The Wisdom Of The Beatitudes (Part Two)

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

   “Blessed (happy) are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6). This is an amazing promise wrapped in a beatitude. There is no limit to growing in Christ. Seeking Him and his kingdom (rule) and righteousness… to the spiritually .. is a spiritual craving that shall be satisfied. Jesus says this one will be ‘filled’… Jesus is the resource that fills the void that so many are searching for in this world. The world tries to fill this void with things, while the believer realizes this void, this hunger, this thirst, can only be satisfied with Jesus. It still remains that you cannot fill that which is full already. The slop of the world may satisfy for a time… but righteousness satisfies for eternity. The empty, broken heart can be filled… and satisfied when the hunger is directed towards righteousness.
   “Blessed (happy) are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7). Thus far we have taken three giant steps up the ‘mountain’, and have been filled with His righteousness. Now comes the blessings for others. For you see, going up the mountain is only preparation to come down and serve. These are things that come when one is poor in spirit, mourns and is comforted, meek and humble, hungers and thirsts after righteousness… It begins with giving what is received…. MERCY. It is not given so you can just hold on to it for yourself. Read Matthew 18:23-35. The one who gives mercy benefits as much from giving it as when he first got it and more. Now there is growth involved. The most merciful, is the one who is poorest in his own spirit and has mourned his own sin. When you empty your heart… He fills it with mercy…
   “Blessed (happy) are the pure in heart; for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). Well, this is unusual. How can a person see God? Well, not through worldly ‘glasses’ for sure. But then it’s not the eyes, it’s the heart. Always has been. Jesus concern is with cleaning not only the outside of the cup but even more concerned with the inside. The heart that has mourned sin, humbled, hungers for God, and is merciful as a response to being forgiven… is going to see God in his heart, and feels the touch of God in his life. One cannot see God or be in touch with God when the heart is full of sin and corruption and is only seeking the things of the world. Experiencing God, will not happen for the unmerciful, proud, those who are full of this world’s slop.
   “Blessed (happy) are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9). What else would you expect from one who has traversed this mountain and has come down to serve as Jesus did? Even though the teaching of Jesus may lead to difficulties within ones family and life… the heart of this spiritual ‘mountain climber’ will seek to make peace… share the peace of Jesus with everyone. God never has liked the idea of his people creating division… but he is pleased with brethren who keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Climbing the mountain is an individual thing… and the one who makes the journey, will be at peace and will share that peace.
   “Blessed (happy) are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10). Actually verse 11 can go with this… since both verses are dealing with what happens when the ‘spiritual rubber meets the road’. When a person lives the life that Jesus outlines here, most will react in a negative way. Well, what do you expect… it’s the world. That’s why you are here. That’s why you climbed the mountain in the first place… to be a different person. Now you are… and the world doesn’t like it, even if it’s exactly what they need. now it is time to serve… Time to live for your Master… Maybe it’s time to suffer… and die… If it’s for being righteous that you suffer… you will be blessed… Jesus promised it.

