Welcome to the 2010 Bible Reading Team
George MacDonald, the great preacher and writer, once began a sermon by saying, "If I cannot persuade you to understand a little more of Jesus Christ, my labor is lost in coming to you. If I cannot help any human heart to draw closer to the living one, my labor is lost. Did the fact ever cross your mind that you are here in this world just to understand the Lord Jesus Christ, and for no other reason?
That is a staggering thought. We are given a new day, a new year for the sole purpose of loving Jesus more. That is the great quest of life and that is the goal of our Bible reading journey.
Some Assumptions as we begin our journey
1. The Bible is the only way to know, love and follow Jesus.
2. The Bible has all of the answers to the questions of life.
3. There is a great cosmic battle going on between the truth and the lie. Satan will do everything possible to keep you from reading the truth.
4. You will miss a few days in this journey. You might even experience a spiritual slump in the upcoming year. Do your best to stay on track with the reading but if you do fall behind don’t quit. Simply pick up with the current day and then catch up when you are on vacation in the summer.
5. Remember the goal: to bring us closer to the resurrected and living God.
6. If you have questions you can email Steve, Galya, Apryl or Scott. We will do our best to help you find your answer.
Keys to Success: Plan your work and work your plan.
1. Select a place to read every day. My place _____________________
2. Select a time to read every day. My time _____________________
3. Ask God to open your eyes.
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18
4. Write down one verse or thought to carry with you during the day. You can write this on an index card or in a journal. If you don’t write something down you will forget in a few hours what God taught you.
5. Work on change.... What does God want me to know, stop, change or do?
6. Praise God for what He is teaching you. Prayer is your love language towards God.
7. Review what God has taught you just before bedtime. This will comfort you during the night.
It is so great to have you on the journey. May God reveal himself to us every day of the New Year as we open his Word.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
December 30
Celebration tonight at my house, 7:00 pm, pizza, salad and more!! Sorry for the confusion on the date.
My final entry for 2009: I am so thankful for the team of people who made this journey together. It has been a challenging year and yet God has given us all the resources we need to live victorious lives even in the midst of a culture that is rapidly deteriorating. Thank you for making this journey with me. I am looking forward to the team he will put together for next year.
Revelation 14-19
I always laugh when people say how the God of the Old Testament is an angry God and Jesus is a loving, pacifist in the New Testament. When people say things like this I know they have never read through the Bible. The conclusion of human history ends in a head to head conflict between good and evil. This conflict is so terrible that over half of the world’s population is wiped out in the maelstrom.
That makes every Old Testament story of violence look like a Baptist Sunday School Picnic compared to Revelation. The holiness of God and the wickedness of the human heart are headed for a showdown. You can even see this today. People are tired of hearing about what the Bible says. They don’t want God to interfere with their lives anymore. This opposition to God’s truth will only intensify at the end of history.
One important term that is repeated in the last chapters of Revelation is the word Babylon. How are we to understand this word? The city of Babylon was founded by Nimrod (Gen 10:8‑11). The name bab‑el means "the gate of God." Ironically, the famous tower of Babel was an idolatrous attempt by man to defy God and deify himself. When the Lord sent judgment on the builders he confused their languages and the word “babble” came to mean confusion. Later in history, Babylon became a great empire before finally falling to Media‑Persia. But from the beginning of Nimrod's city in Genesis 10, an insidious anti‑God "Babylonian influence" has been felt throughout history. In our reading today Babylon is both a city and a system. Whether the city will be rebuilt once again on the Euphrates is a matter of debate. But this term is used in Revelation to definitely refer to a worldly system and philosophy that stands in opposition to God. Just like WALL STREET and MADISON AVENUE are actual streets but they also stand for the financial or advertising enterprises.
John used “Babylon” to warn his readers that a vast anti-God philosophy stands in opposition to the truth found in the Word. The true church is a pure virgin but the false religious system is a harlot who had abandoned the truth and prostituted herself for personal gain. In the end times the world will be wildly spiritual ... but it will be wildly wrong. This apostate religion is growing rapidly even as I write this blog. What we need to watch out for is the watering down of the gospel message. It is very easy to be seduced into accepting popular opinion in the church.
An illustration of how this is working even now. One of the most popular TV pastors refuses to mention the word “Sin” in any of his sermons. He uses terms like, gospel, salvation, Jesus but he refuses to say anything about sin. In the end his salvation message is salvation from a poor self image, salvation from not reaching your full potential.
The warning about Babylon is this ... come out of her, my people so that you will not share in her sins... for her sins are piled up to heaven.
We serve a holy God and he has called us to live holy lives. That is the message God gives us in the last days.
My final entry for 2009: I am so thankful for the team of people who made this journey together. It has been a challenging year and yet God has given us all the resources we need to live victorious lives even in the midst of a culture that is rapidly deteriorating. Thank you for making this journey with me. I am looking forward to the team he will put together for next year.
Revelation 14-19
I always laugh when people say how the God of the Old Testament is an angry God and Jesus is a loving, pacifist in the New Testament. When people say things like this I know they have never read through the Bible. The conclusion of human history ends in a head to head conflict between good and evil. This conflict is so terrible that over half of the world’s population is wiped out in the maelstrom.
That makes every Old Testament story of violence look like a Baptist Sunday School Picnic compared to Revelation. The holiness of God and the wickedness of the human heart are headed for a showdown. You can even see this today. People are tired of hearing about what the Bible says. They don’t want God to interfere with their lives anymore. This opposition to God’s truth will only intensify at the end of history.
One important term that is repeated in the last chapters of Revelation is the word Babylon. How are we to understand this word? The city of Babylon was founded by Nimrod (Gen 10:8‑11). The name bab‑el means "the gate of God." Ironically, the famous tower of Babel was an idolatrous attempt by man to defy God and deify himself. When the Lord sent judgment on the builders he confused their languages and the word “babble” came to mean confusion. Later in history, Babylon became a great empire before finally falling to Media‑Persia. But from the beginning of Nimrod's city in Genesis 10, an insidious anti‑God "Babylonian influence" has been felt throughout history. In our reading today Babylon is both a city and a system. Whether the city will be rebuilt once again on the Euphrates is a matter of debate. But this term is used in Revelation to definitely refer to a worldly system and philosophy that stands in opposition to God. Just like WALL STREET and MADISON AVENUE are actual streets but they also stand for the financial or advertising enterprises.
John used “Babylon” to warn his readers that a vast anti-God philosophy stands in opposition to the truth found in the Word. The true church is a pure virgin but the false religious system is a harlot who had abandoned the truth and prostituted herself for personal gain. In the end times the world will be wildly spiritual ... but it will be wildly wrong. This apostate religion is growing rapidly even as I write this blog. What we need to watch out for is the watering down of the gospel message. It is very easy to be seduced into accepting popular opinion in the church.
An illustration of how this is working even now. One of the most popular TV pastors refuses to mention the word “Sin” in any of his sermons. He uses terms like, gospel, salvation, Jesus but he refuses to say anything about sin. In the end his salvation message is salvation from a poor self image, salvation from not reaching your full potential.
