God’s Grace

And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, Save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him. And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. Mark 15:25-33, 37 (KJV)


As we examine this passage from the Gospel of Mark, we envision Calvary on the day of our Lord’s death. Jesus is nailed to a cross with an accusation written over his head. He’s hanging there because he had the audacity to call himself the King of the Jews. But he’s not there alone. There are two criminals also being crucified for their crimes at the same time. There is no record in the scriptures that suggest that anyone mocked or made fun of the two thieves that were being crucified although even one of them admitted that they deserved what they were getting. Here these three men are nailed to crosses on display publically. They have been stripped of their clothing and beaten right up to the point of death but kept alive for the grand finale. Among those who passed by or stopped by that day were many who found cause to ridicule Jesus because of the ministry he had. Some of them now publically questioned his teachings. How can you destroy a temple and build it again in three days when it seems as though you cannot even get yourself out of a crucifixion? Since you offered to save us why don’t you demonstrate how by saving yourself first? Why don’t you take a little of your own medicine Jesus? The top folks in the religious pecking order apparently saw this as restoring their previous positions of honor among the people so they took this time to declare that he saved others but he did not have the power to save himself. So they challenged Jesus to show them yet one more sign to support or substantiate his claim of being the Messiah. They weren’t willing to accept all of the other signs and wonders but instead wanted to create their own conditions for salvation. After six hours of suffering and humiliation, Jesus screamed in agony and then dismissed his spirit from his body and died.

God’s grace was displayed in its fullness in the presence of mankind’s mockery and ingratitude. The Savior died in the presence of those who mocked his suffering and shame. The religious leaders, who should have known better, were ring leaders of the ridicule that was heaped upon Jesus as he hung on the cross. Insensitive people gambled for Jesus’ clothes at the foot of the cross while he hung there bleeding in pain and agony. Even crooks that were being crucified along with Jesus took a little time out from their own suffering to laugh at Jesus. I think it is strange how someone can be in the same predicament that you are in but if they get a chance to kick you while you are both down, you better look out. People can be lowdown that way.

Every now and then when I get to rolling around in the blessings of God and thinking about just how good God has been to me, I am reminded of Jesus’ suffering on Calvary. Oftentimes when I hear messages of prosperity and walking in favor, I am jolted back to reality as images of Calvary invade my mind. Jesus didn’t suffer to make my earthly life easier or fun; instead, he died that I might live eternally with him in a world without sin.

There are so many ways that God could have brought about the death of his only begotten son for the sins of the world. So, why would he choose a mode of death that had so much shame associated with it? The victims of crucifixion hung on a cross after they had been stripped of their clothing and beaten to the very brink of death. They were then kept barely alive so that the final minutes or hours could be in public humiliation. Crucifixion was reserved for the lowest of the lowest criminals. This was society’s way of sending a clear message to any would be criminals so that they could think twice about breaking the law. So, why would God choose a mode of death that had so much pain associated with it? Jesus could have dismissed his spirit from his body and left the flesh to react to the loss of life in it and to begin the slow process of decomposition. This could have been done without the beatings, the slapping, the thorns pressed down on his head, or the spear being thrust into his side. Indeed, Jesus’ death could have come without the public drama where many made sport of it. But there is something about God’s grace that demanded a mode of death that would be as painful, as cruel, and as ugly as the sins that it would wipe away.

In the midst of the ridicule and mocking, somebody unknowingly spoke a word of truth. That statement is the very embodiment of the gospel message. One of the chief priests had unknowingly stated the message of the gospel when he said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. How true those words are indeed. In order for us to be saved, Jesus had to sacrifice himself to satisfy God. If we were to be saved, Jesus could not save himself. Our salvation mandated that Jesus give up his sinless life as our ransom. The evening before Calvary Jesus had checked to see if there was another way to save us from our sins. He prayed to the Father three times and begged saying if it be possible then let this bitter cup pass from me. I am grateful today that Jesus accepted his Father’s answer. Calvary was necessary to bring the grace of God into this world in full measure. It was necessary because our sins were abounding. But where sin did abound, grace did much more abound. No matter how far sin went, God’s grace went farther in order to save us. God’s grace is an overcoming grace. It doesn’t matter what sin one might have committed if you turn your life over to God, God’s grace is sufficient. It doesn’t matter how bad your situation may seem to you, God’s grace can reach way down and lift you up. I’m glad today that Jesus couldn’t save himself because I need God’s grace. Not just when I first accepted Jesus but I need his grace everyday of my life. When I get to the point where I want to throw in the towel I remember that Jesus suffered, bled and died for me. When I get frustrated and I want to give up on people, I remember that Jesus couldn’t save himself because he had to die to save me. Then I think about Jesus getting up from the grave on Sunday morning and declaring that all power in Heaven and on earth is in his hands. I remember that he went back to glory but he’s coming back again to receive all of us that have accepted the salvation that he has given by his own death. God’s grace is all we need.


Robert C. Hudson
March 7, 2010

The Other Side of Christmas

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Jer 10:2-5

Christmas has long been at the center of a struggle between Christians and non-Christians around the world. In the eighteenth century, a German protestant argued that the “paganization” of Christmas debased the true church of Jesus Christ. In recent years, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed several court cases against local and state governments because of their use of a nativity scene as part of a public display. The ACLU claim alleges that this represents a violation of the U. S. Constitutional amendment that is often interpreted as “separation of church and state”. This is a centuries old struggle that continues even today.

There are industries entirely dependent upon the Christmas season for their existence; examples of these are Christmas tree farms and Christmas greeting cards. Yet, Christmas day is the most inactive day of the year for commercial, public, and private businesses in most Western countries. It has been estimated that one out of every four dollars of personal spending takes place during the Christmas season that typically begins about a month before the actual day. It seems as though most banking institutions have specialized accounts designed to assist individuals with saving money year-round just to be spent during the Christmas season. Many retail businesses record more revenue during those four weeks than the other forty eight weeks combined. So how should we as Christians look at this situation and what does it mean to our own celebrations? I believe the proper way to assess this is to first understand something about the other side of Christmas. If we consider the passage from the prophet Jeremiah, it will lend some understanding to the longstanding traditions that surround the other side of Christmas. Jeremiah recorded this passage about six hundred years before the birth of Christ. The passage refers to a pagan religious practice.


I. Signs in the Heavens
A. They are Observable
B. They should not be Feared
C. Many associate this with the Winter Solstice ( around December 22nd)

II. A Tree is Cut out of the Forest
A. It is Decorated with Silver and Gold
B. It is fastened in an Upright Position
C. The Heathens worship the Tree
i. Although It cannot Speak
ii. Although It cannot Move
iii. It can do neither Good nor Evil


Much of the description of the tree sounds like a Christmas tree. Its origin, decoration, and manner of mounting sound strangely similar to a Christmas tree. However, there is a distinction to be made. The Christmas tree is not set up and adorned to be worshiped. The Christmas tree is used as part of the overall decorations for the Christmas season. There is much parallelism that exists between the pagan holiday and the Christian holy day. They have Santa Claus and we have Jehovah. Santa Claus gives according to a list that is based on whether one has been naughty or nice. Jehovah says “Come unto me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Santa Claus promises to bring joy one day out of the year but Jehovah gives joy that can never be taken away. It is said that Santa Claus employs elves at the North Pole to build toys. Jehovah spoke and created everything there is in the universe—which would include the elves if they existed. While Christians remember the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us be mindful to know the difference between the holiday and the holy day and not confuse the two. As we celebrate the holiday, let us do so as Christians and remember that only God is to be worshiped and we should only look to God and not some unseen benefactor who slips into houses at nighttime. In the midst of our giving and receiving of gifts, don’t forget the greatest gift of all. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved.


