Acta Non Verba

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

In love…obey and serve God (Heb 10:5–10). #ObeyAndServe #ActaNonVerba #DeedsNotWords

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Our lives in Christ boil down to two things – obedience and sacrifice (service). Jesus Christ is given as our supreme example. More than empty ritual in the first covenant, Jesus exemplified heartfelt obedience and total surrender of his life (literally) in service to God and all humanity.

Having done this perfectly he ratified the second covenant; there was no need to sacrifice again. In Christ we have been sanctified (set apart) and filled to do as Christ did willingly: obey with our hearts, serve with our lives. Acta Non Verba. Lord, it is the joy of this old sentry’s heart to obey and serve you.

SONG OF A WOUNDED WARRIOR

Oh Lord, how feeble is my nature; how apt I am to stumble in my way. At a time when my heart is full of joy and expectation the enemy attacks.

I am caught off guard. I am shocked and ashamed that I missed the signs of a “fifth column” advancing. My intended work of faith is subverted before yet it is begun.

Oh Lord, how can I keep my heart from retreating into mournful discouragement?* How can I recover from the damaging blow delivered?

My only hope of triumph in the battle that has swarmed around me is the knowledge of Your unchanging, undisturbed, love, grace and forgiveness.

Oh Lord, You will comfort the hearts of those in the siege. You will heal the wounds thought fatal. You will arise to give life and joy again.

There is none like the Lord Jehovah. There is no strength greater than Yours. You set aright the caldrons of war and stand with your mighty warriors.

_________________

*Psychologists use the term “self talk” to describe the ongoing internal conversation with ourselves, which influences how we feel and behave.

The book of Psalms is a diary of “self talk.” But it goes far beyond psychosomatics. It reveals David’s (and some others) innermost source of strength. He depends not upon himself but upon God.

Having had a particularly disappointing moment recently my melancholy nature threatened to overtake me. I turned to God and was reminding myself (like David in Psalm 103) of His great healing and power.

What came out was my true inner dependence upon Him. I CAN bring all my hurt and unrest to God alone.

100% Accepted

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

100% Receive the 100% promise of sin forgiven & remembered no more (Heb 10:1-4). #100%ForgivenAccepted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God had a purpose in the use of animals sacrificed in the confession of sin. It was to remind men of his mercy, grace and love for his people (Psm103:8-12). But instead the repeated sacrifices became a morbid ritual and reminder of how wicked was/is the heart of man. The people felt alienated from rather than accepted by God. Their sacrifices became a means to buy their forgiveness.

It is the same today – except that the sacrifice of Christ has been made once and for all time. Our sin Is washed away and the sinner is cleansed from all unrighteousness. Sin is forgiven and remembered no more. It is the enemy (Satan) who wishes to dredge up all our old sin and bring condemnation (Zech 3:2,3; Jhn 10:10). But “there is now therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1).

Lord, you have accepted me 100%; my sin is forgiven and remembered I more.

Net Effect

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

Worship God with a whole and obedient heart (Heb 10:1-4; 1Sa 15:22). #HumanNeedTrumpsRitual #ObedienceTrumpsSacrafice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The NET EFFECT of the symbolism and ritual of the tabernacle, priesthood and the law was to point men to the coming reality of Christ. This symbolism was a “shadow, a dim preview” of things to come. It was never intended to be the end in itself, but merely a means to an end.

All of the symbolism and ritual was never able, in and of itself, to deliver men perfectly from their sin and guilt. What it did do was remind men regularly of their sin, year after year; to remind men that THEIR WORKS & SACRIFICES could never free them perfectly from sin and guilt. But men turned their ritual into the end itself; into a mindless routine. Lord, may my worship of you never become merely heartless ritual.

No “Future Shock”

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

May you determine early to trust Christ the Savior and Lord (Heb 9:27,28). #NoFutureShock #LiveDieJudgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Two things we can count on: Death & Judgment. In thinking about the future I am reminded again of its finality. The ultimate future for every person is not his/her career, financial security, marriage, success, education or family. It is DEATH. Every life culminates there. After that comes our JUDGMENT. We will face Christ, the one who died for our sins.

Only one question remains for us at the moment of judgment, “Have you trusted Christ as Savior and Lord?“ The answer to that question will determine our eternal future. For me that answer is, “Yes.“ I am eagerly awaiting Christ’s return or my own intervening journey into the eternal. There will be for me, no “future shock.“ Lord, my future is in your hands. I put my trust in you for my future destiny.

