New Testament

I (Tim) need Jesus. Bob the bloodhound does, too. The Bible’s New Testament is convinced of it. Bob just looked at me with a tilt of his head, letting me know it’s time to talk about how much everyone needs Christ the Savior and Lord of all.

“I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)

Yes, we have many troubles in this old fallen world. And, yes, there a lot of things we need right now: healing from disease and damaged emotions; economic stability; solutions to the awful human issues conditions that beset us, and more. We need relief, guidance, and wisdom.

So therefore, Bob and I declare with conviction: Out of all the great needs which surround us, the greatest need is for Jesus.

I don’t just need his teaching. I don’t only need to imitate his model of loving service. I don’t need to merely be a fan of his. I need Jesus himself!

The Lord spoke to his disciples in the Upper Room on the night before his crucifixion. He told them he was leaving (dying) and that it must be this way.

The disciples were understandably troubled. Thomas was worried about what was going to happen and how he and the others were going to deal with an uncertain future. (John 14:1-14)

I will tell you how millions of people have dealt with their past difficulties, their present troubles and their worries about the future: The Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the Way

Christ is the way to deal with our current concerns and anticipated anxieties… he himself. The way is not merely through:

  • A program of self-improvement
  • A fake-it-till-you-make-it approach
  • An ability to articulate well-crafted words or through being able to answer with certainty every question of faith
  • Finding just the right plan or system

The way of rescue, the road to a life of harmonious peace and settled rest, even when the world is going to hell around us, is Jesus. He is our connection with God. To trust Christ is to give up the personal delusion of control and to walk with him on his terms.

Jesus is the way for the church everywhere – fellowship, encouragement, acts of loving service, teaching, and strengthening of faith all center around Christ because he is love incarnate.

The way of the Lord for the world is in serving neighbors and nations, advocating for those who are mistreated and victims of injustice, and tackling the dozens of world problems which oppress humanity.

Jesus is the Truth

Christ does more than speak truth; he is truth incarnate. Truth is more than abstract ideas and personal perspectives. What is true about God has its ultimate expression and demonstration in the person of Christ.

“You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teaching. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32, CEB)

To see the face of Jesus is to see the reality of Truth. God’s character and attributes expressed through creating, loving, sustaining, healing, and providing has its highest expression in Christ.

Jesus is our truth. When troubles abound, Christ is the ballast of truth we can rely upon, the rock of our salvation, and the anchor of our soul.

Truth within the church resides in the person and work of Christ. All teaching, mentoring, and instruction points and centers in him. Guidance and direction – whether in family, work, school, or neighborhood – all flows from Christ. To merely dispense homespun advice falls short if there is no Jesus.

Christ is truth for the world. Proclaiming him is more than a verbal activity; it is embodying truth. (Luke 4:16-19) Followers of the Lord embody truth by looking for ways to be Jesus to the lost, the least, and the lonely in acts of basic human compassion and advocating for their justice. (Luke 19:10)

Jesus is the Life

“Life” and “death” in the Bible are relational terms, not just physical references. When Adam and Eve fell into disobedience, they spiritually died without being physically dead. They originally enjoyed the connection of life with God; then, after the Fall, experienced a separation from God by being cast out of the Garden.

Jesus is our life. He is the person in whom Christians have their identity. Instead of connecting myself to a narrowly expected outcome, I tether myself to Christ because he is my connection, my life.

The church’s very life is in it’s head: Christ. Christians experience life as their prayers and their praise are directed toward him as both the subject and the object of worship. (John 4:23-24)

The Lord is the life of the world. The good news of Christ’s redemption – incarnation, earthly ministry of teaching and healing, death, resurrection, ascension and glorification – is good news for everyone. There is forgiveness of sins deliverance from guilt and shame, and a life connection in and through Christ.

Concluding with Christ

Our problems, concerns, and troubles on this earth are not sufficiently addressed by simply acknowledging Christ’s teaching. I need him! For he has the power to give life.

