Tag Archives: Jesus

by Anthony Baker | March 19, 2016 · 7:00 am

Salvation Is His Name. Selah.

“Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.” – Psalm 3:8

Selah. A word at the end of a verse that calls us to think… to ponder… to meditate on what has just been said. Let’s meditate for just a moment on our salvation.

They Said

They said there is no hope in God. In their arrogance they belittled David’s faith and tried to scare him. By the thousands they surrounded David, seeking his demise.

But David was not afraid. His confidence in God was such that he could sleep like a baby, cradled in the arms of his Deliverer.

They said God could not – that He would not – help David. But that’s what they said … and they had no clue what they were talking about.

He Didn’t Listen

David’s hope was not in man; it was in God. Who were these people to say God wouldn’t help? Did they have control over the Creator of the universe? Were they to tell God to whom mercy would be given?

David didn’t listen to the lies of his enemies, and neither should we. Salvation is not something we can get by bowing down and submitting to men. Salvation is of God! And if He choses to save us from danger, nothing can stop Him.

Prophetic Salvation

But if you don’t mind, there’s one more little thing to think about as we pause and reflect on God’s salvation. Think about the original Hebrew word for “salvation,” and then start putting two and two together.

The Hebrew word translated as “salvation” in Psalm 3:8 is יְשׁוּעָה (H3444) yĕshuw`ah – pronounced yesh·ü’·ä. It means “that which is delivered; deliverance.”
יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (H3091) is the Hebrew name “Joshua,” pronounced yeh·hō·shü’·ah. It means “Jehovah (Yahweh) is salvation.”
“Jesus” is the way we spell the Greek name Ἰησοῦς (G2424), pronounced ē-ā-sü’s. “Jesus” is the Greek version of the name “Joshua.” Both mean “Jehovah (Yahweh) is salvation.“

“But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57

“Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:” – Ephesians 1:3

When the Enemy comes against you, find rest in the assurance that your Salvation is in Jesus Christ. He saved David, and He can save you!

4 Comments

Filed under Bible Study, Selah

Tagged as bible study, God, Jesus, Prophesy, salvation, Selah

by Anthony Baker | January 20, 2016 · 2:11 pm

Why, Dear Muslim? Why?

Reasons for Killing

I know this is dangerous, but I just want to ask the question that so many others are asking:

Why?

Last Friday more Christians were killed by Muslims (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb {AQIM}), this time in Burkina Faso. The following was given as the reason:

“In a new message from the heroic champions of Islam, with their blood and their bodies, to the slaves of the cross, the occupiers of our homes, the looters of our wealth, and who would undermine our security, launched a group of knights, Al Murabitoon, on a commando raid in Hotel Splendid…. [This is] a reminder to the worshipers of the cross of their crimes against our people in Central Africa and Mali and other Muslim countries and revenge for our Prophet.”

Seriously?

Missionaries Amy and Michael Rittering

American missionary, 45-year-old Michael Riddering, ran an orphanage, helped women in crisis, and even helped dig graves during the Ebola crisis! What did he loot? What did he occupy? How did he undermine your security? How many of your children did he kill?

Canadians Yves Carrier, Gladys Chamberland, and their two children, Charles-Élie, 19, and Maude, 37, along with two of their friends, Suzanne Bernier and Louis Chabot, were volunteering as short-term missionaries…helping the poor and the orphans! What wealth did they loot? What did they occupy? How did they undermine your security? How many of your children did they kill?

Reasons for Living

Slaves of the cross? At least you go that part correct. But do you know why? Because of love! The cross of Christ compelled them to LOVE!

You terrorists think nothing of taking innocent life. In your twisted thinking you justify killing helpless women and children as you dare call yourselves “knights”? What kind of cowardly soldier of the crescent are you? You think it’s brave to shoot a crying child with an AK-47? The brave ones are the ones who go unarmed into your countries, risking their lives, all to help alleviate the suffering your oppressive and sadistic beliefs bring about.

Dear Muslim, why can’t you see that this path of bloodshed, of beheadings, of stabbings, of raping in the streets, of sex slavery, of beatings, of destroying ancient artifacts, of killing those who only want to bring peace is the WRONG path?

Why?

The greatest Christians are those who willingly lay down their lives so that others might be saved; the greatest Muslims (from what we see) are those who willingly lay down their lives so that others may die. Can you see the stark difference?

