Sometimes I wish I could outlaw the use of certain words in the Church. These words are the ones that you can tell by the way people use them, the people either do not know the meaning of the word, or they chose to give the word a meaning totally opposite its original definition. By the misuse of these words, the words either come to mean nothing, or they are twisted into a perversion of what they once where.
This change is not always deliberate. Most of the time it happens because people don't know the original meaning, or they don't think about the meaning when they use the word.
The two words I would most like to outlaw are "gospel" and "ministry."
You may be thinking the Gospel is the very core of the Christian message, so why would I want to outlaw it? I don't want to outlaw the Gospel itself, just the way I hear people use the word "gospel."
Remember, the word "gospel" comes from two Old English words that mean "good news." The Christian message of salvation from sin, guilt, condemnation, poverty, sickness, and death through Jesus Christ is indeed good news!
But how many times do you hear a "gospel" preacher proclaim a message you would call good news? Some spend their time focused on negative things and condemning people for their shortcomings and failures. When they do finally say something positive, they add on so many preconditions and requirements their message becomes one of bondage.
Too many think their message is gospel just because it sounds spiritual. You can often tell these people by their uptight expressions and voices. They don't say the word "gospel" like it is something positive and exciting. They often pronounce it as "Gaaawss-pullll." You can hear the religion dripping from their voices as they speak.
Because of this, I am training myself to use the words "Good News" when I speak of the Gospel. Doing this will help remind me of what the Gospel really is, and how to recognize a fake one when one comes along.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A Father's Heart
Many people struggle with the image of God as a father. I can understand that, for my own earthy father was not perfect. He was a drunk, and cussed like the sailor he was. He also had that famous Irish temper. But he was never physically abusive with me. He did get carried away one time while disciplining my oldest brother. But after that, he left the discipline to Mom because he was afraid he would get carried away again. I know he loved me, but he was weak.
Unfortunately, many people have been abused by their fathers. Some have never seen their fathers because their fathers died before they were born, some due to war, some due to crime, illness, or injury. Some people do not know who their fathers are.
Despite the shortcomings of many earthly fathers, God represents Himself to us as our Father. Why? Because that best represents Him and how He wants to relate to us.
The first thing a man does to become a father is to give life. Because God is the Creator of all life, even someone who is not born again can call God, “Father.”
The next thing a father does is work to provide for his offspring. Jesus spoke about how God provides for the birds and He adorns the flowers with beauty. John the Baptist said that no man can receive anything except it be provided by heaven. James wrote that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights.
Fathers also provide instruction and wisdom. In the book of Proverbs, Solomon said much about the value of a father's instruction. He was also quick to label as fools those who ignored such teaching.
Finally, fathers correct and discipline their children. Discipline is not just for the fathers to vent their anger at the child's misbehavior. The discipline should work for the child's benefit by directing him away from wrong behavior.
All this is motivated by love.
One of the most well-known stories illustrating a father's heart is The Prodigal Son. A Baptist pastor I knew years ago preferred to call it The Forgiving Father, because the father's forgiveness is the dominant element in the story. We call it The Prodigal Son because we identify with him so much.
I have another story that shows a father's heart.
In The Rockford Files TV series, James Garner played Jim Rockford, a private investigator who lived and worked out of his mobile home at Malibu Beach. Jim's father, Rocky, was a crusty, but good-natured, retired truck driver.
One day, Rocky fills in for another truck driver by making his delivery for him. He winds up at the wrong place at the wrong time and almost witnesses a murder. But the bad guys think he did. So, a couple of thugs go to Rocky's house and they have a fight.
Rocky gets away from the thugs and goes to Jim's trailer. Jim wants Rocky to stay at the trailer while he goes to investigate.
Rocky doesn't like that plan. He's not the type to run and hide. He wants to get out and help find those thugs to bring them to justice. You can see that Jim and Rocky are headed for a BIG argument.
Then Jim does something really underhanded. He softens the expression on his face and says one word, “Please.”
Rocky stayed. What else could he do?
Friday, July 17, 2009
Two Rich Men
The story of The Rich Young Ruler is one of the most well known episodes from the life of Jesus. One of the least known of Christ's parables is the one about the landowner who hired workers for his vineyard at various times throughout the day, but he paid them all the same. These two stories are connected.
The context begins at Matthew 19:3 ends at chapter 20, verse 16. Before looking at those, we need to consider the background passage in Matt. 18: 1 – 4.
In the background passage, the disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in the Kingdom. He uses a child as an example.
Why a child? In verse 4, Jesus says, “Whoever then humbles himself as a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” We don't often associate humility with children. We often think of childishness as a form of selfishness, but childlikeness as a form of virtue. What I see now is that children are transparent. When a child is being selfish, we can see it easily. Even when the child is pretending to be good while being bad, we can stil see it When a child is humble, he is truly humble.
Now in Matt. 19: 13-14, Jesus rebukes the disciples because they obstructed parents that brought their children to Him to have Him pray for the children. He adds, “for kngdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” How does a child receive a kngdom? The only way a child receives a kngdom is as an inheritance. He does not work for it. He does not borrow or save up to buy for it. He does not raise an army and go to war for it. The only thing the child can do is just receive it as an inheritance.
Next, we see The Rich Young Ruler, Matt. 19: 16 – 22, followed by discusssions on entering the kingdom (vs. 23 – 26) and a disciple's reward.
The key to understanding the story of The Rich Young Ruler is in how Jesus responded to the young man calling Him 'Good Teacher.' (Mark 10: 17 – 18) “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.”
Was Jesus saying that He wasn't good? You better know better than that! No, what Jesus was saying is, “Do you realize that by refering to Me with a term that applies only to God, then you are recognizing Me as God?”
The Rich Young Ruler was focused on works, but he realized that something was missing. “What must I do to have eternal life?” he asks. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments. The young man replies that he has done that, but he know he needs to do more.
Jesus tests him further by challenging him to dispose of his material possessions and to become a disciple of Christ. What Jesus was saying is, “If you reocgnize My divinity, you will submit to all My instructions, even if it costs you all that you own.”
At this point, people might assume that the young man might have missed out, because the Bible says he went away saddened. However, two accounts in the NASB (Matthew and Mark) say that he was grieved. Grief is a sadness felt at a loss. We can feel sadness over many things, including things that don't directly affect yus, but grief is always assoicated with our own loss. Maybe this man realized he was losing out on the Kingdom. But then, maybe he left to dispose of his property, give the proceeds to the poor, and then return to follow Jesus. He would then be grieving over the loss of his property. His position of authority as a ruler was probably tied to his property ownership, so he could have been been grieving over giving up that as well.
This very well may be what The Rich Young Ruler did, for in the next passage, Jesus speaks about how difficult it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom. The difficulty lies not just in their attachment to their material things, in their pride in what they have accomplished or in the value of their stuff. For rich people to enter the Kingdom, they have to humble themselves and submit to the King. Jesus said it was difficult, not impossible.
Now, some would twist these passages into making poverty a virtue. Poverty is not a virtue. The Law of Moses and the book of Proverbs are very open about it being a result of sin and laziness. The only time that poverty does not come that way is as a result of being persecuted for righteousness' sake. Even then, the poverty is caused by the sin of the persecuter. Plus, Jesus speaks of the material rewards of discipleship in the next passage. In the Kingdom, what is important about material possessions is not what or how much you have, but how you got it, and what you're doing with it.
Finally, we come to the parable of the landowner and the vineyard workers. I have heard this presented from the perspective of the workers. But I want to look at this from the landowner's viewpoint.
The landowner saw nothing wrong with paying those who worked only one hour the same as he paid the ones who worked all day. He paid them what their labor was worth to him. Everyone who worked for him had an agreement as to what he would pay them, and he stuck to the agreed amount. “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own?” he asks. Of coourse it is! His vineyard, his vines, his grapes, his money are for him to do with as he pleases. If he wants to those who work one hour the same he pays those who work eight hours, that's his business.
Now, let me ask this: Whose Kingdom is it? God's Kingdom is God's. We inherit the Kingdom only because we are His children. We enter into our inheritance by humbling ourselves honestly the way a child would, recognize that God's Kingdom is God's for Him to do with as He pleases, and to submit ot His instruction even if it costs us everything.
The context begins at Matthew 19:3 ends at chapter 20, verse 16. Before looking at those, we need to consider the background passage in Matt. 18: 1 – 4.
