Straight Talk about What Matters

Word from the Center
Written By Dr. Gregory Seltz

WORD FROM THE CENTER:
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Welcome to “Word from The Center” MONDAY, a devotional word from the Center of our faith, Jesus Christ, with reflections on His Word. I’m Gregory Seltz. Today’s verses are Hebrews 9:27-28, where the Bible says,   

 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Straight Talk about What Matters

Brutal facts. We all have some brutal facts to face in life, facts that must be overcome for our own well-being and freedom. Such facts might be the troubles (even the elections) of the day. They might be the obstacles we face in life, whether those are under our control or out of our control. But this Bible verse goes further, telling us about the ultimate “brutal fact” of life. Because of our sin, all people are destined to die once and after that to face judgment. That’s a sobering thought for sure. But that final fact, if faced in Christ, can change your life both then, as well as here and now.

His name was James Stockdale. He was the highest-ranking Naval officer ever to be held in captivity. Worse, he was held in the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Viet Nam War and the facts of that captivity were completely brutal. He was shackled in a 3x9 foot solitary confinement cell with a single light bulb shining both day and night. By the time he was released in 1973, his shoulders had been pulled from their sockets by torture, his legs had been shattered, and his back had been broken. These were the brutal facts of the price he paid fighting for our freedom. But these were also facts to be overcome for his freedom.

When asked how anyone could survive seven years of such torture, he recounted what is today known as the “Stockdale Paradox.” It was his undying faith in the “end of the story of his life,” rather than the issues of the moment. He said,

I never lost faith in the end of the story, I never doubted not only that I would get out, but also, that I would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of my life, which, in retrospect, I would not trade.

And that wasn’t merely wishful thinking or the power of positive thinking. No. When Stockdale was then asked to describe who those were that didn’t make it through the ordeal of captivity, he replied,

Oh, that's easy, the optimists. They were the ones who said, 'We're going to be out by Christmas.' And Christmas would come, and Christmas would go. Then they'd say, 'We're going to be out by Easter.' And Easter would come, and Easter would go. And then Thanksgiving, and then it would be Christmas again. And they died of a broken heart.

Stockdale emphasized another crucial point:

You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.

As powerful as the “Stockdale Paradox” might be, there is an even greater power for you today. I call it the “Cross of Christ Paradox.” Faith in the future, in the “good end of the story,” gives power to live today. Such faith must be rooted in something (or, really, someone) that’s real, that faces the brutal facts of reality, and that also gives life and salvation in the midst of it all. The writer of Hebrews says that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ did just that! In His death the God/Man Jesus faced the brutal realities of this sinful world in their fullest form so that His gift of life might be your certain future no matter what you face today. That’s the powerful paradox of life and salvation that come through the cross of Jesus.

It’s amazing to think of the power of the “Stockdale Paradox” today and how that might bless your life. But I encourage you not to stop there. Also trust in the “Cross of Christ Paradox,” God at work in this world to overcome all that is against you. May that powerful paradox truly bless your life now and forever.

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for Your willingness to leave heaven and enter our sinful world, to die once and for all in our place so that we might be saved. Give me faith to trust in that powerful, paradoxical reality as I seek to live boldly in Your Name today, for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. AMEN

[1] http://www.isharelight.com/the-stockdale-paradox/

Other Devotions
Amuse Us Lord, or Call Us to Faith?
Amuse Us Lord, or Call Us to Faith?

Fickle or faithful? Childlike or childish? That is the question in our text. Jesus confronts a crowd one day and he calls them to account. He basically says that they are missing the whole point. The work of God is not merely for one’s amusement. It is rather for our very lives here and now, as well as for our eternal salvation. He uses the example of children “childishly playing” to point out a brutal fact. Children are often not as “childlike” as we would believe, namely, joyfully trusting and obedient. All too often they are “childish,” that is, fickle, inattentive, and even mean. It’s like when we were kids. One group wanted to play a happy game, but others said it was too silly. Others wanted to play something serious, but the first group thought it was too somber or gloomy. Fickle, never satisfied, childish, unhappy, no matter what. Does that sound like someone you know?

