Another of Jesus' "I AM" statements is another amazing statement! All of Jesus' "I AM" statements are amazing statements about who He is. The next to last is "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (NIV)
In the context, Jesus is speaking of the fact He is leaving, and He is going where the followers cannot follow Him now. But one day they will go where He is going. Thomas says, "How can we come if we don't know where you are going and don't know the way." And then Jesus says, "I AM the way."
In other words, where Jesus is going, and that is into the presence of God, cannot be gone to unless one goes through Jesus' way. And Jesus is the way. In other words, you have to know the leader and let Him lead you there.
Mapquest will not help me get there. The Bible may point me to the One who can get me there. But only by accepting the One who is the way can I go with Him to where He has (now) gone. It is all about a personal relationship of trust in Jesus, the One who knows the way because He is the way to God.
He is the superhighway to God--the pathway--the road. But He is also the "truth."
Many other paths say they have truth or are truth. Jesus says that also, but He has backed it up through His prediction that He would die, but then rise again. Who else has done that? None. Jesus said He would die, but then in three days be raised from the dead. Followers who knew Him before His death saw Him and recognized Him after He rose. They talked with Him, walked with Him, ate with Him, recognized Him by His voice and mannerisms. If all of this were a hoax, why would many of these same people be willing to die in the book of Acts for this belief that He came alive from the grave. Jesus backed up what He said; He is the truth.
He is also the life--Eternal life--the abundant life--the best life. And He leads, at our death, to a place of eternal living that will have no hardships or trials or death or pain, and that is in the very presence of God Himself.
That eternal life--abundant life--best life begins the moment when one accepts Jesus and lives in trust in Jesus here on this earth. But that is only the beginning of this eternal life.
The way to God, the truth of God, the way to eternal life with God is found in Jesus. What other person ever made that statement and was able to prove the truthfulness of it? Only the One who came alive from the dead--that would be Jesus.
Consider Jesus--consider His teachings--consider His actions in the Gospel of John, and you will find One who is believed by Christians to be the "way, the truth, the life." No one can come to the Father (God) except by coming through relationship with Him.
But the best part of that "hard" and exclusive statement is that He offers that relationship to everyone--anyone--all. He doesn't just offer it to some. And that is good news from Jesus!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
I AM THE RESURRECTION AND LIFE
Jesus next "I AM" statement comes in John 11:25, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;" (NIV)
The context is of Lazarus' death. Lazarus was friend of Jesus and brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus hears of Lazarus' death, waits a few days, and then goes to Bethany. As he arrives, he is met (accosted, scolded) by sister Mary. Here is one of the most important statements by a follower of Jesus as to who He is and what He can do. Maybe even an expectation of what he will do (raise Lazarus now from the dead).
In this passage, we find both an important sign (miracle pointing to who Jesus is and God's power within Him) and an "I AM" statement. (Note the mixing of Jesus' word and deed--pointing to who He is.)
Before the raising of Lazarus, Jesus says, "I AM the resurrection and the life."
Mary believes that Jesus could "prevent" death--"If only you had been here ..."
Jesus teaches and shows that He has power over death, EVEN AFTER IT HAS OCCURRED.
"I AM the resurrection and the life." I am the power to come alive again. (Doesn't only God have power over death? Who, therefore is Jesus?)
And I am the life itself--eternal life, abundant life, life with no limits.
All of that Jesus provides for the believer, disciple, follower--an overcoming of death (often seen as the final event or the final victory of Satan), and a genuine and abundant life (one that will last forever).
Then Jesus proves His statement here by raising Lazarus from the dead. Word and deed--statement and proof--saying followed up by action.
If there is eternal life and abundant life and overcoming of death, even after it occurs, isn't that a reason to investigate Jesus more for yourself.
Because of Jesus being the "resurrection and the life," the follower/believer in Jesus does not need to worry about earthly death. It will be overcome by Jesus' action.
So the Christian celebrates Easter being Jesus' resurrection. And the Christian sings the song, "Because He (Jesus) lives, I can face tomorrow" and whatever may come in this life, including death.
Jesus raised Lazarus. Jesus was raised from the dead Himself. And one day, Jesus will raise all those who place their trust/faith/hope/life into His keeping. That's a reason to live today with confidence and hope!