In the background passage, the disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in the Kingdom. He uses a child as an example.
Why a child? In verse 4, Jesus says, “Whoever then humbles himself as a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” We don't often associate humility with children. We often think of childishness as a form of selfishness, but childlikeness as a form of virtue. What I see now is that children are transparent. When a child is being selfish, we can see it easily. Even when the child is pretending to be good while being bad, we can stil see it When a child is humble, he is truly humble.
Now in Matt. 19: 13-14, Jesus rebukes the disciples because they obstructed parents that brought their children to Him to have Him pray for the children. He adds, “for kngdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” How does a child receive a kngdom? The only way a child receives a kngdom is as an inheritance. He does not work for it. He does not borrow or save up to buy for it. He does not raise an army and go to war for it. The only thing the child can do is just receive it as an inheritance.
Next, we see The Rich Young Ruler, Matt. 19: 16 – 22, followed by discusssions on entering the kingdom (vs. 23 – 26) and a disciple's reward.
The key to understanding the story of The Rich Young Ruler is in how Jesus responded to the young man calling Him 'Good Teacher.' (Mark 10: 17 – 18) “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.”
Was Jesus saying that He wasn't good? You better know better than that! No, what Jesus was saying is, “Do you realize that by refering to Me with a term that applies only to God, then you are recognizing Me as God?”
The Rich Young Ruler was focused on works, but he realized that something was missing. “What must I do to have eternal life?” he asks. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments. The young man replies that he has done that, but he know he needs to do more.
Jesus tests him further by challenging him to dispose of his material possessions and to become a disciple of Christ. What Jesus was saying is, “If you reocgnize My divinity, you will submit to all My instructions, even if it costs you all that you own.”
At this point, people might assume that the young man might have missed out, because the Bible says he went away saddened. However, two accounts in the NASB (Matthew and Mark) say that he was grieved. Grief is a sadness felt at a loss. We can feel sadness over many things, including things that don't directly affect yus, but grief is always assoicated with our own loss. Maybe this man realized he was losing out on the Kingdom. But then, maybe he left to dispose of his property, give the proceeds to the poor, and then return to follow Jesus. He would then be grieving over the loss of his property. His position of authority as a ruler was probably tied to his property ownership, so he could have been been grieving over giving up that as well.
This very well may be what The Rich Young Ruler did, for in the next passage, Jesus speaks about how difficult it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom. The difficulty lies not just in their attachment to their material things, in their pride in what they have accomplished or in the value of their stuff. For rich people to enter the Kingdom, they have to humble themselves and submit to the King. Jesus said it was difficult, not impossible.
Now, some would twist these passages into making poverty a virtue. Poverty is not a virtue. The Law of Moses and the book of Proverbs are very open about it being a result of sin and laziness. The only time that poverty does not come that way is as a result of being persecuted for righteousness' sake. Even then, the poverty is caused by the sin of the persecuter. Plus, Jesus speaks of the material rewards of discipleship in the next passage. In the Kingdom, what is important about material possessions is not what or how much you have, but how you got it, and what you're doing with it.
Finally, we come to the parable of the landowner and the vineyard workers. I have heard this presented from the perspective of the workers. But I want to look at this from the landowner's viewpoint.
The landowner saw nothing wrong with paying those who worked only one hour the same as he paid the ones who worked all day. He paid them what their labor was worth to him. Everyone who worked for him had an agreement as to what he would pay them, and he stuck to the agreed amount. “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own?” he asks. Of coourse it is! His vineyard, his vines, his grapes, his money are for him to do with as he pleases. If he wants to those who work one hour the same he pays those who work eight hours, that's his business.
Now, let me ask this: Whose Kingdom is it? God's Kingdom is God's. We inherit the Kingdom only because we are His children. We enter into our inheritance by humbling ourselves honestly the way a child would, recognize that God's Kingdom is God's for Him to do with as He pleases, and to submit ot His instruction even if it costs us everything.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Hope and Faith - They're Electric!
The following is an article I posted in two parts on my blog at IktusNETwork. It started with a seed from Gary Carpenter's Face to Face series. In those messages, he was reviewing a series of messages he received directly from the Holy Spirit ten years earlier, with the perspective of those ten years of additional experience of walking in the spirit. One of those messages is "The God of Hope," and it tells the importance of hope. (I recommend you go to his website, www.garycarpenter.org, and download the whole Face to Face series.) Gary's comments about Hope got me to meditating on the relationship of Hope and Faith, and this article came out of those meditations.
Today, we see a large number of "Faith" churches, teachers, and ministries, but hardly ever hear much about Hope, yet the Bible says a great deal about Hope.
Hope and Faith - They're Electric!
In recent months, Gary Carpenter has been teaching some on Hope in relation to Faith as part of both the Face to Face and the Ephesians series. The key verse has been one of the most famous verses on Faith, Hebrews 11:1.
Heb 11:1 (NASB) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
The King James says "substance" instead of "assurance." The Greek word is hupostasis, which means: a support, substance, steadiness, hence assurance, or confidence. Faith gives substance or support to the things hoped for. But how does this relationship between Hope and Faith work? Let me tell you - it's electric!
Gary said several times that Hope applies to the future. That is the general view of Hope - it pertains to things of, or in, the future. Faith, on the other hand, is now. It changes future Hope into present reality.
Especially when speaking of people and situations in the future, we use another word, relating to Hope, that sprang into my mind and started me on this path. That word is "potential." We often say a person has potential if they demonstrate talent, skill or ability that needs developing. We speak of situations that are potentially dangerous if we notice a threat.
"Potential" reveals the electrical nature of the relationship between Hope and Faith.
In today's world, we use electricity often for work, lighting, heat, communications and entertainment. Over the last couple of centuries, man has developed electrical circuits and devices to serve human needs, starting with motors to do work through machinery. The invention of the telegraph gave us the first means to send information over a very long distance in a very short time, and became the foundation for electronics. We are all familiar with what electricity can do for us, but not all of us understand how it works.
The various electrical and electronic devices we use must be part of an electrical circuit to work. A basic circuit has a power source, a working device, and a conductive path that allows electricity to flow to and from the device, or to the device and then to ground. Men have developed electrical circuits to serve human needs and wants, and some are very complex. But the first electrical circuits exist in nature as part of God's design. More on those in a minute.
If you have studied electricity in depth, you know the term "difference of potential." For those not familiar with it, it's what makes electricity flow.
Let's take a quick review of basic electrical theory.
Everyone is familiar with the basic structure of the atom: a nucleus of protons and neutrons orbited by electrons. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons have no charge. Two protons not in a nucleus will repel each other. Electrons not in orbit around a nucleus repel each other. Protons and electrons attract each other. Thus the old saying that "opposites attract."
In some substances, electrons can move more freely than in other substances, and we call them conductors. The other substances are called insulators. Sometimes, even insulators will conduct electricity under the right conditions. Ever walk across an carpeted floor on a winter day and then touch a door knob? Your body became electrically charged by the friction between your feet and the carpet. As you reach out for the door knob, you set up a difference of potential between your hand and the knob. Air is normally an insulator, but when your hand got close enough, the difference of potential become strong enough to overcome the insulating properties of air and ZZZZAP! You complete the circuit, and electricity flows as a spark between your hand and the knob.
The difference of potential is the combination of repulsive and attractive forces working on the electrons and protons. You can have a very strong difference of potential but no flow or current unless the difference of potential is strong enough to overcome the insulating effects of any SUBSTANCE between the positive and negative charges, or you place a conductive SUBSTANCE between the charges.
Where have we seen that word "substance" before? Oh, yeah! "Faith is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for!"
Hope is the difference of potential between human need and God's power, and Faith is the conductor that allows His power to flow to meet our needs! Hallelujah!
Now let's expand on this and take a closer look at electrical circuits.
As I said, the first electrical circuits exist in nature as part of God's design. You have probably seen them in action. We call them lightning. Here's how a lightning circuit works:
The surface of the Earth normally has a negative charge. When a thundercloud grows, it develops a negative charge at its base, and a postive charge towards the top.
You can already see a difference of potential has developed inside the cloud. Sometimes processes inside the cloud will create conductive paths between the base and the top of the cloud. I once observed a supercell move towards Sapulpa around sunset and it had numerous "anvil crawler" strokes going up the sides of the main storm tower. It was one of the most impressive and beautiful lightning displays I have ever seen.
Sometimes, lightning can happen between two different clouds, but what we usually see most is cloud to ground (CG) lightning.
