Faithful on Fridays Blog

Episode Eight: Already

As Jesus walked toward the cross His mind remained on the Kingdom of God as He focused His disciples on the Day He’d return on the clouds with power and great glory setting up His final kingdom. He told two last stories to help them prepare for That Day: Ten Virgins and the Talents.

The story of the virgins has two crucial truths the disciples needed to hear: always be watching and ready for Him since you don’t know when That Day will be. In the story five of them had full oil lamps and five didn’t; that’s the lower story. How can we be sure our upper story lamps are full? Oil is an image of the presence of the Holy Spirit, consequently our lamps become our hearts that need to be daily filled with Him. Paul wrote,

‘Be filled, and keep being filled, with the Spirit’ Eph. 5:18b

Spending time with God in prayer and worship, Scripture reading and studying, serving others, and obedience to His will and not your own are ways to be filled with the Spirit. That helps you to eagerly and expectantly watch and wait for His return. There’s no shortcut to an intimate relationship, as the first five women found out, it takes discipline and consistency like any relationship. 

The second parable gets real; it shows the value God puts on the spiritual gifts He distributes for the benefit of others. You can choose to use them or not, but there’s reward in heaven for those who serve others. Do you want to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master,” or “Cast this servant into outer darkness …?” A true believer wants to please the Lord, dedicates his life, and is willing to sacrifice serving Him and others as well. 

Completing His teachings (Matt. 25) Jesus made one last reference to the Kingdom of God,

Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:34 

That’s a great segue for the last part of this series: The Not Yet. We dug our foundation with God’s plan of redemption from before time, we’ve discovered Jesus’ many teachings on the already nature of living in the kingdom, and next week we begin our study of what’s ahead for believers. It’s called eternal life and apparently He’s already preparing that place for us (John 14:1-3). At the Last Supper Jesus told His disciples He’d be leaving, but would returning for them so they’d be together for eternity. We get ready for His Return and He gets ready for our arrival. It’s a heavenly homeland (Heb. 11:16) prepared for those who love Him (1 Cor. 2:9-10) that has been kept in heaven until the Last Time (1 Peter 1:4-5). That’s good plan for those on the right.

Fruit of the Spirit

Part One

It amazes me when I talk to believers about faith and they list the things they do. Now, don’t get me wrong, these are usually good things: “I go to church, read my Bible, and pray.” Paul wrote to the church in Galatia, who were being deceived, to remind them of their freedom in Christ and not depending on works for salvation. 

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. Galatians 5:1 

In Galatians 5 Paul reminds us that we are free to do whatever we want; the question is what do we want to do? What drives us in life? Since those who trust in Jesus for salvation are no longer slaves why do we go back to things we know we shouldn’t do?

But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. Galatians 5:5 

Oh … it’s about life in the Spirit. 

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 

Paul continued in this chapter showing us that the power of the Spirit living in us  changes our lives and we can walk in total freedom. God’s best for us is to be driven by the Spirit and serve others. Pretty simple, right?

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:16-17 

It sounds like there’s a war going on in our hearts and minds, opposing forces battling for a Spirit-filled life; whose side are you on? Paul gave us a sample of desires of the flesh in verses 19-21 in case we weren’t sure: look it up, it’s grim. However, he doesn’t leave us there, but reminds us of the contrast of life in the Spirit.

Here are some excerpts:

• Living by the Spirit (used twice)

• Walking by the Spirit

• Led by the Spirit

• Desires of the Spirit

• Fruit of the Spirit

• Keeping in step with the Spirit

All those phrases are used by Paul in Galatians 5 for the express purpose of showing the benefits of Spirit-filled believers. How do you know if you’re a Spirit-filled believer? That’s the point of the metaphor of fruit: what’s growing in your life? Which side is winning this war; Paul says it’s evident. People watch you, listen to you, and analyze what you say, it’s evident to them if you’re different. So don’t get caught up in what you do as much as who you are.

