GRACE BLOGS COLLECTION
Many well-meaning believers in Christ are eating from the same tree today, perhaps having the same good intentions as Adam. Today, religion declares: “We should try to become more like Jesus!” This is the result when one fails to comprehend their identity acquired/inherited from the life of God. We’re celebrating over 800 podcasts, looking back at some of our key discussions from over the years.
Recently, I have been bothered by a foot fungus like Ring Worm. It seriously itches! Finally, I consulted with a doctor and progress is being made. Also, I have learned something about an itch. It begs to be scratched, and it feels so good at the time -- but it doesn't help the cure. I first heard the term, "Adam's Itch" from Alan Bias when he was referring to our tendency to gravitate toward the Law rather than the Spirit.
Since the shame of the Garden of Eden, humans have sought to regain glory by striving to live up to a standard of acceptance. That is what the apostle Paul called "flesh." It is futile and egregious.
For the mind set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. -- Romans 8:7 (ESV)
It reveals a blindness to the depth of sin and gives rise to efforts to make up for our wrongs. Sin is much more than a violation of a standard. It is the choice to yield to the mastery of evil. We continue to sin because we are slaves to the evil power behind it. The existence of the Law is not sufficient to overcome it.
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. -- Romans 7:15-17 (ESV)
As I referenced earlier, an itch begs to be scratched. The Adam Itch is no different.
The tendency to rely on human efforts to qualify for blessings also reveals a misunderstanding about relating to God on the basis of Covenant. The "If you will obey, I will bless" concept from the Old Covenant is undoubtedly true. God cannot bless disobedience. If we either deny his order in life or ignore it, we will move into disorder. But obedience must be complete.
When it was evident that God's vessels of mercy couldn't fully obey, God instituted another covenant in which Jesus as our representative obeyed and received all the blessings of the fulfilled covenant. We are blessed in him alone. Our efforts to gain personal blessings apart from trusting him are dead works.
As I referenced earlier, an itch begs to be scratched. The Adam Itch is no different. People like to hear formulas for success based on something we can do. We love doing more and trying harder. We rush to listen to the newest sales pitch about how to get God's favor by practicing a new approach to obedience.
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One of the texts that many use as a formula for success is Isaiah 58. It addresses the people of Israel as they are practicing their worship activities with vigor. They are scrupulously doing what the instructions said regarding temple worship, including fasting and praying for guidance for their own direction. Yet, God is not responding.
They are perplexed. They have pulled the lever of religious obedience, and he is not delivering the expected blessings. They are practicing "Israel's folly." They have interpreted God's selection of them as an end in itself. They are oblivious to the needs of the society around them. They evidently believe "God chose us for us." Fasting was an extreme form of showing sincerity and zeal. They were serious about getting God to act in their behalf (much like alarmed Christians in today's culture). They had chosen a severe fast, but it had to do with their efforts to qualify for God's intervention. Through the prophet Isaiah, God explains that the fast he has chosen is not the same as the one they have chosen. He chose Israel to be vessels of mercy to bless those around them. He will act consistently with his own mercy towards the Israel that chooses that fast.
There was only one Israelite that chose that fast. He represented the whole people of God when he came as Messiah.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. -- Luke 4:18-19 (ESV)
The next time someone is offering to scratch your "Adam Itch," refuse. It feels good for the moment, but it is inflaming the problem.
Since he met the conditions Isaiah had given in chapter 58, he gets the benefits mentioned in the remainder of the text. There are several "thens" listed:
Then, your light shall break forth, and God's righteousness will protect you. (Isaiah 58:8) Then God answers your request with his own presence. (Isaiah 58:9) Then, your original glory is restored. You will be fully human again. (Isaiah 58:10-12) Then, you will live in the delight of the Lord. (Isaiah 58:14)Jesus lived with such blessings. The good news is that because we who believe in him are in him, we receive such blessings based on his obedience. Because Jesus fasted in this way, we can feast on his obedience. One of the blessings we get but can overlook is vitally important. We get to share his mission. We can't just gather the blessings for ourselves like Israel was doing. He was our representative in covenant with the Father. We are his representatives on earth. We extend his mission by embracing our calling as vessels of mercy, sent to bless the world. We are blessed to bless. God loves those who still endure the curse of sin, so he has sent us with the love that captured us. The blessings continue to flow through us toward those in need.