As the base of a thundercloud develops its negative charge, that charge repels the normal negative charge at the surface, and the surface develops a positive charge. This creates the difference of potential between the cloud and the surface. Research has shown that the attraction between the charges create ionized (electrically charged) channels that grow from the cloud base towards the ground, and from the ground towards the cloud. If they meet, a conductive path forms that completes the circuit, and zzzt-BOOM! LIGHTNING! If it happens close enough to me, I call it LIGHTNI-NI-NI-NI-NI-NI-NING!
Now, CG lightning is known to be dangerous to humans, but we do benefit from it indirectly. When CG lightning hits topsoil, it generates nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen is a key ingredient in many fertilizers, so CG lightning helps to keep soil fertile.
Now consider for a minute these verses:
Heb 12:1-2 (NASB) Therefore, since we have so great a CLOUD of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of FAITH, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We just looked at how clouds produce lightning. If we are surrounded by the cloud, we are in the cloud, and maybe we have become part of the cloud. Now consider that this discussion of Hope has come in the context of warfare. Is God calling us His stormtroopers?
Most electrical circuits designed by men serve some human need. Let's compare Hope & Faith circuits to these man-made circuits.
The Hope within us exists as an image of an all-powerful, loving God Who is more willing to use His power to bless us than to harm us. This image creates the difference of potential when compared to our need.
Faith is the conductor that delivers His power to the device that meets our need.
Most circuits that designed to meet human need have a switch. Our will is that switch.
As James said, "Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself." Jas 2:17 (NASB) A wire not connected to a working device does no one any good. The works of Faith are the gifts and tools He has given us to use, from His Word, to our words, to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to the armor of God.
1Cor. 13:13 (NASB) But now Faith, Hope, Love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is Love.
Gal. 5:6 (NASB) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but Faith working through Love.
Love is how we determine when and where to use the Hope & Faith circuit.
Every part of the circuit must be in good working order to use it according to the Father's will. Our Hope must be strong. Our Faith must be unbroken and free from obstruction and corruption. We need to keep our working devices clean and in a good state of repair. Our Love must be pure, focused on the needs of others more than ourselves, and on the needs of the Kingdom.
How can we maintain our Hope - Faith - Love circuits?
Jude (NASB) 1:20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.
Today, we see a large number of "Faith" churches, teachers, and ministries, but hardly ever hear much about Hope, yet the Bible says a great deal about Hope.
Hope and Faith - They're Electric!
In recent months, Gary Carpenter has been teaching some on Hope in relation to Faith as part of both the Face to Face and the Ephesians series. The key verse has been one of the most famous verses on Faith, Hebrews 11:1.
Heb 11:1 (NASB) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
The King James says "substance" instead of "assurance." The Greek word is hupostasis, which means: a support, substance, steadiness, hence assurance, or confidence. Faith gives substance or support to the things hoped for. But how does this relationship between Hope and Faith work? Let me tell you - it's electric!
Gary said several times that Hope applies to the future. That is the general view of Hope - it pertains to things of, or in, the future. Faith, on the other hand, is now. It changes future Hope into present reality.
Especially when speaking of people and situations in the future, we use another word, relating to Hope, that sprang into my mind and started me on this path. That word is "potential." We often say a person has potential if they demonstrate talent, skill or ability that needs developing. We speak of situations that are potentially dangerous if we notice a threat.
"Potential" reveals the electrical nature of the relationship between Hope and Faith.
In today's world, we use electricity often for work, lighting, heat, communications and entertainment. Over the last couple of centuries, man has developed electrical circuits and devices to serve human needs, starting with motors to do work through machinery. The invention of the telegraph gave us the first means to send information over a very long distance in a very short time, and became the foundation for electronics. We are all familiar with what electricity can do for us, but not all of us understand how it works.
The various electrical and electronic devices we use must be part of an electrical circuit to work. A basic circuit has a power source, a working device, and a conductive path that allows electricity to flow to and from the device, or to the device and then to ground. Men have developed electrical circuits to serve human needs and wants, and some are very complex. But the first electrical circuits exist in nature as part of God's design. More on those in a minute.
If you have studied electricity in depth, you know the term "difference of potential." For those not familiar with it, it's what makes electricity flow.
Let's take a quick review of basic electrical theory.
Everyone is familiar with the basic structure of the atom: a nucleus of protons and neutrons orbited by electrons. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons have no charge. Two protons not in a nucleus will repel each other. Electrons not in orbit around a nucleus repel each other. Protons and electrons attract each other. Thus the old saying that "opposites attract."
In some substances, electrons can move more freely than in other substances, and we call them conductors. The other substances are called insulators. Sometimes, even insulators will conduct electricity under the right conditions. Ever walk across an carpeted floor on a winter day and then touch a door knob? Your body became electrically charged by the friction between your feet and the carpet. As you reach out for the door knob, you set up a difference of potential between your hand and the knob. Air is normally an insulator, but when your hand got close enough, the difference of potential become strong enough to overcome the insulating properties of air and ZZZZAP! You complete the circuit, and electricity flows as a spark between your hand and the knob.
The difference of potential is the combination of repulsive and attractive forces working on the electrons and protons. You can have a very strong difference of potential but no flow or current unless the difference of potential is strong enough to overcome the insulating effects of any SUBSTANCE between the positive and negative charges, or you place a conductive SUBSTANCE between the charges.
Where have we seen that word "substance" before? Oh, yeah! "Faith is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for!"
Hope is the difference of potential between human need and God's power, and Faith is the conductor that allows His power to flow to meet our needs! Hallelujah!
Now let's expand on this and take a closer look at electrical circuits.
As I said, the first electrical circuits exist in nature as part of God's design. You have probably seen them in action. We call them lightning. Here's how a lightning circuit works:
The surface of the Earth normally has a negative charge. When a thundercloud grows, it develops a negative charge at its base, and a postive charge towards the top.
You can already see a difference of potential has developed inside the cloud. Sometimes processes inside the cloud will create conductive paths between the base and the top of the cloud. I once observed a supercell move towards Sapulpa around sunset and it had numerous "anvil crawler" strokes going up the sides of the main storm tower. It was one of the most impressive and beautiful lightning displays I have ever seen.
Sometimes, lightning can happen between two different clouds, but what we usually see most is cloud to ground (CG) lightning.
As the base of a thundercloud develops its negative charge, that charge repels the normal negative charge at the surface, and the surface develops a positive charge. This creates the difference of potential between the cloud and the surface. Research has shown that the attraction between the charges create ionized (electrically charged) channels that grow from the cloud base towards the ground, and from the ground towards the cloud. If they meet, a conductive path forms that completes the circuit, and zzzt-BOOM! LIGHTNING! If it happens close enough to me, I call it LIGHTNI-NI-NI-NI-NI-NI-NING!
Now, CG lightning is known to be dangerous to humans, but we do benefit from it indirectly. When CG lightning hits topsoil, it generates nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen is a key ingredient in many fertilizers, so CG lightning helps to keep soil fertile.
Now consider for a minute these verses:
Heb 12:1-2 (NASB) Therefore, since we have so great a CLOUD of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of FAITH, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We just looked at how clouds produce lightning. If we are surrounded by the cloud, we are in the cloud, and maybe we have become part of the cloud. Now consider that this discussion of Hope has come in the context of warfare. Is God calling us His stormtroopers?
Most electrical circuits designed by men serve some human need. Let's compare Hope & Faith circuits to these man-made circuits.
The Hope within us exists as an image of an all-powerful, loving God Who is more willing to use His power to bless us than to harm us. This image creates the difference of potential when compared to our need.
Faith is the conductor that delivers His power to the device that meets our need.
Most circuits that designed to meet human need have a switch. Our will is that switch.
As James said, "Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself." Jas 2:17 (NASB) A wire not connected to a working device does no one any good. The works of Faith are the gifts and tools He has given us to use, from His Word, to our words, to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to the armor of God.
1Cor. 13:13 (NASB) But now Faith, Hope, Love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is Love.
Gal. 5:6 (NASB) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but Faith working through Love.
Love is how we determine when and where to use the Hope & Faith circuit.
Every part of the circuit must be in good working order to use it according to the Father's will. Our Hope must be strong. Our Faith must be unbroken and free from obstruction and corruption. We need to keep our working devices clean and in a good state of repair. Our Love must be pure, focused on the needs of others more than ourselves, and on the needs of the Kingdom.
