Belief as Righteousness

He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. (Romans 4:19-25 ESV)

Sometimes we doubt Jesus and his resurrection. Mainly because we were not witnesses. Seeing is believing in our culture. I doubt. These are my dark times. I ask, Is Jesus really worth it? Or am I being played the fool?

Belief is counted as righteousness. Abraham was not counted righteous by his works or circumcision, just as I am not saved by works or baptism. He believed in his God as he got super old and his wife was barren. He believed the promise given to him, namely, that he would be the Father of many nations. This belief was counted as righteousness. He never saw until it happened. He didn’t even have Scripture. Yet he believed.

Paul tells us that we then can be counted as righteous, if we Believe in Abraham’s God who raised Jesus from the dead, the Jesus who died in our place, for our sin.

No exhaustive list of to dos, but simple belief. This is refreshing. As the prayer of a sinner earlier in scripture says, “I believe, help me in my unbelief.”

 

Kingdom and Identity

If you are at all involved in the ministry I am, or have read much of my writings, you know I can get obsessed with two things, Identity and Kingdom. I am convinced that our identity needs to be in the Kingdom and that the Kingdom shapes our identity. The Kingdom is here and coming is this good news called gospel. Jesus’ work on the cross and raising from the dead began this kingdom reign. We now need to be defined by the gospel, namely, King and His kingdom. 

As I prepare for a youth retreat about Identity in Christ here’s what I thought upon:

The curse means your identity is in success, status, power, acceptance of others. 

School becomes the breeding ground for this. Education is success. But success in what? This identity becomes unstable because it’s dependent on things that come and go. The Broken Curse and new life in Jesus means our identity is stable, because Jesus overcame death and defeated brokenness, sickness, sin, and replaced it with life and wholeness. He truly is as Peter calls him, the Cornerstone! That’s who I want as my king, namely, someone who can give me stability in who I am.

 

Ashamed of Jesus?

We often face shame when pushed on our beliefs as Christians. From high school drama to work place pressure. Why? Why are we ashamed the the gospel is the power for a transformational life in Christ.

Is it because we are not transformed?

When the smallest persecution comes, we can see what our faith is made of. Is it based on the life changing power in Jesus? If we have never been changed by Jesus, why would we want to share Jesus with people. But, if we have been changed by Jesus then let’s not hold back the good news and power of Jesus.

Is it because we have never thought of it?

Write it out. The biggest part to overcoming shame for the gospel is knowing how the gospel has shaped you. Write out your story so you can give an answer when called upon! Peter tells us this clearly, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” 1 Peter 3:15. Most of us are not great when put on the spot. We must write it out and be prepared. It is like telling a story of that scar on your left leg or why you have that one bald spot or that time you almost died.

If Jesus is Lord of our heart and we have written out our story and thought of how we would tell it, then telling is becomes easier. We love Jesus, so let’s share about him.