You follow Islam and the Prophet with such legalistic fervor. You keep all the laws with such religiosity, yet never truly know if you are accepted by Allah. You do all these things in order to earn his praise and the respect of others. But what is it really getting you? Love? Grace? Forgiveness for your sins? Peace? No, only bloodshed.

We follow Jesus Christ because it was He who laid down HIS life – not to take the lives of others, but to set them free from the law of sin and death! He died on the cross, in our place, in order to satisfy the righteous judgment of God! When we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! All we have to do is accept the Gift of God’s mercy and be forgiven! We voluntarily submit our lives to the One who gave His so that we might live forever!! And we don’t have to blow ourselves to pieces, either!

Hebrews 12:2 – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Galatians 3:13 – “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:”
Titus 2:14 – “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
1 Peter 2:24 – “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

There is a better way, dear Muslim! Why can’t you see it? Or, rather, why can’t you see Him? Why?

Call 1-800-NEED-HIM if you’d like to talk with someone about Jesus.

6 Comments

Filed under Countries, current events, Faith, Life/Death, ministry, Struggles and Trials

Tagged as Burkina Faso, Christianity, Islam, Jesus, Michael Rittering, Muslim

by Anthony Baker | December 23, 2015 · 10:40 am

Shopping – Evidence We Need Jesus

Last Minute

I will confess, in just a little while I will be going out to do some last-minute shopping. Yes, I know it’s going to be hectic and crazy out there, especially if any Black Lives Matter protesters plan on clogging our local mall. Nevertheless, the shopping has to be done.

Fortunately for me, I am not on a mission to buy a bunch of stuff for everyone on my list; all I need to do is find a couple of things for a couple of people, and that’s it. The only other things I may buy today are a cup of coffee and stamps (yes, there are going to be some late Christmas cards this year).

The Perfect Gift

But this whole shopping thing got me to thinking: will we ever find the “perfect” gift? So often people spend hours and hours navigating traffic, long lines, websites, and clearance racks trying to find a gift that is just right, one that is just “perfect” for the recipient. Color, size, flash, style, and price all play a part in trying to determine how the gift will be received – will they love it or hate it? Who knows?

Unfortunately, because of the stress of it all, much gift-giving has been reduced to whatever is on sale or the ultimately non-personal gift card. The fact is that the “perfect gift” is an illusion, or a sign, rather, that there is something just beyond our grasp – the real perfect gift.

Already Given

You see, here’s the thing: the only “perfect gift” has already been given; all other gifts pale in comparison. Jesus – the meaning of the season – was the Perfect Gift from God to man, making all other gifts mere reflections.

Seriously, what other gift can compare to the One that was delivered in Bethlehem?

He was given at the perfect time (Galatians 4:4);
He was wrapped like no other gift could ever be (Luke 2:12; Philippians 2:7);
He was exactly what everyone in all the world needs (Luke 2:11);
He was the greatest expression of love the world would ever see (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9).

There’s nothing you’re going to find at any mall or specialty store better than what was already given two thousand years ago. Our search for the “perfect” gift is nothing more than a sign – that there’s always something better, something that can’t be purchased, something only grace can provide.

Have a merry Christmas!

3 Comments

Filed under Christmas, salvation

Tagged as Christmas, gifts, Jesus

by Anthony Baker | December 1, 2015 · 10:21 pm

“Maybe You Should Seek Counseling?”

The Atheist

Every once in a while I encounter one of those atheists. Those atheists are the ones who troll the internet in search of Christian blogs, their prime objective being to “enlighten” us (i.e., intimidate us into silence) with their browbeating, far-superior intellects and firmer grasp on all things biblical and theological. They are the bullies of the blogosphere, dutifully heeding Richard Dawkins’ call for mockery.

Today, one of those atheists made a comment on a comment I made on another blog. His tone was condescending, irreverent, and vulgar (in his particular shade), just as always. Then, after some purposeful sarcastic language from me (which is all he is now qualified to receive, for it’s obvious anything more is casting pearls before swine), he said: “You really do have issues, Anthony. Maybe you should seek counselling?”

My response…

“Ha! You don’t know the half!”

His reply…

“You are right, I do not. But maybe this is half the reason you sought your god in the first place, perhaps?”

My response…

“Actually, that’s why my God sought me (Luke 4:18).”