The warning about Babylon is this ... come out of her, my people so that you will not share in her sins... for her sins are piled up to heaven.
We serve a holy God and he has called us to live holy lives. That is the message God gives us in the last days.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
December 29
Tomorrow, Wednesday night, is our celebration and kick-off dinner... RSVP if you are planning on attending. 7:00 pm at my house.
Revelation 13
What is the purpose of your life? This question is the fundamental issue in the book of Revelation. Presbyterians in their catechism ask the question this way, “What is the chief end of man?” The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. So why does God desire our worship? An even more sinister question is this, “What type of God has to be told a 1000 times a day how great he is?” Does God have some inferiority issues and we are the solution to his need?
Have you ever noticed that when you have done something that fills you with great joy - a book you read, a place you visited, a movie you saw, or something you did - it is natural for you to tell your friends that they ought to read that book or visit that place or see that movie? People instinctively praise whatever they enjoy. Well, worship is the spontaneous overflow of our enjoyment of God. To glorify God we must enjoy him, and when we enjoy him we glorify him.
Worship is not for HIM but for us. We were created for worship and we will not satisfy the deepest ache and longing in our hearts until we have enjoyed our God.
In Revelation 13 we deal with a counterfeit worship. A great cosmic battle will take place in the future and at the heart of that battle lies the question of worship. Who will receive our worship? We are already locked in this battle now. But in the future this issue will become dangerously obvious. Make no mistake about it; the outcome has already been determined for this battle. That was determined at the cross when Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. God will not lose this war but we must make certain we not forfeit our opportunity to win the battle for our hearts and the hearts of this generation.
That is why the Bible Reading Journey is so critical. Each day we must determine who will receive our worship. If we don’t worship, Satan has won. Here is evidence that worship is the fundamental issue in the final battle:
Verse 4 ... Men worshiped the dragon.... and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?”
Verse 5 ... The beast utters proud words and blasphemies..... he does this against the true God.
Verse 6 ...He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and this dwelling place.
Verse 8 ... All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.
Verse 12 .... and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast.
Verse 13 ... he calls down fire from heave to deceive the people and cause them to worship.
Verse 15 ... if you don’t worship the beast’s idol you will be killed.
So how many minutes will you give today to the enjoyment and worship of the true God?
We have been given 24 hours to invest in whatever way we choose. Take time right now and enjoy and worship your God. There is nothing more important than that!
Revelation 13
What is the purpose of your life? This question is the fundamental issue in the book of Revelation. Presbyterians in their catechism ask the question this way, “What is the chief end of man?” The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. So why does God desire our worship? An even more sinister question is this, “What type of God has to be told a 1000 times a day how great he is?” Does God have some inferiority issues and we are the solution to his need?
Have you ever noticed that when you have done something that fills you with great joy - a book you read, a place you visited, a movie you saw, or something you did - it is natural for you to tell your friends that they ought to read that book or visit that place or see that movie? People instinctively praise whatever they enjoy. Well, worship is the spontaneous overflow of our enjoyment of God. To glorify God we must enjoy him, and when we enjoy him we glorify him.
Worship is not for HIM but for us. We were created for worship and we will not satisfy the deepest ache and longing in our hearts until we have enjoyed our God.
In Revelation 13 we deal with a counterfeit worship. A great cosmic battle will take place in the future and at the heart of that battle lies the question of worship. Who will receive our worship? We are already locked in this battle now. But in the future this issue will become dangerously obvious. Make no mistake about it; the outcome has already been determined for this battle. That was determined at the cross when Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. God will not lose this war but we must make certain we not forfeit our opportunity to win the battle for our hearts and the hearts of this generation.
That is why the Bible Reading Journey is so critical. Each day we must determine who will receive our worship. If we don’t worship, Satan has won. Here is evidence that worship is the fundamental issue in the final battle:
Verse 4 ... Men worshiped the dragon.... and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?”
Verse 5 ... The beast utters proud words and blasphemies..... he does this against the true God.
Verse 6 ...He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and this dwelling place.
Verse 8 ... All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.
Verse 12 .... and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast.
Verse 13 ... he calls down fire from heave to deceive the people and cause them to worship.
Verse 15 ... if you don’t worship the beast’s idol you will be killed.
So how many minutes will you give today to the enjoyment and worship of the true God?
We have been given 24 hours to invest in whatever way we choose. Take time right now and enjoy and worship your God. There is nothing more important than that!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Revelation: Chapter 7 to 8
1. The Glory of God.
Apostle John's prophetic vision continues in Revelation chapter 4. He now sees worshippers giving glory to God as the everlasting creator of all. The four creatures, in likeness of a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle, praised him day and night as the "Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." (Rev 4:8) The twenty four elders surrounding God fell face down and praised Him.
Then there was the scroll with seven seals in the right hand of God which had to be opened. A mighty angel proclaimed: "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" (Rev 5:2) We sense that this scroll is of great importance. Yesterday in church pastor spoke about this very passage and said that John wept at the question of the angel because if the scroll would not be opened that would mean that Satan wins, that evil wins, justice will never prevail and God's plan for saving the world will not come to be. That plan includes God reconciling to himself His fallen free-willed creation. However none of us is found blames to deserve this reconciliation. No one in the vision was found worthy to stand before the Holy God and to break the seals of the scroll (as pastor Taylor said to legally enact the document.) Yet, then comes in the vision The Lion of Judah, who also had been a slain Lamb, and he is indeed worthy and opens the scroll. Only He is blameless. I love this representation of Christ here: He is a Lion but He is also a Lamb: showing that He is The King and yet The Sacrifice, the most powerful and yet the one who relinquished His power in order to become a ransom sacrifice for our sins, so that we could be reconciled to God. Only Christ could open the seals of the scroll. At this, the multitudes in this vision sang, praising Both God the Father and the Son.
3. Have faith and persevere.
Today’s reading left me with this verse, Revelation 7:15-17, as a comfort for those who turn to God:
"These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Therefore, “they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat upon them,
nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Sunday, December 27, 2009
December 27: Revelation 1 to 3
The Book of Revelation points to the fulfillment of the restoration that God had initiated in Genesis 3. After Adam and Eve had willfully disobeyed God's directives, God set in motion a course of events that would ultimately lead to all creation returning to its rightful state, with everything subject to the glorified Christ. While much of the Old Testament imagery and prophecy about Jesus found its fulfillment in His incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection, the full extent of His Lordship becomes apparent only in the time to come, as relayed in Revelation.
As the commentator notes, some of the imagery and descriptions in Revelation may seem confusing or beyond our understanding. But, with some study, it will quickly become apparent that God will be greatly glorified in this age to come and that all creation will bow before Him. Revelation records an intense spiritual battle that has proceeded throughout history, though its details have often been hidden from worldly man. Revelation calls for watchfulness and hope among the church: watchfulness because we do not know the day or hour of the fulfillment of these words and hope because we know that God through Jesus Christ will ultimately triumph and reign.
Furthermore, we may stand in worship along with the assembled worshippers around the Throne and the Lamb. Jonathan Edwards described heaven as a world of love, where the affection of the triune God flows forth into His people.
