Church Hopping

I recently read this post on another blog. I thought it deserved sharing:

A man approached one of our Guest Services volunteers and asked, “Where are the Sno-Cones?”

 

For the past few summers, we’ve offered Sno-Cones following our weekend services as part of our Guest Services experience. The goal was to give exiting kids a final pleasant memory of their time at Meck (Mecklenburg Community Church), as well as create a “linger” factor for parents to connect with each other and the staff.

 

This summer, we’ve been offering them as a “surprise” on select weekends, but not every weekend.

 

“I go to another church,” he continued, “but during the summer I come here for the Sno-Cones. So where are they?”

 

The volunteer explained to him our current approach to Sno-Cones, and he became rather indignant. “Is there any way you can let people know in advance when it’s a Sno-Cone weekend so that we know when to come?”

 

I guess people really like crushed ice and syrup.

 

Let’s talk church hopping, shall we?

 

Actually, I’m not the one bringing the subject up. It was surprising to find an article on the matter get picked up and carried nationally this past month. 

 

First, a working definition: church hopping is going from one church to another without committing to any one church for any significant period of time. (*Which makes it different than legitimate church “shopping.”)

 

As Betsy Hart writes, hoppers reflect a growing tendency to decide, after they have officially joined a particular church, that “Oh, that pastor down the street is a little more high-energy than mine,” or “Gee, the music here isn’t really meeting my needs right now,” or “I really am not crazy about that new children’s church director.”

 

So they hop from church to church.

 

The hard-core hopper never even makes an initial commitment. They perpetually float between churches, pursuing a Beth Moore study at First Baptist, youth group at First Methodist, weekend services at Hope, Grace, or Community Church, marriage enrichment events at…well, you get the picture. 

 

What’s driving this?

 

For some, it’s simply the consumer mindset of our culture at work. 

 

As Hart writes, “Church ‘hopping’ is the ultimate ‘all about me’ experience.” They take from various churches whatever it is they perceive to be of value without committing to any one church either to serve or support.

 

For some, it’s insecurity. 

 

They have to be wherever they think it’s “happening” in the Christian world. I know of pastors who joke about a “migratory flow pattern” among Christians in their community who are constantly church-hopping to the “next” thing in church life. 

 

They move from one church to another, looking for the next hot singles group, the next hot church plant, the next hot speaker, the next hot youth group. 

 

Many times they end up full circle where they began, because their original church suddenly became “next.”

 

For some, it’s spiritual gluttony. 

 

They want nothing more than to be “fed”, and when they feel they’ve eaten all a church has to offer, they move on where there is the potential for more food – as if that is what constitutes growing in Christ or being connected to Christ. 

 

For some, it’s refusing accountability.

 

A pattern of sin is pursued, or a choice made, and they leave for a place where no one knows, and no one asks.

 

For some, it’s avoiding stewardship.

 

If they are not committed to any one church, there is no obligation to give or serve at any one church. They can float above sacrifice without guilt. 

 

For some, it’s emotional immaturity.

 

A decision is made they don’t agree with, a building campaign is initiated they didn’t vote for, a staff change is made they didn’t like, so they take their marbles and go play somewhere else.

 

I know, I know. None of these reflect well on the person leaving, which intimates that anyone who leaves a church is somehow in the wrong, and that is not fair. 

 

In truth, there can be times to not simply hop, but leap. If there is scandal that is simply not addressed, doctrinal heresy, or patterns of abuse, you should leave.  

 

But for the typical hopper, it’s not time for self-justification, but loving admonishment.

 

First, church isn’t about you. Sorry, but it’s not. It isn’t one of many stores in a mall that exists to serve your spiritual shopping list. Church is a gathered community of believers who are pooling together their time, talent and resources to further the Great Commission. 

 

Find one and start investing your life.

 

Second, the very nature of authentic community is found in the “one anothers.” Love one another, serve one another, encourage one another; this cannot happen apart from doing life with people. 

 

You need community.

 

Third, the absence of a ministry you desire may be God’s call on your life to start it, rather than leave to find a church that has it. Remember, every member is a minister, and has been given at least one spiritual gift for service in the life and mission of the church. 

 

Fourth, you aren’t going to agree with every decision the leadership of any church makes, regardless of its structure or decision-making process. You either feel you can trust the character of the leadership, or you can’t. 

 

And being able to trust that leadership doesn’t mean they will always do things the way you think they should. In other words, don’t hop every time you disagree. That’s immature.

 

(And for goodness sake, don’t stay and pout or politic, either. Either get on board once the decision is made, if it was one that didn’t breach doctrine or ethics, or find a place where you can.)

 

Fifth, don’t worry about being fed as much as learning to feed yourself. Even more, concern yourself with taking what you already know and applying it to your life, and then helping to feed others who are new to the faith!

 

Finally, spiritual depth isn’t fostered by satiating your sense of felt needs. It’s receiving a balanced diet of teaching and challenge, investing in service and mission, living in community and diversity that you probably would not select for yourself. 

 

If you simply go to where you are drawn, you will miss out on addressing those areas of life where you are blind. 

 

All to say, if you’re ever at Meck, have a Sno-cone. 

 

But don’t leave your church to come for it.

 

Start serving them there.

 

James Emery White

 

You Can't Buy Forgiveness

1 Samuel 12:1, 14-15  When I was little there was a claymation show on Sunday mornings called Davey & Goliath. It was a 15 minute show that involved a boy and his dog (who could talk to Davey but no one else) and each episode they would learn a theological truth by way of events in their everyday life. I watched it every week and eventually had every episode memorized. One week Davey and his family were on a ski vacation. Davey took his dad's skis without permission and when one of them came off it slid into a crevasse, never to be seen again.

His dad knew something was up when Davey suddenly became extra helpful and polite around the house. Davey finally admitted that he was trying to earn his dad's forgiveness. I'll never forget Davey's dad's stern but loving voice saying, "Davey, you can't buy forgiveness."