MY FALLEN SELF

(Isa 53:1-12; Luk 18:9-14; Heb 9:13,14,24-28)

When I think of my fallen self and how desperately wicked can be my heart, I think of my crucified and risen Savior who has borne my sin and shame and redeemed me to himself.

The sin, which does so easily beset me, has its end in the Cross of Calvary. It drives afresh the nails into my Savior’s hands and feet. My besetting sins do not go unaccounted for. These…

…my sins of commission – to lie, to lust, to speak ill/criticize, to waste time;

…my sins of omission – to disobey by not going when moved, not speaking when prompted, not helping when urged;

…my sins of disposition – envy, pride, anger, evil desire;

All these my sins, and more, go painfully under the shed blood of Jesus on the cross.

My unmerited righteousness in Christ does not come without a price. I cannot flee the failure of sins committed, but I can, in Christ, flee from the sin not yet committed before it besets me. AND EVERY SIN FROM WHICH I FLEE IS THAT MUCH PAIN RELIEVED IN MY SAVIOR’S BODY. FOR EVERY SIN RESISTED IS A SIN FOR WHICH HE DID NOT HAVE TO DIE.

Where sin has abounded in my heart without confession, my precious Savior is left to suffer. For lack of confession is unbelief in his atoning sacrifice, his faithfulness to forgive my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1Jn 1:9). My confession acknowledges and accepts his sacrifice.

If he did not want to forgive us he would not have died so horrible a death. So believe. Do not carry your burden of sin. He has borne it. Confess it and do not mourn any longer. You are forgiven and accepted in the beloved (Eph 1:6).

(Note this portion from Valley Of Vision, a book of Puritan prayers)

“…if I sin not I should thank thee for it;

“…if I do sin I should be humbled daily under it;

“…I should mourn for sin more than other men do, for when I see I shall die because of sin, that makes me mourn;

when I see how sin strikes at thee, that makes me mourn;

when I see that sin caused Christ’s death, that makes me mourn;”

“…Thou has taught me that faith is nothing else than receiving thy kindness; that it is an adherence to Christ, a resting on him a love clinging to him as a branch to the tree, to seek life and vigor from him.” [To mourn no longer]

“…I thank thee for showing me the vast difference between knowing things by reason and knowing them by the spirit of faith. [Job 42:5,6]

“…By reason I see a thing is so; by faith I know it is.

“…I have seen thee by reason [head knowledge] and have not been amazed.

“…I have seen thee as thou art in the Son [by faith] and HAVE BEEN RAVISHED TO BEHOLD THEE…

“…I bless thee that I am thine in my Savior, Jesus.” [Mourn no longer]

Sacrificed For a World In Sin

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May your heart and love for Christ grow exponentially for his sacrifice for sin (Heb 9:13,14,24–28). #ChristTheLambSacrificedForMan #TheBloodOfChristSaves

The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The difference between an animal sacrifice for sin and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is twofold. The sacrifice of animals was temporary; daily, weekly and annually multiple sacrifices were made. Second, the animals had no choice in the sacrifice. They did not know it was coming nor why.

But Jesus chose to die. He shed his blood for the cleansing and forgiveness of sin. His life was not taken. He gave it up willingly. This was the final and perfect sacrifice. No more sacrifices need be made. Christ’s death on Calvary removes all sin once and for all (1Pe 1:18-21). It does not overlook our sin. It acknowledges it as a dark blot before God and receives for all, sin’s judgment – DEATH.

Lord, may my love for you grow exponentially every day for suffering my judgment for sin.

A Violent Redemption

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May your heart remain broken for sin (Heb 9:13–23). #HighCostOfRedemption

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

James T Draper says of this passage, that it is, “one of the most remarkable…in the entire Word of God. It’s teaching is at the very center of the gospel of Redemption… ‘Without shedding of blood [there] is no redemption.’” This is at once both extraordinary and violent in our eyes. Death is written all over this passage.

When Adam and Eve Sinned, an innocent animal’s life was taken to give them a covering. When a death angel passed over Egypt, it was the blood of an innocent slain animal smeared on the Hebrew’s doorpost that protected the household. All this pointed towards the shed blood of Christ for man’s redemption from sin.