Episode Seven: Already

Matthew 13 is famous for Jesus’ rapid fire of eight consecutive parables describing what the Kingdom of Heaven is like: four seed stories, leaven, hidden treasure, a pearl and a net. He closed this series (vs. 52) by announcing that all teachers need to be prepared or trained with these new truths as well as the old ones. Jesus didn’t disqualify the Law and the Prophets, He fulfilled them. In that way He created a new way of living in freedom and newness of life. His disciples needed to understand that the ‘old ways’ of Judaism, the first covenant, was being replaced with ‘new ways’ of Christianity calling them treasures.

But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant He mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. Hebrews 8:6

The prophet Jeremiah prepared God’s chosen people for this ‘new covenant’ by declaring it would be in their minds and written in hearts (31:31-34), additionally, in His mercy He won’t remember their sins anymore. 

In speaking of a new covenant, He makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. Hebrews 8:13 

The New Covenant was ratified by Jesus’ own blood when He paid the ultimate price for our sin. Now, the Kingdom of Heaven includes forgiveness, undeserved grace and mercy, freedom to choose, and on and on. It’s a new and better way of living (Heb. 10:20); it’s Kingdom living. We also need to understand that Kingdom living is not about obeying rules or working for God’s acceptance reassuring those in our sphere of influence of the value of faith.

Understanding those upper stories is vital to sharing the gospel of the Kingdom and the disciples were getting it, yet they also fell back into lower story thinking asking Jesus (Matt. 18) who will be the greatest in this kingdom? Jesus used this opportunity to show, once again, it begins with childlike humility and forgiveness. When Peter asked about it Jesus told a parable that taught the danger of not forgiving people who sin against you; it’ll put you in spiritual prison (Matt. 18:23-35). 

Another ‘new way’ of kingdom living is recognizing that God’s authority is sovereign and what seems unfair to us isn’t, in His perspective. He told a parable of workers who received the same pay even though they worked different lengths of time. It seemed unfair, but Jesus was teaching that in the Kingdom of Heaven He chooses what’s right and acts accordingly. Some Christian doctrines don’t seem fair in our eyes, but ultimately God chooses, elects, and invites whomsoever He will into His Kingdom (see Luke 14). 

Passion Week was recorded by Matthew beginning in chapter 21, fortunately Jesus isn’t finished teaching us about this invisible Kingdom that we can’t physically see, but it’s already here in the midst of us (Luke 17:20). 

*** I’m taking a two week break from posting on my blog going on vacation. Hope you’ll stay with me until I return.

Fruit of the Spirit

Part One

It amazes me when I talk to believers about faith and they list the things they do. Now, don’t get me wrong, these are usually good things: “I go to church, read my Bible, and pray.” The attitude is, “That should do it” but does it? Paul didn’t agree so he wrote to the church in Galatia, who were being deceived, to remind them of their freedom in Christ. 

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. Galatians 5:1 

In Galatians 5 Paul reminds us that we are free to do whatever we want; the question is what do we want to do? What drives us in life? Since those who trust in Jesus for salvation are no longer slaves why do we go back to things we know we shouldn’t do?

But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. Galatians 5:5 

Oh … it’s about life in the Spirit. 

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 

Paul continued in this chapter showing us that the power of the Spirit living in us  changes our lives and we can walk in total freedom. God’s best for us is to be driven by the Spirit and serve others. Pretty simple, right?

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:16-17 

It sounds like there’s a war going on in our hearts and minds, opposing forces battling for a victorious life; whose side are you on? It’s pretty easy to tell, Paul even gave us a sample of desires of the flesh in verses 19-21 in case we weren’t sure: take a look at it, it’s grim. However, he doesn’t leave us there, but reminds us of the contrast of life in the Spirit.

Here are some excerpts:

• Living by the Spirit (used twice)
• Walking by the Spirit
• Led by the Spirit
• Desires of the Spirit
• Fruit of the Spirit
• Keeping in step with the Spirit

All those phrases are used by Paul in Galatians 5 for the express purpose of showing the benefits of Spirit-filled believers. How do you know if you’re a Spirit-filled believer? That’s the point of the metaphor of fruit: what’s growing in your life? Which side is winning this war; Paul says it’s evident. People watch you, listen to you, and analyze what you say, it’s evident to them if you’re different; it’s time for a fruit inspection.

