Inferior AND Guilty!

~ Not an “Inferiority Complex,” but Inferior! ~ 

  
A correct understanding of natural abilities, spiritual gifts, and the grace of God takes away any and all feelings of either inferiority or superiority. What do you possess which is not a gift from God?

There is an old story about a woman looking at proofs of her photography shoot. She complained to the photographer that none of the photos “do me justice.” The photographer replied, “Lady, you don’t need justice, you need mercy!”

One of the amazing things about the Bible is that it paints a realistic and disturbing portrait of its heroes—a portrait that doesn’t match the picture of a problem-free maturity. Consider some examples, Moses hit a rock twice when God had told him to speak to it (Numbers 20:7-12). David stole a woman (2 Samuel 11). Jonah got mad when his enemies turned to God (Jonah 3:10-4:11). Paul felt great despair (2 Corinthians 1:8). Elijah wished to die (1 Kings 19:1-9). Peter was snobbish at a dinner party (John 21:20-25). These and other Biblical narratives of people whom God used give me hope!

When we understand the reality of who we are and our natural tendencies, we realize it is not a question of having a “guilt complex” but rather the issue of guilt. It is not an “inferiority complex” but rather a matter of being flawed at our very core! It is not a case of being superior but rather pride in our heart—and pride is a root of all sin.

What do you have which was not given to you? There is no room for pride or feelings of superiority. What do you lack which is not within the sovereign will of God? There is no room for feelings of inferiority. 

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29 KJV). The Amplified Bible says it this way, “For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call].”

The remedy for all of these maladies is found only in the pharmacy of the Great Physician. Jesus Christ died for you. If you accept His Rx, you become His chosen representative on earth (1 Peter 2:9).

Man and woman were the epitome of creation before sin entered (with a huge element of pride). However, because of the death of Jesus Christ on your behalf, you can be restored to the top and have a right relationship with God.

For many years I have realized that every Godly person I have known has had a deep sense of their own sinfulness.

Look at the progress of spiritual maturity in the life of the Apostle Paul. At the beginning of his ministry he referred to himself as an “Apostle” (Romans 1:1, etc.). As his life progressed, he called himself “the least of apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9). Then he called himself a sinner (Romans 7) and later he called himself “the chief of sinners” (1 Peter 1:15).

Also, when I study the Word of God I also find that everyone in Scripture who had a direct encounter with God was overwhelmed by their own sinfulness. How do you view yourself? Does your view line up with the Word of God?

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

5 Fools

~ Which Fool Are You? ~

Each of us fits into one of the five types of fools.

Atheistic Fool ~ The person who has enough faith to believe that there is no master designer—no God. He lives by the motto that “there is no God.” This may be the biggest fool of all since Scripture twice makes the following statement:  “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1a & 53:1a).

Do It Yourself Fool ~ The individual who depends on their own good works—unwilling to accept the Cross of Calvary as their access to God. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Let Me Help Fool ~ The one who intellectually accepts the reality of the historical Christ but bases their salvation on something other than Christ’s death in their place for them—unwilling to accept the Cross of Calvary as their only access to God. Jesus said, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall” (Matthew 7:24-27).

Pick & Choose Fool ~ This is the person who decides for themselves which parts of God’s Word is true and reliable—unwilling to accept the whole of the Word of God. “Then He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!’” (Luke 24:25, emphasis added).

Not Really a Fool ~ The individual who is sold out to God and considered a fool by the four other classes of fools. This person seeks to respect, honor, and live for God in all they do. “We are fools for Christ's sake” (1 Corinthians 4:10a).

Martyred missionary Jim Elliot is often quoted for saying, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Centuries prior Dr. Luke wrote: “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?” (Luke 9:25 New Living Translation).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Messiah, 39

~ Messiah Would Be Rejected ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“Why do the nations conspire [the Gentiles] and the peoples [the Jews] plot in vain? The kings of the earth [the political rulers] take their stand and the rulers [the religious leaders] gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One [The Messiah]” (Psalm 2:1-2).

The Messiah  

“But first He [Jesus] must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation” (Luke 17:25).

”He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:10-13).

“I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive” (John 5:43).

   

“So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way” (Luke 4:28-30).

“And they all cried out at once, saying, ‘Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas’” (Luke 23:18).

~~~ EXPLANATORY “MESSIAH” NOTES ~~~   

(1)  Each Saturday ALN posts an example of a Hebrew Scriptures prophecy (or foreshadowing) related to the coming Messiah which was fulfilled in the birth, life, death, or resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(2)  While extensive it will not be a complete list—there are hundreds of prophecies of the coming Messiah which have been fulfilled by one man—Jesus Christ at His First Coming.

(3)  It is important that there are many more prophecies of the Messiah, yet unfulfilled, which Christians believe will be fulfilled at the time of His Second Coming.  A particularly relevant Scripture verse in this regard is: “Do not despise prophesies” (1 Thessalonians 5:20).

(4)  These posts will typically consist only of Scripture—which speaks for itself.  Sometimes italicized or bold font will be used by ALN for emphasis.

(5)  The numbering of these fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah is used to differentiate individual posts. It is not chronological (either by time of the prophecy or by sequence in the life of the Messiah).  The posting sequence will, for the most part, be in the order that the prophecies appear in Scripture.

(6)  Because of the chosen methodology (#5 above) we will find many specific prophecies repeated multiple times throughout the Scriptures.

(7)  These serial posts are in addition to our regular Tuesday ALN postings on random topics.

(8)  Subscription to ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog is simple—just use the link on the left sidebar.  Once subscribed you will not miss future posts.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Spiritual Arithmetic, 2

~ The Early Church Understood the 4 Functions ~

Previously (October 4, 2011) ALN posted a piece entitled “Spiritual Arithmetic.” In this second post we examine the arithmetic of the early Christian church.

Addition (three thousand added)  ~   “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’  Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.  And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:40-42).

Subtraction (two taken away)  ~   “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.’ Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, ‘Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?’ She said, ‘Yes, for so much.’ Then Peter said to her, ‘How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.’ Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things” (Acts 5:1-11). 

Multiplication (disciples multiplied)  ~    “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’ And the saying pleased the whole multitude” (Acts 6:1-5a).

Division (scattered abroad)  ~   “Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1-2). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW