Editorial: Dr. Gordon Snider 

Grace is a subject that the church talks about a lot. When I searched on Amazon using the word "grace," 75 pages of entries were found. True, some were not about biblical grace. Still, the church loves to talk about grace. Some of the more well-known titles of our time are

          Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges

          Awakening Grace by Charles Swindoll

          What's So Amazing about Grace by Philip Yancey 

Some other titles that caught my attention were

          Vanishing Grace by Philip Yancey

Grace, Not Perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy by Emily Ley

Grace for the Afflicted: A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness by Matthew Stafford

And what Christian has not heard that in the Old Testament, they lived under law, but in the New Testament, we live under grace? 

Yes, we talk a lot about grace, but do we know what it means? 

A standard answer to that question is "unmerited favor." The Roman Catholic Church defines grace as "favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call." Some people seem to suggest that grace = acceptance without conditions. That definition leads us into the adjective – "gracious." Seen in that way, grace is defined as "a smooth and pleasing way of moving, or a polite and thoughtful way of behaving." That definition leads to the word "graceful." These are all connected terms,  and reflect the many different thoughts and feelings that may be triggered in others when we use the word "grace." Another book title that caught my attention was Tenacious Grace. But this book has nothing to do with the Bible. In fact, the book's subtitle is Redefine Your Relationship With Food and End Emotional Eating. 

We need to be very precise when we use this common word because it may be understood in ways we did not intend. When we use the word in a secular sense, it is acceptable to allow Webster to define it for us. But as a Christian term, we must allow the Bible itself to explain grace. A search on the biblical use of this word yields several key passages in which an explanation is attached to grace. Let's look at four of those passages in the general order in which they occur in the life of a Christian.  

Passage #1: Romans 3:24 – Justifying Grace 

This passage stands at the beginning of a section of Romans (3:21- 4:25) in which Paul the apostle seeks to show why God is justified in making redemption available to guilty sinners, dead in their trespasses. Paul has established in chapters 1-3 that all people, Jews, and Gentiles – are in a hopeless situation. They are alienated from God, with no way to reconcile with Him. The reason is clear in 3:23: "All have sinned, and are coming short of the glory of God" (my translation). But then, justifying grace enters the picture in v. 24. To understand what Paul is saying, let's go back and read from v. 21, leaving out Paul's explanation in vs. 22-23.

²¹ But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, ²² even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all ^[a]and on all who believe…²⁴ being justified ^[b]freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Grace is not merely an attitude; grace is a power! Grace takes a hopeless, hell-bound soul and gives that person hope for the present and the future. Grace cancels the debt of sin owed to God. It is grace that removes the load of guilt and makes a child of Satan into a saint! It is grace that cancels the power of sin in the life and replaces that power with a desire to please God.

The stuttering preacher, August Leulf, put it this way. Grace is like a fishing pole. It has to be flexible enough to go down where they are, but strong enough to bring them up!"

That is a colorful way of stating what Paul is saying in Romans 3:24. It is grace that reaches us where we are – in our helpless, hopeless condition – and provides us with the help and hope needed to change our lives radically! Grace is "undeserved favor," but to be accurate, you must add that this favor comes into our lives to change our spiritual position and loyalties.

The message of Paul here is "justifying grace."

Passage #2: Titus 2:11, 12 – Transforming Grace

The work of grace, however, only begins in justification – when we get saved.

Titus 2 could be titled "Expectations of the Christian Life." And Paul's expectations are very high. Let's read verses 1-10 in The Message paraphrase.

1 Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. 2 Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. 3 Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. 4 By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, 5 be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior. 6 Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives. 7 But mostly, show them all this by doing it yourself, incorruptible in your teaching, 8 your words solid and sane. Then anyone who is dead set against us, when he finds nothing weird or misguided, might eventually come around. 9 Guide slaves into being loyal workers, a bonus to their masters - no back talk, 10 no petty thievery. Then their good character will shine through their actions, adding luster to the teaching of our Savior God. 

Woe, Paul! Haven't you read the bumper sticker – "I'm not perfect; just forgiven?" How do you think anyone can live up to those expectations?

Paul seems to have been expecting your question because he immediately answers it in verses 11 and 12. The answer is the grace of God – the transforming grace of God. Again, the grace of God is not just an attitude; it is a power! Holy living is not a self-help, self-discipline program. Instead, it is a crucifixion of self so that the grace of God through His Holy Spirit can work in our lives. Change is possible, and change is needed in all of us! James emphasizes that point in chapter one. Beginning with v. 19, James highlights the role of the Word in that change process and compares the Word to a mirror. There are two purposes for a mirror. One is to admire yourself. Spiritually speaking, that is called pride. The other purpose of a mirror is to find and fix your faults. James says that some Christians look into the mirror of the Word, see their faults, and immediately forget them. He calls these people self-deceived. Instead, he urges us all to be doers of the Word, pay attention to the faults the Word reveals in us, and submit ourselves to the grace of God, which, Paul says, has appeared to transform us! The only way to grow in our walk with God is to let the Word show us our faults and then let the grace of God fix them. The other option is spiritual death.