A “Time and Place” Kind of Salvation
A “Time and Place” Kind of Salvation

One of the reasons that I love the Bible and its teachings is that the message therein is so different from any other message in this world. There are many religious messages out there in our culture, but the others are all the opinions of sinful people like you and me, trying to get us to follow some path for peace or tranquility; some are even brazen enough to speak about it as “salvation.” Unfortunately, like so much of our human posturing, both philosophically and religiously, they all leave us wanting and dismayed. The same can be said for “faith” in our scientific and economic prowess. Despite all the “progress” and material things in our culture today, our lives are just as broken as ever. And no belief in our superiority or some myth about our unlimited potential can change that even a little.

Blessed Is the One Who Comes in the Name of the Lord, really?
Blessed Is the One Who Comes in the Name of the Lord, really?

19:37-40, where the Bible says,   

As [Jesus] was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Happy New Year? No, Happy NEW WORLD!
Happy New Year? No, Happy NEW WORLD!

Happy “Christ the King” Sunday! On this past Sunday many Christian churches around the world celebrated the reign of Jesus Christ. The last Sunday of the liturgical church year commemorates His rule every year, no matter what is happening at the moment. It reminds us that all things are moving ahead toward the final day when Christ will come again and judge the living and the dead. This coming Sunday Christians who follow a liturgical calendar then enter into a new church year. In so doing, they join all believers in celebrating the fact that Christ’s Kingdom is already now present in this world. His Kingdom is here in the midst of worldly kingdoms that are passing away.

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS
TELLING IT LIKE IT IS

Do you remember the 60’s song by Aaron Lewis, “Tell It Like It Is?” It was smooth and soulful. It invited those in love to “tell it like it is,” and to let “conscience be your guide.” But, truth be told, people as a rule don’t like to “tell it like it is,” and they don’t like to hear the whole truth much either! Why? First, truth often hurts. It reminds us of the reality of the sinfulness of our world and, worse, the deeper reality of our own sinful hearts. The truth shines God’s exposing light on the hidden shadows of our own sinful pride, lust, and selfish desires. Secondly, truth often exposes our incapacity to do what we know we should do. Unfortunately, even when God’s Law guides us and our own consciences rightly also “tell us what to do,” we often don’t do it. Think about the all-too-common failures of our heartfelt New Year’s Eve resolutions!

Straight Talk about What Matters
Straight Talk about What Matters

Brutal facts. We all have some brutal facts to face in life, facts that must be overcome for our own well-being and freedom. Such facts might be the troubles (even the elections) of the day. They might be the obstacles we face in life, whether those are under our control or out of our control. But this Bible verse goes further, telling us about the ultimate “brutal fact” of life. Because of our sin, all people are destined to die once and after that to face judgment. That’s a sobering thought for sure. But that final fact, if faced in Christ, can change your life both then, as well as here and now.

TWO KINDS OF FREEDOM - ONE’S HELPFUL; ONE’S ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!
TWO KINDS OF FREEDOM - ONE’S HELPFUL; ONE’S ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!

There are two kinds of freedom in the world. One is the earthly freedom that humans can achieve on our own. There are times when it seems like that freedom is secure in our hands. There are other times when it seems like it is always slipping through our fingers or beyond our reach. The other freedom is the kind of freedom that only God can make happen by His work on your behalf. Can you guess which one lasts? Can you guess which one is absolutely indispensable? Right, it’s the one where “the Son makes you free” by His life, death, and resurrection for you.

IN CHRIST, THE BLIND REALLY DO “SEE”
IN CHRIST, THE BLIND REALLY DO “SEE”

I’m always amazed at the healings Jesus performed during His ministry. The deaf would suddenly hear, the blind would see, and the lame would walk. There were even times when dead people were raised again to life! Many of these healings were amazing, seemingly beyond belief. One, of course, was the ultimate healing. That’s the time when Jesus took upon himself the sin of the world, suffered the eternal death we all deserved on the cross, and then rose so that we might have the promise of eternal life with Him as a gift of grace.

