Jesus

Eternal Life 

pjimgallagher1 Comment

John 5:21
“For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”

This is amazing! Jesus promises to give life. It is always tragic to watch people killing themselves, in an attempt to find life. Our country, our world, our communities, even many of our homes, are plagued with substance abuse, as people search for life. We seem to have an epidemic of extreme sports, with people risking life in order to experience life. All the while, Jesus is promising to give it away freely to any who will come to Him.

John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from            death into life.”

The life Jesus offers not only gives meaning to living, but is the only way to prepare for death. All of us are on a journey, and that journey will take us through the gateway of death, face to face with the one true God.

John 5:29 “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

No matter what road you choose to walk in life, the end of that road will take you to the throne of God. If you choose to reject God for a certain lifestyle, or even denounce the existence of God, you will still find yourself standing before the throne of God, awaiting the sentence of eternity. There is only one way to prepare for that day, that is by receiving Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that as many as believe in Him, will have the privilege of becoming the children of God, and as children, become heirs of eternal life (John1:12). Sadly, even at the time of Christ we read,

John 5:40 “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”

I pray that is not true of you! I pray you will come to Him and receive purpose, meaning, value in living, and the free gift of eternal life.

Pastor Jim

 

That’s Far Enough 

pjimgallagher2 Comments

Numbers 32:5
“Therefore they said, ‘If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not take us over the Jordan.’”

The request of Reuben and Gad to remain on the East side of the Jordan, outside the land of promise, was as shocking to Moses as it is to us. When he first heard it, Moses was reminded of the events almost forty years earlier, when the ten spies refused to enter the land, and discouraged the hearts of the people. After thirty-eight years of circling the desert, watching countless numbers of his friends and loved ones die, Moses wanted nothing to do with part time commitments or compromise. The tribal leaders assured Moses their request had nothing to do with compromise; they would accompany Israel into the land to further the work of God. While they ardently declared they were as committed as the rest of the tribes, the evidence tells another story.

It was not long before their compromise affected the other tribes. When the chapter begins, we read of two tribes wanting to settle East of the Jordan. By the end, we read of a third tribe splitting, and half of the people joining with Reuben and Gad. Compromise, like commitment always seems to bear children. When a person will stand confidently for the Lord, and step into service, he will find there are others whose faith is stirred to join him. Likewise, when someone decides to sit, discouraged, on the sidelines, he will see others join his camp.

Later, we read this compromise put a division between these three tribes and the rest of the nation. When the book of Joshua comes to a close, the three Eastern tribes are building icons to remind them of their part with Israel. This was the first step, in a long road, that introduced idolatry to the nation. Compromise has a way of fueling more compromise and creating distance between us, the Lord, and other believers.

Finally, it is important to remember when Israel was attacked by their enemies, it was almost always these Eastern tribes who were first to fall. As time goes on, they faced many attacks God never intended for them to experience; all because they refused to press on in following the Lord.

Instead of part time commitments and compromise, let’s be like those who gave their all to following Jesus. When trying to convince these tribes, Moses contrasted them with Joshua and Caleb who “wholly followed the Lord.”

Pastor Jim

 

The Light

pjimgallagher1 Comment

John 1:4
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

Jesus was magnetic! People from all walks of life were drawn to Him. Lepers, paralytics, rich men, beggars, fishermen, and even Pharisees were drawn to Jesus; to meet Him, hear Him speak, and be touched by Him. At times, we read of massive crowds that gave up all other pursuits, to listen for hours as He spoke about the Kingdom of God. What was it that drew people to Him? John tells us that His life was like a light in the darkness.

Often, when I come home at night, my route into the house is through the garage. The problem is, the light switch is on the far end of the garage, near the kitchen door. Skateboards, bikes, shoes and other sports equipment are scattered across the floor, and in the darkness, facing these dangers, I am drawn to the light that shines from the house. In the same way, people facing the pitfalls of life were drawn to the light that came from Christ. John points out what that light was:

“In Him was LIFE and that was the light of men.”