His final reply, showing complete and willful ignorance…

“Really? What were you doing, Anthony, lurking in a back-alley?”

I Have Issues

The thing from the above exchange that stuck with me was the comment about me needing counseling. If the truth be known, we ALL have issues, and I am certainly no exception. For that matter, I am well acquainted with counseling and counselors.

It wasn’t worth my time to go into any detail with the obviously antagonistic troll who only wanted to get a rise out of me. Had he been one who really cared, if it would have done any good, I might have shared with him some deeper truths concerning the atonement and redemption, of the God who came to seek and to save the lost, to heal the brokenhearted.

But he scoffs at all that. He is no sinner. There is no God to whom he must answer. There is no need for crutches; he’s not crippled!

But I am broken. I am wounded. I do suffer from scars. I do deal with painful memories. I don’t have all the answers when I hurt, much less answers for others. I long for ultimate redemption! I do struggle with temptation. There are times when I feel overwhelmed, afraid, helpless, and hopeless. And yes, sometimes my faith gets weak.

Sometimes I do hide from my God…in my thoughts…in my books…in activities…even in the occasional dark and secluded place – much like a back alley.

But then Jesus comes looking for me, saying, “Anthony, where art thou?“

My response?

“Here I am, Lord.”

His reply…

“I know, but why?”

My response…

“I was ashamed. I was afraid. I was angry at You, and myself, and angry I felt that way.”

His reply…

“Son, you’ve got issues.”

Me….

“I sorry….. I’m so sorry.”

His still, small voice…

“I know, son. But hey! I’m your Counselor! Let’s talk about it.”

Then what follows is the kind of counseling those atheists will never be able to understand…because they don’t have issues.

8 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as Christianity, counseling, depression, Jesus, mental health, Ministry, trolls

by Anthony Baker | November 17, 2015 · 11:50 pm

Hopeful Sandwich

Sandwiches

photo (35) I love sandwiches! Don’t you? I do, and let me tell you some of my favorites.

First, there’s peanut butter and jelly (preferably Concord grape or strawberry). Next, there’s the quintessential grilled cheese. Bologna (pronounced by me as “baloney”) and cheese is always good, too. And then of course, especially around this time of year, there’s the unequaled left-over turkey sandwich made after Thanksgiving! All of these are favorite sandwiches of mine.

What makes a good sandwich? Well, what’s between the bread, of course. But that’s not to say the bread isn’t important; the best sandwiches couldn’t even exist without the bread. As a matter of fact, there are times when the bread is all that gets notices, while what’s between is barely tasted.

1 Peter 5:7 is like that. Let me explain.

Popular Bread

Like the bread that gets more attention than the meat, 1 Peter 5:6 and 8 are slices of Scripture about which everyone raves. I’ve heard far more sermons about them than I have verse seven.

For example, if you are at all familiar with a fighter named Ronda “Rowdy” Rousey, then 1 Peter 5:6 will make perfect sense to you. As a matter of fact, I would bet verse 6 was quoted from a lot of pulpits the Sunday after Holly Holm stunned the martial art world when she forced Rousey to get un-scheduled plastic surgery after a kick to the head.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” – 1 Peter 5:6

And then there’s 1 Peter 5:8. This is the popular slice of Bread most often preached to those who forget we have a spiritual enemy who wants to knock our heads off.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” – 1 Peter 5:8

These two verses are famous, oft-quoted, oft-referenced slices of Bread which form a sandwich around verse seven, the “meat” that gives us reason for hope.

He Cares

1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) reads, “Casting all your care upon Him; for he careth for you.” Aside from the fact that we should be humble under the hand of God and watch out for an enemy who wants to devour us, did you ever stop to think that Jesus cares about what you’re going through? That’s the meat.

But if you can keep reading for just a little while longer, I will show you why this sandwich tastes sooooo good 🙂

Casting. There are three little words which are critical to a deeper understanding of verse seven. The first one is “casting.”

The Greek word translated as “casting” is ἐπιρίπτω (epiriptō). Beside 1 Peter 5:7, the only other times it’s used is in Luke 19:35. In that case it’s used in reference to how the Jews threw their coats and Jesus upon the donkey colt that would carry Him into Jerusalem. Can you picture it?