How can we maintain our Hope - Faith - Love circuits?
Jude (NASB) 1:20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Basic Messages
The Lord has given me three basic messages to teach everywhere I go. I won't go into the details of the messages here, but their titles are:
The Two Biggest Dangers of Religion
Jesus Plus Nothing
Jesus and Pentecost
They do flow together. The first message tells you to watch out for the junk that is taught, preached, or done in God's name. The second tells you how to tell what is junk. The third shows that the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues is not junk.
After I've had a chance to present these messages live, I will post the highlights here, unless the Lord directs otherwise.
The Two Biggest Dangers of Religion
Jesus Plus Nothing
Jesus and Pentecost
They do flow together. The first message tells you to watch out for the junk that is taught, preached, or done in God's name. The second tells you how to tell what is junk. The third shows that the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues is not junk.
After I've had a chance to present these messages live, I will post the highlights here, unless the Lord directs otherwise.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Meditations on Ephesians
After reading the letters of John, I went on to Ephesians, because my church is focusing on spiritual warfare and the authority of the believer.
03 Feb 09
Ch. 1, verse 4 gives us insight into holiness and exposes why some who label themselves as "holy" have such rotten attitudes.
This verse says we were chosen in Him (Jesus) to be "holy and blameless before Him (the Father) in love." This tells us that holiness should be motivated by love.
When holiness is not motivated by love, then those seeking holiness will base their holiness on external things - clothes, hair, jewelry, etc. Even if someone is aware that holiness is not based on what you wear or don't wear, they can still base their holiness on external expressions and activities - such as making a show of how much one prays, fasts, reads the Bible, etc.
True holiness will show itself, but it starts within. It is motivated by love for the Lord and a desire to be closer to Him. You want to be more holy? Then love God more.
04 FEB 09
Ch.1, verses 5 and 8 have similar phrases. First we see "the kind intention of His will." Then we see "His kind intention."
The Father intends to be kind towards us. Religion paints a picture of an angry god who intends to use his power to inflict punishment on a sinful, wayward world. The truth is that the Father would rather use His power to bless people with forgiveness, salvation, healing, health, and prosperity. When we reject His blessings, we are left to reap destruction because we have sown to the flesh.
23 FEB 09
Ch. 1, verses 6, 12, and 14 have variations of an awkward sounding phrase: praise of glory. This sounds awkward because of a possible redundancy in the words "praise" and "glory."
Glory is often defined as fame, and praise is the giving of of fame to someone or something. But glory can also refer to the reason or cause of fame, especially when referring to an intrinsic characteristic that makes someone or something worthy of fame. In the Bible, the word "glory" then applies to the manifest presence of God in this sense of the word.
04 MAR 09
Unity is the major theme of Ephesians. Passages concerning unity stretch from Chapter 2 to Chapter 4, and the theme is implied on Chapters 5 and 6 as well.
First, in Chapter 2, we see that Christ's death opened the door for people of all nations to have access to God, and not just Jews. Gentiles are now no longer separated by the Law. Jew and Gentile are united in His Church, His Body. Next, in Chapter 3, we see Paul explaining how his ministry serves to spread this message of unity.
Then in Chapter 4, Paul points out the importance of unity, and how the goal of the fivefold ministry (all ministry, actually) is the unity of the faith.
The general instructions in Chapters 4 and 5 are meant to preserve unity in the Body of Christ.
The specific instructions in Chapters 5 and 6 are meant to preserve unity in families.
The goal of taking up the whole armor of God in Chapter 6 is to preserve unity in the Body of Christ.
03 Feb 09
Ch. 1, verse 4 gives us insight into holiness and exposes why some who label themselves as "holy" have such rotten attitudes.
This verse says we were chosen in Him (Jesus) to be "holy and blameless before Him (the Father) in love." This tells us that holiness should be motivated by love.
When holiness is not motivated by love, then those seeking holiness will base their holiness on external things - clothes, hair, jewelry, etc. Even if someone is aware that holiness is not based on what you wear or don't wear, they can still base their holiness on external expressions and activities - such as making a show of how much one prays, fasts, reads the Bible, etc.
True holiness will show itself, but it starts within. It is motivated by love for the Lord and a desire to be closer to Him. You want to be more holy? Then love God more.
04 FEB 09
Ch.1, verses 5 and 8 have similar phrases. First we see "the kind intention of His will." Then we see "His kind intention."
The Father intends to be kind towards us. Religion paints a picture of an angry god who intends to use his power to inflict punishment on a sinful, wayward world. The truth is that the Father would rather use His power to bless people with forgiveness, salvation, healing, health, and prosperity. When we reject His blessings, we are left to reap destruction because we have sown to the flesh.
23 FEB 09
Ch. 1, verses 6, 12, and 14 have variations of an awkward sounding phrase: praise of glory. This sounds awkward because of a possible redundancy in the words "praise" and "glory."
Glory is often defined as fame, and praise is the giving of of fame to someone or something. But glory can also refer to the reason or cause of fame, especially when referring to an intrinsic characteristic that makes someone or something worthy of fame. In the Bible, the word "glory" then applies to the manifest presence of God in this sense of the word.
04 MAR 09
Unity is the major theme of Ephesians. Passages concerning unity stretch from Chapter 2 to Chapter 4, and the theme is implied on Chapters 5 and 6 as well.
First, in Chapter 2, we see that Christ's death opened the door for people of all nations to have access to God, and not just Jews. Gentiles are now no longer separated by the Law. Jew and Gentile are united in His Church, His Body. Next, in Chapter 3, we see Paul explaining how his ministry serves to spread this message of unity.
Then in Chapter 4, Paul points out the importance of unity, and how the goal of the fivefold ministry (all ministry, actually) is the unity of the faith.
The general instructions in Chapters 4 and 5 are meant to preserve unity in the Body of Christ.
The specific instructions in Chapters 5 and 6 are meant to preserve unity in families.
The goal of taking up the whole armor of God in Chapter 6 is to preserve unity in the Body of Christ.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Meditations on 1 & 2 John
After Philemon, I read the letters of John
1 John 12 NOV 08
The key verse in this letter is 4:11, for it ties together the two major themes of God's love for us and our love for each other. If God the Father did love us enough to send Jesus to die for us, then it naturally follows that we have experienced this love would have that same love for others.
1John 02 DEC 08
Ch. 3: 11 - 12 John tells us again to love one another and to not be like Cain. Cain slew Abel because Abel's deeds were good, and his own deeds were evil.
This tells us that Cain did evil before he murdered Abel. What evil did Cain do? He despised his brother. Why did Cain despise Abel? Pride. God accepted Abel's sacrifice and not Cain's. Cain also wanted to be accepted by God, but on his own terms. He wanted to be able to brag about his relationship to God. That is self-righteousness. So, the evil that Cain did included pride, envy, spite and self-righteousness before he added murder.
God accepted Abel's sacrifice because it was based on God's plan. When God dealt with Adam and Eve after the fall, He made clothes for them out of animal skins. That means that some animal had to give up its life. Its blood was shed to provide a covering for man. Abel recognized that any relationship between God and man must be based on blood. The only type of continuing relationship man can have with God must be a blood covenant.
1 John 12 DEC 08
Follow up on comments on 1 John 3: 11 - 12: The larger context is that those who are born again are marked by love for one another. To not love your brother is evil. Cain did not love Abel before he even killed his brother. That lack of love manifested as pride, self-righteousness, envy, and spite before it culminated in murder.
2 John 01 JAN 09
Notice verse 8: "Watch yourselves that you do not lose what we have accomplished..." This is obviously an appeal to protect yourself against regression, or going backwards spiritually. What might not stand out is that this appeal is made to individuals for the benefit of all.
"Watch yourselves" is an appeal to individuals because "self" refers to an individual, and "selves" means more than one individual. The "you" in this verse could refer to an individual or a group, but in this case it refers to both, because the admonition is to preserve "what we have accomplished."
John wrote this letter to "the chosen lady and her children." Scholars believe this was a way of addressing a church, or the Church in general. Either way, this gives us a picture of the Church as a group of individuals, but we are all interconnected by sharing of the same Spirit.
2 John 22 JAN 09
Notice verse 9: "Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God..." This verse confirms the pre-eminence of Christ, or the "Jesus Plus Nothing" teaching. Notice it does not say "teachings," but the "teaching of Christ." This refers not only to what Christ taught, but to teachings that focus on Him or are based on Him. I have often said that any teaching that cannot be related back to Jesus, or that you cannot use Him as an example of, is to be suspected as false.