It is hard for me to take in the violent shedding of blood for my redemption. Yet, it places within me some idea of the high cost paid by an innocent victim for my sin. Jesus willingly gave his life in a violent death for me. Lord, may my heart remain broken for sin.

A SOBER TRUTH: What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Letter to the American Church – Eric Metaxas: Review & Response

I begin this review and response with these words from Nehemiah, chapter four, verse fourteen: “Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and [fearlessly spoke the truth] to them, ‘Don’t be afraid of the enemy! [But confidently] Remember the Lord, who is great and [awesome], and [with courage from him] fight for your [friends, your families], your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!’ “ (NLT w/translation interpretations in brackets)

Eric Metaxas asks the question, “Would the American church have acted any differently than the German church [in the 1930s & 40s]”, leading up to the Hitlerian holocaust – the extermination of millions of Jews? The answer is, “No.” She’d like to think she would, but she is not. The American church today, like the German church then, has turned a blind eye to the cultural breakdown of our society. Does she has a duty to respond, to stand for truth? Absolutely!^[1] This is the premise of the book.

Metaxas explains that the American church (as a whole) is being gobbled up by the new cultural norms (e.g., abortion, transgenderism, homosexuality, critical race theory and the like). The American church needs to read the signs of a corrupt society. She must respond to the changing cultural norms and not simply conform. She must see the evil forces behind such things.^[2]

Dietrick Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), German Lutheran pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident, writes in The Church and the Jewish Question (his response to the increasing hostility of Hitler towards Christian values): “The church [must be] the conscience of the state, call it into account – object when the state does wrong – not remain silent. The Christian, the church must help those who are victims of the state [those who cannot speak for themselves]. If the state refuses to change course, it is the solemn obligation of Christians to take action.”^[3]

Metaxas says the German church made four grave errors that led to a culture of silence. This culture led to the German church’s mistaken idea that they could somehow stand apart from the destructive, Nazi governmental demise of the nation’s soul. [When our American President proclaims that he is “fighting for the soul of America”, that should alarm us. The church should be extremely concerned, stand up and say something].

The leaders of the German church thought it better to mind their own business and stay out of politics; focus on faith, evangelism, “teaching the Bible” and living a quiet Christian life. The church’s silence on the tragic murder of millions of Jews, the church’s silence on the “cancel culture“ of their day, led to a cowardice end. Metaxas deals with these errors one by one:

Too many in the church were Christians in name only (cheap faith; cheap grace)
Evangelism became the sole endgame of the church (just talk about Jesus)
A “Do no harm” mentality meant, no political speak, be “inclusive” (silence)
Piety, avoiding sin, stood above civic engagement (separate secular from spiritual)^[4]

Metaxas says, “When the German Church in the 1930s and the American church of our day focuses on doctrinal statements but forgets that we are obliged to live out what we claim to believe, it makes a mockery of what God actually requires of us.” Bonhoeffer was calling the German church to repentance.^[5] Metaxas, in this book, is calling the American church to repent today – or we have learned nothing from history.

RESPONSE – REFLECTIONS:

When I began reading, Letter to the American Church, I was expecting and hoping for a “To Do“ list on how to impact our 21st-century culture. Ultimately there was no list. But by the middle of the book, it became clear to me what Metaxas was saying that I should do. I must be fearless and stand for the truth, God’s truth. I must seek after God for the holy boldness and courage that I might lack, to speak up. I said, “But Lord, I am only one.” God replied, “Yes, but you ARE one!” This Latin term came to my mind: “Acta Non Verba” (action not words).

I do not want, nor do I wish, to live a “safe faith,“ a mere intellectual assent to Christianity. I want to live a “Lionized Faith.“ I want to live with a bold faith in Christ. My commitment to evangelism should be more than just convincing someone to say a prayer. My evangelism must not be a milquetoast call to “join up”, being oh so careful not to offend anyone. I must proclaim the true cost of discipleship, the cost of following Jesus. I conclude again, Acta Non Verba! Speak the truth in love and do something, say something. Risk everything. Risk being misunderstood. But speak the truth of God without fear, leaving the results with our loving (not angry) God.