WITH GOD, THINGS ARE ALWAYS “IMPOSSIBLY POSSIBLE.”
WITH GOD, THINGS ARE ALWAYS “IMPOSSIBLY POSSIBLE.”


Have you ever been so overwhelmed by something that you finally gave in? In a moment of exasperation, you concluded, “There’s nothing else that I can do; I can’t handle this.” I think we’ve all faced that to some degree. There are issues in life that so overwhelm us it seems as though life itself has become impossible to face. Jesus often shakes us up by pointing out “the impossible” in our lives, while at the same time offering God’s possibilities even then. Amazing! Unclean lepers are healed instantly. People blind from birth suddenly see clearly, both physically and spiritually. Who is this Savior who shows us the depth of our depravity just so that He can demonstrate even more clearly God’s gracious salvation? He’s the Savior who, when it comes to eternal life and salvation, reminds that “with man this is impossible, but not with God; with God all things are possible.”  

DON’T FORGET YOUR VALUABLE!
DON’T FORGET YOUR VALUABLE!

I know, I know, you are worried about my grammar. You think the title should be “Don’t Forget, You’re (You ARE) Valuable,” right? Or, you might think my title should be “Don’t Forget Your ‘Valuables,’” not “Valuable!” Well, I wrote the title as it was meant to be written. For this devotion, the word needs to be VALUABLE. I meant to write that word in the singular because this lesson is talking about the ONE thing in your life that is the key to it all. In our lesson for today, an individual comes up to Jesus and asks the million-dollar question, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” That’s the big question; that’s the one that really matters. You see, the Bible talks about life as precious, purposeful, and eternal. Those three all go together. Jesus wants you to know that your life is eternal; you are not just here today and gone tomorrow. He wants you to know that you are precious to Him, that your life matters to Him.

AN “ALL IN” SAVIOR!
AN “ALL IN” SAVIOR!

When I first came to Washington, D.C., in 2006 for a class in my PhD program, we were privileged to speak with many congressional leaders personally. Bill Hecht, a Lutheran pastor-turned influential lobbyist in Washington, lined up various leaders from the House and the Senate to speak with us about the things that mattered to us as Christians in the politics of the day. I remember visiting with the head of the House Ways and Means Committee at the time. He talked about various legislation saying, “We’re trying to make sure that the Congress has to live by the same rules that they foist on everyone else.” I remember my reaction. I was shocked. I had never thought about the fact that government officials often pass laws that we must follow, while living by another set of rules themselves. Incredible. Health care?

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE - FASHIONED FOR SERVICE!
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE - FASHIONED FOR SERVICE!

It’s always a challenge for me to fully understand what Jesus means in Matthew 5:13-14 when He says that believers are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” I don’t think we realize how inept, yet vital, we are to being conduits of God’s preserving and saving message for the world. In a world of constant refrigeration because of electricity and easy illumination where the lights come on and remain on with just the flip of a switch, being called “salt” and “light” can seem rather mundane. But being described with those terms wasn’t mundane then or now.

UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE!
UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE!

In today’s lesson, Jesus talks about some “tough going” that was above and beyond anything we can handle. Every man, woman, and child in this world is on the path that leads to judgment due to our common sin and rebellion against our Creator. It’s a path that even the toughest among us can’t avoid, period. But then here comes Jesus the Christ. Though He was without sin, He chooses to take up our path. And when the going gets eternally tough, the Savior of the world gets going!

WHEN THINGS ARE IMPOSSIBLY POSSIBLE!
WHEN THINGS ARE IMPOSSIBLY POSSIBLE!

Our lesson for today comes in the context of another healing event in the ministry of Jesus. It not only demonstrates Christ’s power over all things, but also the power of faith IN HIM amidst all the doubts and struggles that we may be facing. There is so much to learn from the honest confession of the father in this reading. This dad knew what his son needed, but felt helpless in response. He also knew what he needed -- stronger faith. When he meets Jesus, he expresses sentiments something like these:

“I’d like to have great faith, but I know that I’m inadequate, especially now when I need it most. In fact, I’m overcome by circumstances and doubt. Lord Jesus, while I believe, help my unbelief.”

