Monday, June 11, 2012
Preach the Word
Before we begin preaching/teaching the Bible, we must be honest and acknowledge whether our hearts are pure and filled with love and sincere faith for the Lord. Also, as 'preacher' we must conduct ourselves appropriately in the house of the Lord, as described in 1 Timothy 3:15, "if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth"” Indeed, a humble attitude is not an option for the preacher/teacher that desires to see the work of God through the message delivered.
The sermon, to be effective, must use an effective tool, "a sharp two-edged sword". When I think of the reference to a two-edged sword I consider how the text of Scripture is to "cut both ways". A text should cut us in terms of reminding us who we used to be without Christ and then cut the other way to encourage us to be what Christ has called us to be. A summary of the entire letter to the Ephesians fits this idea. Distilled into one sentence the Ephesians are encouraged that they cannot live as they once did [chapters 4-6] because they are no longer the people they once were [chapters 1-3]. The sermon is a tool to use the power of the Word to nudge hearers closer to God and closer to His kingdom.
How does a balance of Bible study and prayer fit into the idea of making a sermon/presentation that will, by the grace of God, accomplish the task God wants it to accomplish?
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Demonshare Resort
I have been a member of the above timeshare for about 9 years. In the big picture I am very satisfied with the benefits I have received from the timeshare. The condos are very nice and are in nice places. On the negative side in a minor way, the condos are not always available and they are not located near my favorite people.
On the negative side in a big way are the regular attempts by the resort to rope me into buying a larger portion of time. The amazing thing about these sales attempts is how persistent and clever the bullying sales people can be. Every year the resort calls and offers a "tour" or an "update". Not to be fooled, these tours and updates are actually strong armed sales events by a tag team of high pressure sales people who are highly trained to cleverly insult and ultimately persuade owners to spend large amounts of money. In the most devious ways, the sales people offer a seemingly irresistible offer that separates the owner from large amounts of money.
On my last visit I agreed to an "update" because I was to be given a significantly larger portion of time for the coming year to add to my already bought and paid for portion. I knew the promised 55 minute "update" would take at least 2 hours. It did. The update began with a sales pitch that began relatively gently but advanced toward the end to being high pressure. Among the things noted by the salesperson was that the resort would prefer I stay at my current level of time [I cannot imagine why they have been pestering me for 9 years if they had me right where they wanted me. This concept seemed to escape the salesperson]. For a mere 24,000 dollars payable over the course of over a year at a rate over 20% I would double the portion of time I "owned". I was barely able to resist the offer. In about an hour this original salesperson retired and sicked his boss on me. The boss said I would have to sign a document that confirmed that I had rejected this amazing offer and was indeed a sorry person. I snatched the pen out of her hand and signed away [she wouldn't let me keep the pen].
Within 20 minutes and after promising my "gift" of additional time she brought back the original salesperson. The original salesperson strongly insisted that I stay seated while another person brought me my "gifts". I heard the plural twice. I figured I would stay. A final heavy duty "closer" sort of salesperson came to the table [no gifts were evident upon his person]. For thirty minutes he grilled me on how I wasting my life by not spending 2200 dollars for a slightly smaller additional time. I politely refused. For his final effort he offered me a one time good deal to quadruple my time available for use in the next 18 months for a mere 1200 dollars. By this time the increments [let's call them points] had moved from the original 6 dollars a point to 16 cents a point. I asked if there was a discount for cash. He was stymied, but refused. I had to sign another document admitting my stupidity and begging for my single gift. Now the gift of "points" could have been electronically added to my account, however the final salesmen had me sign another document and accept an envelope with a point voucher in it that had to be mailed to a special address within a limited period of time. I will mail the voucher to the appointed location within 48 hours. At last I was dismissed, literally out the back door. Prior to actually leaving I was again asked to sign another document. I did so and escaped. I was worn, weary and beaten, but I had survived. I may even do it again. I think I love the pain.. or the points.
blessings,
Paul
On the negative side in a big way are the regular attempts by the resort to rope me into buying a larger portion of time. The amazing thing about these sales attempts is how persistent and clever the bullying sales people can be. Every year the resort calls and offers a "tour" or an "update". Not to be fooled, these tours and updates are actually strong armed sales events by a tag team of high pressure sales people who are highly trained to cleverly insult and ultimately persuade owners to spend large amounts of money. In the most devious ways, the sales people offer a seemingly irresistible offer that separates the owner from large amounts of money.