As an aside, the imagery and context presented in Revelation makes me question whether people's desire for heaven may be misplaced. If we do not seek to worship God in this life, will we wish to do so for eternity? That perspective challenges me to consider the depth of my commitment and the purity of my love for Christ.
A few notes from today's text:
1. The First and the Last. Please notice the unity and coexistence of both Almighty God (the Father) and Jesus Christ, His Son. Both are called "the First" (Alpha) and "the Last" (Omega), and both are declared to be the "Living One," Who has existed forever in the past, in the present, and forever into the future.
2. The admonitions for the churches. It appears that the words for the seven churches were indeed meant to address their present-day realities at the time of John's writing. This assurance gave the churches confidence that God indeed is sovereign over the affairs of men and that their plight had not been forgotten or in vain. Through the vision, God calls the churches to return to Him and to live holy lives, pleasing to God our Savior. The words to Ephesus and Laodicea are particularly pertinent, even
today:
a. Ephesus: "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first."
b. Laodicea: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm -- neither hot nor cold -- I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
Yet, Jesus does not abandon the wayward. Instead, "those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
3. The promises for those who overcome. To each of the seven churches, Jesus offers promises to those who over come:
a. Ephesus: Will receive "the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God"
b. Smyrna: "Will not be hurt at all by the second death"
c. Pergamum: Will receive "some of the hidden manna... [and] a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him"
d. Thyatira: Will receive "authority over the nations,... just as I have received authority from my Father... [and] the morning star"
e. Sardis: Will "be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my father and his angels"
f. Philadelphia: Will become "a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name."
g. Laodicea: Will receive "the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne"
QUESTIONS
1. What temporal things might you be trusting more than the eternal, living
God?
Post by Steve Edwards
Saturday, December 26, 2009
December 26
Evaluating the 2009 Bible Reading Journey
As we approach the final days of our Bible reading journey would you take 5 minutes and evaluate the experience?
1. What were the positive benefits you received from our journey?
2. What were the greatest difficulties you faced in completing the journey?
3. What advice would you offer for the 2010 journey?
4. Did you read the devotional on the blog site or the email?
5. What changes would you like to see in the devotional format for the future?
6. How can we have better accountability in the upcoming year?
7. Will you be joining the journey in 2010?
We will be forming a new 2010 team and you must request having your name on the new list. We will not assume that every person from 2009 will continue into the New Year.
Let me share with you my personal testimony on the value of reading the Bible through every year. Next year I will be reading through the Bible for the 28th time. The reason I will commit to doing this again is that every time I read through I learn new truths and hear God’s voice. The Bible isn’t a book that can be read once, set down, and then checked off on your “To Do List.” God is continually speaking to us through his Word. The value of a daily reading schedule is that it keeps me focused on the “Daily” commitment to getting my heart right with God. Almost every morning I read something that God uses later in the day. It is truly a miracle how he prepares us through his Word. I encourage you to give God this opportunity to speak into your life. Allow him to use those three chapters each day to open your mind and to give you the wisdom to live wisely. By the way, we will be studying his Word for eternity; there is no limit to the wisdom contained in the Bible. So start your homework early and join the 2010 team.
A celebration party is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 30th 7:00 at my house for those completing the past year and for those starting the new 2010 challenge. Please let me know if you are attending so I can plan for the meal.
As we approach the final days of our Bible reading journey would you take 5 minutes and evaluate the experience?
1. What were the positive benefits you received from our journey?
2. What were the greatest difficulties you faced in completing the journey?
3. What advice would you offer for the 2010 journey?
4. Did you read the devotional on the blog site or the email?
5. What changes would you like to see in the devotional format for the future?
6. How can we have better accountability in the upcoming year?
7. Will you be joining the journey in 2010?
We will be forming a new 2010 team and you must request having your name on the new list. We will not assume that every person from 2009 will continue into the New Year.
Let me share with you my personal testimony on the value of reading the Bible through every year. Next year I will be reading through the Bible for the 28th time. The reason I will commit to doing this again is that every time I read through I learn new truths and hear God’s voice. The Bible isn’t a book that can be read once, set down, and then checked off on your “To Do List.” God is continually speaking to us through his Word. The value of a daily reading schedule is that it keeps me focused on the “Daily” commitment to getting my heart right with God. Almost every morning I read something that God uses later in the day. It is truly a miracle how he prepares us through his Word. I encourage you to give God this opportunity to speak into your life. Allow him to use those three chapters each day to open your mind and to give you the wisdom to live wisely. By the way, we will be studying his Word for eternity; there is no limit to the wisdom contained in the Bible. So start your homework early and join the 2010 team.
A celebration party is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 30th 7:00 at my house for those completing the past year and for those starting the new 2010 challenge. Please let me know if you are attending so I can plan for the meal.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
December 24
Hebrews 6-10
I love that today's passage is all about Jesus and what He has done for us. It's a great reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.
The author of Hebrews makes a comparison between Jesus and the high priest and sacrifices of the old covenant. As we read in the old testament earlier this year, the high priest was responsible for being the mediator between man and God. Once a year, he would enter the Holy of Holies and present an atoning sacrifice for Israel's sins. The problem with this situation is it only atoned for Israel's sins up until that point. Any future sins would have to be dealt with by the high priest with another sacrifice the next year. It was a never-ending cycle of sinning and sacrificing.
Then there was Jesus. He came to Earth to form a new covenant that permanently wiped away all sins for all people, past present and future. The amazing thing is that Jesus served as the new high priest and the new sacrifice. He is the mediator between us and God. The high priest was the only one who could enter into God's presence. After Jesus died, the veil that separates the Holy of Holies with the rest of the temple was torn. There is no longer a barrier that separates us and God. Jesus is also the perfect sacrifice that was sufficient to cover all of our sins. It's not necessary to make multiple sacrifices because Jesus paid it all! He is the perfect and never-ending mediator and sacrifice, enabling us to have a right relationship with God.
Tomorrow, remember to thank Jesus for coming to Earth and bridging the gap between us and God.
Jesus paid it all
All to him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead!
I love that today's passage is all about Jesus and what He has done for us. It's a great reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.
The author of Hebrews makes a comparison between Jesus and the high priest and sacrifices of the old covenant. As we read in the old testament earlier this year, the high priest was responsible for being the mediator between man and God. Once a year, he would enter the Holy of Holies and present an atoning sacrifice for Israel's sins. The problem with this situation is it only atoned for Israel's sins up until that point. Any future sins would have to be dealt with by the high priest with another sacrifice the next year. It was a never-ending cycle of sinning and sacrificing.
Then there was Jesus. He came to Earth to form a new covenant that permanently wiped away all sins for all people, past present and future. The amazing thing is that Jesus served as the new high priest and the new sacrifice. He is the mediator between us and God. The high priest was the only one who could enter into God's presence. After Jesus died, the veil that separates the Holy of Holies with the rest of the temple was torn. There is no longer a barrier that separates us and God. Jesus is also the perfect sacrifice that was sufficient to cover all of our sins. It's not necessary to make multiple sacrifices because Jesus paid it all! He is the perfect and never-ending mediator and sacrifice, enabling us to have a right relationship with God.
