New Wineskins

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Dear Fellow Travelers,
This is what Jesus said: “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old is good enough’” (Luke 5:37-39 NASB). Wonder why? Let me explain.
As the new wine continues to ferment, the gasses that are released will burst the al-ready-stretched, pre-used old wineskins and, obviously, both the wine and the wineskin will be lost. If you know anything about drinking wine, then you know that, with rare exception, older vintages are much better than newer ones. Of course, the vintage year has lots to do with this, but the principle is true, nonetheless. Yes, some wines age much better than others, but, again, the principle remains true. Should you ever get to enjoy an older (good vintage year!) Bordeaux, for example, you will, well you try it and see for yourself.
Those of you who know me (many of you do not!), know that I am rather opinio-nated, when it comes to theology, especially the gospel. What would one expect from someone who has spent the better part of his lifetime not only studying the Scriptures, but also teaching them? I simply cannot imagine teaching from a position of uncertainty, nor can I imagine anyone wanting to learn something, as important as the gospel, from someone who isn’t sure about the subject.
Having said that, I must hasten to tell you that it is my confidence in the gospel that allows me and encourages me to continue in a teachable mode. To be sure, I would not want to sit under the tutelage of a teacher, who isn’t teachable, regardless of his/her expertise, nor would I expect anyone else to do so.
To say that another way, I am very desirous of being a fresh wineskin, and I am be-cause I want Him to be willing to pour new wine into my life, into a life that can withstand the process of “fermentation.” I might add this: there is nothing quite like the power of the spiritual gasses that are released, as new (fresh) truth ferments within our lives; old wine-skins simply cannot withstand the pressure.
These old wineskins come in several forms: tradition; religion; denominations; fear; idolatry; to mention a few. A new wineskin, however, comes in only one form—an empty, willing vessel, that has never been stretched by any of the aforementioned. Maybe, just maybe, this is one of the reasons that old man has been crucified and buried—done away with. The new creations are, well, you consider yourself one of them and see what happens.
Blessings with much grace,
Mac

So Easily Deceived!

Mac's Perspective on the Intricacies of God’s Amazing Grace

Monday, April 27, 2009

Dear Fellow Travelers,
If Paul is correct (and he is!) and there is but one gospel—the one he preached—and if the gospel is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16), then, as I said earlier, it would behoove each of us to be certain that we understand and believe the gospel, exactly as Paul preached it. There is very good reason for this: any other “gospel” is a perversion of this one, true gospel and is, therefore, no gospel at all.
As you might imagine, I am tempted to point out all the obvious fallacies that are proclaimed as true gospel, but I have lived long enough to know that that would serve no useful purpose. The truth is this: if you really want to be able to recognize the one, true gospel, you will never reach your goal by studying the perversions of it; instead, you must become familiar with the one, true gospel—the one Paul preached.
As you remember, Paul left no room for error—none whatsoever. In fact, he felt so strongly about the accurate preaching of the gospel, that he believed that anyone (including Paul, himself, even an angel from heaven) who preached a perversion of the gospel that he preached should be eternally separated from God. At first glance, that sounds rather harsh; however, once you realize the significance of heretical preaching, it doesn’t sound quite so harsh. What we believe is much more important than most of us realize.
Oh, I am very familiar with the popular mindset that says what we believe really doesn’t matter, as long as we believe in Jesus. HINT: Satan believes in Jesus, probably more strongly than most of us. Listen up: It is not enough to say, “I believe in Jesus!” The Judaizers, who came to Galatia believed in Jesus, but they also believed that circumcision was essential for pleasing God. As you well-know, most church-goers today would tell you that they believe in Jesus, but they would also tell you that you must “remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy,” and they would be just as fervent in their efforts to influence you, as were the Judaizers, who tried to influence the members of the church at Galatia. In case you missed it, their heretical attempts infuriated Paul, so much so that he wrote the letter we are presently studying, the one in which he clearly defines the one, true gospel.
Just for the record: the Galatians were much more easily influenced than even Paul imagined, and there is good reason for this: the one, true gospel is unbelievable! It is so much easier to believe something that includes our participation, even if that “something” is circumcision!

Accursed?

Mac's Perspective on the Intricacies of God’s Amazing Grace

Friday April 24, 2009

Dear Fellow Travelers,
As I review Paul’s letter to the church at Galatia, there can be no mistaking his mission and purpose—to establish for both Jews and Gentiles, that there is but one, true gospel; that any “gospel” that is not in full agreement with the gospel he preached, is in fact no gospel at all. Listen to his own words: “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; on-ly there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even though we or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1: 6-9). By the way, his use of the word “accursed” means “eternal separation from God.”
There are several conclusions we can draw from these verses; however, in my opinion, this one stands out among all the rest: it would behoove each of us to be certain that we clearly understand and believe the gospel that Paul preached. If his words are true, then any addition or subtraction to the gospel he preached, creates nothing more or less than a distortion of the gospel of Christ, aka, heresy. Paul felt so strongly about this that he warned his readers with this very stern admonition: But even though we or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed (vs. 8).
Sadly, most modern-day church-goers are easily deceived, just as were the church-goers of the region of Galatia, during Paul’s time. Even more sad, is the fact that most modern-day church-goers simply receive whatever is “preached” to them, without ever at-tempting to validate its truth by holding it against the plumb line of the gospel Paul preached. Unfortunately, most modern-day church goers have very little knowledge of the one, true gospel, or so it seems.
All I know is this: Paul was rather adamant regarding the fact that there is but one, true gospel, and those believers, be they Jew or Gentile, who would choose to attempt to add anything to it—circumcision, observance of holy days, eating “clean” foods, et al—were in fact falling from grace and making Christ of no benefit to them (see chapter 5).
You really should give this some serious thought, at least that is Paul’s opinion--

Appetizers

Thursday April 23, 2009

Dear Fellow Travelers,
Over the next several months, I will be devoting my Sunday morning messages to a study of Paul’s letter to the church in the region know in his days as Galatia—Asia Minor. That means that you might expect to see some of the results of that study here in my perspective, today being no exception. Although the members of my congregation already have this, I felt impressed to pass it on to you. I am calling it “Appetizers” and I must admit that I gleaned most of it from John Stott’s book, “The Message of Galatians.” Hopefully, these “appetizers” will whet your appetite for some of soul food!

1. Satan would have us prove ourselves holy by the law, which God gave to us to prove us sinners.

2. Everybody is living either living in the Old Testament or the New, and derives his “religion” either from Moses or from Jesus. He is either “under law” or “in Christ.”

3. People cannot see the beauty of the pearl because they have no concept of the filth of the pigstye.

4. God still speaks through what He has spoken, and nothing is more necessary for the life, health, and growth of Christians that that they should hear what the Spirit is saying to them through His ancient—yet ever modern—Word.

5. The death of Jesus was primarily neither a display of love, nor an example of heroism, but a sacrifice for sin.

6. The gospel is a rescue, an emancipation from a state of bondage.

7. The gospel doesn’t teach me what I ought to do (for that is the proper office of the Law), but what Jesus Christ the Son of God has done for me; to wit, that He suffered and died to deliver me from sin and death.

8. The Law requires works of human achievement; the gospel requires faith in Christ’s achievement.

9. The Law makes demands and bids us obey; the gospel brings promises and bids us believe.

10. The gospel offers blessings; what must we do to receive them? The proper answer is “nothing.”

11. Obeying is an attempt to do the work of salvation ourselves, whereas believing is to let Christ be our Savior and to rest in His finished work.

12. The gospel is not good advice to men, but good news about Christ; not an invitation to us to do anything, but a declaration of what God has done; not a reward, but an offer.

13. If we are “in Christ” our “religion” is characterized by promises rather than by law.

14. God intended the Law to reveal sin, and to drive men to Christ. Satan uses it to reveal sin, and drive men to despair.

15. You shall remember that you were a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you.


You think on these things—
Mac

Proven a Weenie!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Dear Fellow Travelers,
Over the past four weeks, my belief that I am a “weenie” has been strengthened, times several, and most of that “strengthening” has come from my weakness—I do not suffer well. For some reason, I much prefer being well, over being sick, and I doubt that this will change, at least not in my lifetime on this earth, and probably not even in Heaven. Truth is I don’t even mind if you call me “weenie,” as truth is truth and that is that.
Thankfully, today my doctor prescribed cortisone, and for that I am very thankful, as I believe it will cure this monster of an illness. Hopefully, it will “kick-in” and “kick-butt” quickly and set my feet to dancing, as I am tired of “weenie-ing” around, trying to do life on one cylinder, and it with a bad spark plug. Hopefully, tomorrow will bring a new day, and I’m betting it will!
Having said all of that, I do want you to know that I am aware that God never said that life would be a smooth journey—not potholes, no gnats, no frogs, no snakes, no speed bumps, no alligators, no bats, no pains in the neck, no spoiled picnics, no mad mama bears, no bad preachers, no sweat, no broken finger nails, no flat tires, no disobedient children, no disappointments, no runny noses, no IBS, and no mad hatters.
He did, however, tell us (actually, He promised us) that He would never leave us or forsake us—PERIOD; that He would complete the good work that He started in us; that He would meet ALL of our NEEDS according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus; that light and darkness are alike to Him; that His strength is made perfect in our weakness; and that His grace is sufficient for us!
I can only speak for myself, so I will: thus far, His promises have proven true; His Word has proven faithful; and He has proven trustworthy.
Amen! You think about this—

Grace lavished,
Mac

Tax Day 2009

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Dear Fellow Travelers,
Well, it is here once again—Tax Day! Actually, every day is Tax Day, here in America, and from what I can see, it is only going to get worse! I once knew a man, who kept up with every penny (literally) that he spent. He carried a small notebook with him, in which he kept a record of everything he purchased. At any moment, he could tell you exactly how much he had spent for everything from toilet paper to filet mignon (which he didn’t purchase very often); he could even tell you how much he had spent for sales tax, ad valorem tax, gasoline tax, alcohol tax, et al! If he were alive today, he would definitely need a computer, along with an excel worksheet, just to keep up with the various kinds of taxes he would be paying, not to mention, a bottle to Xanax to calm his nerves.
Anyway, I tell you that story, to remind you that should you decide to actually keep up with the total amount of taxes you will pay this year, you would need a special assistant, who devotes all of his/her time to that project, and, I might add, you would need more than one bottle of Xanax to calm your nerves, more like a case of Jack Daniels!
There is a piece of me that wants to say that I really don’t mind paying taxes, but that “piece” of me is a liar—a bald faced liar! If I had a choice, I would much prefer taking whatever amount of money I will have paid in taxes for 2008 and burning it in my front yard; at least, I would be in agreement with what was happening to it.
The way I see it, it will not be much longer before the amount of taxes we are paying will prevent most of us from being able to maintain our standards of living. In other words, it will be very difficult for anyone to pay his/her present mortgage and car payment, purchase clothes, groceries, and gasoline, tithe, AND pay the amount of taxes that will be levied. I really do not believe that any of us really realize the level of deceit that is being carried out by both our state and federal governments. The fact is this: I do mind paying taxes, and contrary to what you are probably thinking, I do because I love America—the America in which I grew up, the America that provided me the opportunity to pursue my dreams, the America that treasured family, the America that valued Christianity, the America that believed hard work was a thing of honor, the America that thrived on “mom and pop” businesses, the America that did not believe that everyone is entitled to a certain standard of living, the America that did not believe that everyone is entitled to health insurance, and the America that did not believe that laziness, slothfulness, and lawlessness should be rewarded.
Yes, it is Tax Day 2009—HALLELUJAH!!

PS: I do have two suggestions: (1) The next time elections roll around, let us clean house—thoroughly; and (2) Sooner, rather than later, let us insist on eliminating the present Tax Code, along with the IRS, and beginning again, with something that is reasonable and understandable for all—fair tax, flat tax, anything but what he have.

Holy Week?

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Dear Fellow Travelers,
If we could rewind the film and take an up close and personal look at the events of Jesus’ life, some 2000 years ago today, I think we would be astonished, to say the very least, to see all that was going on in His life. Even a casual look at the events that led up to His final visit to Jerusalem, His triumphal entry into that city He loved, gives us much insight into what was going on in His mind and heart. Let me encourage you to begin reading in Luke’s gospel, beginning in the 31st verse of chapter 18, and continuing through at least the end of chapter 19, so you can have your own personal look into these particular hours of His life.
As I read these stories, I can’t help but wonder how we can be so uninvolved, so dis-interested, so unengaged. Yes, I know that 2000 years is a long time, per our sense of time, but I also know that the reality of what He accomplished during this week of His life, is as relevant today, as it was then. It is difficult for me to imagine why every believer is not completely absorbed in the wonder of His Person and in the miracles that He accomplished during these days, even though they took place so long ago.
This verse intrigues me, especially in light of what I have just said: “And as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, saying, ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’” (Luke 19:37-38 NASB).
I have no idea how many miracles you have seen, but I do know that, as a believer, you have experienced at least one—The New Birth—and that one miracle should cause you to live in humble adoration of The One who died, in order that you might be free to live and to love. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, should ever distract us from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Him, not even the shenanigans of Easter.
The other day, I heard President Barack Hussein Obama declare that the United States is not a Christian nation, but a nation of citizens. Yes, I reacted and thought, “How can the president of this country make such a statement, especially in view of the fact that this country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles!” After thinking about it for a while, however, I wonder if he did not, inadvertently, speak the truth. Based upon the way we have “pagan-ized” the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, with our pagan appeals to the flesh, with our pagan efforts to attract the masses, and, especially, with our apparent attraction to and love for these pagan efforts, I am afraid that he was correct.
Tomorrow is Thursday of Holy Week—Maundy Thursday—the day that marks His last supper with His disciples, including Judas!, His washing their feet, and, especially, His changing the shadow of Passover into the substance of Holy Communion—the Eucharist. I am looking forward to gathering with my small flock and leading them in thinking about the significance of these events, and, certainly, in sharing with them the bread and the wine of the Eucharist. We will remember Him and we will be astonished and we will stand in humble adoration of His Person and we will thank Him for the gift of life—eternal life.
We will love Him and we will love each other, and we will do so because He first loved us.

Holy Week

Monday, April 6, 2009

Dear Fellow Travelers,
According to the Christian calendar, this is Holy Week, the week that marks the most significant events in all of history. If we could, somehow, rewind the "film" and relive this week, as eyewitnesses to the actual events, I think our concept of "holy" would change; in fact, I know it would. If Jesus wept over Jerusalem (and He did!), as He rode into that Holy City on the back of a borrowed donkey colt, some 2000 years ago, what is His response today, as He observes the church's attempt to "holy-ize" this incredible week?
Folks, we cannot make the profane holy, regardless of how we dress it up, and profane is just what the shenanigans we call Easter really are. In fact, the more we try to dress up the events of this incredible week, the more profane they become, and the more Jesus weeps. It really is true: we will do anything to diminish the offensiveness of the gospel--hide it in colored eggs, paint over it with pastel colors, dress it up with new dresses, suits, and hats, disguise it as an Easter Bunny, even present it masqueraded in musical productions.
Oh, I almost forgot: if we do not promote all of these shenanigans, then we won't reach the masses for Easter Sunday, Sunday School attendance will be less than last year, the church down the street will have the largest crowd, and above all else, the church coffers won't be filled. Sadly, no one will have anything about which to brag, and that would would be terrible!
Maybe we really do need to spend more time around the events of His last supper, His changing the shadow of Passover, into the substance of Holy Communion, and His washing the disciple's feet. Maybe we do need to spend more time trying to enter into the gut-wrenching experience of Jesus' pointing out that Judas would betray Him and his running out into the night to take his own life. Maybe we need to visit the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane (the place of crushing!), just to be reminded of what that "crushing" involved. Maybe we need to feel the sting of the whip and the crown of thorns, just to be reminded that Someone took our place. Maybe we need to be reminded that holy ain't about shenanigans; it is about a Man called Jesus--the Holy One of God!
Maybe we need to be reminded that we are holy, not because of our shenanigans, but because He made it through this terrible week, as victor! The King of Kings and Lord of Lords really is alive, and He does NOT need the help of any of our shenanigans!

Run to Jesus, as He is enough, and then some!

Making Work Pay?

Thursday, April 2, 2009


Dear Fellow Travelers,

The following advisory was included with my wife's pension check for this month: "The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires the use of new withholding tables that reflect the Making Work Pay credit, as outlined in the Federal stimulus package. These new tables take effect April 1, 2009 and may reduce the amount of income tax withheld from your pension benefit. Please note that pension plan distributions do not currently qualify for the new Making Work Pay credit, thus the new tables could result in under-withholding. You may want to submit a revised W-4P and/or consult with a tax advisor to ensure enough is withheld from your pension benefit."

In my humble opinion, this is an excellent example of the incredible "wisdom" of the stimulus package! Please, go back and reread the first paragraph and tell me how this will stimulate anything other than the ire of the taxpayer! Think about it: As the result of the stimulus package, Annis' payroll tax has been reduced, giving her an increase in her net check; HOWEVER, because this will result in an under-withholding of her tax responsibility, come tax time next year, she will have to scratch around and find whatever amount that might be, and include it with her return. Of course, she could choose not to do that and pay it later, along with interest and penalty! Oh, I forgot: she will have to pay her CPA an added $250 for an hour's work to straighten all of this out. And one more thing: the whole point of this stimulus package is to encourage spending. Gosh! if she spends this gargantuan amount, where will she get the money at next year's tax time? In case you haven't figured it out, the leaders of this good ole USA are deceiving us--big time--by taking money out of our pockets and putting it into theirs (we used to call that "sleight of hand")!

I know you are asking what this has to do with the intricacies of God's amazing grace, so I will tell you: Socialism and Religion have much in common and without God's amazing grace, we will survive neither. Both socialism and religion imprison, control, manipulate, deceive, and destroy. Sadly both are here to stay! Do not be deceived; you will never again know the freedom that capitalism has given to you. The promises your are given by your leaders are hollow and deceptive, not to mention self-serving. A warning: if you should choose to continue living under the umbrella of religious hypocrisy, you will NOT survive the days and months that lie ahead. A suggestion (strong suggestion!): RUN TO JESUS AND TRUST HIM AND HIM ALONE!

You think about this--

The Foolishness of the Message Preached?

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Dear Fellow Travelers,
This is what Paul had to say about the message of the cross: “For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18 NASB). He went on to say this: “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (vs.21).
As some of you might know, I am having a great time making people aware of what I believe is the finest health drink around—Zoe Life. It comes packed with the nutrients of some 20 fruits and vegetables, and loaded with antioxidants. There can be no denying the fact that very few, as in very few, of us eat the amounts of fruits and vegetables our bodies require, nor do we even come close to meeting our body’s requirement for antioxidants. One serving per day of Zoe Life can turn that around and make a remarkable difference in one’s life.
Yes, I know that sounds like a sales pitch, but it was not (reread it!), and, yes, I know this is April Fool’s Day, but I am not fooling! Zoe Life is going to prove to be much better than I have described it; however, it will be ONLY for those who drink at least one serving per day. The rest will see it as, well, as foolishness. I would love to be able to change that but I cannot; all I can do is to continue to “preach the foolish message” of Zoe Life. But, there is more!
As a distributor of Zoe Life, I also have the opportunity to earn no small amount of money. Notice that I said the “opportunity to earn” no small amount of money! In spite of popular opinion, money does motivate Christians, even those who declare that it does not. The problem comes when we learn that the money must be earned. When that part of the equation is revealed, the motivation vanishes into thin air! In our society, the notion of having to earn one’s living is as foolish and offensive to the needy (which is oftentimes why they are), as the message of the cross is to the lost.
The other day, I was talking with a young man, whom I have known for several years, and who is more needy than even he realizes. His life is, shall I say falling apart, from the inside out; in fact, I think it is safe to say that it is already in shambles. Interestingly, He came to my door to deliver a shipment of Zoe Life. What a set up! Without getting involved with too many details, let me simply tell you that I told him, that if he would follow my lead, I could offer him an opportunity to help himself—physically, financially, and spiritually. I looked at the package and said to him, “The key is inside this package.” His response was classic! “Oh, are you talking about Zoegetics? I have already heard about that and I don’t have time for it.” I said, “That’s fine; however, before you leave, I do have one question: How many packages from Zoegetics are you delivering on your route?” His answer was astonishing: “It has increased just one of my routes by 60 stops!”
As he ran across my yard to the delivery truck (12 hours per day at minimum wage and no benefits), I thought, “You are working 12 hours per day for minimum wage, grumbling every step of the way, to deliver to others the very product, that someone could be delivering to you, a product that could be changing your life.”
It is strange how we can often look right into the face of the answer to our struggles and see it as, well, as foolishness. I wonder how often Paul had that sense of “strangeness” come over him, as he preached the message of the cross? Often, to be sure.