Good News

 

With Easter just around the corner, I wanted to spend some time sharing the true celebration of Easter with any whom choose to join me this morning.

I can not tell you how deeply important I feel the need to share this good news with you. It comes from my great love for anyone that might choose to open their heart to what I write here. I am praying that the Lord will do that, open your heart to truth about Jesus.

Most folks do believe Jesus the man lived in historical Israel during the time when Caesar Augustus, also known as Octavia, was emperor of the known world, the Roman Empire. They make a decision that Jesus was either a "good" teacher, or  He was the Son of God. Those reading today probably identify with one of those points of view.

I would like to challenge your ideas of who Jesus really was and is. The argument that He was just a good teacher and a kind man cannot be true. He claimed to be God, in fact that is why the Jewish leaders at the time condemned Him to death-- for blasphemy. He worked miracles that showed control over nature, human body, and foreknowledge of the future. Jesus spoke with an immense understanding of Jewish ancient laws and scriptures.  We, today, still have works written by witnesses to what they had heard and seen at that time, including non Christian Jewish historian writers. So we can conclude He did live here on earth.

But, I would pose the question that He could not have been just a "good" man, could He? Actually knowing what we do about the man, He would have had to have been a mental case to claim the things He did, perform signs, and then to allow His own execution without giving some kind of rebuttal for His accusers. He eventually lead His followers to also be willing to die excruciating deaths under Rome's horrible appetite for torture. So It might be more acceptable to just completely deny any good in Him, and write Him off as a another radical fool. May it never be.

The other point of view seems more likely. I completely believe that He is who He claimed to be, the Son of God. Only God has power over the natural elements, over human anatomy, knows the future, and understand His own laws perfectly.

It was God that created the Heavens and the Earth. We answer to Him because He made us. He is absolutely Holy and Righteous, and so He can not be near sin. He made the first man, Adam, and put him in a beautiful garden in the shiny new perfect earth. It was Satan, the creator of lies, that came to Eve, Adams new wife, and tempted her to disobey God's command.

Since that first sin (any act nonconforming to God's commands), the whole human race is born in sin. Romans 5:12 in the Bible says, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men..." I would ask you to think if you have sinned? I know that my life was defined with selfish and sinful behavior before I knew Christ. Romans 6:23 says," For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Since God is a just judge, He will punish sin and disobedience to His law. That punishment is death and eternal separation from Him. Those who are not His, will not be with Him in eternity. They will be with the one they followed here on earth, Satan.

That sounds cruel and hopeless. But I titled this post "Good News." Here is the wonderful news-- The God who created you, wants you to be His forever. Romans 6:23 tells us that, "For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

I have demonstrated Jesus' gift of death on the cross to my children in this way. It is definitely not a perfect analogy but helps my sons understand:
A boy disobeys his father and mother so he will have a punishment, such as a spanking.
The mom pulls out the wooden spoon, but then Dad says he will take the boy's punishment in his place.
If the boy will accept Dad's gift, then he will not receive the punishment he deserves.
Instead the Daddy, that has done nothing wrong and does not deserve any consequence, will take the full punishment. Then, the boy will be completely absolved of all crimes committed. The boy obtains the dad's innocence, and the Dad assumes the responsibility and punishment in the boy's place. This, turns the son's heart to the Father.

We all have sinned and will be put before the ultimate judge. We deserve that judgement. But unlike us, Jesus (fully God and fully man) came down from heaven and lived a perfect blameless human life. He was the one that died a terrible death on the cross for crimes he did not commit. His final words on the cross were, "It is finished." This Greek phrase was also written on archeological found receipts of that time and meant, "Paid in full."  Jesus' mission, spoken of since the beginning of time through the Old Testament, was accomplished. The debt that we owe for our sin was paid in full. His perfect life here on earth and His holiness was more than enough to cancel out our wrong doings. His righteous life in exchange for our condemned one. Romans 5:19 says," For as through one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of One the many were made righteous." 

Romans 5:8 states," But God demonstrates His own love toward  us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

What we are celebrating on Easter Sunday is that Jesus, perfect man, could not be held by the grave. He rose from the dead and continues to reign over His followers today. 

