The Church

Today's text comes from the book of Ephesians. All of today's readings can be found here.


"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." -Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)

The global church in recent years has become increasingly caricatured by popular culture and Christians alike as a less than reputable institution - one full of hypocrites and fakers - a view that even I held for a long time. Augustine of Hippo, who's influence on Christianity and western thought as a whole cannot be overstated, said famously that "The Church is a whore, but She is my mother."

It took a long time for me to realize why I have been so discouraged with the Church and why I viewed it so negatively, but last year it hit me - I am so frustrated with the Church because it is absolutely filled with people like me - hypocrites and sinners.

Isn't it interesting though that the same Church that we sometimes look at and scoff is the Church that Jesus Christ called His Bride, the one that He died for?

We see in today's text Paul explaining that the Church is not perfect and the members are not perfect either - it was built on apostles who are less than perfect, even calling himself "the worst of sinners." The worldwide Church is an amazing thing in that the total of it is greater than the sum of its parts. When we look from a micro perspective at the people around us that are also in Christ, it is so easy to become discouraged and wonder why the Lord would have the Church be His primary means on earth of calling sinners to Himself, but when we look at it from a macro persepective it really is an amazing thing. Any secular orginization as fragmented and shaky as the Christian Church simply would not be effective at completing even the most menial tasks, and yet we see people coming to Christ in this day and age faster than ever before. Why is this?

Paul tells us here the answer to this question - it is because the foundation and cornerstone of the Church is Jesus Christ, who conquered death and sin in order that His Church would thrive and grow together, pointing people to the Father - and this is precisely what has happened over the last two thousand years.

Granted, things are hard in the covenant community, but Paul tells us here that we the Church are connected together and growing into the living breathing temple of God. His plans will not be thwarted and we can take comfort in the fact that this thing we call the Church is ultimately good and the means by which Christ's message and work is carried out today. So instead of being cynical and trying to be a Christian apart from the Church (which is not possible), why don't we today put all of our effort into making the Church look more like Christ, and more importantly make them look toward Christ for their strength and teaching, that no one may ever again say what Mahatma Ghandi did: "I love your Christ, but I hate your Christians"

Jesus I praise you for your sacrificial death on the Cross and that you have elected me to be a part of your Church. Lord teach me to be mindful of my actions and how they point others to you. I invite you in this moment to be the cornerstone of all I do, and to teach me to love your Bride the Church as You have loved me. It is for your sake that I pray these things. Amen.


-MD Letteney

Depart From Me

Today's gospel text comes from the book of Matthew. All of today's readings can be found here.

"Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it. And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes." Matthew 7:21-29 (ESV)

Sola fide, the doctrine that teaches sinners are justified in the presence of a Holy God on the basis of faith alone (through Grace alone in Christ alone), has long been taught within the reformed community and backed up very powerfully from scripture - this passage being no exception.

In today's text we see Jesus radically challenging the religious status quo with the shocking statement that not everyone who professes Christ or is a part of the covenant community will enter the kingdom of heaven. No, he says that there will be those who come to him and plead their case by pointing to their acts of the law, thinking that in them they find life. Isn't it interesting, though, that when they do so Jesus rebukes them and calls them 'workers of lawlessness'?


This is a radical new perspective, both in the ancient context and in our modern world - that the duties you perform which may be seen as 'good works' today or in that time 'works of the Law' are not good at all if they are not accompanied by faith! Good works are not worth anything if the reason you are doing them is not Christ!

It has long been said that salvation is by faith alone but saving faith is never alone. Here however we see the flipside of that argument - people who look like Christians, professing with their tongue that Jesus is Lord and performing duties that seem to coincide with their profession, but do not have the saving faith that brings about justification and true regeneration, will not be saved from eternal separation from God on the last day.

Ask yourself today if the 'works' you do are the outpouring of Christ's love for you, or simply a self-righteous striving for auto-justification. If you don't know Jesus, give Him your heart of stone and trust that He will give you a new heart of flesh that desires nothing more than to worship Him and bring Him glory, but if you are a Christian take a few minutes today looking at your motives in life.

Are my actions governed by my pride or Christ's blood?

Heavenly Father I praise you for you are good! I confess that there is no good apart from you and that I do not live in the light of this fact as I am called to. Holy Spirit help me to examine my motives in life. Shed light on my sinful nature that I may be daily conformed more and more to the image and likeness of Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen.

-MD Letteney

More Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

Today's Gospel Reading is Matthew 7:15-20.
For all of today's readings, click here.

