Digging Deeper – Why God Became Man

32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

Luke 23:32-38 (ESV)



WHY GOD BECAME MAN

 

In the late 11th century St. Anselm the archbishop of Canterbury wrote a book entitled Cur Deus Homo (or, in English, Why God Became Man). In this theological masterpiece, he considers why it was necessary for the Incarnation to take place to redeem mankind. His reasoning goes something like this:

 

  • Man’s sin rendered him indebted to God
  • Man, being of lowly estate, cannot repay to God that which He is due
  • Only God could be capable of paying such a debt, though it would not be fitting because it is not His debt to pay
  • Therefore, only one who was truly man and truly God could redeem humanity

 

This reasoning is consistent with the Scriptures. In Colossians 1:19-20 Paul states, “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” It is at the cross that this debt is paid in the person of Christ, making forgiveness possible for mankind. But the cross is more than just that. It is also victory. Just as Jesus came into the world “to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45), he also came to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). St. Anselm also puts it like this, “The devil, who defeated the man whom he beguiled through the taste of a tree, should himself similarly be defeated through tree-induced suffering, which he, the devil, inflicted.” When these things are considered, it is beautiful that our redemption should be procured in this way.

 

On this Good Friday, we stand in awe of the fact that God, in His grace, would offer us not only forgiveness, but also the victory anticipated in the resurrection of Easter morning.

 


Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper – A Plan that is Deeper Still

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 (ESV)



A PLAN THAT IS DEEPER STILL

 

In the final moments of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis unpacks the idea of the Atonement – that is, how the sacrifice of Christ on the cross makes us right with God. Edmund, the youngest brother of the four Pevensie children, betrays his siblings by delivering them to the White Witch. She presumptively declares her victory over the lion Aslan, stating:

 

Fool…do you think your master can rob me of my rights by mere force? He knows the Deep Magic better than that. He knows that unless I have blood as the Law says all Narnia will be overturned and perish in fire and water.

 

Lewis uses the moment to illustrate the human predicament of sin. For “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23) and “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Heb 9:22). In mythical analogy, the Law of Narnia allows that the life of a traitor is forfeit to the Witch: “You know that every traitor belongs to me as my lawful prey and that for every treachery I have a right to kill.”

 

In a twist, however, Aslan – the lion who portrays a Christ figure and the very Creator of Narnia – offers to give his life in place of Edmund. He explains:

 

Though the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know. Her knowledge goes back only to the dawn of time. But if she could have looked a little further back into the stillness…before Time dawned…she would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor’s stead…Death itself would start working backward.

 

And so Aslan sacrifices himself and the Deeper Magic reverses the curse of death. The witch’s “victory” becomes her undoing. This is what is meant by Paul in 2 Cor 5:21, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Christ forgives our trespasses by the shedding of His blood at the cross – this is the Atonement.  On the eve of the crucifixion, the presumptive victory of the devil is undone by a plan that is deeper still.

 


Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper – Forgiveness from the Heart

21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Matthew 18:21-35 (ESV)



FORGIVENESS FROM THE HEART

 

One cannot be compelled to forgive, much in the same way that one cannot be compelled to love. To revoke the will would be to rob the act of its charity. And both love and forgiveness seem to be ongoing acts. For if I accept an apology in one instance, I am not forever exempt from drinking the bitter poison of unforgiveness. Likewise, love is chosen and practiced in the passage of time rather than in an instant. Both love and forgiveness must, therefore, be offered from the heart.

 

In Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus tells the Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor to show the importance of forgiving from the heart. The King calls his debtors to settle their accounts and a servant with an large sum begs his master to forgive his enormous debt. Being moved with compassion, the king complies and releases him. The forgiven servant, however, acts cruelly toward one of his own debtors and has him thrown in prison, scorning the opportunity to display the mercy he himself was shown.  Hearing of this, the king becomes angry and has the man thrown in prison and his debt reinstated. Jesus closes the story by stating, “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart” (Mt. 18:35).