On my last visit I agreed to an "update" because I was to be given a significantly larger portion of time for the coming year to add to my already bought and paid for portion. I knew the promised 55 minute "update" would take at least 2 hours. It did. The update began with a sales pitch that began relatively gently but advanced toward the end to being high pressure. Among the things noted by the salesperson was that the resort would prefer I stay at my current level of time [I cannot imagine why they have been pestering me for 9 years if they had me right where they wanted me. This concept seemed to escape the salesperson]. For a mere 24,000 dollars payable over the course of over a year at a rate over 20% I would double the portion of time I "owned". I was barely able to resist the offer. In about an hour this original salesperson retired and sicked his boss on me. The boss said I would have to sign a document that confirmed that I had rejected this amazing offer and was indeed a sorry person. I snatched the pen out of her hand and signed away [she wouldn't let me keep the pen].
Within 20 minutes and after promising my "gift" of additional time she brought back the original salesperson. The original salesperson strongly insisted that I stay seated while another person brought me my "gifts". I heard the plural twice. I figured I would stay. A final heavy duty "closer" sort of salesperson came to the table [no gifts were evident upon his person]. For thirty minutes he grilled me on how I wasting my life by not spending 2200 dollars for a slightly smaller additional time. I politely refused. For his final effort he offered me a one time good deal to quadruple my time available for use in the next 18 months for a mere 1200 dollars. By this time the increments [let's call them points] had moved from the original 6 dollars a point to 16 cents a point. I asked if there was a discount for cash. He was stymied, but refused. I had to sign another document admitting my stupidity and begging for my single gift. Now the gift of "points" could have been electronically added to my account, however the final salesmen had me sign another document and accept an envelope with a point voucher in it that had to be mailed to a special address within a limited period of time. I will mail the voucher to the appointed location within 48 hours. At last I was dismissed, literally out the back door. Prior to actually leaving I was again asked to sign another document. I did so and escaped. I was worn, weary and beaten, but I had survived. I may even do it again. I think I love the pain.. or the points.
blessings,
Paul
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Finding Comfort in a Fallen World
Jesus implied in His opening words of the Sermon on the Mount that all of mankind are 'poor in spirit' [Matthew 5.3], but not all admit that poverty. Poor in spirit means that I cannot create or maintain a good relationship with God or my fellow human beings. In light of the reality of our being and admitting to be poor in spirit it is appropriate that we mourn that poverty. Because we have lost our ability to have good relationships we suffer loss.
There is a broad spectrum of loss. I lose my keys almost every week. I lost my best friend 15 years ago. I suffered with allergy related asthma most of 2010. Every area of loss implies some suffering and demands some balance of action and mourning. The more insignificant the loss, the more action is required. The more devastating the loss the more mourning is required.
For the most part action is easy and as a human being, I tend to impose action on devastating losses rather than mourning. I tend use a couple of different actions as alternatives to the slower more painful process of mourning. Actions include mental acts like denial [recall Jack Bauer of the TV series "24" being blown up, cut and bleeding, then asked if he was OK. His constant response was, "I am fine." Everyone knew he was not fine]. Actions include emotional acts like anger. Actions include physical acts like medicating the loss.
Unfortunately, these alternatives for mourning do not work. Appropriate mourning has many counterfeits, but no successful alternatives. When we do choose the difficult task of mourning we grieve the loss, we accept the loss and we, by the grace of God, choose to forgive those who are implicated in causing the loss. I believe that no matter where we are in the process of mourning God will comfort us. That is precisely what Matthew 5.4 claims.
The Good News for those that follow Christ is that all of our losses are temporal. They are limited to this earth. The greater part of our comfort, contentment and joy are part of God's gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Those that, by faith, ask God for forgiveness and accept Jesus as Savior are promised that every tear will be wiped away.
We can find comfort in the present world through appropriate mourning; that is God's promise.
There is a broad spectrum of loss. I lose my keys almost every week. I lost my best friend 15 years ago. I suffered with allergy related asthma most of 2010. Every area of loss implies some suffering and demands some balance of action and mourning. The more insignificant the loss, the more action is required. The more devastating the loss the more mourning is required.