15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (ESV)

False prophets are a reality, even today. They speak interesting, touching, helpful, and intriguing things in the name of God. People flock to them. People listen. People give them money and support their ministry. But in reality, these leaders are ravenous wolves - hungry, dangerous, and willing to devour their "innocent" following.

False teaching and preaching is extremely dangerous for two reasons. First, it leads people away from the true God and towards the fires of Hell. Second, false teachers are extremely hard to identify, especially if you are one of their followers.

Think about it. No one joins a cult or a heretical religious sect thinking, "You know, these people are liars. I think I'll give them money and do what they say." No, the followers of false teachers are convinced their ravenous leaders are right, godly, and teaching the truth. Thus, is so hard to convince someone that their leader is actually not from God at all.

But how do we know who is of God and who is not? How can we tell? Could our pastors be one of these wolves? Well, I don't want you to be skeptical of your leadership; that's not biblical (see Hebrews 13:17). I don't think Jesus does either, so He tells us to examine their fruits - what they do.

Yesterday, Mark wrote about the importance of loving God and enjoying Him. Do your pastors and leaders truly love God? Are they seeking to obey God's Law, or are they just pointing fingers, telling others what to do?

This doesn't have to go to the extreme of a sex scandal or embezzlement. "Smaller" sins are still sin. So how do they spend their time? Are they concerned about preaching Christ and Him crucified? Do you see them repent of their small sins? Do they lie about how they spend their time? Are they just concerned about money? Do they point other people to Christ?

That last one is key. There are two kingdoms in this world. The Kingdom of God and the kingdom of men. One will last forever, but the other couldn't stand now, except for the True King. Which one is your pastor most concerned about? Is he preparing himself, his family, and his people to live forever in God's Kingdom, or is he teaching how to live now in man's?

That's a tough question, and it is one we should ask ourselves too. Am I more concerned about God's Kingdom or my own? If my fruits were examined, would I be found to be a healthy or a diseased tree? If we are bad trees, we will probably be drawn to follow other bad tress. If we are healthy, then we will probably follow those who lead us to the Physician, who will keep us that way.

So pray for your leaders - pastors, Sunday School teachers, deacons, elders, bishops, small group leaders, parents, etc. They have an incredible responsibility to prepare people for God's eternal Kingdom. It is tempting to teach about man's kingdom, because it is easier and more attractive at first. Pray for them to be faithful to God.

And pray for yourselves. Don't just scrutinize others, and don't forget the plank in your own eye. Let's prune off our own bad fruit so that our trunk - our heart and soul - would be healthy, so that we would listen to the Good Shepherd, follow Him, and enter into the Kingdom of God for all eternity.

You, O God, are the only good and holy Shepherd. You love Your people, and You lead us beside quiet waters and feed us the choicest of food. Yet we are easily deceived by our own sin, and we so readily follow those who would lead us astray. We pray for the leaders of our churches, families, and communities, who have been given the task of teaching the Truth. May Your words be their words; Your thoughts their thoughts; and Your will their will. May they seek obedience, truth, and holiness, and may they lead many souls to Christ Jesus, our Lord. We pray the same for ourselves. In His holy and precious name, amen.

Man's Chief End

Today's passage comes from the book of Isaiah. All of today's readings can be found here.

"The Servant of the Lord
Listen to me, O coastlands,
and give attention, you peoples from afar.
The Lord called me from the womb,
from the body of my mother he named my name.
He made my mouth like a sharp sword;
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow;
in his quiver he hid me away.
And he said to me, You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
But I said, I have labored in vain;
I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my right is with the Lord,
and my recompense with my God.
And now the Lord says,
he who formed me from the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him;
and that Israel might be gathered to him—
for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord,
and my God has become my strength—
he says:
It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to bring back the preserved of Israel;
I will make you as a light for the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." Isaiah 49:1-6 (ESV)

The meaning of life has forever been at the forefront of religious and philosophical debate and a common interest of all critical minds. Such questions as 'Why am I here?' and 'What is my purpose?' have long haunted the souls of men and women from all different backgrounds, and the way in which the question is answered has not just philosophical and moral implications but very practical ones as well. When we have answered the question of purpose, we cannot help but live the rest of our lives in light of that answer.

The Westminster Catechism states that man's chief end is to "love God and enjoy Him forever", taking the Creator-creature paradigm found in the Bible and fleshing it out practically for use in everyday life. What is my chief end - the most important part of my life? As Christians, we are called to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (Deuteronomy 6:5), and we as children of God are given opportunity to enjoy the Grace He gives to us in this life and the next - this is your Chief end; to Love God and enjoy Him forever.