Tomorrow, remember to thank Jesus for coming to Earth and bridging the gap between us and God.
Jesus paid it all
All to him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
December 23
Advent Conspiracy and Milk Drinkers
We are participating in an Advent Conspiracy at Grace church this Christmas. We are saying “No” to excessive spending and saying “Yes” to giving, loving and worshiping fully. We are conspiring to recapture the true Biblical Christmas which is radically different than what we see unfolding around us in Stamford this December. In our reading today, we see the core of our conspiracy. The contrast is seen as the difference between milk drinkers and meat eaters.
Milk Drinkers are defined in chapter Hebrews 5:11-14. We are all born again as milk drinkers, so there is nothing wrong with starting as a milk drinker. All babies must start with a diet of milk. But after a period of time, we must set the bottle aside and move on to maturity. Here are four rebukes of long term milk drinkers:
1. They are slow to learn. They just don’t catch the real purpose and mission we are sent on.
2. They don’t know how to share with others. They are only interested in having their own needs met. They want to be feed, they want to feel comfortable. These bottle fed Christians should be mentoring and teaching others but they continue to sit in Bible studies for years just taking in more and more milk.
3. They have a baby food diet. Milk is pre-digested food, and it is especially suited to babies. There is nothing so cute at a newborn baby drinking from a bottle. But what about a 16 year old drinking and asking for a bottle at the dinner table? That would be called a tragedy. The question isn’t how old are you in the Lord? The question is what are you eating?
4. They are unskilled in using the Word. As we grow in the Word, we learn to use it in daily life. We use the Word to train our hearts to know the difference between good and evil.
So, what is the meat that we are to be eating? The steak is putting into practice our faith. If milk is our creed, then meat is our deed. If milk is the talk, then meat is the walk. Meat is the practical ability to live the truth in our lives. Which brings us to our Advent Conspiracy. The meat is described in Hebrews 6:10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
The "Meat" is loving and helping his people. There are no greater needs this Christmas than the 1.1 billion people who lack clean water. “Meat” people work on behalf of the poor. “Meat” people sacrifice on behalf of the poor. “Meat” people don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. This Christmas join us in our conspiracy as we change the world through the love of Jesus.
We are participating in an Advent Conspiracy at Grace church this Christmas. We are saying “No” to excessive spending and saying “Yes” to giving, loving and worshiping fully. We are conspiring to recapture the true Biblical Christmas which is radically different than what we see unfolding around us in Stamford this December. In our reading today, we see the core of our conspiracy. The contrast is seen as the difference between milk drinkers and meat eaters.
Milk Drinkers are defined in chapter Hebrews 5:11-14. We are all born again as milk drinkers, so there is nothing wrong with starting as a milk drinker. All babies must start with a diet of milk. But after a period of time, we must set the bottle aside and move on to maturity. Here are four rebukes of long term milk drinkers:
1. They are slow to learn. They just don’t catch the real purpose and mission we are sent on.
2. They don’t know how to share with others. They are only interested in having their own needs met. They want to be feed, they want to feel comfortable. These bottle fed Christians should be mentoring and teaching others but they continue to sit in Bible studies for years just taking in more and more milk.
3. They have a baby food diet. Milk is pre-digested food, and it is especially suited to babies. There is nothing so cute at a newborn baby drinking from a bottle. But what about a 16 year old drinking and asking for a bottle at the dinner table? That would be called a tragedy. The question isn’t how old are you in the Lord? The question is what are you eating?
4. They are unskilled in using the Word. As we grow in the Word, we learn to use it in daily life. We use the Word to train our hearts to know the difference between good and evil.
So, what is the meat that we are to be eating? The steak is putting into practice our faith. If milk is our creed, then meat is our deed. If milk is the talk, then meat is the walk. Meat is the practical ability to live the truth in our lives. Which brings us to our Advent Conspiracy. The meat is described in Hebrews 6:10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
The "Meat" is loving and helping his people. There are no greater needs this Christmas than the 1.1 billion people who lack clean water. “Meat” people work on behalf of the poor. “Meat” people sacrifice on behalf of the poor. “Meat” people don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. This Christmas join us in our conspiracy as we change the world through the love of Jesus.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
December 22
Who are you?
1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
One of the most important questions in life is, “Who are you?” How did you get your identity? Today there is no clear answer to that question in our postmodern world. Actually the answer in the post modern world is, “It doesn’t matter, whatever?” Since we are just random, cosmic accidents, identity is a myth. Our lives have no more value than a mosquito that you would swat on a hot July evening at Cove Beach.
Peter has some different ideas. He is addressing Christ followers in this letter and he gives us a clear picture of who we really are.
1. We are a chosen race. This tells us about our corporate identity. This is the people who are called the church. This chosen race is not black or white or red or yellow or brown. The chosen race is a new people from all the peoples -- all the colors and cultures -- who are now aliens and strangers among in the world. What gives us our identity is not color or culture. But chosenness. Christians are not the white race; they are the chosen race. Christians are not the black race; they are the chosen race. We are the black chosen and the white chosen and the yellow chosen and the red chosen. Out from all the races we have been chosen -- one at a time, not on the basis of belonging to any group. We believe this at Grace church, in fact it is one of our core values.
2. We have received mercy. I am loved and graced by God. God did not just choose me and stand aloof. He chose me and then drew near in mercy to help me and save me. My identity is fundamentally this: I have been shown mercy. I am a "mercied" person. I get my identity not first from my actions, but from being acted upon -- with mercy.
3. We are God's possession. We are a people who “belong to God.” God has taken me to be his possession. Now God owns everything. So in one sense everyone is God's possession. So this must means something special. We are God's inheritance. We are the ones he aims to spend eternity with.
4. We are holy. We have been chosen and mercied and possessed by God; and therefore we are not merely part of the world any more. We are set apart for God. We exist for God. And since God is holy, we are holy. We share his character. If we do not act in a holy way, we act out of character. We contradict our essence as a Christian. For our identity is holiness to the Lord: we are holy.
5. And finally, we are a royal priest. The point here is first that we have immediate access to God -- we don't need another human priest as a mediator. God himself provided the one Mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ. We have direct access to God, through God. And, second, we have an exalted, active role in God's presence. We are not chosen, mercied, possessed, and holy just to squander away your time watching TV. We are called now to minister in the presence of God. All our life is priestly service. We are never out of God's presence. We are never not off duty.
This is who you are as we draw near to Christmas 2009. There is a chain reaction to this question. The question "Who are you?" -- leads directly to the question, "What are you here for?". Our identity leads to our destiny. You are chosen, mercied, possessed, and holy -- all for a purpose -- to minister as priests. This Christmas be a priest to your family.
1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
One of the most important questions in life is, “Who are you?” How did you get your identity? Today there is no clear answer to that question in our postmodern world. Actually the answer in the post modern world is, “It doesn’t matter, whatever?” Since we are just random, cosmic accidents, identity is a myth. Our lives have no more value than a mosquito that you would swat on a hot July evening at Cove Beach.
