It's called the "doctrine of the Incarnation"...and it suggests that you and I can be partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)...making even the most quixotic ideals (from the world's assessment) attainable through Kingdom living -- here and now. For those who grasp these principles and put them into practice, the world's most intractable problems are availed the "mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16) and mere mortals experience the abundant life that Christ provides (John 10:10).
This month we describe this incredible reality that, for so many of us, remains illusive. In our "natural" state we suppose "eternal life" is merited, in effect -- getting mankind out of earth into heaven. But what's really called for is getting God out of heaven into man. So we begin with Incarnation, a commentary which addresses "what" we should know about this supernatural phenomenon. An article follows on "why" this transformation is availed "not by might nor by power" (Zec. 4:6), but instead through a Grace that works. Finally, we examine The Spirit-Filled Life, which lists some practical steps on "how" we can come to experience God's presence.
It is written, "For He made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Cor.5:21). In this verse, Paul summarizes the very heart of the Gospel, personified by God incarnate -- namely, Jesus Christ.
Incarnation
practicing the presence of God
In God Came Near, Max Lucado described the dual nature of Christ this way..."When God chose to reveal Himself, he did so (surprise of surprises) through a human body. The tongue that called forth the dead was a human one. The hand that touched the leper had dirt under its nails. The feet upon which the woman wept were calloused and dusty. And His tears...oh, don't miss the tears...they came from a heart as broken as yours of mine ever has been."
From God's perspective, during the "incarnation" (God becoming man), "Christ surrendered only the prerogatives of deity but nothing of the divine essence, either in degree or kind. In His incarnation, the eternally existing second person of the Trinity accepted all the essential characteristics of humanity and so became the God-man (Phil. 2:5-8; Col. 2:9). As a result, Jesus Christ represents humanity and deity in indivisible oneness (Mic. 5:2; John 5:23; 14:9,10; Col. 2:9)."
From our perspective, the incarnation avails nothing less than "wonder working power" through God's presence for people of faith today. Herbert Lockyer, in All the Doctrines of the Bible suggests that "at our regeneration (that moment of rebirth, preceding faith, at God's divine initiative in salvation), there was added to our already existing human nature, a divine nature," in the presence of the Holy Spirit (see John 3:3-8 & Titus 3:5). Think about that for a moment...The ramifications of this doctrine, in terms of the capability we can call upon through Christ's Spirit, are "mind blowing" (Eph. 3:20). Christian News Alert: The people of God, as keepers of the Holy Spirit in earthen vessels, are equipped to impact their world in every dimension of life, and in every sphere of influence!
Try and picture this...In his sermon, How to Practice the Presence of God, Dr. Adrian Rogers mentioned that in the Old Testament period, "God had a temple for His people" but in the New Testament era "God has a people for His temple" (see 1 Cor. 3:16). Essentially, because Christ dwells in our hearts by faith (Eph. 3:17), every day can be holy, every place can be sacred, and every deed can become an act of worship. In other words, those who are "saved" (with the Holy Spirit resident in our hearts) and yielded to His power -- can at anytime "be naturally supernatural"...or if you prefer "supernaturally natural."
Although this may sound a little too ethereal or mystical to the uninitiated, let me assure you that the key to victory in the Christian life is as practical as practicing the presence of God, or being "Christ conscious." In his book The Jesus I Never Knew, Philip Yancey writes..."When a light is brought into a room, what was a window also becomes a mirror, reflecting back the contents of that room. In Jesus, not only do we have a window to God, but we also have a mirror to ourselves...Human beings were, after all, created in the image of God, but Jesus reveals what that image should look like."
In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren affirms this "back to the future" end-game when he explains, "You were created to become like Christ. From the very beginning, God's plan has been to make you like His Son, Jesus. This is your destiny and (the third) purpose of your life. God announced this intention at creation: "Then God said, 'Let us make human beings in our image and likeness'" (Genesis 1:26). In all of creation, only human beings, are made "in God's image." This is a great privilege and gives us dignity."
Incarnation, God becoming man -- is also becoming to His people. According to Dr. Rogers, "as you allow Jesus to inhabit your humanity, He'll display His deity," such that "every demand upon your humanity, becomes a demand upon His deity." Indeed, the very crux of Christian living is bound-up in -- becoming now who we already are eternally in the Lord Jesus Christ. In the words of the apostle Paul, " I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal 2:20).
Child of God, practicing the presence of God...is very becoming.