“Salvation can be found in no one else. Throughout the whole world, no other name has been given among humans through which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, CEB)

“I need Jesus!” is the affirmation and declaration that Bob and I proclaim. He is the way to live my life instead of trusting in my own power and ability. He is the truth I choose to bank my life upon. Christ is the life graciously given for which I can say with boldness that I belong to God.

Christ is the midpoint of history, the center of life, the subject and object of the New Testament:

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is the King of Kings with authority to back it up.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is the Deliverer of humanity and all of creation.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is the Son of Man who relates to us and is attentive to humanity.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is the Word become flesh, the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, Living Water, and the Light of the World.

In the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus is Lord, the risen and ascended Christ who will come again.

In Romans, Jesus is the Son of God, securing our union with God, justifying us according to his mercy and grace.

In 1 Corinthians, Jesus is the Wisdom and Power of God, despite the foolishness of the cross.

In 2 Corinthians, Jesus is the Reconciler, the One who has brought forgiveness and reconciliation to the world.

In the book of Galatians, Jesus is our Substitute for sin.

In Ephesians, Jesus is the Victor, the One who has subdued all the dark forces of this world.

In Philippians, Jesus is the Humble Servant, having submitted himself to death on a cross for our deliverance.

In Colossians, Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

In the First letter to the Thessalonians, Jesus is the Coming King and will soon be here!

In the Second letter to the Thessalonians, Jesus is the Glorious Lord who makes us partakers in God’s glory.

In the book of First Timothy, Jesus is the Savior of sinners of whom I am chief.

In Second Timothy, Jesus is the Righteous One who will come to Judge the living and the dead.

In Titus, Jesus is the Redeemer, snatching us from the realm of wickedness and godlessness.

In the little book of Philemon, Jesus is Good, and therefore, every good thing we have comes from him.

In Hebrews, Jesus is the Pioneer of Salvation and our faithful High Priest.

In James, Jesus is the Wise Teacher.

In First Peter, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

In Second Peter, Jesus is the Divine Power that allows me to live a godly life.

In the Epistles of John, Jesus is Love, demonstrating God’s grace and mercy through the cross.

In Jude, Jesus is the Holy One who keeps us from falling and presents us faultless before God.

Finally, in Revelation, Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

I need him, the Son of God and Son of Man; the Lord and Judge of all, the Redeemer and Savior of humanity, my Healer and my Friend.

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Be a Good Citizen

Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So, live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.

Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.

That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders. (Romans 13:1-7, The Message)

Deportment Is Expected

Good citizenship, historically in America, was a normal part of conversation. It received a great deal of attention.

Back in the day, when I was in elementary school, every student received a grade on their report card for “citizenship.”  Way back in the day, my Dad’s report cards had grades for “deportment.”

Both “citizenship” and “deportment” were words used by the public-school system to gauge how well individual students behaved in the classroom. The grade was based upon the following:

  • The student’s attitude toward the teacher’s authority
  • The behavior of pupils with their fellow students
  • How students handled the responsibilities of their studies

It was a grade given for the overall obedience and submission of students with their duties and obligations, or the lack thereof.

Since we no longer give grades on citizenship and deportment, Bob insists a careful consideration of good citizenship is in order.

Good Citizenship Is Responsible and Fair

Advocating a favored political philosophy is part of the American democratic system. What’s not part of good citizenship is:

  • Ignoring or avoiding a rival party
  • Having constant bad attitudes about government
  • Being uncivil and disrespectful
  • Digging in with disobedience

That’s all poor deportment and will earn an “F” from God on the report card of life.

Picking-and-choosing which laws I will obey and which ones I will not is very far from biblical teaching. Rebellion against laws I do not like only results in punishment from the principal for being shortsighted and stupid.

On the other hand, blind and unthinking adherence to a government is irresponsible and can be unethical.

Unjust leaders and immoral laws champion certain people and not the common good of all. Such leadership needs to be dislodged and dismantled. When one simply says, “I’m just doing my job,” or “I don’t want to get in trouble,” in the face of unjust laws and leadership, then we are complicit in the perpetuating of the evil person or system.

Blind obedience keeps abusive people in the classroom.

Vigilante-ism is a form of “recess justice.” It’s a refusal to accept what is taking place. It takes matters into one’s own hands.