Israel had sinned by insisting on having a king like all of the other nations. They got what they wanted, but feared that God would punish them for pushing for their own way in spite of Samuel's warnings. Having their own way did cause them a great deal of misery over the next few centuries, but God never turned his back totally on Israel. He loved them, not because of what they did for him, but because of who he is.  He still sent Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice for their sins. You can't buy forgiveness.

Friends in Low Places

This blog was posted by 360 church in Berkeley, California. Their lead pastor, Earl Creps, is someone I have met and respect. -P.Randy

» Posted by Jeff on Jun 13, 2012 in Berkeley, Faith

In Berkeley there are poor people and there are street people.

Sometimes its really hard to tell the difference between the two.  Indeed the lines of distinction can sometimes cross over and intersect.

Not all the time but sometimes street people choose their lifestyle.  They give away belongings and embark on a journey with nothing but a backpack and end up begging for money on the streets of cities.

Usually street people are in packs with other street people and have creative cardboard signs that say things like “Too Lazy to Rob” or “Smile if you woke up today”.  Recently one just had two words, the second word was “You” and the first was a four letter word.  They tell each other about good places to sleep, steal, and solicit.

These kinds of individuals have a reputation with many of the other sub-groups in the city, especially the business people and young professionals.  Like Bruce Wayne these individuals burn their wallets and live just by what comes their way.

I have to admit even though I’ve stopped to talk with a few of them to hear their stories, I still wonder what they’re thinking.  I wonder why in the world anyone would choose that kind of life.  I have thought they must be mentally disturbed, or not been held enough as a child.  They must have a point they’re trying to prove. They must need to do this in order to show they reject society. It makes them feel better.

Then as I kneel on the floor to fold my hands awaiting the help of someone I call my God, I realize that I don’t look all that different from the street people.

I kneel on a carpeted floor to next to my bed.
They kneel on concrete sidewalks next to buildings.
We both ask for help for what we’re up against.

I am just another beggar who has found bread trying to point my pack to this bread.

What if we were as adamant on relying on something other than ourselves for our future as our friends in low places?

Confluences

Several years ago I went on several amazing fishing trips to Alaska with some friends. We fished on many different rivers, but the place that produced more consistently than any other was a place known to us only as "the confluence". Confluence is a really good word. It refers to the place where two rivers come together and one larger river continues. It can be messy at a confluence because the momentum of two distinct currents of water come crashing into each other, causing turbulence. With the turbulence, a lot of mud and debris gets kicked up and the water isn't usually very pretty for some distance until the newer, wider and more powerful river current settles down and goes about its unending task of delivering the contents of the rivers to the ocean.
The turbulence caused by the confluence of two rivers does more than stir up mud and debris. It stirs up underwater bugs, sculpins and minnows and exposes them as food for the fish of the river. The fish will accumulate just below the turbulence, instinctively knowing that food is coming their way. The fish understand that the messy and turbulent places are places of great opportunity. So out in the seeming middle of nowhere is a busy intersection where life and death activities are carried out. There is no reason for the fish to stay in the clear quiet pools for more than a brief rest because the food is at the confluence.
We encounter confluences in the spiritual realm as well; places where the streams of the world and its pursuits comes crashing together with streams of Christ-centered lives. It is in those messy interchanges of life where we find people who are most hungry and who are actively looking for answers. The quiet pools of life don't offer the opportunities to share the gospel in the way that the turbulent confluences do. We can't wait in the beautiful, quiet places if we wish to encounter people who are looking for answers. We must position ourselves in the turbulent, murky places if we want to find those who are truly hungry.
These confluences occur at work, in neighborhoods, and in the marketplace. They happen at tables and in cars. They happen in living rooms and driveways. They happen in the aftermath of disaster. They happen in bad parts of town. That's where we need to be if we want to live Christianly and share our faith. Confluences are opportunities. They are rarely appointments.

Revelation 21 & 22

Rev 21
Then John saw a new heaven and a new earth.  The old has passed away and all that believe in the Lord and has been faithful, get their reward.  Sounds wonderful to have no more pain, no tears and even no more death.  But the ungodly people have plenty to fear because not only do they have to go through one death, they will go through a second permanent death.  Thrown in the lake of burning sulfer.  The Holy City sounds fantastic!  Nothing impure will never enter it.  Just the people in the book of life.

Rev 22
Its time for all of our faith to be rewarded in heaven with our Heavenly Father who promised us that if we over came, we would be with Him in heaven.  No more worries about this or that.  Just spending eternity with the Lord.  But until that day comes, we have to be on guard every minute of every day.  The Lord says we will get whats coming to us by what we did on earth.  Don't know about you, but that makes me try harder and harder everyday to please the Lord.  The Lord warns us not to add or take away from His book or there will be hell to pay.  See ya in heaven one day!  God bless you all!

REV 19-20

REV 19

After the fall of Babylon all the people in heaven very glad God put an end to their wicked ways, and the people gave glory and power to God.Then John seen a rider on a white horse ( the lord ) with his army of saints getting ready to do battle with the beast and prophet that have been decieving Gods people by putting the mark of the beast on them. The beast and prophet were caught and thrown in the fiery lake of burning sulfur,and all that helped the beast were killed and the birds had their fill.

REV 20

And then John seen an angel coming down out of heaven with a great chain,he seized the dragon (devil )and threw him in abyss for a thousand years,after that he will be released as part of Gods plan.
Then all of Gods people that didnt bow down to the beast were awakend and were with the lord for a thousand years,and will not see death again,they will be called priest of God..Then satans time to be released is now and he is trying to decieve all the nations,But satans rein of preying on Gods people is comming to an end.God threw satan in the lake of burning sulfur. Then John saw the dead awake and how they are going to be judged.The bible tells us that were going to be judged according to what we have done on earth.Its all in the book of life. How do you think you would stand right now? Because at that time their will be NO secound chances,now more EXCUSES. As i have repeated chapter after chapter it all boils down to the same thing,your relationship with the lord.With anything,the more you put in it, the more your going to get out of it.

