HEADING FOR HOME

The old saying goes, “There’s no place like home!”  There is a restlessness—a longing—in every child of God for home. When I have been away on mission trips or revival services, those have been a blessing, but it is always good to get home. This world is not our home. Our home is heaven, and we long for it. We want to see our Father’s face. That is the thrust of 2 Corinthians 5. The Apostle speaks of “a building,” “a house,” “our habitation.”  Paul reminds us that wherever we are and whatever stage of our pilgrimage, we are heading for home.  

This SUSTAINS A GOOD CONFIDENCE, (v.1-10). Twice, the Apostle mentions we are, “confident,” (v.6, 8 ).  

This is our guarantee, (v.1-5).  “He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee,” (v.5). The hope of heaven is not just a possibility—it is a certainty!  God’s eternal Spirit indwelling us gives us the assurance, as the downpayment on our new home in heaven. 

How we long for home!  In this body we “groan,” as Paul twice underscores (v.2, 4). Yet, we know someday the groans will yield to glory!  This old house I live in now is in a state of decay. The fabric of this tent is wearing out. It will soon be unfit for habitation. So, God is preparing a new home for my soul. There we will be forever freed of life’s burdens!

This is our goal, (v.6-10), “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well-pleasing to Him,” (v.9). Each day on earth—no matter the temptations and trials—we can face the future with courage for we know that God is at work behind the scenes, guiding us through this world and preparing a place for us in the next. With this knowledge, we have the goal of pleasing Him, knowing that we are answerable to Him. The judgment seat of Christ awaits, where we will  gain reward or lose it, as our works are tested by fire as to the enduring quality of “gold, silver, precious stones,” or “wood, hay, straw,” (cf. 1 Cor.3:10-15). It is not a matter of whether we will get in to  heaven, but the degree of reward awaiting. Preacher, we do have a measure of responsibility to people, but ultimately our accountability is to God. Our goal is not to please a board, but the Lord!

Knowing that we are heading for home not only sustains a good confidence, but SUPPLIES A GREAT COMMISSION, “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” (v.18-20). 

This speaks of our motivation, (v.11-15). “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men,” (v.11a). This is our sacred why.  Because hell is hot and heaven is sweet, we recognize our accountability to share the Gospel. Love for our Lord and those who are lost compel us. We are not our own. We belong to Jesus. He has given us a mission. 

This points to our ministry, (v.16-20). “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,” (v.18). This is our sacred what. Though Jesus was fully God, He became fully man—now raised and ascended as forever glorified humanity. This means that in Him, we are not what we once were, and are forever changed. God has made us a new creation in Christ. As the Risen Lord was the same Jesus, yet different in His resurrection body, we are still the same person, but made new in regeneration—and more changes to come!  Because of what Christ has done, we who were sinners are now sons, reconciled to Holy God. He has appointed us His ambassadors. We are in a foreign land, representing our King. He wants peace with the citizens of this world. It is our task to extend the offer. While it is certainly true that each child of God is to share the Gospel, preachers must set the pattern. 

This presents us our message, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (v.21). This is our sacred word.  It may well be that this verse encapsulates the Gospel as well as any single text of Scripture. We have Christ’s incarnation, “He made him;” His qualification, “who knew no sin,” Christ’s substitution, “to be sin for us;” His justification, “that we might become the righteousness of God;” and His imputation, “in Him.” This is “the word of reconciliation,” (v.19b).  Man of God, wherever you begin your sermon make sure you end it at the cross!

SCRIPTURAL SATURATION

 

When first introduced to Stephen in Acts 6, we are told he was “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,” (Acts‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬‬). This fullness of faith came from a Scripturally saturated life. Paul stated that, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” (Rom. 10:17). So, it stands to reason that the more of God’s Word we have in us, the fuller our faith will be. Likewise, we are called to obedience, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only,” (James 1:22a). This yielding to Scripture is the emptying of self and the filling of the Spirit. Stephen sets the standard of a Scripturally saturated servant of God such as all God’s preachers need to be. 