The context is of Lazarus' death. Lazarus was friend of Jesus and brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus hears of Lazarus' death, waits a few days, and then goes to Bethany. As he arrives, he is met (accosted, scolded) by sister Mary. Here is one of the most important statements by a follower of Jesus as to who He is and what He can do. Maybe even an expectation of what he will do (raise Lazarus now from the dead).
In this passage, we find both an important sign (miracle pointing to who Jesus is and God's power within Him) and an "I AM" statement. (Note the mixing of Jesus' word and deed--pointing to who He is.)
Before the raising of Lazarus, Jesus says, "I AM the resurrection and the life."
Mary believes that Jesus could "prevent" death--"If only you had been here ..."
Jesus teaches and shows that He has power over death, EVEN AFTER IT HAS OCCURRED.
"I AM the resurrection and the life." I am the power to come alive again. (Doesn't only God have power over death? Who, therefore is Jesus?)
And I am the life itself--eternal life, abundant life, life with no limits.
All of that Jesus provides for the believer, disciple, follower--an overcoming of death (often seen as the final event or the final victory of Satan), and a genuine and abundant life (one that will last forever).
Then Jesus proves His statement here by raising Lazarus from the dead. Word and deed--statement and proof--saying followed up by action.
If there is eternal life and abundant life and overcoming of death, even after it occurs, isn't that a reason to investigate Jesus more for yourself.
Because of Jesus being the "resurrection and the life," the follower/believer in Jesus does not need to worry about earthly death. It will be overcome by Jesus' action.
So the Christian celebrates Easter being Jesus' resurrection. And the Christian sings the song, "Because He (Jesus) lives, I can face tomorrow" and whatever may come in this life, including death.
Jesus raised Lazarus. Jesus was raised from the dead Himself. And one day, Jesus will raise all those who place their trust/faith/hope/life into His keeping. That's a reason to live today with confidence and hope!
Friday, April 6, 2012
THE DAY I CARRIED THE CROSS
A friend of mine was out on campus today, holding a big cross and giving out nails as a reminder of Good Friday and its meaning. It reminded me of an experience I had a few years ago, while I was still in collegiate ministry. I wrote about this (and it was published) in "Discipleship Journal," a magazine then put out by Navigators (NavPress).
I was out on campus with several students from our ministry, holding the cross and passing out nail tracts, sharing about the sacrifice of Jesus and the nails that held him to the cross. After a few hours on campus, it was time to go back to our ministry building. All of the students helping needed to get to class or other places. I was left with the cross, probably about 8 feet tall, and a large box of nail tracts that we were passing out that morning.
I guess it was probably about a mile back to our ministry building, and I was crossing campus, struggling to carry the cross and the box of tracts alone. From time to time, I would shift the items from side to side--it was not only heavy, but awkward to carry as well.
What was interesting was that, as I struggled with the cross and box, I caught myself feeling embarrassed that I was struggling with this in full sight of students and others passing by. Not only was it tiresome, but I was embarrassed. Finally, I got back to our ministry building with a sigh of relief.
As I reflected on the experience later, I thought to myself, "What a contradiction!" For a few hours, with others, I was comfortable holding the cross and passing out the tracts. Then when it was just me, I not only struggled physically, but emotionally as well--embarrassed to be seen struggling with this all.
I realized that Jesus struggled on this day--Good Friday--with a much harder load to carry--a real cross, real nails, a message rejected by most, and the public ridicule of those while He was on the cross, dying for the sins of others. And I got embarrassed struggling with carrying a cross and a box, but in no danger of being killed. What a contrast--what a contradiction between what I had been doing and what I was now doing!
For me it was a good lesson in humility and in standing up for what I said I believed to be true. How easy I left being a good follower, and like Peter, denied my Lord in my embarrassment.
It is easy for me to quote Luke 9:23, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Jesus said it.) But living it out is much harder. Words sometimes are cheap; living life is not.
I am glad that Jesus did not get embarrassed carrying my cross--for my sins. I am glad He did not turn back from His destiny ("Nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done.").
I have a Savior who is both effective in His action on behalf of a sinful world, but also a worthy model to emulate.