Roy Tanner
Grace that works
the test of pragmatism
While pragmatism will not always validate what’s true -- truth is evidential. But even by this limited measure of "what works," grace is revealed as the superior means to the end we all seek.
Consider the prevalence today of news headlines that expose mullahs who condone "jihad," or priests who prey on pupils, or ministers that fleece their flock—and you needn’t be a hardened skeptic to question the credibility and practical relevance of holding any faith in the divine. Surely beliefs lead to behavior. But before we sacrifice our idealism on “the alter of skepticism” though, I assert that any belief system’s efficacy can be substantiated by hard-data, with demonstrable success greatly favoring those that approach the tenets of their faith by grace.
Said differently, regardless of how much we strive (in our own strength) humanity’s proclivity for evil will eventually overcome even our best efforts to do otherwise. Conversely, while we are called to be participants in our faith’s practical outworking, only to the extent that we allow God to have His will and way in our lives, will we overcome our evil with good. From a Christian perspective, this involves a yielding to the leadership and forgiveness offered (again) by grace—through faith in Christ.
Grace relies on a theological concept found only in the Judeo-Christian doctrine of atonement, which makes allowance for God to accomplish something for mankind that we would never achieve on our own—perfection. The unmerited favor of grace, assumes that we’re accountable to the sovereign Creator’s standard, who demands justice be served, yet He provides the means to this perfect standard through His compensating love. In deed, God’s promise to reconcile humanity to Himself was accomplished at Calvary, such that those who put their trust in His “saving” work are set free from both the penalty and the power of their waywardness.
Grace avails the power of God’s Spirit to those who believe. His affect, achieving the unachievable for us, reduces the tyranny of our previous works righteousness into a compulsion of love and gratitude. Evidenced countless times throughout history in advancement of society, governing principle, acts of service and charity, God’s approach is the only hope for this world. Conversely, those who spurn His completed work, attempting to achieve self-righteousness through observance of religious ritual, application of situation ethics, or just living by selfish desire—are destined to leave a legacy of frustration and grief.
When you consider data on the rise in illegitimate births, the spread of STDs and the heartache of broken homes, the allure of promiscuity loses some of its appeal. When you examine the high incidence of premature mortality amongst the gay community, it’s hardly an endorsement of any “life” style. When collusion and greed run ahead of the checks & balances built into the free enterprise system, people’s livelihoods are ruined and their wealth is gutted. When modernity is assailed and radical fundamentalism is forced upon a populace, murder and mayhem result. Cite your instance, and strive as you may (without grace), the results remain the same—bondage and misery.
Sadly, these all too common examples of our human experience represent attempts to meet legitimate needs, albeit in an illegitimate fashion. To those who are “weary and heavy laden” in these pursuits, put grace to the “test of pragmatism.” Validate for yourself that the abundant life everyone chases is only realized by those who approach it on the basis of grace through faith in the Savior. To those that seek the true “road less traveled,” it is a journey that is marked by character building and blessing.
The data has been gathered, and the facts are in. Evidently, the only way to real life and truth is found in seeking God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.
Roy Tanner
The Spirit-Filled Life
Have you made the wonderful discovery of the Spirit-filled life? In his Keys to Dynamic Living Series, Dr. Bright addresses the Christian's abundant life in Christ. Have you ever wondered if there was something more exciting than you are experiencing as a Christian? This study describes the Christian way of life - what it is and how it works practically. The overview (excerpted below) discusses the problems of sin and temptation and the spiritual warfare of life. For more information see: http://www.ccci.org/spiritual_growth.html
Every day can be an exciting adventure for the Christian who knows the reality of being filled with the Holy Spirit and who lives constantly, moment by moment, under His gracious direction. To provide some context for this truth, the Bible tells us that there are three kinds of people:
"Dear Father, I need You. I acknowledge that I have been directing my own life and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ's death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit."
Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If so, bow in prayer and trust God to fill you with the Holy Spirit right now.
How can you know that you are filled (directed and empowered) with the Holy Spirit? Did you ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit? Do you know that you are now filled with the Holy Spirit? On what authority? (On the trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word: Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:22, 23.) Do not depend upon feelings. The promise of God's Word, not our feelings, is our authority. The Christian lives by faith (trust) in the trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word.
How do we walk in the Spirit?