The Wisdom Of The Beatitudes

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

   One of the first sermons Jesus gave (or was recorded) was on a mountain. Who would have ever expected someone to say anything like this. Call it remarkable, amazing, cross-cultural, or whatever…. When Jesus spoke, people were amazed, taken back. “No one ever spoke like that!” There is a good reason found in Phil. 2:5-11… He was equal with God, but gave it up just to save mankind. Wisdom beyond comparison.
   The word ‘blessed’ simply means happy. He began his ministry by showing what a true believer is like (or can be).
   It’s as if you take a beam of light and press it through a crystal prism. The light is defused, revealing all the different colors. The order of both the break-up of light and the sermon is by design. He is the Son of God, (John 1:14). The attitudes and characteristics are the basic foundation of the Christians life. It is a life of ‘becoming’ through the power of the indwelling Spirit. Without this sermon… the follower may have power, but has nowhere to go… fruitless and faulty.
   “Blessed (happy) are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3).
   The journey begins here. The proud will be saved, can’t be saved. Their ‘cup’ is to full for anything else. Heaven will not be theirs… only to the humble, teachable, moldable. “Jesus loves us as we are, but refuses to leave us that way.” To enter the kingdom, one must break his or her heart. Humility enables one to recognize his sin, and be humbled by grace and love. James said, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble… humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up” (James 4:5,10).
   “Blessed (happy) are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted” (Matt. 5:4).
   Jesus says the opposite of what we would expect. But when your heart is crushed and broken, you always mourn, groan and cry. Like Peter, after his denial of Jesus…when Jesus turned and looked into his eyes… he went out and cried bitterly. Our basic problem comes when life is good and things are going well. We tend to forget God. We use God like a parachute… or a glass which reads, “break in case of emergency”. When trouble comes or death knocks at our door, we look up and cry. Humble people do, proud people don’t.
   “Blessed (happy) are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5). Break your heart, mourn your sins, receive inward strength – meekness! No, not weakness… but strength… rare quiet strength of character that enables you to stand. Three virtues are our NEEDS. They come in order, a broken heart – a cry for help – inner peace.
   (More to come…)

Is America Loosing Freedom?

Posted on November 27, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

Through the centuries, many have fought for this thing called “freedom”. It seems some
things come cheap, but not freedom. Why? Is it JUST concept? People love power… the rule over others. Sometimes that ‘power’ does something to a person, (“absolute power, corrupts absolutely”) the façade falls away, the real agenda appears, formerly called “conspiracy theorists” say “I told you so”, and the real person appears. The one, who sold multitudes with smooth talk, becomes something else.
   Not everyone is motivated to lead …. Most are supporters and followers, and are happy to be such. This is not bad… People are people. People innately want to be free… but not all want the responsibility of freedom. Freedom demands much… and sometimes is too much for the faint of heart.
   Like Israel of old…. they came to Egypt and enjoyed the favor of the Pharaoh, since Joseph had been such a blessing to Egypt (Genesis 40-45). Then something happened…. Joseph and his generation died and another ruler came to power… “he didn’t know Joseph” (Exodus 1). He feared Israel because they were many. Freedom was lost for Israel almost over-night and they were made slaves. Four hundred thirty years later they leave Egypt… a free nation. Yet when hardship and responsibility came, they complained and murmured and cried out that they wanted to go back into slavery. Being told what to do, when to do it, fed when it was time, go ‘home’ to sleep… get up the next day and start over.
   No! Freedom isn’t easy…. nor is it cheap. Freedom is not always lost over night. Sometimes it is lost slowly… quietly. Sometimes it takes a few years, sometimes a hundred years. Those who would take freedom from others have to plan it well and carry out their plan quietly at first, because freedom is dear, and they know that people will rebel if it’s not done ‘right’.
   Is America loosing the freedom for which so many have and continue to give their lives? My opinion is yes… America has a few voices crying out… warning Americans… but many are not listening. There is a fear of being different, mocked, laughed at… the ‘silent majority’ remains silent. All the while something is happening… It has not been done quickly, but it is picking up speed.
   * Prayer is prohibited in schools…
   * The Ten Commandments
   * Christmas plays forbidden in schools and on public property
   * The Cross is not permitted on Public grounds
   * Being politically correct governs how we must speak
   * The Second Amendment is being challenged
   * Homosexuality is being PUSHED legislatively and PROMOTED by Hollywood
   * Government is becoming a “Nanny State” – people are becoming more dependent
   * Instead of a BABY IN THE WOMB… it is called a ‘Fetus’
   * Abortion (even late term) is being promoted
   * Spying on American’s without limit
   * Changes to “check and balance” in government, making it easier to PUSH MORE
      LAWS THROUGH WITHOUT OBJECTION.
   * Marriage (BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN)is under fire… since Homosexuals
      want their rights to this
   Things which made America strong morally, and respected… are being chipped away… How shall America stand, without the foundation on which it was established?
   Is America still beautiful? Yes! But, her beauty is fading. Is America loosing its freedom? You decide! Can one person make a difference? Yes.
   Americans must wake up, individuals must do what they can. Not thinking, “Well, I’m only one person.” Just stand… make a difference. If enough of us do…America will once again be a light on a hill… and the world will once again have the respect America so much deserves.
   Freedom is invaluable, as Christians as well. Paul said, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1). Before you give up freedom… think about what it would be like to be without it.
(This article was inspired by the “Last ounce of Courage” a great inspiring movie!!!).