Is There Anyone like Jesus?
Is There Anyone like Jesus?

There’s a question that many are asking today. Actually, people have been asking questions like that for almost 2000 years. Here’s another one: “How can you believe that Jesus is the only Savior, the one that is the Savior for all people?” You can believe it because there is no one like Jesus. You could try to give me another name or show me another savior, but there isn’t one.

Put God’s Protecting, Empowering Armor to Use!
Put God’s Protecting, Empowering Armor to Use!

Have you heard about the class action lawsuit aimed at a company called Second Chance Body Armor? Second Chance manufactures bulletproof vests for police officers and security personnel. Their products are used by hundreds of police departments throughout the country.

Apparently, several policemen have been killed while they were wearing the vest. Following some independent field tests on several of their vests, a flaw was discovered in some of them compromising their ability to do what they were intended to do, to stop a bullet that was fired at those whom the vest was designed to protect.

God’s “NO” and God’s “YES” – THEY BOTH MATTER FOR OUR LIFE!
God’s “NO” and God’s “YES” – THEY BOTH MATTER FOR OUR LIFE!

When we take God’s Word and try to “domesticate” it, as if it were something we could add to, alter, improve, or manipulate in our futile efforts to fulfill it, we do as the Pharisees did, only to be unmasked and exposed by Jesus. Such confusion creates a false religion based on human rules and works. Jesus says clearly, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” Replacing God’s Word with human observances is empty at best and, at worst, destructive to the eternal life and salvation God desires us all to have as His free gift

WHY LEAVE WHEN YOUR SAVIOR ASKS YOU TO STAY?
WHY LEAVE WHEN YOUR SAVIOR ASKS YOU TO STAY?

I tried to come to grips with the depth of the questions and the issues that are at hand in our text for today. Think about it. There is Jesus in the flesh, the Savior of the world, teaching a group of followers and disciples. Just when Jesus starts to lay things on the line, calling people not just to some generic faith, but faith IN HIM, many who had followed began to leave. This prompts His question to His disciples, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Wow! That’s almost too hard to imagine.

CAN YOU SEE WHAT YOU REALLY NEED?
CAN YOU SEE WHAT YOU REALLY NEED?

As we think about our text today, we need to be reminded again of the situation that we are in. We are seeking to live the life that we’ve been given by God. But it’s a strenuous one, full of challenges, opportunities, and even dangers. No matter our perceived expertise, there is one thing that finally matters for the climb.

Don’t be Fooled by Things that Don’t last!
Don’t be Fooled by Things that Don’t last!

What do you seek for your life so that it might be what God intends it to be, an eternal one, full of love and grace? Do you seek something that’s merely “shiny?” Do you seek things like the “bread and miracles” that even the religious people of Jesus day yearned to see? Or do you seek what God offers, a reconciled relationship with the one who created you and redeemed you in the person and work of Jesus Christ?

WHEN AFRAID, NOTHING’S LIKE JESUS’ VOICE TO CALM YOUR FEARS!
WHEN AFRAID, NOTHING’S LIKE JESUS’ VOICE TO CALM YOUR FEARS!

This world is a frightening place. So much so that even the most seasoned among us can become unhinged at the challenges before us. Just ask a veteran who has been in combat. Just ask a policeman who must patrol the cities at night. Just ask a person struggling with illness, disease, or the loss of a loved one who meant everything to them. Those are comparable to the fear the disciples of Jesus felt one dark evening on the Sea of Galilee.

God’s Plan for the World, for You!
God’s Plan for the World, for You!

God has a plan for you! He has a plan for us. He has a plan for the whole world. God indeed has a plan. The problem is that we also have our own plans and they eventually fail to remedy what really needs fixing. And, worse, they often don’t jive with God’s plan for us or for others.

FREEDOM IN CHRIST – THE FOUNDATION OF ALL FREEDOMS!
FREEDOM IN CHRIST – THE FOUNDATION OF ALL FREEDOMS!