Cares. The next word is “cares.” We are told to cast our “cares” upon Jesus. Well, what are our cares? The Greek word here is μέριμνα (merimna), which means “care” or “anxiety.”* But what is really interesting to me is the meaning of the word on which this word is based, μερίζω (merizō). Merizō is used to describe something separated into parts or cut into pieces.**

Careth. The third word, μέλει (melei), is the Greek word that means what we think of when we read “he careth for you.” I simply means that somebody cares.***

In other words, as I like to describe it, our “cares” are those things which make us anxious, cause us to worry, and literally tear us apart. But Jesus wants us to “cast” them upon Him! Why? Because He cares!

Yes, Jesus cares about the things that worry you; the things that weigh heavy on your heart; the things that seem to be tearing you apart. Jesus really does care!

Why is it, then, that we let things get us down? Why don’t we just take the things that tear us apart, whether big or small, singular or multiple, and throw them on Jesus just like the Jews did with their coats upon that colt.

Jesus cares about our “cares!” That’s the hopeful meat of this “sandwich.” It means we don’t have to go through the tough times alone; we can rest in the mighty hand of God; and we can resist the devil who’s seeking our destruction…because Jesus cares!

Pretty tasty, eh? I thought you’d like it 😉 !

*“Greek Lexicon :: G3308 (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible.

**“Greek Lexicon :: G3307 (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible.

***“Greek Lexicon :: G3199 (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible.

2 Comments

Filed under Bible Study, Depression, Food, Love of God

Tagged as anxiety, Holly Holm, hope, Jesus, Meat, Ronda Rousey, worry

by Anthony Baker | September 5, 2015 · 2:37 pm

I Love My Wife

Lifeway

Here I sit in a large Lifeway book store, a Bible and notebook in my lap, a cup of coffee (from Dunkin Donuts) beside me, my phone in my hand, studying, waiting on my daughter to get out of a meeting, and thinking of my wife.

Lifeway is a Christian bookstore chain. Believe it or not, my wife and I actually spent one of our anniversary date nights strolling through and shopping in a Lifeway store. Why? Because it’s our kind of place – it’s all about the Lord and Saviour we love, Jesus. It’s where we feel like kids in a candy store, but without the risk of overexposure to calories.

Likes

In a recent marriage counseling session (yes, we go to one now and then), we discussed life changes and the risk of growing apart. One of the ways couple risk growing apart is by losing interest in the same things, not enjoying the same things together as a couple.

We used to like some things we don’t like anymore. There are some things one likes, but the other doesn’t. However, Lifeway is one if those things /places we certainly enjoy together. That will never change, because we are both in love with the store’s purpose – Jesus.

Loves

I don’t say it enough, especially for the whole world to read, but I love my wife! I love Valerie. I will love her with emotion and with action till the day we part in death, maybe longer.

But the reason our love, our marriage, has survived over 21 years is because we are both in love with Someone else – Jesus.

Picture a triangle. At the top of the triangle, the single Point, is Jesus, the Son of God. At the bottom left and right are Valerie and me. The closer we get to Him, the closer we get to each other. Because of Jesus, no matter the likes and dislikes that change with times and seasons, our love for each other can grow and grow without limitation – because we can never get close enough to Him.

I just wanted to tell the world how much I love my wife. And the closer we both grow, I hope you can tell it, especially in our mutual love for God.

Love Jesus; love each other. Simple.

3 Comments

Filed under Defending Traditional Marriage, Love of God, Marriage, Relationships and Family

Tagged as happy, Jesus, lifeway, love, Marriage

by Anthony Baker | August 24, 2015 · 10:26 pm

The Inexpensive Option

No Upgrade

Yesterday I asked your opinion about upgrading. Most of you thought is was not a great idea because of price, and I agree.

Of course, if I had some sponsors I would jump at the chance to spruce up my old blog. Who knows what I could do to the appearance if I had access to cool upgrades. But for $99 a year? I don’t think so, at least not on my budget.

One of the reasons I asked about the upgrade was the ability to directly upload audio. Several of you suggested that links would be just as effective, and free.

Sermon.net

A while back I started using a free (up to a point) service for storing and sharing sermons: Sermon.net. It has worked just fine for uploading sermons and sending them to our church’s Facebook page (we don’t have a website). Once the recording is uploaded to Sermon.net, all you have to do is click on an icon to share it.

It was only tonight that I figured out how to make use of the tiny WordPress icon.

