV, Esther 2:17)

Between 483 to 473 BC, King Ahasuerus ruled Persia where the Jews lived in exile. And when his queen, Vashti, refused to appear before him as requested for an occasion, he recruited a harem of young, beautiful replacements. The one that captured his heart and he crowned as his new queen was Esther, a beautiful young jewish girl who was raised by her uncle Mordecai.  

The Hebrew word translated “grace” and “favor” is chen which means favor, grace, charm, acceptance, and elegance. In other words, Esther was more than physically beautiful. There was a sense of class in her demeanor and carriage that set her apart. What we might call today, the “X” factor. But the appointment to that influential position was more than coincidence. God put her there for a special purpose.

As Christ-followers indwelled by the Holy Spirit, we too, should positively influence our culture for Christ.

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, (ESV, 2 Corinthians 2:15)

The message of the gospel is powerfully life changing. And as God’s ambassadors to a lost world, Christ-followers should present a faith that is attractive and hope-filled. Sure. Only God’s Spirit moves people to conviction and repentance. But we should strive to influence others for his kingdom, knowing it is part of our purpose.

Carrying out God’s specific purpose. He makes his will known to you.

Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus. (ESV, Esther 3:6)

Haman was the king’s second in command and demanded that everyone bow down to him. But as a Jew who bowed only to God, Mordecia refused. Infuriated at this disrespect, Haman convinced the king to issue a decree to kill all Jews on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month.

So, Mordecia met with queen Esther and urged her to disuade the king from carrying out the decree. But she hesitated. Because a law limited access to the king. Anyone who approached him uninvited was executed unless the king raised his golden sceptor to indicate his favor. For Esther to appeal to the king uninvited could mean her death.

And who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (ESV, Esther 4:14)

But Mordecia presented a convincing argument. Perhaps, her rise to the throne served a specific purpose. The salvation of God’s people.

It poses a question every Christ-follower should consider: “What skills and abilities has God given me? And what areas of influence can I leverage for God’s glory?

Esther doesn’t get a clear answer from God. But she acts on faith. Prepared to die.

Carrying out God’s specific purpose. Lay out a careful plan.

And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king. (ESV, Esther 5:4)

Esther didn’t wing it, but devised a plan. It demonstrates that when God calls us to a purpose, he doesn’t do all the work. But expects us to use our God given gifts and abilities to participate in it. To plan. Organize. And actively engage in the work.

After successfully gaining audience with the king, Esther invites Ahasuerus and Haman to join her for a feast. And during the meal, the king asks her again what she wants. But she defers and invites the two men to another feast the next day.

It’s a familiar strategy. Build up the king’s anticipation and soften him up as she prepares for her big ask. Like a child buttering up parents before presenting a bad report card. Haman goes home elated. Excited to be invited to another feast. In fact, things were going so well he had gallows built with plans to hang Mordecai on them.

But during the next day’s feast, Esther appeals to the king for her life and the lives of her people. And she identifies Haman as the one behind the evil plot. Although the king cannot rescind the decree, he quickly issues a new one. The Jews can defend themselves against any attack. As a result, the Jews coordinate a defense and are saved, and king Ahasuerus orders Haman to be hung on the gallows he built for Mordecai.

The story demonstrates the importance of listening for and responding to God’s voice, acting on faith when called, and using your gifts to serve the Kingdom of God.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

Want to explore the Christian faith?

Check out: Christianity For The Average Joe

Christianity for the average joe
Break Free With An Absolute Jesus

Break Free With An Absolute Jesus

Break free with an absolute Jesus. The story of how Jesus treated an adulterous woman reveals a gracious and absolute savior. God himself in human form. He is not trapped by human agendas, doesn’t conform to human expectations, or is limited by human understanding.

Break free with an absolute Jesus. He is not trapped by human agendas

Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say? This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. (ESV, John 8:5-6)

A group of religious leaders sought to trap Jesus in a religious quandry. And they presented to him an ironclad case. A woman caught in the act of adultery. And then they self-righteously quoted the law of Moses. The penalty for it was death by stoning. What did he say?

The irony? They didn’t care about the woman or the law. Only their agenda. And that was to discredit Jesus as a rising, religious teacher. They didn’t accept him as the Son of God. But simply an itinerant upstart trying to replace them on the pedestal of religious prestige.