Peter has some different ideas. He is addressing Christ followers in this letter and he gives us a clear picture of who we really are.
1. We are a chosen race. This tells us about our corporate identity. This is the people who are called the church. This chosen race is not black or white or red or yellow or brown. The chosen race is a new people from all the peoples -- all the colors and cultures -- who are now aliens and strangers among in the world. What gives us our identity is not color or culture. But chosenness. Christians are not the white race; they are the chosen race. Christians are not the black race; they are the chosen race. We are the black chosen and the white chosen and the yellow chosen and the red chosen. Out from all the races we have been chosen -- one at a time, not on the basis of belonging to any group. We believe this at Grace church, in fact it is one of our core values.
2. We have received mercy. I am loved and graced by God. God did not just choose me and stand aloof. He chose me and then drew near in mercy to help me and save me. My identity is fundamentally this: I have been shown mercy. I am a "mercied" person. I get my identity not first from my actions, but from being acted upon -- with mercy.
3. We are God's possession. We are a people who “belong to God.” God has taken me to be his possession. Now God owns everything. So in one sense everyone is God's possession. So this must means something special. We are God's inheritance. We are the ones he aims to spend eternity with.
4. We are holy. We have been chosen and mercied and possessed by God; and therefore we are not merely part of the world any more. We are set apart for God. We exist for God. And since God is holy, we are holy. We share his character. If we do not act in a holy way, we act out of character. We contradict our essence as a Christian. For our identity is holiness to the Lord: we are holy.
5. And finally, we are a royal priest. The point here is first that we have immediate access to God -- we don't need another human priest as a mediator. God himself provided the one Mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ. We have direct access to God, through God. And, second, we have an exalted, active role in God's presence. We are not chosen, mercied, possessed, and holy just to squander away your time watching TV. We are called now to minister in the presence of God. All our life is priestly service. We are never out of God's presence. We are never not off duty.
This is who you are as we draw near to Christmas 2009. There is a chain reaction to this question. The question "Who are you?" -- leads directly to the question, "What are you here for?". Our identity leads to our destiny. You are chosen, mercied, possessed, and holy -- all for a purpose -- to minister as priests. This Christmas be a priest to your family.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday December 21 - 1 Peter
Apostle Peter spoke in his letter to the Gentiles about suffering as Christians. He encouraged them to persevere while they are being persecuted for their faith. He said that this tests their faith and allows them to participate in the suffering of Christ. We discussed in my small group the other day in what ways do we get persecuted in our culture for our faith. We came up with only couple of examples. Though people in other countries go to prison for being Christians, and some get martyred, in the U.S. we have retired into living politically-correct lives. This seems safe but it actually prevents us from openly sharing the good news of God’s Kingdom. The Bible is challenging us to be more radical than that. I think a great way in which we can get closer to the suffering of Christ is to give up our conveniences; to give up, one habit a time, those things which keep us from loving God and serving others. I love the Christmas Conspiracy we practice in Grace Church. This is the second year in which my friends and I stopped giving each other 'X-mas' presents but instead we went out of our homes and served those in need. I can no more imagine Christmas any other way; I now celebrate Christmas by experiencing the love which Jesus shows us.
The other day a friend of mine spoke with a Hindu man overseas and they openly shared about their backgrounds and respective faiths. When my friend asked the man what did he understand Christianity to be, his answer humbled me. He went to a Christian school as a child in his country and there met sisters who worked for a small salary and preached Christianity in a good way through prayers. He said that he learned a lot from those prayers. He said: "Christianity is being simple and helping others who are in need. Christianity doesn't say bad about other religions.” Through the service of nuns who had given up comfortable life because of their faith, this man had not only heard but had also experienced the simple but very definite commands which Jesus gave us: to love God and love others.
Is there a way in your life in which you can share with those who suffer and show them the love of our gospel? What one habit might be preventing you from doing this?
Have a wonderful active expectation of the upcoming celebration of the birth of our Savior, our Conspirator-in-chief, our Lord Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas to you!
The other day a friend of mine spoke with a Hindu man overseas and they openly shared about their backgrounds and respective faiths. When my friend asked the man what did he understand Christianity to be, his answer humbled me. He went to a Christian school as a child in his country and there met sisters who worked for a small salary and preached Christianity in a good way through prayers. He said that he learned a lot from those prayers. He said: "Christianity is being simple and helping others who are in need. Christianity doesn't say bad about other religions.” Through the service of nuns who had given up comfortable life because of their faith, this man had not only heard but had also experienced the simple but very definite commands which Jesus gave us: to love God and love others.
Is there a way in your life in which you can share with those who suffer and show them the love of our gospel? What one habit might be preventing you from doing this?
Have a wonderful active expectation of the upcoming celebration of the birth of our Savior, our Conspirator-in-chief, our Lord Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas to you!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
December 20: James
As F. LaGard Smith notes in his introduction, the author of today's letter is James, Jesus's (half-)brother. While he expressed little faith during the earthly life of Jesus, he had risen to become a key leader in the Jerusalem church. His letter does not have a specific doctrinal focus or a specific recipient. There are a number of parallels between James's letter and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 to 7).
I would like to highlight several key teachings of James:
1. Showing gratefulness for salvation. One of the theological challenges that has troubled Christians for centuries centers around works. The world seems to believe that we may in some way, or should, earn our salvation through our works. For many people, Christianity appears as a list of "dos" and don'ts" that, if followed, will guarantee God's favor. As you have discovered through the Word, however, we are lost without Christ. One sin casts us into the class of lawbreakers, and God's holiness demands that heaven be free from the pollution of sin. As a result, apart from the grace of the Gospel, we may never approach heaven. Furthermore, should works be able to garner our salvation, Christ's death would be in vain, an afterthought to the central role of obedience.
Still, as we see in James, our conduct does matter: not for salvation, but rather for displaying our faith. He argues that Abraham's "faith was made completed by what he did.... As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." This teaching follows in line with Jesus's own words about trees and fruit:
a. "Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." (Matthew 7:17-19)
b. "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)
2. Living in view of uncertainty. James provides two clarion reminders of the uncertainty associated with our lives on earth:
a. First, we will certainly face trials in this world: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Yet, despite the pain that trials produce in the short term, God develops our character through them. Please note that God anticipates that His children will perservere in light of difficult circumstances; this faihtfulness to Him is a testimony to His faithfulness and character.
b. Riches do not provide any kind of lasting security: "The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business." We should never put our trust in creation, rather in the firm hand of the Creator.
c. Life itself may evaporate quickly. We cannot be confident of tomorrow and should not boast in our control over it: "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." We may plan for the future, but we do not hold the future. We are to live our lives in order to bring glory to God, asking Him each day: "Lord, what do You have for today? How may I honor You today? Do You have another direction for me? Lord, make me sensitive to Your will." As explained in Romans 12:1,2, through becoming a living sacrifice, we may become more sensitive of God's will. In other words, as we seek to obey, God will reveal His will.