The great lies of our day are confused sexuality and transgender madness, the breakdown of the family unit. They are the Marxist critical race theory (CRT) being taught along with misguided lies about sexuality in our children’s classrooms. They are the lies being taught that carry a hateful undertone of racial bigotry, social justice and class warfare throughout our government, education system and even in many churches of America. Can we (can I) be silent in the face of this evil ideology? I cannot. I am only one… But I am one.

I will not be held bondage to the spirit of this age (Gal 5:1)^[6]. The strategy is clear:

I must speak.

I must speak truth.

I must speak truth fearlessly.

But how? When? However and whenever the opportunity arises (Acta Non Verba!). if I do not speak up and act, then I am condemned by God…Not necessarily to hell, but to the destruction of my culture. A destruction then of my own making.

Metaxas quotes Bonhoeffer (I make it personal): “[I must] live out [my] faith with every atom of [my] being in every second [I] have on this earth and with every breath God gives [me] to breathe. Anything less than this kind of faith is [no faith at all].^”[7] William H Johnson once proclaimed, “If it is to be, it is up to me!“Those ten words say it all.

Metaxas concludes, “Our Bible studies and sermons have all been meaningless if we do not make what we learned come alive in ways that are self-sacrificial and that show we really do know that God has defeated death. Many who do not yet know the God we claim to worship will see how we live and will want to know Him…come to know Him, and become a part of what He is doing in our generation. Dare we believe that, or are we already headed to the caves, believing nothing we do can matter…all we can do is save ourselves?”^[8]

I must proclaim for myself with Martin Luther of the German church, “Here I Stand.” I commit to God my personal strategy to speak the truth fearlessly, compassionately and convincingly when given the opportunity. Metaxas says that “truth is a person, Jesus Christ.“ I will speak and act as called upon, God willing, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

How does one lonely voice make a difference? By starting where I am, picking up whatever tool, using whatever platform God has given me and take every opportunity that comes my way to do as I am charged by Scripture to do: stand faithfully, watch vigilantly, pray earnestly, speak/act boldly (Isaiah 62:6; Nehemiah 4:16-18). I must act like the young shepherd boy David, when faced with Goliath. I must trust God. I am, like the Israelites, fearful and powerless without God. I must depend on God alone for the victory. David said, “I come in the name of the Lord.“ (1Samuel 17:46,47). I must be quick to the fight, fast with my sling and swift with my stones.

Pick up whatever God puts in your hands and get busy. I am a dad and a granddad – I can speak truth into the lives of my children and grandchildren. I don’t have endless financial resources, but I can use what I have to support others taking the fight where I cannot go. I am a writer and blogger. I can make my voice known to the glory of God and the impact of my culture. I can vote, I can speak for candidates who promote godly values, be they Christian or not, and do so no matter the personal cost to me. It is a simple strategy:

SPEAK TRUTH FEARLESSLY

“Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and [fearlessly spoke the truth] to them, ‘Don’t be afraid of the enemy! [But confidently] Remember the Lord, who is great and [awesome], and [with courage from him] fight for your [friends, your families], your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!’ “ (Neh 4:14).

^[1] Metaxas, Eric. Letter to the American Church, Washington D.C., Salem Books, (2022), pg. 18

^[2] IBID, pg. 35

^[3] IBID, pg. 39

^[4] IBID, pgs. 51, 52

^[5] IBID, pg. 64

^[6] “Christ has set us free! This means we are really free. Now hold on to your freedom and don’t ever become slaves of the Law again.” (Gal 5:1; AMP)

^[7] Metaxas, Eric. Letter to the American Church, Washington D.C., Salem Books, (2022), pg 126

^[8] IBID, pg. 128

Promise Made, Promise Kept

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rely on God as a promise keeper (Heb 9:1,10,13–15; 8:7-12). #PromiseMadePromiseKept

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Understanding Covenants: there are five major covenants in the Bible initiated by and kept by God. Three required nothing in exchange for God’s promises (Noahic Cov – Gen 9:8-11; Abrahamic Cov – Gen 12:1–3; Davidic Cov – 2Sa 7:11–17). A fourth covenant (known as the Mosaic Covenant or “Old Covenant;” transmitted through the Old Testament) is heavily conditioned by and dependent upon faithful obedience (Exo 19:3-8). The last covenant is an expanded version of the Mosaic Covenant (it’s called the “New” Covenant (Jer 31:31–34).