He was BIBLICAL IN HIS EXPOSITION, (Acts 7:1-50). Stephen based his sermon on the Old Testament. He was able to speak spontaneously because he had studied scrupulously. Jesus promised, “A good man put of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things,” (Matt. 12:35). Yet, the Spirit can only bring out what we have put in!  Too many preachers have been like Old Mother Hubbard who went to her cupboard to get her poor dog a bone, and when she got there the cupboard was bare so the poor dog had none.”  We cannot feed God’s flock on Sunday morning, if we have not filled our soul with the Word during the week. 

He was BOLD IN HIS EXHORTATION, (Acts 7:51-60). Because His sermon was Biblical, his stand was bold. He did not waver from the truth. His communication confronted the congregants with the need for commitment to that truth. He was only responsible for being faithful; the hearers were accountable for their response. 

Stephen saw the rejection of the message by the listeners. If everyone is pleased with what we say, then it is likely the Lord is not. “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets,” (Lk. 6:26). They extolled the false prophets for they told them what they wanted to hear instead of the truth they needed to know.

But, Stephen also saw the reception of him as messenger by the Lord. As Stephen sealed his testimony with his own blood, the Lord honored his man by standing up, ready to welcome him, when he arrived home in heaven. I think of the old Gospel song, William Willingham—one of my Bible professors at Fruitland—used to sing:

It will be worth it all
when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small
when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face,
all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race
till we see Christ. (Lyrics and Music: Esther Kerr Rusthoi)

This is the satisfaction waiting the man of Scriptural saturation!  Now, open that Book!  Digest the truth, so you may declare it faithfully and fearlessly!

PREACHER IN THE PIT

 

There will be preachers in hell. Judas Iscariot is the prototype. He stands as a warning that the externals of religion—the appearance of being a follower of Christ with much religious activity—does not make us regenerate. Here is the solemn warning:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”  (Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭15‬-‭23‬‬)

Sadly, there are wolves wearing sheep’s clothing—and even masquerading as shepherds!  

I must search my own heart—inviting the Spirit of God to shine the spotlight of Scripture into my soul. “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;” (II Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬‬).

It is a sobering fact—there will be people who sat in a pew on Sunday who will be in hell someday. It is also a grave reality that there will be those who stood in a pulpit on Sunday who will be there as well!  Judas Iscariot is one. What about you?

Lord, I care not for riches,
Neither silver nor gold;
I would make sure of Heaven,
I would enter the fold.
In the book of Thy kingdom,
With its pag­es so fair,
Tell me, Jesus, my Savior,
Is my name written there?

Is my name written there,
On the page white and fair?
In the book of Thy kingdom,
Is my name written there?

Lord, my sins they are many,
Like the sands of the sea,
But Thy blood, O my Savior,
Is sufficient for me;
For Thy promise is written,
In bright letters that glow,
Though your sins be as scarlet,
I will make them like snow.

Is my name written there,
On the page white and fair?
In the book of Thy kingdom,
Is my name written there?

Oh! that beautiful city,
With its mansions of light,
With its glorified beings,
In pure garments of white;
Where no evil thing cometh
To despoil what is fair;
Where the angels are watching,
Yes, my name’s written there.

Is my name written there,
On the page white and fair?
In the book of Thy kingdom,

Is my name written there?  (Frank M. Davis)

HERALDS OF HOPE

 

Preachers are to be heralds of hope.  A herald in John’s day was a messenger of the king who went ahead of his lord’s arrival to prepare for his coming. That is what preachers are and what we do. Our announcement is that, “The King is coming!”  We are to prepare the people. Their destiny is glorious. No matter their struggle now, despite the situation today, the promise is that some golden daybreak Jesus will come. John beheld this incomparable glory in Revelation 21.

We must preach THE HOPE OF OUR DELIVERANCE, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.”  (Rev.21:1). John was isolated on a prison island. Surrounded by stormy seas, those waters shut him away from his church family. To think of that barrier removed was cause for rejoicing!  Captive to our challenging circumstances can get old. Yet, God will make all things new!