This year, God has been teaching me a great deal about living in light of uncertainty. Much of these lessons have come as a result of having my desire for control unfulfilled. Through this, however, God has reminded me that His presence is better than any earthly blessing and that His faithfulness will last forever. In light of the uncertainty of each day, we may faithfully follow what God has laid on our hearts.
3. Praying fervently. In 5:13-18, James notes that prayer has the power 1) to heal, 2) to bring forgiveness for sins, and 3) to bring forth God's work on the earth. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." When we pray little, we illustrate our unbelief in the power of prayer -- and, ultimately, in the power of God Himself. Through prayer, God reveals His heart more fully to us, and we may express those desires that He has laid on our hearts. As we seek to move in step with His Spirit, our desires will become more and more in line with His will. God answers those prayers in line with His will.
Put another way, Elijah, while a hero of Israel, did not cause in himself any changes. Instead, God channeled His power and will through His righteous servant to bring Israel back to Himself. Are you ready to be such a difference-maker? What is stopping you from surrendering your life life to Christ?
QUESTIONS
1. How may you show your gratefulness for God's work in your life this Christmas week?
2. Are you trusting in anything other than God's faithfulness?
I would like to highlight several key teachings of James:
1. Showing gratefulness for salvation. One of the theological challenges that has troubled Christians for centuries centers around works. The world seems to believe that we may in some way, or should, earn our salvation through our works. For many people, Christianity appears as a list of "dos" and don'ts" that, if followed, will guarantee God's favor. As you have discovered through the Word, however, we are lost without Christ. One sin casts us into the class of lawbreakers, and God's holiness demands that heaven be free from the pollution of sin. As a result, apart from the grace of the Gospel, we may never approach heaven. Furthermore, should works be able to garner our salvation, Christ's death would be in vain, an afterthought to the central role of obedience.
Still, as we see in James, our conduct does matter: not for salvation, but rather for displaying our faith. He argues that Abraham's "faith was made completed by what he did.... As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." This teaching follows in line with Jesus's own words about trees and fruit:
a. "Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." (Matthew 7:17-19)
b. "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)
2. Living in view of uncertainty. James provides two clarion reminders of the uncertainty associated with our lives on earth:
a. First, we will certainly face trials in this world: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Yet, despite the pain that trials produce in the short term, God develops our character through them. Please note that God anticipates that His children will perservere in light of difficult circumstances; this faihtfulness to Him is a testimony to His faithfulness and character.
b. Riches do not provide any kind of lasting security: "The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business." We should never put our trust in creation, rather in the firm hand of the Creator.
c. Life itself may evaporate quickly. We cannot be confident of tomorrow and should not boast in our control over it: "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." We may plan for the future, but we do not hold the future. We are to live our lives in order to bring glory to God, asking Him each day: "Lord, what do You have for today? How may I honor You today? Do You have another direction for me? Lord, make me sensitive to Your will." As explained in Romans 12:1,2, through becoming a living sacrifice, we may become more sensitive of God's will. In other words, as we seek to obey, God will reveal His will.
This year, God has been teaching me a great deal about living in light of uncertainty. Much of these lessons have come as a result of having my desire for control unfulfilled. Through this, however, God has reminded me that His presence is better than any earthly blessing and that His faithfulness will last forever. In light of the uncertainty of each day, we may faithfully follow what God has laid on our hearts.
3. Praying fervently. In 5:13-18, James notes that prayer has the power 1) to heal, 2) to bring forgiveness for sins, and 3) to bring forth God's work on the earth. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." When we pray little, we illustrate our unbelief in the power of prayer -- and, ultimately, in the power of God Himself. Through prayer, God reveals His heart more fully to us, and we may express those desires that He has laid on our hearts. As we seek to move in step with His Spirit, our desires will become more and more in line with His will. God answers those prayers in line with His will.
Put another way, Elijah, while a hero of Israel, did not cause in himself any changes. Instead, God channeled His power and will through His righteous servant to bring Israel back to Himself. Are you ready to be such a difference-maker? What is stopping you from surrendering your life life to Christ?
QUESTIONS
1. How may you show your gratefulness for God's work in your life this Christmas week?
2. Are you trusting in anything other than God's faithfulness?
Saturday, December 19, 2009
December 19
Demonstrating Character
On April 26, 2008, the Western Oregon women's softball team played against Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. During the course of the game, Western Oregon senior Sara Tucholsky hit the first homerun of her college career. She dropped her bat and started to make her way around the bases. In the midst of all the excitement, she forgot to tag first base. When the first base coach brought the mistake to her attention, she quickly turned around. To everyone's horror, her right knee buckled. Crying, she tried her best to crawl back to the base. Tucholsky's teammates were warned that if they touched her, she would be called out. The umpires also noted that if her coaches opted to call in a pinch runner, the homerun would only count as a single. You can probably imagine the shock everyone felt, then, when Mallory Holtman, the opposing team's first baseman and career homerun leader for Central Washington, turned to the umpire and said, "Would it be okay if we carried her around the bases, and she touched each bag?" When the umpires gave their approval, Holtman and teammate Liz Wallace picked up Tucholsky, crossed their hands beneath her, and carried her to second base. Once there, they lowered the injured player and gently touched her foot to the bag. They did the same for third base and home plate. The crowd erupted into a standing ovation. Western Oregon went on to win the game, eliminating Central Washington from the playoffs. George Vecsey, a writer who was there covering the game, said what happened can only be described as a “moment of grace.”
The world sees a demonstration of character and it makes national news and everyone cheers. The word character is not used in the Bible. We don’t often see that word used in newspapers or hear it on TV. Yet we know what it means, and we immediately recognize its absence. A wise person once said, “Character is what we do when no one is looking.” It is not the same as reputation – what other people think of us. It is not the same as success or achievement. Character is not what we have done, but who we are. And when we demonstrate it in our lives it has a profound impact on the world around us.
Paul reminded Timothy about the importance of character when he said,
2 Tim. 2:20-21 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
In these days of celebrity scandal and celebrating the lowest of our appetites, God calls us to work on developing our character and our usefulness as his instruments. Keep in mind one very important fact. No matter how much you work on becoming a noble instrument, it will never be enough to earn God’s approval. Character is not a way to earn a ticket to heaven. God can’t love you anymore than he does right now. Salvation is his gift to us. Character is our way to say thank you for all that God has done.
Enjoy the snow storm!!
On April 26, 2008, the Western Oregon women's softball team played against Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. During the course of the game, Western Oregon senior Sara Tucholsky hit the first homerun of her college career. She dropped her bat and started to make her way around the bases. In the midst of all the excitement, she forgot to tag first base. When the first base coach brought the mistake to her attention, she quickly turned around. To everyone's horror, her right knee buckled. Crying, she tried her best to crawl back to the base. Tucholsky's teammates were warned that if they touched her, she would be called out. The umpires also noted that if her coaches opted to call in a pinch runner, the homerun would only count as a single. You can probably imagine the shock everyone felt, then, when Mallory Holtman, the opposing team's first baseman and career homerun leader for Central Washington, turned to the umpire and said, "Would it be okay if we carried her around the bases, and she touched each bag?" When the umpires gave their approval, Holtman and teammate Liz Wallace picked up Tucholsky, crossed their hands beneath her, and carried her to second base. Once there, they lowered the injured player and gently touched her foot to the bag. They did the same for third base and home plate. The crowd erupted into a standing ovation. Western Oregon went on to win the game, eliminating Central Washington from the playoffs. George Vecsey, a writer who was there covering the game, said what happened can only be described as a “moment of grace.”