Faith (trust in God and in His promises) is the only means by which a Christian can live the Spirit-directed life. As you continue to trust Christ moment by moment:
Dr. Bill Bright
This month we describe this incredible reality that, for so many of us, remains illusive. In our "natural" state we suppose "eternal life" is merited, in effect -- getting mankind out of earth into heaven. But what's really called for is getting God out of heaven into man. So we begin with Incarnation, a commentary which addresses "what" we should know about this supernatural phenomenon. An article follows on "why" this transformation is availed "not by might nor by power" (Zec. 4:6), but instead through a Grace that works. Finally, we examine The Spirit-Filled Life, which lists some practical steps on "how" we can come to experience God's presence.
It is written, "For He made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Cor.5:21). In this verse, Paul summarizes the very heart of the Gospel, personified by God incarnate -- namely, Jesus Christ.
Incarnation
practicing the presence of God
In God Came Near, Max Lucado described the dual nature of Christ this way..."When God chose to reveal Himself, he did so (surprise of surprises) through a human body. The tongue that called forth the dead was a human one. The hand that touched the leper had dirt under its nails. The feet upon which the woman wept were calloused and dusty. And His tears...oh, don't miss the tears...they came from a heart as broken as yours of mine ever has been."
From God's perspective, during the "incarnation" (God becoming man), "Christ surrendered only the prerogatives of deity but nothing of the divine essence, either in degree or kind. In His incarnation, the eternally existing second person of the Trinity accepted all the essential characteristics of humanity and so became the God-man (Phil. 2:5-8; Col. 2:9). As a result, Jesus Christ represents humanity and deity in indivisible oneness (Mic. 5:2; John 5:23; 14:9,10; Col. 2:9)."
From our perspective, the incarnation avails nothing less than "wonder working power" through God's presence for people of faith today. Herbert Lockyer, in All the Doctrines of the Bible suggests that "at our regeneration (that moment of rebirth, preceding faith, at God's divine initiative in salvation), there was added to our already existing human nature, a divine nature," in the presence of the Holy Spirit (see John 3:3-8 & Titus 3:5). Think about that for a moment...The ramifications of this doctrine, in terms of the capability we can call upon through Christ's Spirit, are "mind blowing" (Eph. 3:20). Christian News Alert: The people of God, as keepers of the Holy Spirit in earthen vessels, are equipped to impact their world in every dimension of life, and in every sphere of influence!
Try and picture this...In his sermon, How to Practice the Presence of God, Dr. Adrian Rogers mentioned that in the Old Testament period, "God had a temple for His people" but in the New Testament era "God has a people for His temple" (see 1 Cor. 3:16). Essentially, because Christ dwells in our hearts by faith (Eph. 3:17), every day can be holy, every place can be sacred, and every deed can become an act of worship. In other words, those who are "saved" (with the Holy Spirit resident in our hearts) and yielded to His power -- can at anytime "be naturally supernatural"...or if you prefer "supernaturally natural."
Although this may sound a little too ethereal or mystical to the uninitiated, let me assure you that the key to victory in the Christian life is as practical as practicing the presence of God, or being "Christ conscious." In his book The Jesus I Never Knew, Philip Yancey writes..."When a light is brought into a room, what was a window also becomes a mirror, reflecting back the contents of that room. In Jesus, not only do we have a window to God, but we also have a mirror to ourselves...Human beings were, after all, created in the image of God, but Jesus reveals what that image should look like."
In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren affirms this "back to the future" end-game when he explains, "You were created to become like Christ. From the very beginning, God's plan has been to make you like His Son, Jesus. This is your destiny and (the third) purpose of your life. God announced this intention at creation: "Then God said, 'Let us make human beings in our image and likeness'" (Genesis 1:26). In all of creation, only human beings, are made "in God's image." This is a great privilege and gives us dignity."
Incarnation, God becoming man -- is also becoming to His people. According to Dr. Rogers, "as you allow Jesus to inhabit your humanity, He'll display His deity," such that "every demand upon your humanity, becomes a demand upon His deity." Indeed, the very crux of Christian living is bound-up in -- becoming now who we already are eternally in the Lord Jesus Christ. In the words of the apostle Paul, " I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal 2:20).
Child of God, practicing the presence of God...is very becoming.
Roy Tanner
Grace that works
the test of pragmatism
While pragmatism will not always validate what’s true -- truth is evidential. But even by this limited measure of "what works," grace is revealed as the superior means to the end we all seek.