Robert C. Hudson
December 20, 2009

Anticipation

And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Luke 22:14-16 (KJV)

All four writers of the gospel as well as the apostle Paul wrote about some of the events that took place during the evening that Jesus shared his last Passover observance with his apostles. One has to piece together the different events from the different accounts in order to get a clearer picture of the order of events on that evening. The gathering of Jesus and the twelve was an expected event since all of Israel was required to observe this first holy day of the Jewish new year. What was not expected was that Jesus would prophesy concerning the future fulfillment of this meal even though the meal itself served as a reminder to Israel of the past fulfillment of it. The celebration of the past fulfillment was a celebration of the miraculous deliverance of the descendants of Jacob (Israel) from Egyptian bondage. This meal celebrated Israel’s birth as an independent and sovereign nation. The future fulfillment Jesus spoke of will culminate in the final deliverance of all children of faith from spiritual bondage into God’s eternal kingdom. The apostles were celebrating the annual Passover with Jesus for what is believed to be the third time assuming that Jesus’ earthly ministry lasted three to three and half years. Jesus informed them that this would also be the last and he had desired greatly to share it with them. All twelve of the apostles, including Judas, came to this Passover meal.


I. The Passover Meal
A. An Annual Reminder of Their Beginnings
B. Jesus’ Desire to share with His Apostles
C. Anticipating the Fulfillment

II. Dismissal of Judas
A. Jesus was Aware of Judas’ Plot
B. Jesus would later call Judas Friend
C. Judas would not Share at the Lord’s Supper

III. Problems at the Table
A. The Eleven still had Issues even with Judas Absent
B. Jesus responded by Washing Their Feet
C. Jesus saw beyond Their Present Faults

Jesus’ anticipation of sharing this meal with his group of yet unconverted followers, including one devil, serves as a reminder that we too are to show patience towards others. It was for his apostles as well as others including us that he was about to give his life. In spite of their shortcomings, Jesus foresaw the day when they (except Judas) would be totally delivered and he celebrated with them in anticipation of that deliverance.

As we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we should come to the table remembering the deliverance that Jesus has secured for us. First, we should think of our community and what our fore-parents were delivered from. Many of them suffered in faith believing that God would make a way for their offspring in the distant future. Today, we live out the answers to their prayers without always being grateful. We seem to trample over our blessings as though they have no value. Nevertheless we must also be reminded that it’s all about Jesus. Material or physical blessings are good but the spiritual blessings far outweigh them. We should come to the table anticipating the future marriage supper of the Lamb and his bride, the church. We should come in anticipation of his return for the church to usher us into eternal life in his presence.

Robert C. Hudson
December 6, 2009

When There’s No One but God

And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. 1 Sam 30:1-6 (KJV)

There were a number of low points in David’s life. It is difficult to say that one was any worse than the other but one thing is for sure, I would not want to go through the situations that David went through. He was king of all Israel but he paid a dear price before and during his reign. Our text today presents one of those situations before David became king. In fact, at the time of the event in today’s scripture, David was a fugitive from Israel leading a group of approximately 600 men and living in the land of Israel’s enemy, the Philistines. David went to live with his enemy because Saul’s death threat on his life had him convinced that he would not live long in Israel’s territory. From his position in the land of the Philistines, David conducted secret raids against Israel’s enemies while covering it up by reporting it as raids against Israel. This assured the king of Gath that David would be hated by his own people and would therefore be a loyal servant to him. David’s cover-up involved killing all of the inhabitants of the places he raided so that there would be no eyewitnesses of his deeds. It was during one of these raids that David’s enemy raided his new home city and took all of the women and children captive. When David and his men returned home and discovered their misfortune, they cried until they could cry no more. After this, David’s men turned against him and talked of stoning him. With his family taken captive and his followers rebelling against him, all David had left was his relationship with God.

I. No One wants to be a Stranger
A. He was Living among His Enemy
B. His Family was Taken from Him
C. His Friends were Turned against Him

II. When You have Cried Your last Tears
A. What’s Next when You are done Feeling sorry for Yourself?
B. You need to take a serious Look at Your Situation
C. Something has to Change

III. Be Encouraged in the Lord
A. Don’t Throw in the Towel
B. God never Leaves You
C. God always Loves You

David did not stay in the self-pity mode. He was determined to change his situation. He was determined but he was not desperate. Desperate people too often make critical mistakes because they think that any change would be better than their current situation. Be careful because things can get worse no matter how bad they may seem. David turned to the one constant in his life, i.e., God. Rather than do something and hope for the best, David turned to God and asked him for directions. Note that he did not ask God, What should I do? Instead, he asked God to evaluate his plan of action before he acted. He asked God if he should pursue his enemy. Then he asked God, Will I overtake my enemy? So now David wanted to know if his plan would be successful. How comforting it is to have the assurance of God that you have a good plan and that your plan will succeed. Why do we wait until there is no one else but God? When God is able to provide guidance and assurance, why not pursue God first? Yes, God knows our hearts but he also wants to direct our steps. God intends for us to have good success. We should go to our knees without being driven there. We should constantly seek God’s face rather than his hand. We should give God our hearts rather than wait just to give him our problems. God has already provided the way for us. God commended his love towards us in that while we were yet in our sins, Christ died for us. Jesus died so that God could be our first choice rather than our last resort. Jesus lives so that we can have someone interceding for us. When there is no one but God, be encouraged.


Robert C. Hudson
November 8, 2009

Trying to Fit In

And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. Luke 22:59-62 (KJV)

It seems as though part of our maturing as Christians involve going through a phase when we try to be good Christians and try to be okay with non-Christians at the same time. This is not to say that we should not strive to be at peace with all people. Neither is this a statement that Christians ought to remove themselves from society and go start or join an existing convent or otherwise community of faith. It is these types of actions that often lead to the formation of cults and other religious anomalies. People that are Christians through the new birth are made different by the Spirit of God working in us. This is not just evident among those who knew us before and after but even to those that may never have known us there is something different about a person that has been born again. As we examine our text today, Peter is denying Jesus for the third time. He has followed the crowd that arrested Jesus from a distance but after they arrived at the high priest’s house, Peter moved into the crowd to get a little closer. John said that it was a cold night the crowd had made a fire to keep warm while Jesus was being questioned and abused by the religious community. Peter, undoubtedly, was confused and curious at the same time. He attempted to fit into the crowd around the fire but he stuck out like a sore thumb.


I. Peter’s Identity Questioned
A. The first Young Woman studied His face in the Fire-lit Courtyard
B. Another Person noted that He looked like one of Jesus’ Disciples
C. An Hour later, A third Person observed His Speech

II. Peter is Tortured by His own Denial of Jesus (or Attempt to Fit In)
A. He lies about Who He Is
B. He lies about His Knowledge of Jesus
C. He began to Curse

III. Jesus sees Us
A. In the midst of Peter’s Lying, Jesus looked at Him
B. Jesus had Suffered all Night for Peter
C. Peter responded in Tears


Christians, or perhaps I should say, Christ followers, sometimes go to great length to deny our own identity. We first try to fit in and hope no one notices. When we are noticed, we attempt to divert the attention from ourselves. We will sometimes go a little farther in trying to act out of character in order to impress on others that we are not who we really are. But try as we do, our new person in Christ continues to make us stand out like sore thumbs. If this world were so great, we would not have needed to be delivered from it in the first place. Of course, all of this is easy to say after we have been through a few fireside denials and come to learn that there is no way to hide our new identity in Christ. How can we? If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Christianity can be socially uncomfortable until we begin to mature spiritually. Unfortunately, many Christians want to be saved and unchanged at the same time. Salvation only comes through the new birth and the Spirit of Christ takes up residence in us. It is the indwelling Spirit of Christ who brings about a change in our very person. We look the same and may even walk the same but our speech does change and it will give us away. You don’t have to punctuate your speech with hallelujahs and amen’s for others to know who you are. Just be a Christian and others will know even in your manner of speech. Your new self takes on the personality of Christ. It can be very frustrating to try to lead two different lives. Spiritual maturity requires that we be ourselves at all times. When we are saved, we can never fit into the world again. The world is against God and we who are saved can never live a life that is against God. We are still in this world but we are no longer of this world. Today we celebrate who we are by remembering what Jesus did for us. Today, we again commemorate Jesus’ death for our sins. This celebration is a reminder that we can never fit into the world again because our new citizenship is in Heaven. We strive now to bring our daily living in line with who we are in Christ. The unleavened bread reminds us that Jesus was without sin. The fruit of the vine is a reminder that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission for sin. We did not deserve this wonderful gift but by the grace of God through our faith it is ours.