“One-Upmanship”

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

   Charles Hodge Jr. who for many years wrote articles “From the banks of Onion Creek” wrote one of the most challenging articles I have read. It is not easy… it is not simple…. and it is not for the ‘not-open-to-thinking’ type person. It is for the one who is objective and willing to think about what has for many years been an on-going problem.
   To put it succinctly, we have a problem with differences.
    Hodge, who’s writing is always challenging and just different also speaks to this attitude. He has (again) managed to put more thought into fewer words than any I know. This is an article I found in one of dad’s TUD schedule books. (There were two places where tape had been removed and it made some words difficult if not impossible to see. These are marked here with brackets. I have tried to fill in with the train of thought… but this is not always easy.)

   “One-Up-man-ship! Repulsive, divisive, destructive! The (illegible) of preachers to always be “Top Dog”…”always quick to put others down. The end of what would have been great friendships, relationships. The “know-it-all”, the “I am right and you are wrong.”… “I deny anything you affirm”… “I will win all at any price.” … the aggressive, radical, (illegible), infallible, orthodox!
  Pathetic! What one small circle! The mind is “closed up”. Others cannot be listened to,… others cannot be allowed to express themselves…. others cannot disagree or question. Dogmatic, contentious, abrasive, “One-upmanship”. So many wives have to live with such! So many churches have to put up with such!
   How pathetic! Said folks must always be right — there is no margin for ignorance or mistake. They must be the highest authority (illegible) and all subjects. Actually, they consider themselves infallible All others are suspect. They remove risk from themselves — the privilege to (illegible), to grow, to (illegible), to fail, to be wrong, to be human. “Sit down, (illegible) and listen to me. Communication is a “One Way Street”. Said folks must (always) be right.
   (Theirs) is a precarious existence. Isolated from friends and family and brethren- yea, isolated from reality and self. How heavy the (burden) of men who become their own god! REPENT! And join the human race.”

   There is always a great, great need for all Christians to keep a close watch on attitudes and how we deal with others in the body of Christ. We need to come together on some basic facts. 1.) We are brethren – family, because of the work and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 2.) This is not determined by everyone agreeing on every single thing, while agreeing on some basic core beliefs. 3.) Fellowship is something given by God as He adds those who come to Christ (born again). “Fellowship” is a noun not a verb. (Acts 2:38-47). 3.) We need to be open to studying, searching, and discussing the scriptures… and be willing to accept truth within the context. 4.) We need to encourage questions and discussions in our bible Classes…and listen to each other… even if we have differing views… which should be open for discussion and comparison with the scriptures. 5.) We need to always love each other and sometimes even just agree to disagree… but unless one denies some basic, foundational truth… consider them brethren. 6.) We need to refuse to be part and partial to ANY EFFORTS TO DIVIDE THE CHURCH. While understanding the warning of Paul to ‘mark’ or avoid those who promote division… (Romans 16:17).
   Extremes more often than not, lead to a misunderstanding of truth. Dad encouraged as do I, that we should strive for BALANCE in our understanding of scriptures. To focus on a cup, rather than the contents, and the principles taught is to miss the point. To focus on the act of washing feet as an “act” which must be done… is to miss the teaching that to have the heart of Jesus means having the heart of a servant on an on-going basis.
    These are just some suggestions, which I know are incomplete…. which I have probably mentioned elsewhere on this site. Some may not agree with me here, but I know that unless we learn about grace and how to apply it’s principles… we will continue divide and hurt each other. As Hodge said, “We need to grow up” as Christians…
    How did Jesus deal with his disciples? Much differently than we deal with each other. Let’s grow….