Maybe you and I should more often carry a cross in a public place, struggle with carrying both it and a box of nails, to remind us, in a very small way, of what Jesus went through for us on that, as we call it, "Good Friday."
Thank You Jesus. Teach me what lessons I need from this experience.
I was out on campus with several students from our ministry, holding the cross and passing out nail tracts, sharing about the sacrifice of Jesus and the nails that held him to the cross. After a few hours on campus, it was time to go back to our ministry building. All of the students helping needed to get to class or other places. I was left with the cross, probably about 8 feet tall, and a large box of nail tracts that we were passing out that morning.
I guess it was probably about a mile back to our ministry building, and I was crossing campus, struggling to carry the cross and the box of tracts alone. From time to time, I would shift the items from side to side--it was not only heavy, but awkward to carry as well.
What was interesting was that, as I struggled with the cross and box, I caught myself feeling embarrassed that I was struggling with this in full sight of students and others passing by. Not only was it tiresome, but I was embarrassed. Finally, I got back to our ministry building with a sigh of relief.
As I reflected on the experience later, I thought to myself, "What a contradiction!" For a few hours, with others, I was comfortable holding the cross and passing out the tracts. Then when it was just me, I not only struggled physically, but emotionally as well--embarrassed to be seen struggling with this all.
I realized that Jesus struggled on this day--Good Friday--with a much harder load to carry--a real cross, real nails, a message rejected by most, and the public ridicule of those while He was on the cross, dying for the sins of others. And I got embarrassed struggling with carrying a cross and a box, but in no danger of being killed. What a contrast--what a contradiction between what I had been doing and what I was now doing!
For me it was a good lesson in humility and in standing up for what I said I believed to be true. How easy I left being a good follower, and like Peter, denied my Lord in my embarrassment.
It is easy for me to quote Luke 9:23, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Jesus said it.) But living it out is much harder. Words sometimes are cheap; living life is not.
I am glad that Jesus did not get embarrassed carrying my cross--for my sins. I am glad He did not turn back from His destiny ("Nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done.").
I have a Savior who is both effective in His action on behalf of a sinful world, but also a worthy model to emulate.
Maybe you and I should more often carry a cross in a public place, struggle with carrying both it and a box of nails, to remind us, in a very small way, of what Jesus went through for us on that, as we call it, "Good Friday."
Thank You Jesus. Teach me what lessons I need from this experience.
Friday, March 30, 2012
DON'T FOLLOW JESUS
Don't follow Jesus unless ...
Matthew 4:19, speaking the words of Jesus says, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (NIV)
Notice the second part of this verse (thanks to Real Life Discipleship Training Manual, for drawing my attention to this). "I will make you ..."
Following Jesus involves many things, but one thing we must do in deciding to follow Jesus or not is to "count the cost." (See Luke 14:25 ff. for the idea of this.)
It is not easy to make a commitment to Jesus as Lord, and it is not easy to continue to allow Jesus to be Lord of one's life. The struggles and battles are many.
"I will make you" implies that Jesus will be about making changes in our lives. The representative of God and Jesus, the Holy Spirit, is working in one's life--the one who follows Jesus as Lord--to "transform" us into the likeness of God. (See Romans 12:1-2) That implies change from one thing to another. Change is not easy and change is not always what I seek.
Change implies different ways of thinking, different attitudes than are natural for me, and different actions in living life.
But notice who makes the changes. "I." That implies in the context that Jesus makes the changes--God makes the changes. He points out areas where there is a conflict between "my" ways of thinking, feeling and doing from "HIS" way of thinking, feeling and doing. And when those are pointed out, I am to allow Him to have His way and do His work in me and through me.
Not easy for me, but that is a part of "following Jesus," and letting Him be Lord.
When I think of the forgiveness, mercy and grace that I have received from the Lord, the changes don't seem as hard, knowing that He has His best interests in mind, but also what is best for me in mind as well. It really is best for me to be more like God and Jesus. He will make me a better person than I could just be in my own power, without someone loving and moral working in me.
Don't follow Jesus ... unless you count the cost and ... unless you are willing to let Him make the changes in your life that He feels are necessary. But if you do choose to follow His lead, you will find a very rich and rewarding life is in store for you.
"I will make you ..."