Fall of Babylon

REV 18

People from Babylon all thought that their reward was all in material things,they couldnt get enough wealth,they figured the more you had the more status you had.Then at last they ran out of the wealth and status.But the moral of the story is if they would have put God first in their life,everything they would have needed God would have provided.Some people never learn,bottom line would you like something that just last a while or would you rather have something that last forever.Really not hard to answer is it?

Revelation Technical Difficulties

Had a little bit of a technical difficulty when trying to post to the blog for Revelation 14-17.  But all is corrected and the posts are current.  Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Revelation 16 & 17

REV 16

The seven bowls of Gods wrath
One by one each of the seven wraths were worse than the other.It shocks me that these people were just that wicked,everything God tries to do to make them see the light fails.All they could do was to blame God for their problems.Seems it never accured to them if they had God in their lives they would have all the problems in the first thing.


REV 17

There is alot that has happend and yet alot more that has to happen to fulfull Gods plan.But you can rest assured if you stay faithful till the end,the lord will be right by your side all the way.He loves us,its high time we show him how much we truly love him....

Revelation 14 & 15

REV 14

This chapter is about Gods people that has overcome Gods wrath so far.
It's time for the harvest and all of the peple that has resisted satan
and does not have the mark of the beast on them. But on the other hand if you forgot about God and all he has done for you and you have the mark of the beast on you then you have a problem {A GOD PROBLEM}it might get a little rocky to put it mildly..The lord rewards his people.


REV 15

Where getting down to the last seven plagues.
The great harvest keeps getting closer and closer.All the people that stayed faithful were givin harpes to play and they all song the song of moses,how fantastic that would be.The way i see it,the lord wants us to listen to him and to have a relationship with him and he will take care of all the rest,sound like it is kinda one sided.But thats just how much he loves us..

Revelations 12 & 13

Rev 12
The time for the great war between satan and Michael and his angels,Satan couldn't get the job done,and we should be very grateful.
That's just another example of how much God loves us,he is always taking care of us,and all he ever ask in return is for us to trust him,now that's just beyond a lot of peoples grasp, but I'm loving it..

Rev 13

(The time of the beast)

Just a big bully,just running around trying to scare everyone and everything,just part of Gods plan to get his people to repent and get right with him,but as i have said before and I'm sure i will say it again..if you have faith and love god with all your heart what can anyone do to you? NOTHING Because you have all you need GOD

We serve such an awesome God that truly loves us and all he will ask of us is to love and trust him... Its a WIN WIN kinda thing.

Revelation 9 & 10

Rev-9
When the 5th angel sounded his trumpet, a star fell from the sky to the earth.  That star was given authority to unleash a plague of locust on the earth.  Two other plagues are yet to come and still the rest of mankind would not repent. I can't really believe that some people are just arrogant and self consumed.

Rev-10
John has a vision of another mighty angel with a little scroll. This angel's purpose affects all of creation and the little scroll will be eaten by John.  The number 7 is mentioned in this chapter.  It refers to 7 thunders (no He isn't speaking about our NBA team).  The 7 thunders represent God's coming wrath and judgement.  John finally eats the scroll as the angel told him.  It tasted sweet in his mouth but soured in his stomach.  John now understands that he must deliver his final message about the judgements to come.  The judgements will be contain much sorrow and bitterness.

Revelation 7 & 8

Rev-7
This chapter is a 'pause' between the 6th & 7th seal.  The John saw four angels standing on all four corners of the earth to halt the wind from blowing.  Then he saw another angel coming from the east, having the seal of the living God on which the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel.  Were their foreheads were stamped with that seal to protect them from future judgments. Then as i looked around and seen people from every tribe, nation, that spoke many languages worshiping God, all these people were from the great tribulation. Just shut your eyes and think how wonderful it would be to be in a place where their is no pain no hunger and no getting older and spend your time worshiping God, {HOW AWSOME}

Rev-8
Then John seen the seven angles,all were given trumpets to be sounded one after the other with differnt devastating effects,my take on this is this was one of Gods ways to get ready for the harvest and this a way to get all the hardheaded people to repent and start seeking the lord so the harvest will be greater,like he says,he wants knowone to parish.. Boils down to this-with faith all is within reach without faith its just a guessing game,don't know about you but im not good at guessing.see ya Sunday

Revelation 5 & 6

Rev-5
In this chapter we learn about the scroll and the 7 seals.  Who can open the seals and read the scroll? None, but Jesus (the 'lamb').  The word 'lamb' is used 28 times in Revelation as a reference to Jesus.

Contained within the scroll is the future of the people and the world. It tells how the world will be judged and how God and His people will win over evil.  7 seals held the scroll closed.  Once the seals are opened one by one, a vision is revealed.   

Rev-6
Seals 1-4 are opened.  Some believe that when the 1st seal was opened, the 7 year tribulation began.  1) A White Horse - the rider of the white horse represents the antichrist.  God will use him to trick the ones that are against Christ.  2) A Fiery Red Horse - the rider of the red horse represents war and death.  3) A Black Horse - the rider of the black horse represents hunger and suffering 4) a Pale Horse - the rider of the pale horse represents horrible deaths, plagues, disease and evil beasts.  The 4th seal (the pale horse) will be so bad that 1/4 of the of the people will be killed. WOW! 1/4 of the population gone!  Just like that!

When the 5th seal is opened, John's vision takes him to heaven where he see's what is going on up there.  He see's the ones that were slain for their belief in God.  They are told to have patience as more people will be slain for their faith in God.

Did you know that some people will be given an opportunity to accept Christ during the tribulation?  It will be for the people that didn't get the chance to learn about God.  The people that had the chance to learn but resisted won't get that chance to accept Christ. 

A great earthquake happens when the 6th seal is opened.  Can this be the end? 

The people that are left on earth (the unGodly) will have great fear and will try to hide so they won't experience God's wrath.

After reading all of the bad things that will happen, it would be in everyone's best interest to be faithful to God!