The Last Supper

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

   Dad wrote this in his New Testament….
   “This is a replica of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of the Last Supper. This masterpiece took over seven years to paint. The extra ordinary story behind this masterpiece is astounding. Leonardo felt that he should use living persons as his models since this was to be such an important picture. He started with the painting of Christ. Hundreds of young men were studied to find a man who’s face portrayed innocence and beauty. After a long search he found a man whom he felt could portray Christ. The painting of Christ took six months. When he was done with Christ, it took 6 more years to paint the disciples until all were completed accept one. That one was Judas. To find someone who looked like Judas was a problem. After a long discouraging search, da Vinci heard of a man in prison in Rome who was sentenced to die for his brutal crimes.
   Leonardo went to Rome where the prisoner was brought before him. He saw in this man who’s face was ugly and vicious – scarred and full of hate. He knew immediately that this was the man he wanted to represent Judas, the Savior’s betrayer.
   By special permission from the king, the person was brought to Milan to pose for da Vinci at appointed hours each day. Finally the gifted artist finished his painting. As the guards were taking the prisoner away, he broke loose. Rushing to da Vinci, he gasped and said, “Look at me!!!”: “Do you not know who I am?!” With his sharp, piercing eyes, da Vinci looked at the man and said, “I do not know you. I never saw you until you were brought to me in Rome.”
   Then the man lifted his head towards heaven and cried, “Oh, God… have I fallen so far?!”
   Then he turned and said, “Leonardo da Vinci, Look at me again!!!” “I’m the same man you painted only seven years ago as the figure of Christ.”
   This was copied by dad when he was in Calgary, Alberta while visiting a member of the church and he happened to glance through the Family Bible.
   People change… sometimes for the better…sometimes not. Jesus warned against this since we don’t know what is in the heart of man. Marshall Keeble once said, “I’m not a judge… I’m a fruit examiner.” It might do us better if we just examine the fruit as opposed to judging based our feelings or ‘think-so’s’ or on what someone else says. The way we judge others will come back to bite us as we will be judged the same way (Matthew 7).
   Fact is, we just don’t know what’s in the heart of man… but Jesus does. Paul later instructs us to be careful when dealing with Christians who fall or sin… Helping, restoring… with a spirit of gentleness demands a spiritual heart. The danger? Who knows… somewhere down the ‘time-line’ you also may fall….
   Falling is not usually done over night… it happens ‘bit by bit’ and step by step in the wrong direction. Beginning in the heart (Matthew 5:27-28), which is just as bad as the ‘real thing’ only to find that ‘thoughts not taken captive for Christ’ have taken to root and produced a plant that bears bitter fruit… You may not even recognize yourself.
   Thank God for His love, grace and forgiveness… Thank God for a Savior who even washed the feet of Judas… and accepted cursing, denying, Peter. Thank God for a Savior who was patient with his disciples then… and now…
   The was once two who came to worship God. One was a Pharisee and the other a Publican. The Pharisee prayed and said, “O God, I am so grateful I am not like this Publican.” The Publican would not even look towards heaven, but hit himself on his chest, and cried, “Oh, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Just like the man who posed for Jesus AND Judas…. “Oh God… Have I fallen so far?!”
   Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved (saves) a wretch like ME….Praise God for His matchless grace… Amen walls!!!