Matthew 4:19, speaking the words of Jesus says, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (NIV)
Notice the second part of this verse (thanks to Real Life Discipleship Training Manual, for drawing my attention to this). "I will make you ..."
Following Jesus involves many things, but one thing we must do in deciding to follow Jesus or not is to "count the cost." (See Luke 14:25 ff. for the idea of this.)
It is not easy to make a commitment to Jesus as Lord, and it is not easy to continue to allow Jesus to be Lord of one's life. The struggles and battles are many.
"I will make you" implies that Jesus will be about making changes in our lives. The representative of God and Jesus, the Holy Spirit, is working in one's life--the one who follows Jesus as Lord--to "transform" us into the likeness of God. (See Romans 12:1-2) That implies change from one thing to another. Change is not easy and change is not always what I seek.
Change implies different ways of thinking, different attitudes than are natural for me, and different actions in living life.
But notice who makes the changes. "I." That implies in the context that Jesus makes the changes--God makes the changes. He points out areas where there is a conflict between "my" ways of thinking, feeling and doing from "HIS" way of thinking, feeling and doing. And when those are pointed out, I am to allow Him to have His way and do His work in me and through me.
Not easy for me, but that is a part of "following Jesus," and letting Him be Lord.
When I think of the forgiveness, mercy and grace that I have received from the Lord, the changes don't seem as hard, knowing that He has His best interests in mind, but also what is best for me in mind as well. It really is best for me to be more like God and Jesus. He will make me a better person than I could just be in my own power, without someone loving and moral working in me.
Don't follow Jesus ... unless you count the cost and ... unless you are willing to let Him make the changes in your life that He feels are necessary. But if you do choose to follow His lead, you will find a very rich and rewarding life is in store for you.
"I will make you ..."
Monday, March 26, 2012
COMPLETE YOUR TASK
Had a friend who wanted to hear more about my sermon yesterday, so I post my notes today on my blog. (Sorry the formatting just doesn't transfer well into HTML, I guess.)
a. Not just head knowledge nor a one time knowledge
b. Growing, maturing knowledge—heart knowledge
c. Real disciples continue seeking to know God better—a growing knowledge of God and
Jesus
d. Part of growing knowledge is patterning life after the One we come to know—Jesus is our
pattern—we to follow Him
3) v. 4 Jesus completed the work God gave Him to do—anticipation of going to the Cross—to die for our sins
4) But in context of passage—completing His work had more to it:
a. V. 6 I revealed you to those you
gave me—Jesus lived like God—people saw and experienced Jesus, they experienced
God
b. Jesus revealed—people obeyed
c. V. 7 They knew everything Jesus had came
from God—the source, the beginning
d. V. 8 Jesus gave them the words God gave Him
to share with them—they accepted them—as from God—success
e. Jesus revealing God led to their belief—their faith and trust—recognized God and His
place
5) Jesus’ completed work on earth was salvation—but it was also revealing God and God’s
Word—so that people would believe in God, obey His Word, and live like God.
6) Our challenge is to do the same—to complete our work—our purpose for living life
a. We can’t die so others will be saved
b. We can live to reveal God
i. Pattern our life
after His—love, forgiveness, sacrifice for others—live by godly values
ii. Teach others to
obey God—by our example—by our words
iii. Pray for
others—as Jesus did in v. 9 ff.
7) Jesus came to save and then disciple others
8) We are to live to reveal God and disciple others
Are you completing your task as a believer in Christ?
Who looks to you as an example of Jesus? Who are you teaching, through words and life,
to obey God?
COMPLETE YOUR WORK
Our prayers often reveal who we are and what is important to
us.
Nearing Easter—study the life of Jesus—John 17—“High Priestly
Prayer of Jesus”—prayer for Himself, prayer for disciples, prayer for future
disciples
John 17:1-9
Jesus nearing the Cross—the most important event of His
earthly life—Jn 13-17, probably in upper room with disciples night He was
betrayed
What was Jesus’ work?
1) v. 2 Jesus came to give eternal life
2) v. 3 What is eternal life—knowing God
through knowing Jesus
Our prayers often reveal who we are and what is important to
us.