1 John 12 NOV 08
The key verse in this letter is 4:11, for it ties together the two major themes of God's love for us and our love for each other. If God the Father did love us enough to send Jesus to die for us, then it naturally follows that we have experienced this love would have that same love for others.
1John 02 DEC 08
Ch. 3: 11 - 12 John tells us again to love one another and to not be like Cain. Cain slew Abel because Abel's deeds were good, and his own deeds were evil.
This tells us that Cain did evil before he murdered Abel. What evil did Cain do? He despised his brother. Why did Cain despise Abel? Pride. God accepted Abel's sacrifice and not Cain's. Cain also wanted to be accepted by God, but on his own terms. He wanted to be able to brag about his relationship to God. That is self-righteousness. So, the evil that Cain did included pride, envy, spite and self-righteousness before he added murder.
God accepted Abel's sacrifice because it was based on God's plan. When God dealt with Adam and Eve after the fall, He made clothes for them out of animal skins. That means that some animal had to give up its life. Its blood was shed to provide a covering for man. Abel recognized that any relationship between God and man must be based on blood. The only type of continuing relationship man can have with God must be a blood covenant.
1 John 12 DEC 08
Follow up on comments on 1 John 3: 11 - 12: The larger context is that those who are born again are marked by love for one another. To not love your brother is evil. Cain did not love Abel before he even killed his brother. That lack of love manifested as pride, self-righteousness, envy, and spite before it culminated in murder.
2 John 01 JAN 09
Notice verse 8: "Watch yourselves that you do not lose what we have accomplished..." This is obviously an appeal to protect yourself against regression, or going backwards spiritually. What might not stand out is that this appeal is made to individuals for the benefit of all.
"Watch yourselves" is an appeal to individuals because "self" refers to an individual, and "selves" means more than one individual. The "you" in this verse could refer to an individual or a group, but in this case it refers to both, because the admonition is to preserve "what we have accomplished."
John wrote this letter to "the chosen lady and her children." Scholars believe this was a way of addressing a church, or the Church in general. Either way, this gives us a picture of the Church as a group of individuals, but we are all interconnected by sharing of the same Spirit.
2 John 22 JAN 09
Notice verse 9: "Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God..." This verse confirms the pre-eminence of Christ, or the "Jesus Plus Nothing" teaching. Notice it does not say "teachings," but the "teaching of Christ." This refers not only to what Christ taught, but to teachings that focus on Him or are based on Him. I have often said that any teaching that cannot be related back to Jesus, or that you cannot use Him as an example of, is to be suspected as false.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Meditations on Philemon - Part 3
30 OCT 08
We can see from some of the things that Paul says that he must have met Philemon at some time in the past. This is interesting, because Paul had never been to Colossae before he wrote the letters to Colossae and Philemon. Philemon might have been part of the ministry team that started the church at Colossae. Paul did travel to through Laodicea, near Colossae, and Paul probably met Philemon there and converted him.
However their relationship came to be, Paul's letter is an example of how close friends can be even when separated by great distances. This letter is about Paul's relationship with Philemon as much as it is about Philemon's relationship with Onesimus.
01 NOV 08
In verse 19, when Paul puts into his own handwriting his pledge to cover an damages or loss caused by Onesimus, he does not say that he will pay, but that he will repay. Paul assumed the debt of of Onesimus as his own. This shows the depth of love and friendship Paul felt towards both men.
We can see from some of the things that Paul says that he must have met Philemon at some time in the past. This is interesting, because Paul had never been to Colossae before he wrote the letters to Colossae and Philemon. Philemon might have been part of the ministry team that started the church at Colossae. Paul did travel to through Laodicea, near Colossae, and Paul probably met Philemon there and converted him.
However their relationship came to be, Paul's letter is an example of how close friends can be even when separated by great distances. This letter is about Paul's relationship with Philemon as much as it is about Philemon's relationship with Onesimus.
01 NOV 08
In verse 19, when Paul puts into his own handwriting his pledge to cover an damages or loss caused by Onesimus, he does not say that he will pay, but that he will repay. Paul assumed the debt of of Onesimus as his own. This shows the depth of love and friendship Paul felt towards both men.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Meditations on Philemon - Part 2
27 OCT 08
Paul never refers to himself as a prisoner for Christ, but as a prisoner of Christ. He does this to show that he is always conscious of his "obligation" to Christ.
On the road to Damascus, Christ "captured" Saul and began to transform him into Paul. Saul was acting in rebellion to the Good News, so he was an outlaw, spiritually speaking, who needed to be arrested. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul states that he was apprehended (KJV) by Christ.
27 OCT 08
Paul's letter is not just addressed to Philemon. His greeting includes Apphia, Archippus, and the church that meets at Philemon's house. Paul probably included them in this letter because they too were harmed when Onesimus ran away.
Because Archippus is mentioned in Paul's letter to the Colossians, and is mentioned as being a minister, we know that these people lived in or near Colossae. Philemon must have owned an estate near Colossae, Apphia or Archippus lived with him, and he hosted or pastored a church that met at his house. Apphia and Archippus were probably relatives of Philemon. Apphia was most likely his wife, but could have been his mother or sister acting as the lady of the estate. Archippus was most likely Philemon's brother or son.
Onesimus could have been assigned to serve Apphia and Archippus, and so they would have been harmed when he ran away. If he was assigned domestic duties in the house,he could have been used to prepare the house for church meetings,and his loss would have harmed the church.
The lesson here is that the situation was not just about Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus. Apphia, Archippus, and the house church also needed to forgive Onesimus and accept him as a brother in Christ.
28 OCT 08
In verse 18, where Paul pledges to cover any loss to Philemon caused by Onesimus, commentators often state the possibility the slave might have stolen some money or other property from his master when he ran away. What we might not see is that Onesimus could have cause loss in other ways.
For one thing, his labor was not available to Philemon, and Philemon had to have someone else do that work: either someone hired, or a new slave, or the work given to other slaves and their workload increased as their productivity decreased. So Philemon had to pay the wages of a new hire, or the price of a new slave, or he lost money due to less output from his estate.
This pledge by Paul shows how much he loved both men!
This also shows us a picture of propitiation. As Paul pledged to satisfy the debt caused by Onesimus, so Jesus pledged His life to satisfy our debt of sin.
30 OCT 08
In verse 6, Paul prays " that the fellowship of your faith may become effective..." Notice that Paul did not say "fellowship of the faith..." Paul is talking about a fellowship based on a personal faith. Fellowship is also a sharing of resources and responsibilities as in a partnership.
Paul goes on to say that this fellowship becomes effective "through knowledge of every good thing" that is in Philemon "for Christ's sake." Paul is calling Philemon to remember the positive thing that Christ has placed in Philemon because of his faith, and these things were placed their for Christ's benefit. Of course, the most important thing Christ placed in Philemon is love, which he demonstrates by his treatment of the saints.
In short, Paul is telling Philemon to remember his faith in Christ, how that faith changed him, and how he treats other believers.
Paul never refers to himself as a prisoner for Christ, but as a prisoner of Christ. He does this to show that he is always conscious of his "obligation" to Christ.
On the road to Damascus, Christ "captured" Saul and began to transform him into Paul. Saul was acting in rebellion to the Good News, so he was an outlaw, spiritually speaking, who needed to be arrested. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul states that he was apprehended (KJV) by Christ.
27 OCT 08
Paul's letter is not just addressed to Philemon. His greeting includes Apphia, Archippus, and the church that meets at Philemon's house. Paul probably included them in this letter because they too were harmed when Onesimus ran away.
Because Archippus is mentioned in Paul's letter to the Colossians, and is mentioned as being a minister, we know that these people lived in or near Colossae. Philemon must have owned an estate near Colossae, Apphia or Archippus lived with him, and he hosted or pastored a church that met at his house. Apphia and Archippus were probably relatives of Philemon. Apphia was most likely his wife, but could have been his mother or sister acting as the lady of the estate. Archippus was most likely Philemon's brother or son.
Onesimus could have been assigned to serve Apphia and Archippus, and so they would have been harmed when he ran away. If he was assigned domestic duties in the house,he could have been used to prepare the house for church meetings,and his loss would have harmed the church.
The lesson here is that the situation was not just about Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus. Apphia, Archippus, and the house church also needed to forgive Onesimus and accept him as a brother in Christ.