The world sees a demonstration of character and it makes national news and everyone cheers. The word character is not used in the Bible. We don’t often see that word used in newspapers or hear it on TV. Yet we know what it means, and we immediately recognize its absence. A wise person once said, “Character is what we do when no one is looking.” It is not the same as reputation – what other people think of us. It is not the same as success or achievement. Character is not what we have done, but who we are. And when we demonstrate it in our lives it has a profound impact on the world around us.
Paul reminded Timothy about the importance of character when he said,
2 Tim. 2:20-21 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
In these days of celebrity scandal and celebrating the lowest of our appetites, God calls us to work on developing our character and our usefulness as his instruments. Keep in mind one very important fact. No matter how much you work on becoming a noble instrument, it will never be enough to earn God’s approval. Character is not a way to earn a ticket to heaven. God can’t love you anymore than he does right now. Salvation is his gift to us. Character is our way to say thank you for all that God has done.
Enjoy the snow storm!!
Friday, December 18, 2009
December 18
What are you going to give Jesus this year for Christmas?
On Christmas Eve we are going to give Jesus his Christmas presents at Grace Church. We will have a manger up front and people will be given an opportunity to present to Jesus his birthday gift. I would like to suggest one gift you could possibly give the “Man who has everything.” This gift comes from our reading today of the book of Titus. It is found in
Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
A wonderful gift you could give him is a holy life, a life that says “No” to sin and “Yes” to holiness and upright living. Having the right approach to godliness is the key. You and I both know that we don’t just decide one day to be godly and in a few minutes this takes place because of our efforts. We have all failed in our human attempt to live a righteous life. It isn’t difficult to live a holy life, it is impossible to live one. We can only do this with God’s power filling our hearts.
That is why godliness must have the proper motivation from the very start. There are two motivations given in these verses. The first is the grace of God. We don’t become godly to earn God’s approval, we become godly because we already have God’s approval. His grace and salvation are what inspire us to want to do this. When we think of what Jesus went through because he loves us, his incarnation, his suffering, his death, all of these motivate us. He gave his all for us, how can we give anything less than our all for him.
Secondly, his appearing motivates us to live godly lives. We believe that he is coming again and just like there is excitement in children when the relatives come over for Christmas dinner, so we have excitement with the thought that Jesus is coming again. We want to be ready and waiting for him, so we clean the house and put on our best clothes.
The best gift you can give Jesus this Christmas is yourself.
Today is accountability day.... send me back and email telling me what chapter you are on. We have 13 more days till we end the journey!!
On Christmas Eve we are going to give Jesus his Christmas presents at Grace Church. We will have a manger up front and people will be given an opportunity to present to Jesus his birthday gift. I would like to suggest one gift you could possibly give the “Man who has everything.” This gift comes from our reading today of the book of Titus. It is found in
Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
A wonderful gift you could give him is a holy life, a life that says “No” to sin and “Yes” to holiness and upright living. Having the right approach to godliness is the key. You and I both know that we don’t just decide one day to be godly and in a few minutes this takes place because of our efforts. We have all failed in our human attempt to live a righteous life. It isn’t difficult to live a holy life, it is impossible to live one. We can only do this with God’s power filling our hearts.
That is why godliness must have the proper motivation from the very start. There are two motivations given in these verses. The first is the grace of God. We don’t become godly to earn God’s approval, we become godly because we already have God’s approval. His grace and salvation are what inspire us to want to do this. When we think of what Jesus went through because he loves us, his incarnation, his suffering, his death, all of these motivate us. He gave his all for us, how can we give anything less than our all for him.
Secondly, his appearing motivates us to live godly lives. We believe that he is coming again and just like there is excitement in children when the relatives come over for Christmas dinner, so we have excitement with the thought that Jesus is coming again. We want to be ready and waiting for him, so we clean the house and put on our best clothes.
The best gift you can give Jesus this Christmas is yourself.
Today is accountability day.... send me back and email telling me what chapter you are on. We have 13 more days till we end the journey!!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
December 16
Setting Goals for 2010
We are two weeks away from a new year. The greatest fear I have of the future is not terrorism, or a collapse of the financial markets, the greatest fear I have is not finishing the race well. How will I stay on the spiritual cutting edge for one more year? I think Paul was also aware of the dangers in not finishing well. Here is what Paul says about setting goals:
Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Look at three strategic steps he takes in these verses:
1. First step is to forget what is behind. Whether the past is full of spiritual successes or one failure after another, it really doesn't matter. Those days are gone, never to be relived. Wallowing in the guilt of previous sins only impairs spiritual growth. Once we have confessed sin, we need to move on. On the other hand, it's possible to stagnate by riding on the coattails of glorious accomplishments of former days. In either case, Paul says: Forget what is behind. You can't live in the past, so don't dwell on it.
2. The second step is to strain to what is ahead. This doesn't mean we don't evaluate, reflect and learn from our mistakes. But a person doesn't drive a car by staring into the rear view mirror. You take an occasional glance at the past then you look forward. Our lives can only be lived in the present aiming towards the future. We must learn to look forward and plan for where we are steering the car. As the motto goes, “People don’t plan to fail, people fail to plan.” There needs to be an agenda sent of where we want to go in the future. Take just a few minutes and draw up some plans next year. What would be 3 or 4 goals you would like to accomplish in your life?
3. Third step is to press on toward the goal for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. In other words, we are to continually move toward Christ likeness. If we reach all of our goals but we don’t know Jesus better, we have wasted our lives. We are never to be satisfied with our present knowledge of Jesus. That is why I am recommending keeping the pedal pressed to the metal for Jesus. Life is only lived when we are growing in our love of Him.
In what ways are you aggressively pressing forward in your knowledge of Jesus?
What are your goals for your spiritual life in the New Year?
Are you comfortable and content with your life as it is? BEWARE of a comfortable life.
My final admonition is we need accountability to reach these goals. Each one of us needs an accountability partner to have success on the journey. Pray about someone you could ask to hold you accountable for your goals.
Life intentionally in 2010!!
We are two weeks away from a new year. The greatest fear I have of the future is not terrorism, or a collapse of the financial markets, the greatest fear I have is not finishing the race well. How will I stay on the spiritual cutting edge for one more year? I think Paul was also aware of the dangers in not finishing well. Here is what Paul says about setting goals:
Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Look at three strategic steps he takes in these verses:
1. First step is to forget what is behind. Whether the past is full of spiritual successes or one failure after another, it really doesn't matter. Those days are gone, never to be relived. Wallowing in the guilt of previous sins only impairs spiritual growth. Once we have confessed sin, we need to move on. On the other hand, it's possible to stagnate by riding on the coattails of glorious accomplishments of former days. In either case, Paul says: Forget what is behind. You can't live in the past, so don't dwell on it.