We must proclaim THE HOPE OF OUR DWELLING, “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (Rev.21:2-3).  We must continually remind our congregation not to settle down in this world. If people are comfortable with their status, we are to remind them that it is passing away. God has infinitely better prepared. On the other hand, if people seem captive to their situation in the world, we are to reinforce that relief is coming.  We are not home yet!

We must herald THE HOPE OF OUR DELIGHT,  “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev.‭21‬:‭‭4). All that brings sorrow and suffering here is caused by sin.  The delight of a world of absolute holiness and its happiness awaits God’s people!  Let us be faithful as God’s preachers to remind our members to live for eternity!

THE MAIN THING

 Repeatedly, I have preached from this text when I have been considered by a church to serve as their pastor. I wanted them to know up front, before they extended a call to me, the focus of my ministry. Keeping the main thing the main thing is a challenge. Yet, by God’s grace these must be our priorities in ministry.  

THE PRIORITY OF BUILDING, “building yourselves up on your most holy faith.”  We are to be body builders. While it is true that Jesus builds His church, we have a choice to practice the spiritual disciplines that will build our faith and that of others. It is foundational to ministry—a passion to grow the people in spiritual health and God will bring the numerical growth.

THE PRIORITY OF PRAYING, “praying in the Holy Spirit.”  All our efforts will be in vain unless energized by God’s power—and that power comes through prayer. Otherwise, we are on a religious treadmill—running hard but never getting anywhere.  The pastor must be a man of prayer and call the church to be a house of prayer.

THE PRIORITY OF LOVING, “keep yourselves in the love of God.”  To love God and our neighbor is the great commandment. We must fuel the fire of love. Recall Paul’s words, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal,” (1 Cor.13:1). Eloquence in preaching cannot mask the absence of love from a preacher’s heart.  Never compromise your convictions, but stand and speak them with compassion.

THE PRIORITY OF LOOKING, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”  All we do is meant to be in view of eternity.  We must serve as those who will give account at the consummation of the age. The precious souls in our charge are to be reminded that this world is not our home. They are more likely to be looking up and looking ahead, if we demonstrate that ourselves and declare it in our messages.

THE PRIORITY OF REACHING, “And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”  Some sinners we reach are broken people, open to the Gospel, and will respond to the good news eagerly. But, we must make a distinction, for others are hardened in apathy, or will even respond with hostility to the Gospel. We must prioritize the former, while not neglecting the latter.  

As they are on the precipice of a fiery hell, we must pull them out of the inferno of iniquity. Yet, as we reach out to them in their wicked environment, we must be cautious about being defiled by the same. Loving sinners means hating sin—as we see its destructive nature.  Be as sure of their true repentance and seek evidence of regeneration before bringing them into the church, lest they be wolves in sheep’s clothing and bring harm to the flock. This calls for discernment and it is our duty as shepherds.

My prayer for you:  “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.”  (Jude‬ ‭1:24-25‬‬)

THE GRAVITY OF THE GOSPEL

 

Preaching is serious business. There will be a severity in the preacher’s judgment before God for there is a gravity in his assignment to men. Paul’s strong rebuke here is not for a church member who strays into sin, but for the pastor who errs in his sermon.

Improper motivation may be the spark that ignites the hellish fire of Gospel distortion.  The desire to please men may temper our passion for reproof and cause us to tailor our proclamation to suit the congregation’s fancy.   Pride goes before a fall,  and the Apostle does not mince words when he calls upon such ear-tickling, man-pleasing preachers to fall into the abyss!  It is horrible to consider that a pastor might end up in hell—and far worse, be the pied piper who charms others to follow!

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”  (Galatians‬ ‭1:8-9‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

We can fear God or fear people.  We can seek God’s approval or man’s. We can speak in view of earthly gain or eternal reward. We will choose one to the exclusion of the other.  “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1:10‬)

If we please God, it is certain that we will displease many people. Our intent is not to be obnoxious preachers whose goal is to offend, but that the approval or censure of man is immaterial—rather we pursue the commendation of God. Just know that there is a price to pay for that. But, the cost of perverting the Gospel is infinitely more. This is the gravity of the Gospel—the difference between heaven and hell.