Robert C. Hudson
November 1, 2009

Concerning the Lord’s Supper

Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. 1 Cor 11:2, 17-22

Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth was a letter of instruction and rebuke. Much of the language of the letter is in response form relative to questions the apostle had received concerning conditions within the church. This letter reveals how things can get off track when a church begins to be led by human minds rather than God’s Spirit. In this portion of the letter Paul addresses them concerning the Lord’s Supper. Today it seems as though some have taken this passage of scripture out of context and declared that there should be no eating at a church. In fact, I have heard one person say that a church building shouldn’t even have a kitchen in it. This flies in the face of the history of the first century church which shows that fellowship meals were apparently commonplace. It is not eating that creates problems but behavior and attitudes. Churches today can benefit from fellowship meals that allow their members to sit and get to know each other. Today’s trend towards mega-churches that have no fellowship presents a Christian experience more like a drive-through service or factory outlet. Members and visitors are welcome to come in and pick those parts that meet their needs, give a financial offering, and leave. There’s plenty of opportunity to “enjoy” what is going on without even knowing the person who is sitting next to you. True fellowship has its place within a Christian body. But there is a proper way to fellowship and it should never be confused with the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper. Paul’s directions concerning this matter are simple.

I. The Ordinances are to be Kept or Observed
A. They were Established by Jesus
B. Disciples were Commanded to keep Them by Jesus
C. The Ordinances are Symbolic Representations that Demonstrate Acts of Obedience by Christians

II. Divisions in Churches are sometimes Necessary
A. Believe Part of What is Heard about Divisions
B. Divisions help Members to See Who is Who in the Body of Christ

III. There is a Difference between a Fellowship Feast and the Lord’s Supper
A. A Feast can be Potluck but the Lord’s Supper is Not
B. A Feast can be Eaten in Separate Groups within the Church
C. The Lord’s Supper is Shared by the Membership
D. A Feast can Leave Some Full and Others Hungry, But the Lord’s Supper will Not

Finally, Paul tells the church at Corinth that what he had taught them, he had received from the Lord. Knowing that these are Jesus’ instructions, then the church should follow them. The unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine when taken in remembrance of Jesus are reminders that Jesus was without sin yet he gave his life as a ransom for the sins of the world. Jesus’ sinless blood was poured out for many. The Lord’s Supper is a reminder of this for all Christians. The Lord’s Supper is a bridge that spans from Calvary to the Rapture. It is a reminder of what Jesus did on Calvary and it is to be done in commemoration of that sacrifice until Jesus returns for his church. Paul gave the church an expectation that when they gather together it should be for the better and not the worse. Today, we should all leave the gathering at the church better than we came. If we came as sinners, we should leave after we have accepted Jesus’ death as the price for our sin. If we came without a church family, we should unite with the church family and leave as a part of this whole. If we came broken, then we should leave mended. If we came in despair, then we should leave in hope. Whatever situation we came in, we should leave better than we came.


Robert C. Hudson
October 4, 2009

Come and See for Yourself

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown. Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.” “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” “Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied. As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.” “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.” John 1:43-48 (NLT)

Have you ever had what you consider to be some good news but you seem to have difficulty convincing others to feel like you feel about it? Have you ever felt like, I wish I could explain things better so that I could be more persuasive when I talk to people? Then, imagine having what you believe to be the best news that you have ever come across and you found out before others did and so you wanted your friends to know but when you tried to tell them they just refused to believe you. I believe that those types of experiences keep many Christians from evangelism or just personal witnessing—especially to those that they know best. It’s funny that we can talk to our relatives and friends about anything but we stumble when we want to share our religious faith with them. To make matters worse, if we happen to be close to someone who is of a religious faith that is not Christian, they seem to go on and on talking about their faith until you walk away or someone asks them to be quiet. Why is it so difficult to tell people about Jesus? You finally start to grow in your faith and you feel really good about your vibrant spiritual life and yet you find yourself treating your Christianity like you are having an affair with the Holy Ghost. You know you are involved in it but you don’t want to talk about it. When others are talking about it you say a few things to strengthen their position but you don’t say a whole lot about your own situation. There seem to be a fear that you might get tested on it and flunk the test. Have you ever felt inadequate in your witnessing? I believe that the interactions that take place between Phillip and Nathanael can help us to see ourselves and perhaps at the same time allow us an alternative to feeling inadequate in our witnessing. Let’s look at today’s text.


I. Jesus Called Phillip to Follow Him
A. Jesus found Phillip while going to Galilee
B. Six of the Twelve Disciples were called Individually

II. Phillip found Nathanael (Jesus saw him while Phillip was looking for him.)
A. His Testimony was that They had found Jesus
B. He declared Jesus to be the long awaited Messiah
C. He identified Jesus as the Son of Joseph from Nazareth

III. Nathanael responded to Phillip’s Testimony
A. Because of Nazareth, Nathanael discredited Phillip’s Testimony (Why do others discredit your testimony?)


Phillip’s response to Nathanael’s statement is our topic today, Come and See for Yourself. Sometimes, words are not enough. Some people are determined to not be convinced by others of anything. You might as well go argue with a sign on the side of the road than try to get some people to change their minds. Therefore, sometimes witnessing can be stressful and even feel like a waste of our time. But yet Christians are admonished to spread the gospel or the good news of Jesus Christ. When we find ourselves torn between the call of discipleship and the fear of failure or disappointment, then we should just recommend that people would come and see for themselves. There are times that I would like to be a great statesman for the Lord but my words get all tangled up and sometimes they will just dry up on me. All I know to say is just come see for yourself. Phillip is not credited with writing a gospel account or a letter to a church. Phillip, however, was successful at getting Nathanael to come see a man who fulfilled the very prophesies of God. Nathanael didn’t go looking for Jesus because Phillip said something that convinced him of who Jesus was. But he followed Phillip’s advice and decided to check this Jesus out for himself. I don’t know if I will say anything today to change someone’s opinion about Jesus but I suggest that you just come and see for yourself. If you are confused and don’t know where to turn, I could tell you how Jesus has regulated my troubled mind at times but you might not be convinced. So why don’t you call upon Jesus for yourself. If you’re in trouble and can’t see your way out, I could tell you how Jesus rescued me time and time again but you might not believe me. Come and see for yourself. If you’re lonely and feel like you don’t have a friend in the world, I could tell you about times when Jesus had to keep me company but you might not believe me. Try him and see for yourself. I don’t know what’s going on in your life but I do know that life can be filled with ups and downs. I could tell you that the joy of the Lord picks me up when I’m down but you might have doubts about that. So try Jesus and see for yourself. I could tell you about the old story of a baby born in Bethlehem who was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger; how he grew up to be a man named Jesus who gave sight to the blind, cleansed lepers, and raised the dead. I could go on to tell you how he was arrested and crucified on a Roman cross and died one Friday and was buried in a cave. He stayed there until Sunday morning when he rose and declared that he has all power in heaven and earth. I could tell you that he still heals the sin-sick soul, cleanses those filthy with immorality, and raises the spiritual dead to newness of life. I don’t want to try to convince you of all of that but rather suggest that you try him and see for yourself.