2. The second step is to strain to what is ahead. This doesn't mean we don't evaluate, reflect and learn from our mistakes. But a person doesn't drive a car by staring into the rear view mirror. You take an occasional glance at the past then you look forward. Our lives can only be lived in the present aiming towards the future. We must learn to look forward and plan for where we are steering the car. As the motto goes, “People don’t plan to fail, people fail to plan.” There needs to be an agenda sent of where we want to go in the future. Take just a few minutes and draw up some plans next year. What would be 3 or 4 goals you would like to accomplish in your life?
3. Third step is to press on toward the goal for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. In other words, we are to continually move toward Christ likeness. If we reach all of our goals but we don’t know Jesus better, we have wasted our lives. We are never to be satisfied with our present knowledge of Jesus. That is why I am recommending keeping the pedal pressed to the metal for Jesus. Life is only lived when we are growing in our love of Him.
In what ways are you aggressively pressing forward in your knowledge of Jesus?
What are your goals for your spiritual life in the New Year?
Are you comfortable and content with your life as it is? BEWARE of a comfortable life.
My final admonition is we need accountability to reach these goals. Each one of us needs an accountability partner to have success on the journey. Pray about someone you could ask to hold you accountable for your goals.
Life intentionally in 2010!!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
December 15
Racial Reconciliation
Ephesians 2:14-16 speaks of a new community that is built out both Gentiles and Jews. Our Lord Jesus has destroyed any barriers between groups by becoming our peacemaker. By his death on the cross he has destroyed the hostility between groups.
His purpose was to create one new man and here is how it works. I invite Christ to live in me and I am a white, bald guy. You invite Christ to live in you and you are red, yellow or black. So now if you are in Christ, and I am in Christ, then I am in you and you are in me. We are one.
This radically changes how I view myself and how I view you. Now my relationship with Jesus has become all encompassing. Because of these verses it is technically incorrect to say you're a Chinese Christian, White Christian, Black Christian... because then you are making Chinese, black and white an adjective and you are making Christian a noun. The job of the adjective is to modify the noun. So if Christian is in the noun position, and black and white are in the adjectival position, then they are backward. Christianity must always be in the adjectival position. Your race, class, culture, family of origin must always be in the noun position.
The correct way to state who I am after Ephesians 2 is, “I am a Christian white bald guy. My faith is stronger than my race, my class, state of my hair or my culture. The point of this chapter is not that God is attempting to amalgamate us; he is creating a whole new community.
Why is he doing this? So that we can show the world what it means to be reconciled. We need to become a mini-version of what the Kingdom of God is going to look like in heaven.
Rev. 7:9 shows us what the kingdom really looks like..... After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.
One of God’s core values is reconciliation. He loves the people of the world, red and yellow, black and white they are all precious in his sight. So this is one of our core values. Here is your homework. Act like a member of this new community. Intentionally build a relationship with someone different than yourself. It is tempting for all the birds of like feather to gather together but intentionally go to a bird of a different feather and be a friend. "But, I am just one individual, what can I do?" That is the beauty of reconciliation. It takes place one life at a time. If each of us would intentionally reach across racial lines we would see America change.
Become a conspirator!!
Ephesians 2:14-16 speaks of a new community that is built out both Gentiles and Jews. Our Lord Jesus has destroyed any barriers between groups by becoming our peacemaker. By his death on the cross he has destroyed the hostility between groups.
His purpose was to create one new man and here is how it works. I invite Christ to live in me and I am a white, bald guy. You invite Christ to live in you and you are red, yellow or black. So now if you are in Christ, and I am in Christ, then I am in you and you are in me. We are one.
This radically changes how I view myself and how I view you. Now my relationship with Jesus has become all encompassing. Because of these verses it is technically incorrect to say you're a Chinese Christian, White Christian, Black Christian... because then you are making Chinese, black and white an adjective and you are making Christian a noun. The job of the adjective is to modify the noun. So if Christian is in the noun position, and black and white are in the adjectival position, then they are backward. Christianity must always be in the adjectival position. Your race, class, culture, family of origin must always be in the noun position.
The correct way to state who I am after Ephesians 2 is, “I am a Christian white bald guy. My faith is stronger than my race, my class, state of my hair or my culture. The point of this chapter is not that God is attempting to amalgamate us; he is creating a whole new community.
Why is he doing this? So that we can show the world what it means to be reconciled. We need to become a mini-version of what the Kingdom of God is going to look like in heaven.
Rev. 7:9 shows us what the kingdom really looks like..... After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.
One of God’s core values is reconciliation. He loves the people of the world, red and yellow, black and white they are all precious in his sight. So this is one of our core values. Here is your homework. Act like a member of this new community. Intentionally build a relationship with someone different than yourself. It is tempting for all the birds of like feather to gather together but intentionally go to a bird of a different feather and be a friend. "But, I am just one individual, what can I do?" That is the beauty of reconciliation. It takes place one life at a time. If each of us would intentionally reach across racial lines we would see America change.
Become a conspirator!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
December 14 Christ as our anchor in life
Christ as our anchor in life: In Him all things hold together
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” - Colossians 2:6-7
1. Sings and warnings against life without Christ.
Paul has some concerns for the lives of Colossians if they are not centered in Christ:
- can get deceived by fine-sounding, but empty arguments, rooted in human tradition and not in Christ
- can get distracted by false humility and false worship; losing connection from Christ who holds us together
- can get discouraged by human teachings of 'DON'Ts', believed to make people better but in reality are powerless to fighting temptations;
- can conform to the earthly human nature and its sins, the consequences of which are God's imminent fury
- can embrace lies, anger, rage, hatred, insults and filthy language
2. Life anchored in Christ
On the other hand, here are tings Paul writes to Colossians which a part of the Christian life and hope, where Christ is the anchor:
- are filled with the knowledge of God's Will - through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
- do fruitful good works
- are growing in the knowledge of God
- have endurance and patience as we get stronger through God's own glorious might
- have joyful thankful relationship with God the Father
- are qualified by God for His kingdom of light
- are rescued from darkness, to be brought right into the kingdom of his beloved Son
- are redeemed by Christ and have forgiveness of sins; are alive in Christ
- are reconciled to God by Christ; making peace with Him
- by the sacrifice of Christ, are presented holy in God's sight; without blemish and free from accusation
- have immovable hope in the gospel; established and firm faith
- are given wisdom to teach everyone about Christ
- when we struggle, we struggle with all of Christ's powerful energy
- become encouraged in heart and united in love
- become rooted in Christ
- overflow with thankfulness to God
- receive fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority
- set our minds on things above
- shall appear with Christ in glory
- are dearly loved by God
- practice compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
- learn to forgive one another and to love one another
- have the peace of Christ
Some of us may not have heard these promises before. Some of us may have forgotten them, or some of us may live as if we had. But Paul's encouraging words about life with Christ are a promise of a dream come true: a life with God; a life of truth, holiness and love. Thank you for the reminder Apostle Paul!
Jesus asks us: Do you want true life with me?
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