The next time someone is offering to scratch your "Adam Itch," refuse. It feels good for the moment, but it is inflaming the problem. There is no religious lever to pull. If you want to do something, focus on Jesus. Trust him. Delight in him. Look up and see those around you whom he loves and extend your hand to make the connection. The river of grace flowing through you to others will stop the itch.
The very thought of spiritual warfare frightens some people. They seem to think of the devil as they do Santa Claus or the Easter rabbit. Reality is so much more comfortable if it's confined to what we can see, observe, and understand. But the New Testament makes no apology for defining a reality with spiritual forces at work. The Apostle Paul, writing to the people he loved in Corinth, stated his concern for their plight while facing doubts about spiritual authority.
But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3)
If we can ascertain how the serpent deceived Eve, we can gain insight in how to win in our battles with his attacks.
Basically, the serpent reinterpreted the circumstances in the Garden. There were many trees with fruit on them, matching all of Adam's and Eve's needs and tastes. There was another tree that was forbidden to them. You see, the good and sovereign God had created them out of the overflow of His love so that they could enjoy Him fully. They were partners with him on earth will full access to Him. Everything was an expression of his love. The trees offered satisfaction for every possible desire in the couple.
The tree in the midst of the garden offered them a special opportunity: If they would trust God without fully understanding why, they would taste the most delicious delicacy possible for humans: a trusting life together with the One is good, trustworthy, and had their best interests at heart. It would be like dessert after a great meal.
Now, look at how the serpent reinterpreted the circumstances. He implied that God was good, but not totally. "Sure, he has given you all the trees but has forbidden you to eat from some of them. He is holding back on you. His character is in question. He doesn't want you to be like him. He wants to keep you suppressed from your potential."
Too often we focus on our unpleasant circumstances and blame them on the devil. It is his distorted interpretation that should draw our attention. Don't get me wrong. He deceives people and thereby brings pain to others. So many of the horrendous things we do to each other come from deception, which incites weak and fearful people to act wickedly to protect themselves.
But the serpent is not sovereign. God has promised to work all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28) The devil is always suggesting an alternate interpretation of what is happening. If we listen, we will become bitter, fearful, angry, vengeful and cynical. Think of all the people you know who are now skeptical of church, government, family and even former friends. Many of them have been hurt according to a distorted interpretation of the events. Now they're isolated from the very means of their joy.
Let's review the truth as God has affirmed it.
God is good and sovereign. He is actively involved in the lives we are living. He is always seeking to do us good even when bad things happen.
The devil is real. He is constantly reinterpreting the circumstances in our lives to cast doubt on God's goodness and his rule. We have the responsibility to resist him and choose to believe the truth -- even when we don't fully understand.
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. (James 4:6b-7)
The very thought of spiritual warfare frightens some people. They seem to think of the devil as they do Santa Claus or the Easter rabbit. Reality is so much more comfortable if it's confined to what we can see, observe, and understand. But the New Testament makes no apology for defining a reality with spiritual forces at work. The Apostle Paul, writing to the people he loved in Corinth, stated his concern for their plight while facing doubts about spiritual authority.
But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3)
If we can ascertain how the serpent deceived Eve, we can gain insight in how to win in our battles with his attacks.
Basically, the serpent reinterpreted the circumstances in the Garden. There were many trees with fruit on them, matching all of Adam's and Eve's needs and tastes. There was another tree that was forbidden to them. You see, the good and sovereign God had created them out of the overflow of His love so that they could enjoy Him fully. They were partners with him on earth will full access to Him. Everything was an expression of his love. The trees offered satisfaction for every possible desire in the couple.