Nearing Easter—study the life of Jesus—John 17—“High Priestly
Prayer of Jesus”—prayer for Himself, prayer for disciples, prayer for future
disciples
John 17:1-9
Jesus nearing the Cross—the most important event of His
earthly life—Jn 13-17, probably in upper room with disciples night He was
betrayed
What was Jesus’ work?
1) v. 2 Jesus came to give eternal life
2) v. 3 What is eternal life—knowing God
through knowing Jesus
a. Not just head knowledge nor a one time knowledge
b. Growing, maturing knowledge—heart knowledge
c. Real disciples continue seeking to know God better—a growing knowledge of God and
Jesus
d. Part of growing knowledge is patterning life after the One we come to know—Jesus is our
pattern—we to follow Him
3) v. 4 Jesus completed the work God gave Him to do—anticipation of going to the Cross—to die for our sins
4) But in context of passage—completing His work had more to it:
a. V. 6 I revealed you to those you
gave me—Jesus lived like God—people saw and experienced Jesus, they experienced
God
b. Jesus revealed—people obeyed
c. V. 7 They knew everything Jesus had came
from God—the source, the beginning
d. V. 8 Jesus gave them the words God gave Him
to share with them—they accepted them—as from God—success
e. Jesus revealing God led to their belief—their faith and trust—recognized God and His
place
5) Jesus’ completed work on earth was salvation—but it was also revealing God and God’s
Word—so that people would believe in God, obey His Word, and live like God.
6) Our challenge is to do the same—to complete our work—our purpose for living life
a. We can’t die so others will be saved
b. We can live to reveal God
i. Pattern our life
after His—love, forgiveness, sacrifice for others—live by godly values
ii. Teach others to
obey God—by our example—by our words
iii. Pray for
others—as Jesus did in v. 9 ff.
7) Jesus came to save and then disciple others
8) We are to live to reveal God and disciple others
Are you completing your task as a believer in Christ?
Who looks to you as an example of Jesus? Who are you teaching, through words and life,
to obey God?
Friday, March 23, 2012
I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD
The fourth "I AM" statement of Jesus in the gospel of John is found in John 10:11 and 14. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (10:11) “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." (10:14, NIV)
Jesus has switched descriptions of Himself in John 10 from being a "door or gate" to being "a good shepherd." There is a contrast in the passage (see the fuller passage) from a bad shepherd, one who is just hired to do the job, with the one who cares sincerely for his sheep and is willing to give, even his own life for their good. This latter shepherd is Jesus.
We are in the time near Easter now, and that is the Christian celebration of Jesus giving His life for the forgiveness of sin and eternal life of those who come to accept Him. (An aside, I do not believe in a limited atonement--I believe He died for all, but not everyone will choose to accept His offer of forgiveness and eternal life.)
Jesus laid down His life for His sheep. What they could not do for their own protection and best, Jesus did for them. He did not have His life taken; He willingly gave it up--chose God's way. Jesus, as God and God's Son, was in control throughout the passion event. So He "lay down His life"--gave it willingly for His own.
But the good shepherd also has an intimate relationship with His sheep. They are His beloved--he genuinely cares for us and we should care for Him, love Him back. The word, "know," implies a personal knowledge that is experienced, not just a knowing from afar nor with the head only. It is a personal, heart knowledge.
With my wife, the better I know her, the more I love her. I know so many more facets to the diamond that she is than I did when we married. And I am ever more in love with her due to that personal, experienced knowledge. It brings forth intimacy--closeness--love.
That is what Jesus is describing about Himself here--a personal, intimate, experienced knowledge of His own, and the personal, intimate, experienced knowledge that they gain of Him as well. That is only done by the good shepherd who loves His sheep and is willing, even to die, for their best. And that is Jesus essence--love and sacrifice as mentioned in these verses.
What does that say to us? You are valuable because God's Son died for YOUR good! You are loved and cherished by One who was willing to die for you. Ponder that thought for a while, and see all of its facets or implications.
How grateful we should be if we have experienced that love and mercy and forgiveness! How grateful if we have experienced that sacrifice for us! And therefore, what is logical and best is that we genuinely love Him back--the One who gave His all that we might have forgiveness and eternal life and the continuing love of God.
Jesus is the good shepherd, who gave His life for you, and He is the good shepherd who knows you intimately, and still loves you unreservedly. Will you love Him back and accept His love and sacrifice?