For the most part action is easy and as a human being, I tend to impose action on devastating losses rather than mourning. I tend use a couple of different actions as alternatives to the slower more painful process of mourning. Actions include mental acts like denial [recall Jack Bauer of the TV series "24" being blown up, cut and bleeding, then asked if he was OK. His constant response was, "I am fine." Everyone knew he was not fine]. Actions include emotional acts like anger. Actions include physical acts like medicating the loss.
Unfortunately, these alternatives for mourning do not work. Appropriate mourning has many counterfeits, but no successful alternatives. When we do choose the difficult task of mourning we grieve the loss, we accept the loss and we, by the grace of God, choose to forgive those who are implicated in causing the loss. I believe that no matter where we are in the process of mourning God will comfort us. That is precisely what Matthew 5.4 claims.
The Good News for those that follow Christ is that all of our losses are temporal. They are limited to this earth. The greater part of our comfort, contentment and joy are part of God's gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Those that, by faith, ask God for forgiveness and accept Jesus as Savior are promised that every tear will be wiped away.
We can find comfort in the present world through appropriate mourning; that is God's promise.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Bible Authority & Anabaptists
It certainly makes the whole idea of Christian devotion to Scriptural authority and more specifically to dedicated worship more alive when one can experience it firsthand. Coming from a Mennonite background, I saw that early Anabaptists [the central Christian group from which Mennonites emerged] had a commitment to the authority of Scripture. I was interested to read this quote from Dr. Thomas Finger,
(The) extreme suffering, however, did not lure most early Anabaptists away from society. Instead, their convictions energized mission activity throughout Europe. Their eschatology, moreover, involved a strong “realized” element. The very nearness of God’s Kingdom meant that it was already present in some significant way. Anabaptists and their Mennonite descendants are perhaps best known for their literal application of Jesus’ teachings, including non-resistant love for enemies. In Reformation times, at least, this behavior was inspired not only by ethical motives, but probably more by the conviction that it was possible because God’s Kingdom, energized by God’s Spirit, was already here [http://www.ncccusa.org/faithandorder/authority.finger.htm ].
I wonder how I can be more aware of the presence of God and the nearness of His kingdom.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Big Tent Thinking in Christianity
Numerous emergent church and other Christian leaders are beginning a new campaign to transform the theology of the Christian Church [see http://transformingtheology.org/]. Personally, I feel uninvited to their alleged Big Tent.
I write this because most of their animosity is aimed at my particular view of the Bible, a view that takes the Bible seriously and attempts to interpret it in a historical and grammatically accurate way [Baldock, Big Tent Artifact, eBook, p. 5 and Clayton, p. 12].
I will be glad to set aside the semantics and join their Big Tent, but I do have two aspects of their action plan that I will watch closely. In two areas the Big Tent leaders tend to have loose connections. The first loose connection is between the Big Tenters and the mainstream liberal view of America. I see that loose connection as they claim openness to many views but tend to be open to only their own views [I saw this clearly at the one meeting I attended on AZ SB1070].
They are also, in a scary way, more connected with the LGBT 'church'. I have no problem inviting LGBTs to church, nor do I have a problem worshiping with them. My problem is that LGBTs and Big Tent people believe homosexual behavior is acceptable to God. As far as I am concerned their 'church' would be parallel to a racist church gathering that thinks God accepts racism.
Seriously, I do not need the Bible to tell me that homosexual behavior is not good. I only need the Bible to tell me that it is evil. Anatomy, hygiene and the medical field convince me that anal intercourse is not good. Anal intercourse always causes injury and exposes both partners to chronic, contagious and deadly diseases. Those that hate homosexual men condone or glorify [through their promotion of gay marriage] anal intercourse. In my view, the Bible condemns homosexual behavior that is anal intercourse. The Bible, in fact, seriously condemns anal intercourse between any two people. God loves homosexual men. Why does the Big Tent hate them?
If the connection between the LGBT 'church' and the Big Tent remains open to homosexual behavior they can count me out. If their movement were open to accepting racism they could count me out as well.
The other loose connection of the big tent movement is their connection with teaching the Bible. While attacking conservative views of the Bible consistently they keep their own mention of the Bible to a minimum.
Unless their Big Tent is more closely connected to the Bible and less closely connected to political liberalism, the tent is going to be much smaller than they expect.
I write this because most of their animosity is aimed at my particular view of the Bible, a view that takes the Bible seriously and attempts to interpret it in a historical and grammatically accurate way [Baldock, Big Tent Artifact, eBook, p. 5 and Clayton, p. 12].