Consider the prevalence today of news headlines that expose mullahs who condone "jihad," or priests who prey on pupils, or ministers that fleece their flock—and you needn’t be a hardened skeptic to question the credibility and practical relevance of holding any faith in the divine. Surely beliefs lead to behavior. But before we sacrifice our idealism on “the alter of skepticism” though, I assert that any belief system’s efficacy can be substantiated by hard-data, with demonstrable success greatly favoring those that approach the tenets of their faith by grace.
Said differently, regardless of how much we strive (in our own strength) humanity’s proclivity for evil will eventually overcome even our best efforts to do otherwise. Conversely, while we are called to be participants in our faith’s practical outworking, only to the extent that we allow God to have His will and way in our lives, will we overcome our evil with good. From a Christian perspective, this involves a yielding to the leadership and forgiveness offered (again) by grace—through faith in Christ.
Grace relies on a theological concept found only in the Judeo-Christian doctrine of atonement, which makes allowance for God to accomplish something for mankind that we would never achieve on our own—perfection. The unmerited favor of grace, assumes that we’re accountable to the sovereign Creator’s standard, who demands justice be served, yet He provides the means to this perfect standard through His compensating love. In deed, God’s promise to reconcile humanity to Himself was accomplished at Calvary, such that those who put their trust in His “saving” work are set free from both the penalty and the power of their waywardness.
Grace avails the power of God’s Spirit to those who believe. His affect, achieving the unachievable for us, reduces the tyranny of our previous works righteousness into a compulsion of love and gratitude. Evidenced countless times throughout history in advancement of society, governing principle, acts of service and charity, God’s approach is the only hope for this world. Conversely, those who spurn His completed work, attempting to achieve self-righteousness through observance of religious ritual, application of situation ethics, or just living by selfish desire—are destined to leave a legacy of frustration and grief.
When you consider data on the rise in illegitimate births, the spread of STDs and the heartache of broken homes, the allure of promiscuity loses some of its appeal. When you examine the high incidence of premature mortality amongst the gay community, it’s hardly an endorsement of any “life” style. When collusion and greed run ahead of the checks & balances built into the free enterprise system, people’s livelihoods are ruined and their wealth is gutted. When modernity is assailed and radical fundamentalism is forced upon a populace, murder and mayhem result. Cite your instance, and strive as you may (without grace), the results remain the same—bondage and misery.
Sadly, these all too common examples of our human experience represent attempts to meet legitimate needs, albeit in an illegitimate fashion. To those who are “weary and heavy laden” in these pursuits, put grace to the “test of pragmatism.” Validate for yourself that the abundant life everyone chases is only realized by those who approach it on the basis of grace through faith in the Savior. To those that seek the true “road less traveled,” it is a journey that is marked by character building and blessing.
The data has been gathered, and the facts are in. Evidently, the only way to real life and truth is found in seeking God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.
Roy Tanner
The Spirit-Filled Life
Have you made the wonderful discovery of the Spirit-filled life? In his Keys to Dynamic Living Series, Dr. Bright addresses the Christian's abundant life in Christ. Have you ever wondered if there was something more exciting than you are experiencing as a Christian? This study describes the Christian way of life - what it is and how it works practically. The overview (excerpted below) discusses the problems of sin and temptation and the spiritual warfare of life. For more information see: http://www.ccci.org/spiritual_growth.html
Every day can be an exciting adventure for the Christian who knows the reality of being filled with the Holy Spirit and who lives constantly, moment by moment, under His gracious direction. To provide some context for this truth, the Bible tells us that there are three kinds of people:
- Natural Man (one who has not received Christ). "A natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised" (1 Corinthians 2:14);
- Spiritual Man (One who is directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit). "He who is spiritual appraises all things...We have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:15);
- And Carnal Man (One who has received Christ, but who lives in defeat because he is trying to live the Christian life in his own strength). "And I brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to carnal men, as to babes in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still carnal. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshy, and are you not walking like mere men?" (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Understanding our needs, God has provided an opportunity for an abundant and fruitful Christian life. Jesus said, "I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly" (John 10:10). "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22, 23). "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
The degree to which these traits are manifested in the life depends upon the extent to which the Christian trusts the Lord with every detail of his life, and upon his maturity in Christ. One who is only beginning to understand the ministry of the Holy Spirit should not be discouraged if he is not as fruitful as more mature Christians who have known and experienced this truth for a longer period.
Why is it that most Christians are not experiencing the abundant life?
Carnal Christians cannot experience the abundant and fruitful Christian life. The carnal man trusts in his own efforts to live the Christian life:
- He is either uninformed about, or has forgotten, God's love, forgiveness, and power (Romans 5:8-10; Hebrews 10:1-25; 1 John 1; 2:1-3; 2 Peter 1:9; Acts 1:8).