Revelation 3 & 4

Rev-3
John writes to the angel of the church in Sardis,
He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says to them, you can't be half this and half that.  You need to be right with God all the time.  To all that overcome will be in the Book of Life.  Some would say that's kinda hard, but really think about it.  If you aren't willing to go all out for God, why would He go all out for you.

Then John writes to the angel of the church in Philadelphia, letting them know with the Lord anything is possible and the Lord WILL prevail.

John then writes to the angel of the church in Laodicea the last of the seven churches, letting the church know that your faith can't be on one day and off the next.  You have to overcome and stand on your faith.  Put your trust in the Lord all the time.  Not just when it suits you.


Rev-4
After John addressed the seven churches with instruction from the Lord, John was in the spirit and was in heaven.  How awesome that had to be.  Everyone worshiping the Lord and seeing the 24 elders.

Revelation 1 & 2

Let me just start off by saying Revelation is by far my favorite book of the bible. Most people shy away from this book. Did you know this book of the bible is the only one that says whoever reads it will be bleesed. I don't know about you but I need all the blessings that I can get. Jack

Now lets get on with the first two chapters.

Rev-1

On the Lords day, John was in the spirit when he heard someone behind him. It was Jesus. Jesus told John to write on a scroll what he had seen and what will take place later. He told him to send it to the seven churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicca. As I write this a few things make me wonder...why John? Do you think John was afraid? Do you think John was afraid he would somehow fail? I can only imagine how and what John felt with the command Jesus gave him to do while he was on the island of Patmos. The number seven is used more in this book of the bible more than any other. The whole reason for the letters to the churches were to let them know where they stood in the eyes of the Lord.


Rev-2

John starts of by writing a letter to the church in Ephesus
These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. He lets them know that Jesus knows their bad deeds and their good deeds and lets them know what they need to do to please God. It's all about putting God first. Make God your first love or He will come move your lampstand (churches).

To the church in Smyrna
These are the words of Him who is the first and the last, who died and came to life again. He tells them that they will suffer persecution but if they stay faithful they will be given the crown of life. The Lord tells us that we will have troubles but as long as we trust Him and stay faithful we will weather the storm

To the church in Pergamum
These are the words of Him who has the shard double edged sword. He tells them to keep satan away by not being imoral and not dealing with idols. Look what is promised to all that overcomes.
To me, its pretty amazing that when you really think about it, Jesus promises us alot more than He ever ask of us, how awsome is that!

To the church in Thyatira
These are the words of the Son of God whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. There will many false prophets. So be careful to not be mislead by them.
He knows whats in our hearts and minds. And He will repay each of us according to our deeds. You can't hide anything from God. So the sooner we realize that the better off we will be.

3John & Jude

It really is amazing how up to date the Bible is. The issues that John and Jude confronted are still being confronted today. Those who deny the Lordship of Jesus, who refuse to do what they know is right, who cause dissension and division, and who promote themselves were in the Church then, just as they are now. John opens with a prayer I pray for many:

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (vs. 2 NKJV)

 Jude writes a beautiful exhortation that each of us should practice:

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (Jude vs. 20-21 NIV)

As we say goodbye to the epistles and prepare for the richness of the Revelation given to John, let's refresh ourselves with the ending doxology of Jude:

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. 

1 John 5 & 2 John

John ends his first book with an odd closing: "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." But what are idols but anything that takes our focus off of Jesus? John repeats the same thing over and over- that Jesus is the Son of God and to love God we must accept Jesus as His Son, and love others. Those who believe this message are told that they have overcome the world. This overcoming isn't by political power that lets us tell the world what to do. Rather, this overcoming is one that releases us from what the world does, because ultimately we will be freed from this world. Our citizenship is in Heaven, now. We are in the world, but not of it.
Satan sends those who profess that Jesus is just another wise man. He is fine with us respecting Jesus as long we don't profess him as the Son of God. When we believe in his divine nature, we give up our grip on the things that Satan uses to keep people under his control. With our eyes on Heaven, Satan can't get us to focus on his distractions.
Near the end of 2John, he says it very plainly, "We know that we are children of God, and that the wold world is under the control of the evil one." (vs. 19) Since we are children of God, and not of this world, the evil one has no claim on us. At all.

1 John 3 & 4

There are many who call themselves Christians who live no differently than the world around them. Can they really have had an encounter with Christ, or could it be that the idea of Christianity just sounded like something that they would like to identify with? Can someone come face to face with Jesus and not be forever changed?

All who indulge in a sinful life are dangerously lawless, for sin is a major disruption of God's order. Surely you know that Christ showed up in order to get rid of sin. There is no sin in him, and sin is not part of his program. No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. They've got him all backward. (1John 3:4-6 MSG)

 We are told over and over that those who are in Christ are children of God. And we are also told over and over that children of God love their neighbors. Loving others isn't what makes us Christian. Loving others is a testimony of Christ being in us.

My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!(1John 4:11-12 MSG)

1 John 1 & 2

Eyewitnesses are powerful evidence when trying to prove a point. Someone who says that they were at the scene and saw what went on makes a compelling case. John testifies in these 3 books of the things he saw and heard from Jesus. He acknowledges that we are still imperfect people even in Christ:

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.(1John 1:8-10)

But even in our imperfection, Jesus is ready to forgive if we will just admit our sins to him.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense —Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1John 2;1-2)

So we are without excuse. If anyone professes to be a Christian but lives in a way that doesn't display love for others is a poser. He is still in darkness. He can't be an eyewitness because if he had seen the love of Jesus, it would have changed him. Be like the old chorus that says,

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full on his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

2 Peter 2 & 3

One day a few years ago I made the 10 mile hike around Lake Hefner on the system of trails that encircles the lake. I made this hike many times as part of my training for a hike I would make that summer. I knew where every porta-potty and water fountain was located along the trail. It was a warmer than normal day in early spring and my water bottle was nearly empty. I made the decision to go ahead and gulp it down because I knew that there was a water fountain about a half mile away where I could refill. As I approached the fountain, I anticipated getting to drink all that I wanted and being able to refill my bottle to take with me on the trail, but I found that the fountain would not function. And it would be several miles before the next fountain. I was disappointed and even thirstier than before.
That is the kind of situation that Peter uses to describe false teachers. They promise refreshment and life but deliver only disappointment and make life more difficult.
These false teachers cause sincere followers to stumble and give a doubting world reasons to scoff. We wonder at times why they are allowed to sow seeds of destruction. But God knows what he is doing. He isn't ignoring what is going on, and he is not giving consent to this kind of activity.  He is coming and He will set everything to right. Peter says that the Lord's patience means salvation. Our responsibility is to seek the truth, and to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peach with him.

Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. ¹⁸ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18

1 Peter 5 & 2 Peter 1

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." In a world where power is accumulated so that we can exert control over the activities of others, this statement seems to go against the grain. We are heirs and recipients of the greatest power and authority that exists, but are told to use it to serve those who don't deserve it. This can only come about from God.
As Peter nears the end of his life, and his spiritual authority is at its peak, he speaks more and more like a person who holds to power very lightly and who recognizes that he has this authority only because of the amazing grace of God. Those of us who are in leadership, or who aspire to leadership, would do well to remember Peter's example. Even those who wrote the great prophecies of the Bible didn't write them because of their great knowledge. They wrote them because a great God inspired them to write. We can't brag about anything but what a wonderful God we serve.

1 Peter 3 & 4

As we read through the Bible we see that the recurring instruction to Christians is that our primary responsibility is to represent Jesus well. None of the instructions call for us to be arrogant clods who demand what we think we deserve, or use scripture as a club to beat people over the head. We are told that we are to love others- whether in the home with our family or in the marketplace with our friends, or anywhere with anyone. Our primary responsibility is to be stewards of God's grace. God's grace, which is shown to us so very freely to us, is shown to the world when we live it out and give it freely to people we come in contact with. When tough situations occur because we are Christians, it is time for the love of Jesus to shine. And it shines very brightly when we respond in love to persecution. But when tough situations occur because we have done wrong, God gets no glory. The world forms its opinion of God on how his representatives portray him. How are you representing today?

1 Peter 1 & 2

As we read these two books written by Peter it is striking to see the difference of the "ready, shoot, aim" disciple who walked with Jesus. He was always ready with an opinion or an idea. Some of them were good, and some of them earned him a rebuke. But Peter after the Upper Room experience on the day of Pentecost is nothing like Peter after receiving the power of the Holy Spirit. These two books are the words of the man Jesus knew was inside of Peter even when he kept his foot in his mouth most of the time. There is a rich and mature understanding of the believer's relationship with Jesus; both our rights and our responsibilities. No more impulsive, Peter gently but firmly teaches the churches he planted in what is important and eternal.

We can take comfort in Peter's growing maturity and faith. God's grace is in abundance and mistakes we make along the way do not disqualify us from being used by God. The enemy wants us to believe that because we made a bad choice at some stage in our life, the God has disposed of us and there is nothing for us to do. Peter wanted to be a faithful follower. Sometimes he got in his own way. But the Lord looks on the heart. He knows who we are and how we are. And he knows how he will use us if we don't give up. He never gives up on us.

James 4 and 5

These two chapters highlight how much time and energy we spend trying to get stuff and get ahead. We quarrel and fight, covet and even kill.  Even then we don't get what we desire. God wants us to know Him, to be humble and submissive to Him. Then we can pray in the right way, not asking for things with wrong motive but seeking God's will for our lives.

Let's look out for each other, too. Do not slander or judge our neighbor. Don't grumble against each other. Pray for one another, bring back those who have wandered from the truth.  Let's be careful to show love to others at every opportunity. 

James 2 and 3

It's very much a part of our human nature to take one look at a person and start drawing conclusions based on appearance alone. Unfortunately, this affects the way we relate to that individual oftentimes even before we even meet them! We are warned to not discriminate and becomes judges. God loves everyone, even the ones that we would think are unloveable. We are commanded to do likewise. We are also admonished to look after the needs of others, as that is a reflection of our faith.

The tongue again! James gives us such practical teaching on this subject with some great object lessons of ships, fire, horses, etc. Lots of ways to remember the lesson of taming the tongue.

I want the wisdom that comes from heaven. The world is full of wisdom that is earthly and God's blessing is not in it.

James 1

Trials and joy sure don't seem like they belong in the same sentence, do they? But joy is less an emotion and more of an attitude.  I may not be thankful for the trials I'm going through, but I am thankful for the spiritual growth that I am promised if only I will persevere. And, maybe when I'm on the other side of that trial I will have more grace and wisdom to help someone who is going through their own difficulty.

God gave us two ears and one mouth. Think about it. We need to listen more and make sure the words we do speak are pleasing to our Father.

Hebrews 13

I love the imagery in verses 11-14:

¹¹ The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. ¹² And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. ¹³ Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore.

Under the sacrificial system the blood of the animal was carried into the Most Holy Place and it was poured out as an offering symbolizing the loss of an innocent life to atone for the shortcomings of another. This was unholy man's response to a holy God. The unholy was made to be holy by bringing it into the Holy Place. But when Jesus gave his life for us, he shed his blood in the most unholy place imaginable. The holy was poured out in an unholy place so unholy people could become holy wherever they were. The unholy thief on the cross was made holy in an unholy place because this was Holy God reaching out to unholy man in his unholiness. That is the relationship we have with Jesus today.

Hebrews 11 & 12

Hebrews 11 is one of the most famous chapters in the Bible. It is called the "Faith Hall of Fame" by many as it begins at creation and recounts many who lived lives of faith in God. Some of the stories eventually had endings that visibly justified their faith, but many ended their lives still holding to faith even though they never saw the answer they awaited. The writer described those as aliens and strangers on earth. These "citizens of Heaven" see earthly situations with an eternal view. When we are tempted to think that God has failed us or lost interest in our situation, we need to read these chapters over and over. Our life is not sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. It is a preparation for our heavenly eternal home. The struggles we endure are for our eternal benefit. For we are receiving an unshakable kingdom and we must always be thankful and reverent to the God who has prepared all of this for us.