Grace is a transforming power!

“Human beings are moved by beauty. If we want to change the world, we need, first of all, to be able to make people dream about beauty” (Rubem Azevedo Alves). How do you respond to that statement?

We all agree that there is a lot of ugly in our world: attitudes, actions, words, just to name a few. And it is easy for even Christians to get so caught up fighting ugly that we become ugly. The statement above suggests that the best weapon for fighting ugly is beauty. But where, in this world, can a person find beauty?

At the end of the creation account (Genesis 1:31), God reviews everything He has made and pronounces it “Good.” But “good” is a broad word and even more expansive in Hebrew than English. The simple meaning is pleasant; agreeable to the senses. But the meaning changes depending upon what “sense” you have in mind. When the sense is sight, good can easily be replaced with beautiful. For example, Abraham was concerned about losing his wife in Egypt because she was fair to look upon – beautiful (Genesis 12). Numerous examples could be cited to support the idea that beauty is a key concept in the Bible. If you need proof, do a Google search on “the theology of beauty.”

Few people would debate that “human beings are moved by beauty.” Why are roses so highly valued? They are beautiful, as are mountains, lakes, sunsets, etc. God made our world beautiful beyond description! So why have some Christians become such negative people? One answer is that they have become so focused on the ugly that they no longer see the beauty.

Similarly, few people would debate that God made the female sex beautiful in the eyes of men. The women described as beautiful include Sarah, Rachel, Rebekkah, Bathsheba,  Abishag, Vashti, and the heroine of Song of Solomon. Yes, the New Testament talks about Sarah’s inner beauty, and that will be my next point. But the Bible makes it clear that men were moved when they saw the outward beauty of these women (See quote above.) Being moved by the beauty of a woman need not include the lust Jesus spoke of (Matthew 5:28). God made women pleasant to the eye. The beauty is His creation, not theirs. Thank God for bringing that sense of beauty into your life, just as you do when you see a rose or a sunset. Sin takes place when you attempt to cut that rose and take it home with you. That is what Jesus had in mind in Matthew 5:28.

A third area of beauty we can all agree upon is a beautiful attitude! It may be a spirit of forgiveness or graciousness. Perhaps nothing moves a stranger like a genuine smile that conveys warmth and acceptance. A gift, given without a reason, almost always moves the recipient, as does a quiet word at a timely moment. Suppose a woman leaves off the external claims to beauty spoken of by Peter (expensive clothes, jewelry, or elaborate hairstyles) but does not add the beauty of spirit spoken of here. In that case, that person has no beauty at all – nothing with which to move the world.

Let’s go back to the quote from the top: “Human beings are moved by beauty. If we want to change the world, we need, first of all, to be able to make people dream about beauty” (Rubem Azevedo Alves). We often think of evangelism as presenting God’s Word to the lost, and it is. But evangelism is also “making people dream about beauty.”

How do you do that? Is beauty a part of your evangelistic approach? God has made the world in which we live beautiful; despite sin's effects, it still is! When God saw that the man He had made needed a partner, He created a beautiful woman, and He is still in that business. Beautiful attitudes are the exception in our bombastic world and still get attention.

“If we want to change the world, we need, first of all, to be able to make people dream about beauty.”

Hebrew 6:1-20

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” We accept that proverb in many areas of life, such as medicine and mechanics.  Yet in the most critical area of our lives, we often allow problems to confront us before we examine ourselves.  Spiritually, we often operate under the old adage — the squeaking gate gets the oil.

The warning passages of Hebrews set before us the danger of spiritual regression.  In chapter 2 the writer warns against being a "leaky vessel:" In chapter 4, the threat is unbelief that robs us of rest.  In chapter 5, the danger is spiritual immaturity, which leads, in chapter 6, to a total loss of spiritual life.

How can the believer avoid these dangers?  Chapter six is full of answers to that question.  They come in the form of a spiritual preventative maintenance program.  Three checkpoints are mentioned that, if dealt with daily, will prepare us for the crises likely to face all believers.