“Do not take revenge but leave room for God’s wrath…. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19, 21)

There is no place for vigilante justice in the kingdom of God. At its basest form, vigilantes are resisting God’s justice and being extremely impatient with the divine plan.

The Good Citizen Is Just and Obedient

Submission is a choice.

The word “submit” in the New Testament means “to place oneself under authority.” In other words, to submit to another person, group, system, or government is a human volitional choice.

Obedience through coercion, as in totalitarian regimes, is not submission – it is oppression.

Good citizenship begins with humble submission to governing authorities. There are good public servants who are trying to do their best and have everyone’s best interests at mind. They enact responsible laws which benefit the common good of all. Most parents and school boards would do well to remember that.

Justice is primarily about provision, not about being punitive.

Many people, if not most, use the term “justice” in the penal sense – wanting convictions and incarcerations when someone has committed a crime against the state and/or humanity. Although this is an important work of government, the biblical sense of justice is about provision – giving people their rights to life and liberty.

Justice ensures that we all exist in an equitable form of union together as one people. It ensures that people don’t fall through the cracks of bureaucracy. Justice provides what they need to survive and thrive.

Only paying attention to constituents who agree with me is an injustice. Many people need a remedy sooner than later – without unjust leaders putting it off to another election cycle.

So, put the spanking paddles of shame away (yes, kids at school got the paddle in my day) and instead find ways to uplift and support one another.

Submits to Authority Characterizes Good Citizenship

Responsible citizens exhibit proper deportment. They submit of their own volition. Good citizens conscientiously give proper payment of taxes for the benefit of all. They provide due respect to public servants.

Keep in mind that the Apostle Paul originally wrote about how to conduct ourselves with government smack in the middle of the Roman Empire. The Romans were often fickle and careless about the rights of Christians, Jews, and others.

We submit not because we must, but because it’s the right thing to do. To do otherwise is to not only violate the law, but also our consciences.

Our conscience needs to be clear about the need for justice in this old fallen world of ours.

A Good Citizen Seeks to Love All

Christians have a continuing and outstanding debt to love one another. Having justice for some and injustice for others is not going to cut it with a Just God.

Our Creator and Sustainer desires that every single individual on planet earth – regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, or any other human contrived social construct – have their needs met without prejudice, favoritism, or cronyism.

God’s original plan for the world includes an egalitarian society. So, we must be careful to remember and work toward the ideal. At the same, we need to deal graciously and resolutely with the realities of injustice all around us.

Bob, always the tongue-in-cheek sidekick dog, says we all need to attend a human obedience training school.

I wonder what grade Jesus would give America on this Independence Day for our citizenship…?

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Worship is not just us talking, praying, and singing to God. Worship is meant to be a conversation between us and God – a dialogue in which we hear from God and reply to him. Worship, then, is both God’s revelation and the people of God’s response.

Bob likes to sleep. He also likes to walk. Bob loves filling his nose with the plethora of smells in the outdoors. Unlike me, Bob can size up a person quickly before they even open their mouths.

There were two men walking and talking with Jesus along the Emmaus road without even knowing it (Luke 24:13-35). In fact, worship was happening, unbeknownst to them. Bob would have picked up on it immediately, if he were there.

“Liturgy” describes what we do in worship.

Liturgy is a Greek term that means “the work of the people.” Every church has a liturgy. All gatherings of believers have some sort of prescribed ways of moving through their worship. Liturgy is not only a reference to more traditional forms of worship. Contemporary styled worship may have less liturgical elements to it, but it still has a liturgy of several praise and worship choruses (in which the people know when to stand and sit), and an extended time of preaching.

After Christ’s resurrection, it was Jesus who approached the men. In this divine movement of liturgy, God is always the initiator of salvation and worship. If it were not for God approaching us, most fully expressed in Christ’s incarnation of coming to this earth, then we have no hope. Humanity in the vice grip of sin needs someone to help. So, when we begin worship, it is God himself who starts the conversation.