Hebrews 9 & 10

Jesus, our High Priest, is also the sacrifice for our sins. We go to him and find forgiveness. The message is clear. "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." But sometimes we, who know the truth, are tempted to live as though the sacrifice wasn't good enough for our situation. The enemy of our soul wants us to doubt God's power, His wisdom, and His love for us.  Yet we are encouraged to stay in fellowship with the other believers, and hold onto our hope, because the One who promised is faithful. Even though you are going through a puzzling period or the answer seems slow in coming, your confidence in Jesus will be rewarded. "But we are n ot of those who shrink back and aare desroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (10:39)

Hebrews 7 & 8

I can't imagine how mind-blowing it had to be for the Jews in the first century. For generations, they had worshiped God in the way handed down to them from Moses. Even though they had many prophecies that served notice of a coming Christ, it was beyond comprehension that he would cause the complete dismantling of everything they knew. The writer of Hebrews defends Jesus by using the scriptures that the Jews were very familiar with and assures them that this new covenant if far superior to what they knew previously. he is our high priest now; the only one we will need. Jesus is the guarantee of this better covenant. And the day will come when it will all be clear and everything will be set to right. Until then we live by the promise of the wonderful covenant of salvation through grace by faith in Jesus.

Hebrews 5 & 6

We can never get to the bottom of our relationship with God. Many choose to stay at the point of salvation, holding that being forgiven is enough for them. However, it is possible for those who never go "deep", to lose the intensity of their relationship and even drift back into their old patterns of living. There are many who are long-time Christians who are not mature Christians.

Christianity is unique in that salvation can be accepted in faith by someone who knows nothing more than the bare message of the Gospel, but the greatest intellectual minds can spend an entire career studying it and never feeling as though they have scratched the surface of what is there. At the core of the investigation we all find the trustworthiness of Jesus, who cannot lie and who becomes the steadfast anchor of our soul.

Hebrews 3 & 4

OK parents, a little test. Which displeases you most? Your child breaking something, or your child breaking something you told him not to touch? Of course it is the disobedience or rebellion that far outweighs a momentary dose of clumsiness. How can disobedience be seen as anything other than a disrespect of your parenthood? It is the same way with God. When we don't obey His commands we are in effect telling him that we don't really think that He knows best. Our unbelief is the great sin. It is the root of all the sinful actions we see. We are exhorted not to harden our hearts like the children of Israel did. Their sin was in not believing that God would complete His promise. As a result, they all died in the desert. These were the same people who saw God deliver them from Egypt and part the Red Sea for them, but hardened their hearts when it came time to conquer a few giants.

God knows the attitudes of our hearts. Don't harden your heart against him. Jesus is our High Priest. Go to him with your struggles. When we are in Jesus, we can approach him boldly and find mercy and grace that will help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 1 & 2

The book of Hebrews elevates Jesus beyond any previous person, angel, tradition or idea.  "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." (1:3) When we come to grips with this, we have no excuse to turn him away. "how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" (2:3)

Jesus came and lowered himself so that we could be adopted into his family. His death destroyed the devil, whose chief weapon was death and the fear of death that held us as slaves. Our Savior suffered so that we might live our lives knowing that the price for our sin has been paid by the Son of God. We won't encounter anything in life that He hasn't already dealt with. He is our merciful and faithful high priest. How freeing is that?

Titus 3 & Philemon

Paul believes in keeping the main things the plain things and the plain things the main things. Stay with the grace that brought salvation to us through Jesus Christ and live good lives. He wasn't interested in debating small points of the law because they are a waste of time. Although the training he received earlier in life would have qualified him to be a world class bible debater, he knew that the time spent arguing could not be spent giving the life-giving word of God to a world that needed to hear it.

Philemon is a wonderful picture of truth and grace. The truth was that Onesimus had run away from his obligations. He had to return and make things right. But Paul, even while dealing with the truth aspect of the transaction, was seeking grace in the relationship. Drawing on his relationship with both parties, he acknowledges the importance of truth and encourages the undeserved blessing of grace. It is a great example of our grace relationship to Jesus and our relationships with those who need to find grace from us. Without one party being in a weak position, there is no opportunity for grace. We don't get to see how the story turned out. It is one of those mysteries that will be made clear in Heaven.

Titus 1 & 2

Integrity looks so boring. It never excites and it never stirs up gossip. Many times people mistake integrity for lack of talent or charisma. For a while, a lack of integrity can bring about excitement and momentum, but eventually the momentum comes crashing down under the weight of scandal. Paul is a plodder. He has the same message year after year. He keeps harping on the same subjects- watch your mouth- work diligently- treat others with honor and respect- stay away from those who will lead you astray- brag on God and don't worry about your resume. But over the years, he planted churches, trained leaders, discipled believers, and left a legacy we still learn from today. Maybe dull isn't so bad!
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7-8

2 Timothy 3 & 4

"having a form of godliness but denying its power." This is a small phrase with huge implications. The form of godliness is a deception that can be very hard to spot and confront. It appears in the nicest people and can go unnoticed for years, but it is revealed in the time of difficulty. The form of godliness shows itself when things go south. Some said that Paul's tribulations were proof of his wrong ideas, but Paul knew that under the harsh glare of persecution the truth of his message would be illuminated most brightly. He went so far as to say, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,". But he was willing to put up with anything because he knew the grace that brought about his salvation and he gladly poured himself out to share that message. Some had failed, and some had bailed. But he knew that he had been faithful to preach the Word and God was responsible for the results. He had much to look forward to as his reward for remaining faithful to his call. Imagine that. Getting a reward for doing something he was grateful for the opportunity to do. Isn't that just like Jesus?