Episode Six: Already

As Jesus continued to explain the Kingdom of Heaven to the crowds He changed from seeds to other experiences of life. This imagery of ‘kingdom’ is pervasive throughout life, He said … just like leaven (Matt. 13:33). Yeast takes time to bubble up and permeate the bowl. Just like seeds underground, you trust that God’s hidden power, like yeast, is working in secret as you share the Kingdom of God. 

For the Kingdom of God isn’t just a lot of talk; it’s living by God’s power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 

As the crowds dispersed Jesus continued His leadership training in private; it was vital His followers understood the Kingdom of God and their new way of living. Sometimes it’s hidden and sometimes obvious, but nevertheless, God’s kingdom is working wherever there’s faith in Christ.

Remember, those without faith can’t understand the upper story, but with faith you receive the Spirit’s revelation. In the stories of ‘hidden treasure’ and the ‘pearl’ Jesus taught the value God places on our response to the gospel of the kingdom. Some people are searching for God and others couldn’t care less, but He knows who’ll respond with humility and sacrifice. The kingdom is like a valuable treasure that’s hidden in a field, someone stumbles over it, their heart is moved, and they cover it up while they ponder the truths of God’s love and care for them. Could it be true? Joy bubbles up and they have to buy that field! When God reveals His love and forgiveness we’re willing to give up anything to follow Him. From another angle, someone may be searching for God and finds His grace and forgiveness moving them to give up anything to receive this valuable gift. He’s looking for that ‘one pearl’ that will change his life,

The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. Psalms 27:4 

“There’s still one thing you haven’t done,” He told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you’ll have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” Mark 10:21

… but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, Phil. 3:13b

Finally, the ‘net’ parable is serious for Jesus followers; Judgment Day is coming and there’s a destiny for every person depending on their response to the gospel. Fishermen throw out a dragnet catching a variety of fish that need to be separated: good from bad. That’s our assignment, cast the gospel net and God does the rest: Destiny is His business. 

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season. 2 Tim. 4:1-2a

Parable of the Sower: Good Soil

Teaching fifth grade science was enlightening for me; my unit on botany is a good example. Identifying parts of a plant, how they receive nutrition and grow was helpful, but the value of good soil was classic. The kids loved it when I explained that good soil is made up of dead things: sticks, sand, minute rocks, decomposing animal and insect parts. 

As we complete the Parable of the Sower it’s vital to talk about death. Jesus explained that fruit grows in good soil, full of dead stuff, but requires a heart that hears God’s Word, understands it, accepts or clings to it with an honest heart and then, with patience, fruit comes. What a simple explanation and yet so many people leave out the dead stuff. 

If our desire is to grow spiritual fruit then we have to die to some things. Time in God’s  Word and prayer must take priority over sleeping in or reading our email. Participating in a small group ministry or Bible Study must take precedence over other opportunities that occupy our time. Resisting temptation or sin is a death, especially if you have some habits that are addictive, but God promises to give you power to resist those temptations to sin. Dying to yourself may also include loving your enemy, blessing those who persecute you, or being generous when you’d rather keep the money for yourself. Death.

Soil may need fertilizer, soil enhancements, or other added nutrients to cause optimum growth. Therefore we add prayer, worship, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, I think you see where I’m going, to result in good soil. We also cannot let our soil grow fallow. That’s a field that’s been plowed, but left unseeded during a growing season. This inactivity leaves uncultivated soil that’s dormant or idle. God desires to see us actively living for Him, kingdom living, whose yield is exponential. 

Sometimes we think that ‘big’ means ‘doing it right’ but think about this; an average yield is 7.5 times the seed sown. Jesus said that if you maintained good soil you would yield 30, 60, or even 100 times. Thirty times is huge, however, you don’t decide the size of your harvest, God does. If you’re involved in ministry that’s fruitful but small in number, rejoice, in His sovereignty God has chosen a 30 for you. Maybe you’re involved in a ministry that’s a little bigger, a 60; be careful not to look down on a 30, both are designed by God. 