I will be glad to set aside the semantics and join their Big Tent, but I do have two aspects of their action plan that I will watch closely. In two areas the Big Tent leaders tend to have loose connections. The first loose connection is between the Big Tenters and the mainstream liberal view of America. I see that loose connection as they claim openness to many views but tend to be open to only their own views [I saw this clearly at the one meeting I attended on AZ SB1070].
They are also, in a scary way, more connected with the LGBT 'church'. I have no problem inviting LGBTs to church, nor do I have a problem worshiping with them. My problem is that LGBTs and Big Tent people believe homosexual behavior is acceptable to God. As far as I am concerned their 'church' would be parallel to a racist church gathering that thinks God accepts racism.
Seriously, I do not need the Bible to tell me that homosexual behavior is not good. I only need the Bible to tell me that it is evil. Anatomy, hygiene and the medical field convince me that anal intercourse is not good. Anal intercourse always causes injury and exposes both partners to chronic, contagious and deadly diseases. Those that hate homosexual men condone or glorify [through their promotion of gay marriage] anal intercourse. In my view, the Bible condemns homosexual behavior that is anal intercourse. The Bible, in fact, seriously condemns anal intercourse between any two people. God loves homosexual men. Why does the Big Tent hate them?
If the connection between the LGBT 'church' and the Big Tent remains open to homosexual behavior they can count me out. If their movement were open to accepting racism they could count me out as well.
The other loose connection of the big tent movement is their connection with teaching the Bible. While attacking conservative views of the Bible consistently they keep their own mention of the Bible to a minimum.
Unless their Big Tent is more closely connected to the Bible and less closely connected to political liberalism, the tent is going to be much smaller than they expect.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
New Bible based Christmas Sermon
My new Christmas sermon series is called "The Amazing Race". There are many 'races' in the Bible, but by far the races in the Bible are metaphorical uses taken from the world of athletics. Depending on the translation some English Bible texts use the word 'race' in reference to a group of people. Biblically speaking this is always a poor translation. I say that because, for instance, in 1 Peter 2.9 [a key verse for "The Amazing Race"] the word translated 'race' that begins the thought is the Greek word 'genea' from which we derive genealogy, generation and generic. It is more appropriate to translate this word as 'family' or 'generation'.
The truth is that the word 'race', when used in reference to people has only one meaning, the human race. Darwin may have been the figure that most popularized the idea of a multitude of human races, but the Bible only knows of one race, and it is beginning with God's creation of Adam and Eve an amazing race.
The truth is that the word 'race', when used in reference to people has only one meaning, the human race. Darwin may have been the figure that most popularized the idea of a multitude of human races, but the Bible only knows of one race, and it is beginning with God's creation of Adam and Eve an amazing race.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Philippians 2
The Apostle Paul expresses one main priority for those who follow Christ in terms of their relationship with each other. Philippians 2.1,2 "Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose." The Apostle is teaching us that if we have any spiritual commitment at all we should seek a unity in love & purpose with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
But, literally, how in the world do we gain a unity in the church when there is such diversity of personality, opinion and preference? It is not easy, but we follow the example of Christ, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” All of us tend to cling to our earthly rights and priorities and this tends to develop divisions in the church. Jesus is God, and yet He chose not to grasp hold of His rights as God. He was born as a servant, ministered as a servant and died as a servant, all for our sake.
But, literally, how in the world do we gain a unity in the church when there is such diversity of personality, opinion and preference? It is not easy, but we follow the example of Christ, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” All of us tend to cling to our earthly rights and priorities and this tends to develop divisions in the church. Jesus is God, and yet He chose not to grasp hold of His rights as God. He was born as a servant, ministered as a servant and died as a servant, all for our sake.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Is it the end yet?
In Matthew 24, Jesus gives His disciples instructions on how to face the times just prior to His second coming. He provides three negative commands and one positive command. He states first [and 3 more times] that deception (especially in reference to His return. He warns that many will claim to be Christ, and many will claim Christ has already returned) is to be overcome. Deception characterizes the times just prior to Christ's return.
Second, Jesus commands His disciples, "Do not be afraid." With all the calamity of wars and natural disasters occurring it will be difficult to set aside fear. Max Lucado gives encouragement concerning the calamities of the end times, quoting one of his friends, "Everything will work out in the end, if it's not working out, it's not the end."
