Hebrews 11-13
December 31, 2014
In Chapter ll the entire conversation is about having faith. Here's the deal: faith is simply accepting that what God (whom we have not seen) exists, and that He has an interest in you personally. It doesn't do any good to accept the first part without the second, because it is through the second part that all the ancients are commended. What I mean is this: in every case the people spoken of in Chapter 11 (and many more) did something that didn't seem to make sense simply because they believed that God wanted them to. Building an ark when it hasn't ever rained is idiotic. Unless God says "build it". Then obedience becomes faith.
If you want to have faith, then you must DO something. If you never act, then you cannot be said to truly have faith. Look at the people listed again....every one of them took some action, something that was truly beyond themselves.
Sometimes I read quickly over these names, looking for the great challenges and promises of the next chapters. But the promises are only for those who understand and live by the guidelines in chapter 11.
Most people smile and cheer at "casting off everything that hinders" but then doubt or fear prevent them from doing whatever it was the God whispered in their ear. It might be offering a testimony, changing a job, ...anything. Maybe the big step of faith is having the baby instead of getting an abortion. Maybe it's saying "no" to a bad habit...who knows? God could ask you anything.
I encourage you today to be a person who lives by faith. In order to do that, you will have to ask God every day what He wants of you...and then be listening for His voice.
I promise that if you practice this, you will become a true person of faith, and you will never regret it.
PR
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Monday, December 29, 2014
Hebrews 7-10
December 30, 2014
Most of this passage can be explained fairly simply, even though it seems convoluted when I read it. Apparently there is a Sanctuary in heaven that is the model for the one that Moses built. Moses was given very specific instructions as to what to build and how to design it. He didn't come up with any of the ideas on his own.
In the tabernacle that Moses had constructed there were many special items, each one was used only in the tabernacle, and no where else. The rules for how each of these items were to be used were also handed down from God thorough Moses, to the priests. There were specific punishments if any of the rules were broken. God told the people that if all the rules were followed, then He would bless them, and take care of them. If they broke the rules, then they would lose His favor, and incur His wrath.
The primary activity in the tabernacle was the sacrifice. It was the offering that men gave to God, presented for them by the Priests. The priests had to present the offerings, because God set it up that way. The priests had to offer sacrifices for themselves, and then for the people. They offered for themselves because they weren't perfect either. Ordinarily you couldn't even appear before God to offer a sacrifice (since you were impure) but God permitted the priests to do it. However, no one else was allowed, only the priests.
The priests had very specific rules about how the sacrifice was to be offered. One of those rules concerned the blood of the sacrifice. The blood had to be taken into the holiest part of the tabernacle, and sprinkled on all parts of the altar. The blood was the only part of the sacrifice that would cause God to overlook the sin of the people, and again show them His favor.
Here's the good part: God never intended for the blood of an animal to take away sin, He set that system up so that we would use it, and then recognize the significance of His Son when He came. Jesus dying for our sins was always the plan to take away sin. Everything else in the law was simply to help us understand how big of a mess we were in. The rules God handed down simply proved that we couldn't do it on our own. Every one of us is guilty, no exceptions. Since it was God's plan from the beginning, obedience to the sacrificial system disconnected the sins from the person. They were still there, they still needed to be paid for, but they weren't on the account of the people who obeyed the law.
When Jesus died, He died for all sins.,. past, present and future. He is the perfect sacrifice. Since He never dies, there never needs to be another "high priest" like their used to be. He is the last one we will ever need. So now we really don't need the law (as it pertains to sacrifice and the forgiveness of sins) The way that God is pleased these days is by repentant hearts and changed lives.
That's why Paul says "don't forget to keep meeting together". We need to gather and encourage each other, pray for each other and enjoy one another's company. While we are together we can praise God together, which should bring us great joy. It's not a matter of going to church so you can make it into heaven....it's more like going to church because you're on your way to heaven, and church is about as close as it gets. (when it's being done right!!)
My friends at church are my true family. I understand and appreciate them, and they truly understand and appreciate me. They love me, forgive me and work with me. I simply could not EVER ask for a better family. The love of God overflows from them to me, and I am blessed when I am around them. I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I have no idea how anyone goes through the trials of life, or even the successes of life without a church family to share those experiences with.
Christ paid for our sins, it's over. We can be free to be together both here and for eternity.
The great High Priest has united us all, just as the earthly priests used to do in the past.
Praise the Lord!
PR
December 30, 2014
Most of this passage can be explained fairly simply, even though it seems convoluted when I read it. Apparently there is a Sanctuary in heaven that is the model for the one that Moses built. Moses was given very specific instructions as to what to build and how to design it. He didn't come up with any of the ideas on his own.
In the tabernacle that Moses had constructed there were many special items, each one was used only in the tabernacle, and no where else. The rules for how each of these items were to be used were also handed down from God thorough Moses, to the priests. There were specific punishments if any of the rules were broken. God told the people that if all the rules were followed, then He would bless them, and take care of them. If they broke the rules, then they would lose His favor, and incur His wrath.
The primary activity in the tabernacle was the sacrifice. It was the offering that men gave to God, presented for them by the Priests. The priests had to present the offerings, because God set it up that way. The priests had to offer sacrifices for themselves, and then for the people. They offered for themselves because they weren't perfect either. Ordinarily you couldn't even appear before God to offer a sacrifice (since you were impure) but God permitted the priests to do it. However, no one else was allowed, only the priests.
The priests had very specific rules about how the sacrifice was to be offered. One of those rules concerned the blood of the sacrifice. The blood had to be taken into the holiest part of the tabernacle, and sprinkled on all parts of the altar. The blood was the only part of the sacrifice that would cause God to overlook the sin of the people, and again show them His favor.
Here's the good part: God never intended for the blood of an animal to take away sin, He set that system up so that we would use it, and then recognize the significance of His Son when He came. Jesus dying for our sins was always the plan to take away sin. Everything else in the law was simply to help us understand how big of a mess we were in. The rules God handed down simply proved that we couldn't do it on our own. Every one of us is guilty, no exceptions. Since it was God's plan from the beginning, obedience to the sacrificial system disconnected the sins from the person. They were still there, they still needed to be paid for, but they weren't on the account of the people who obeyed the law.
When Jesus died, He died for all sins.,. past, present and future. He is the perfect sacrifice. Since He never dies, there never needs to be another "high priest" like their used to be. He is the last one we will ever need. So now we really don't need the law (as it pertains to sacrifice and the forgiveness of sins) The way that God is pleased these days is by repentant hearts and changed lives.
That's why Paul says "don't forget to keep meeting together". We need to gather and encourage each other, pray for each other and enjoy one another's company. While we are together we can praise God together, which should bring us great joy. It's not a matter of going to church so you can make it into heaven....it's more like going to church because you're on your way to heaven, and church is about as close as it gets. (when it's being done right!!)
My friends at church are my true family. I understand and appreciate them, and they truly understand and appreciate me. They love me, forgive me and work with me. I simply could not EVER ask for a better family. The love of God overflows from them to me, and I am blessed when I am around them. I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I have no idea how anyone goes through the trials of life, or even the successes of life without a church family to share those experiences with.
Christ paid for our sins, it's over. We can be free to be together both here and for eternity.
The great High Priest has united us all, just as the earthly priests used to do in the past.
Praise the Lord!
PR
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Hebrews 1-6
December 29, 2014
Sometimes what Paul says is a little hard to understand, and I want to reassure anyone reading about something he says in Chapter 6. Paul seems to be saying that we don't get any second chances. If we accept Christ and operate for a time under the power of the Holy Spirit, and then fall away, we can never come back. Even though that's what he seems to be saying, it doesn't line up with the rest of the Bible. For instance, in Ezekiel 18 it says in several places that "if righteous people begin to sin they will die, and if unrighteous people quit sinning they will live". Therefore, if we chose to reject Christ, we will die in our sins. If we at some later point realize the error of our ways and repent again, we will be saved from our sins.
Jesus himself said that we should forgive the sins of others "seventy times seven" which is a figurative way of saying "as many times as it takes". Or take the nation of Israel as an example. When the nation was just, they were blessed, but when they began to sin they were rejected. The same people who were rejected then repented, and they were blessed again. This is the message that God intended to give to us through the prophet Hosea, who was commanded to take an unfaithful wife, and even go to her and accept her back when she had been unfaithful several times. The illustration is of God's people being unfaithful to God, and He keeps taking us back.
If He wasn't going to accept us and give us a second chance, these accounts wouldn't be in the Bible. Since they are, and the Bible cannot conflict with itself, Paul must be speaking of some other truth.
Maybe what Paul was trying to say was this: If we know Christ, and then as some point reject the idea that He is the way to salvation...there isn't any other way to heaven, so we are lost. We cannot enter into heaven if we reject the only way in. In that way of thinking, it is "impossible to be forgiven" because we have closed the door on the only person who is able to forgive us.
If however, we realize the error of our ways and repent again, then I think we are able to be forgiven. This is the promise of God, that He will forgive if we confess. I have a person interest in this passage, because today I feel the presence of the Lord within me, and in my work. I see the evidence of His mighty hand working in my life. And I have asked for forgiveness several times. I believe that each time God was faithful to forgive me, but I was not deeply enough in love with Him to remain in His love. The desires of live pulled me back in, because I wanted them more than I wanted God.
There came a time when I called out again, a little later in life. And this time I was open enough to allow the Lord to take root in my life. None of us is impervious to sin and or failure, so I won't put myself on any pedestal. The Lord knows that I don't need to be there....probably more than most.
However, I was a christian, then clearly was not one, and then became one again. This is the faith in which I now stand, and I testify that God is able and willing to forgive you.
If you think you are beyond His grace, you are mistaken. His grace and mercy are unfathomable. You cannot get beyond His compassion for you. Even in your sin He loves you more purely than any human ever could. You have only to be truly repentant and you will experience life anew.
If you need forgiveness, I pray that you ask!
PR
December 29, 2014
Sometimes what Paul says is a little hard to understand, and I want to reassure anyone reading about something he says in Chapter 6. Paul seems to be saying that we don't get any second chances. If we accept Christ and operate for a time under the power of the Holy Spirit, and then fall away, we can never come back. Even though that's what he seems to be saying, it doesn't line up with the rest of the Bible. For instance, in Ezekiel 18 it says in several places that "if righteous people begin to sin they will die, and if unrighteous people quit sinning they will live". Therefore, if we chose to reject Christ, we will die in our sins. If we at some later point realize the error of our ways and repent again, we will be saved from our sins.
Jesus himself said that we should forgive the sins of others "seventy times seven" which is a figurative way of saying "as many times as it takes". Or take the nation of Israel as an example. When the nation was just, they were blessed, but when they began to sin they were rejected. The same people who were rejected then repented, and they were blessed again. This is the message that God intended to give to us through the prophet Hosea, who was commanded to take an unfaithful wife, and even go to her and accept her back when she had been unfaithful several times. The illustration is of God's people being unfaithful to God, and He keeps taking us back.
If He wasn't going to accept us and give us a second chance, these accounts wouldn't be in the Bible. Since they are, and the Bible cannot conflict with itself, Paul must be speaking of some other truth.
Maybe what Paul was trying to say was this: If we know Christ, and then as some point reject the idea that He is the way to salvation...there isn't any other way to heaven, so we are lost. We cannot enter into heaven if we reject the only way in. In that way of thinking, it is "impossible to be forgiven" because we have closed the door on the only person who is able to forgive us.
If however, we realize the error of our ways and repent again, then I think we are able to be forgiven. This is the promise of God, that He will forgive if we confess. I have a person interest in this passage, because today I feel the presence of the Lord within me, and in my work. I see the evidence of His mighty hand working in my life. And I have asked for forgiveness several times. I believe that each time God was faithful to forgive me, but I was not deeply enough in love with Him to remain in His love. The desires of live pulled me back in, because I wanted them more than I wanted God.
There came a time when I called out again, a little later in life. And this time I was open enough to allow the Lord to take root in my life. None of us is impervious to sin and or failure, so I won't put myself on any pedestal. The Lord knows that I don't need to be there....probably more than most.
However, I was a christian, then clearly was not one, and then became one again. This is the faith in which I now stand, and I testify that God is able and willing to forgive you.
If you think you are beyond His grace, you are mistaken. His grace and mercy are unfathomable. You cannot get beyond His compassion for you. Even in your sin He loves you more purely than any human ever could. You have only to be truly repentant and you will experience life anew.
If you need forgiveness, I pray that you ask!
PR
1 Peter 1-5
December 28, 2014
Having read through all of 1 Peter, I have decided to limit my comments to Chapter 1, given that there is far too much information in the letter to do justice to it all here.
1. Jesus is the cornerstone, the key part of the building that ensures the rest of the building is square and true. The cornerstone identifies the rest of the building. So as He identifies himself as the cornerstone we must choose to accept that truth. If we do not, then He becomes the "stumbling stone" the rock that trips men up. There are many people who simply cannot accept the idea that Jesus Christ is who He said He was. Probably because if they did, they would have to accept His teachings as well.
2. Beginning in verse 9 Peter identifies the Church as a Priesthood, a Nation and a People. There's probably a good sermon right in that verse. In my own thoughts I often return to the idea that Christians by confession have become citizens of a new kingdom. Some of us are from the United States, some from Africa, Russia, Iran or wherever...but all of us are citizens of one great kingdom. That kingdom has one ruler, Jesus Christ, and combined we are called the Church. Our citizenship in the kingdom of God must take first priority. If the earthly nation to which we claim citizenship should ask us to do things that our heavenly father disapproves of, then we cannot do them. As heavenly kingdom citizens we should obey the lawful commands of earth, but always as foreigners and travelers...which is what we have become in Jesus Christ. Therefore, I have a political opinion, but I am willing to listen to both sides of the issue, for after all...I am first and foremost a citizen of a different place where local politics don't really matter.
It's easy to become caught up in the day to day drama that the newsreel feeds us. Sometimes I think that the constant diet of "sports, politics and entertainment" is really just a way to keep us from realizing what is really going on around us. It keeps our focus off the fact that people are starving in other parts of the world, and that Christian brothers and sisters are being tortured and displaced from their homes because of their faith. Here in the State we don't hear too much about it, because it isn't deemed of high importance for this nation.
But for the heavenly nation I think it is of utmost importance. While we are busy trying to decide "Who said what to whom" on our weekly TV shows, the real work of the kingdom isn't getting enough attention.
Living as an "alien or stranger" in the world demands that we behave in a different manner. The challenge has been issued, and all kingdom citizens should rally behind the Master, living lives of full submission, and using our resources in love to help others.
PR
December 28, 2014
Having read through all of 1 Peter, I have decided to limit my comments to Chapter 1, given that there is far too much information in the letter to do justice to it all here.
1. Jesus is the cornerstone, the key part of the building that ensures the rest of the building is square and true. The cornerstone identifies the rest of the building. So as He identifies himself as the cornerstone we must choose to accept that truth. If we do not, then He becomes the "stumbling stone" the rock that trips men up. There are many people who simply cannot accept the idea that Jesus Christ is who He said He was. Probably because if they did, they would have to accept His teachings as well.
2. Beginning in verse 9 Peter identifies the Church as a Priesthood, a Nation and a People. There's probably a good sermon right in that verse. In my own thoughts I often return to the idea that Christians by confession have become citizens of a new kingdom. Some of us are from the United States, some from Africa, Russia, Iran or wherever...but all of us are citizens of one great kingdom. That kingdom has one ruler, Jesus Christ, and combined we are called the Church. Our citizenship in the kingdom of God must take first priority. If the earthly nation to which we claim citizenship should ask us to do things that our heavenly father disapproves of, then we cannot do them. As heavenly kingdom citizens we should obey the lawful commands of earth, but always as foreigners and travelers...which is what we have become in Jesus Christ. Therefore, I have a political opinion, but I am willing to listen to both sides of the issue, for after all...I am first and foremost a citizen of a different place where local politics don't really matter.
It's easy to become caught up in the day to day drama that the newsreel feeds us. Sometimes I think that the constant diet of "sports, politics and entertainment" is really just a way to keep us from realizing what is really going on around us. It keeps our focus off the fact that people are starving in other parts of the world, and that Christian brothers and sisters are being tortured and displaced from their homes because of their faith. Here in the State we don't hear too much about it, because it isn't deemed of high importance for this nation.
But for the heavenly nation I think it is of utmost importance. While we are busy trying to decide "Who said what to whom" on our weekly TV shows, the real work of the kingdom isn't getting enough attention.
Living as an "alien or stranger" in the world demands that we behave in a different manner. The challenge has been issued, and all kingdom citizens should rally behind the Master, living lives of full submission, and using our resources in love to help others.
PR
Friday, December 26, 2014
Titus 1-3
December 27, 2014
Titus must have been a young man, because Paul is encouraging him to "let no one despise" him. I guess he could have said that to an older man, but it seems more likely to be directed to someone younger. Titus is tasked with going to a fairly rough crowd and teaching them to obey the Gospel.