I challenge you to be honest with yourself; did God’s Word get planted in your heart this week and is it producing fruit? Are you experiencing love, joy, and peace regardless of your outward circumstances? Are you stronger in patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Gal. 5)? It’s a physical law of botany and a spiritual law of scripture: you will harvest what you plant in cultivated soil. Whether your yield is a 30, 60, or a 100: be content.

Episode Five: Already

Jesus made the powerful declaration in the Lord’s Prayer, “Kingdom Come! Will be done on earth as in heaven.”  Those anointed words show the crucial nature of the Kingdom of God already a reality.

When Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) He expressed truths we shouldn’t miss. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else …, enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate …, follow God’s commandments, teach others, and you’ll be great in the Kingdom of Heaven, additionally, only those who do the will of My Father will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Thankfully, his four seed-parables from Matt. 13 and Mark 4 give us insight into understanding the secrets of the Kingdom: The Parable of the Sower, The Growing Seed, The Wheat and Weeds, and The Mustard Seed. We’ve already looked at why people don’t receive the seed of God’s Word when we share, but we still get frustrated. We witness and testify of God’s love and grace, the higher life is right here; why don’t they respond (Parable of the Sower)? 

The second seed-parable Jesus told reveals the process of The Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29) comforting us that when we testify of God’s goodness we remember it’s a slow process. You don’t plant a seed one day and there’s fruit the next. It requires patience recognizing there’s a lot happening underground we can’t see: the seed coat needs to break open, gravity draws the roots down, and the baby plant reaches up to the light. This all takes time, but eventually the fruit ripens and it’s harvest time; God’s Kingdom is like that (Is. 55:10-11).

Next, Jesus explained His story (Matt. 13:36-44) of the good seed (wheat) and the bad seed (weeds). He reminded us of an enemy opposing our every move to share the Kingdom. Jesus planted good seed in us mandating we go and do likewise, yet realizing Satan is sowing bad seeds at the same time: social media, news outlets, or politics are often weed-seeds. Pointing us to the end of this age or time, He clearly addressed the separation of believers and unbelievers. Judgment Day is real.

Lastly, The Mustard Seed; that tiny, insignificant seed planted as we share God’s love and mercy with others. Jesus desires us to know that every word we speak about Him doesn’t go unnoticed; He sees it all. Again, seeds take time to germinate; you may be the first, tenth, or even hundredth time someone hears the message, but when it does take root God nourishes it to full growth. The smallest, seemingly unimportant seed you sow becomes the largest plant providing shade, shelter, and protection for those who receive the seed.

Moral of the four stories? Recognizing obstacles to responding to God’s Word, including Satan, we share His message of the Kingdom of God remembering it’s a process that takes time and patience. The smallest kindness in His Name will have an effect so … ‘shine the sun’ in His Kingdom now.

Parable of the Sower: Strangled Heart

After a gardener has tilled the hard ground, removed any rocks, he must keep careful watch for weeds. Weeds/thorns can cut off life from the fruit by strangling it, therefore, the plant isn’t able to mature due to this choke-hold. Notice that the plant was growing alongside these thorny weeds; the picture is outside influences preventing fruit from maturing. Do you see the spiritual connection?

Jesus identified the thorny plants for us: the cares of the world, deceitfulness of riches, desire for other things, and pleasures of life. I find myself influenced by several of those categories at various times in my life. Do you find worldly influences choking out God’s Word and a victorious kingdom life? Are there times when you’re double-minded; you want to go one way, but sense the Holy Spirit leading you in another? Which way do you choose? Are you so busy with life that God has become an outsider, just looking in? Is there a choke-hold in your mind that’s suffocating the voice of the Spirit?

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:17 

The thorns of life are inevitable while living in the world, but we can’t let them twist around and choke our fruit.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

Jesus once got angry at a tree, isn’t that funny, (Mark 11:12-26) because it looked good on the outside but had no fruit. After Peter questioned him Jesus compared it to our faith without the influence of doubt. He spoke to that tree and it withered, consequently, He taught that we can speak to mountains and they will move. That’s the kind of fruit we need: mountain-moving faith. Jesus continued to encourage us to forgive others (vs. 25-26) and pray in faith:

I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. Mark 11:24 

Forgiveness is fruit you want to cultivate today, then your Father, in turn, will forgive you: you only harvest the seeds you plant. Interestingly, the same word for thorns is used for Jesus’ crown of thorns. He was a mock-king by wearing it, however, it symbolized our forgiveness on the cross. To experience kingdom living we also must display the fruit of forgiveness.