Area #1: We must daily maintain our desire to grow. (6:1-3)

Most of us have known the tragedy of a child that could not grow and develop physically or mentally.  In my growing-up years, we had in our church family a twelve-year-old who had proper physical development but the mind of an infant.  He could not walk, so his family carried him.  One night at they were leaving a revival service, the evangelist accused the boy of being too lazy to walk.  Of course, when he realized his error, he was mortified.  But the damage had been done.

In God’s sight, however, it is infinitely sadder to see a Christian that isn’t developing — simply because there is no desire for advancement.  Life crises will almost certainly overwhelm the believer who has failed to maintain a passion for spiritual growth.

One of my favorite Old Testament texts is the prayer of Jabez.  In 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez asks God to "enlarge his borders." In short, this Old Testament saint was tired of going in circles, like the repetitive debates mentioned in Hebrews 6:1-3.  Jabez wanted growth – expansion.

Jesus put it this way in Matthew 5:6.  "Blessed are those who continually hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will continually be filled" (Snider version).  God promised us growth, but, as believers, we must feed the desire.  That is a part of the Christian's daily preventative maintenance program.

Area #2: We must daily maintain our desire for God's service. (6:4-8)

A key indicator of spiritual growth is a desire to serve others.  People who are only concerned about their own salvation and welfare, or that of their family, are not growing Christians.  One of the reasons the Hebrew writer expected greater things of these Hebrew Christians is that he observed in them a heart for others.  He says in v. 10, "You have ministered to the saints, and DO minister" (emphasis mine).  That is, they were contributing to the advancement of the kingdom of God!

One of the aspects of the Ukrainian church that impressed me was their insistence that every believer had to have a ministry.  Yes, that requirement could become legalistic.  And yes, they defined ministry quite broadly: from cooking and cleaning to singing in the choir or leading a Bible study.  But the result was that believers focused more consistently on their impact on others.

What are you doing to advance the kingdom of God on a regular basis?  Or do you even see the needs around you?  Christians who are blind to the needs of others or who seldom engage in attempting to meet those needs will likely have their faith swept away in raging rivers of the storms of life.

Area #3   We must daily maintain our confidence in God. (6:9-20)

This text highlights at least three reasons for our confidence.  First, God cares for us as individuals (6:9, 10).  Believers are not just a part of the masses to God; He sees us individually, never forgetting our devotion to Him or our needs.

Secondly, we must maintain our assurance that God will keep His promises (6:11-18a).  We live in upsetting times, and if we are not careful, we will allow our circumstances as individuals, as a church, or as a nation to rob us of our confidence that God is in charge and that He knows what He is doing!  God had Noah build an upper window in the ark, and He also has one in your life!  Are you using it, or has Fox News (or any other news source) so covered your upper window that you can't see through the storm to God?  The songwriter said, "The darker the night; the brighter the light shines!" Despair is a prime source of spiritual failure!

Third, we must maintain our confidence in the hope set before us (6:18b-20).  My mother often used the flannel graph of Pilgrim's Progress as a part of her children's ministry.  I have seen it many times.  Often in that allegory, Evangelist would point him to heaven when Christian became discouraged.  And when that happened, Christian was immediately strengthened for the journey.

How often do you stop to contemplate "the things God has prepared for those who love Him?"  He told us about them because He knew the way could get long and tough.  Like Peter, he knew the danger of getting our eyes on the waves.  Hope will die unless we feed it on the promises of God!

There is no surer way to lose the satisfaction of a real relationship with God than to quit your daily maintenance program.  Maintaining your desire to grow, serve, and trust are our best defenses against backsliding.  Is your preventive maintenance program in operation?  If not, why not purpose right now to begin anew?  Your eternity may well depend on it.

An Easter Message from the Risen Lord

Luke 24:36-49; 46-49

While reading some opinion articles in the news this week, I was startled by poll results presented by columnist Zachary Wolf. The poll asked Democrats and Republicans whether or not they were optimistic or pessimistic about the future of our country. "Toward the end of the Trump administration, strong majorities on both sides of the political aisle (67% of those who lean toward Democrats and 77% of those who lean toward Republicans) said the country’s best days were ahead." By contrast, today, "Just 30% of all Republicans and Republican-leaners say the country’s best days are still ahead of it." (Source available upon request.)

Many, probably most, Banner readers consider themselves at least "Republican-leaners." Have we, too, become pessimistic about the future? I know, the first response is that I am optimistic about God and pessimistic about Biden. But is that truly possible when we believe God is in charge of everything – even the government? Have we fallen into the trap of dividing our lives into compartments that we view as unrelated?