This intrigues me, because there is a growing number of places that are fairly rough in the U.S. Here in northwest PA, we have oil fields, timber forests and steel mills. Most of these places are known for off color jokes, humor and activities. The list goes on from there. I often sympathize with the men who work in prisons, or in law enforcement. They are exposed to some pretty seedy individuals. Which is why I take interest in what Paul wrote to Titus.
Titus is encouraged to select his leaders carefully. The list is fairly detailed, and quite challenging. In fact, I wouldn't make the list. I wonder if Paul is saying these things specifically because the Cretans are so carnal? Paul is right not to put a younger person, or young Christian into a demanding leadership role, because the pressures are great, and too often they overtake a young Christian.
The most important advice that Paul recommends for the young men is to "control themselves". He doesn't put any heavy demands on them, but instead encourages Titus to set them a good example.
I guess the most important thing I see today is that when you are trying to reach people who are fairly wild in their behavior, the best approach is to insist on a fairly humble, obedient lifestyle. Also, there doesn't appear to be much room for "gray areas" when ministering here. Paul insists on sober mindedness, strict obedience to all authorities and industriousness.
I wonder how many of our young people today would meet the requirements? I happen to know quite a few, actually. Young men and women with whom I am very proud to be acquainted. But outside the church, I see a pretty large vacuum of self control and responsibility. Thank the Lord for godly people within our churches that are training our children!
I like to crack jokes, be funny and sometimes slightly less than "sober minded and self controlled". So, if I plan to minister to people in the community who are raucous, I had better change my behavior, or I will be working against myself.
PR
December 27, 2014
Titus must have been a young man, because Paul is encouraging him to "let no one despise" him. I guess he could have said that to an older man, but it seems more likely to be directed to someone younger. Titus is tasked with going to a fairly rough crowd and teaching them to obey the Gospel.
This intrigues me, because there is a growing number of places that are fairly rough in the U.S. Here in northwest PA, we have oil fields, timber forests and steel mills. Most of these places are known for off color jokes, humor and activities. The list goes on from there. I often sympathize with the men who work in prisons, or in law enforcement. They are exposed to some pretty seedy individuals. Which is why I take interest in what Paul wrote to Titus.
Titus is encouraged to select his leaders carefully. The list is fairly detailed, and quite challenging. In fact, I wouldn't make the list. I wonder if Paul is saying these things specifically because the Cretans are so carnal? Paul is right not to put a younger person, or young Christian into a demanding leadership role, because the pressures are great, and too often they overtake a young Christian.
The most important advice that Paul recommends for the young men is to "control themselves". He doesn't put any heavy demands on them, but instead encourages Titus to set them a good example.
I guess the most important thing I see today is that when you are trying to reach people who are fairly wild in their behavior, the best approach is to insist on a fairly humble, obedient lifestyle. Also, there doesn't appear to be much room for "gray areas" when ministering here. Paul insists on sober mindedness, strict obedience to all authorities and industriousness.
I wonder how many of our young people today would meet the requirements? I happen to know quite a few, actually. Young men and women with whom I am very proud to be acquainted. But outside the church, I see a pretty large vacuum of self control and responsibility. Thank the Lord for godly people within our churches that are training our children!
I like to crack jokes, be funny and sometimes slightly less than "sober minded and self controlled". So, if I plan to minister to people in the community who are raucous, I had better change my behavior, or I will be working against myself.
PR
1 Timothy 1-6
December 26, 2014
Paul's teaching on women is often at odds with people within the church. Some want to take the teaching literally, and not allow women to have any authority, others look at the passage as being addressed to their culture, not ours.
I think that there is truth in both points of view. Let me explain.
Paul lived in a different culture, a culture in which women were regarded almost the same as property. No one is saying that is right, but it simply was what it was. In fact, Paul himself was born into this culture so he must have some leaning toward it. Therefore, there's no reason why women should insist that they share leadership roles...Christianity dictates that we are all to consider ourselves as servants, not leaders. If the Bible says "one sex is in charge" that cannot mean that they are superior, or even the authority...since all leading and direction come from God. Even within the men, there are few that are chosen to lead and all the rest follow. No one complains about that, because everyone understands that the vast majority are to follow, not lead. We also understand that leaders are followers as well. There is always another leader above us, and Christ above all.
When it comes to being in charge, there are many things to be in charge of. Women are often in charge of those things most valuable, and most personal. Children must be taught and provided with a home, and women are often the leaders there.
I suppose this seems sexist, and I don't mean it to be at all. So let me explain a little further.
If God clearly anoints a women to be in charge, like he has before in the Old Testament (Deborah) then that person should be followed without regard for their sex. When God speaks and calls and gifts a person who are we to second guess that? But in the absence of any specific calling or leading from the Lord, we should default to having men in charge.
I have learned from experience that I am more likely to be effective if I am in a role where much is expected from me. If I am one of the helpers, I tend to be far less effective. I have noticed that most men will "drift away" from the job if they aren't in charge of something. On the other hand, women most often stay on the job, even when they aren't in charge.
I wonder if God set this idea up for our benefit, and not because he thought men were superior in some way? there's nothing in scripture that tells us that men are superior, and as for Paul's argument that sin came through a woman, he also balances that by saying that the Savior was also born of a woman. Without women there is no salvation...Christ could not have come. I think in Paul's way of thinking that "evens the score".
All of this to say that we should encourage our men to take the roles that God has called them to. The Church needs all of us, and none of us are any better than the others. Men should fill the role that God called them to, and so should women. Because our culture is different, and women are viewed with more liberality that they were in the first century, we should not take the position that women cannot be in charge. Clearly, God has placed women in charge in the past. Regardless to whom the mantle of leadership falls, we should obey with great joy, because God has spoken, and will bless those who are obedient.
PR
December 26, 2014
Paul's teaching on women is often at odds with people within the church. Some want to take the teaching literally, and not allow women to have any authority, others look at the passage as being addressed to their culture, not ours.
I think that there is truth in both points of view. Let me explain.
Paul lived in a different culture, a culture in which women were regarded almost the same as property. No one is saying that is right, but it simply was what it was. In fact, Paul himself was born into this culture so he must have some leaning toward it. Therefore, there's no reason why women should insist that they share leadership roles...Christianity dictates that we are all to consider ourselves as servants, not leaders. If the Bible says "one sex is in charge" that cannot mean that they are superior, or even the authority...since all leading and direction come from God. Even within the men, there are few that are chosen to lead and all the rest follow. No one complains about that, because everyone understands that the vast majority are to follow, not lead. We also understand that leaders are followers as well. There is always another leader above us, and Christ above all.
When it comes to being in charge, there are many things to be in charge of. Women are often in charge of those things most valuable, and most personal. Children must be taught and provided with a home, and women are often the leaders there.
I suppose this seems sexist, and I don't mean it to be at all. So let me explain a little further.
If God clearly anoints a women to be in charge, like he has before in the Old Testament (Deborah) then that person should be followed without regard for their sex. When God speaks and calls and gifts a person who are we to second guess that? But in the absence of any specific calling or leading from the Lord, we should default to having men in charge.
I have learned from experience that I am more likely to be effective if I am in a role where much is expected from me. If I am one of the helpers, I tend to be far less effective. I have noticed that most men will "drift away" from the job if they aren't in charge of something. On the other hand, women most often stay on the job, even when they aren't in charge.
I wonder if God set this idea up for our benefit, and not because he thought men were superior in some way? there's nothing in scripture that tells us that men are superior, and as for Paul's argument that sin came through a woman, he also balances that by saying that the Savior was also born of a woman. Without women there is no salvation...Christ could not have come. I think in Paul's way of thinking that "evens the score".
All of this to say that we should encourage our men to take the roles that God has called them to. The Church needs all of us, and none of us are any better than the others. Men should fill the role that God called them to, and so should women. Because our culture is different, and women are viewed with more liberality that they were in the first century, we should not take the position that women cannot be in charge. Clearly, God has placed women in charge in the past. Regardless to whom the mantle of leadership falls, we should obey with great joy, because God has spoken, and will bless those who are obedient.
PR
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Philippians 1-4
December 25 2014
I'm glad today's reading wasn't on gluttony.... way too much turkey, and dessert salads. Merry Christmas!
This time as I read through Philippians I catch the word "rejoice" in several different places. Paul even says "it's no problem for me to repeat this again to you" ...and then says it two or three more times. He is suggesting that if they are rejoicing in Christ, they will experience power and unity.
One of my favorite passages is here, in Chapter 4 Paul says "whatever is noble, true, trustworthy....etc....think about such things" I truly believe that our minds are transformed as we "train" them to think differently. Just like a nut can be cross-threaded onto a bolt, and in so doing can ruin the bolt, our thoughts can be ruin our bodies if we don't keep them straight. The devil attacks us on the thought level. Then it moves to our heart, and eventually we speak it or act on it.
In a recent Christmas eve service we encouraged the attendees to "insist on peace". Our worship team leader shared the account of the WWI "Christmas Truce" where men chose to see each other as human beings, instead of targets. It didn't last past Christmas, and it never happened again, which is sad. I think those men chose to think differently while they were hunched inside their trenches. They chose to think of peace, and helping one another. If the soldiers don't have an argument with each other why are we fighting in the first place? To satisfy the lust for power of some crazed leader? I wonder why we don't force our leaders to find a peaceful solution to our world problems...there must be some possible solution...if they felt they MUST find it.
Here in the United States it has been a time of significant turmoil. We need to change the way we think. We need to begin thinking about what is right, and true and lovely and pure. This business of teaching people to hate each other, and to think less of one another has got to stop.
PR
December 25 2014
I'm glad today's reading wasn't on gluttony.... way too much turkey, and dessert salads. Merry Christmas!
This time as I read through Philippians I catch the word "rejoice" in several different places. Paul even says "it's no problem for me to repeat this again to you" ...and then says it two or three more times. He is suggesting that if they are rejoicing in Christ, they will experience power and unity.
One of my favorite passages is here, in Chapter 4 Paul says "whatever is noble, true, trustworthy....etc....think about such things" I truly believe that our minds are transformed as we "train" them to think differently. Just like a nut can be cross-threaded onto a bolt, and in so doing can ruin the bolt, our thoughts can be ruin our bodies if we don't keep them straight. The devil attacks us on the thought level. Then it moves to our heart, and eventually we speak it or act on it.
In a recent Christmas eve service we encouraged the attendees to "insist on peace". Our worship team leader shared the account of the WWI "Christmas Truce" where men chose to see each other as human beings, instead of targets. It didn't last past Christmas, and it never happened again, which is sad. I think those men chose to think differently while they were hunched inside their trenches. They chose to think of peace, and helping one another. If the soldiers don't have an argument with each other why are we fighting in the first place? To satisfy the lust for power of some crazed leader? I wonder why we don't force our leaders to find a peaceful solution to our world problems...there must be some possible solution...if they felt they MUST find it.
Here in the United States it has been a time of significant turmoil. We need to change the way we think. We need to begin thinking about what is right, and true and lovely and pure. This business of teaching people to hate each other, and to think less of one another has got to stop.
PR
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Ephesians 1-6
December 24, 2014
Three thoughts come to mind as I read through Ephesians. First, I continue to wonder what Paul meant as he often refers to "predestination". The word as become a point of contention that has served as a dividing line between christian brothers. I doubt that Paul would approve. Some say that predestination means that God has selected certain people in advance to be included in heaven. A natural consequence of that train of thought is that God also created others who were never intended for heaven. An example might be Pharaoh at the time of Moses, or Judas Iscariot. both of them served a purpose, neither of them are believed to be in heaven. In both cases they seem to have been headed for destruction far in advance of the actual event.
I choose to believe that Paul isn't saying that some people are elected for life, and others for destruction. Not because of anything Paul preaches, but because of what that would say about the character of God. Having read the Bible, I do not see anything in God's character that would cause me to believe that He would do this. He has the right to do it, and no one can fault Him if He does...but that doesn't mean that He did. I prefer to read this as Paul saying that God knows the future, and He already knows who, of their own free will has decided to confess their sins. Those are the ones that are "predestined". I think that God intends for all of us to be in heaven, and the only reason we won't be is because we chose not to accept the invitation.
The more salient point here has to do with the importance of love. Paul insists that every thought and action be motivated by love. If we truly love one another we won't have control issues in our marriages, or in our work relationships or with our children. That's not to say you won't have any problems...just that the problems will be less.
In fact, I wonder why Paul doesn't say much about love when he talks about the armor of God? He is so emphatic about it all throughout the letter, and then doesn't mention it with the armor. Maybe that's because the armor is what God does, and love is the natural by-product of that relationship.
Either way, thinking about how much God loves me is a wonderful way to begin my Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas,
PR
December 24, 2014
Three thoughts come to mind as I read through Ephesians. First, I continue to wonder what Paul meant as he often refers to "predestination". The word as become a point of contention that has served as a dividing line between christian brothers. I doubt that Paul would approve. Some say that predestination means that God has selected certain people in advance to be included in heaven. A natural consequence of that train of thought is that God also created others who were never intended for heaven. An example might be Pharaoh at the time of Moses, or Judas Iscariot. both of them served a purpose, neither of them are believed to be in heaven. In both cases they seem to have been headed for destruction far in advance of the actual event.
I choose to believe that Paul isn't saying that some people are elected for life, and others for destruction. Not because of anything Paul preaches, but because of what that would say about the character of God. Having read the Bible, I do not see anything in God's character that would cause me to believe that He would do this. He has the right to do it, and no one can fault Him if He does...but that doesn't mean that He did. I prefer to read this as Paul saying that God knows the future, and He already knows who, of their own free will has decided to confess their sins. Those are the ones that are "predestined". I think that God intends for all of us to be in heaven, and the only reason we won't be is because we chose not to accept the invitation.
The more salient point here has to do with the importance of love. Paul insists that every thought and action be motivated by love. If we truly love one another we won't have control issues in our marriages, or in our work relationships or with our children. That's not to say you won't have any problems...just that the problems will be less.
In fact, I wonder why Paul doesn't say much about love when he talks about the armor of God? He is so emphatic about it all throughout the letter, and then doesn't mention it with the armor. Maybe that's because the armor is what God does, and love is the natural by-product of that relationship.
Either way, thinking about how much God loves me is a wonderful way to begin my Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas,
PR
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Philemon and Colossians
December 23, 2014
Colossians seems to be filled with the condensed, collected wisdom of Paul's many years of ministry. He doesn't spend a great deal of time on any one subject, but shares quick to the point insights on a variety of topics. If it weren't for the fact that he asks Philemon to get a guest room ready for him I would think that he already knew that he was going to stay in Rome. That comment confuses me a little. It makes it seem like he is planning to leave Rome. I had always assumed that Paul knew that this was a one way trip.
Colossians 1 tells us that all things were made by Jesus, and that the fullness of the Godhead is seen in Him. This is a wonderful, tantalizing mystery that almost compels us to share our feeble examples of how it can be true. God must chuckle as we attempt to describe how the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are separate yet one, and how all three created the universe. It's similar to asking a four year old how a space ship works.
In 2:8 Paul warns against "hollow and deceptive philosophy". As I understand it, philosophy is the study of the nature, cause or value of a certain truth. It is deciding what is right and true about something. There are people in every age who want to challenge what the Bible says about the Messiah. In fact, they want to challenge the validity of the Bible itself. It seems here that they were doing that by trying to assign too much value to what people ate or drank, the worship of angels and the celebration or reverence of certain days. Paul rejects all such things. If I understand Paul correctly, he is saying that you don't need to adhere to anything in order to experience salvation, because it is the free gift of Jesus Christ. He isn't saying that you should do many of these things, ie: go to church, take care of your physical body, and celebrate spiritual holidays....only that they should be an expression of love to Jesus. An outpouring of appreciation to Him. I think the false teachers were trying to say that these things were neccesary for salvation. It's that kind of warped thinking that results in people believing they are Christians because they go to church every Sunday, and repeat a canned prayer they memorized when they were 5. The Bible doesn't allow for that. We must have a genuine relationship with the creator in order to be forgiven of our sins. No "deeds" will suffice.
If I had to summarize in broad strokes what Paul is saying here, I would summarize it this way: "Because you have been forgiven much, and loved much by Jesus, behave in the same way toward one another. Set aside position and status, set aside personal preference and comfort so that you may be completely unified with all others who are in Christ, your brothers and sisters."
Learning how to live the transformed life,
PR
December 23, 2014
Colossians seems to be filled with the condensed, collected wisdom of Paul's many years of ministry. He doesn't spend a great deal of time on any one subject, but shares quick to the point insights on a variety of topics. If it weren't for the fact that he asks Philemon to get a guest room ready for him I would think that he already knew that he was going to stay in Rome. That comment confuses me a little. It makes it seem like he is planning to leave Rome. I had always assumed that Paul knew that this was a one way trip.
Colossians 1 tells us that all things were made by Jesus, and that the fullness of the Godhead is seen in Him. This is a wonderful, tantalizing mystery that almost compels us to share our feeble examples of how it can be true. God must chuckle as we attempt to describe how the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are separate yet one, and how all three created the universe. It's similar to asking a four year old how a space ship works.