28 OCT 08
In verse 18, where Paul pledges to cover any loss to Philemon caused by Onesimus, commentators often state the possibility the slave might have stolen some money or other property from his master when he ran away. What we might not see is that Onesimus could have cause loss in other ways.
For one thing, his labor was not available to Philemon, and Philemon had to have someone else do that work: either someone hired, or a new slave, or the work given to other slaves and their workload increased as their productivity decreased. So Philemon had to pay the wages of a new hire, or the price of a new slave, or he lost money due to less output from his estate.
This pledge by Paul shows how much he loved both men!
This also shows us a picture of propitiation. As Paul pledged to satisfy the debt caused by Onesimus, so Jesus pledged His life to satisfy our debt of sin.
30 OCT 08
In verse 6, Paul prays " that the fellowship of your faith may become effective..." Notice that Paul did not say "fellowship of the faith..." Paul is talking about a fellowship based on a personal faith. Fellowship is also a sharing of resources and responsibilities as in a partnership.
Paul goes on to say that this fellowship becomes effective "through knowledge of every good thing" that is in Philemon "for Christ's sake." Paul is calling Philemon to remember the positive thing that Christ has placed in Philemon because of his faith, and these things were placed their for Christ's benefit. Of course, the most important thing Christ placed in Philemon is love, which he demonstrates by his treatment of the saints.
In short, Paul is telling Philemon to remember his faith in Christ, how that faith changed him, and how he treats other believers.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Meditations on Philemon - Part 1
After reading Jude, I moved on to Philemon.
14 OCT 08
One of the shortest books of the Bible, but a fairly well-known story:
Onesimus was a runaway slave who belonged to one of Paul's friends. He met or found Paul, who was in prison at the time. Paul led Onesimus to the Lord, then sent him back to his master. Paul's letter is a plea for Philemon to accept Onesimus back as a brother in the Lord, even as if he were Paul himself (v. 17), and not as a slave. Runaway slaves who were returned to their masters were often punished severely.
Paul as an apostle could have ordered Philemon to either grant Onesimus his freedom, give him as a gift to Paul (v.13), or to not punish him. But Paul knew that to do so would infringe on Philemon's free will given by God. If God would not override Philemon's free will, neither will Paul (v.14).
The key phrase in this book is in verse 9: "for love's sake." For love's sake, Paul appeals to his friend instead of using his authority to order him to do the right thing. Paul also knew of Philemon's love for the saints (v. 5), and he was sure that would not only do what he asked, but more than that!
15 OCT 08
An interesting thread in this book is the obligations that people have towards each other.
First, Paul reminds or informs Philemon that he (Paul) is in prison for his faith, and is a prisoner of Christ (v. 9). By stating this, I'm sure he reminded Philemon of his own obligation to Christ.
Paul also indicates that he could have kept Onesimus with him, but he felt an obligation to respect Philemon's choice (v.14).
Paul also recognizes that Onesimus has an obligation to Philemon, but offers to cover any loss that Philemon might have incurred by Onesimus' actions. He also reminds Philemon of the spiritual debt that he owes Paul (vs. 18 - 19).
The key lesson from this thread is: Which obligation is the most important? The obligation to love.
23 OCT 08
Most people might not know it, but Paul makes a pun in verses 10 and 11. In verse 10, he first mentions Onesimus, whose name means "useful." This was a common name for males born into slavery.
The pun comes in verse 11. Paul says that Onesimus, "Useful," was not useful when he ran away, but now he is Onesimus again because Paul led him to the Lord, and is sending him back to Philemon.
All too often, American Christians miss the humor in the Bible due to our not being acquainted with the languages and culture of the times and places of when and where it was written, and also due to the influence of religion that sees laughter as unholy or sinful.
24 OCT 08
To tie together previous entries, what we see in this letter is a balance between love, free will, and obligation.
God will never override man's free will, and neither must His servants. Despite having the authority to order Philemon to release Onesimus, Paul appeals to his friend on the basis of love.
People do have the ability to obligate themselves. Because Philemon was a believer, he chose to submit to the authorities in the Church.
What if Philemon had not been a believer? Once Paul found out his new convert was a runaway slave, he would have sent Onesimus back with a different message. Paul's letter then would have presented the Good News first, and might have appealed to Philemon to release Onesimus, or at least not punish him severely, on the basis of general morality.
Paul made his appeal because of the love of God he experienced. He appealed to the love of God that Philemon experienced as the reason for him to release Onesimus.
The obligations of love are stronger than the obligations of the law.
26 OCT 08
The depth of Paul's appeal to Philemon is seen in verses 7 and 20. In verse 7, Paul notes that Philemon, acting in love, refreshed the hearts of the saints. In verse 20, Paul asks Philemon to refresh his heart. In other words, show me the same love you show to other Christians in your area.
14 OCT 08
One of the shortest books of the Bible, but a fairly well-known story:
Onesimus was a runaway slave who belonged to one of Paul's friends. He met or found Paul, who was in prison at the time. Paul led Onesimus to the Lord, then sent him back to his master. Paul's letter is a plea for Philemon to accept Onesimus back as a brother in the Lord, even as if he were Paul himself (v. 17), and not as a slave. Runaway slaves who were returned to their masters were often punished severely.
Paul as an apostle could have ordered Philemon to either grant Onesimus his freedom, give him as a gift to Paul (v.13), or to not punish him. But Paul knew that to do so would infringe on Philemon's free will given by God. If God would not override Philemon's free will, neither will Paul (v.14).
The key phrase in this book is in verse 9: "for love's sake." For love's sake, Paul appeals to his friend instead of using his authority to order him to do the right thing. Paul also knew of Philemon's love for the saints (v. 5), and he was sure that would not only do what he asked, but more than that!
15 OCT 08
An interesting thread in this book is the obligations that people have towards each other.
First, Paul reminds or informs Philemon that he (Paul) is in prison for his faith, and is a prisoner of Christ (v. 9). By stating this, I'm sure he reminded Philemon of his own obligation to Christ.
Paul also indicates that he could have kept Onesimus with him, but he felt an obligation to respect Philemon's choice (v.14).
Paul also recognizes that Onesimus has an obligation to Philemon, but offers to cover any loss that Philemon might have incurred by Onesimus' actions. He also reminds Philemon of the spiritual debt that he owes Paul (vs. 18 - 19).
The key lesson from this thread is: Which obligation is the most important? The obligation to love.
23 OCT 08
Most people might not know it, but Paul makes a pun in verses 10 and 11. In verse 10, he first mentions Onesimus, whose name means "useful." This was a common name for males born into slavery.
The pun comes in verse 11. Paul says that Onesimus, "Useful," was not useful when he ran away, but now he is Onesimus again because Paul led him to the Lord, and is sending him back to Philemon.
All too often, American Christians miss the humor in the Bible due to our not being acquainted with the languages and culture of the times and places of when and where it was written, and also due to the influence of religion that sees laughter as unholy or sinful.
24 OCT 08
To tie together previous entries, what we see in this letter is a balance between love, free will, and obligation.
God will never override man's free will, and neither must His servants. Despite having the authority to order Philemon to release Onesimus, Paul appeals to his friend on the basis of love.
People do have the ability to obligate themselves. Because Philemon was a believer, he chose to submit to the authorities in the Church.
What if Philemon had not been a believer? Once Paul found out his new convert was a runaway slave, he would have sent Onesimus back with a different message. Paul's letter then would have presented the Good News first, and might have appealed to Philemon to release Onesimus, or at least not punish him severely, on the basis of general morality.
Paul made his appeal because of the love of God he experienced. He appealed to the love of God that Philemon experienced as the reason for him to release Onesimus.
The obligations of love are stronger than the obligations of the law.
26 OCT 08
The depth of Paul's appeal to Philemon is seen in verses 7 and 20. In verse 7, Paul notes that Philemon, acting in love, refreshed the hearts of the saints. In verse 20, Paul asks Philemon to refresh his heart. In other words, show me the same love you show to other Christians in your area.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Meditations on Jude - Part 2
Continuing the observations/lessons from Jude:
01 OCT 08
The phrase in verse 12, "clouds without water" requires closer examination. As a student of weather, I know that clouds are water.
A "cloud without water" could mean several things.