Robert C. Hudson
September 27, 2009

God is Able

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, Jude 24

The epistle or letter written by Jude is one of the shortest compositions in the New Testament. The tone and content of the letter is like that of Paul’s second letter to Timothy as well as Peter’s second letter. It has the same sense of urgency that warns Christians to beware of the future because things are going to get much worse before they are made better at the end of the age or the world as we know it. He speaks of the character of those that will come more so than their person. Christians are warned that the enemy will mix in and be among them and sometimes it will be difficult to tell who’s who. We should not assume that everyone who hangs out with Christians love Jesus. The urgency of the message is that these things are already starting to happen. Christians need to be careful because these days are evil. In other words, humanity, in spite of all of the so called progress, is worse now morally and ethically than ever before. For a short letter it has a very dark overtone. But as Jude begins to bring this letter to a close, there is a bright light shining into the future for Christians. What we cannot prevent or avoid need not overtake us. What causes us to stumble need not cause us to fall. When our pass actions break our own hearts, this need not darken our future. There are some things that we must go through and others we will go through because of poor choices on our part. But even that need not taint or otherwise mar our future. Our text today is a fragment from the doxology of the letter. But there is a treasure hidden in this fragment. And this treasure is able to spiritually enrich a believing Christian. This fragment lets us know that God is able to do some things that we need and don’t deserve. Let’s look at this:


I. God is Able to Keep You from Falling
A. The Flesh wars against the Spirit (Romans 7:23)
B. Men love Darkness more than Light (John 3:18 – 19)
C. Though He fall, He will not be Utterly Cast Down (Psalm 37:23 – 24)

II. God is Able to Present You Faultless
A. All have Sinned and come short of God’s Glory (Romans 3:23)
B. Through Faith, All Trespasses are Forgiven at Calvary (Colossians 2:13 – 14)
C. Your Sins shall be Washed Away (Isaiah 1:18)

III. God is Able to give You an Abundance of Joy in His Presence
A. No Flesh shall Glory in His Presence (I Corinthians 1:27 – 29)
B. God will Wipe away Your Tears (Revelation 21:4)
C. Your Depression will be replaced with Celebration (Psalm 30:11)


No matter what the situation or the circumstances, we must remember that God is able. Our outlook does not depend on our strength but on our faith. There is no limit to God’s strength, wisdom, or availability. He alone has all power. God alone is all knowing. When God helps others, it does not diminish or lessen his ability to help me. God’s strength is not determined by the strength of my faith. God’s willingness is not controlled by my faith. God is sovereign and he moves when and if he decides to move. God is pleased by my faith but not limited by it. God does not need to prove his willingness to me by answering my selfish prayers. God has already done everything to prove who he is and his great love for mankind. He desires to save us from our sins. He desires to clean us up and make us sinless throughout eternity. God desires that we live a life believing in him and believing on him. God is not like this because we can show ourselves worthy of any of this. Rather, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us to bring us back to God. Jesus’ life was a ransom given for our souls. We may not be the best people in the world at all times but we can still be thankful that God is able to make us as he would have us to be.


Robert C. Hudson
September 20, 2009

Do You Understand the Times?

And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. 1 Chronicles 12:32

In the pretext of today’s scripture, Israel’s first king, Saul, had been killed in battle and the warriors of Israel were now responding by endorsing David as Israel’s new king. Those warriors came in groups of thousands according to their tribe and clearly stated that they were pledging their allegiance to David. Even the tribe of Benjamin, the tribe of Saul, responded in kind with their brethren. David was previously on the run for Saul had a death warrant out on him. But apparently David was hiding in plain sight because they all knew where to find him. Most of the warriors that came were described according to their battle skills and experience. Some were adept at slingshots or bows and others were skilled with swords and shields. Still others were described as sure-footed and swift such as the Gadites. Others were commanders or military leaders. But when the sons of Issachar came, they were described differently than all of their brethren. Jacob had prophesied that the descendants of Issachar would be strong and would yield themselves as servants. In today’s text, Jacob’s prophecy unfolds. Only the leaders of Issachar came but they had the authority to speak for the entire tribe. These leaders were described as having understanding of the times and they knew what Israel ought to do. What does this really say about the leaders of Issachar?

I. Understanding
A. Prudent (Pay Attention; Take into Consideration)
B. Intelligent (Knew; Sensible)
C. Insightful (Heed or Deal Wisely)

II. To Know
A. Divine Wisdom
B. Divine Plan

III. Leadership
A. They had the Trust of Those who Followed Them
B. They had the Loyalty of Those who Followed Them
C. They had the Commitment of Those who Followed Them


It was given to the children of Issachar to know what Israel should do. They knew the plan that Israel should follow. This kind of wisdom only comes from God.

Again, all of their brethren were at their command makes a statement of unity. The tribe of Issachar was united in purpose. Up to this point, some tribes were divided in opinion between David and Saul. When Issachar came, they came as one. They were determined to do even as God had shown their leaders what needed to be done. They were not coming to debate or vote but they were coming as warriors determined to get the job done and those who came represented all of them. So much time and energy are wasted when there is an absence of unity and a singular purpose. When everyone wants to do their own thing then chances are the group is doing nothing. Success with excellence requires everyone working together and moving in one direction. The question before us today is, “Do you understand the times?” Has it been revealed to you what ought to be done? Are you putting forth effort that’s in agreement with current directions? Are you still caught up on what could have been or what should have been or what used to be? At all points in time God has provided a vision that sets forth a clear direction of movement. It is no different with us today.

Sometimes having a vision can make you feel like the loneliest person in the world. There is a sense of inadequacy that overshadows you when you try to explain or just communicate the vision. But I see something in the sons of Issachar that I find encouraging. When you know what ought to be done, its best to get started by just doing your part. They came prepared to do their part. Do you understand the times? They did not come half-hearted or just in case so that they would not be left out but they came totally committed to the plan. They had understanding of the times. Do you understand the times? Do you understand what God is doing with the church today? Twenty years ago people had a hunger and thirst for the word of God. Sunday School and Bible Study meant everything. People just wanted to know the word of God. Today people have a hunger for ministry. There is a God-given desire to do something worthwhile. People want to know what to do and how should it be done. Do you understand the times? God did not leave us here to grope in the darkness but he has given us the supreme example in his son, Jesus. Jesus understood the times and he worked according to his Father’s will. He worked while it was yet day for he knew that the night was coming and his working would end. Are you about your Father’s business today? Do you understand the times?

Robert C. Hudson
September 13, 2009

Trading His Promises for His Presence

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 11:8-10

Abraham is described in the scriptures as the father of the faithful. It follows therefore that true faith can be understood by examining the biblical life of Abraham. The evolution of faith within a person appears to go through three distinct phases. First there is saving faith. Here faith acts as a channel or conduit by which grace is applied to a person. We are saved by grace through faith. This saving faith causes us to believe in God and in the power of Jesus’ blood to wash away our sins. After we are saved, then there is overcoming faith. We learn to apply faith in situations that would otherwise overwhelm us. We are able to hold on because we know that Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us. We are more than conquerors through Christ. This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. Finally, there is mature faith. Mature faith looks beyond circumstances and time and peeks into eternity. Mature faith continuously reminds us that everything in life must be taken in the context of eternity. True reward comes beyond this existence. Whatever comes in this existence, prosperity or poverty, health or sickness, friends or loneliness, cannot be compared to what is to come. Those that attain to the level of mature faith have transcended the world and it is said that the world is not worthy of them. How do we go through these three phases? The process of faith evolution is driven by the promises of God. However, the last step, mature faith, cannot be attained until one is willing to trade God’s promises for his presence. Let’s see how Abraham went through these three phases. There are three things that take place in our text today.