Third, Jesus instructs His followers that they should not let their love "grow cold" [Matt 24.11]. This is a more graphic word in the Greek, than merely "grow cold". It is the Greek word that we get 'psycho' from. Obviously, words have meanings that evolve, but there is a reality that this world's view of love is really crazy. The world sees love as primarily emotional. God defines love as a choice. The way things are in the world now, the Biblical view of love seems crazy, but true love is Biblical love.
The final and positive command is implied when Jesus tells His followers that the Good News of the His kingdom will be preached to all the nations. That is our great commission, preceded by Jesus' great commandment, to love God and our desperately lost world.
Second, Jesus commands His disciples, "Do not be afraid." With all the calamity of wars and natural disasters occurring it will be difficult to set aside fear. Max Lucado gives encouragement concerning the calamities of the end times, quoting one of his friends, "Everything will work out in the end, if it's not working out, it's not the end."
Third, Jesus instructs His followers that they should not let their love "grow cold" [Matt 24.11]. This is a more graphic word in the Greek, than merely "grow cold". It is the Greek word that we get 'psycho' from. Obviously, words have meanings that evolve, but there is a reality that this world's view of love is really crazy. The world sees love as primarily emotional. God defines love as a choice. The way things are in the world now, the Biblical view of love seems crazy, but true love is Biblical love.
The final and positive command is implied when Jesus tells His followers that the Good News of the His kingdom will be preached to all the nations. That is our great commission, preceded by Jesus' great commandment, to love God and our desperately lost world.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Great Commissions
Matthew 28 is known as the Gospel chapter containing the Great Commission. As one considers the entirety of the chapter one finds two other commissions.
I find the chapter prefaced by the words of the Pharisees to Pilate in Matthew 27. They said, "We remember when this deceiver was alive, he said, 'After three days I am going to rise again.'" There is great irony in the fact that none of the disciples remembered what the Pharisees remembered concerning Jesus' words.
Concerning that resurrection the angels provide the first commission of Matthew 28 to the women who came to visit the empty tomb. The first commission has three parts. First, "Do not be afraid." The second, "Come and see where He was laid," and the third, "Go, quickly and tell His disciples..." The second part of that first commission is the charge to come and view the evidence available. Because of the centrality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is important that every follower of Jesus personally consider the evidence for the resurrection of Christ. I argue that there is more evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ than for any other personal event in ancient history.
The next commission is presented by the chief priests to the soldiers who informed the priests of the earthquake and its consequences. The basic commission is to accept a bribe and deny or ignore the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the false commission. I wonder how many times people may influence me to ignore or deny the resurrection and its power. At least no one has offered to pay me to follow the false commission.
The final commission is, in fact, the Great Commission. I will just note that there is only one main verb in that commission, "make disciples." The commission to those who follow Christ is to encourage others to learn from Christ in order to be better citizens in His kingdom and in order to encourage others to become citizens of Christ's kingdom.
I find the chapter prefaced by the words of the Pharisees to Pilate in Matthew 27. They said, "We remember when this deceiver was alive, he said, 'After three days I am going to rise again.'" There is great irony in the fact that none of the disciples remembered what the Pharisees remembered concerning Jesus' words.
Concerning that resurrection the angels provide the first commission of Matthew 28 to the women who came to visit the empty tomb. The first commission has three parts. First, "Do not be afraid." The second, "Come and see where He was laid," and the third, "Go, quickly and tell His disciples..." The second part of that first commission is the charge to come and view the evidence available. Because of the centrality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is important that every follower of Jesus personally consider the evidence for the resurrection of Christ. I argue that there is more evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ than for any other personal event in ancient history.
The next commission is presented by the chief priests to the soldiers who informed the priests of the earthquake and its consequences. The basic commission is to accept a bribe and deny or ignore the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the false commission. I wonder how many times people may influence me to ignore or deny the resurrection and its power. At least no one has offered to pay me to follow the false commission.
The final commission is, in fact, the Great Commission. I will just note that there is only one main verb in that commission, "make disciples." The commission to those who follow Christ is to encourage others to learn from Christ in order to be better citizens in His kingdom and in order to encourage others to become citizens of Christ's kingdom.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Flying Spaghetti Monster
In response to this question on Yahoo Answers Did you see the Flying Spaghetti Monster? I wrote,
Take a deep breath. No one believes in an FSM (except a few atheists).