- He has an up-and-down spiritual experience.
- He cannot understand himself - he wants to do what is right, but cannot.
- He fails to draw upon the power of the Holy Spirit to live the Christian life. (1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Romans 7:15-24; 8:7; Galatians 5:16-18)
- In fact, the individual who professes to be a Christian but continues to practice sin should realize that he may not be a Christian at all (see 1 John 2:3; 3:6, 9; Ephesians 5:5).
The third truth gives us the only solution to this problem...
Jesus Promised the Abundant and Fruitful Life as the Result of Being Filled (Directed and Empowered) by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit-filled life is the Christ-directed life by which Christ lives His life in and through us in the power of the Holy Spirit (John 15), characterized by:
- One becomes a Christian through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, according to John 3:1-8. From the moment of spiritual birth, the Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit at all times (John 1:12; Colossians 2:9, 10; John 14:16, 17). Though all Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, not all Christians are filled (directed and empowered) by the Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit is the source of the overflowing life (John 7:37-39).
- The Holy Spirit came to glorify Christ (John 16:1-15). When one is filled with the Holy Spirit, he is a true disciple of Christ.
- In His last command before His ascension, Christ promised the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to be witnesses for Him (Acts 1:1-9).
How, then, can one be filled with the Holy Spirit?
We are filled by the Holy Spirit by faith; then we can experience the abundant and fruitful life which Christ promised to each Christian. You can appropriate the filling of the Holy Spirit right now if you:- Sincerely desire to be directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 5:6; John 7:37-39).
- Confess your sins. By faith thank God that He has forgiven all of your sins - past, present and future - because Christ died for you (Colossians 2:13-15; 1 John 1; 2:1-3; Hebrews 10:1-17).
- Present every area of your life to God (Romans 12:1, 2).
- By faith claim the fullness of the Holy Spirit, according to:
- His Command - Be filled with the Spirit. "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).
- His Promise - He will always answer when we pray according to His will. "And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked of Him" (1 John 5:14, 15).
Faith can be expressed through prayer...
We are filled with the Holy Spirit by faith alone. However, true prayer is one way of expressing your faith. The following is a suggested prayer:"Dear Father, I need You. I acknowledge that I have been directing my own life and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ's death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit."
Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If so, bow in prayer and trust God to fill you with the Holy Spirit right now.
How can you know that you are filled (directed and empowered) with the Holy Spirit? Did you ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit? Do you know that you are now filled with the Holy Spirit? On what authority? (On the trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word: Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:22, 23.) Do not depend upon feelings. The promise of God's Word, not our feelings, is our authority. The Christian lives by faith (trust) in the trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word.
How do we walk in the Spirit?
Faith (trust in God and in His promises) is the only means by which a Christian can live the Spirit-directed life. As you continue to trust Christ moment by moment:
- Your life will demonstrate more and more of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23) and be more conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
- Your prayer life and study of God's Word will become more meaningful.
- You will experience His power in witnessing (Acts 1:8).
- You will be prepared for spiritual conflict against the world (1 John 2:15-17); against the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17); and against Satan (1 Peter 5:7-9; Ephesians 6:10-13).
- You will experience His power to resist temptation and sin (1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 1:19-23; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 6:1-16).
Practicing "spiritual breathing"...
By faith you can continue to experience God's love and forgiveness.
If you become aware of an area of your life (an attitude or an action) that is displeasing to the Lord, even though you are walking with Him and sincerely desiring to serve Him, simply thank God that He has forgiven your sins - past, present and future - on the basis of Christ's death on the cross. Claim His love and forgiveness by faith and continue to have fellowship with Him.
If you retake the throne of your life through sin - a definite act of disobedience - breathe spiritually.
Spiritual breathing (exhaling the impure and inhaling the pure) is an exercise in faith that enables you to continue to experience God's love and forgiveness.
- Exhale - confess your sin - agree with God concerning your sin and thank Him for His forgiveness of it, according to 1 John 1:9 and Hebrews 10:1-25. Confession involves repentance - a change in attitude and action.
- Inhale - surrender the control of your life to Christ, and appropriate (receive) the fullness of the Holy Spirit by faith. Trust that He now directs and empowers you; according to the command of Ephesians 5:18, and the promise of 1 John 5:14, 15.
Dr. Bill Bright
posted by Roy Tanner @ 8:37 PM