First, it could be a cloud that has dissipated through evaporation. This then could point us towards the parable of the sower where some seed was eaten by birds, and some failed to take root due to shallow soil. A person who is a "cloud without water" then is someone in whom the Word is unfulfilled, either because the enemy has stolen it, or the person has no depth that allows the Word to take root.
Second, the phrase "cloud without water" might also refer to a cloud that does not produce rain or other life-giving precipitation. In that case, a "cloud without water" is an unfruitful person. Jesus said that false prophets would be known by their fruits - their results. A false prophet produces fake results. In other words, these clouds without water are phony and fake.
Also, this phrase might refer to clouds that are not in the sky, but clouds of dust. A cloud of dust is dry and windy. So, this phrase might be referring to something like a dust devil: a lot of activity and excitement, but no life-producing results. If the dust devil is big enough, it will even produce damage.
Maybe this verse refers to all three. The unfruitful soil of the parable of the sower has a thin layer of loose, dusty soil on top of layer of hard crusty dirt. Wind blowing over this soil will create a dust devil that produces nothing more than a commotion, and if it does produce anything, it produces damage.
02 OCT 08
Outline
1 - 2 Greeting
3 - 4 Exhortation to contend for original message of faith because of infiltration of those who corrupt the grace of God into licentiousness.
5 - 7 Punishment upon the unbelieving, rebellous, and immoral.
8 - 13 Description of the infiltrators.
14 - 15 More judgment.
16 - 19 More description of the infiltrators.
20 - 23 Exhortation to edification of faith, preservation of love, wait for eternal life, and to walk in mercy.
24 - 25 Closing benediction.
02 OCT 08
Verses 8 - 13 and 16 - 19 describe the infiltrators. Here is a quick listing of their characteristics. Some items need an in-depth examination later.
v. 4: Pervert grace into licentiousness.
v. 8: By dreaming they defile the flesh, reject authority, and revile God's messengers.
v. 9: Act out of order, beyond their authority and place.
v. 10: Do not understand what they revile.
Destroyed by animal instinct.
v. 11: Gone the way of Cain.
For financial gain, followed the error of Balaam.
Rebelled and perished like Korah.
v. 12: Hidden stains or reefs in communion and fellowship.
Feast without fear of punishment.
Care only for themselves.
Clouds without water.
Easily influenced by winds of doctrine.
Not fruitful in harvest time.
Shallow or uprooted: Twice dead.
v. 13: Displaying shame.
Aimless.
Facing dark future.
v. 15: Ungodly in deed and attitude.
Speak harshly against Christ.
v. 16: Grumblers.
Lustful.
Speak arrogantly.
Flatterers.
Manipulative, seeking advantage.
v. 18: Mockers.
Followers of ungodly lust.
v. 19: Divisive.
Worldly-minded.
Empty, instead of filled with the Holy Spirit.
03 OCT 08
I have noticed a symmetry to Jude's letter. He begins with and exhortation to contend for the faith, and ends with an exhortation to to build ourselves up on our faith by praying in the Spirit. Doing the latter enables us to do the former.
06 OCT 08
Verse 11 mentions the way of Cain, the error of Balaam, and the rebellion of Korah. In short, this is what they are:
The way of Cain is to let sin master you, instead of you mastering it.
The error of Balaam is to think you can get by with something when God is not in it.
The rebellion of Korah is rejection of those who Gad has established in authority.
01 OCT 08
The phrase in verse 12, "clouds without water" requires closer examination. As a student of weather, I know that clouds are water.
A "cloud without water" could mean several things.
First, it could be a cloud that has dissipated through evaporation. This then could point us towards the parable of the sower where some seed was eaten by birds, and some failed to take root due to shallow soil. A person who is a "cloud without water" then is someone in whom the Word is unfulfilled, either because the enemy has stolen it, or the person has no depth that allows the Word to take root.
Second, the phrase "cloud without water" might also refer to a cloud that does not produce rain or other life-giving precipitation. In that case, a "cloud without water" is an unfruitful person. Jesus said that false prophets would be known by their fruits - their results. A false prophet produces fake results. In other words, these clouds without water are phony and fake.
Also, this phrase might refer to clouds that are not in the sky, but clouds of dust. A cloud of dust is dry and windy. So, this phrase might be referring to something like a dust devil: a lot of activity and excitement, but no life-producing results. If the dust devil is big enough, it will even produce damage.
Maybe this verse refers to all three. The unfruitful soil of the parable of the sower has a thin layer of loose, dusty soil on top of layer of hard crusty dirt. Wind blowing over this soil will create a dust devil that produces nothing more than a commotion, and if it does produce anything, it produces damage.
02 OCT 08
Outline
1 - 2 Greeting
3 - 4 Exhortation to contend for original message of faith because of infiltration of those who corrupt the grace of God into licentiousness.
5 - 7 Punishment upon the unbelieving, rebellous, and immoral.
8 - 13 Description of the infiltrators.
14 - 15 More judgment.
16 - 19 More description of the infiltrators.
20 - 23 Exhortation to edification of faith, preservation of love, wait for eternal life, and to walk in mercy.
24 - 25 Closing benediction.
02 OCT 08
Verses 8 - 13 and 16 - 19 describe the infiltrators. Here is a quick listing of their characteristics. Some items need an in-depth examination later.
v. 4: Pervert grace into licentiousness.
v. 8: By dreaming they defile the flesh, reject authority, and revile God's messengers.
v. 9: Act out of order, beyond their authority and place.
v. 10: Do not understand what they revile.
Destroyed by animal instinct.
v. 11: Gone the way of Cain.
For financial gain, followed the error of Balaam.
Rebelled and perished like Korah.
v. 12: Hidden stains or reefs in communion and fellowship.
Feast without fear of punishment.
Care only for themselves.
Clouds without water.
Easily influenced by winds of doctrine.
Not fruitful in harvest time.
Shallow or uprooted: Twice dead.
v. 13: Displaying shame.
Aimless.
Facing dark future.
v. 15: Ungodly in deed and attitude.
Speak harshly against Christ.
v. 16: Grumblers.
Lustful.
Speak arrogantly.
Flatterers.
Manipulative, seeking advantage.
v. 18: Mockers.
Followers of ungodly lust.
v. 19: Divisive.
Worldly-minded.
Empty, instead of filled with the Holy Spirit.
03 OCT 08
I have noticed a symmetry to Jude's letter. He begins with and exhortation to contend for the faith, and ends with an exhortation to to build ourselves up on our faith by praying in the Spirit. Doing the latter enables us to do the former.
06 OCT 08
Verse 11 mentions the way of Cain, the error of Balaam, and the rebellion of Korah. In short, this is what they are:
The way of Cain is to let sin master you, instead of you mastering it.
The error of Balaam is to think you can get by with something when God is not in it.
The rebellion of Korah is rejection of those who Gad has established in authority.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Meditations on Jude - Part 1
The pastor of my church, Dave Roberson, teaches people to meditate on the Word by reading one book at a time, over and over, either out loud, or while praying in tongues. He recommends starting with one of the shorter books in the New Testament, such as 1 John.
I started with Jude. I also began writing down my observations and things I have learned. Here are some of the first entries:
22 SEP 08
At first, you might think that the theme of Jude's letter is to contrast ungodliness with godliness. But his primary message is the purity of the Church.
In verse 3, he says he was going to write concerning salvation, but he felt the need to encourage them to contend for the faith. You might think he's talking about evangelism, contending for the faith with non-believers. But in verse 4, he mentions the ungodly who have snuck into the Church, and they, by perverting the Good News into licentiousness, are subverting the Church (vs. 4, 12, 19). if such people had ever believed in the Good News, they no longer believed it, and by perverting it, they have denied Christ. These are the ones Jude tells us to contend with.
23 SEP 08
The reason for Jude's exhortation to contend for the faith is seen in vs. 5 - 6. He reminds the people of those who perished in the wilderness due to their unbelief despite seeing God deliver them from Egypt by the miracles He performed. Jude also points out that the angels are also subject to God's judgment.
Jude's message wasn't intended to terrorize the people, but to illustrate the seriousness of the faith.
25 SEP 08
Verse 8 points to an important influence on behavior. In speaking about the ungodly men who had crept into the Church to corrupt it, Jude says they defile the flesh, reject authority, and revile angelic majesties, and they do this by dreaming!
What is a dream? A dream is an image that at the time it is seen, it is not real.
A dream can become real, or it can remain just a dream. Dreams become real either through self-effort or answered prayer.
A dream can symbolize something inside you: some issue you are dealing with, or some desire you have.