Lastly, when we share Jesus with anyone they have heart conditions to consider as well. We can pray for the Spirit to reveal any spiritual hardness, spiritual rocks, or thorns as we share God’s Word praying for better soil and the release of fruit. 

Episode Four: Already

As you read this series my hope is that you’re seeing God’s plan from before time: kingdom living! It’s knowing that you’re royalty in God’s invisible realm and reigning with Him even now, and yet not completely.

For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6 

The Kingdom of God is already here, we’re no longer dead to God but alive in Christ, and in the invisible kingdom (the upper story) we’re already seated with Him. I know that’s a mystery, especially if you’re looking at the your outward circumstances, but God wants us to look past them and to spiritual realities. 

God’s people anticipated this kingdom (Daniel 2) after King Nebuchadnezzar had Daniel interpret his dream of five kingdoms. Historically, the first four came to power and dissolved, however, the fifth kingdom was different. It wasn’t made by hands, but by a Stone; the ‘revealer of mysteries’ had spoken. 

For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:11-12

So everyone was waiting for this fifth kingdom, the one where God will reign, and Jesus enters telling stories and revealing these spiritual mysteries beginning with the Parable of the Sower, which thankfully, Jesus interpreted for us (Matt. 13:18-23). The seed is the Word of the kingdom and different types of hearts will hear this message. If it’s a hard heart the evil one will steal the seed because their hearts need to be softened for it to penetrate. If the heart is rocky they may joyfully receive this message of kingdom living, but their hearts remain shallow, they have no roots and their outward circumstances cause them to fall away. Hearts that are thorny, explained Jesus, are those who allow the world, riches, and pleasures of life to choke out the kingdom. He clearly revealed this mystery of the kingdom as beginning in the good soil of our hearts.

If you’d like to experience kingdom living, even though you can’t see it yet, then begin evaluating your own heart. Jesus said it’s a privilege to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God but you need good soil,

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.” Matthew 13:16-17

How do you handle stress, disappointment, or frustration? Ask your family for the truth. Kingdom living means you control anger, treat everyone with kindness, and easily forgive. That’s the ‘already’ of the Kingdom of God. 

Parable of the Sower: Shallow Heart

Kids love to play with modeling clay; it encourages creativity and it’s fun. The soil around my house is plagued with clay, but it’s not fun. I quickly learned that removal was necessary if I wanted my flowers to grow and flourish so I began the long process of digging out buckets of clay. The clay needed to go because it kept the depth of rich soil quite shallow. That’s our second heart condition: shallow soil.

Jesus continued His story (Matt. 13, Mark 4, Luke 8) describing a heart that’s full of rocks. The point isn’t the rocks or clay, but the lack of good soil for the plants to root in. Strong roots anchor plants, bring in water, and nutrients, consequently, a beautiful flower or fruit. With that picture in mind Jesus explained that our hearts are like that; we were created for depth. 

For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep. Psalm 64:6b 

I often hear that people leave churches because they need more depth; the teaching and preaching isn’t deep enough. News Flash! It may not be the preacher; it may be your heart. To be even clearer, Jesus described this shallow heart. You immediately receive the Word of God with joy and excitement, you last for a while, but because the good soil has no depth, the roots can’t thrive and you begin to wilt. Your faith is tested when life becomes hard and because you haven’t removed the rocks or clay from your heart, you fall away.

What’s the remedy for a shallow heart? Paul tells us that Holy Spirit revelation comes through your time with God. Yes, that four-letter word that everyone moans about: Time.

… these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10 

I encourage you today, whether the metaphor is soil or water:

Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch. Luke 5:4b 

God is offering revelation when you open His Word and pray.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways! Romans 11:33 

It’s your responsibility to change your soil so fill your buckets with rock and clay-excuses and make God a priority for your day. You don’t have to be a shallow believer, the depth of your heart is calling out for the deep things of God (Ps. 42:7). Go for it!

… be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19