I. Acceptance: Accepting God’s Promises

A. Taking Baby Steps to Haran
B. Carrying the Family along for Company

II. Appraisal: Appraising Possessions

A. Recognizing God as the Giver
B. All that Glitters
C. Taking a Second Look (Being Thankful Anyway)

III. Aspiration: Desiring God’s Presence

A. Something is wrong with this World
B. We will never be totally Satisfied at all Times living in this World
C. In the City of God Everything is Right at all Times


It is dissatisfaction with trying to make an ideal life in a sin-sick world that leads one to long for the presence of God. It has been said that God uses his promises of earthly possessions to draw us towards his presence. Possessions are never to be considered an end in themselves but only a means by which God draws some. It has also been said that too often people seek God’s hand when he has called us to seek his face. God’s face is not to be found in things. In fact, things are a distraction from the real intent. How then are we as Christians to look at this? We are constantly bombarded by messages of prosperity. Sometimes, we are made to feel bad if we don’t have the proper things such as clothes, cars, houses, and money to present as evidence that we are “blessed and highly favored of God”. When we don’t have a lot of things, some say it is because we lack faith or the knowledge of God’s promises. I have lived long enough to know that as a people, we demonstrated more faith and knowledge of God’s promises when we possessed very few things. Today, we have so many things and we are so busy accumulating more that we lack sufficient time to enjoy what we already have. Spiritual maturity causes us to begin to see ourselves as sojourners. We realize that material things do not bring joy or lasting happiness. So we pass our time here desiring to do God’s will as we continue to look for a city whose architect is the moral Architect of the universe. We are destined for a city whose foundation was laid by the eternal Carpenter of all existence. We don’t need a GPS or a fold-up map. We keep our eye on the Star Post in Zion for we have a guide who is able to deliver us to our final destination. Abraham was promised a land but he traded it to seek God’s city. David was promised a kingdom but he traded it to be reunited with a son who was Solomon’s elder brother. He knew that his son could not come back to him but he would one day go to be with him. Solomon was promised wisdom and wealth above all others but he declared it all to be vanity and knew that one day all must stand in that Holy City before the eternal Judge. He knew that God’s presence is preferred above his promises. Jesus left the eternal city to come into a condemned world and seek out lost humanity. Jesus did not burden himself with things in this world but labored tirelessly to prepare people to seek his Father’s face. Jesus could have returned to that City at anytime but instead he chose to die in this world that he might set at liberty those that were slaves and captives to sin. If he had remained dead, then God’s promises would be all that we have. But on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead securing the greatest of the promises that he might offer mankind an opportunity to live eternally in God’s presence. Are you still chasing promises or have you begun to seek his presence? Are you standing on promises or walking in the direction of his presence?

Robert C. Hudson
August 30, 2009

Crumb Snatcher

Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. Matt 15:21-28

Recently, we have been looking at some unnamed women who had life changing encounters with Jesus. These were not people of renown or prestige but really the rejects of their society. One of them did not go looking for Jesus but was dragged to him under accusation of adultery with a suggested death sentence hanging over her head. As I stated then, if they had taken her outside the city and stoned her to death, they would have been within their rights according to Jewish law. However, when they brought her to Jesus, that encounter changed her life. Jesus showed her mercy and shamed her accusers. Then there was the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years who tried to sneak upon her a blessing. But Jesus wouldn’t allow her to sneak a blessing without giving a testimony. When he called her out, the bible says that she told all the truth. Some time ago we talked about the unnamed woman at the Samaritan well who had a problem establishing lasting relationships or marriage. But after one encounter with Jesus, she evangelized a whole city in Samaria. She was changed from a social failure into a successful missionary. All of these unnamed women had their lives redirected and changed after one encounter with Jesus. These were not people that followed Jesus but they just had a single encounter with him that turned out to be for them life changing.

In this passage of scripture that is before us today from Matthew’s account of the gospel, Jesus has entered into some coastal towns along the Mediterranean Sea. This is an area that was never settled by the Jews. This is distinctly Gentile territory but there are some Jews living in the region. Jesus has withdrawn from the area around the Sea of Galilee apparently for some rest. He entered into a house for some privacy but Mark records in his gospel account that he could not be hid for his reputation had preceded him and the citizens there knew of his arrival. It must be quite demanding to grow weary in ministry and not be able to back off for some down time. The encounter that takes place is best understood when Matthew’s account of it is studied in conjunction with Mark’s account. Mark lets us know that it took place in a house and Jesus was trying to have some down time since he did not want anyone to know he was there. As this Gentile woman cried unto Jesus for mercy, he did not respond to her at all. The text says that he answered her not a word. He didn’t even say hold on a minute and let me take a break or come back later today or tomorrow. He did not answer her a single word. Jesus’ disciples appear to have become irritated with this woman and requested that he not ignore her but instead send her away from them. It was at the disciples’ request that Jesus responded. His response was that his ministry did not involve or include her. His ministry was to the Jews. Now that she had Jesus’ attention, she came and fell down at his feet and worshiped him and again made her request for help known to him. Jesus now responded to her with a metaphor. Metaphorically speaking, he said it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs. Now when you compare a person to a dog, you are likely to start a fight. Jesus is suggesting that when something is purposely prepared for children that you should not overlook their needs and throw their blessing away where it can be devoured by the dogs. This woman did not come up with her own metaphor. But this woman was willing to work within the bounds of Jesus’ metaphor. So she says to Jesus you are right in what you said but even the dogs under the table are allowed the privilege of eating the crumbs that fall off the table onto the floor. If the children are not careful and appreciative of the blessings they receive, then what they waste will be gladly received by those who are underprivileged. Where children that are blessed with bread become unappreciative and allow some of it to crumble to the floor, then there are crumb snatchers waiting to receive the blessing that they don’t appreciate. This woman’s response settled the whole matter with Jesus. She did not see herself as a dog but she understood the analogy. She did not challenge Jesus’ right to focus only on the Jews but she did understand that many of them didn’t really know the blessing they were being offered. She didn’t ask to take away the Jews’ blessing. What she requested quite clearly was the blessing that they let slip from their hands and crumble to the floor. She accepted Jesus’ stated ministry target as being the Jews and she did not request to take their place. She wanted the blessing that they despised and didn’t appreciate.

As I close today, I want to warn you to watch out for crumb snatchers. When God blesses you with opportunity, if you don’t receive it and take action, there are crumb snatchers that will gladly have your blessing. When God blesses you with a job, receive it as a blessing from God and give him the glory by being the best employee you can be or the crumb snatchers will gladly accept that job. When God blesses you with finances, be obedient to his directions for there are crumb snatchers willing to accept those finances and do whatever God requires of them. Crumb snatchers don’t covet your blessings but instead they desire the blessings that you don’t appreciate. If you have a good wife or a good husband….there are crumb snatchers that know how to be good spouses. If you have a good church, or community, or friends, or homes or any other thing that God has blessed you with, the crumb snatchers are waiting for the crumbs to hit the floor. Can I remind you that Jesus is a mighty good Savior? He died just so that you can have the privilege of eternal life with God in heaven. But if you act like knowing Jesus doesn’t matter in your life, then there are crumb snatchers that would love to take your place. They want to sing in the choir. They want to stand on the usher’s post. They want to lead the church in prayer and devotion. They want to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. They want to be missionaries and visit the sick and shut-ins and witness to the unsaved. They don’t mind filling out a report so that those who follow them will know that they did their part. Jesus died and rose again and has promised that he’s coming back for the church. There are crumb snatchers willing to take your place.

Robert C. Hudson
August 23, 2009

Two Sons

And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! Luke 15:11-17 (KJV)

Our text from the gospel according to Luke is so familiar to us that one has to be careful not to overlook the details. It is part of a parable used by Jesus in a teaching moment to explain God’s view of those that are lost to some religious folks. There were some complaints among the religious community because Jesus chose to sit down and eat with publicans and known sinners. This made for a very difficult experience for those who made it their business to keep themselves separated from them. Jesus continuously reminded his critics that he came to seek and to save those that were lost. This portion of the parable presents a man and his two sons. This is not a historical sketch but the wisdom of this parable is played out every day and in every place where people can be found. The principles presented in this parable extend beyond culture, race, or religious affiliation.