John tells us, the light which shone forth from Christ was the life that He possessed. Jesus later stated that we, His followers, would be the light of the world; that through us the world would be drawn to God (Matthew 5:14). Just as the life of Christ drew men to Himself, the life that we have is what will win others to Jesus. The more we surrender to Christ, the more we allow Him to cut away, the more closely we follow Him, the greater life will come out of us; like a brilliant light drawing others to Christ.

“Let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Pastor Jim

 

Seek Him

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Luke 24:1
“Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning…”

Crucifixion was a violent and public form of execution. The display was designed not only to punish the condemned, but to dissuade others from violating the law of Rome. It is difficult for me to comprehend the emotions that would flood those who watched, as Jesus was beaten and crucified.

These women were not casual observers, they did not watch the events as spectators or journalists, they were some of Jesus closest friends, and Mary was His mother. Watching the events of the cross must have filled her with fear, confusion, sorrow, anger and even hate. Her own Son had been betrayed by one of His close friends, He had been falsely accused, condemned, beaten and violently killed. It would be reasonable for us to read that Mary shut down, or she was filled with sorrow, wept, and questioned the love of God. Instead, we read she rose early, went seeking, and found Christ was risen from the dead.

What pains are you enduring today? Are you struggling with the emotions caused by loss, confusion, or disappointment? Are you allowing your emotions to keep you from God, or like Mary, are you willing to rise early and seek Him? I wonder what we are missing out on when we fail to take time to seek Christ.

Pastor Jim


The Veil Was Torn 

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Luke 23:45
“The veil of the temple was torn in two.”

veil-torn.jpgThe veil of the Temple was designed by God; and it was beautiful. Moses describes it for us in Exodus 26:31

“You shall make a veil woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen. It shall be woven with an artistic design of cherubim.”

As beautiful as this curtain was, its beauty would be overshadowed by its purpose. The veil was not designed as a work of art to be gawked at, but as a symbol of the separation between man and God. Even the angels portrayed on the veil spoke not of accessibility, but of separation. Remember the angels that were posted outside the garden? They carried flaming swords and were set as guards to keep Adam and Eve from entering the garden (Genesis 3:24). What about the angels around God’s throne? We read, they constantly sing of His holiness; a character trait of God making it impossible for sin to remain in His presence. As much as man needs God, and as much as God loves man, our sin stands in the way. Access to God is barred by sin, and the veil was a constant reminder of that.

As a result of the cross, all that would change. Jesus was not dying for Himself, He was dying as a sacrifice. By doing so, He was paving a way for sinful man to come to a Holy God. The tearing down of the veil represents the access that is available to all mankind through Christ. While it remains true that we are all sinners, it is also true that there is now a way to God. What a joy must have filled the heart of Luke as He penned these words,

“ . . . and the veil of the temple was torn in two.”

He took advantage of the access. What about you? The cross is not the end, it is the beginning. Through it, we have access to the throne, and to the presence of God.

Hebrews 10:19-22

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Pastor Jim

 

Behind The Scenes 

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Numbers 18:7
“Therefore you and your sons with you shall attend to your priesthood for everything at the altar and behind the veil; and you shall serve…”

While it is clear Moses is being instructed regarding the role of the priests who would care for the articles within the Tabernacle, this statement is also a beautiful picture of the ministry of Jesus. He takes care of everything that happens behind the veil. Just as the curtain would serve as a divider between the outside world and what happened within the holy chambers of the Tabernacle, so we have a veil that separates heaven’s proceedings from our view. Paul spoke of the fact that our vision of God is marred by the experiences of life.

1 Corinthians 13:12
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”

Just because we are looking through the stained glass of the natural world, does not mean Jesus is not at work in the heavens, behind the scenes. In fact, the Bible goes into great detail to explain what our heavenly High Priest is doing daily, as He “attends to everything behind the veil.”