The Mosaic Covenant lists conditions (Ten Commandments) to be followed and if not would become sin against God. The “New Covenant” (transmitted through the New Testament) fulfills the legal requirement of death for sin (“The wages of sin is death” – Rom 6:23) Jesus is the one who died, paid our penalty, to forgive all our sin. Lord I stand my sentry post knowing your reliability as a covenant keeping, promise keeping, God.

The Last Will and New Testament

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Walk secure in your inheritance of forgiveness by the sacrifice of Jesus (Heb 9:16-23). #LastWillAndTestament #HeirsToGod’sPromises

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

For a will to be put in force the testator must die. The Old Covenant (testament or will) of Moses was put in force by the symbolic death of a sacrificial animal. Its blood was sprinkled on everything in the Tabernacle. That was symbolic of the proof that there was a death. Therefore, all the promises of God (the testator) were assigned to the heirs of those promises. But these sacrifices were repeated habitually. They were symbolic of the reality to come. The testator himself had not yet died.

The “New” Covenant (testament or will) was not new, as in kind. It did not revoke the old. It is fully realized, explained, in Christ. It was put in force by the actual death of the testator. That is, Christ. Our sin is atoned and forgiveness is final. No more sacrifice is needed. The resurrection of Christ secures our eternal life. Lord, I am relying fully on the FINAL sacrifice of Christ (His blood shed on the cross) for forgiveness of my sin.

Heirs – What You Need To Know

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Live like the heir in Christ to God’s Kingdom that you are (Heb 9:16,17). #HeirToTheKingdom #EternallySecureInChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What is the nature of the New Covenant? The writer here defines what “Covenant“ means for us. It is NOT a contract or negotiated agreement between two parties. It’s meaning here is like that of a “WILL” (NLT). It is based on what one person (the TESTATOR), wishes to happen upon his/her death.

God in Christ is the TESTATOR here. He bequeaths to us, upon the death of his son, forgiveness and eternal life. The beneficiaries, heirs if you will, of this New Covenant (WILL) simply receive their inheritance. This is the meaning of the New Covenant. Lord, I want to live like an expectant heir.

Victorious Salvation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Live in the victory of sin eternally forgiven through Christ (Heb 9:11–15). #ChristIsOurVictory #VictoryOverSinAndDeath #VictoryInJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“But Christ“…“So now Christ,“ have a ring of victory. Those words signal a change. The “rituals” of the Old Covenant are replaced with a “relationship” of righteousness with Christ. The death of Jesus on the cross was the final sacrifice for sin. His blood was spilled at Calvary. Our sin has been judged and atoned for.

Those who receive God‘s forgiveness may now enter freely into worship of the living God and receive the eternal inheritance promised them. Jesus opened the way forever into God‘s holy presence. Lord, I am made right with God by the blood spilled for me at Calvary; my victory is final in Jesus.

FREE!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rejoice in your new found freedom in Christ (Heb 9:1–10). #FreedFromTheLawOfDeath #SavedByTheLawOfGrace

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What this passage is pointing out is that the Old Covenant was never intended to absolve sin eternally. All it did, along with all its external symbolism, was to picture a better and more perfect redemption to come. That Redemption has now arrived in Christ.

The old is expanded by the new. The new fulfills the old. The old system of rules, rituals (focused on behavior) and a multitude of sacrifices was replaced. The new has come. It is a covenant of grace through the one sacrifice of Christ, the lamb of God who takes away sin forever. The focus is on a change of heart. Lord, you have freed me from the law of sin and death; I am a new man by the law of grace and life (Rom 8:1-4).

Symbols of Faith & Understanding

Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.

Christ As Seen In The Tabernacle

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May the study of God’s word be a lifetime ambition (Heb 5:14; 6:1,12). #StudyGodsWord #SeekUnderstandingFromGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When I consider all that the Old Testament Tabernacle signifies to the believer I am humbled. The scope, the breadth and depth of the Tabernacle’s analogy to our faith is extraordinary. The symbolism of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, represented as the message of Christ to all who believe, exceeds my understanding.

All the theological minds of Christendom have never nor will ever plumb the depths of God‘s word. Yet, its study also exceedingly satisfies the humblest, most limited efforts of any sincere inquiring soul. The challenge of the writer of Hebrews is to inspire study and understanding of faith in Christ. Father, your word gives this old sentry a lifetime of growth and understanding.