 

This last phrase “from the heart” is indicative of the fact that mere verbal forgiveness is not sufficient for righteousness. This is not always easy. Nor is it instantaneous or forced. Like repentance, it is willful and ongoing. Forgiveness from the heart must be sincere, seeking no further recompense and begrudging not. Paul reinforces this idea, telling the Ephesians “[forgive] one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Eph. 5:32).

 


Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper – Making Amends

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV)



MAKING AMENDS

 

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stresses the importance of reconciliation over acts of devotion. This is not exclusive to the New Testament, although the Jews in the crowd, overlooking the spiritual principles of the Law, would have though this idea revolutionary. The Psalter likewise states, “For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering; the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; and broken and contrite heart you will not despise” (Psa 51:16-17). God calls us to take a moral inventory and take action where the Holy Spirit points out we are coming up short. Making amends is important for the people of God.

 

Not coincidentally, this spiritual principle has been embraced by twelve-step programs as of the utmost importance. Step Five of A.A. (and also of Celebrate Recovery – a Christ centered program) both state, “We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to others the exact nature of our wrongs.” When we are honest with another person it confirms we have been honest with ourselves and with God. Step Nine then calls those in recovery to “make direct amends whenever possible” – a step that is itself based upon the above passage in Matthew’s Gospel.

 

Often reconciliation is possible, but sometimes it is not. Forgiveness does not guarantee that the relationship will be restored, but our responsibility before God is satisfied in the attempt.

 


Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper – Forgive Us Our Trespasses

Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 6:9-15 (ESV)



FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES

 

“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us…” It’s a phrase I’ve uttered thousands of times – mostly while holding the hands of alcoholics as we close out the meeting with the Lord’s Prayer. And never once has its repetition struck me as cursory. On the contrary, each time those words evoke a sense of great relief, due in part to the breadth of human experience covered in the short prayer – provision of daily necessities, submission to His will, deliverance from evil, and forgiveness.  The part about forgiveness, however, has a unique role.

 

First, it is the only part of the prayer that promises action on behalf of the speaker. In every other part, we entreat the Lord to take action. Give us (v.11), lead us not (v.13), and deliver us (v.13) all urge God to act. But in this singular petition about forgiveness, we are making a commitment by asking God to forgive us in like measure to the mercy we exercise toward others (“as we forgive those who trespass against us”). At face value, this is a startling admission. We want God’s pardon to be comprehensive – covering the totality of human sinfulness (which it undoubtedly does). But our Lord entreats us to consider His forgiveness in our treatment of others. This puts us in the role of both the forgiven and the forgiving, teaching us something about His mercy and our standing before Him and others.

 

Second, the fact that forgiveness is situated after sustenance speaks to its importance. After all, only three petitions are made after the opening of the Lord’s prayer: daily bread, the cancellation of debt, and deliverance. Forgiveness, then, is vital to the Christian life and commanded by our Savior. Today, take a moment to pray the Lord’s prayer (Mt.6:9-15), focusing on your role as forgiven and forgiving.

 


Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper: Pray Without Ceasing

16 “Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

 



PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

 

The word “pray” (and other forms of the word) are found over three hundred times in Scripture. We are reminded again and again to take our cares and worries to the Lord in prayer. Nothing is too small and out of sight of our Creator. We are promised that “… whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” (Matt 21:22). John also reminds us to have confidence, and “if we ask anything according to his will he hears us” (1 John 5:14).

It is interesting to note how both of those two verses contain the tiny word “if.” It is a powerful word, and it reminds us that we must have faith when we approach the Lord in prayer. We also must ask “in God’s will” so that he can hear us. I have often heard the statement “God is not our cosmic bellhop” (source unknown). That means we cannot just ring the “bell of prayer” and He will cater to our every whim. We must approach the throne of grace with humility and reverence, asking in Jesus’ name, and God’s will be done.

As those of you who attend NorthStar know, we are in the beginning stages of a building campaign called “Whatever it Takes.” Don’t panic, I am not asking you for money (however if the Spirit is leading you in that direction, feel free to respond). I bring this up only as a reminder of what the power of prayer can do. Prayer has been an integral part throughout the history of NorthStar. Prayer got this church off the ground. Prayer has sustained NorthStar as we approach thirty years in existence. Prayer will see us through this next season.