If you had asked the disciples at the cross, "Are the best days of Christ-followers ahead or behind," I do not doubt that the pessimistic view would have prevailed. Jesus seems to have felt that way also, so in Luke 24:46-49, He gives them what could be called a "pep-talk" about the future. The Church of today might need to listen in on that message.

There is some suggestion that these verses are Luke’s summary statement of the teaching of the risen King. They were words designed to instruct, encourage, and challenge the little band that would soon go forth to change the world. In these words, I see a message of commitment, promises from one who has proven His word is true.

As His death was for us, His resurrection was also for us. For bound up in His resurrection is a series of commitments to our world.

Commitment #1 New Life for the Individual (v. 47).

We live in a remarkable scientific age. Virtually every day, researchers seem to make outstanding discoveries that change the projectory of life.  But with all our discoveries,  one crucial link still baffles the scientific community. We cannot create life. We can combine all the ingredients for a human body, but we cannot produce the spark that makes our invention live. That is one reason why it is so difficult to discuss the resurrection rationally. Some people cannot accept that this body could be dead, the spark of life gone, and then live again.

But human researchers have another baffling problem: trying to find a way to bring abundant life out of physical existence.  Despite our scientific advancements, our world is still full of hatred, prejudice, bitterness, unforgiveness, and selfishness. We are locked in a dreadful dilemma. We are trying to find the secret to creating physical life when we have failed to find meaningful life for those already here. That is what makes these words of Jesus so brilliant in our dark sky. He committed Himself to provide abundant life for all.

But to achieve the goal, humans must accept the requirement of repentance; must be willing to turn about where they are and head in a new direction. U-turns are permitted on the highway of life. In fact, they are essential if you want to experience the new life the risen Savior offers.

Quality of life is a phrase made necessary by the medical progress of our generation. But ultimately, the quality of your life is determined by your acceptance of the remission of sins that Jesus here promises. The risen Christ commits Himself to make every life that is bankrupt of meaning rich and rewarding. He arose to make new life a possibility for every person. And because He did, our best days on earth are ahead!

Commitment #2 New Hope for the World (v. 47b. 48).

There is no ingredient of life more necessary than hope for the future. If the polling data mentioned earlier is accurate, the last five years have seen an alarming loss of that valuable commodity!

I do not need to tell you that earth is not heaven. The disobedience of our first parents ensured that it never would be. But just because earth is not heaven is not conclusive proof that there is no heaven. For sin and hope have met head to head in the ring of Calvary. There was no number of rounds assigned. This was a fight to the finish. Sin delivered a staggering blow; hope went down. And as the world looked on, it appeared that hope was down for the count; sin, it appeared, had KO’d hope. But when the count reached nine, hope rose from the canvas of Calvary and with one mighty swing, dealt a death blow to sin.

“Death could not conquer the giver of life.”

The commitment of the risen Savior is that this message of forgivenss and restoration would reach all nations, without restriction. There are no "priority people." Those who are sitting in darkness must see the Great Light. Quality life is available to all. The days ahead are bright because we have the privilege of being the agents of change in a pessimistic world. But to do so, we must have the light of hope burning brightly in our own lives. Joining the voices of hopelessness will not likely convince anyone to listen to what we offer!

Commitment #3 A New Presence for the Christian (v. 49).

No one has ever walked away from the grave of a dear friend or loved one without feeling emptiness. “This person was such a vital part of my life, how can I go on?”

I am sure the disciples felt that way as they walked away from the garden tomb that Friday night. “But then came the morning!” Jesus was back! They felt Him, saw Him, ate with Him, and listened to His message. Perhaps as the euphoria over the resurrection began to wear off, they began to wonder. “Is He going to stay here this time? Or are we going to experience this again?”

Jesus knew their needs better than they did, so He added a third commitment to His resurrection morning message. "The Spirit of truth dwells with you, but He shall be in you” (John 14:17).

We are no match for sin, but John tells us, “Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.” Jesus’ commitment is “Lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”

No greater Easter message will ever be preached than the one the risen Lord Himself preached that morning. He committed himself to making new life available to all; to spreading the message of hope to the world; and empowering us for life through His presence in our lives.

We need to look long at Calvary, for only then can we see the awfulness of our sin. But don’t stay there. For next to Calvary’s bloodstained hill, there is an empty tomb. The stone has been rolled away. The best days of the Church ensued, as the story is told in the Book of Acts. Yes, persecution came, but still, the Church went forward.

I do not know how the political landscape of the US will work out, but it really doesn't matter. Whatever happens, Jesus' Easter message is still in force. Christians and the Church can thrive and grow. Sin can be defeated. Let's put hand-wringing out of style, and replace it with the song of triumph. The tomb is empty; the Holy Spirit is with us. Our best days are ahead!