revmattil.org

One of the wonders of modern technology is fiber optics. They have become so common place that we take them for granted, but they are still a marvel. These things look like a solid tube, yet they have the ability to channel light to otherwise hard to reach places. Optical fibers can transmit light around curves and corners, with the light emitting from the end of the fiber. The uses are almost unlimited. Optical fibers are used to transmit telephone conversations and to illuminate automobile instrument panels. They are also used in medicine to perform exploratory surgery through just a small incision large enough to insert the small cable. The fibers carry light inside the body and then transmit the pictures back outside for the doctors to examine. As I said, they can transmit light to those hard to reach places.

Christians should think of themselves as optical fibers for the Lord. You are to carry His light with you to places where it otherwise might not shine. What are those hard to reach places in your life?

What about in school? When your friends and classmates are doing something that you know is wrong, do you let the light of Christ shine through you to expose their sin, or do you turn it off and simply go along with the crowd?

How about in your job? When others are pilfering, do you point this out for the wrong that it is, or do you let the light of Christ shine in that situation?

When unethical practices are encouraged, do you justify that you have to go along to get ahead, or do you shine for Jesus?

You are to be the channel of the light of Christ everywhere you go. This has to do with the way you treat every single person you encounter, the people you work with, your family members, and even those you casually meet each day. Jesus did not say “You are to be the light of the Church.” He very clearly said, “you are the light of the world!” (Matthew 5:14).

My encouragement today is the same as yesterday: make a conscious effort to be a light bearer today.

You’ve probably heard someone say, “There are two kinds of people in this world…” The categorizations are endless. They point out the differences that exist, contrasting the two groupings.

Male and Female
United States and Mexico
Democrats and Republicans
City folk and Country folk
Texans and everyone else

When we distinguish between two different groups, we usually point out the differences, which often comes down to “those I like and those I don’t like.”

But maybe we should focus on the similarities a bit more.

2 Corinthians 5:14  For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.  

“One died for all.”  “Christ died for sins once for all.”  God loves everyone and does not want anyone to die eternally.

1 Timothy 2:3–4  God our Savior … wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

We need to remember that those who are currently outside of God’s grace are people for whom Jesus dies, people whose sins were covered by His sacrifice, people God loves and wants to be part of His kingdom forever. Their debt was also paid by God our Savior.

Perhaps we should consider this classification:

“There are two kinds of people in this world – those who have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus, and those God still wants to be saved through faith in Jesus.”

Romans 16:17–20 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

There will always be false prophets and charlatans among us. Some things never change. And their presence in the church hurts all followers of Jesus. It also hurts the spread of the good news of who Jesus really is. He is not a huckster or after your money. Jesus wants you, all of you, every bit of your life. He paid for it with His life so that you could be His own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him. He gives you forgiveness, life and salvation. He wants you to respond with a new life of gratitude.

Paul commends the believers in Rome who were living that way, and encourages them to continue to do so.  And he gives them two promises:

1. Jesus will crush Satan.
2. God’s grace is with them.

That message is for you, still, today. Live in that confidence.

Romans 15:23–29 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ

At the end of the book of Romans, Paul discusses his travel plans and sends personal greetings to a lot of the believers in Rome. Did you ever ask yourself “Why was this kind of stuff included in God’s Word?” I have. It wasn’t an accident or oversight or afterthought. It was intentional. So what was the reason?

The people we see in Scripture and the ones who wrote the words from God for us were real people, just like us. Their lives were filled with uncertainty and struggles. While they lived at a different time with different challenges, they faced the same questions and problems we have. Struggles providing for their families. Relationship problems. Wondering about the future. Is God real, and is He in control?

The record in Scripture portrays those who trusted in God and His providence and those who did not. It went better (and still does today) for those who trust in God. They believed His promise of a Messiah, whether looking forward to it or seeing that it was fulfilled in Jesus. His rescue changes lives.

Paul dedicated his life to sharing the Good News of what Jesus did for everyone. He still had struggles, but he did not face them alone. He knew God was in control and with him wherever he went. Here in Romans he shares his desire to take this message to Spain, and that on the way he planned stop by to see his brothers and sisters in Rome so that they can encourage each other. He also mentions taking a contribution from believers in Greece – GENTILES – to the poor in Jerusalem. This is living out their faith, being stewards of what God entrusted to their care, using it for His kingdom and His purposes. Paul described this kind of generosity again in Galatians.

Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

All this got me thinking about the need for each of us to strive to live every day in response to the salvation Jesus earned for us. We do so in the confidence that God is in control, and we want others to know that we know that by the way we live our lives. And, hopefully, our living this way will be a means through which the Holy Spirit brings more people to faith in Jesus.

Romans 13:1–5  Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

We are approaching another presidential election, which has become very interesting. Many of the folks I’ve talked to have voiced their displeasure with both candidates from the major parties. Let me just encourage you to pray about it, ask God to give you wisdom and discernment, and don’t neglect your right to vote.

Can you be respectful of and obedient to a government with which you strongly disagree? The answer, of course, is yes. Christians have been doing that down through the ages. However, our first and foremost allegiance is to our God. These words from Romans 13 are to understood in the context of all Scripture, which also tells us “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29)

When Paul encourages the faithful in Rome to submit to the governing authorities, they were under a regime that was hostile to those who followed the one true God. Yet they were called to be good citizens and more: they were to live such good lives that others would notice and wonder why. And that would open the door for them to share the reason for the hope that was in them: what Jesus did for all people through His life, death and resurrection.