Just like those three thousand souls that were saved at Pentecost, people will come, the Word will be heard, the Spirit will empower, and lives will be changed for eternity. As your week wraps up, take a moment to pray for God’s will to be revealed in your life. Thank Him for His many blessings, and pray for the Spirit to embolden you to walk strongly in the Lord. As Jesus reminds us, “13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14).

 


Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

Digging Deeper: Empowered by the Spirit

52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword”

Matthew 26:52 (ESV)

 



EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT

 

We pick up the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane after Peter has hacked off an ear of one of the servants in the crowd that has come to arrest Jesus. Peter took action, empowered only with the finite power of a human being. Charles Spurgeon notes, “It would have been far better if Peter’s hands had been clasped in prayer.”

Jesus reacts quite differently. David Guzik explains, “At the moment when it seemed that Jesus had nothing and no advantage, He knew that He still had a Father in heaven, and access to His Father and all His resources through prayer.” We too have access to all the resources of heaven simply by praying.

Peter has a long list of failures and brash moments. He walks on water, but quickly sinks when his faith weakens (Matt. 14:29-30). He argues with the other disciples about which one is greatest (Luke 22:24). He has the nerve to tell Jesus that this whole “suffer and die and rise again” plan may not align with Peter’s plans for Jesus (Matt. 16:22). He refuses Jesus’ attempt to wash his feet (John 13:8). Finally, on Jesus’ last night of his life, he denies his Lord three times, twice to lowly servant girls (Matt. 26:69-75). All of these missteps are because Peter is only empowered by his earthly abilities.

David Guzik summarizes Peter’s action that final night noting, “With his sword, Peter accomplished very little. He only cut off one ear, and really just made a mess that Jesus had to clean up by healing the severed ear (Luke 22:51). When Peter moved in the power of the world, he only cut off ears. But when he was filled with the Spirit, using the Word of God, Peter pierced hearts for God’s glory (Acts 2:37).”

We all have “Peter” moments. We think we can conquer the world, fix every problem, and right any wrong. Without the Spirit of God, we are severely limited in what we can accomplish. With the Spirit of God dwelling in us, Jesus promises that we can move mountains (Matt. 17:20). Peter and the other apostles received the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Peter preaches to the crowd, and three thousand “souls” were added to the church that day (Acts 2). That is just one example of the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells inside us. How do we tap into that power? Pray!

 


Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

Hope Beyond Adversity

 

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…

2 Corinthians 4:8-9


 

HOPE BEYOND ADVERSITY

A young man was hired to work in a wood sawing workshop where he spent many years of his life.  When he reached the age of 40, he became very significant in the workshop where he had been employed for many years.  Then one day he was shocked when his boss informed him that due to cut backs he was being terminated.  At that moment the man left his place of employment with no intent, no plan, and no hope.  He closed the door to the only occupation he knew and had no idea what he would do for work. 

 

That afternoon, he went home and told his wife what happened.  After discussing it over with her and receiving her blessing, he decided to mortgage their home and take out a small loan to begin a career in home building.  His first project was to build two small houses.  Weeks turned into months, and months turned into years.  After dedication, effort, patience and hard work, five years later the man became a millionaire.  His name?  Wallace Johnson, who went on to start and build the Holiday Inn hotel brand, and countless hospitals around the world. 

 

In his diary, Wallace Johnson wrote:  “If I knew where the man lived who terminated me, I would visit him and thank him deeply for what he did.  When this difficult adversity happened in my life, I was hurt and did not understand why; however, now I understand that God wanted to close that door, to open a better path for me and my family.”

 

Listen Closely:  Adversity can come as the result of choices we make, but it can also come in the form of hardships that happen to us.  What kind of adversity have you been going through?  Maybe you lost a job, a child, a loved one, a marriage.  Maybe a health crisis.  Maybe you’re starting a new job or career, raising a child, committing to marriage.  Maybe you don’t have enough money to pay your bills, or you found out that you can’t bear children.  Whatever it may be, remember, adversity will try its best to take you out.  However, if you allow God to lead you ‘through’ your adversity, you will emerge on the other side a more resilient person.   Never think that any adversity or failure in your life as the end.  It isn’t!  God is sovereign.  There are no “oops” with God.  Trust Him!  Never forget:  When you’re looking in the ‘right’ direction, you won’t take the wrong turn.  Fix your eyes on Jesus, and allow Him to direct your path.  There is hope beyond adversity. 