In 2:8 Paul warns against "hollow and deceptive philosophy". As I understand it, philosophy is the study of the nature, cause or value of a certain truth. It is deciding what is right and true about something. There are people in every age who want to challenge what the Bible says about the Messiah. In fact, they want to challenge the validity of the Bible itself. It seems here that they were doing that by trying to assign too much value to what people ate or drank, the worship of angels and the celebration or reverence of certain days. Paul rejects all such things. If I understand Paul correctly, he is saying that you don't need to adhere to anything in order to experience salvation, because it is the free gift of Jesus Christ. He isn't saying that you should do many of these things, ie: go to church, take care of your physical body, and celebrate spiritual holidays....only that they should be an expression of love to Jesus. An outpouring of appreciation to Him. I think the false teachers were trying to say that these things were neccesary for salvation. It's that kind of warped thinking that results in people believing they are Christians because they go to church every Sunday, and repeat a canned prayer they memorized when they were 5. The Bible doesn't allow for that. We must have a genuine relationship with the creator in order to be forgiven of our sins. No "deeds" will suffice.
If I had to summarize in broad strokes what Paul is saying here, I would summarize it this way: "Because you have been forgiven much, and loved much by Jesus, behave in the same way toward one another. Set aside position and status, set aside personal preference and comfort so that you may be completely unified with all others who are in Christ, your brothers and sisters."
Learning how to live the transformed life,
PR
Monday, December 22, 2014
Acts 27-28
December 22, 2014
Being a minister, I often read the Bible listening for ideas and concepts that strike a chord with me. Something that stirs me in some way that I might preach on, or find interesting.
So here's a couple of things from this passage.
1. Paul, a godly man warns the owner of the ship not to sail, but he won't listen. It could be because he doesn't value the opinion of Paul, or because he wants to get his good to market sooner. Either way, he loses the entire load. The owner of the boat should have investigated Paul, to find out what sort of person he was. Had he done this, he would have know what miracles Paul had been performing, and it might have changed his opinion. In the same way, God often warns us, through His Word, or His people, about dangers in the future. He tells us what paths to avoid, and when we obey we are spared great loss.
2. Paul encourages all the men on the ship, and it is our job to be encouragers. I wonder if Paul learned how to do this from Barnabus? I don't think he was a natural encourager before they met.
3. Some churches have taken the account of Paul surviving a deadly snake bite as the one sign of a true disciple. They fill their church with snakes and allow themselves to be bitten by them. Ironically the apostle himself would have called them crazy. Jesus taught that we would be protected from many injuries and illnesses as we shared the Gospel. Protection from the effects of a snake bite are mentioned, however Jesus never said that we would live forever, or that we would never become ill. While it is certainly in His power to cause us to live forver without any illness, it never seems to have been His intent. The true symbol of Christianity is a repentant heart, and the fruit of the Spirit that flows from it.
4. As far as we know, Paul never leaves Rome. But there doesn't seem to be any rush to judgement. He spends two years in a rented home awaiting trial. Things will become far more harsh in the days ahead, but for the moment he is free to spread the Gospel to any who will listen.
A couple of times in the last few weeks people I know have suffered some significant setbacks. Some were physical, most were financial. I celebrate the fact that in every case the people involved didn't despair, didn't reject the idea that God loves them, and didn't quit believing that God would provide. As of today, as far as I know every one of them has still been able to provide for themselves and family. Praise the Lord! If I learn anything from this passage, it's simply that God sometimes works in ways that we don't imagine to bring about His will. Who would have thought that God would use a shipwreck to convert an island nation? I wonder how devout people on Malta are today? does Christianity still survive there? Would any of the residents be in heaven if it weren't for Paul being sent to trial before Caesar? God is never without a plan, or without resources to enact it. He is always several steps ahead of anyone else in the process....including the devil, who cannot possibly keep up.
Therefore I do not worry, God has purpose in all things, and in all things, He works for the good of those who love Him.
PR
December 22, 2014
Being a minister, I often read the Bible listening for ideas and concepts that strike a chord with me. Something that stirs me in some way that I might preach on, or find interesting.
So here's a couple of things from this passage.
1. Paul, a godly man warns the owner of the ship not to sail, but he won't listen. It could be because he doesn't value the opinion of Paul, or because he wants to get his good to market sooner. Either way, he loses the entire load. The owner of the boat should have investigated Paul, to find out what sort of person he was. Had he done this, he would have know what miracles Paul had been performing, and it might have changed his opinion. In the same way, God often warns us, through His Word, or His people, about dangers in the future. He tells us what paths to avoid, and when we obey we are spared great loss.
2. Paul encourages all the men on the ship, and it is our job to be encouragers. I wonder if Paul learned how to do this from Barnabus? I don't think he was a natural encourager before they met.
3. Some churches have taken the account of Paul surviving a deadly snake bite as the one sign of a true disciple. They fill their church with snakes and allow themselves to be bitten by them. Ironically the apostle himself would have called them crazy. Jesus taught that we would be protected from many injuries and illnesses as we shared the Gospel. Protection from the effects of a snake bite are mentioned, however Jesus never said that we would live forever, or that we would never become ill. While it is certainly in His power to cause us to live forver without any illness, it never seems to have been His intent. The true symbol of Christianity is a repentant heart, and the fruit of the Spirit that flows from it.
4. As far as we know, Paul never leaves Rome. But there doesn't seem to be any rush to judgement. He spends two years in a rented home awaiting trial. Things will become far more harsh in the days ahead, but for the moment he is free to spread the Gospel to any who will listen.
A couple of times in the last few weeks people I know have suffered some significant setbacks. Some were physical, most were financial. I celebrate the fact that in every case the people involved didn't despair, didn't reject the idea that God loves them, and didn't quit believing that God would provide. As of today, as far as I know every one of them has still been able to provide for themselves and family. Praise the Lord! If I learn anything from this passage, it's simply that God sometimes works in ways that we don't imagine to bring about His will. Who would have thought that God would use a shipwreck to convert an island nation? I wonder how devout people on Malta are today? does Christianity still survive there? Would any of the residents be in heaven if it weren't for Paul being sent to trial before Caesar? God is never without a plan, or without resources to enact it. He is always several steps ahead of anyone else in the process....including the devil, who cannot possibly keep up.
Therefore I do not worry, God has purpose in all things, and in all things, He works for the good of those who love Him.
PR
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Acts 24-26
December 21, 2014
As I read the account of Paul giving his testimony to several different government leaders, I am reminded of the shepherds who simply told everyone that they met about "what they had seen and heard"
So often we try to encourage others to share the Gospel, and in our attempts we make it more complicated than it really is. If you have been truly repentant, then you will demonstrate it by your good works. This is what Paul is speaking of in 26:20 when he says we should "prove our repentance by our deeds". It is this activity that gets Paul into trouble. He shares what he has experienced, and he attempts to do good to the fellow believers. That is enough to get him on the wrong side of the local power brokers.
I am willing to bet that nothing more is needed today. If we genuinely submit our lives to Jesus Christ, and then invest ourselves fully in doing good in His name, we will find our path directed into areas that we might otherwise not go. Prison for instance. Paul wanted to go to Rome and minister there. I doubt that he wanted to travel their as a prisoner.
However, in Paul's mind he is already a prisoner of Jesus Christ, so what difference does it make to him how he travels there? He may have been praising God for the government funded trip to Rome....that sounds like him.
The lesson today is rather brief, but it hits home for me, I hope it does for you as well. Here's what I gather from today:
Share what God has done for me without fear of persecution or reprisal. Don't be ignorant in the way that you share, but using humility and wisdom present your belief before anyone who will listen. Continue to do good by any and all means possible, because you don't know how these good deeds may be used by God to further your witness, or spread knowledge of His glory. Nothing I have possession of is any more valuable than the message that I carry. Jesus Christ is Lord over all, and is willing to forgive and adopt as His children all who believe in Him, truly repenting of their sins.
PR
December 21, 2014
As I read the account of Paul giving his testimony to several different government leaders, I am reminded of the shepherds who simply told everyone that they met about "what they had seen and heard"
So often we try to encourage others to share the Gospel, and in our attempts we make it more complicated than it really is. If you have been truly repentant, then you will demonstrate it by your good works. This is what Paul is speaking of in 26:20 when he says we should "prove our repentance by our deeds". It is this activity that gets Paul into trouble. He shares what he has experienced, and he attempts to do good to the fellow believers. That is enough to get him on the wrong side of the local power brokers.
I am willing to bet that nothing more is needed today. If we genuinely submit our lives to Jesus Christ, and then invest ourselves fully in doing good in His name, we will find our path directed into areas that we might otherwise not go. Prison for instance. Paul wanted to go to Rome and minister there. I doubt that he wanted to travel their as a prisoner.
However, in Paul's mind he is already a prisoner of Jesus Christ, so what difference does it make to him how he travels there? He may have been praising God for the government funded trip to Rome....that sounds like him.
The lesson today is rather brief, but it hits home for me, I hope it does for you as well. Here's what I gather from today:
Share what God has done for me without fear of persecution or reprisal. Don't be ignorant in the way that you share, but using humility and wisdom present your belief before anyone who will listen. Continue to do good by any and all means possible, because you don't know how these good deeds may be used by God to further your witness, or spread knowledge of His glory. Nothing I have possession of is any more valuable than the message that I carry. Jesus Christ is Lord over all, and is willing to forgive and adopt as His children all who believe in Him, truly repenting of their sins.
PR
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Acts 20:3 - 23
December 20, 2014
Even as I type this date into the header line, it doesn't seem possible. In a few short days we will have read thru the entire Bible in a year. I didn't start blogging thoughts about the readings until sometime in April (I think). I may continue to blog my thoughts, I'm not sure yet.
As I read today I think of how determined Paul was. Even after being warned not to go to Jerusalem lest he be bound and tried, he goes anyway. I wonder how he knew that he was supposed to go, and that the prophecy wasn't to warn him to go to a different location? I ask the question because there are times when all the people are asking for something to happen (or not to happen) and they still are wrong. The majority isn't always right. Paul insisted even over the loud cried of those who wanted him to avoid the trip. I guess we just have to pray that we hear the Lord very clearly if we are to go against the majority. I have often used the mindset of the group as a barometer to help me understand what God is doing. That wouldn't have worked in this case.
As for the second leg of this journey, which will end in Rome, there is no longer any doubt about whether Paul is in the Lord's will. A heavenly messenger confirms that Paul has made correct decisions.
Who ever said that if you are doing God's will then the path will be easy was crazy. Paul is living proof that sometimes you have to fight and claw for every inch of success you get. There are times when obedience doesn't result in smooth sailing. It's good for us to remember that God is the one who sent the disciples out onto rough seas, and allowed them to fish all night without catching anything. Suffering is part of the journey. We have only to look at Jesus to realize that.
Walking a difficult and unforgiving path isn't a popular thought, but it is biblical. You won't see many popular ministers telling you that sometimes life is simply oppressive, and friends are hard to find. Instead they will point to better days, silver linings and the hope of eternity with Jesus. All of that is okay, because it's true...but it doesn't seem to validate the suffering. Jesus suffered. Paul suffered. You and I will suffer. Maybe not in the same way, but in some way we all have some suffering ahead. I think if we remain faithful through it, God does a wonderful work through out ministry, and our love for Him grows even stronger.
PR
December 20, 2014
Even as I type this date into the header line, it doesn't seem possible. In a few short days we will have read thru the entire Bible in a year. I didn't start blogging thoughts about the readings until sometime in April (I think). I may continue to blog my thoughts, I'm not sure yet.
As I read today I think of how determined Paul was. Even after being warned not to go to Jerusalem lest he be bound and tried, he goes anyway. I wonder how he knew that he was supposed to go, and that the prophecy wasn't to warn him to go to a different location? I ask the question because there are times when all the people are asking for something to happen (or not to happen) and they still are wrong. The majority isn't always right. Paul insisted even over the loud cried of those who wanted him to avoid the trip. I guess we just have to pray that we hear the Lord very clearly if we are to go against the majority. I have often used the mindset of the group as a barometer to help me understand what God is doing. That wouldn't have worked in this case.
As for the second leg of this journey, which will end in Rome, there is no longer any doubt about whether Paul is in the Lord's will. A heavenly messenger confirms that Paul has made correct decisions.
Who ever said that if you are doing God's will then the path will be easy was crazy. Paul is living proof that sometimes you have to fight and claw for every inch of success you get. There are times when obedience doesn't result in smooth sailing. It's good for us to remember that God is the one who sent the disciples out onto rough seas, and allowed them to fish all night without catching anything. Suffering is part of the journey. We have only to look at Jesus to realize that.
Walking a difficult and unforgiving path isn't a popular thought, but it is biblical. You won't see many popular ministers telling you that sometimes life is simply oppressive, and friends are hard to find. Instead they will point to better days, silver linings and the hope of eternity with Jesus. All of that is okay, because it's true...but it doesn't seem to validate the suffering. Jesus suffered. Paul suffered. You and I will suffer. Maybe not in the same way, but in some way we all have some suffering ahead. I think if we remain faithful through it, God does a wonderful work through out ministry, and our love for Him grows even stronger.
PR
Friday, December 19, 2014
Romans 14-16
December 19, 2014
Two key thoughts today, I'll start with the smaller one first. Paul clearly has plans to travel to Spain and plant churches there. His intent is to spend some time in Rome, but not to put down roots there. If you know the rest of the story, it goes like this: Paul is taken captive in Rome, writes there for a time while he is under house arrest, and later while he is in prison...but he never leaves, at least as far as we know. The Bible doesn't tell us what happens to Paul, but tradition has it that he was beheaded by Nero, shortly before Nero himself died. The most famous martyr of Rome has to be Peter, who is said to have been crucified there. The Romans couldn't crucify Paul, because he was a Roman citizen, as well as a Jew. In either case, it seems like Rome has much to answer for in heaven.
The more important thought is the idea of accommodating those who are "weak" in areas of faith. By this definition, I could be said to be "weak" in my belief about drinking alcoholic beverages, wine for instance. I take the position of total abstinence, even though I know that the Bible allows for some drinking without finding fault with it. Therefore, those who are sitting with me at the table should refrain from drinking in my presence, if they believe it would cause me to doubt the seriousness of their faith. On the other hand, I am instructed not to doubt their desire to wholly serve the Lord by looking down on them because they occasionally have an alcoholic beverage.
The same idea is meant to apply to days of the week! Paul didn't insist on a Sabbath. Again, I could very well be looked at as "weak" in this area also. I have to try very hard not to doubt the maturity and seriousness of the person who never comes to church. In my mind, you need to be there, and set a day every week aside. I don't think Paul would agree with that in principle...but I also believe that he would honor the Sabbath faithfully, if for no other reason than because it is important to me.
This is what it means to "bear with the failings of the weak". Pride tells us that because we go to church every week we are stronger and in some way more faithful. Humility posits that we need to be here more often, lest we surrender that which cannot be taken from us.
Isn't it funny that every time we read these verses we tend to think of ourselves as the stronger people because of our practices, rather than the weaker ones? Truthfully, it is easier to accept the peculiarities of my Christian brothers and sisters, and to think more highly of them once I accept that I am not the stronger brother simply because of my practice. Perhaps they are "putting up with me" rather than the other way around.
hmmm..
PR
December 19, 2014
Two key thoughts today, I'll start with the smaller one first. Paul clearly has plans to travel to Spain and plant churches there. His intent is to spend some time in Rome, but not to put down roots there. If you know the rest of the story, it goes like this: Paul is taken captive in Rome, writes there for a time while he is under house arrest, and later while he is in prison...but he never leaves, at least as far as we know. The Bible doesn't tell us what happens to Paul, but tradition has it that he was beheaded by Nero, shortly before Nero himself died. The most famous martyr of Rome has to be Peter, who is said to have been crucified there. The Romans couldn't crucify Paul, because he was a Roman citizen, as well as a Jew. In either case, it seems like Rome has much to answer for in heaven.
The more important thought is the idea of accommodating those who are "weak" in areas of faith. By this definition, I could be said to be "weak" in my belief about drinking alcoholic beverages, wine for instance. I take the position of total abstinence, even though I know that the Bible allows for some drinking without finding fault with it. Therefore, those who are sitting with me at the table should refrain from drinking in my presence, if they believe it would cause me to doubt the seriousness of their faith. On the other hand, I am instructed not to doubt their desire to wholly serve the Lord by looking down on them because they occasionally have an alcoholic beverage.
The same idea is meant to apply to days of the week! Paul didn't insist on a Sabbath. Again, I could very well be looked at as "weak" in this area also. I have to try very hard not to doubt the maturity and seriousness of the person who never comes to church. In my mind, you need to be there, and set a day every week aside. I don't think Paul would agree with that in principle...but I also believe that he would honor the Sabbath faithfully, if for no other reason than because it is important to me.