Of course, Jesus knew the law too. And recognized the trap. So, he dismantled their agenda with a reverse move. He addressed the sin in their own hearts.

“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (ESV, John 8:7)

Jesus understood that human agendas arise within a sinful, human heart. It quickly condemns the sins of others, but is blind to its own. And the most glaring? The sin of pride represented by self-righteousness.

But Jesus doesn’t merely see through human agendas. He transcends them. Because he’s after something more imporatant. Our hearts. This is where he focuses his attention.

Break free with an absolute Jesus. He does not conform to human expectations

Jesus didn’t conform to the expectations of the religious establishment. And it infuriated them. Because he wasn’t the Messiah they expected. Therefore, they rejected him.

The religious leaders in this story thoroughly knew God’s law. Or at least their version of it. And if Jesus was really God, he would have to support it. Because the law was clear. The woman was guilty and the penalty was death.

The problem? We all are guilty of sin and sentenced to death. Only by God’s grace are we saved. We consistently miss this when we try to conform God to our expectations. Instead, we should conform our thinking to the mind of God.

Furthermore, the religious leaders missed the whole intent of the law. Rather than the humanly devised, legalistic version they followed, it was embraced and expressed by the heart. Confronted with their own sin, the religious leaders dropped the rocks in their hands and left one by one until only Jesus and the woman remained. His words to her were full of grace, but with a new action plan. “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”

Jesus is the path of reconcilliation. The beacon of grace. And fountain of forgiveness. He offered all of them to the woman. And does the same for us today.

Break free with an absolute Jesus. He is not limited by human understanding

Everyone knew the woman was guilty of adultery and the consequence for it. But her accusers all left. And Jesus offered her grace. Why?

Because that is why he came. Not to establish a physical kingdom like the religious leaders expected, but a spiritual one. To offer grace rather than condemnation. And redeem rather than punish. But we have to make a choice.

The woman could return to her old life she knew or follow Jesus and break free from bondage. We don’t know what she decided. But Jesus presents the same offer today.

Which choice will you make?

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

Want to explore the Christian faith?

Check out: Christianity For The Average Joe

Christianity for the average joe
Three Life Transforming New Year Practices

Three Life Transforming New Year Practices

Three life transforming New Year practices. These simple practices do not work immediately. But when consistently engaged, the spiritual transformation is unmistakeable. I’ve seen and personally experienced it. And so will you if you practice them this year.

Three life transforming New Year practices. Read through the Bible.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (ESV, Psalm 119:11)

The Bible is a complete narrative. The big picture that reveals who God is, explains what is wrong with the world and his solution. It describes the many facets of God’s incomprehensible nature and yet, his reliable faithfulness to those who seek him. And how to live a life that honors him.

An internet search provides a wide variety of reading plans. Organized differently by chronology, themes, and book genre. I followed one that alternated between Old and New Testament and included a grid of all the passages I checked off to track my progress.

As God’s word fills your heart and mind, you will gain an entirely new perspective on life. One filled with hope.

Three life transforming New Year practices. Attend a church that worships God and teaches the Bible as absolute truth

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (ESV, 2 Timothy 3:16)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (ESV, Hebrews 4:12)

Absolute truth is the solid foundation that your beliefs and convictions confidently rest on. An anchor that secures you from drifting aimlessly on the waves of public opinion. And worship points you to the ultimate source of truth. An Almighty God that loves you and desires a relationship with you.

As you worship God and learn his word, his Spirit guides you on a path that leads you into his will and plan for your life. One with meaning, purpose, and direction. And an eternal perspective that helps you make sense of a confusing world.

Three life transforming New Year practices. Hang out with people that wholeheartedly follow Jesus

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:33)

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (ESV, Ecclesiastes 4:12)

We are made to live in community. Ideas of “doing it my way” or individual autonomy as a “rock and island” are myths. We all need other people for encouragement, accountability, and support. And the friends you choose will influence you for either good or bad. And in the same way, you will impact others.

Therefore, those who follow Jesus will find that loving, supportive environment in a church community. But it may take personal initiative on your part. In other words, an effort to meet and make friends with the people that attend your church.

And when you walk together as Christ-followers, you are relationally more than friends. But spiritually unified as an eternal family of brothers and sisters in Christ.

A spiritual adversary will work to divert you from these practices. But press on and a remarkable transformation will take place in your life.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??

Check out Philippians Bible Study For Individuals and Groups.