I. The Youngest Son
A. Wanted to take Control of His Share of His Father’s Possession
B. Wanted the Possessions without His Father’s Oversight
C. Made some unwise Decisions
D. Realized the Wisdom of His Father

II. The Oldest Son
A. Stayed under His Father’s Guidance
B. Maintained the Rest of His Father’s Possession
C. Had to Share What He had with His Unwise Brother


God also had two sons. The bible sometimes refers to them by the same name. Paul, in his letter to the church at Corinth, said “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” God’s first son, Adam, was given possession of the earth with instructions as to how to manage it and what to avoid. Like the youngest son in Jesus’ parable, Adam decided that he could follow his own mind. Perhaps he felt that God’s rule was too restrictive for someone of his stature who was large and in charge of the whole world. Can you imagine being in charge of the entire world and being told that you could not eat from one particular tree? And so Adam ate from the forbidden tree and like the youngest son he loss all he had been given. But I thank God he had a second son, the last Adam. Now the first Adam was created as a physical body and given a spirit so that he could live. The second Adam is an eternal spirit that was given a body so that he could die. What the first Adam loss, the second Adam bought back. The first Adam wanted to be independent of God but the second Adam always desired to be dependent on God. The first Adam was given life but the second Adam gives life. The first Adam caused all of us to be separated from God but the second Adam says whosoever desire to can be reconciled with God through him. The first Adam caused me to run from God’s presence just like he did but the second Adam caused me to seek God’s face. In the past I lived according to the fall of the first Adam but today I celebrate the death and resurrection of the second Adam. God created a friend and companion for the first Adam that he named Eve. In the second Adam we all sing “What a friend we have in Jesus.” I thank God today that he had two sons. And now because of Jesus we are all made children of God through faith in his atoning blood. We celebrate because without the shedding of his blood there would be no remission for our sins that separate us from God.


Robert C. Hudson
August 2, 2009

In Need of a Blessing

But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. Mark 5:33-34 (KJV)

Our text today is best understood by examining the pretext. Jesus has just returned to the region of Galilee. He is immediately met by a crowd of people pressing against him. One of the rulers of the synagogue came and fell down at his feet and told him about the situation involving his little girl. His daughter was extremely ill at the point of death. He begged Jesus to come to his house and lay his hands on her that she would be healed. Jesus consented to it and was on his way through the crowd to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter. Jairus was undoubtedly worried about his little girl and relieved at the same time that Jesus was on his way to heal her. All was going well until Jesus was interrupted by someone touching his clothes. What was going through Jairus’ mind when Jesus stopped and turned around? Did another person’s request interrupt Jairus’ blessing? Does Jesus know how important it is to get to his daughter’s bed side? His daughter was at the point of death. Who could possibly have a request that was more important than life or death? Let’s take a look at this scenario:

I. Jesus was Responding to Jairus’ Request
A. Jairus asked Jesus for a Healing Miracle for His Daughter
B. Jesus went with Jairus to honor His Request

II. The Unnamed Woman Who would not be Denied
A. Was determined to be Healed of Her Hemorrhage
i. She had Suffered for Twelve Years
ii. She had Spent all of Her Money
iii. Her Condition was Worse after seeing many Doctors
B. Tried to Sneak upon Her Blessing
i. She came up behind Jesus as He was going to Heal Someone Else
ii. She came as One that was Anonymous in the Crowd
iii. She was Willing to remain Hidden after She was Healed
C. Interrupted Jairus’ Blessing to receive Her Own
D. Was called forth to give a Testimony

Sometimes it seems as though we find ourselves in Jairus’ situation. We have prayed for a blessing and it seems as though God is moving on our behalf. But before we receive the blessing it seems as though other people are getting what we have been praying for. How dare this woman sneak up to Jesus and get a healing while he was on his way to heal my daughter. Why is it when I prayed for a promotion it seems as though others got promoted all around me? When I prayed for answers, others got breakthroughs. But I have also been in the same predicament as the woman. I know others are being blessed but I also need a blessing. I don’t always have time to get in line for a blessing. Sometimes I need a blessing right now. When I don’t have a Plan B, I need a blessing right now. When I have used up all of my resources and no longer have the “hookup”, I need a blessing right now. When I cry out “Savior, Savior hear my humble cry; while on others thou art calling, do not pass me by.” that means that I am in need of a blessing. I don’t believe that Jesus went through what he went through not to bless me for putting my trust in him. Surely, I must have been on his mind when he went up Calvary Mountain. When he was nailed to the cross and suspended between heaven and earth, was it not to secure the blessing of eternal life for those that put their trust in him? When he took on our sins and died, was it not to secure our future? I feel blessed to know that he rose on the third day to give us the assurance that he will also raise us up. Are you in need of a blessing? Try Jesus.

Robert C. Hudson
July 26, 2009

The Grace of God

Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. John 8:1-5, 10-11

In our text today, we have a woman in a very embarrassing predicament. She is not there because of a rumor or suspicion. She was brought to the Jewish temple because she had been caught in the act of committing adultery. This is not a sermon about adultery so I don’t want some of you tensing up and the rest of you relaxing and thinking that the message is about someone else. This is a message about sin and grace. All of us are included in today’s message. But we have this woman who has been caught in the act of a shameful situation and she has been brought to the religious house and her business has now been made public. I won’t even share with you some of the things that run through my mind when I think about this situation. Let’s take a look at the scene here.

I. The Holy Temple
A. Place of Worship
B. The Major Religious Attraction in all of Judea
C. Jesus was there Teaching Bible Study
D. The Non-religious were Probably uncomfortable There

II. The Guilty Woman
A. Brought there by the Religious Leaders (scribes and Pharisees)
B. Her shameful Act was Exposed to Everyone There
C. She did not have a Leg to stand On

III. The Unambiguous Law
A. The Legal Facts are Clearly established by Two or Three Witnesses
B. The Law Clearly defined Her Act as a Violation
C. The Law Clearly defined Her Punishment as Death by Stoning

From a legal standpoint, this was an open and shut case. Since the accused was brought by those willing to witness against her, there was no need for deliberations. Two thousand years later even I can tell you that she was guilty. The witnesses against her established that. If the scribes and Pharisees had taken her outside the city gate and stoned her, it would have been within their right according to the Jewish judicial system and the Law of Moses. They could have had some issues with the Roman government since the Romans reserved capital punishment or the death penalty as an exclusive right of Rome and not Jewish citizens. But, within the Holy Law, the religious leaders could have justified their actions. But I believe they made a mistake. Their mistake was not in accusing her. They made a mistake when they took the woman to Jesus. Jesus was asked his opinion concerning what should happen to the woman. The architect of the universe who gave the law to Moses saw two things that are not obvious to the unaided eye. Jesus saw a guilty woman and he also saw her accusers as being worse people than she was. He saw a woman with no defense for her actions and he also saw that her accusers had committed the same thing they wanted to condemn her for doing. He saw a person who had been caught at a spiritual low and now embarrassed publicly; but he also saw spiritually destitute people using other people’s shame to cover up their own shortcomings. There is only one remedy that could cure this ailment. That remedy is the grace of God. Divine justice demands that the law be upheld to its fullest extent. Divine mercy can prevent the accused from receiving what they deserve under the penalty of the law. But grace brings in something totally different. Grace gives a person what they do not deserve. Jesus told her, Neither do I condemn you. And he gave her the option to avoid the same mistake again. When he said to go and sin no more, then it suggests that she would be able to do just that. And that’s only possible if Jesus was going to give her both the will and the ability to do accordingly. God’s grace is a remedy for our sin situations. Jesus knew that soon he would be on his way to Calvary and carrying her sins and the sins of the whole world with him. God’s grace was made available to her in her time of need and even today, it is still made available to us in our time of need. We don’t have to wait for wrongful acts to be exposed, we can come to Jesus just as we are. Jesus is still the only one able to impart the grace of God to all that call upon his name. Are you willing to call upon him for the grace you need?


Robert C. Hudson
July 19, 2009

The Lord’s Supper

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. Matt 26:26-30

In this text, Jesus institutes what we refer to as the Lord’s Supper. We have adopted this name from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth where he made a distinction between the potluck fellowship feasts the church was engaging in and the commemoration ordinance that Jesus instituted on the night of his arrest. Fellowship and fellowship meals were an integral part of the early church as it struggled for survival. Many of the early Christians were impoverished because they sold all that they had, donated the money to the church, and depended on the church to sustain them. Some of the latter Christians had not done so and yet some of them were insensitive to their fellow believers during these potluck fellowships. In order to straighten this out, Paul had to show the distinction between the fellowship meals and the commemorative ordinance that Jesus had instituted. It was for that reason that Paul referred to the ordinance of the church as the Lord’s supper. The Lord’s Supper is not a meal for participants to satisfy their hunger nor is it for them to refresh themselves. It is a commemoration that Christians have been commanded to do in remembrance of Jesus until he returns for the church. This passage of scripture takes place immediately after Jesus had concluded eating the Passover meal with the twelve disciples and dismissed Judas Iscariot. The meal was over. Supper was over. Jesus took some of the unleavened bread and wine that was there as part of the Passover meal and used it to explain to his disciples exactly who he is. Paul, again, helps us in our theology concerning leaven when he likens it to sin or evil in the church. So after three years of ministry with these twelve men, how is it that Jesus defines himself to them? He first thanked God for the provisions.