The Sermon

I still wear a suit on Sunday morning – because I want to 🙂

So, try it out, if you’d like. I have uploaded and linked (for free) Sunday morning’s sermon from Riverside Baptist. It is part of a series of messages through the Book of Acts.

They Had Been With Jesus – Acts 4:13

Please leave a comment! I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Truth from the Zoo

Conies

This morning I drove a school bus full of children from a summer camp to the Chattanooga zoo. While I was waiting on them, I took my Bible and a notebook inside where I could sit in the shade and study for my Sunday morning sermon…but first I had to take a look at a few of the animals (they’re so cuuuute!)

So, I went into a building that housed desert animals from around the world, and that’s where I saw a cute little fang-toothed critter straight out of the book of Proverbs – the coney.

“There be four [things which are] little upon the earth, but they [are] exceeding wise: … The conies [are but] a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;” – Proverbs 30:24, 26

The conies are second in the list “four (little) things” that are exceedingly wise. But what is a coney? Is it a hot dog found on Long Island, New York? Possibly, but only if a legless wiener is capable of wisdom. These conies in this proverb seem to have a defense against being eaten with mustard – they hide in the rocks.

Taken in a dark room with my iPhone 4S, so not the best photo – but no credit needed 🙂

The animal described here is the hyrax, or rock badger (no relation to the kind that can chew off your arm). Found in Africa and the Middle East, these cute little critters, weighing an average of 8 lbs., are scavengers which live in groups of 8 to 10 and find refuge in the cracks and crevices of rocky terrain. Though scientists say the hyrax is a close relative to the elephant (it even has tiny little tusks – how cute!), this furry little animal is practically defenseless…at least on its own.

Their Defense System

Even though hyraxes are small, weak, and incapable of fighting off a predator, they are not on the endangered species list. Why is that? The answer lies in where they make their homes – in the rocks – and how they look out for each other (notice in the picture: one is awake while the other sleeps).

Being small and rather slow, the hyraxes in Africa are preyed upon by other animals such as wild dogs, leopards, and Egyptian cobras. However, it seems that the conies in Israel, like the ones of which the Bible spoke, have learned how to use the rocks to their advantage, along with a “system of sentries.”

“In Israel, the rock hyrax is reportedly rarely preyed upon by terrestrial predators, as their system of sentries and their reliable refuges provide considerable protection. Hyrax remains are almost absent from the droppings of wolves in the Judean Desert.” (Wickipedia)

Is it any wonder why God’s Word describes the conies (hyraxes) “exceeding wise?” Knowing the danger posed by wolves and the like, the defenseless animals band together, watch over each other, and run to the rocks any time there is a threat.

Our Defense

One would have to be blind to miss the parallels here. Why do so many fools fall victim to the ravenous wolves of the world?

Their bones are found scattered across the sands of time because they ventured out alone, without the watchful eyes of others, and without the defense available in the true Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ.

“OH! Rock of Ages, hide thou me!”

4 Comments

Filed under Bible Study, Christian Unity, wisdom

Tagged as Animals, Chattanooga Zoo, Christian, Church, Coney, faith, Hyrax, Jesus

by Anthony Baker | June 9, 2015 · 7:00 am

Things I Don’t Know

As a husband, father, pastor, author, and perpetual student, I am constantly reminded of how much I really don’t know.

What if I made a list of all the things I don’t know? Well, that would be impossible, especially when there are so many things that I don’t know I don’t know.

However…..

Here are some things I wish I knew more about or could better understand. If it were possible to master these subjects, my self-esteem might go through the roof! Some may even call me a “know-it-all” in a non-derogatory way!

Do you know the answers to the following questions?

How can only three knobs (valves) and two lips play an infinite number of musical notes?
How do people get clean in dirty bath water?
What are hot flashes, and why women hate them in the winter?
Why are things like Pi (things that have no answer) so dadgum important?
If animals in cartoons and movies can talk to each other in English, not to mention read, why don’t they just write a note to humans when someone is in danger?
Why do women wear “natural” makeup to look natural, when natural was what they were before they put on the makeup?
Greek grammar – enough said.
Who killed Kennedy?
Why can’t I just decide to increase my debt limit, instead of balancing my budget?
Why do dogs and cats hate each other?
Why I could never pick up a snake by the tail, but Steve Irwin could?
How did the first person decide drinking something fermented, breathing something on fire, eating something coagulated, or using the anal glands of a beaver for flavoring (castorium) was an appetizing idea?