 

Just ask Wallace Johnson.

 

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

 

Be Worth Being,

Kevin


Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper: The Power of Prayer

49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

Matthew 26:49-54 (ESV)

 



THE POWER OF PRAYER

 

We pick up the story as Judas and a large crowd (some armed) converge on Jesus. Among the crowd of people are chief priests and elders. They have come to arrest Jesus, and take him away (v. 49-50). One of Jesus’ disciples (you can probably guess who) draws his sword and cuts off the ear of a servant (v. 51). In John’s account of this incident, Peter is named as the swordsman (John 18:10). Jesus then rebukes Peter (v. 52), and heals the servant’s wound (Luke 22:51). Jesus also reminds those around him that if he wished to do so, he could call down over twelve legions of angels to come to his rescue (v. 53). A Roman legion in the first century would normally comprise five to six thousand soldiers, so twelve legions at a minimum would total over sixty thousand angels!  

David Guzik comments, “With one sword, Peter was willing to take on a small army of men, yet he couldn’t pray with Jesus for one hour. Prayer is the best work we can do, and often the most difficult.” We as Bible-reading Christians always tend to give Peter a bum rap. Was he impulsive? Yes. Was he a type A? Probably. Did he occasionally leap before he looked? Most definitely. Jesus, who only has hours left to live, is following God’s will while also explaining one last time the reason for his presence on earth. He is showing the world that prayer is stronger than the sword.

Peter acted in a way that most of us wouldn’t hesitate to imitate (maybe not quite to the extreme of attacking someone with a sword). When someone we love is attacked, we try and fight back, to right the wrong. What Jesus is teaching is that the discipline of prayer, fueled by the Holy Spirit, empowers us to take on all challenges. If you are seeking to do God’s will in your life, before you act impulsively, you must pray for guidance on how to handle your particular trial. The Secret of the Kingdom is unlocked by prayer, and not by our own physical force.  Peter, as always, was a slow learner.

 


Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

Digging Deeper: Your Will Be Done

39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on…”

Matthew 26:40-45a (ESV)

 



YOUR WILL BE DONE

 

Three times in this story Jesus prays to his Father. He asks that the trial he is about to face be taken away. In the same breath, however, notice how he always ends his prayer with “not my will, but your will be done” (v. 39, 42, 44). Jesus gives us a wonderful example of a humble, sacrificial, servant leader. He knows the path he must travel, he knows the cost, but he totally surrenders himself to the will of the Father!

I know from personal experience how difficult it can be to discern what God wills for my life. We all want to feel like we are in control, flying the plane, so to speak. But giving up control of your life actually makes you feel more “in control,” and less subject to the whims of daily life. The Lord Jesus taught us to pray “Your kingdom come, your will be done” (Matt 6:10). 

My mother passed away many years ago after an arduous battle with cancer. At the time, I prayed for miracle healing, even though the logical, worldly side of me knew the odds were not in her favor. As she neared the end, I began to add “your will be done” to my prayers for her. I have tried to include that little phrase in all my prayers to this day. I also try to remember to ask God that if He wills it to take me through a difficult trial, He will also provide me the strength to endure. If you read Luke’s account of this story, you will see that an angel appeared to Jesus to give him the strength to endure what lay ahead (Luke 22:43).

I challenge you to seek God’s will for your life in all that you do. When you pray, ask in full faith for what your heart desires. In the same breath, ask God to bend your heart to His will, and not the other way around. As D. A. Carson notes, “‘Not your will but mine’ changed Paradise to desert and brought man from Eden to Gethsemane. Now ‘Not my will but yours’ brings anguish to the man who prays it but transforms the desert into the kingdom and brings man from Gethsemane to the gates of glory.”

 


Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.