2 Timothy 1 & 2

Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him.
If we disown him, he will also disown us,
if we are faithless, he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself. (2 Timothy 2:11-13)

These few verses sum up our relationship with Jesus. If we give up our life, he will give us eternal life. If we will put up with difficulty now, he will make us kings.
If we deny him, he will deny us, but if we mess up he will remain faithful because he cannot go against his nature. That is the most one-sided agreement in the history of the world. He pledges to be perfect in his relationship to us, while asking us only to be willing to serve him.

Verse 15 makes a very reasonable request in light of what Jesus has committed to us. "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

When we understand this relationship, differences of preference or interpretation really aren't worth getting into a tizzy over. Stay away from the big stuff and ask for grace to help you overcome the other stuff. Augustine said it very well: In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.

1 Timothy 5 & 6

The instructions of chapters 5&6 serve as a reminder that being in the body of Christ is not all about getting your needs met, but that there is a tremendous reciprocal relationship among us all. Young are to respect elders. Elders are to be involved and doing what they can. Families are to care for their own, and help should be given to those in need but not to those who won't work. Leaders are worthy of honor because of their great responsibility, so the mantle of leadership should not be bestowed too quickly, lest it go to the leader's head. Respecting leadership isn't something to honor the leader. When we respect leadership, we honor God. But this honor is not blind. We have a responsibility to discern if the leader is teaching correctly or going off on his own hobby horse. See how it all works together? It just makes so much sense. We really are a body; a family with each member doing his part and God getting the glory. Now if we can just do it.

1 Timothy 3 & 4

Those who are in leadership are to be held to a higher standard because of their greater visibility and level of influence. If someone who attends a church behaves in a foolish or ungodly way, it does damage to their own reputation. But if a pastor or leader in the church does wrong, it brings reproach on the entire Body. We should be wise in elevating someone to leadership and then we must be diligent to pray for those who are in leadership. They will ultimately give an account to God for every deed done or decision made in their role as a leader.

These days there are many many voices attempting to pull us in many different directions. Many follow voices which lead them away from the Truth. Paul exhorts us not to be fooled by silly voices that focus on insignificant specifics but fail to acknowledge the broad truth of the gospel. Paul doesn't let Timothy off the hook for being young, but encourages him to "toil and strive" to be grounded in the truth of the gospel. "Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." (2:15-16)

1 Timothy 1 & 2

Oh the love that drew salvation's plan,
Oh the grace that brought it down to man,
Oh the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary!

Paul never forgot how he was caught in the grace chase. He understood that there was no reason for God to do anything but punish him. Instead, verse 14 says "that the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." Even though Paul spoke with great authority and led with great confidence, he considered himself a great sinner who had been rescued by a great Savior.

Naturally, he would "desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling." (2:8) When we are in the embrace of grace, what do we have to quarrel about?

Mercy there was great and grace was free,
Pardon there was multiplied to me!
There my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary!

2 Thessalonians 2 & 3

Paul is a wonderful leader and spiritual father. He loves them by knowing when to encourage, when to praise, when to instruct and when to discipline. He displays each of them in this letter. A leader is not just a cheerleader or a disciplinarian. A leader can tell what his people need and he makes sure they get it. But Paul realizes that as a good leader, he can ask for help from those he leads, and he asks for their prayer support. What a wonderful relationship they have! When the relationship is one of trust, integrity and respect, both the leader and the led recognize their responsibility to each other.

That kind of relationship is one worth working for.

1 Thes. 5 & 2 Thes. 1

Have you had a time when you or someone else was leaving and as they were getting into the car or leaving to board an airplane you were saying as many things as  possible to them because you knew you wouldn't see them again for a long time? It seems as though this is what Paul does at the end of his first letter. So many things to say. So many encouragements to give. So many instructions to impart. They come rapid fire; one right after another. It doesn't sound like someone barking a bunch of orders to be followed in his absence. It sounds more like a parent saying good by to an adult child who is moving away or headed to boot camp. At the end he sums it up with a powerful blessing. He prays that the grace of Jesus would be with them. The grace of Jesus pretty well covers every issue.

As he opens his second letter, he makes sure that they know that when Christ returns, He will setting things right by punishing the tormentors and giving relief to the tormented. He reminds them that our responsibility is to live Christlike lives. God is the one who makes us worthy of our callings, and His grace is what makes it possible for us to be identified with Jesus. We don't have to defend God. We just have to live as good ambassadors of His kingdom.

1 Thessalonians 3 & 4

We all like to hear good news and Paul is no exception. Timothy brought him a report that the church was missing Paul and doing well in the Lord and Paul was encouraged by it. His blessing to them was sincere and heartfelt. Then Paul exhorted them to live their life consistent with their conversion. We still have control over what we do even with our new nature. It is our act of love and obedience to God to live Godly lives and when we fail to live holy and display love for one another, we are not disrespecting people. We are disrespecting God.

But there is a real upside to Christian living beyond the relationships we have in this life. We know that there is much more to life than just this life and when the believer dies, the fun is just beginning. And some day, Christ will return for his own. When I was a child I dreaded the coming of the Lord because in my juvenile mind I thought that I would miss out on too many things. I understand now what it means in 4:18 when it says to encourage one another with this message. Like the old song says,
What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see.
And I look upon his face,
The one who saved me by his grace.
When he takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land.
What a day, glorious day that will be!

Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!

1 Thessalonians 1 & 2

When the Gospel is preached, there is a temptation both for the preacher and the hearer. The preacher is tempted to manipulate people through his skill and personality. The listener is tempted to follow particular preachers or styles and base their faith on the presentation more than on the Spirit. The preacher has a dilemma. He must speak boldly and be engaging enough to have listeners without attracting followers for their own reputation. The listener must be willing to place themselves under the discipleship of a minister without becoming a follower of the minister instead of a follower of Christ.

Paul commends the Thessalonians for being truly converted and laboring faithfully in Christ. Paul sees himself as their spiritual father who led them to their Heavenly Father. He worked hard for them, and now they are working hard for Christ.