I. The Unleavened Bread
A. This is My Body
i. Without Sin
ii. Sacrificed for Those who choose to follow Him

II. The Wine
A. Jesus’ spilled Blood
i. The Fruit of the True Vine
ii. Was Poured out for Many
iii. Takes away All of Our Sins



He didn’t just identify what the elements stood for but he also instructed them to partake of them. Eat the bread that you may identify that Jesus sacrificed himself so that you can be who you are. Greater love has no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends. All that follow Jesus should drink of the wine and be reminded that it is the blood of Jesus that washes away all of our sins. It is his blood that makes us okay with God. God cannot be satisfied with anything that we do of ourselves for that is as filthy rags in his sight. But God is completely satisfied with the fact that Jesus poured out his life to pay the sin debt that we all owed.


Robert C. Hudson
July 5, 2009

Fatherhood

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. Job 1:1,2,4,5

Students of the bible readily identify Job with patience and suffering. There was more to Job’s life than that. Chapters 1 and 29 of the book of Job remind us that Job had a life before tragedy struck. Although much of the book of Job is dedicated to dialog in Heaven concerning Job’s spirituality or dialog in Job’s presence between his friends or between Job and his friends concerning Job’s spiritual purity, we do have this additional information in these two chapters that allow us to see the life of Job before his calamities. Job was a spiritual man who had moral integrity. Others knew about this based on their reported actions when Job came into their presence. It is noteworthy that Job was the richest man in the East yet he took on the role of defender for the fatherless and poor. Job was also a family man who had seven adult sons and three daughters. We state that the sons were all adults because it is written that each one of them lived in his own house and at the appointed, or agreed upon time, each son hosted a party for the rest of them and their sisters. There is no indication given that either Job or his wife was invited to these house parties. But when the partying was over, Job sent for them that he might present them to God for sanctification after Job offered burnt offerings for each one of them. Job expressed concern that his sons might have sinned against God in their heart in the midst of the partying and drinking. Even though they might have been on their best behavior, Job understood that sin is a heart problem before it ever becomes an action. The bible says that Job would get up early in the morning and offer sacrifices for each of his sons continuously. Job took on the role of priest for his family and stood in the gap between them and God. Although his sons were adults and on their own, Job saw a continuous need to pray for them that God might sanctify them.

I. Job had a Life before Tragedy Struck
A. His Family
B. His Wealth
C. His Spirituality

II. Job’s Example as a Father, Priest
A. Job Prayed for Each of Them, Continuously
B. His Sons were all Grown and Independent

III. Other Fatherly Examples in the Bible
A. Abraham, Protector of Lot
B. David, Provider for Solomon


God declares that he will be a father for the fatherless. In those declarations, God establishes that fatherhood involves protection and provision. God protects those that are defenseless in society and cannot fend for themselves. He provides for those that are in need and without means. He instructed Israel to always leave some grain in the fields for the gleaners (fatherless and widows) that they might be able to have supply with a sense of dignity. Jesus taught us the supreme example of fatherhood. Jesus taught that when we become part of God’s family we should address him as our Father. As our father, God protects us and he provides for us. The greatest provision God gives us is the opportunity to live with him throughout eternity. This life is only provided through his son Jesus.


Robert C. Hudson
June 21, 2009

The Power of Love

Love never fails; 1 Corinthians 13:8a

We have been looking at powers that God has endowed mankind with above other creatures. Mankind has the power or ability to alter future outcomes by using his power to make a choice that introduces a specific set of consequences. Likewise, mankind can disrupt the physical laws of nature and indeed the universe by exercising the power of prayer. But the power of love is on a very different level than even those. Love is declared here in scripture to have an eternal quality about it. Yet, mankind has been given the privilege of experiencing and displaying this same love. The very thought of this should bring to mind an array of questions. How can a mortal be given a power that is immortal? How can that which is finite experience and exercise a power that is infinite? We are not born with the power of love in us but we can experience it.

The bible does not define love but it describes love as a selfless and unconditional attitude of grace. It is selfless in that it finds motivation in the needs of others. It is unconditional in that it does not depend on others or expect anything in return from others. This type of love is sometimes referred to as one of the abiding virtues of Christianity. Our text is a simple Greek phrase consisting of three words that make a statement whose scope is challenging in any language to comprehend. “Love never fails;” These three Greek words literally mean “Love can not even at any time become of no effect;”. This statement clearly ascribes to the virtue known as love the attributes of God. When John declares that God is love it is in agreement with this statement. Note that John does not say that love is God. Love is of God. When the word “never” is used in its absolute sense, it can only be applied to that which is of God. When God commanded the light to separate from darkness it set in motion a never ending physical phenomenon that has been observed since time began. To this day there is no communion between light and darkness. What God does can not, even at any time, become of no effect. God’s power will always continue to work. To better grasp the biblical concept of love, we should take a look at both its source and its characteristics.


I. What is the Source of This Power?
A. Love is of God (God is Love)
B. We can only Love after We experience God’s Love (We love because he first loved us.)

II. What are some of the Characteristics of Love—Other than Eternal
A. Patience
B. Humility
C. Selfless
D. Difficult to Provoke
E. Rejoices in Truth
F. Quietly covers All Things

Love is so powerful that it can change the very hearts of people. Jesus used it to address the attitude of his disciples at a time when they were selfishly debating about who was going to be the greatest among them. Jesus took some water and a towel and washed their dirty feet. John said it was a demonstration of Jesus loving his disciples to the end. During the Civil Rights movement the rallying cry was that physical force would be met with spiritual force. Their spiritual force was shown through acts of love. Prayers were sent up for those that were abusive and vicious towards God-fearing people. Soft answers were given in return for rude and nasty questions. People suffered until their tormentors tired and refused to inflict any more abuse. People bowed down and prayed as they were being arrested for obeying the law of the land. People patiently suffered until laws were rewritten, historical errors were corrected, social injustices were outlawed and the hearts of evil people became tender and remorseful. Love pushed the social boundaries until a new society was born. New dimensions in social understanding came out of the movement. To this day we still don’t know the fullness of the dimensions of love. How far will love go or how long will love wait are just two of the many questions that probe in search of love’s dimensions. Mankind has been endowed with a powerful force that we don’t fully comprehend. Although we might not know the full dimensions of love, we do know its extreme limit in mankind’s experience. Again, Jesus defined it for us. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. This is the extreme limit to which mankind can exercise the power of love. God so loved the world that he would push himself to an extreme. While we were yet in our sins, Christ died for us.


Robert C. Hudson
June 7, 2009

The Power of Prayer

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matt 21:21-22 (KJV)

Our text today is Jesus’ response to the disciples’ amazement at a withered fig tree. According to the gospel of Mark, Jesus cursed the tree the day before because it had leaves but it contained no figs. Mark noted that at the time that Jesus cursed the tree, his disciples heard what he said to it. The next day as Jesus and his disciples passed by the tree, the disciples noted that the tree was dried up from the roots. His disciples marveled at how quickly the tree had withered and Peter pointed the withered tree out to Jesus. It was at Peter’s prompting that Jesus responded with the statement in the text. A lot can be said concerning having leaves and no fruit and the parallelism that is suggested by Jesus’ frequent encounters with the fruitless religious leaders. Furthermore, parallelisms can be drawn of today’s shallow Christians who look and sound the part but actions don’t reflect professions. But that is not the subject of the message today. Jesus’ response to his disciples is a statement that what was done was the direct result of prayer. This is not the first time his disciples have been told the importance of prayer in accomplishing the seemingly impossible. After Jesus descended from the mount where he was transfigured, he was confronted by a discouraged father who had brought his son to nine of Jesus’ disciples in the hope that they would be able to cast the demon out of him but they had failed. After Jesus had set the boy free, his disciples asked him why they could not cast that demon out of the boy. Jesus responded to them that the power to do that would only come through fasting and prayer. And now he tells his disciples that the fig tree had the very life sucked out of it as a result of a prayer of faith. Let’s look at Jesus’ response.