Many people note that our universe is quite complex (sometimes irreducibly), quite organized and often acts in harmonious and consistent ways. This logically causes people to think that the universe is more of a garden than a chaotic glob. Many therefore believe in the existence of a gardener. Personally, I believe in the Gardener mentioned in the Bible. He is essentially one ('uni') and yet exists in three persons ('verse'). One used to be able to learn this at the university.
Take a deep breath. No one believes in an FSM (except a few atheists).
Many people note that our universe is quite complex (sometimes irreducibly), quite organized and often acts in harmonious and consistent ways. This logically causes people to think that the universe is more of a garden than a chaotic glob. Many therefore believe in the existence of a gardener. Personally, I believe in the Gardener mentioned in the Bible. He is essentially one ('uni') and yet exists in three persons ('verse'). One used to be able to learn this at the university.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The Disciples' Prayer
In Matthew 6, Jesus gives His instructions on three priorities that His followers should have. One priority is prayer.
Jesus first instructs those who would follow Him to prioritize personal, private prayer. Next, He warns against meaningless repetition in prayer. Based on the parable of the unjust judge Jesus is not warning against repeating a prayer, but rather warning against the meaningless repetition of words. Such repetition is seen in at least two areas. First, we tend to have a ritual (cultural?) phrase that we repeat because we are comfortable with it (e.g. "in Jesus' name amen" or "God bless the missionaries."). These phrases have meaning, but the meaning can be lost when the phrase is repeated by rote. The second meaningless repetition sometimes occurs when a follower of Jesus 'works' on allegedly speaking in tongues. To the unsaved (as the Apostle Paul warned) this repetition indicates a lack of order and thinking by the one praying.
When we prioritize personal, private prayer and avoid meaningless repetition we can begin to pray in the way Jesus commanded us.
Jesus first instructs those who would follow Him to prioritize personal, private prayer. Next, He warns against meaningless repetition in prayer. Based on the parable of the unjust judge Jesus is not warning against repeating a prayer, but rather warning against the meaningless repetition of words. Such repetition is seen in at least two areas. First, we tend to have a ritual (cultural?) phrase that we repeat because we are comfortable with it (e.g. "in Jesus' name amen" or "God bless the missionaries."). These phrases have meaning, but the meaning can be lost when the phrase is repeated by rote. The second meaningless repetition sometimes occurs when a follower of Jesus 'works' on allegedly speaking in tongues. To the unsaved (as the Apostle Paul warned) this repetition indicates a lack of order and thinking by the one praying.
When we prioritize personal, private prayer and avoid meaningless repetition we can begin to pray in the way Jesus commanded us.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Matthew 8 The Cost of Heaven's Citizenship
In Matthew 8, Jesus has just finished the Sermon on the Mount and continues His ministry by means of healing and responding to people. He first heals a leper based on His 'willingness'. Jesus then is approached by a Roman soldier who asks healing for a servant who is paralyzed. Based on parallel accounts this servant is more like a son to the Centurion soldier. The key teaching in this paragraph concerns the authority of Jesus. The point is that those who recognize the authority of Jesus will have a strong faith in Him.
After more healing, Jesus is approached by two would-be followers. The first offers to follow Jesus wherever He goes. Jesus response is that His followers may have to homeless. Jesus shows that those who are committed to growing as citizens of His kingdom will have to set aside significant earthly comforts. The second would-be follower asks if he can first 'bury his father' and then follow Jesus. Undoubtedly, one of the most difficult things that the followers of Jesus must set aside are family priorities. We still have huge family responsibilities as followers of Jesus, but we also are called upon to establish heavenly priorities in taking care of those family responsibilities. The key phrase that this would-be follower uses is, "Permit me first..." That is one thing that Jesus cannot do for him or for us. Rather, we must follow the example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and pray, "nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will..."
The final 'setting aside' that the followers of Jesus are asked to do, is to set aside fear. Jesus had informed the disciples that they were going to the other side of the lake. When an incredible storm (called a 'mega' storm in the Greek) threatens the ship and their lives the disciples are greatly afraid. Jesus exhorts them to have more faith, and therefore to not be afraid.
1 John 4.11-18 helps with the idea of us setting aside fear. Loving others is our calling and as we develop that calling it leads to 'perfect love' which 'casts out fear'.