First, He watches. Like a loving parent who watches over a child, so Jesus observes all that we do. Nothing is ever really done in secret, but openly, before the eyes of the One to whom we all must give account. Even those things that no one seems to notice, like the widow offering her mites, can not sneak past the watchful eye of Christ.

Second, He prays. In fact, we are told, “He always lives to make intercession for us,” that He might save us to the uttermost(Hebrews 7:25). In every trial we face, or temptation we struggle with, we can be assured, Christ is at the right hand of the throne of God interceding on our behalf.

Third, he represents us. Like a defense attorney, Jesus stands between us and the accusations that fly out of the devil’s mouth. Instead of believing the worst about us, he remembers that we are blood-bought children of God, and defends us before the Father.

Finally, he waits for us. Hebrews 12 speaks of the great cloud of witnesses that have gone into glory before us. Jesus is awaiting our arrival into that assembly. On the day Stephen died, we are told Jesus arose from His seat to welcome him into eternity (Acts 7:55). What a beautiful picture! I can imagine every time a believer steps into glory, Jesus arises to meet him with a heavenly multitude at His side.

Pastor Jim

 

Follow The Leader

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Numbers 13:2-3
“. . . you shall send a man, every one a leader among them. So Moses sent them from the Wilderness of Paran according to the command of the Lord, all of them men who were heads of the children of Israel.”

When Moses chose the men to spy out the land, he chose the leaders. Sadly, we know how that turned out. These supposed leaders, came back with an evil report, and stirred the hearts of the people against the mind of the Lord. I think there is a danger for someone who is naturally a leader; that danger is when they are not subject unto the Lord. I talk to my kids often about leadership. “Guys, you need to be leaders.” Then I’ll ask them, “What’s the most important thing about a leader?” I’ve trained them to respond, “To follow Jesus, Dad.” That’s the most important thing about a leader.

For example, if you are going to lead a group to an untraveled destination, the most important step for you to take, as a leader, is to follow the map. You can’t just do whatever’s right in your own eyes. You can’t be Sam the Toucan and “follow your nose.” If we are going to be godly leaders, we must follow Jesus. Do you remember the Roman soldier who came to Jesus and wanted healing for his servant? Jesus said to him, “I’ll come to your house.” The man responded, “Aw, you don’t need to come to my house. All You need to do is speak the word; because I’m a man in authority and I’m under authority.” You see, he said, “I know how to both give orders and receive orders.” (Matthew 8:5-13) He was a good leader because he was a man who knew how to follow. He knew the direction to go. The problem with ten of the twelve leaders chosen by Moses to spy out the Promised Land, was not that they weren’t leaders. The problem was an inability to follow. They were not subject to the real Commander-in-Chief. They had not put themselves under the authority of God.

Do you want to lead? Follow Jesus. If you want to lead people in the proper direction, to see people join forces in this furthering of the Kingdom, then follow Jesus. The most important thing about being a leader is to follow Christ. The key is, submitting to Christ and going wherever He is going. Ten of these men refused to do that, and led a nation into despair.

Pastor Jim

 

They Marveled

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Luke 20:26
“And they marveled at His answer and kept silent.”

We are introduced to a group of men who are examining Jesus. They have taken the time to carefully observe Him in action, dissect His teachings, and even quiz Him on a variety of difficult subjects. Their conclusion is worth noting. We read, “they marveled.” The word “marveled” means to be amazed by, and even to admire. It is a word that would commonly be used of a person standing in a museum observing a beautiful work of art. In that case, the proper response would be to admire the work and protect it from being harmed.

These men are acting like curators and treating Jesus like a museum piece. They knew a lot about Him. They could give His opinion on a variety of subjects. They could explain how He treated the sick, blind, lame and sinners. But rather than receiving Christ and watching as He transformed their lives, they simply “marveled and remained silent.” They were content with treating Him like a museum piece.

What about you? Are you an expert on the things of Christ, or a follower of Jesus? Are you only interested in learning about the things He did, or are you determined to see Him do those same things in and through your life?

