The Plumbline

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. (Ephesians 3:12) In Old Testament times, the high priest would prepare an offering to take into the Holy of Holies (an inner chamber within the Tabernacle of Moses). He'd enter with more than a little trepidation because of the presence of God that dwelt there. The holiness of God was the very thing that could be their undoing, especially if they came with unprepared hearts and hands. If the high priest entered without preparing himself, he could be struck dead! No wonder he took the time to prepare! Now, we enter boldly into God's presence, having our hearts prepared by the Spirit of God that indwells us. His presence goes with us - in us, in fact - because of the finished work of Christ. What does that 'bold access' to the presence of God mean? It means we no longer need to bring sacrifices to 'atone' for our sins. We are already forgiven. We now enter readily...

If someone actually pointed out the way for you to find entrance to something you didn't even know you were looking for, would you go there? There are a whole lot of individuals who don't know they are looking for Jesus in their lives, but when they find someone pointing the way for them to find him, they are amazed at what they discover when the 'enter in'. We all need to be 'pointers' to the one who can answer every question, settle every dispute, open every mind, heal every heart, and bring peace to every troubled emotion.  Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:9-10) Come in through him - no other way will matter, nor will it bring the same reward. We try a whole lot of 'ways' to get peace, settle our emotions and sort out our troubled minds, but there...

Sacrifices and offerings are not what please you; gifts and payment for sin are not what you demand. But you made me willing to listen and obey. And so, I said, “I am here to do what is written about me in the book, where it says, ’I enjoy pleasing you. Your Law is in my heart.’” (Psalm 40:6-8 CEV) In the Old Testament, sacrifices and offerings were expected. The people would bring lambs, goats, bulls, and even birds or grains to the temple to offer to God. These would be prepared in a particular manner and either consumed on the altar, or parts of the offering would be consumed on the altar, and the remainder would be enjoyed by the priests who served in the temple. Jesus declared this "form" of worship no longer necessary when he offered himself as the "perfect sacrifice" for our sins. Yet, in our worship today, we often find we are still all actively trying to bring some "gift or payment" for sin, thinking God "demands" this of US . We hav...

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace . I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28 MSG) Why is it some embrace grace so easily and others seem to 'dance around it' for quite a long time? I think if may just be the way they feel about 'the church' as a whole. Stop for a moment to consider what someone may think about your local neighborhood church. Is it a positive place that embraces the sinner, or will the sinner feel the outcast upon entering in? That is a tough question for some of us to answer honestly, but it is an important one to consider today. God's intent for the church wasn't for us to create buildings and denominations, but places of refuge and healing - places of safet...