That is our calling still today. We are to live as citizens of God’s kingdom here on earth, no matter who the governing authorities may be. We are to let the light of Christ shine through us in our words and actions. After all, we know that for Jesus’ sake we have forgiveness for all our sins and life forever with him.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

I mentioned last week that Cheryl and I volunteered as workers for Vacation Bible School at our congrgation. It was a great week and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. This past Sunday our worship service was a celebration of VBS as well, with the kids singing a couple of the songs they learned.

Last Saturday, we attended a birthday party for a friend of ours. A member of the guest of honor’s family was visiting with me, and asked me what I was doing these days. I told him we just finished a week of VBS at the church. He had a puzzled look on his face, He said, “I thought you were retired?” I replied, “I am. But that doesn’t mean I have stopped serving Jesus!”

I look at it this way: Full-time ministry is no longer what I do for a living. It is what I do because I was given new life by Jesus. I am still called by God to minister to my neighbor whenever and wherever I can do so. It may be helping out at my congregation, preaching somewhere so another pastor can go on vacation, helping a friend move into assisted living, sitting down and listening to someone share what is going on in his or her life. As long as I am physically able, I will continue to help with things like Disaster Response and Habitat for humanity.

Each day I ask God to help me be His witness to the people I encounter. I want them to know the love of God in Christ that I know. I want them to have the certainty of sin forgiven and life eternal, all because of what Jesus did for us. I don’t want to retire from that until Jesus welcomes me into His presence.

Romans 12:9–21  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This is quite a list of “dos” and “don’ts.” The things on this list would go a long way in easing the plight of the less fortunate all around us. Our world would be a better place if we would follow these guidelines. They all make sense and are good things to do.

But let’s be clear on what this list is and what it is not. This is not a “how to get into heaven” to-do list. You can’t earn that yourself. Rather, this is a list of things to do because you know you are going to heaven. You are going there because of what God did for you in sending Jesus. God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to be our Savior, and everyone who believes in Him gets the benefit of what He accomplished. His love – our response.

In case you missed it, Paul frames our response to God’s love in terms of love: “Love must be sincere…be devoted to one another in brotherly love.”  He warns us not to be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

When I was in Youth Group many years ago, a popular then-contemporary Christian song had the refrain “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love.” Will they know that about you by the way you are living?

ROMANS 8:31-39   What then shall we say in response to this?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all–how will he not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?  Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?  It is God who justifies.  Who is he that condemns?  Christ Jesus, who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written:  “For your sake we face death all day long;  we are considered ad sheep  to be slaughtered.”  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present not the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

There was a farmer who had a large rock in the middle of one of his fields.  Year after year, he worked around that rock, always growing more distressed by its presence.  Through the years, he had broken a cultivator and two plows on that rock, not to mention the loss of the valuable farm land in its vicinity.  Finally, he decided to be done with it.  He would remove it from the field, no matter how much work it would take.  When he put his pry bar underneath the rock, he was surprised to find that it was less than a foot thick.  With just a small amount of effort, he was able to loosen it and haul it away in his wagon.  He smiled when he thought how he had let that rock haunt him for all those years, not knowing that it would be this easy to remove.

Do you have problems that haunt you?  Most people do.  All of us have hardships and suffering in our lives.  And just like that farmer, most folks let their problems get to them or get the best of them.  Your problems may be in your home, family, job, finances, or from any other number of places.  Sometimes it even seems as though everything gangs up on us at once, and that there is no escaping your afflictions.

All of the problems that you and I have in this world are the result of sin in our lives.  This is not to say that God punishes specific sins with specific afflictions. Rather, we know that problems in general are the result of sin in general. We have all sinned. We all need help.

Today’s passage tells us that God is for us, He is on our side. He is the one who justifies. He did this by sending His Son and promising that everyone who believes in Him as their Savior can claim the righteousness of Christ as their own!  This is something secure in your life:  when God declares you forgiven and righteous for Christ’s sake, you can be confident that it is true. And He wants you to know that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:5-14 5 Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: “The man who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

Law and Gospel. The essentials of God’s Word. Both are necessary. Both have their place. Luther wrote about it this way: “We should understand ‘Law’ to mean nothing else than God’s word and command, in which He directs us what to do and what not to do, and demands from us our obedience or ‘work.’ … On the other hand, the Gospel or the faith is a doctrine or word of God that does not require our works. It does not command us to do anything. On the contrary, it bids us merely to accept the offered grace and forgiveness of sins and eternal life and let it be given to us.”

In other words, the Law tells man what God demands. The Gospel tells man that Christ has fulfilled all those demands for him. The Law requires us to be perfect. The Gospel freely gives us the perfection God requires.

In the passage above, Paul mentions the righteousness that comes from the Law only to show that it is impossible for us to achieve. The Law tells us that we can’t be good enough. The righteousness we need is that which God makes available and gives to us through Jesus. He sent Him to die for sin. God raised Him from the dead as the victor over sin and death. Believing that means you are saved.

Those of us who have been brought to faith have the responsibility to pass the message of Law and Gospel on to others. Law and Gospel properly divided and proclaimed is the message that everyone in every generation needs to hear. God does not change. Neither does His message. And to some extent, people remain the same. Everyone is still sinful. The message of Law rings true to every generation. And when a conscience agrees with what the Law proclaims, the Gospel is welcome. In every age, Christ remains the answer to sin. That will remain constant until the resurrection of all the dead in the final judgment. The faithful will then be with Christ in perfection. Only at that point will the proclamation of Law and Gospel no longer be necessary.

People today desperately need to hear the message of God’s anger over sin, an anger that has been appeased by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the escape from that anger that is available to everyone who believes that Jesus is his or her Savior. We share that in different ways with different people, but the message is unchanging. The way we share it is not as important as the message itself. If we are careful to faithfully proclaim God’s message, Law and Gospel, it will be heard.