I. If You have Faith, and Doubt Not
A. Faith is Trust in God
B. Faith pleases God
C. The Impossible depends on a Faith that has no Room for Doubt

II. All Things you asked in the Prayer of Faith will be Given
A. Jesus’ Act was not unique to Him but possible even for His Followers
B. Mountains respond the same as Fig Trees


Jesus was often responding to two groups. He rebuked the religious leaders and instructed his followers concerning the same incidents and situations. He rebuked the leaders for putting on an exhibition or pretense of religion while at the same time being void or empty of spirituality. He was continuously pointing his followers to God and telling them the importance of learning to depend on him in all things. The lesson for them today is that there is power in prayer. Jesus could have simply reminded them that he is the son of God and this was just another demonstration of his power. Instead, he told them that what he had done, they could do as well. They were told that they had to depend on God (since that is what prayer is all about) and not doubt what they were asking for. I think if we all could grasp this the world just might be a more dangerous place. Could you imagine people all over the world commanding trees to die and mountains to be cast into the sea? This kind of power demands responsibility. We must own accountability for our fellow man and demonstrate it through the guidance of the Holy Ghost. The bible says that we don’t know what to pray for as we ought but the Spirit intercedes for us. When God gives us power, he also places the necessary restrictions there to keep us from bringing harm to ourselves or others. Nevertheless, prayer is still a powerful gift that God has given us. It is prayer that enables us to weather the storms of life like no other group. It is prayer that gives us strength when we are physically weakest. It is prayer that brings God to our rescue when it seems as though the whole world is against us. There is power in prayer. I know that Jesus would not have told his disciples that all things are possible through prayer if it were not true. I don’t know if I have had any fig tree situations but I have had many mountains in my way. Every now and then, when it seems as though I have run out of options and there is a mountain blocking my path, I go into my secret prayer closet and have a little talk with God. I have learned that God will move mountains when you pray. Prayer should not be seen as just a religious ritual. When you run out options, prayer will make the impossible possible. Jesus’ statement was given as a guarantee in that he said “verily” or “truly” I say unto you. And he said that if we ask anything in faith we will receive it. Anything covers a lot of ground but all of it is connected to Calvary.

Robert C. Hudson
May 31, 2009

The Power of Choice

And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Gen 2:15-17 (KJV)

Our text reveals that man was created as a free moral agent. That is to say that he was given the privilege of choice and immediately presented with an option to exercise it. The skeptic may ask why would a loving God who is all-knowing put man in such a position. Why put the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden if you know that man is going to eat from it? I believe the answer has to do with the power of choice. Nature is a system of causality. That is to say, what is happening is the result of what has happened and what will be is based on what is. One thing leads to another by necessity. As the earth rotates on its axis, it will appear that the sun will rise and set continuously throughout time. We will have a continuing stream of day followed by night. This is the way it has been, this is the way it is, and this is the way it will be until time ceases. The beasts of the air and those of the field are continuously driven by instinct to survive and multiply. They make no plans to do anything but that. It was in the midst of this orderly display of nature that God placed a creature that had been fashioned in his image and after his likeness. This creature would not simply conform to the pattern of nature and move in a predictable orderly fashion. This creature would have the power of choice. This creature would be capable of changing the very face of nature


I. Choosing comes with Responsibility

II. Choosing is a Privilege

III. Choosing produces Consequences

IV. Nature displays a System of Causality that Man chooses to exempt Himself from by exercising Choice

V. The essence of Choice reflects the Image of God in Man

Every new phase of life brings a person to a point of decision. A choice has to be made that will have a lasting effect. Unlike beasts that are instinct driven, mankind must make decisions. When a lion wakes up on the plains of Africa, its instincts will drive it throughout the day. If a person wakes up on that same plain, they have an inexhaustible list of options available that will be set in motion by the first decisions they make that day. A person’s life is often the sum total of all of the decisions they have made and the consequences that resulted. Joshua as well as Elijah demanded that Israel choose to follow the Lord. The power of choice presupposes that man has the ability to affect his own outcome. The only outcome desirable is what God has provided for us. Jesus should always be our first and only choice. However, we do err because we have a tendency to do so. When this occurs, God has provided the opportunity to make another choice. If we are lost, Jesus says come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. If we are saved but have erred, God says if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. No matter what choice you made yesterday, you can make another decision right now. Choose Jesus.


Robert C. Hudson
May 24, 2009

Praise for the God-fearing Woman

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:30-31

The Book of Proverbs is often attributed to King Solomon. Although King Solomon is named as the author of most of the proverbs recorded, there are two other authors identified as writers who contributed to the book. One of those authors was named King Lemuel. Since he is identified as a king, then it is believed that he was a non-Israelite contributor. It should be noted that King Lemuel attributes the wisdom in his writing to the prophecy of his mother. There is much that can be said about that, however, we won’t address it at this time. If any person knows a woman’s character, undoubtedly it would be another woman. I believe that it would do us well to observe carefully the words of King Lemuel. As he ends his writings, which end the Book of Proverbs, he describes a praiseworthy woman. The writings certainly bring into question our society and those we choose to honor and praise for all of the wrong reasons. We have beauty contests at all levels to select someone to be honored and to represent us locally, at the state level, nationally, and even globally. We tend to admire people that are well connected in society. Again, we honor those who know how to network and become a part of the “in crowd”. But these things are quickly dismissed as the wrong indicators of those who deserve to be praised.


I. Deceitful Favor (There’s more to life than being a part of the “in crowd”.)
A. People can Pretend to Like You
B. People can Pretend to be Your Friend
C. People can Pretend to have Your best Interest at Heart

II. Vain Beauty (Your looks are an insignificant part of who you are.)
A. Exterior Beauty can Attract but not Keep
B. Speech says more than Looks
C. Actions speak louder than Words

III. Characteristics of the God-fearing Woman
A. She is Enterprising
B. She Shows Good Judgment
C. She is a Wise and Loving Counselor
D. She is Respected by Others
E. Her Works are a Testimony of Her Character

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. On the sixth day, God created Adam in his own image and after his likeness and placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to take care of it. On the seventh day, God rested from all his work. We are not told if it were the second week or sometime later but God observed Adam and said, It is not good that the man should be alone. God took great care in rectifying man’s social situation. He did not hurriedly create a helper for Adam. Instead, God brought all of the beasts of the field and fowl of the air to Adam. Adam named each one but there was not a helper found that was fitting for him. That’s when the first human surgery was done. God administered a divine anesthesia that caused Adam to enter a deep sleep. Then he removed a rib from him and sutured the flesh. With that rib God fashioned a woman and brought her to Adam. Adam recognized her as his own flesh and said that she shall be called woman because she was taken out of man. Since that day, there have been as many women born into the world as there have been men. Like men, some have excelled in character and some have not done so well. When sin entered the world through Adam’s disobedience, it did not discriminate between genders. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But God ordained that there would be a remedy for our sin condition. The remedy would not involve man at all but it would come by way of the seed of a woman. One of those praiseworthy women was Mary from Nazareth of Galilee. Nazareth was a place of which the question was asked “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Mary was a good thing. She feared God and thereby became a vessel to bring forth God’s only begotten son, Jesus. Like Mary, who came from humble beginnings, there are many mothers today that are God-fearing and deserve to be praised for their character. We salute mothers on this special day and offer double honor to those who fear God and set an example for others to follow.


Robert C. Hudson
May 10, 2009