All that Jesus is and does is marvelous. We are right to be in awe of Him; but awe alone is not what He desires of us. Let’s be sure that we are following after Him.

Pastor Jim

 

Here Comes The King

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Luke 19:11 
“He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately.”

Jesus rebuked the leaders of His day for being able to discern weather patterns, yet failing to recognize the signs of the times. He also exhorted His followers to carefully observe the condition of the world, and to live in anticipation of His soon return.

Today, it is not difficult to ignore the similarities between our world and Jesus’ description of the world when He returns. Things like a one world currency, government, and religion, which seemed impossible to past generations, are unfolding before our very eyes. All of this, makes this parable even more applicable to His church.

Notice the parable was given because they were expecting His kingdom to be established at any moment. Their problem was not failing to LOOK for the kingdom, but failing to LIVE for the kingdom. In the story, Jesus exhorts His followers to serve Him.

Like the characters in the story, we have all been given different gifts, talents, abilities and resources. They are given that we might use them for the furtherance of His kingdom. Too often, we look around at what others have been given, and think, if we had their gifts we would serve the Lord. If I had their wealth, I would give. If I had their voice, I would sing, if I had their time, I would serve… Notice, Jesus only expected the servants to use what they had been given. They were rewarded or rebuked depending upon how they used the gift they had received.

Jesus is coming back! He will set up His kingdom. He will reward those who have surrendered, submitted, and served Him. The question remaining for us is, how are we waiting? Live today in light of the fact that there is a day coming when we will be face to face with the King of kings. He will look at us with His eyes like flames of fire and say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Pastor Jim

 

Reach Out

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Numbers 10:29
“Now Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite . . .”

Hobab is the brother-in-law of Moses. Notice, we are told that he is a Midianite, not an Israelite. Listen to what Moses says to him:

“We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well; for the LORD has promised good things to Israel.”

In the midst of all the hurrying to get ready to go, Moses searches out his brother-in-law and invites him to join Israel in their journey to the Promised Land.

Remember, Hobab is a Midianite, he’s not a believer, he’s not a follower of the Lord. Yet, Moses says to him, “Hobab, we’re going to the place the Lord has been preparing for us for 400 years. God promised it to Abraham, and He has been getting it ready all this time.” Moses asks, “Do you want to come to the land the Lord is preparing for us?”

I think Moses is setting a very good example for us. I think we can learn a little bit regarding how to reach the lost from his example. Israel was heading for Canaan, but where are we going? We’re going to the place that Jesus has been preparing for us, not for 400 years, but for 2000 years. Like Israel, we are waiting to hear the trumpet sound.

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells us how to be ready for that trumpet sound. He told the parable  of the ten virgins, exhorting us to be certain we are, in fact, saved. Then he told the story of the talents, exhorting us to be involved in serving the Lord. Jesus Christ is coming back to take us home, and I don‘t think he wants us to come home alone.

So, in a sense, Moses is evangelizing. He’s trying to reach out to his brother-in-law. He implores Hobab, “Come on, man, come with me.” That is a great way to approach evangelism. I’m going to heaven, do you want to come? A friend of mine was going to be baptized at her church, so she put together very formal invitations and sent them out to friends and family who were not believers. She made it clear in the invitation, this was a very important event for her, and she really wanted them to be a part of it. When the day of her baptism arrived, her pastor explained what baptism represents, then he gave her an opportunity to address the congregation. In short she said, “I have trusted Jesus and I am going to heaven, but I love all of you so much, I do not want to go alone. Will you please accept Jesus so you can come to heaven with me?” I have to tell you, it was one of the most powerful evangelistic messages I have ever heard. If you have received Jesus Christ, then you are saved and going to heaven; seek to bring as many along with you as you can. I recall a song we used to sing when I first got saved, one line went, “. . .with one hand reach out to Jesus with the other bring a friend. . .” Moses is not so consumed with packing for the trip that he neglects to invite Hobab.

Pastor Jim