There is nothing easy about following Jesus. Salvation is free, but growth in the Christian life is filled with difficulties and costs. As followers of Jesus we need to be willing to set aside earthly comfort, earthly priorities and earthly fears.
After more healing, Jesus is approached by two would-be followers. The first offers to follow Jesus wherever He goes. Jesus response is that His followers may have to homeless. Jesus shows that those who are committed to growing as citizens of His kingdom will have to set aside significant earthly comforts. The second would-be follower asks if he can first 'bury his father' and then follow Jesus. Undoubtedly, one of the most difficult things that the followers of Jesus must set aside are family priorities. We still have huge family responsibilities as followers of Jesus, but we also are called upon to establish heavenly priorities in taking care of those family responsibilities. The key phrase that this would-be follower uses is, "Permit me first..." That is one thing that Jesus cannot do for him or for us. Rather, we must follow the example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and pray, "nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will..."
The final 'setting aside' that the followers of Jesus are asked to do, is to set aside fear. Jesus had informed the disciples that they were going to the other side of the lake. When an incredible storm (called a 'mega' storm in the Greek) threatens the ship and their lives the disciples are greatly afraid. Jesus exhorts them to have more faith, and therefore to not be afraid.
1 John 4.11-18 helps with the idea of us setting aside fear. Loving others is our calling and as we develop that calling it leads to 'perfect love' which 'casts out fear'.
There is nothing easy about following Jesus. Salvation is free, but growth in the Christian life is filled with difficulties and costs. As followers of Jesus we need to be willing to set aside earthly comfort, earthly priorities and earthly fears.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The Only Begotten Son
According to John 1.18; 3.16 &18 and 1 John 4.9 Jesus is “the only begotten Son” [monogenase]. Begotten means born, it is the word we derive generate and generation from. In the above verses the prefix ‘mono’ is added to the word ‘begotten’.
In newer translations and paraphrases, like the NIV and The Message the composite word is translated “one and only Son” (NIV) and “only Son” (The Message). These versions capture some of the meaning of ‘only begotten’ or ‘only born’ [monogenase], but they do not communicate the idea of being born which is essential to the word.
The difficulty with translating the word ‘only born’ is the fact that in our western culture one would immediately think of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, which is not the primary meaning. Acts 13.30-34 states, “But God raised Him from the dead… And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘You are My Son; today i have begotten You.’” Clearly, the fact of Jesus being the “only born Son” is based on His resurrection not His incarnation.
In the context of John 3, Nicodemus has come to Jesus to ask about how to obtain a significant relationship with God. Jesus answered that the way one gains a significant relationship with God is by being born into it (‘born again’ or ‘born from above’). It is the “only born Son” alone who provides an invitation to “whosoever” a new birth. Those who receive this new birth gain the significant relationship with God, and they gain it from the One who gives life from the dead.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Faith & Love
I have been studying Luke 7.1-17 where Jesus heals a centurion's slave and then raises a widow's son from the dead. The focus of Jesus healing the centurion's slave is on the centurion's faith. The centurion, a Roman military officer, often having authority over 100 men, sends some Jewish leaders to Jesus to request healing for his slave who is close to death. History indicates that to the wealthy, slaves were considered expendable. This centurion saw his slave from a different perspective. When Luke narrates concerning the young man he calls him a slave. When Luke quotes the centurion, however, the young man is called a child.
Basically, the centurion was making a prayer request on behalf of his servant. The soldier's faith in Jesus moved him to a simple act of kindness toward someone else (maybe a person who would be considered "one of the least of these"). My faith should regularly do the same.
When requested by the Jewish leaders to heal the centurion's slave, Jesus begins walking toward his house. As Jesus approached the house the centurion sent a messenger. The centurion's message was, "I do not consider myself worthy" of Jesus coming into his home. The soldier offered that Jesus could just heal the slave at a distance if that suited Him. Jesus was amazed at the centurion's faith. I note that the faith of the centurion was based on his humble attitude of not considering himself worthy. I find this in contrast to the the 'one who would follow Jesus' in Luke 9.59 who declined by saying, "Permit me first to bury my father." The implication is that the would be follower wanted to wait for his father to die so as to gain his inheritance, and then he would follow Jesus. There is no indication that this heir's father was even sick. I also find that most of my prayers fit into the "permit me first" genre.