As the two men continued with their conversation, Jesus engaged them in the Scriptures. He went to the Old Testament and explained to them what it had to say about the Christ. They heard from God. To understand Holy Scripture, we too, need to walk with Jesus and converse with him. Liturgy exists to encourage a relationship between us and God. It is designed to create space whereby God and God’s people can be in a meaningful dialogue with each other.

Maybe it goes without saying, this means we must listen well. We cannot listen well if we our minds are wandering, and our hearts are somewhere else. Sometimes we intentionally make our lives overwhelmingly busy so that we either cannot or do not have time to listen to God. We might create noise and keep moving because we are much too uncomfortable with silence. We may not want to hear what is in our hearts.

Getting to the place of relaxing enough to listen can seem, for some, like a daunting task. This is not a plea for you to do more. It is really giving you permission to do less so that you can enjoy a conversation with Jesus. A good place to begin is to practice the Sabbath, and use the day, not just the morning, to connect with God.

Jesus became known to the two Emmaus friends through table fellowship.

It was at the table the two men’s eyes were opened to who Jesus really was. This would not have happened unless they were in meaningful conversation with Jesus. Then, after Jesus left them, the two men were inspired in their going. They went out as witnesses telling others of what they had seen and heard from their conversation with Jesus.

In this liturgical rhythm, this conversation between us and God, the good news of Jesus is presented. God first acts by seeking and desiring fellowship with us; God sent his Son, the living Word, to restore the fractured relationship – Jesus is the divine Word who has accomplished the restoration between us and God. This revelation, this realization of what God has done for us in Christ begs a response from us. We praise him for wanting fellowship with us.

Having glimpsed how holy God is, we realize how sinful we are, and so we confess our sins to him. God, in his grace, forgives us our sin and assures us of our pardon. In our gratitude for that grace, we joyfully listen and live according to his Word. And, so, back-and-forth we go, with the liturgy proclaiming the gospel to us in a divine dialogue that blesses both us and God.

Now, if you think about it, all of life is liturgical. We each have routines, habits, and life patterns that shape how we get things done. For example, in the first year of marriage, my wife and I experienced a clash of liturgies.  Her family had their ways of doing things, and my family had theirs. I quickly learned what a proper liturgy was for folding towels.

A worship liturgy is neither only for Sunday morning nor to be always within a church building. We can deliberately build spiritual rhythms and spiritual conversation throughout each day in our homes, at our jobs, and throughout our daily lives. For example, our daily call to worship is when we wake up, realizing that we have been called into wakefulness to enter praise for a new day. My own personal daily prayer when I get out of bed is:

“Almighty God, thank you for bringing me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with your mighty power that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. In all I do today direct me to the fulfilling of your purposes through Jesus Christ my Lord.” 

As we go through our day, we can recognize sin when it happens, and be quick to confess it and accept God’s forgiveness. We can be intentional about hearing from God, by creating space and setting aside time for reading Scripture. When our heads hit the pillow at night, we receive the blessing of God in sleep, until a new day begins.

Whatever way we go about it, we have the privilege of developing spiritual rhythms and habits of approaching God, listening to God, and responding to God.

And we need to acknowledge that something can trip us up in this attempt to live a godly life. There are other secular liturgies that vie for our attention and our hearts. We just might be influenced as much or more by a different competing liturgy.

For example, a shopping website’s version of liturgy is to gather shoppers and develop practices of buying in us. If we shop because we feel that we would have a better life with new clothes, or more stuff, we might have a competing liturgy working in our lives. If we feel we need to shop because there is something we lack in our personhood, as if we are not enough, then we just might have another liturgy that wants our loyalty over God.

The point is not to avoid shopping but to realize there are competing loyalties to God’s kingdom, and that we are to be shaped as followers of Jesus as our primary commitment in life. Our lives are to revolve around the person and work of Jesus, and so we must intentionally cultivate liturgical practices in our daily lives and train ourselves to be godly.

Christianity is not merely a system of beliefs; it is a way of life. The kind of habits we develop in that life will determine what kind of disciples we will be. So, we must choose well the kinds of routines that we need to walk well with Jesus and carry on a delightful conversation with him… and Bob.

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