This is what it means to "bear with the failings of the weak". Pride tells us that because we go to church every week we are stronger and in some way more faithful. Humility posits that we need to be here more often, lest we surrender that which cannot be taken from us.
Isn't it funny that every time we read these verses we tend to think of ourselves as the stronger people because of our practices, rather than the weaker ones? Truthfully, it is easier to accept the peculiarities of my Christian brothers and sisters, and to think more highly of them once I accept that I am not the stronger brother simply because of my practice. Perhaps they are "putting up with me" rather than the other way around.
hmmm..
PR
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Romans 11-13
December 18, 2014
I find that there is too much in this passage to blog about all of it, so I'm going to focus on chapter 12.
We spend most of our time talking about how God's gift of salvation is free to us. That's true, but what happens after we have accepted the gift? to accept the gift is to accept the giver, and to accept the giver, is to accept His way of thinking, His pattern for living. It is implied that if we accept salvation, we allow Jesus to reign in us.
That's where chapter 12 begins. Since God has done this wonderful thing for us, we now pledge our lives to Him. It begins with a change in the way we think. We have to learn to process information differently. What used to be important (physical things) now become less important than spiritual things (eternal, unseen). Learning about who God is, what He acts like, why He thinks the way He does becomes of great importance.
That allows us to receive all the verses after verse 2.
We should accept that God has others that He loves and has saved working alongside us. We didn't choose them...maybe we never would have..but God did, and that has to be okay with us. Work with the people that God places you with. He has a purpose in it. And, it's for your good as well as theirs.
Use the gifts that God has given you, and support and encourage others as they use the gifts God has given them. Since Paul is talking about using spiritual gifts, he follows the same pattern that he
did in 1 Corinthians. After mentioning gifts, he talks about love. Using gifts without love leads to confusion, hurt feelings, disunity and dissension.
Beginning in verse 9 Paul make an attempt to describe what a person who truly loves others acts like. That person would be devoted, honor others, motivated to help and do good, generally filled with joy and hope. They wouldn't complain all the time when ill, injured or when overlooked, they would be always in prayer, always sharing with others and making others feel welcome.
Who can argue with that? A person like that encourages gifts to bloom in the lives of people around them. They don't criticize, tear down, talk about themselves all the time. This kind of person is truly concerned about others, and the people around them flourish. That's the kind of person that God wants us to be.
So, throw away your little black book that has the names of everyone who has ever wronged you. Don't celebrate when someone else fails, even if you don't like them. If they do well, congratulate them. If they struggle, pray with them, care for them and be sad with them.
If only the church world wide could truly catch a vision of what this would look like, we would have less war, less hunger, less bloodshed and more harmony, more peace and most likely a far more harmonious planet. Who knows how many accomplishments will never be realized because the people who were to discover them were killed in some conflict. What children who would have become the leaders that we desperately need will never be born because we chose to fight or to use drugs, and in some way eliminated the possibility of their birth?
We won't know the full impact of our sinful behavior...I hope we never know it. it would be too crushing to realize what harm we have done to the planet and to God's perfect plan. Instead, we should covenant to do everything in our power to live according to His will for our lives. Perhaps in some way that will bring about a happier ending to the story than would otherwise be possible. Maybe our attempt to be more like Jesus will result in some others becoming Christians.
PR
December 18, 2014
I find that there is too much in this passage to blog about all of it, so I'm going to focus on chapter 12.
We spend most of our time talking about how God's gift of salvation is free to us. That's true, but what happens after we have accepted the gift? to accept the gift is to accept the giver, and to accept the giver, is to accept His way of thinking, His pattern for living. It is implied that if we accept salvation, we allow Jesus to reign in us.
That's where chapter 12 begins. Since God has done this wonderful thing for us, we now pledge our lives to Him. It begins with a change in the way we think. We have to learn to process information differently. What used to be important (physical things) now become less important than spiritual things (eternal, unseen). Learning about who God is, what He acts like, why He thinks the way He does becomes of great importance.
That allows us to receive all the verses after verse 2.
We should accept that God has others that He loves and has saved working alongside us. We didn't choose them...maybe we never would have..but God did, and that has to be okay with us. Work with the people that God places you with. He has a purpose in it. And, it's for your good as well as theirs.
Use the gifts that God has given you, and support and encourage others as they use the gifts God has given them. Since Paul is talking about using spiritual gifts, he follows the same pattern that he
did in 1 Corinthians. After mentioning gifts, he talks about love. Using gifts without love leads to confusion, hurt feelings, disunity and dissension.
Beginning in verse 9 Paul make an attempt to describe what a person who truly loves others acts like. That person would be devoted, honor others, motivated to help and do good, generally filled with joy and hope. They wouldn't complain all the time when ill, injured or when overlooked, they would be always in prayer, always sharing with others and making others feel welcome.
Who can argue with that? A person like that encourages gifts to bloom in the lives of people around them. They don't criticize, tear down, talk about themselves all the time. This kind of person is truly concerned about others, and the people around them flourish. That's the kind of person that God wants us to be.
So, throw away your little black book that has the names of everyone who has ever wronged you. Don't celebrate when someone else fails, even if you don't like them. If they do well, congratulate them. If they struggle, pray with them, care for them and be sad with them.
If only the church world wide could truly catch a vision of what this would look like, we would have less war, less hunger, less bloodshed and more harmony, more peace and most likely a far more harmonious planet. Who knows how many accomplishments will never be realized because the people who were to discover them were killed in some conflict. What children who would have become the leaders that we desperately need will never be born because we chose to fight or to use drugs, and in some way eliminated the possibility of their birth?
We won't know the full impact of our sinful behavior...I hope we never know it. it would be too crushing to realize what harm we have done to the planet and to God's perfect plan. Instead, we should covenant to do everything in our power to live according to His will for our lives. Perhaps in some way that will bring about a happier ending to the story than would otherwise be possible. Maybe our attempt to be more like Jesus will result in some others becoming Christians.
PR
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Romans 8-10
December 17, 2014
Today marks a real landmark for me. I finally have caught back up with my devotional blog writing after falling almost a week behind. Here's the lesson that I learned: I can make up a day or even two if I really apply myself. But if I neglect my reading or writing more than one day, the difficulty to catch back up intensifies. What I mean is, the difficulty doesn't add....it multiplies. And I also found that my frustration with myself magnifies as well. For whatever reason, I feel better about that fact that I am reading and jotting down quick thoughts every day....even though I doubt that anything I am writing has any significant value. There are times when I think to myself "why bother" but since I feel like I should, maybe the Lord is teaching me something through this. In any case allow me to share my latest learning experience with you: stay current on your reading.
This passage gives some valuable insight on several key parts of our faith.
8:26-27. When you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray. He knows what you should be asking for. And then simply talk to God. Don't forget to thank Him, Remember to express concern for others as well as yourself...but don't use language that you normally don't use, and don't pray something "canned" every time. Once in while it's okay to recite a prayer that others have prayed, and make it your own...after all, that's what the Lord's Prayer is... but you also should just simply talk to God. The Holy Spirit knows what you need, and will help you to get the right message through to heaven, and He also helps heaven's response back to you.
Beginning in verse 28 of chapter 8 we see some talk of predestination. In the Methodist tradition we believe that God "predestined" everyone to go to heaven. He "calls" all of us. Not everyone responds. Having read everything that Paul has written, I'm not sure if he believed that, or if He believed that God called some and not others. It doesn't really matter, because a close examination of the Scripture reveals that God wants EVERYONE to go to heaven, and he isn't willing that ANY should perish. (John 3). That doesn't mean we all go, because we have to choose and accept it first.
8:37-39 Nothing can stop God from loving us. That's a verse worth remembering. You won't ever do something that causes God to quit loving you. You may do something that causes you to lose His favor, but never His love.
Chapter 9, down through verse 26 or so, is what I am talking about when I say that I'm not sure that Paul believed everyone was created for heaven. Otherwise, how could he say as he does in verse 22 that some people he is simply "putting up with" because they were created to be destroyed from the very beginning? Again, Paul is speaking hypothetically here, and even if it were true, there isn't any way that we could ever know who God had chosen and who was rejected. Of course the devil would whisper in your ear everyday that "you are one that God rejects". But God would never tell you that, and the devil is a liar, so even if you heard that you couldn't ever believe it. I don't think God created a single person EVER that He doesn't want to see with Him in Heaven. We are his handiwork, and when He created us, He said "it is very good". Very good doesn't automatically go to hell, even when we ask to be forgiven. If we confess, we go to heaven. That's what God promised, and He never goes back on a promise.
And so, just to make you wonder what he really believes, he says in 10:4 "there may be righteousness for everyone who believes" Paul seems to say "anyone" and "everyone" several times in chapter 10.
Don't miss the whole plan of salvation, laid out clearly in 10:9 "if you confess and believe you will be saved" (my abbreviated version). This is an example of your brain, your heart and your mouth all working together to bring about the salvation of your eternal soul.
Our call to be missionaries is found in chapter 10 also: those who bring good news are desirable. That means people who testify. You don't have to go to a foreign country to be a missionary. Just testify.
PR
December 17, 2014
Today marks a real landmark for me. I finally have caught back up with my devotional blog writing after falling almost a week behind. Here's the lesson that I learned: I can make up a day or even two if I really apply myself. But if I neglect my reading or writing more than one day, the difficulty to catch back up intensifies. What I mean is, the difficulty doesn't add....it multiplies. And I also found that my frustration with myself magnifies as well. For whatever reason, I feel better about that fact that I am reading and jotting down quick thoughts every day....even though I doubt that anything I am writing has any significant value. There are times when I think to myself "why bother" but since I feel like I should, maybe the Lord is teaching me something through this. In any case allow me to share my latest learning experience with you: stay current on your reading.
This passage gives some valuable insight on several key parts of our faith.
8:26-27. When you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray. He knows what you should be asking for. And then simply talk to God. Don't forget to thank Him, Remember to express concern for others as well as yourself...but don't use language that you normally don't use, and don't pray something "canned" every time. Once in while it's okay to recite a prayer that others have prayed, and make it your own...after all, that's what the Lord's Prayer is... but you also should just simply talk to God. The Holy Spirit knows what you need, and will help you to get the right message through to heaven, and He also helps heaven's response back to you.
Beginning in verse 28 of chapter 8 we see some talk of predestination. In the Methodist tradition we believe that God "predestined" everyone to go to heaven. He "calls" all of us. Not everyone responds. Having read everything that Paul has written, I'm not sure if he believed that, or if He believed that God called some and not others. It doesn't really matter, because a close examination of the Scripture reveals that God wants EVERYONE to go to heaven, and he isn't willing that ANY should perish. (John 3). That doesn't mean we all go, because we have to choose and accept it first.
8:37-39 Nothing can stop God from loving us. That's a verse worth remembering. You won't ever do something that causes God to quit loving you. You may do something that causes you to lose His favor, but never His love.
Chapter 9, down through verse 26 or so, is what I am talking about when I say that I'm not sure that Paul believed everyone was created for heaven. Otherwise, how could he say as he does in verse 22 that some people he is simply "putting up with" because they were created to be destroyed from the very beginning? Again, Paul is speaking hypothetically here, and even if it were true, there isn't any way that we could ever know who God had chosen and who was rejected. Of course the devil would whisper in your ear everyday that "you are one that God rejects". But God would never tell you that, and the devil is a liar, so even if you heard that you couldn't ever believe it. I don't think God created a single person EVER that He doesn't want to see with Him in Heaven. We are his handiwork, and when He created us, He said "it is very good". Very good doesn't automatically go to hell, even when we ask to be forgiven. If we confess, we go to heaven. That's what God promised, and He never goes back on a promise.
And so, just to make you wonder what he really believes, he says in 10:4 "there may be righteousness for everyone who believes" Paul seems to say "anyone" and "everyone" several times in chapter 10.
Don't miss the whole plan of salvation, laid out clearly in 10:9 "if you confess and believe you will be saved" (my abbreviated version). This is an example of your brain, your heart and your mouth all working together to bring about the salvation of your eternal soul.
Our call to be missionaries is found in chapter 10 also: those who bring good news are desirable. That means people who testify. You don't have to go to a foreign country to be a missionary. Just testify.
PR
Romans 4-7
December 16, 2014
We hear again in today's reading that salvation is not from obeying the Law, that is; the commandments and teachings found in the Old Testament. Rather, it is from accepting by faith the free gift that Jesus offers. The gift IS salvation (forgiveness) of our sins, and if we accept, then it follows that we are no longer banned from entrance into heaven. Therefore, if we accept forgiveness, we once again become residents of heaven.
In today's passage Paul eludes to several things that happen to a Christian beginning with the salvation experience. He mentions that we have a new perspective on life in Chapter 5. I think of it like this: Because I am now a resident of heaven (and while I am on earth I am away from home) I see suffering differently than I used to. I used to see suffering as bad for my earthly body...it made me uncomfortable, and that was not desired. But now, I realize that I am more than an earthly body...I am also a spiritual being, and it occurs to me that when I suffer it produces spiritual results that I truly desire. Therefore, I rejoice (in a way) when I suffer, because the suffering produces perseverence, which helps me to develop better character, and the person that has great character also has great hope. This is what I want, and suffering is one means by which it comes.
It may be that my earthly body pays the price for the growth of my spiritual body. That's okay with me, because I am gaining what I cannot lose while losing what I could never hold onto anyway. The earth is filled with people who are desperately trying to extend the life of their earthly bodies. There's nothing wrong with that, as long as developing the eternal spirit is a higher priority. It is the height of foolishness to make life in this body your number one priority. It's simply building a castle in the sand...there was never any way that it would survive.
Paul reinforces his primary teaching with several illustrations and some rather complicated conversation. It helps me to know that he was speaking to the Jews in Rome, who had a real hurdle to clear in order to believe. The actual concept is easier for you and I to accept, because we don't have all the years of obedience to the original law, and the underlying belief that it was this law that brought about our salvation. We also don't have to accept that Jesus died for others, not just us. We are the others! Paul's writing here is at times a little complicated, but it's simple because his original audience was deeply mired in tradition and incorrect doctrine.
I find myself thinking as I read these chapters "Paul, I got it the first time....what else do you have?"
PR
December 16, 2014
We hear again in today's reading that salvation is not from obeying the Law, that is; the commandments and teachings found in the Old Testament. Rather, it is from accepting by faith the free gift that Jesus offers. The gift IS salvation (forgiveness) of our sins, and if we accept, then it follows that we are no longer banned from entrance into heaven. Therefore, if we accept forgiveness, we once again become residents of heaven.
In today's passage Paul eludes to several things that happen to a Christian beginning with the salvation experience. He mentions that we have a new perspective on life in Chapter 5. I think of it like this: Because I am now a resident of heaven (and while I am on earth I am away from home) I see suffering differently than I used to. I used to see suffering as bad for my earthly body...it made me uncomfortable, and that was not desired. But now, I realize that I am more than an earthly body...I am also a spiritual being, and it occurs to me that when I suffer it produces spiritual results that I truly desire. Therefore, I rejoice (in a way) when I suffer, because the suffering produces perseverence, which helps me to develop better character, and the person that has great character also has great hope. This is what I want, and suffering is one means by which it comes.
It may be that my earthly body pays the price for the growth of my spiritual body. That's okay with me, because I am gaining what I cannot lose while losing what I could never hold onto anyway. The earth is filled with people who are desperately trying to extend the life of their earthly bodies. There's nothing wrong with that, as long as developing the eternal spirit is a higher priority. It is the height of foolishness to make life in this body your number one priority. It's simply building a castle in the sand...there was never any way that it would survive.
Paul reinforces his primary teaching with several illustrations and some rather complicated conversation. It helps me to know that he was speaking to the Jews in Rome, who had a real hurdle to clear in order to believe. The actual concept is easier for you and I to accept, because we don't have all the years of obedience to the original law, and the underlying belief that it was this law that brought about our salvation. We also don't have to accept that Jesus died for others, not just us. We are the others! Paul's writing here is at times a little complicated, but it's simple because his original audience was deeply mired in tradition and incorrect doctrine.
I find myself thinking as I read these chapters "Paul, I got it the first time....what else do you have?"
PR
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Acts 20 and Romans 1-3
December 15, 2014
In Acts we learn that Paul is heading back toward Jerusalem, and tells the leaders from Ephesus that they will never see him again. Then in Romans we read that Paul eagerly desires to travel to Rome and witness to the people there. This journey to Jerusalem, and then on to Rome will mark the last trip that Paul makes, as he is martyred in Rome some years later. Oddly enough it says to me that Paul was always looking forward, and planning for the future. Maybe it's because we are getting close to the end of the year, but my thoughts have turned to planning recently. Here is Paul heading toward Jerusalem, but he is sending a letter to Rome, so that when his time in Jerusalem is over, he can quickly be out on the road again. I think we can learn a lesson from that. As we head into Christmas, we should be sending out feelers for Easter (that sort of thing). As we prepare for Easter, we should already have our summer VBS planned out. The church seems to suffer when we don't allow enough time for planning. If as leaders we don't make our decisions early, then others are hindered in allowing their creative juices to flow.