The tree in the midst of the garden offered them a special opportunity: If they would trust God without fully understanding why, they would taste the most delicious delicacy possible for humans: a trusting life together with the One is good, trustworthy, and had their best interests at heart. It would be like dessert after a great meal.
Now, look at how the serpent reinterpreted the circumstances. He implied that God was good, but not totally. "Sure, he has given you all the trees but has forbidden you to eat from some of them. He is holding back on you. His character is in question. He doesn't want you to be like him. He wants to keep you suppressed from your potential."
Too often we focus on our unpleasant circumstances and blame them on the devil. It is his distorted interpretation that should draw our attention. Don't get me wrong. He deceives people and thereby brings pain to others. So many of the horrendous things we do to each other come from deception, which incites weak and fearful people to act wickedly to protect themselves.
But the serpent is not sovereign. God has promised to work all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28) The devil is always suggesting an alternate interpretation of what is happening. If we listen, we will become bitter, fearful, angry, vengeful and cynical. Think of all the people you know who are now skeptical of church, government, family and even former friends. Many of them have been hurt according to a distorted interpretation of the events. Now they're isolated from the very means of their joy.
Let's review the truth as God has affirmed it.
God is good and sovereign. He is actively involved in the lives we are living. He is always seeking to do us good even when bad things happen.
The devil is real. He is constantly reinterpreting the circumstances in our lives to cast doubt on God's goodness and his rule. We have the responsibility to resist him and choose to believe the truth -- even when we don't fully understand.
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. (James 4:6b-7)
DUDLEY HALL -- All good stories begin by introducing the main characters. Much of the plot is involved in getting to know the characters as the narrative moves along. The big story of the Bible follows this pattern. "In the beginning, God ..." alerts us to the central character. He is the creator of all things. He obviously has some design in mind as he goes about putting it all together.
The crown of his creation is man. Adam is introduced as the next main character of the story. But he is alone, and so the creator makes him a companion who is like him but with distinctions. They are given the shared assignment to cooperate with God in managing the creation.
Together, they are God's partners in his overall plan to make the earth flourish. Soon, a third character is introduced. He is the antagonist. He persuasively offers the pair an alternative means to fulfill their desires, and they yield. This introduces the conflict that will be an issue throughout the story.
Because of their rebellion Adam and Eve chose to hide. This reaction made it clear they really didn't know God that well yet. Why would those cared for and created by God want to hide from him? The couple experienced shame because of their choice. They saw themselves as bad, and they did know that God was good. They perceived that he would want to distance himself from them once they had rebelled against him. But God came looking for them. They feared exposure, because they thought it would condemn them. God came to expose them, so he could cover them. This theme is central to the continuing narrative as told by God through his storytellers.
God is not hiding from sinful people. He loves his creation and longs to share all that he has with them like a father does with his children. Not only did God come to Adam and Eve when they were behind the bush, but later he came to Noah when the world was corrupted and needed to start over. Then God sought out Abram who was confused about divine-human relationships and revealed himself as a covenant-keeping God, changing Abram's name to Abraham.
Though 400 years went by as Abraham's descendents lived in Egypt, God came to them to deliver them from slavery and make them a nation of prominence. By his own initiation, God revealed the design of the tabernacle where he would meet with his people. More of his character is revealed as he identifies with them by coming to live in a tent just like they have. Other religions had gods who lived in the heavens, the mountains, the plains or the seas, but Israel's God lived with them.
He showed them how sinful people could relate to sinless God. It was by a substitutionary animal sacrifice. Blood was shed to show that sin could not be dealt with without death. Sin could not be overlooked, ignored, tolerated, denied or redefined. The substitute must die in order for God's children to enjoy life with him again. In beautiful yet bloody foreshadowing, animals died to show this picture and point to a time when a perfect substitute would die and not only pay the penalty of sin, but condemn it.