So that leaves us with my original thought, "Was Jesus just another good teacher? Was He a mad man?" Do you deny He is who He said he was?  No, He is as He claimed to be. He is God. And, if you too believe that He is, and that He came to give His life so that you might have the gift of eternal life with Him, then Romans 10:9 says; "That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." And, Romans 10:13,"For whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved." If we truly believe He is God, then we have no other choice but to change and submit to Him.

In response to this gift of life, absolution from our offense, and full payment of our debt; we give our hearts to the Heavenly Father. We ask forgiveness for our sin and repent of them. We receive the promise of the Holy spirit to come and help us become truly our Father's children by following in obedience after Him. We are baptized to show others what He has done for us. We put off the old self and put on the new righteousness of Christ.

There is nothing we can do to gain an audience with the Holy Creator of the universe. I cannot even imagine gaining access to the president of the U.S. In God's eyes we are lawbreakers and can never measure up.
So if we are hoping that our good will out weigh the bad, and He will accept that as good enough. Man, it has to be hard living life trying to gain more merits than demerits. The truth is, in God's court we are just guilty. We can only hope in His grace to us by faith in Jesus alone. Ephesians 2:8 says," For by grace you have been saved through faith; and not of your selves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."

I hope that you will examine your heart today. I am praying that our Lord will open your eyes to the truth that we are all sinners in need of redemption. A savior has come in Jesus, and believing in Him you may have life. This truth will change your heart from self to following a new King over your life.

He died and rose again so that you might also be resurrected from the dead!!!!    

Most of the scripture I referenced was taken from Paul's letter to the Roman church. I would love for you to read it for yourself or the book of John written by one of Jesus' disciples. Read them in their entirety so that you may investigate these truths for yourself.

Women Helping Women

 

 Last weekend I enjoyed a ladies retreat at my church with a dear friend. The topic of the weekend was "Women Helping Women."  One of the wonderful lessons from the great Biblical teaching was on discipleship and mentoring in our everyday walks of life. A beautiful testimony was given by one of the ladies. She welcomed us to join her in a look back at her spiritual journey from young girl to adult mom, and the women that impacted her life. This made me think about the lovely radiant women our Lord has put in my life to draw me closer to Him and His Kingdom.

One of those mentor women in my life is Allie Jones. I have had the privilege of teaching with her at our home school classes for the past 4 years. I also attended church with Allie, and have seen her and her family make a marvelous difference for the Lord. She has 5  terrific children, who have a heart for God. She has given me much wise godly advice and help along the way in the 7 years I have known her, like she has many moms. I would like to include part 2 of the "Encouragement for Home Schooling Through High School" series I began last month. Below is dear Allie's response. I know it will encourage you as it did me.

But before I do I just want to spend just a moment recognizing my much cherished and admired mom. I can't mention mentorship without her. We had some hard news this week about her health. She is a  most precious mom and grandmother. I do not know anyone with a more generous nature. In our home, as I was growing up, my Mama was a glorious picture of a child of our Lord as she depended on her caring Heavenly Father in everything. Many times, during my childhood, I would find her on her knees praying beside her bed. She often had tears as she sang of the marvelous grace of Jesus during the church services (I have inherited that from her :).  So grateful for the example she has been to me in her absolute faith and trust in our great God.

Please enjoy this letter from one of my sweet mentors, Allie Jones:

Dear Homeschool Mom,

The choice to homeschool your kids was a BIG one!  However, the closer you get to teaching high school it seems even BIGGER and fear sets in.  Many questions arise such as: "Will my kids be able to handle college? Will they get into college? Will I explode?

However, don't let fear control your thoughts. Go back to the day you and your husband decided to homeschool.  Why did you decide to homeschool?  Do you feel it is what God wants you to do or are you homeschooling for other reasons?

I understand your concerns and your weariness! I have 5 kids and have homeschooled for 16 years. It has not been easy, but has been well worth it for my family and I want to encourage you. YOU CAN DO IT WITH GOD'S HELP!  When you start to have doubts about continuing homeschool through high school, it might be helpful to reassess the reasons why you chose to homeschool in the beginning.

As for our family, there are two main reasons we chose to homeschool: to teach the Bible daily to our kids and to give our kids an individualized education so they can flourish to glorify God.