There isn't even a hint of sadness in Paul's writing. He must have known that he was getting closer to the "end of the line"....he even mentions that in one place, but he never dwells on it. That's interesting. It reminds me that I need to keep my face forward, and my eyes on the goal. We have a limited time here on earth to minister, and we shouldn't indulge in too much self absorption. I think the devil occasionally uses the "pity party" to get us off track and make us less effective.
A quick word on Paul's discussion of the law v. grace: Paul is saying that Jews were first to receive the Gospel, and that the Good News that Jesus preached is simply a continuation of what the Jews have had all along. There isn't anything wrong with circumcision, if you are a Jew. If you aren't a Jew, it's a little late to start trying to "keep the law" now....since Jesus has come and effectively completed the whole sacrificial system, and given us a new way to be seen as righteous in God's eyes. In this new dispensation, it is the belief in Jesus Christ, the acknowledgement of our sinful state and the confession of our sins to Him that allows us to receive forgiveness. It used to be adherence to the law: be circumcised, offer certain sacrifices, do this..don't do that. etc. None of that is how we are saved anymore. It was good up until the time of Jesus, now it's outdated, and you are wasting your time to try and go back and "do it the way the Jews used to do it". Paul says that the one thing that the Law is good for today is to point out to us that we need a Savior. It can't save us by itself, nor could it ever. Forget trying to earn your way to heaven, it isn't going to happen.
Now onto my third thought very quickly. In 2:27 it very plainly states that homosexuality is shameful. I'm not denying that people have these feelings, I'm just saying that Jesus doesn't want us to. Some people believe they were born to be alcoholic, or drug abusers. I don't think God created any of us with a design flaw like that. There's no denying that we somehow get that way, but it isn't fair to God to say that He did it. After all, it's His Word that says that it isn't valued. Trying to argue that God wants some people to be homosexual is proof that 2:28 is true. "he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done."
I'm not saying that we shouldn't love people who are struggling with sexual issues, I think we should love them. One way that we truly love people is to tell them when they are doing something that is harming them. If you truly love Jesus, then you will be compelled to share this truth with others. Just make sure you do it in a humble loving way, without coming off arrogant or self righteous.
Hoping that you are blessed,
PR
December 15, 2014
In Acts we learn that Paul is heading back toward Jerusalem, and tells the leaders from Ephesus that they will never see him again. Then in Romans we read that Paul eagerly desires to travel to Rome and witness to the people there. This journey to Jerusalem, and then on to Rome will mark the last trip that Paul makes, as he is martyred in Rome some years later. Oddly enough it says to me that Paul was always looking forward, and planning for the future. Maybe it's because we are getting close to the end of the year, but my thoughts have turned to planning recently. Here is Paul heading toward Jerusalem, but he is sending a letter to Rome, so that when his time in Jerusalem is over, he can quickly be out on the road again. I think we can learn a lesson from that. As we head into Christmas, we should be sending out feelers for Easter (that sort of thing). As we prepare for Easter, we should already have our summer VBS planned out. The church seems to suffer when we don't allow enough time for planning. If as leaders we don't make our decisions early, then others are hindered in allowing their creative juices to flow.
There isn't even a hint of sadness in Paul's writing. He must have known that he was getting closer to the "end of the line"....he even mentions that in one place, but he never dwells on it. That's interesting. It reminds me that I need to keep my face forward, and my eyes on the goal. We have a limited time here on earth to minister, and we shouldn't indulge in too much self absorption. I think the devil occasionally uses the "pity party" to get us off track and make us less effective.
A quick word on Paul's discussion of the law v. grace: Paul is saying that Jews were first to receive the Gospel, and that the Good News that Jesus preached is simply a continuation of what the Jews have had all along. There isn't anything wrong with circumcision, if you are a Jew. If you aren't a Jew, it's a little late to start trying to "keep the law" now....since Jesus has come and effectively completed the whole sacrificial system, and given us a new way to be seen as righteous in God's eyes. In this new dispensation, it is the belief in Jesus Christ, the acknowledgement of our sinful state and the confession of our sins to Him that allows us to receive forgiveness. It used to be adherence to the law: be circumcised, offer certain sacrifices, do this..don't do that. etc. None of that is how we are saved anymore. It was good up until the time of Jesus, now it's outdated, and you are wasting your time to try and go back and "do it the way the Jews used to do it". Paul says that the one thing that the Law is good for today is to point out to us that we need a Savior. It can't save us by itself, nor could it ever. Forget trying to earn your way to heaven, it isn't going to happen.
Now onto my third thought very quickly. In 2:27 it very plainly states that homosexuality is shameful. I'm not denying that people have these feelings, I'm just saying that Jesus doesn't want us to. Some people believe they were born to be alcoholic, or drug abusers. I don't think God created any of us with a design flaw like that. There's no denying that we somehow get that way, but it isn't fair to God to say that He did it. After all, it's His Word that says that it isn't valued. Trying to argue that God wants some people to be homosexual is proof that 2:28 is true. "he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done."
I'm not saying that we shouldn't love people who are struggling with sexual issues, I think we should love them. One way that we truly love people is to tell them when they are doing something that is harming them. If you truly love Jesus, then you will be compelled to share this truth with others. Just make sure you do it in a humble loving way, without coming off arrogant or self righteous.
Hoping that you are blessed,
PR
2 Corinthians 10-13
December 14, 2014
Paul speaks of the many difficulties that he has encountered, and I suspect that he didn't mention them all, only the most compelling ones. I marvel at the ability God gives to withstand difficulties and trials. Are you undergoing a difficult trial? Remember that God gives strength. Are you being persecuted because of your love for Jesus? None of your efforts go unnoticed by the Lord. He will strengthen and keep you in His hand. We often look at the many trials Paul went through and wonder how he could remain faithful and obedient through them all. Maybe what we should be doing is marveling at how much strength God gave him. Were it not for God's strength, Paul would likely have collapsed during his first beating.
This brings me to my thought for today. It concerns Paul's thorn. Even with all this powerful working of God in his life, Paul still had a problem that Jesus chose to leave there. I wonder why? Certainly there was no question as to Paul's dedication or commitment to the Gospel. I have heard people speculate that God left it so that Paul would learn more about God's ability to work through our weaknesses. That is to say, if God had healed Paul, he might not have been able to say "when I am weak, I am strong" or "God chose the weak things to shame the strong".
It is possible that when we pray and ask God to deliver us from our problems we are actually praying to limit our potential! It could be that our response to the problem, or the way we choose to deal with the problem spiritually is the pathway to our real ministry. The problem that we wish would go away could actually be the very thing that God wants us to struggle with, so that we (and others) can learn something more about Him in the process.
The next time God doesn't quickly remove a problem from your life that you asked Him to, consider the possibility that He has that problem in your life for a reason.
PR
December 14, 2014
Paul speaks of the many difficulties that he has encountered, and I suspect that he didn't mention them all, only the most compelling ones. I marvel at the ability God gives to withstand difficulties and trials. Are you undergoing a difficult trial? Remember that God gives strength. Are you being persecuted because of your love for Jesus? None of your efforts go unnoticed by the Lord. He will strengthen and keep you in His hand. We often look at the many trials Paul went through and wonder how he could remain faithful and obedient through them all. Maybe what we should be doing is marveling at how much strength God gave him. Were it not for God's strength, Paul would likely have collapsed during his first beating.
This brings me to my thought for today. It concerns Paul's thorn. Even with all this powerful working of God in his life, Paul still had a problem that Jesus chose to leave there. I wonder why? Certainly there was no question as to Paul's dedication or commitment to the Gospel. I have heard people speculate that God left it so that Paul would learn more about God's ability to work through our weaknesses. That is to say, if God had healed Paul, he might not have been able to say "when I am weak, I am strong" or "God chose the weak things to shame the strong".
It is possible that when we pray and ask God to deliver us from our problems we are actually praying to limit our potential! It could be that our response to the problem, or the way we choose to deal with the problem spiritually is the pathway to our real ministry. The problem that we wish would go away could actually be the very thing that God wants us to struggle with, so that we (and others) can learn something more about Him in the process.
The next time God doesn't quickly remove a problem from your life that you asked Him to, consider the possibility that He has that problem in your life for a reason.
PR
2 Corinthians 5-9
December 13, 2014
Two observations today: Paul seems to be more tender in this letter than in the first. It sounds like the church responded very well to his first letter, and perhaps even had their feelings hurt a little bit. I am sure that wasn't Paul's intent...perhaps he does come off a little strong sometimes.
Second thought: Paul shifts his focus from basic topics of righteousness, ie: not sleeping with your father's wife, etc. to a slightly more advanced topic, giving.
I thought as I read today "this would be a good place to discuss giving". So here goes....
Most people do not want anyone to know what they give, whether it be amount or ministries supported. What we do with our resources is fairly private, and it should be. The Bible says "don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing" when it comes to resourcing ministries. On the other hand, if no one ever knows what is going on, then how can we remain accountable? At what point does anonymity become the "cover of darkness" where sin has a chance to fester? To put it another way, if I am never taught or challenged in my giving habits then I may never grow in that area. Our desire to keep everything private could potentially result in abnormally developed Christians.
The amount we give to the church has been a tenth of our income, ever since the time that Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of the plunder from his raid. It may have been dictated by God before that but if it was, we don't know it. The most common question is "does that mean a tenth from the net or the gross?" if your intent in asking the question is to get more money for yourself, then you need to reexamine your motives, and ask a different question. Stop looking for the minimum, and find a way within your budget to contribute even more to the Lord. Speaking of giving to the Lord, that's exactly what our tithe is. We don't give it to the "church" or the "Pastor", but to the Lord. What the church does with becomes their responsibility. If you serve in leadership, then it probably is your responsibility as well. If you don't agree with what the church does with the money, state your opinion and try to get it changed. If they won't change, then find a different place to worship. Don't keep attending and not contribute...that's not fair to the church, and it's a bad habit to get into.
Sometimes people ask me "can I give a part of my tithe to other ministries"? and I generally say "sure". After all, you give your tithe to the Lord, not the church. However, keep in mind that the local church needs your support as well. None of the para church ministries survive unless the local church survives. It's the local church that meets your day to day needs, helps teach the children of the community, cares for the elderly and shares the Gospel locally,,,and even globally. In fact, if it weren't for the local church, you may not even have been aware that others need your help as well. The church is operating in faith when they bring the needs of the larger body to your attention They are trusting that God will find a way to help continue the current ministries while helping others who need assistance. Generally, it's best to give your tithe to the local church and then support other ministries out of "offerings" which are over and above your tithe.
Designating money has always been one way to help encourage people to give. If they know the money is going to a particular project, especially it it's one they like, they are prone to give more. But we shouldn't "designate" our tithe, because that is just another way to trying to control what we claim to have given over to God. Offerings can always be designated, but tithes should not be, as a general rule. If you want to be involved in where the money goes, then find your way into a leadership position, or talk to someone who already is, and make your point known. In a healthy church, they will listen and consider what God may be revealing to them through you.
Pastors generally don't like to talk about money, myself included. I feel like I am asking for a handout or something...it's uncomfortable. I even feel a little tense when Paul is talking about money. Maybe that's because of the culture, and how important we have made money...or maybe it's a fear that people won't like me if I get involved in their business in this personal way. Either way, it sets up a difficult situation: People want giving to be private, pastors don't like to talk about it, and it's often misunderstood and never followed up. No wonder our churches often have a difficult time establishing budgets and seeing growth in this area.
I think the solution is a little more transparency on both sides. The giver should allow a person or two to encourage them to be faithful and accountable, and the church should be even more receptive to suggestions from the body about where the money given should be allocated.
Blessings to you, as you think and pray about what the Lord is saying to you about this topic,
PR
December 13, 2014
Two observations today: Paul seems to be more tender in this letter than in the first. It sounds like the church responded very well to his first letter, and perhaps even had their feelings hurt a little bit. I am sure that wasn't Paul's intent...perhaps he does come off a little strong sometimes.
Second thought: Paul shifts his focus from basic topics of righteousness, ie: not sleeping with your father's wife, etc. to a slightly more advanced topic, giving.
I thought as I read today "this would be a good place to discuss giving". So here goes....
Most people do not want anyone to know what they give, whether it be amount or ministries supported. What we do with our resources is fairly private, and it should be. The Bible says "don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing" when it comes to resourcing ministries. On the other hand, if no one ever knows what is going on, then how can we remain accountable? At what point does anonymity become the "cover of darkness" where sin has a chance to fester? To put it another way, if I am never taught or challenged in my giving habits then I may never grow in that area. Our desire to keep everything private could potentially result in abnormally developed Christians.
The amount we give to the church has been a tenth of our income, ever since the time that Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of the plunder from his raid. It may have been dictated by God before that but if it was, we don't know it. The most common question is "does that mean a tenth from the net or the gross?" if your intent in asking the question is to get more money for yourself, then you need to reexamine your motives, and ask a different question. Stop looking for the minimum, and find a way within your budget to contribute even more to the Lord. Speaking of giving to the Lord, that's exactly what our tithe is. We don't give it to the "church" or the "Pastor", but to the Lord. What the church does with becomes their responsibility. If you serve in leadership, then it probably is your responsibility as well. If you don't agree with what the church does with the money, state your opinion and try to get it changed. If they won't change, then find a different place to worship. Don't keep attending and not contribute...that's not fair to the church, and it's a bad habit to get into.
Sometimes people ask me "can I give a part of my tithe to other ministries"? and I generally say "sure". After all, you give your tithe to the Lord, not the church. However, keep in mind that the local church needs your support as well. None of the para church ministries survive unless the local church survives. It's the local church that meets your day to day needs, helps teach the children of the community, cares for the elderly and shares the Gospel locally,,,and even globally. In fact, if it weren't for the local church, you may not even have been aware that others need your help as well. The church is operating in faith when they bring the needs of the larger body to your attention They are trusting that God will find a way to help continue the current ministries while helping others who need assistance. Generally, it's best to give your tithe to the local church and then support other ministries out of "offerings" which are over and above your tithe.
Designating money has always been one way to help encourage people to give. If they know the money is going to a particular project, especially it it's one they like, they are prone to give more. But we shouldn't "designate" our tithe, because that is just another way to trying to control what we claim to have given over to God. Offerings can always be designated, but tithes should not be, as a general rule. If you want to be involved in where the money goes, then find your way into a leadership position, or talk to someone who already is, and make your point known. In a healthy church, they will listen and consider what God may be revealing to them through you.
Pastors generally don't like to talk about money, myself included. I feel like I am asking for a handout or something...it's uncomfortable. I even feel a little tense when Paul is talking about money. Maybe that's because of the culture, and how important we have made money...or maybe it's a fear that people won't like me if I get involved in their business in this personal way. Either way, it sets up a difficult situation: People want giving to be private, pastors don't like to talk about it, and it's often misunderstood and never followed up. No wonder our churches often have a difficult time establishing budgets and seeing growth in this area.
I think the solution is a little more transparency on both sides. The giver should allow a person or two to encourage them to be faithful and accountable, and the church should be even more receptive to suggestions from the body about where the money given should be allocated.
Blessings to you, as you think and pray about what the Lord is saying to you about this topic,
PR
2 Corinthians 1-4
December 12, 2014
It seems like there are a lot of my favorite verses, or at least verses I remember using often in these 4 chapters.
1:22 God has put His Holy Spirit in our hearts, guaranteeing our entrance into heaven
2:14-16 We are the fragrance of Jesus. To those being saved we are the aroma of Christ, and to those perishing we are the smell of death. I did a series of sermons on this passage once for the graduating class at the Warren County Christian School. It impressed upon me the idea that not everyone is going to like us because we are Christians. To some, we are a reminder of their shortcoming.
3:17 Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
3:18 We who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory.. I write this one separate from the verse above because I sometimes use only 3:17 in my thought process. It is meant to be used with the thought about our discipleship and our transformation.
4:7-9 we have this treasure in jars of clay....hard pressed but not crushed, etc.
4:16-18 our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us a glory that outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes on not what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. This is a great verse that helps us remember that what really matters isn't always what is most obvious, or most pressing at the moment.
When I first decided to blog about my devotions for a year I had no idea what level of commitment that would take, or what I would learn from it. Even today I am reaping the benefits of that decision. For instance, I had not realized how many of my "key life verses" came from 2 Corinthians. I'm not sure it means anything at the moment, but it seems interesting that so many would be in the same place.
PR
December 12, 2014
It seems like there are a lot of my favorite verses, or at least verses I remember using often in these 4 chapters.
1:22 God has put His Holy Spirit in our hearts, guaranteeing our entrance into heaven
2:14-16 We are the fragrance of Jesus. To those being saved we are the aroma of Christ, and to those perishing we are the smell of death. I did a series of sermons on this passage once for the graduating class at the Warren County Christian School. It impressed upon me the idea that not everyone is going to like us because we are Christians. To some, we are a reminder of their shortcoming.