That day came when Jesus was born. In Jesus, God was again coming to sinful man to cover him. Jesus lived as Adam and Eve were designed to live. He died as the representative of their descendents. His blood was sufficient to satisfy all justice and redeem all who are held in sin's slavery. Before his final hours, Jesus told his disciples that he was going to prepare for them a place where they could enjoy the Father just like he did. He knew they would miss him, but told them that he would come again and he would send the person of the Holy Spirit who would explain what they needed to know about how to live as God's redeemed and reconciled children.
It happened just like he said. Today we have the privilege of living in fellowship with God without fear of shame -- because God is not hiding from sinners. He is coming to them.
It is time for all of us who are hiding from God to step out of our shame by stepping into his arms. He has been looking for you. Step forward. There is no condemnation in him for those who trust his Son.
DUDLEY HALL -- The mother was distraught. She had grown up in a large family who enjoyed meal times together. She remembered the happy bonding time around the table as each family member eventually told stories about their daily experiences. She had dreamed of her own children having a similar experience, but it just wasn't happening.
At first they brought their cell phones to the table. That was soon prohibited. Now they just sat and ate with very little chitchat. Any contribution to the conversation was usually short and often terse. They were good kids. They just didn't elaborate. Maybe they have the "Twitter-virus." You know -- everything must be said within 140 characters. Let's face it. You can't tell much of a story in 140 characters.
Life without stories is life without context, and stories that satisfy the human need for belonging need room for development. There must be a setting with main characters. Some issue or conflict to be solved supplies the mystery and the meaning. The plot doesn't have to be long, but even short plots have some rising action. And of course there must be a climax and the resulting resolution.
Without interlocking stories, life's experience is just a blur. It is then easy to reduce our lives to a search for moments of pleasure, avoiding anything inconvenient or complex.
We learn to see the stories in life by listening to storytellers. Young children love the bedtime stories. Older youth gain from hearing parents, uncles and aunts tell their stories. I remember fondly sitting on the porch listening to my dad and his friends tell stories of their experiences. Some were so funny I would lose my breath laughing. Others were serious, but it was easy to see the lessons even when no one pointed them out.
I discovered that some people are better storytellers than others, but they weren't always the ones with the most interesting stories. There was a lasting impression: Everyone has a story and it is worth hearing. Perhaps we could regain some lost ground in relationships if we took the time to think about our own story, listen to others tell their story, and read the Bible as the story that connects all the other stories with meaning and purpose.
My parents took me to church as a child. Actually, my first memory of church comes from a class called "Story Hour." It was taught by "Miss Lily," an older lady who lived alone as a widow. She brought cookies, and we sat around her rocking chair as she told us Bible stories. For a long time I considered the Bible as a book full of good stories, but I didn't see how they all connected -- except they all had moral lessons that were supposed to teach me to be a better boy. It was a great delight when I finally saw that the whole thing was a story. It is the "meta-story" that makes sense of all stories.
The story begins a long time ago in a beautiful garden far away where God's two favorites live and work. However, there was a serpent there. (See the main characters?) The serpent tempted the pair, and they succumbed and fell out of the garden and their open relationship with God. (See the conflict?) The story then proceeds through a long series of events leading to God's Son coming to Earth to restore the humans back to God. (Rising action?) When the God-man arrives instead of being welcomed, he is scorned and eventually crucified. However, in a stunning climax, he doesn't stay dead, but is resurrected to claim ultimate victory over the serpent and bring just reconciliation between God and his people.
There is no story like it in the whole world! There are substitutes and imitations, but this story alone brings the resolution that all people everywhere long to find.
That is our story. Adam and Eve were the first parents. We are connected to them and all those who followed. Some had terrible experiences. Some had great ones. They all combine to reveal the true nature of God, the source of trouble, and the solution to our alienation. Knowing this story connects us to history, humanity and eternity. Life without stories is life without context.