In today's passage, we see the prophet Isaiah recalling the call the Lord put on him for his life, and interestingly he does not think back to the call narrative found in chapter 6 of the same book, but states something completely different - that his initial calling was not at the moment when the Lord placed him into the prophetic office, but in fact in the womb. He boldly states that God did not see a need in time and fill it with the best option He could find at the time, but that from the beginning - even before Isaiah was born - the plan for his life was already carefully crafted.

Ephesians 1:3-6 says "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved." This passage brazenly asserts that you, like Isaiah, were chosen before the foundations of the earth were laid to be a child of God. He has chosen you not on the basis of your merit, but on the basis Christ's atonement and the righteousness given through Him to all believers. Before there was time, God chose you to be on of His people, and He predestined a path for your life and a specific purpose.

Is this not comforting? Is it not freeing? To know that the God of the universe did not call you to Himself on a whim, but it was the plan all along, and that there is no circumstance in your life today out of His control - I can find no greater comfort in this life than what is found in the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. He is good, He is in control, and He has a plan for your life.

So what is your purpose? To love God and enjoy Him forever. Take joy in that, dear brother, because there is no greater joy to be had than what is found in Jesus of Nazareth.

Father I confess that you are both sovereign and good. I joy in the fact that you chose me not on the basis of my goodness, but on the basis of your covenantal faithfulness and on Christ's blood. Thank you for showing me the truth of why I am here and for giving me a reason to live - to bring you glory and to enjoy you forever. Amen.


-MD Letteney

Looking Better

Today's Gospel Reading is Matthew 7:1-5.
For all of Today's Readings, click here.

1 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

My, how easy it is to point fingers and condemn others. We see sins, failures, or shortcomings in others, and we almost pounce on the chance to point these out to others. Or perhaps, we just make a mental note, reminding ourselves that at least we don't do that.

This can happen in a variety of areas. It could be sins: lust, gossip, lying, anger, etc. It could be simple weaknesses: someone else is not very theologically astute, doesn't make wise decisions, or is driven more by impulse than reason. Or it could be personality flaws: talks too much, makes awkward jokes or comments, or always appears rigid or cold. Whatever it is, don't we just love highlighting someone else's flaws?

Clearly, one of the major reasons we do this is to make ourselves look better. We want it to be known that we aren't like them. We might not mention ourselves in the conversation, but if others look really bad, then of course, we look really good. Thus, we proclaim our superiority - either explicitly or implicitly - to ourselves, to others, or even to God.

That's right, even our prayers can be judgmental and self-centered. Ever thought about that?

What we tend to forget, however, is that the louder we declare the failures of others, the louder we proclaim our own hypocrisy. We prove that we aren't concerned with sin, per se, but rather with other people's sin; it's only wrong and important to me, when they commit it. I guarantee that other people notice this, because they are scrutinizing your faults, just like you're scrutinizing theirs.

Plus, aren't the things that really bother you in other people really just the same things that you do over and over? I know when I was leading the youth group, the students that really frustrated me were the talkative, impatient, and demanding ones. Why? Because I'm talkative, impatient, and demanding.

Thus, it seems to me that instead of using other people as a dart board, we should use them as a mirror. When we sin the sins, failures, and shortcomings of others, we should ask immediately, "How much do I do that too? What they are doing is wrong. How often do I do that? I bet I'm like them. I need to change."

The reflection may not be pretty. In fact, it may be downright hideous. But you won't change your appearance until you know something is wrong, and the same is true of your life. That is what Christ is teaching here; see your sin and change your own life. Don't worry about theirs. Of course, as with everything else, we need His help... a lot.

So remove that blank from your eye. Not only will you see better, you might actually start to look better too.

Dear gracious God. Unto You do I flee. As I reflect upon the sins of others, I realize just how sinful I actually am. I'm not as good, righteous and holy as I think I am. In fact, if I'm honest, I realize that I'm far more sinful than those around me. I need to sit in Your lap of mercy. I need Your healing and comforting arms around me, and I can go no other place than to Your bosom. Help me see my sin for what it is; help me to care; and help me to get rid of it. I need You. In Christ's name, I pray. Amen.

True Prayer

Today's reading comes from the book of Matthew. All of today's readings can be found here.

"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:

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

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." -Matthew 6:7-15 (ESV)

What is the heart of prayer? What is it's meaning? Does it have a clear purpose? We see Jesus in today's passage telling his disciples about true prayer and how it manifests itself in the life of a believer.

