JOHN H DUKES . COM

It has been a while since I posted something on the blog. I have said this before that when things start to get crazy busy on the schedule, the blog will be one of the first things to go. I love the opportunity to write and share with Capstone readers as well as other readers about different things that I am thinking. I consider it an honor that you would take 3-5 minutes and actually read something that I have written, but there are other things that are of greater importance and sometimes they require extra attention.

It was so good to have Walt back yesterday at the Gathering. If you were not able to join us because you were gone for the holiday weekend, then you really need to check out the podcast. I wrote a brief recap of the message here. The understanding of life change flowing from the inside-out is an understanding that flows from the Gospel.

If we could muster up the change needed to please God, then what is the point of the cross? What is the point of Christ’s death? Would his death not be in vain? Instead God, by the Holy Spirit, begins the work on the inside. That inside work will always result in fruit that is seen on the outside. There will be fruit if Christ is at work in your life. Walt brought up the way that we dress as an example.

Do you dress like a child of God? We really aim this question at ladies a lot of times (there is a reason for that). Are you dressing in a way that points to God or to yourself? What do you want people to see? This is not to say that you should walk around in a loose-fitting sweatsuit all the time. Some of you though want to show off your two-piece breast and thigh dinner and you forget that your hope should be in Christ and not in your body. How you dress reflects Christ.

Dressing in a conservative manner does not mean that you are a better christian. That is just one area that we chose to bring up yesterday. So what are some things that have changed in your life because of Christ? What are the changes that you have made because of the Holy Spirit’s work in your heart? I would love to hear some comments from you.

This past Sunday we titled the message God to the Rescue. The Israelites were at the edge of the Red Sea with no place to go. As we emphasize each week at the Gathering: Moses is not the central character of the Story, Jesus is the main character. Yes God provided a FREAKING awesome rescue plan, but there was something bigger happening. (Read About God’s Rescue)

Sometimes we focus on one little dot that we miss the whole picture. I beg you to not loose sight of the BIG story. God was not just saving the Israelites that day. God’s plan of reconciling the world to himself was bigger than that Red Sea moment. The rescue that is needed by mankind is bigger than what the Israelites needed from the Egyptians.

You cannot rescue yourself. What don’t you read that line again out loud. You cannot rescue yourself. The rescue is orchestrated and carried out by God alone. In fact, the Bible would say that your rescue is primarily not even about you. The rescue that is provided through the cross is primarily about the glory of God. I know we like to think that we are the center of universe, but I think it will serve us better if you quickly realize that we are not.

Instead our God sent his son into a broken world. His son lived a perfect life and died a sinner’s death. Jesus Christ resurrected on the third day and at this very moment is sitting at the right hand of God the Father interceding for you and for me. Not interceding for Moses or Elijah or Isaiah. He is interceding for you and me. He is our compassionate high priest. He is our gentle King. Jesus is our faithful shepherd. Through Christ there is rescue from the separation between mankind and it’s creator. A bridge that could never be crossed by man, but only by God. God came to our rescue when we did not deserve it or want it.

Be in awe of God and how he rescued the Israelites. There are no words to express how awesome that moment must have been. May we be in greater awe of how God has rescued us from our sin. With glad hearts and joyful tongues let us sing of his greatness and tell of his works. How amazing is our God that he would reconcile us through his own son for his glory?

I have had a lot of conversations lately with Christ followers who have been frustrated in their walk with Jesus. It is a frustration that I don’t see in most people in churches. It is a frustration that I have shared with them and one at times that comes up every now and then.

It is the frustration of a lover of God who wishes he/she was further along in the growth/maturity process. Here is the beauty of a relationship with Christ: We are being worked on until we die.

You see sanctification (the process of becoming like Christ) does not end until we with Christ. It does not end until you are face to face with the risen Savior. It is not over until the God of the Universe declares it over. So be careful what you wish for. Wishing for this proces to be complete is to see your life end.

Let this be an encouragement. You are NOT perfect. (How is that encouraging?) The encouraging part is that you one day will be. We will be made complete. Our salvation will be complete. Until then may be faithful to walk on this long dirt path. A path that includes good times and bad, but always has the purpose of God’s glory and our growth.