Jesus has switched descriptions of Himself in John 10 from being a "door or gate" to being "a good shepherd." There is a contrast in the passage (see the fuller passage) from a bad shepherd, one who is just hired to do the job, with the one who cares sincerely for his sheep and is willing to give, even his own life for their good. This latter shepherd is Jesus.
We are in the time near Easter now, and that is the Christian celebration of Jesus giving His life for the forgiveness of sin and eternal life of those who come to accept Him. (An aside, I do not believe in a limited atonement--I believe He died for all, but not everyone will choose to accept His offer of forgiveness and eternal life.)
Jesus laid down His life for His sheep. What they could not do for their own protection and best, Jesus did for them. He did not have His life taken; He willingly gave it up--chose God's way. Jesus, as God and God's Son, was in control throughout the passion event. So He "lay down His life"--gave it willingly for His own.
But the good shepherd also has an intimate relationship with His sheep. They are His beloved--he genuinely cares for us and we should care for Him, love Him back. The word, "know," implies a personal knowledge that is experienced, not just a knowing from afar nor with the head only. It is a personal, heart knowledge.
With my wife, the better I know her, the more I love her. I know so many more facets to the diamond that she is than I did when we married. And I am ever more in love with her due to that personal, experienced knowledge. It brings forth intimacy--closeness--love.
That is what Jesus is describing about Himself here--a personal, intimate, experienced knowledge of His own, and the personal, intimate, experienced knowledge that they gain of Him as well. That is only done by the good shepherd who loves His sheep and is willing, even to die, for their best. And that is Jesus essence--love and sacrifice as mentioned in these verses.
What does that say to us? You are valuable because God's Son died for YOUR good! You are loved and cherished by One who was willing to die for you. Ponder that thought for a while, and see all of its facets or implications.
How grateful we should be if we have experienced that love and mercy and forgiveness! How grateful if we have experienced that sacrifice for us! And therefore, what is logical and best is that we genuinely love Him back--the One who gave His all that we might have forgiveness and eternal life and the continuing love of God.
Jesus is the good shepherd, who gave His life for you, and He is the good shepherd who knows you intimately, and still loves you unreservedly. Will you love Him back and accept His love and sacrifice?
Monday, March 12, 2012
STEP UP TO THE PLATE
Today, my blog consists of my sermon notes from preaching yesterday at University Baptist Church in Macomb, our former church when we lived there. Maybe these notes can speak to you and your situation.
STEP UP TO THE PLATE
STEP UP TO THE PLATE
Baseball—must have an offense
Why don’t people do that?
Joshua 1; Eph. 4:11-13
1) Inferiority
a. I am not as good as person who did this before me
b. I cannot do it—task is too big
c. In both, focus is on self
2) Challenge for Joshua—focus on God, not others, not yourself
a. How big is God?How powerful?How skillful?Can He gives you what you need to succeed?
b. “Be strong and courageous”—given also to him in Deuteronomy 31.
c. “for the Lord your God is with you”—same thing said to Moses. Did God fulfill that to Moses? Would God do that for Joshua?Will God do that for you too?
3) Blackaby—Exp. God--“God equips those He calls”—gives them what they need to complete the task.
4) What is God asking you to “step up to the plate” with right now? God says to you, “Be strong and courageous because I am with you.”
5) Ephesians 4:11-13 Equipping task of a pastor—not to do all of ministry—to equip others for the work of service.
a. How can body best be built up? Everyone involved. Everyone using their spiritual gifts and talents to make the church work and make ministry happen.
b. Could be “on hold" if have no pastor or pastor sick or ...
6) Call to church is to be about Great Commission
a. Make disciples
b. Baptize
c. Teach people to obey God
d. Should that be “on hold” because pastor is ill? Should it ever be on hold?
7) Interesting what Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “Upon this rock I will build my church—gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Will not stand up against it.
a. Implies church is on the offense—not defense—not “on hold”—not in a fortress against the world—not playing catch up. (Gates are for defense not offense. Who is behind the gates in the passage?)
b. Step up to the plate—implies everyone is involved—doing what God wants them to do to make the church on the offense against Satan.
c. Where are you right now—offense or defense?
Step up to the Plate
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