3:17 Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
3:18 We who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory.. I write this one separate from the verse above because I sometimes use only 3:17 in my thought process. It is meant to be used with the thought about our discipleship and our transformation.
4:7-9 we have this treasure in jars of clay....hard pressed but not crushed, etc.
4:16-18 our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us a glory that outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes on not what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. This is a great verse that helps us remember that what really matters isn't always what is most obvious, or most pressing at the moment.
When I first decided to blog about my devotions for a year I had no idea what level of commitment that would take, or what I would learn from it. Even today I am reaping the benefits of that decision. For instance, I had not realized how many of my "key life verses" came from 2 Corinthians. I'm not sure it means anything at the moment, but it seems interesting that so many would be in the same place.
PR
Monday, December 15, 2014
1 Corinthians 15-16
December 11th, 2014
Some time I should jot down a few notes about how the early church set money aside each week so they could meet needs as they arose. Paul mentions this weekly offering in Chapter 16. Maybe that's part of where our weekly giving tradition comes from. The tithe sets the amount, and the weekly offering sets the regularity.
Instead of spending time there however, I want to relay a thought on our resurrection bodies. You see, this body that we now inhabit is not the body that will inherit heaven. Our heavenly body will be somewhat different from this one. Exactly how different we do not know, but we do know that we will be better than what we are presently. I use this example from time to time when I conduct a funeral: the seed you place in the ground could be a kernel of corn. It's hard and yellow, and really not much of a meal. Once it begins to die, it germinates and produces a corn stalk....which is far larger than the kernel that went into the ground, and looks nothing at all like it. And then, from that tiny kernel, also comes not one, not two but often three and four whole ears of corn. Every ear filled with many tiny kernels. Think for a moment of our earthly bodies as small kernels, and try to imagine what our resurrection body will be like.....wow!
There simply is no way to imagine how wonderful what God has prepared is going to be! But the only way to receive this incredible new, perfect body is to agree to the terms that God has established in advance. You must accept that He is truly God, and that Jesus Christ is His Son. If you truly believe that, you can ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and they will be forgiven. If you truly believe, it will (of course) change your attitude toward the Bible, The Church, and other Christians. Because instead of dull history the Bible becomes a love letter and an instruction manual. The Church becomes a health care center, and other Christians become your relatives....the kind of relatives you like to have around. Everything changes when you truly accept that Jesus is who He says He is.
When your sins are forgiven, your eternal destiny is changed. It was your sin that was holding you back, keeping you in bondage, and steering you toward hell. Now that your sin is gone, never to be seen or remembered again, you are free on a spiritual level, you have been adopted as a child and an heir of Jesus, and you are on your way to heaven. All this happens in the split second that you truly believe, and confess to Jesus and invite Him to take control of your life.
This is what Paul is stressing and urging the Church to grab a hold of here in Chapter 15. Christ has died for our sins, and we are now heirs and eternal beings....we should be acting like it.
The law (God's Law) was how we knew what was wrong. Once God said "don't do this" and we did it anyway, we became guilty. Sin comes from violating the Law, and death comes from sin. When Jesus rose from the dead, He proved that He is more powerful even than death itself, and conquered the final challenge for all Christians. Since death cannot hold Jesus, it cannot hold us. He is now above the Law, above sin and above death. And since we are His children, we are above them as well.
Of course this doesn't mean that we will never sin again, but when we do, we have an eternal, loving heavenly Father who intercedes for us and continues to forgive us whenever we ask. Through Him we remain pure, as we remain humble and repentant.
PR
December 11th, 2014
Some time I should jot down a few notes about how the early church set money aside each week so they could meet needs as they arose. Paul mentions this weekly offering in Chapter 16. Maybe that's part of where our weekly giving tradition comes from. The tithe sets the amount, and the weekly offering sets the regularity.
Instead of spending time there however, I want to relay a thought on our resurrection bodies. You see, this body that we now inhabit is not the body that will inherit heaven. Our heavenly body will be somewhat different from this one. Exactly how different we do not know, but we do know that we will be better than what we are presently. I use this example from time to time when I conduct a funeral: the seed you place in the ground could be a kernel of corn. It's hard and yellow, and really not much of a meal. Once it begins to die, it germinates and produces a corn stalk....which is far larger than the kernel that went into the ground, and looks nothing at all like it. And then, from that tiny kernel, also comes not one, not two but often three and four whole ears of corn. Every ear filled with many tiny kernels. Think for a moment of our earthly bodies as small kernels, and try to imagine what our resurrection body will be like.....wow!
There simply is no way to imagine how wonderful what God has prepared is going to be! But the only way to receive this incredible new, perfect body is to agree to the terms that God has established in advance. You must accept that He is truly God, and that Jesus Christ is His Son. If you truly believe that, you can ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and they will be forgiven. If you truly believe, it will (of course) change your attitude toward the Bible, The Church, and other Christians. Because instead of dull history the Bible becomes a love letter and an instruction manual. The Church becomes a health care center, and other Christians become your relatives....the kind of relatives you like to have around. Everything changes when you truly accept that Jesus is who He says He is.
When your sins are forgiven, your eternal destiny is changed. It was your sin that was holding you back, keeping you in bondage, and steering you toward hell. Now that your sin is gone, never to be seen or remembered again, you are free on a spiritual level, you have been adopted as a child and an heir of Jesus, and you are on your way to heaven. All this happens in the split second that you truly believe, and confess to Jesus and invite Him to take control of your life.
This is what Paul is stressing and urging the Church to grab a hold of here in Chapter 15. Christ has died for our sins, and we are now heirs and eternal beings....we should be acting like it.
The law (God's Law) was how we knew what was wrong. Once God said "don't do this" and we did it anyway, we became guilty. Sin comes from violating the Law, and death comes from sin. When Jesus rose from the dead, He proved that He is more powerful even than death itself, and conquered the final challenge for all Christians. Since death cannot hold Jesus, it cannot hold us. He is now above the Law, above sin and above death. And since we are His children, we are above them as well.
Of course this doesn't mean that we will never sin again, but when we do, we have an eternal, loving heavenly Father who intercedes for us and continues to forgive us whenever we ask. Through Him we remain pure, as we remain humble and repentant.
PR
1 Corinthians 12-14
December 10, 2014
1 Corinthians 13 is often recited at weddings and is commonly referred to as the "love chapter". That's fine, as long as you remember that it is directly tied to chapter 11, which is talking about spiritual gifts. Paul identifies a long list of gifts that the Holy Spirit gives, but it isn't meant to be complete. Paul can no more give a complete list of what the Holy Spirit can provide than he can BE the Holy Spirit. He is simply mentioning some of the gifts. so then, Chapter 12 tells us that the Holy Spirit gives talents and abilities to people as He sees fit. Some receive several gifts, others only one, but every Christian receives something, and every Christian is therefore needed and valuable. No one is left without a spiritual gift. That makes christian living both wonderful and problematic. It's wonderful in that no one has to do everything, and yet everything is possible, because the abilities are all there. Nothing is missing. We can and should experience the wholeness of the Gospel, both in worship and in service. It's problematic because it's very difficult to get all those people working together. That's where chapter 13 comes in.
13 says "it doesn't matter how many gifts you have if you don't love others". Love isn't a spiritual gift in the strictest sense, because it is meant for everyone. You could call it a spiritual gift, but you would also have to say that it's the gift that every single christian receives, on top of their other gifts. The problem with that interpretation is, not every christian operates out of love. So if it is a gift, they must not be using it. Paul is urging us to "operate out of love. be motivated and directed and guided by it." Love doesn't always let the other person have their own way. Love takes the keys from a drunk, and puts up with the abuse that follows. Love stays firm when a teenager creates a dust cloud in the home. But love also allows a fellow christian to express them-self, without insisting that everything be done MY way.
Without love, the whole of the church comes apart at the seams. The gifts are given, but they cannot work together. Without love you have a grating, grinding, clashing mess instead of a symphony. Love provides just the right amount of pressure, tension, relief and lubricant to make the machine operate smoothly.
After Paul discusses love, he mentions the gifts of prophesy and tongues. Within the church we have too often taken a polarizing view of these gifts. We demand them to be either essential or non-existent. Some churches refuse to recognize the Holy Spirit unless tongues is also given, and other churches deny that the Holy Spirit is present if a person speaks in tongues. The end result is a split among believers where there shouldn't be one. At the end of the day, the Church operating in love insists that all gifts be used, as long as the Spirit is the source.
Love allows the Church to harmonize, instead of being a choir of solo voices.
PR
December 10, 2014
1 Corinthians 13 is often recited at weddings and is commonly referred to as the "love chapter". That's fine, as long as you remember that it is directly tied to chapter 11, which is talking about spiritual gifts. Paul identifies a long list of gifts that the Holy Spirit gives, but it isn't meant to be complete. Paul can no more give a complete list of what the Holy Spirit can provide than he can BE the Holy Spirit. He is simply mentioning some of the gifts. so then, Chapter 12 tells us that the Holy Spirit gives talents and abilities to people as He sees fit. Some receive several gifts, others only one, but every Christian receives something, and every Christian is therefore needed and valuable. No one is left without a spiritual gift. That makes christian living both wonderful and problematic. It's wonderful in that no one has to do everything, and yet everything is possible, because the abilities are all there. Nothing is missing. We can and should experience the wholeness of the Gospel, both in worship and in service. It's problematic because it's very difficult to get all those people working together. That's where chapter 13 comes in.
13 says "it doesn't matter how many gifts you have if you don't love others". Love isn't a spiritual gift in the strictest sense, because it is meant for everyone. You could call it a spiritual gift, but you would also have to say that it's the gift that every single christian receives, on top of their other gifts. The problem with that interpretation is, not every christian operates out of love. So if it is a gift, they must not be using it. Paul is urging us to "operate out of love. be motivated and directed and guided by it." Love doesn't always let the other person have their own way. Love takes the keys from a drunk, and puts up with the abuse that follows. Love stays firm when a teenager creates a dust cloud in the home. But love also allows a fellow christian to express them-self, without insisting that everything be done MY way.
Without love, the whole of the church comes apart at the seams. The gifts are given, but they cannot work together. Without love you have a grating, grinding, clashing mess instead of a symphony. Love provides just the right amount of pressure, tension, relief and lubricant to make the machine operate smoothly.
After Paul discusses love, he mentions the gifts of prophesy and tongues. Within the church we have too often taken a polarizing view of these gifts. We demand them to be either essential or non-existent. Some churches refuse to recognize the Holy Spirit unless tongues is also given, and other churches deny that the Holy Spirit is present if a person speaks in tongues. The end result is a split among believers where there shouldn't be one. At the end of the day, the Church operating in love insists that all gifts be used, as long as the Spirit is the source.
Love allows the Church to harmonize, instead of being a choir of solo voices.
PR
1 Corinthians 9-11
December 9, 2014
From chapter 11: So is Paul saying that all Christian women should wear a hat when they pray? Actually I think that's exactly what he meant. But the command needs to be accepted in the context of the time in which Paul lived. Culturally, men were seen as first class citizens, and women as second class. Paul isn't trying to be cruel or short sighted here, he is simply stating a truth from his time. Jesus clearly didn't subjugate women, they were an important part of his ministry. In fact, it was counter cultural at the time. Jesus' ministry was supported by important women, and several key events in the Bible were revealed to women before men. For instance, the resurrection.
Some would say that long hair for women is still a sign of honor, and that men should have short hair. This passage should not be used to support that personal belief. Paul would most likely have been a staunch supporter of facial hair for men. In his day it was embarrassing for men to have their beard shaved off. Of course, today we realize that facial hair isn't a sign of godliness. It's a good thing too, because I can't grow a respectable looking beard.
By the way, no one knows what Paul meant when he says "for that reason, and because of the angels..." that remains a mystery. Maybe it was because all of the angels were men in the Bible. But what would that have to do with women having their head covered?
But this passage does bring up two very interesting debates: 1. should men be viewed as the leaders, and women the followers, since Paul says men were created first, and women were created for men? and 2. Why don't we simply accept whatever the Bible says as inflexible? Why do we sometimes say that we don't have to do something "because it was for their time only" or "we need to view it in context"? Why do we sometimes believe literally, and other times we don't?
Let me comment on both rather quickly.
1. It seems to me that God has given a "chain of command" to the earth. humans are in charge of animals, and within humans, men are in charge of women. There are instances where women are called and gifted by God to be in charge, and that's fine. Where would we be today without the contributions of the myriad of godly women who have carried the Gospel? What I am saying is that unless God specifically identifies differently, as He sometimes does, then women should allow the men to be in charge. In fact, things would probably run more smoothly if they insisted that the men do their job, and be in charge. Too often the ladies are forced to positions that God didn't intend for them because their husbands are too lazy or unmotivated to do what they are commanded to do.
Sorry, guys, but it's the truth.
I am a staunch supported of women in ministry, but I don't consider myself a feminist. God uses whoever He chooses to use, and we need to allow Him to make that decision. If God wants men to lead, then that's His choice to make, not ours. In most cases, I think that's what He prefers. Again, that has nothing to do with the value or social position of women. They are equally important, and just as valuable to the church as men. I don't believe at all they are inferior in any way....nor do I believe that they are superior in any way. Just different. There's a valuable insight....men and women are different. You should write that down.
On the second point, regarding literal vs. figurative, it isn't quite so easy. The student of scripture should study many different texts to see if there is a non-negotiable doctrinal point to be made. If the text in one place seems to be saying "men first" but in another place we see Jesus saying "women first" then we have to proceed with caution. When making these determinations, all the passages on the subject are considered, and so is the style of writing, and the location and purpose of the letter. When we say Jesus was speaking figuratively, it's because we know that he sometimes spoke in parable so that his teachings wouldn't be as plain. He had His reasons....it's not for us to decide. So today, we continue to debate things like how people dress, who's in charge, what's acceptable and what's not, etc. We consider what the church has believed and practiced since the early days of the faith, as well as what we sense God is doing among us today. Somewhere in the middle of all that, we humbly choose what is figurative and what is literal. It shouldn't have anything to do with whether or not we want to obey what is written.
PR
December 9, 2014
From chapter 11: So is Paul saying that all Christian women should wear a hat when they pray? Actually I think that's exactly what he meant. But the command needs to be accepted in the context of the time in which Paul lived. Culturally, men were seen as first class citizens, and women as second class. Paul isn't trying to be cruel or short sighted here, he is simply stating a truth from his time. Jesus clearly didn't subjugate women, they were an important part of his ministry. In fact, it was counter cultural at the time. Jesus' ministry was supported by important women, and several key events in the Bible were revealed to women before men. For instance, the resurrection.
Some would say that long hair for women is still a sign of honor, and that men should have short hair. This passage should not be used to support that personal belief. Paul would most likely have been a staunch supporter of facial hair for men. In his day it was embarrassing for men to have their beard shaved off. Of course, today we realize that facial hair isn't a sign of godliness. It's a good thing too, because I can't grow a respectable looking beard.
By the way, no one knows what Paul meant when he says "for that reason, and because of the angels..." that remains a mystery. Maybe it was because all of the angels were men in the Bible. But what would that have to do with women having their head covered?
But this passage does bring up two very interesting debates: 1. should men be viewed as the leaders, and women the followers, since Paul says men were created first, and women were created for men? and 2. Why don't we simply accept whatever the Bible says as inflexible? Why do we sometimes say that we don't have to do something "because it was for their time only" or "we need to view it in context"? Why do we sometimes believe literally, and other times we don't?
Let me comment on both rather quickly.
1. It seems to me that God has given a "chain of command" to the earth. humans are in charge of animals, and within humans, men are in charge of women. There are instances where women are called and gifted by God to be in charge, and that's fine. Where would we be today without the contributions of the myriad of godly women who have carried the Gospel? What I am saying is that unless God specifically identifies differently, as He sometimes does, then women should allow the men to be in charge. In fact, things would probably run more smoothly if they insisted that the men do their job, and be in charge. Too often the ladies are forced to positions that God didn't intend for them because their husbands are too lazy or unmotivated to do what they are commanded to do.
Sorry, guys, but it's the truth.
I am a staunch supported of women in ministry, but I don't consider myself a feminist. God uses whoever He chooses to use, and we need to allow Him to make that decision. If God wants men to lead, then that's His choice to make, not ours. In most cases, I think that's what He prefers. Again, that has nothing to do with the value or social position of women. They are equally important, and just as valuable to the church as men. I don't believe at all they are inferior in any way....nor do I believe that they are superior in any way. Just different. There's a valuable insight....men and women are different. You should write that down.