First of all, the Bible says in Deuteronomy 6:4-7 to teach your children the Bible diligently at all times:

⁴ “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! ⁵ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

⁶ “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

Homeschooling, although not the only way, is an excellent way to accomplish this command.  If the kids are away all day at school, it is hard to give them a Biblical foundation.  Also, Christian curriculum taught at home can help reinforce Bible teaching.  To me, this is the most important aspect for our kids' education.  It is our duty to teach them their Biblical foundation.  A Biblical foundation gives them the gospel to stand on and will keep them from wavering when life brings storms. That is the ultimate education! Storms typically come in the teenage years.

Another way to contribute to this Biblical foundation is to be involved with a good support group of Christian friends who are like-minded and can encourage you and your kids as they grow.  This can be found be in your church, homeschool support groups, and in outside homeschool classes (co-ops).  I strongly feel that this interaction with other Christians who are like minded is vital to both mom and student and is needed to keep everyone balanced.  There will be plenty of time later to adjust to the world and we need this consistency of Christian support while our kids are building their foundation.

Homeschooling has also allowed my family to grow together rather than apart, especially during the teen years.  I have five children ranging in ages from 21 years to 12 years.  My older three chose to go to UTA and live at home. Therefore, my kids are all very close and we have frequent dinners together.  It is fun to see my 12 year old daughter adore her 21 year old brother who is in college.  They have a wonderful relationship despite the age difference. 

The second reason my family home schools is the individualized instruction it provides.  It does work!  I have three kids so far that have done well in college.  My college kids have not had any problem transitioning into the academic world from homeschooling. My daughter just graduated with a degree in accounting and has entered the work force as a "normal" adult.

Yes, the student does have to be motivated, but the mom's job is to be diligent in the instruction part. 

This does not mean that mom has to be knowledgeable in all areas of high school study! Therefore, I highly encourage the use of outside classes for homeschoolers in high school.  The key is to find a good co-op or teachers that are skilled in the subject matter and to attend classes at least once-a week.  This gives the student accountability to others and teaches them to schedule and reach deadlines. This also provides independence from mom and allows the student to get ready for the next step, whether it is college or a job.

Several years ago, at a homeschool book fair, I was greatly encouraged by a speech by Jay Wile (Apologia Science).  He spoke on homeschooling through high school and said that high schoolers needed to be doing more independent work, which greatly relieved me because I was feeling guilty for not spending as much time teaching with my older students as my younger ones. My older son confirmed this one day when he said that the independent work he did during homeschool and the co-op classes he took are what helped prepare him best for college work.

Another important aspect associated with the success of the academics in homeschooling depends on mom's diligence.  Keeping a consistent schedule and taking academics seriously is vital.  Remember, we are ambassadors for Christ and need to glorify Him in all we do.  (1 Corinthians 10:31) This is not an area to be slack in and will affect your child in the future, but more importantly affects our witness for Christ.

So, how do you continue to homeschool through high school without fear? You rely on God to help you accomplish this and lots of prayer!  I was scared to death when I started and still get scared when the next kid gets closer to college, but the Lord has enabled me to continue. 

I have found that if I approach it from God's viewpoint as being diligent and obedient to teach His word, it is a lot easier.  Some verses that help me to keep going are:

Galatians 6:9:

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Don’t let fear grab a hold of you. Don't be a Jonah and go the opposite way. If you strongly feel this is what God is wants you to do, He will give you the strength.

 God promises not give us more than we can bear. I Corinthians 10:13:

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Joshua 1:6-9: Be strong and courageous. Meditate on God's word day and night.

⁶ Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. ⁷ Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Finally, I would like to mention several resources that have helped me while homeschooling through high school:

1.       The Home School Legal Defense has a website with very helpful information about homeschooling through high school.  The website is: http://www.hslda.org/highschool/.  You don't have to be a member to access this website. (However, I highly recommend supporting this group.  They work hard for our freedoms and are there to help if needed in court.)

2.       Homeschooling: The Right Choice by Christopher Klicka is an excellent source of information about homeschooling and includes academic, historical, practical, and legal perspectives.

3.        A Mom Like You by Vickie and Jayme Ferris is a great book of encouragement for homeschool moms.

4.       The National Home Education Research Institute provides statistical information about the results of homeschooling which supports proof that it does work. Their website is: http://www.nheri.org.

Thank you, Allie!!!