Life is full of persistent, nagging questions. Some questions may never be answered. I may never truly be a know-it-all. However, when it all comes down to what’s most important, I am reminded of the words of a man who was blind from birth: “I was blind…but now I see.”

I may not know everything, but I know that I will be OK when I die. I know that this world is not all there is. I know that heaven awaits me when I die. How? It’s all written in the Word of God.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. – 1 John 5:13

Did you know that?

2 Comments

Filed under Life Lessons, World View

Tagged as God, Jesus, Son of God, Steve Irwin

by Anthony Baker | May 28, 2015 · 11:46 am

Jesus Hung Out With Sinners

The Argument

If I have heard it once, I’ve heard it six hundred and sixty-six times: “Don’t you know Jesus hung out with sinners?”

Yes, as a matter of fact, I actually did know that.

However, those of us who oppose such things as same-sex marriage (along with any number of formerly immoral, but now celebrated, cultural trends) are regularly chastised for our supposed ignorance of the Savior’s party guests. When we refuse to affirm a particular lifestyle choice, almost without fail we are treated like biblical illiterates – because, of course, those who treat the Bible like toilet paper have a greater grasp of the text.

Me: I love you, but I don’t think Jesus would approve of what you are doing.

Somebody: You don’t love me, you bigot! You’re nothing but a ____phobic piece of $#!*! If you loved me, you’d accept me for who I am, not judge me.

Me: I’m not judging you, all I’m saying is…

Somebody: All you are saying is that you are a hater…a bigot…a racist…and all of your kind should be rounded up and shot! If you loved me like you say you do, you’d be more like Jesus and quit hating me.

Me: I don’t hate you! I just can’t affirm your lifestyle choices.

Somebody: See, you’re nothing but a m____-f____, self-righteous, hypocrite! If you read your Bible like you say you do, then you would have read where Jesus loved sinners and hung out with them. He didn’t go around hating people and trying to get them to change. You need to quit judging and go read your bronze-age book of myths again, then maybe you’ll actually learn something!

OK. You got me. I guess I should go dust off the cover of that old Book and re-read those long-forgotten and overlooked passages that prove Jesus would have affirmed and promoted every alternative lifestyle…because, you know, He was only about loving people, not wanting them to change. Right?

The “Hanging Out” Passages

Believe it or not, Jesus did eat with sinners! It’s a fact! But what is also a fact is that Jesus didn’t simply go eat with the prostitutes, the homosexuals, the drug addicts, the tax cheats, and the drunkards in order to tick off the religious elite. His intention for dining with these people was to reveal a better Way (Luke 19:10; John 14:6).

All three of the synoptic gospels tell of a particular event, one where Jesus went to eat at the house of Matthew (see Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 2:15-17; and Luke 5:29-32). When the scribes and the Pharisees saw Jesus with the “unclean” crowd, they were indignant! One can almost hear the seething, sneering comments hiss from their lips as they murmured, “How is it that he eats with these publicans and sinners?”

When Jesus heard what they said, he did not respond in the way the modern activists portray Him. Jesus, the embodiment of love and compassion, did not in any way accept and affirm the sinners’ lifestyles, but referred to them as “sick” and in need of a spiritual “physician.” Imagine referring to sinners as “sick” these days! However, that is the precise reason Jesus came to “hang out” with sinners: to heal them from their spiritual diseases.

Jesus said unto the scribes and Pharisees, “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32).

He didn’t want to leave them where they were; He actually wanted them to repent! He didn’t hang out as a sign of affirmation, but so that they could be forgiven and “sin no more” (John 8:11).

The Point

So, you see, Jesus did care about and hang out with sinners, as do most of us. But just like Jesus, because we love them, we can’t automatically affirm and support every cause that parades naked down Main Street. Like Jesus, we don’t want them to stay “sick,” we want them to be “healed.”

“This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” – 1 Timothy 1:15

Because I have had the life-changing “balm of Gilead” applied to my own sin-sick soul, why wouldn’t I want to point others to the Great Physician? Leaving people to die in their sins, never telling them there is a cure for the sickness they may not even realize they have, may be a form of affirmation, but it sure as heck ain’t love.