After healing the servant of the centurion Jesus moves on towards the village of Nain where He meets a funeral procession coming out. Jesus stops the procession and raises the widow's dead son. I believe the connection with the preceding narrative is found in the issue of Jesus' love. The text of Luke 7 states that Jesus was moved with compassion and therefore raised the dead man.
As I acknowledge that I do not have the centurion's faith, it may cause me to be discouraged except when I see the love of Jesus that does even greater than a healing for one who had no faith (you might say the widow's son had a dead faith). I understand that I should be moving toward a centurion-like faith, but even when I am far from it, Jesus will still act powerfully on my behalf based on His great love.
Basically, the centurion was making a prayer request on behalf of his servant. The soldier's faith in Jesus moved him to a simple act of kindness toward someone else (maybe a person who would be considered "one of the least of these"). My faith should regularly do the same.
When requested by the Jewish leaders to heal the centurion's slave, Jesus begins walking toward his house. As Jesus approached the house the centurion sent a messenger. The centurion's message was, "I do not consider myself worthy" of Jesus coming into his home. The soldier offered that Jesus could just heal the slave at a distance if that suited Him. Jesus was amazed at the centurion's faith. I note that the faith of the centurion was based on his humble attitude of not considering himself worthy. I find this in contrast to the the 'one who would follow Jesus' in Luke 9.59 who declined by saying, "Permit me first to bury my father." The implication is that the would be follower wanted to wait for his father to die so as to gain his inheritance, and then he would follow Jesus. There is no indication that this heir's father was even sick. I also find that most of my prayers fit into the "permit me first" genre.
After healing the servant of the centurion Jesus moves on towards the village of Nain where He meets a funeral procession coming out. Jesus stops the procession and raises the widow's dead son. I believe the connection with the preceding narrative is found in the issue of Jesus' love. The text of Luke 7 states that Jesus was moved with compassion and therefore raised the dead man.
As I acknowledge that I do not have the centurion's faith, it may cause me to be discouraged except when I see the love of Jesus that does even greater than a healing for one who had no faith (you might say the widow's son had a dead faith). I understand that I should be moving toward a centurion-like faith, but even when I am far from it, Jesus will still act powerfully on my behalf based on His great love.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Finding the Will of God Christmas Style
When I look at the narrative of Joseph (and Mary) in the Christmas story an interesting means of discerning God's will emerges. Joseph becomes aware of his fiancee's pregnancy (and implied immorality) and "he decided to divorce her privately not wishing to cause her shame." I infer that Joseph was making a decision based on his being a "good man" (Matthew1). His decision was founded on grace. He didn't want to cause her shame (the NASB reads 'disgrace'). He was not deciding to divorce her due to vindictiveness or anger. In fact, clearly he based his decision on God's Word (the allowance that Moses made for people so that they could divorce). He seems to have logically interpreted the Scripture and was moving toward action based on that logic. In summary Joseph was about to make a difficult decision based on grace, common sense and Scripture. Wow! He had to be on the right track ( I wish I could more often make decisions based on grace, common sense and Scripture). Except he was about to go against God's will.
God did intervene and redirected Joseph's decision clearly, aligning it with the revelation that Mary had received and the revelation of an ancient prophet (Isaiah). So God's plan was consistent and in place from centuries before and He made it clear to those who were faithful.
Mary's example adds to my understanding. She hears the good news (that will mean a considerable amount of bad news in her life) and yet she welcomes the Word of God, saying, "Be it done to me according to all that you (the angel Gabriel) have said."
I conclude that although we should make decisions based on grace, common sense and Scripture that does not guarantee that we will always make the correct decision. It is still important to recognize human weakness within us and seek a clear directive (conviction?) from God, always welcoming the Word of God and its principles into our lives.
God did intervene and redirected Joseph's decision clearly, aligning it with the revelation that Mary had received and the revelation of an ancient prophet (Isaiah). So God's plan was consistent and in place from centuries before and He made it clear to those who were faithful.
Mary's example adds to my understanding. She hears the good news (that will mean a considerable amount of bad news in her life) and yet she welcomes the Word of God, saying, "Be it done to me according to all that you (the angel Gabriel) have said."
I conclude that although we should make decisions based on grace, common sense and Scripture that does not guarantee that we will always make the correct decision. It is still important to recognize human weakness within us and seek a clear directive (conviction?) from God, always welcoming the Word of God and its principles into our lives.
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