On the second point, regarding literal vs. figurative, it isn't quite so easy. The student of scripture should study many different texts to see if there is a non-negotiable doctrinal point to be made. If the text in one place seems to be saying "men first" but in another place we see Jesus saying "women first" then we have to proceed with caution. When making these determinations, all the passages on the subject are considered, and so is the style of writing, and the location and purpose of the letter. When we say Jesus was speaking figuratively, it's because we know that he sometimes spoke in parable so that his teachings wouldn't be as plain. He had His reasons....it's not for us to decide. So today, we continue to debate things like how people dress, who's in charge, what's acceptable and what's not, etc. We consider what the church has believed and practiced since the early days of the faith, as well as what we sense God is doing among us today. Somewhere in the middle of all that, we humbly choose what is figurative and what is literal. It shouldn't have anything to do with whether or not we want to obey what is written.
PR
1 Corinthians 5-8
December 8, 2014
In chapter three Paul introduces the topic of divisions within the Church. He begins a detailed teaching here in these chapters about what is permissible and what is best. In some cases he is stating his own opinion, in other places he is dictating doctrine. When he talks about marriage, he is occasionally stating his own opinion..he says so in verse 6 and 12 of chapter 7.
In 5, the church is rebuked for allowing a person who has knowingly remained in sin to be active within the church. The similarity today would be keeping this person active in membership and perhaps leadership. When someone decides to violate the covenant, they should be removed from favor and position. Today the church is guilty of this very thing with regard to homosexual leaders. Something that God has called an abomination is accepted, and even celebrated. 5:2 says that the church was "proud" of their decision. But that didn't make it right. The pathway back to holiness is to expel those who defy the teachings of Jesus Christ. I think they should still come to church, but should be seen as unbelievers, not as members of the fellowship. We don't treat unbelievers poorly, so we shouldn't treat them poorly either. With love and firmness we should encourage all believers to remain faithful.
Then Paul addresses lawsuits. It would appear that there isn't any forgiveness active within the church. When we forgive others it brings about a demonstration of the Spirit's power. In fact, forgiveness is a demonstration of the Spirit's power. What Paul is saying is "how do you expect anyone to believe that we are loving and forgiving people if you can't even get along with each other?" I can't remember a time when there weren't divisions within the church. The devil seems to thrive on creating problems between friends and brothers. And generally these problems are greatly overblown, almost to the point that it's humorous. I once saw families leave a church because one person brought doughnuts into a sunday school classroom. Another time it was over the piano. One time a man and his family left because people didn't agree with his opinion in a board meeting. None of these were good reasons, none of these folks were operating under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It didn't make them non-believers, just less than what they could be. In fact, God still worked through most of them...but their decisions cost the church a great deal of effectiveness. It would have been far better had they chosen to be humble, and submit to the overall will of the body...after all, nothing they were being asked to do was sinful, only different. And the rest of the body could have easily done the same...but both parties had hardened hearts.
Paul seems to believe that Jesus is coming back in his lifetime, and for that reason he says that we would be better not to marry. I think if Paul had known what we know today, he wouldn't have the exact same opinion...or the church would have ceased to exist! But his point is valid...God doesn't call all people to be married. Some are given "the gift" (I mean that seriously) of remaining single. It's a gift because it allows a greater flexibility to serve the Lord than what a married person can do. There isn't anything wrong with marriage, and there are many people who couldn't be in ministry unless they were married (myself included).
There's so much more to say on the subject of marriage, and behavior inside marriage, but the topic is sure to come up again before the end of the bible....we can discuss it more then. :)
PR
December 8, 2014
In chapter three Paul introduces the topic of divisions within the Church. He begins a detailed teaching here in these chapters about what is permissible and what is best. In some cases he is stating his own opinion, in other places he is dictating doctrine. When he talks about marriage, he is occasionally stating his own opinion..he says so in verse 6 and 12 of chapter 7.
In 5, the church is rebuked for allowing a person who has knowingly remained in sin to be active within the church. The similarity today would be keeping this person active in membership and perhaps leadership. When someone decides to violate the covenant, they should be removed from favor and position. Today the church is guilty of this very thing with regard to homosexual leaders. Something that God has called an abomination is accepted, and even celebrated. 5:2 says that the church was "proud" of their decision. But that didn't make it right. The pathway back to holiness is to expel those who defy the teachings of Jesus Christ. I think they should still come to church, but should be seen as unbelievers, not as members of the fellowship. We don't treat unbelievers poorly, so we shouldn't treat them poorly either. With love and firmness we should encourage all believers to remain faithful.
Then Paul addresses lawsuits. It would appear that there isn't any forgiveness active within the church. When we forgive others it brings about a demonstration of the Spirit's power. In fact, forgiveness is a demonstration of the Spirit's power. What Paul is saying is "how do you expect anyone to believe that we are loving and forgiving people if you can't even get along with each other?" I can't remember a time when there weren't divisions within the church. The devil seems to thrive on creating problems between friends and brothers. And generally these problems are greatly overblown, almost to the point that it's humorous. I once saw families leave a church because one person brought doughnuts into a sunday school classroom. Another time it was over the piano. One time a man and his family left because people didn't agree with his opinion in a board meeting. None of these were good reasons, none of these folks were operating under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It didn't make them non-believers, just less than what they could be. In fact, God still worked through most of them...but their decisions cost the church a great deal of effectiveness. It would have been far better had they chosen to be humble, and submit to the overall will of the body...after all, nothing they were being asked to do was sinful, only different. And the rest of the body could have easily done the same...but both parties had hardened hearts.
Paul seems to believe that Jesus is coming back in his lifetime, and for that reason he says that we would be better not to marry. I think if Paul had known what we know today, he wouldn't have the exact same opinion...or the church would have ceased to exist! But his point is valid...God doesn't call all people to be married. Some are given "the gift" (I mean that seriously) of remaining single. It's a gift because it allows a greater flexibility to serve the Lord than what a married person can do. There isn't anything wrong with marriage, and there are many people who couldn't be in ministry unless they were married (myself included).
There's so much more to say on the subject of marriage, and behavior inside marriage, but the topic is sure to come up again before the end of the bible....we can discuss it more then. :)
PR
1 Corinthians 1-4
December 7, 2014
One of the key things that Paul talks about in the first several chapters of 1 Corinthians is the idea that Christians defy conventional wisdom. In Chapter 1:27 he says that "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, the weak things to shame the strong and the lowly and despised things, the things that are not, to nullify the things that are". For some reason God has decided to demonstrate His power by using people who are otherwise incapable. Probably because when He does there isn't any doubt that what has been accomplished was God working, and not the wisdom or skill of man.
Think back to the Old Testament. Moses wasn't skilled in leadership, but God worked through him. There was no way that Moses would have led the people to the edge of the Red Sea..it was a strategic blunder of catastrophic proportions...until God is involved. Then it becomes a brilliant play. The Bible is filled with stories of unlikely people doing incredible things through an awesome God.
Joshua, Gideon, David, Hezekiah, the Disciples, Stephen and many, many others. And that's just what happened in the first 100 years or so. Ever since the time of Christ there have been men and women who have accomplished miraculous things by surrendering themselves to Jesus. What was impossible became possible because they acknowledged their weakness and His power.
Today is no different from those days. God is the same today as He has always been. He chooses to work through people who understand they are incapable on their own. So, if you feel like God wants you to teach a Sunday School class, don't worry about your skill level...focus on having an intimate relationship with Jesus, and He will guide you through it. If you are supposed to stand and testify in front of many witnesses, don't panic...God will give you the words if He placed you there in the first place. It doesn't mean that you don't have work to do on your end....you will have to give 100%. But God will make up for the shortfall, whatever it happens to be.
I share from personal experience that God is able, period. I have lived this part of the Bible in my own life. If you look at my background, you would know that there isn't anything there that says I should be where I am today, speaking to a committed group of Christians, many of whom are far more wise than I. But God gives ability where ability is needed. There's nothing in my background that says I could help the church to build a new structure, but that's exactly what God did, using unlikely people like myself and others. In humility, I brag about the power of God, who can do all things. I celebrate today the wonderful plan of Jesus to use the simple things of the world, the common and overlooked things, like the manger and the cross... to refute earthly thrones and scepters.
PR
December 7, 2014
One of the key things that Paul talks about in the first several chapters of 1 Corinthians is the idea that Christians defy conventional wisdom. In Chapter 1:27 he says that "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, the weak things to shame the strong and the lowly and despised things, the things that are not, to nullify the things that are". For some reason God has decided to demonstrate His power by using people who are otherwise incapable. Probably because when He does there isn't any doubt that what has been accomplished was God working, and not the wisdom or skill of man.
Think back to the Old Testament. Moses wasn't skilled in leadership, but God worked through him. There was no way that Moses would have led the people to the edge of the Red Sea..it was a strategic blunder of catastrophic proportions...until God is involved. Then it becomes a brilliant play. The Bible is filled with stories of unlikely people doing incredible things through an awesome God.
Joshua, Gideon, David, Hezekiah, the Disciples, Stephen and many, many others. And that's just what happened in the first 100 years or so. Ever since the time of Christ there have been men and women who have accomplished miraculous things by surrendering themselves to Jesus. What was impossible became possible because they acknowledged their weakness and His power.
Today is no different from those days. God is the same today as He has always been. He chooses to work through people who understand they are incapable on their own. So, if you feel like God wants you to teach a Sunday School class, don't worry about your skill level...focus on having an intimate relationship with Jesus, and He will guide you through it. If you are supposed to stand and testify in front of many witnesses, don't panic...God will give you the words if He placed you there in the first place. It doesn't mean that you don't have work to do on your end....you will have to give 100%. But God will make up for the shortfall, whatever it happens to be.
I share from personal experience that God is able, period. I have lived this part of the Bible in my own life. If you look at my background, you would know that there isn't anything there that says I should be where I am today, speaking to a committed group of Christians, many of whom are far more wise than I. But God gives ability where ability is needed. There's nothing in my background that says I could help the church to build a new structure, but that's exactly what God did, using unlikely people like myself and others. In humility, I brag about the power of God, who can do all things. I celebrate today the wonderful plan of Jesus to use the simple things of the world, the common and overlooked things, like the manger and the cross... to refute earthly thrones and scepters.
PR
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Acts 18:19-19
December 6, 2014
Apparently Apollos became quite well known himself. No wonder the Christians in Corinth were arguing about who they followed. Paul, Peter and Apollos must have had different preaching styles.
I wonder what to make of the fact that handkerchiefs and aprons had a residual power of God on them to heal the sick. What if this is where the idea that God inhabits some inanimate objects came from? It would seem to be counter productive to have God's power displayed in an apron. The next thing you know, it would be enshrined, and then people would pray to it, and then stories about where it came from would be told. Again, it seems strange, but it did happen, so there must have been a reason. At the end of the matter, it's Paul who is in the difficult place. People are looking to him as a source of power to heal, and he has to be mature enough to point to Jesus, and not take the credit for himself.
In 19:17 a great number of people came together and publicly confessed their sins. verse 20 says "in this way the Word of God spread widely and grew in power". There is something powerful in the public confession. I have witnessed it several times, and it always seems to be followed .by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
PR
December 6, 2014
Apparently Apollos became quite well known himself. No wonder the Christians in Corinth were arguing about who they followed. Paul, Peter and Apollos must have had different preaching styles.
I wonder what to make of the fact that handkerchiefs and aprons had a residual power of God on them to heal the sick. What if this is where the idea that God inhabits some inanimate objects came from? It would seem to be counter productive to have God's power displayed in an apron. The next thing you know, it would be enshrined, and then people would pray to it, and then stories about where it came from would be told. Again, it seems strange, but it did happen, so there must have been a reason. At the end of the matter, it's Paul who is in the difficult place. People are looking to him as a source of power to heal, and he has to be mature enough to point to Jesus, and not take the credit for himself.
In 19:17 a great number of people came together and publicly confessed their sins. verse 20 says "in this way the Word of God spread widely and grew in power". There is something powerful in the public confession. I have witnessed it several times, and it always seems to be followed .by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
PR
Saturday, December 6, 2014
1 Thessalonians 1-5 and 2 Thessalonians 1-3
December 5th, 2014
I have been told (and I see it here) that Paul always encouraged the church, and reminded them of their position in Jesus Christ before he offered any criticism. It seems a good model to follow: before you offer your suggestions to someone on how they can improve, or on how they are falling short....talk for awhile about our motivation to move forward. People are more likely to be drawn than pushed.
Paul has much to say to the church about helping others, being joyful, etc. but he saves it until the end of his first letter. Instead, he talks about WHY we should do these things. And the "why" is because Jesus promised us that he would return for us. Those who have passed will come back with Jesus, and those who are here continue to do those things that will 1. gain us a better reward, and 2. cause the Lord to be happy if He returns and finds us doing them.
I also notice that Paul made every effort to not burden the church with his support. I'm not sure that I want to work a second job so that the church doesn't have to pay a salary, but I do think that perhaps as ministers in the United States we have become more focused on salary than ministry. I recently heard one leader in our denomination opine that more and more ministers expressed a greater concern for salary packages that mirrored the secular marketplace. I don't want to deny anyone a living, or a fair salary...but I think that Paul might have taken a different view on the issue.
I have a friend who reads 2 Thess 2:4 to say that there must be a "third temple period" (that is, the temple must be rebuilt on the temple mount, in place of the Muslim Dome of the Rock) before the "man of lawlessness" can be revealed. That's because he is supposed to set himself up in that temple. Therefore, maybe the time before the tribulation isn't quite upon us yet.
A man has already set himself up in the Jewish temple as god, During the second temple period before it was destroyed, Antiochus Epiphanes sacrificed a pig on the altar to Jupiter. However, that was in 168 BC, and this writing is New Testament, after that event has taken place. And, it didn't happen again before the temple was torn down by the Romans. So, it must happen sometime in the future.
The second half of both of these letters are great primers on what we should be doing as Christians. They inspire and motivate as well as provide guidance.
PR
December 5th, 2014
I have been told (and I see it here) that Paul always encouraged the church, and reminded them of their position in Jesus Christ before he offered any criticism. It seems a good model to follow: before you offer your suggestions to someone on how they can improve, or on how they are falling short....talk for awhile about our motivation to move forward. People are more likely to be drawn than pushed.
Paul has much to say to the church about helping others, being joyful, etc. but he saves it until the end of his first letter. Instead, he talks about WHY we should do these things. And the "why" is because Jesus promised us that he would return for us. Those who have passed will come back with Jesus, and those who are here continue to do those things that will 1. gain us a better reward, and 2. cause the Lord to be happy if He returns and finds us doing them.
I also notice that Paul made every effort to not burden the church with his support. I'm not sure that I want to work a second job so that the church doesn't have to pay a salary, but I do think that perhaps as ministers in the United States we have become more focused on salary than ministry. I recently heard one leader in our denomination opine that more and more ministers expressed a greater concern for salary packages that mirrored the secular marketplace. I don't want to deny anyone a living, or a fair salary...but I think that Paul might have taken a different view on the issue.
I have a friend who reads 2 Thess 2:4 to say that there must be a "third temple period" (that is, the temple must be rebuilt on the temple mount, in place of the Muslim Dome of the Rock) before the "man of lawlessness" can be revealed. That's because he is supposed to set himself up in that temple. Therefore, maybe the time before the tribulation isn't quite upon us yet.
A man has already set himself up in the Jewish temple as god, During the second temple period before it was destroyed, Antiochus Epiphanes sacrificed a pig on the altar to Jupiter. However, that was in 168 BC, and this writing is New Testament, after that event has taken place. And, it didn't happen again before the temple was torn down by the Romans. So, it must happen sometime in the future.
The second half of both of these letters are great primers on what we should be doing as Christians. They inspire and motivate as well as provide guidance.
PR
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Acts 17 - 18:18
December 4, 2014
Our prayers go out to the Dininny family today, as they lay Janet to rest. Certainly she is enjoying the fruits of her labors in heaven.
Paul's missionary journey seems to be punctuated with expulsion. If I am reading this correctly, Paul ministered in a town until they threw him out (generally, it didn't take very long). I wonder if Paul asked where he should go next, or if he allowed the brothers from one town to pick a place for him. Either way, it flies in the face of what we generally view as successful today. Today, a successful ministry would be one in which there is peace and harmony, the community would either retain the minister, or he would be promoted or transferred to a different place, all with the approval of the majority.
If an large group were to come to our leaders today and complain about the message we deliver, the minister would probably be moved to a new location, just like Paul. But if it happened several times in several different communities, I think that minister would be released from the denomination. In my minds eye, I see our leaders saying "listen, you have the right message, but the way you are sharing it is really working against you". I wonder if Paul was one of those people.
On the other hand, if any of our ministers were to have the conversion success that Paul had, I don't think that they would ever lose the support of their leaders. Maybe there's a lesson in there somewhere.
I also notice that Paul had a "common practice" when he visited a town. He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath and spoke to the Jews, and he spent time in the marketplace throughout the week.
I think we have a pretty good idea about how to speak in the synagogue, but I wonder sometimes about our marketplace ministry. I don't see Paul saying to the people "come to the synagogue on the Sabbath, and I will tell you more about Jesus". In fact, I doubt that Paul invited most of them to the synagogue at all. He would be more interested in having them meet together, encourage one another, and share this message with their friends. After all, Paul expected the Lord to return at any time. He wasn't worried about building a dynasty as some are today.