Throughout the past several years, fear has been “ramped up” in our culture -- fear of disease, fear of disasters, fear of our fellow citizens, and even the fear of the unknown. Sadly, amidst all of these fears, the government continues to stifle the church and its ability to minister to its members and to its community.

BENEVOLENCED BENEVOLENCE - LIVING THE LIFE OF FAITH GENEROUSLY!
BENEVOLENCED BENEVOLENCE - LIVING THE LIFE OF FAITH GENEROUSLY!

The Christian life was meant to be lived “in faith toward [God] and in fervent love toward one another,” and to do so generously. Paul reminds the Corinthians that such a way of life begins with the awesome realization that God loved us generously by sending His Son to die for us so that we might live. God’s merciful and gracious benevolence motivates, empowers, and directs the lives of believers to “benevolence” others as a reflection of His love. In this passage St. Paul challenges believers to look to the needs of others as an opportunity to put their faith in God into action.

REAL PEACE AMIDST THE STORM!
REAL PEACE AMIDST THE STORM!

God’s peace to you amidst whatever “storm” you are facing today.

I think that’s an appropriate greeting for Christians because of the many issues we are encountering in our lives. There are the typical troubles of health and well-being that all of us face, that’s for sure. But there is also an especially vitriolic feeling in America toward anyone or anything that asserts God’s moral limitations to our libertine attitudes of absolute freedom. We know how to protest, but we don’t seem to know how to be virtuous anymore, right? And the attacks on those who even remotely hint at such moral truths are getting more and more noxious by the day.

A BRIDGED GAP CAN STAND IN THE GAP!
A BRIDGED GAP CAN STAND IN THE GAP!

In Washington, D.C., it is truly miraculous when people can bridge the gap between the great divides in our culture without demeaning what is precious to us in the process. In fact, it’s virtually impossible today. Why? Because in life in general, people more and more treat others as enemies to be vanquished, rather than people to be loved and served. And politics, at its core, is ultimately not about service, but power. Oh, people speak about a “benevolent” government, but there is no such thing. When you forcibly tax people, garnish wages, and demand obedience, and then punish those who do not do as the law requires, that’s about power, not benevolence (no matter how much of other people’s money one gives away). When you can force people to do what you demand that they do, that’s about power.

HOPE AMIDST THE STRUGGLE!
HOPE AMIDST THE STRUGGLE!

I’ve been concluding my latest emails and letters with the phrase, “Peace amidst the struggle,” in order to share with people the biblical reality that God is in control even when things look dire. The Christian life is meant to be full of peace, hope, and wonder, and that can always be true, even in the middle of the chaos of this sinful world. For example, one of the hardest lessons to learn as a Christian is that suffering, and trials persist in the lives of those who fervently believe in Jesus. Unfortunately, some see suffering as a sign of a weak faith. Others claim that suffering is proof that God is displeased with a person. Some religions even have names for it, such as “Karma;” others simply view it as “getting what’s coming to you.” Today I’d like to invite you to think differently about the suffering and trials of life so that you can receive God’s peace and hope amidst whatever struggles you might be facing.

LAW AND ORDER VERSUS GRACE, OR BOTH?
LAW AND ORDER VERSUS GRACE, OR BOTH?

Have you ever noticed that there seem to be two kinds of “religious” people? First, there is the “Law and Order” person. That’s the person who knows that there is right and wrong, and also knows that when you do wrong you should be punished. On the other hand, when you do right, you should be rewarded. Of course, if we are honest, wrong thoughts and deeds always seem to overwhelm the right ones.

ETERNAL LIFE IS REAL LIFE!
ETERNAL LIFE IS REAL LIFE!

There’s a caricature out there about the Christian view of life. It goes like this, “Christians are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.” In other words, people accuse Christians of being so focused on eternal life that the issues of today become insignificant to them. Is that really true? Chuck Colson, a ruthless political operative whose later life was transformed by faith in Jesus Christ, realized that life changes when you realize that it is eternal.

THE ONLY DIVERSITY THAT LASTS!
THE ONLY DIVERSITY THAT LASTS!

6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”….. Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd:….21 “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Dr. Gregory Seltz
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