Dreams, especially the ones Jude is talking about, are not necessarily the images you see when you sleep. These dreams are images that respent desires, goals, and purposes. They are images that people create as a guide for their behavior.
The good news about this is, even as evil men guide their behavior by their dreams, godly men can guide their behavior by their dreams.
For Christians, the fulfillment of a dream will involve both action and faith. The action is not self-effort based on the flesh or one's own capabities. The action begins with faith, and is done in faith.
27 SEP 08
We hear much about praying in the Holy Spirit and building ourselves up on our most holy faith. And we also hear about keeping ourselves in the love of God. (vs. 20 and 21)
What we might not see is that the two are connected. You pray in the Spirit (in tongues) to build yourself up on your faith, so that you can remain in God's love.
As we remain in God's love, we wait for the mercy of Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And as we wait for mercy in God's love, we show mercy to those in need - doubters and those headed for eternal fire (vs. 23 - 24) (v. 7)
I started with Jude. I also began writing down my observations and things I have learned. Here are some of the first entries:
22 SEP 08
At first, you might think that the theme of Jude's letter is to contrast ungodliness with godliness. But his primary message is the purity of the Church.
In verse 3, he says he was going to write concerning salvation, but he felt the need to encourage them to contend for the faith. You might think he's talking about evangelism, contending for the faith with non-believers. But in verse 4, he mentions the ungodly who have snuck into the Church, and they, by perverting the Good News into licentiousness, are subverting the Church (vs. 4, 12, 19). if such people had ever believed in the Good News, they no longer believed it, and by perverting it, they have denied Christ. These are the ones Jude tells us to contend with.
23 SEP 08
The reason for Jude's exhortation to contend for the faith is seen in vs. 5 - 6. He reminds the people of those who perished in the wilderness due to their unbelief despite seeing God deliver them from Egypt by the miracles He performed. Jude also points out that the angels are also subject to God's judgment.
Jude's message wasn't intended to terrorize the people, but to illustrate the seriousness of the faith.
25 SEP 08
Verse 8 points to an important influence on behavior. In speaking about the ungodly men who had crept into the Church to corrupt it, Jude says they defile the flesh, reject authority, and revile angelic majesties, and they do this by dreaming!
What is a dream? A dream is an image that at the time it is seen, it is not real.
A dream can become real, or it can remain just a dream. Dreams become real either through self-effort or answered prayer.
A dream can symbolize something inside you: some issue you are dealing with, or some desire you have.
Dreams, especially the ones Jude is talking about, are not necessarily the images you see when you sleep. These dreams are images that respent desires, goals, and purposes. They are images that people create as a guide for their behavior.
The good news about this is, even as evil men guide their behavior by their dreams, godly men can guide their behavior by their dreams.
For Christians, the fulfillment of a dream will involve both action and faith. The action is not self-effort based on the flesh or one's own capabities. The action begins with faith, and is done in faith.
27 SEP 08
We hear much about praying in the Holy Spirit and building ourselves up on our most holy faith. And we also hear about keeping ourselves in the love of God. (vs. 20 and 21)
What we might not see is that the two are connected. You pray in the Spirit (in tongues) to build yourself up on your faith, so that you can remain in God's love.
As we remain in God's love, we wait for the mercy of Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And as we wait for mercy in God's love, we show mercy to those in need - doubters and those headed for eternal fire (vs. 23 - 24) (v. 7)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
God's Prayer List
This list is something I first put together years ago when I noticed the Bible gives instruction to pray for certain things. This is the latest version.
GOD'S PRAYER LIST
A list of specifics the Bible says to pray for.
1. All men, especially those in authority.
1 Timothy 2:1 - 4
The role of government is to maintain peace in society so the Church is free to do God's work.
Specific requests to make for leaders:
1. Receptive to God's direction, from salvation to policy decisions.
2. Moral guidance and wisdom.
3. Practical knowledge and understanding to implement godly plans.
4. Courage to stand for righteousness.
5. Protection from harm.
2. Laborers for the harvest.
Matthew 9: 36 - 38, Luke 10:2, John 4:31 -38
The harvest is plentiful and ripe, for people are distressed, dispirited, and directionless. Laborers are few and are needed to complete the work of those who sow.
Specific requests are for the Lord to call, prepare, train, equip, and anoint the laborers.
3. Ministers.
Ephesians 6: 19 - 20, Colossians 4: 3 - 4, 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Pray for ministers to be given utterance (an opportunity to speak), and to speak boldly as they ought to speak, to make the Good News clear so the work will spread rapidly and be glorified.
4. Peace of Jerusalem.
Psalms 122: 6 - 9
We need to pray for the peace of both Jerusalems, earthly and heavenly. The Church is the heavenly Jerusalem (Galatians 4: 21 - 31, Hebrews 12: 18 - 24).
The peace we are to pray for is the peace that Jesus gives and is not as the world gives (John 14: 27); it is a characteristic of the Kingdom of God (Romans 14: 17) and is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22 -23); it surpasses all comprehension, is to guard our hearts and minds (Phillipians 4: 7), and was bought by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross (Colossians 1: 20).
5. One another, all saints.
James 5: 16, Ephesians 6: 18
Praying for others enables you to bve healed. We are to be alert to opportunities to pray for all saints, and to persevere in those prayers.
GOD'S PRAYER LIST
A list of specifics the Bible says to pray for.
1. All men, especially those in authority.
1 Timothy 2:1 - 4
The role of government is to maintain peace in society so the Church is free to do God's work.
Specific requests to make for leaders:
1. Receptive to God's direction, from salvation to policy decisions.
2. Moral guidance and wisdom.
3. Practical knowledge and understanding to implement godly plans.
4. Courage to stand for righteousness.
5. Protection from harm.
2. Laborers for the harvest.
Matthew 9: 36 - 38, Luke 10:2, John 4:31 -38
The harvest is plentiful and ripe, for people are distressed, dispirited, and directionless. Laborers are few and are needed to complete the work of those who sow.
Specific requests are for the Lord to call, prepare, train, equip, and anoint the laborers.
3. Ministers.
Ephesians 6: 19 - 20, Colossians 4: 3 - 4, 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Pray for ministers to be given utterance (an opportunity to speak), and to speak boldly as they ought to speak, to make the Good News clear so the work will spread rapidly and be glorified.
4. Peace of Jerusalem.
Psalms 122: 6 - 9
We need to pray for the peace of both Jerusalems, earthly and heavenly. The Church is the heavenly Jerusalem (Galatians 4: 21 - 31, Hebrews 12: 18 - 24).
The peace we are to pray for is the peace that Jesus gives and is not as the world gives (John 14: 27); it is a characteristic of the Kingdom of God (Romans 14: 17) and is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22 -23); it surpasses all comprehension, is to guard our hearts and minds (Phillipians 4: 7), and was bought by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross (Colossians 1: 20).
5. One another, all saints.
James 5: 16, Ephesians 6: 18
Praying for others enables you to bve healed. We are to be alert to opportunities to pray for all saints, and to persevere in those prayers.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Fasting Study
Fasting is not a popular subject among Christians. But fasting is a regular practice by many other religions, and even some Christian groups fast during certain times in the year.
I have long recognized my need to fast for both the spiritual and the physical benefits. Before fasting on a regular and extensive basis, I wanted to know all the that the Bible had to say about it, plus to gain the wisdom from those more experienced at fasting. So, I started a Fasting Study, based on all the passages about or pertaining to fasting that I could find. I added comments, summarized the comments, and added links to teaching series on fasting. In this form, I have made the study into a document that others can use as a starter or seed for their own study. Anyone may have a copy.
I discussed this in more depth on IktusNETwork at http://www.iktusnetwork.com/forum/topics/2072894:Topic:5814. If you want a copy just send an email to the address listed there.
I have long recognized my need to fast for both the spiritual and the physical benefits. Before fasting on a regular and extensive basis, I wanted to know all the that the Bible had to say about it, plus to gain the wisdom from those more experienced at fasting. So, I started a Fasting Study, based on all the passages about or pertaining to fasting that I could find. I added comments, summarized the comments, and added links to teaching series on fasting. In this form, I have made the study into a document that others can use as a starter or seed for their own study. Anyone may have a copy.
I discussed this in more depth on IktusNETwork at http://www.iktusnetwork.com/forum/topics/2072894:Topic:5814. If you want a copy just send an email to the address listed there.
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