There's much we can learn from Paul about how the message of salvation should be spread. The greatest thing we learn from Paul is the message itself, of course. But we also learn that persecution, suffering, rejection and success are all closely woven together in God's perfect plan for the proclamation of His Word. It is good for us to commit these "sub-themes" to memory as well, not forgetting the main theme of the passage, but learning from them as well.
PR
December 4, 2014
Our prayers go out to the Dininny family today, as they lay Janet to rest. Certainly she is enjoying the fruits of her labors in heaven.
Paul's missionary journey seems to be punctuated with expulsion. If I am reading this correctly, Paul ministered in a town until they threw him out (generally, it didn't take very long). I wonder if Paul asked where he should go next, or if he allowed the brothers from one town to pick a place for him. Either way, it flies in the face of what we generally view as successful today. Today, a successful ministry would be one in which there is peace and harmony, the community would either retain the minister, or he would be promoted or transferred to a different place, all with the approval of the majority.
If an large group were to come to our leaders today and complain about the message we deliver, the minister would probably be moved to a new location, just like Paul. But if it happened several times in several different communities, I think that minister would be released from the denomination. In my minds eye, I see our leaders saying "listen, you have the right message, but the way you are sharing it is really working against you". I wonder if Paul was one of those people.
On the other hand, if any of our ministers were to have the conversion success that Paul had, I don't think that they would ever lose the support of their leaders. Maybe there's a lesson in there somewhere.
I also notice that Paul had a "common practice" when he visited a town. He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath and spoke to the Jews, and he spent time in the marketplace throughout the week.
I think we have a pretty good idea about how to speak in the synagogue, but I wonder sometimes about our marketplace ministry. I don't see Paul saying to the people "come to the synagogue on the Sabbath, and I will tell you more about Jesus". In fact, I doubt that Paul invited most of them to the synagogue at all. He would be more interested in having them meet together, encourage one another, and share this message with their friends. After all, Paul expected the Lord to return at any time. He wasn't worried about building a dynasty as some are today.
There's much we can learn from Paul about how the message of salvation should be spread. The greatest thing we learn from Paul is the message itself, of course. But we also learn that persecution, suffering, rejection and success are all closely woven together in God's perfect plan for the proclamation of His Word. It is good for us to commit these "sub-themes" to memory as well, not forgetting the main theme of the passage, but learning from them as well.
PR
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Galatians 4-6
December 3, 2014
Do you know the difference between an altimeter and an elevator? One tells you how high you are, and the other takes you to new heights.
Thinking of today's reading, let's use the above items in an illustration: Let's say heaven can be found on the "12th" floor of a building. The law resembles the altimeter, it can tell you what height you are at now, and how much further you need to go....but no amount of use will ever elevate you a single inch. In order to go up, you must board the elevator. The elevator stands for faith in Jesus Christ. For those of you who want to "take the stairs" or want to know "are there more than 12 floors, and other questions that have nothing to do with the illustration...just relax and enjoy the story. Quit trying to ruin it.
Okay... The law tells us what we need to do, and the whole of the law points to Jesus Christ. The law was never given to make us pure or righteous, only to help us recognize that we were impure. The second purpose of the law is to help us identify Jesus. So, by carefully studying the law you will recognize that the "blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin". The requirements of the law, even the sacrifices contained within it, were simply a foreshadowing of a much greater, and significant event that was to come. Specifically, the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. When Christ died and was resurrected, there was no longer any need for the law, it had served it's purpose. It had been "fulfilled". The parts of the law that didn't specifically point to the sacrifice and the personal relationship with Jesus (the commandments, etc.) didn't expire, they simply are atoned for in a different way.
That is to say, we are still just as guilty of sin as we ever were, but the way that it is atoned for has now changed. Circumcision was part of the adherence to the old law...it is now abolished. You can still be circumcised, and there's nothing wrong with that at all. But it won't get you into heaven. A long time ago, before Christ came and died, circumcision would be required, just like the sacrifice of animals would be required. But since Christ, they are no longer necessary.
So why is Paul so upset about it? Simple. The people are saying in effect that "Jesus is good, but we'd better hang onto this altimeter just in case" Paul will have none of it. Paul says "no one who tries to hang onto the past has any part of the future".
The altimeter has served it's purpose. Now we need the elevator. Jesus is the elevator that gets us to heaven. No other way, No other Savior.
PR
December 3, 2014
Do you know the difference between an altimeter and an elevator? One tells you how high you are, and the other takes you to new heights.
Thinking of today's reading, let's use the above items in an illustration: Let's say heaven can be found on the "12th" floor of a building. The law resembles the altimeter, it can tell you what height you are at now, and how much further you need to go....but no amount of use will ever elevate you a single inch. In order to go up, you must board the elevator. The elevator stands for faith in Jesus Christ. For those of you who want to "take the stairs" or want to know "are there more than 12 floors, and other questions that have nothing to do with the illustration...just relax and enjoy the story. Quit trying to ruin it.
Okay... The law tells us what we need to do, and the whole of the law points to Jesus Christ. The law was never given to make us pure or righteous, only to help us recognize that we were impure. The second purpose of the law is to help us identify Jesus. So, by carefully studying the law you will recognize that the "blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin". The requirements of the law, even the sacrifices contained within it, were simply a foreshadowing of a much greater, and significant event that was to come. Specifically, the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. When Christ died and was resurrected, there was no longer any need for the law, it had served it's purpose. It had been "fulfilled". The parts of the law that didn't specifically point to the sacrifice and the personal relationship with Jesus (the commandments, etc.) didn't expire, they simply are atoned for in a different way.
That is to say, we are still just as guilty of sin as we ever were, but the way that it is atoned for has now changed. Circumcision was part of the adherence to the old law...it is now abolished. You can still be circumcised, and there's nothing wrong with that at all. But it won't get you into heaven. A long time ago, before Christ came and died, circumcision would be required, just like the sacrifice of animals would be required. But since Christ, they are no longer necessary.
So why is Paul so upset about it? Simple. The people are saying in effect that "Jesus is good, but we'd better hang onto this altimeter just in case" Paul will have none of it. Paul says "no one who tries to hang onto the past has any part of the future".
The altimeter has served it's purpose. Now we need the elevator. Jesus is the elevator that gets us to heaven. No other way, No other Savior.
PR
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Galatians 1-3
December 2, 2014
It has been said that once we choose to see something in a certain way, it's hard to see it any other way. Similarly, once we learn a behavior, it's hard to behave differently. Probably that's why we teach our kids to brush their teeth, be polite and get to bed on time. Failure to do basic things will produce a less than satisfactory member of society.
It must have been hard for the Jews to change their behavior. All of their lives, and for at least 1500 years prior, they had been taught, and had practiced the law. The law said that if you do certain things, you will be in God's favor. Don't kill other people, don't steal things, wash before you go into the temple, you know ... a whole list of actions. Actually there were many lists. Even the lists had lists. Their zeal to be righteous turned into a zeal to "do everything on the list, in the order it was prescribed". Over time, it got so bad that it didn't even matter if the list made any sense. You could literally follow the lists, do harm to other people and still be considered good. Things became crazy...kind of like the laws and the PR craze in America.
Along comes Jesus and teaches that even if you do everything on every list, you still won't get into heaven. What a crushing blow this must have been. Even typing it I feel like saying "well then, what's the use of following the law at all?" But Jesus goes on to teach that heaven is EASIER to obtain, not harder. All we have to do is believe in the one that God the Father sent to us...that's Jesus. If we accept and truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He died for our sins, then all our sins are forgiven....before we do a single thing on a single list.
This is like finding a "back door" that gets you through the most difficult maze you can imagine. This is finding a "stargate" (my apologies to those of you who are science fiction challenged) that leads right to heaven. We are transported from the line of people who are destined to go to hell to the front door of heaven itself. No work, no struggle, no effort.
It's almost so easy, that it doesn't seem real. Even today people seem to have a hard time accepting grace. After all, we've all been warned about "getting something for nothing". There's usually a catch, so "let the buyer beware".
But Jesus never said that it was free, or that it was easy. He only said that it was free and easy FOR US. He paid a terrible price for our freedom. There was nothing easy about it, and the cost..? Surrender your life. Lay your life..not just any life, but a perfect, eternal holy life....lay it down for the imperfect, undeserving and corrupt humans. That's expensive, folks.
No wonder the Jews struggled to accept the idea that salvation was different than what they had believed. They practiced that your "earned it" by being good. You needed to belong to the order, earn your way up through the ranks and then you would eventually achieve salvation. It's hard to set that aside and accept the new teaching "all you have to do in order to be saved is to believe in the one that God the Father sent".
Paul has seen the truth, and he spends the rest of his life repeating it. He will basically preach two things 1. Grace by faith in Jesus 2. Good works as a response to God's benevolence. He won't accept #2 before #1, and he won't accept #1 without #2. They must be together, and they must be in that order. He will call everything else heresy.
You and I are fortunate, We live in a time where we have been taught "Grace" from the earliest age. We shouldn't have the baggage that the Jewish people had (and still have, to some extent). It should be far easier for us to enter into salvation that it was for the people of Jesus' day. And still there are those who struggle to accept it.
My advice? Quit trying to make this hard. Quit trying to make it complicated. It was designed to be simple, direct and easy to do. Accept that Jesus is who He said He was, and agree to follow His teachings. Allow Him to be in charge of your life, and you won't ever regret the decision.
I promise.
PR
December 2, 2014
It has been said that once we choose to see something in a certain way, it's hard to see it any other way. Similarly, once we learn a behavior, it's hard to behave differently. Probably that's why we teach our kids to brush their teeth, be polite and get to bed on time. Failure to do basic things will produce a less than satisfactory member of society.
It must have been hard for the Jews to change their behavior. All of their lives, and for at least 1500 years prior, they had been taught, and had practiced the law. The law said that if you do certain things, you will be in God's favor. Don't kill other people, don't steal things, wash before you go into the temple, you know ... a whole list of actions. Actually there were many lists. Even the lists had lists. Their zeal to be righteous turned into a zeal to "do everything on the list, in the order it was prescribed". Over time, it got so bad that it didn't even matter if the list made any sense. You could literally follow the lists, do harm to other people and still be considered good. Things became crazy...kind of like the laws and the PR craze in America.
Along comes Jesus and teaches that even if you do everything on every list, you still won't get into heaven. What a crushing blow this must have been. Even typing it I feel like saying "well then, what's the use of following the law at all?" But Jesus goes on to teach that heaven is EASIER to obtain, not harder. All we have to do is believe in the one that God the Father sent to us...that's Jesus. If we accept and truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He died for our sins, then all our sins are forgiven....before we do a single thing on a single list.
This is like finding a "back door" that gets you through the most difficult maze you can imagine. This is finding a "stargate" (my apologies to those of you who are science fiction challenged) that leads right to heaven. We are transported from the line of people who are destined to go to hell to the front door of heaven itself. No work, no struggle, no effort.
It's almost so easy, that it doesn't seem real. Even today people seem to have a hard time accepting grace. After all, we've all been warned about "getting something for nothing". There's usually a catch, so "let the buyer beware".
But Jesus never said that it was free, or that it was easy. He only said that it was free and easy FOR US. He paid a terrible price for our freedom. There was nothing easy about it, and the cost..? Surrender your life. Lay your life..not just any life, but a perfect, eternal holy life....lay it down for the imperfect, undeserving and corrupt humans. That's expensive, folks.
No wonder the Jews struggled to accept the idea that salvation was different than what they had believed. They practiced that your "earned it" by being good. You needed to belong to the order, earn your way up through the ranks and then you would eventually achieve salvation. It's hard to set that aside and accept the new teaching "all you have to do in order to be saved is to believe in the one that God the Father sent".
Paul has seen the truth, and he spends the rest of his life repeating it. He will basically preach two things 1. Grace by faith in Jesus 2. Good works as a response to God's benevolence. He won't accept #2 before #1, and he won't accept #1 without #2. They must be together, and they must be in that order. He will call everything else heresy.
You and I are fortunate, We live in a time where we have been taught "Grace" from the earliest age. We shouldn't have the baggage that the Jewish people had (and still have, to some extent). It should be far easier for us to enter into salvation that it was for the people of Jesus' day. And still there are those who struggle to accept it.
My advice? Quit trying to make this hard. Quit trying to make it complicated. It was designed to be simple, direct and easy to do. Accept that Jesus is who He said He was, and agree to follow His teachings. Allow Him to be in charge of your life, and you won't ever regret the decision.
I promise.
PR
Monday, December 1, 2014
Acts 15-16
December 1, 2014
I just saw for the first time that some of the Pharisees were Christians. (15:5) I wonder why I hadn't seen that before? They were the ones who protested that the Gentiles weren't obeying the law, and therefore couldn't be saved. I completely understand their position, even though it was clearly incorrect. These men were steeped in law and tradition, and would have an extremely difficult time releasing that.
Clearly God used the dispute between Paul and Barnabus to allow both Timothy and John Mark to be discipled by these two great men. I wonder if it was God's perfect plan, though. At other times when the apostles have gone separate ways it was cordially, and always involved time in prayer. This time neither is mentioned. Too many times a disagreement between two believers creates a ripple in the church that eventually becomes a wave that breaks apart the fellowship. I hope that didn't occur here. We really aren't told one way or the other.
Paul had in mind to travel over land, and in a clockwise direction. God took him over the Med, and in a counter clockwise direction. I'll bet the miles he traveled were more than he originally expected as well.
Paul's vision is of a man from Macedonia, but there's no record that he actually met such a man. Instead the vision served to get him into the area, where by the way of normal devotions and prayer he encounters Lydia. Only after leading Lydia and her family to the Lord does he have a connection to the town...and that is about a week or so later. Then, as soon as the ministry begins really taking off in town the townspeople riot because a girl is delivered from demon possession. If it weren't so sad, you would almost want to laugh. No one seems to care if the girl was actually possessed by a demon, they only want to make money off of her. Her spiritual health seems to be a pretty low priority. Paul and Silas are beaten for doing the right thing (I think there's a sermon in there somewhere about suffering). Their reaction to the persecution has been the topic of sermons for centuries. I doubt they had any idea that what they did in prison after being flogged would be talked about by the church for several thousand years. I wonder if our behavior will be worth talking about in 100 years...let alone 2 thousand.
It takes a special maturity and presence of the Holy Spirit to sing songs and praises after being abused. And it takes the same to remain in your jail cell when God has opened not only the door to your cell, but has caused the stocks to fall off your feet. Unless God was with me, I think I would have been clear out of town before the jailer knew what was going on.
Sometimes I guess we have to be spiritual enough to stay put even when there appears to be a way out... hey, that sounds like a good topic for another sermon...
hope your christmas season is starting off blessed..
PR
December 1, 2014
I just saw for the first time that some of the Pharisees were Christians. (15:5) I wonder why I hadn't seen that before? They were the ones who protested that the Gentiles weren't obeying the law, and therefore couldn't be saved. I completely understand their position, even though it was clearly incorrect. These men were steeped in law and tradition, and would have an extremely difficult time releasing that.
Clearly God used the dispute between Paul and Barnabus to allow both Timothy and John Mark to be discipled by these two great men. I wonder if it was God's perfect plan, though. At other times when the apostles have gone separate ways it was cordially, and always involved time in prayer. This time neither is mentioned. Too many times a disagreement between two believers creates a ripple in the church that eventually becomes a wave that breaks apart the fellowship. I hope that didn't occur here. We really aren't told one way or the other.
Paul had in mind to travel over land, and in a clockwise direction. God took him over the Med, and in a counter clockwise direction. I'll bet the miles he traveled were more than he originally expected as well.
Paul's vision is of a man from Macedonia, but there's no record that he actually met such a man. Instead the vision served to get him into the area, where by the way of normal devotions and prayer he encounters Lydia. Only after leading Lydia and her family to the Lord does he have a connection to the town...and that is about a week or so later. Then, as soon as the ministry begins really taking off in town the townspeople riot because a girl is delivered from demon possession. If it weren't so sad, you would almost want to laugh. No one seems to care if the girl was actually possessed by a demon, they only want to make money off of her. Her spiritual health seems to be a pretty low priority. Paul and Silas are beaten for doing the right thing (I think there's a sermon in there somewhere about suffering). Their reaction to the persecution has been the topic of sermons for centuries. I doubt they had any idea that what they did in prison after being flogged would be talked about by the church for several thousand years. I wonder if our behavior will be worth talking about in 100 years...let alone 2 thousand.
It takes a special maturity and presence of the Holy Spirit to sing songs and praises after being abused. And it takes the same to remain in your jail cell when God has opened not only the door to your cell, but has caused the stocks to fall off your feet. Unless God was with me, I think I would have been clear out of town before the jailer knew what was going on.
Sometimes I guess we have to be spiritual enough to stay put even when there appears to be a way out... hey, that sounds like a good topic for another sermon...
hope your christmas season is starting off blessed..
PR
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