Jesus starts out the passage by explaining that prayer is not about what you say, but about where your heart is at when you pray it. He comments that the gentiles (the non-Jews) believe that their prayers will be answered because of the syntax they use - believing that God is a capricious being who needs to be manipulated into blessing His people, indeed a serious misconception that we see a lot even today.

When was the last time you heard someone say that 'if you just do this, or pray this prayer, or believe this doctrine, God will bless you.'? This stance implies that God's arm must be turned and we must have the right 'key' to get what we need from God, but Jesus here clearly denies this idea flatly, saying that the Lord already knows what we need and we know that He delights in giving good and perfect gifts to those in Christ Jesus in accordance with His will. So don't buy into the lie that 'if you just do this, then God will bless you'. It is not a question of syntax, it is a question of where your heart is at.

The heart of this passage, however, is found in the prayer that Jesus offers up to the Father, a sweet and heart-felt prayer that glorifies the Father and submits to His will, but is this how we pray? Who are our prayers focused on - us, or Him? When was the last time you sat down and truly thanked God for what He has done and for His sovereign will?

I am not saying that all of your prayers must be adoration, or confession, or thanksgiving, or supplication, but Jesus shows us here that when we pray it should not be a heavenly wish-list, but simply an outpouring of what is in our hearts. If you are excited about something - tell the Father. If you are nervous about something - tell the Father. If you are in need of something - tell the Father. Let your prayer life be a direct outpouring of the state of your heart, for it is then that you will more fully find fellowship with the Father - when you approach Him not as an adversary or heavenly gift-horse but properly as your Father, as your Daddy.

Heavenly Father you are so good to me. Thank you.


-MD Letteney

Loving Like Jesus

Today's Gospel Reading is Matthew 5:38-42.
For all of today's readings, click here.

38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. (ESV)

This is such a common passage to so many of us, that it is hard to think of anything to add to it. How many times have we heard, "Turn the other cheek?" We know we aren't supposed to seek vengeance against others. Case closed. What more needs to be said?

Well, briefly, there are two main things Christ is teaching us here. First, He corrects a misapplication of Old Testament Law. Leviticus 24:17-23 teaches the eye-for-an-eye law. It is basically retributive punishment. If you kill, you will be killed; if you maim, you will be maimed.

The problem was that people were taking the law into their own hands. Instead, if going to the proper authorities, many simply decided to take their opponent's eye themselves! This was a sign of pure, bloodthirsty vengeance. Jesus says to stop this. This is the negative side; don't seek vengeance. Nothing surprising here.

Second, Christ gives a positive command. Instead of seeking vengeance, we should seek what is best for the other person. Don't fight back, give them what they need. Whenever you see the poor, help. Don't walk away. If someone hates you, love them back. Even if your enemy needs help, make sure to go that extra mile so that they lack nothing.

The first part of this is far easier to keep than the second. Although it's hard enough to hold your tongue when someone slanders you or tests your patience, it is even harder to return such maltreatment with love, compassion, and understanding.

When was the last time someone mistreated you? Did it involve lies, gossip, manipulation, backstabbing, or possibly even theft, being taken advantage of, or a full blown assault? How did you respond? Did you take things into your own hands and strike back? Did you just let it slide like water off a duck's back? Or did you look for ways to love, help, and work for the best interests of your attacker?

Jesus is teaching us here that the acceptable action is option number 3. Ouch.

Love your enemies. Love them. Love them deeply and genuinely. Seek their interests, not your own rights.

Why? If for no other reason than this is how Jesus has treated you. You were His enemy at one point in time, and chances are that you act like you still are a lot more than you should. Yet what has God done? Did He seek vengeance? Did He just let it slide? No! "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

While we were enemies of God and haters of Jesus, our Lord did exactly what was best for us, and instead of inflicting vengeance, He gave us eternal life. While we hated Him! That is true, compassionate love. That is what caring for others, even your enemies, looks like. That is what we are called to do and to be. Thank God that this loving Jesus, lives within us. May we truly learn to live and love, just like Him.

Most gracious and loving Father, You have loved us when we hated You. You have done what was best for us when we fought against You. You even sent Your one and only Son to die for our sakes, while we sought to kill Him. For all this, we praise You. Thinking about these things humbles us and convicts us. We do not have this love. In fact, we often don't want it. Yet this is what You command. Fill us with the Spirit of Christ in such a way that we truly look to love and benefit all those around us, even the ones that hate us and sin against us. May we respond to impatience with patience, hatred with love, anger with compassion, and theft with giving. Make us love others like You have loved us. In the name of Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.