Tiny Figure

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

   Beside the highway leading out of town, he stands beneath the green trees. I don’t know who he is, nor does he know who I am. I do not think he cares to know my identity.
   He waves to me – To everyone. His face is happy. His smile is bright. I feel better after I pass by, because he has shared his joy, his love for life and people with me.
   He does not come to the roadside in a moment of idleness, nor without careful preparation. As I wear a robe, adorned with a cross to raise the sacrament to my people… he brings his chair, a thermos, an eye shade and his shaggy dog.
   I think about him – Tiny figure, beside the road, offering his sacrament of a ‘Good Day’ to everyone who passes. I wonder how his days are spent. Are they long, as mine? Does anyone raise a hand to him? When the cars are gone and the night closes in, what does he do? I do not know but I think he is happy in the remembrance of his ministry of love. I think he falls asleep smiling.
   Tiny figure beside the road — you know so well what one taught so long ago… “For whatsoever ye would that men should do to you… do ye also unto them…” and “… by your standard of measure… it shall be measured to you again.”
   I lift my hand to you — tiny figure — I must learn to sing your song.
   Let me live in my house by the side of the road. It’s here that the wall of men go by. They are good. They are bad. They are weak. They are strong, wise (and) foolish. So am I!!
   Then why should I sit in the scorner’s seat, or hurl the cynic’s ban? Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend of man.

The Christian Life

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

It is no small thing to be a Christian. “Marvelous” and “challenging” are perhaps our best efforts at describing this life but these fall far short of the real joy which comes when one is a genuine disciple of Jesus. The blessings are many, and the challenges are many as well… but the rewards far out-weigh all that we go through in this life.
Alton Howard. a well known song writer/publisher and elder in the body of Christ published 10 things elders need to keep in mind while shepherding the flock of God, and which help in living the Christian life. Dad cut out and pasted this in his New Testament…
1. Focus on Christ
2. A strong effort to spread the message of Jesus Christ
3. The church family must be biblically educated.
4. We must be concerned about rescuing the perishing rather than damning the saved..
5. We must be willing to accept change in methods.
6. We must permit diversity.
7. The church must be a place (group)(jhejr) where saint and sinner can find love, joy and encouragement.
8. We must make commitments to life change – not just form.
9. Must emphasize basic Gospel facts — Jesus in the flesh — crucified — resurrected
— ascended — coming again!
10. Each Christian must live a life that reflects the life (heart)(jhejr) of Jesus!
Another friend and brother (Charles Hodge Jr.) encourages all to “Grow up!” in Christ.

The most precious relationship is that which we have with Jesus… Let’s commit to renewing this with the goal of having the heart of Jesus.

Key Words In Romans

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Jack Exum Jr

Studying God’s grace is like studying God’s creation.. The documentary “God of Wonders” deals with the wonders and beauty of God’s creation. As one studies scriptures and in particular, God’s grace… one is captivated again and again by the God of wonders and His marvelous plan to save mankind.
In particular, Paul’s writing to the Christians at Rome goes deeply into the Grace of God, exposing the fallacy of one who tries to be saved by law. Thus it is critical to understand the key words used in Romans. Below, is a list of words and definitions dad had on a card which he kept in his folder for his lesson on grace. I hope this helps you in your studies….

WORDS – ROMANS
1. IMPUTE – to give or account – to credit
2. ADOPTION – not naturally born into
3. JUSTIFICATION – above charge no indictment (This is a one time action)
4. SANCTIFICATION – Holy set apart (This is an on-going and growing action of the Spirit of God working in the life of the Christian.)
5. PROPITIATION – to satisfy
6. RIGHTEOUSNESS – character of being right
Right religiously with God
7. EXPIATION – making amends
8. PARDON – forgiveness – setting free from punishment
9. GOSPEL – good news – “All the Jesus did”
10. ELECT – chosen
11. WORKS – (alternative) fruits
12. FLESH – body
13. WRATH – God’s anger – displayed in action
14. GRACE – gift – mercy
15. FAITH – believe – not seeing
16. LAW – rule of action
17. LIFE – now – to come
18. SIN – miss the mark
19. DEATH – separation
All of these are GREAT, SWEEPING, PANORAMIC – CONCEPTS – WORDS which add to the understanding of Paul’s work to the Roman brethren.

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