That is how church is supposed to work.

Colossians 3 & 4

Too many people think that Christianity is a list of things we are not supposed to do. And at first glance, chapter three looks just like such a list. But in reality what Paul is telling us is that we are living far below what is ours when we continue to live the way we did before we received Christ. After all, if there is no behavior change, have we truly been converted? As we sink into our new Christlike nature, some things will change. We don't put off the old behaviors to make ourselves worth of salvation. We put off the old behaviors as a natural response to our salvation. This new nature isn't so we will be able to get along with those already in the faith. It enables us to live a powerful witness to those who are not in the faith.
Col 4:5&6- Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace; seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 1 & 2

Some Restrictions Apply. Sometimes you will see this in the fine print in an ad for an offer of a discounted or free item. It means that the offer is not quite as good as it seems. Free seldom means free in advertising. And there have always been those who feel like they need to add some restrictions to Christ's offer of salvation. Paul wrote the letter to the Colossian church to counter those who were teaching that there were actions that must be added to the free offer of grace. The things that were being added sounded reasonable and looked good, but they added conditions to salvation that were not from Jesus. When we do that, we are really saying that Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary wasn't enough, but with our help, we can make it enough. That's really pretty arrogant when you think about it that way. Paul's formula for the church goes something like this:
Christ + anything = nothing
Christ + nothing = everything!

Philippians 3 & 4

I so enjoy the Message translation of the Bible!  Don't get me wrong, I have a NIV version, a NKJV and several other versions in my house. But the way that the  Message translation words things, just makes me think about things in a different light.


For example, the opening of chapter 3, where Paul is saying that he doesn't mind writing the same things to the people of Philippi. But perhaps my favorite section is from verse 2 to verse 6. (Again in the Message translation)


2-6 Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they're interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them. The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ's praise as we do it. We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God's law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God's law Book.


Barking dogs, knife-happy circumcisers....what a clear mental picture these words paint, and even more importantly the emotions that go with them.  But aside from these non-traditional word's, Paul's message is coming through loud and clear. The real believers know the work that they are responsible for, and they do it. Not with their own power, or intelligence, or tenacity, but by God's will.


Paul's message to us to remain focused on the goal, finishes out the chapter. We're to keep running with him, and keep an eye out for others running towards the same goal we are. He also warns us about others out there who are running towards different goals, and how they want "easy street". But he reminds us that "easy street" is a dead-end street. The people looking for easy street are focused on themselves and how they can feed their various appetites.  We as believers, striving towards what Jesus would have us do, are citizens of high heaven.  Think about that.  We won't be visitor's. We won't have to pass a naturalization test. We won't have to sneak in and hope not to get caught. There is no paperwork to fill out in triplicate and return to 3 different places. Once we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we are citizens. And with that citizenship, we will be free to enjoy all of the great work that Jesus is doing to make heaven an amazing place to be.


As Paul closes out his letter in chapter 4, we're reminded that just like today, there were arguments and disagreements between believers and friends.  Paul isn't even in Philippi - remember he's in prison in Rome - and he's calling out Euodia and Syntyche!  Two women who for whatever reason have been quarreling about something.  And - to make matters even more personal, he's asking Syzygus to help them work things out.  If we all think about it, I'm sure we can come up with examples from our own lives of two friends that are bickering at each other.  I wouldn't want to be any where near that!  Who knows when the tables will turn and both of them will start bickering at you.  But Paul knows how much work these ladies have down for the church, and how their names are written in the Book of Life too.  Even though they're - women!


We're also reminded to not fret or worry. We're supposed to pray and let God know our concerns.  If we do this, we will be overcome by a sense of wholeness and be settled.  My hope is that you have experienced this first hand. It is such an amazing feeling to go from totally stressed out to relaxed and calm about a situation.  Especially when our fretting doesn't do a thing to change the situation. Verses 8 & 9 makes it pretty clear: "We're supposed to fill our minds and meditate on things that are true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious, the best (not the worst), the beautiful (not the ugly) and things to praise (not to curse).  If we do this, then God will work us into his "most excellent harmonies."  As a music person that one word says so much to me.  What word would you use?


Paul also reminds us that he is happy and content! In fact, probably more happy than he should be, given his circumstances. Remember - he's chained to a prison guard in Rome.  But he's happy because the people in Philippi are asking about him.  Makes sense to me.  I always get a few goose bumps when someone lets me know that they've been thinking about me, or my family, or about our church.  With everything going on in the world today, and our 24/7 life style, knowing that someone took even just 2 seconds to think about you makes a pretty big difference.


Paul thanks the people of Philippi for thinking of him and his needs and tells them that God sees their good works and that he will take care of their needs.  And, he reminds them to give regards to everyone they meet on behalf of he and his friends in Rome - especially the believers who work in the palace of Caesar.


And his closing words are ones that I wish for you today: Verse 23: "Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.

Phillippians 1 & 2

Many people think of Philippians as one of the most "Joyful" books of the Bible. Maybe that should be Joy-full instead.  More than one Bible scholar has said that the book was most likely written by Paul while he was in prison in Rome.  While Nero was busy sending Christians up against hungry lions, or using them as torches for his dinner parties.  Given his situation, why in the world should Paul be in such a good mood?

Over the next two days, we'll check out a few reasons.  Let's start with Chapters 1 and 2 today.

Paul is writing this letter to the people in Phillip on behalf of himself and Timothy. He begins by telling the Philippians how blessed he is to know them, and to know that they are working towards the same goal - advancing the kingdom of Christ. He then prays that these friends will experience a growth in their love of the church and gain more and more knowledge as they walk the path of Christianity.

Verse 12, is where we start to think that Paul may be a bit looney.  He's in jail, some people think he was chained to a guard, and he is still preaching!  He could have very easily done the "woe is me dance", clammed up and refused to say anything about Christ or Christianity. And, who would have blamed him if he was to turn back to his old ways and start persecuting Christians again?  (Remember, this is the same guy, formerly known as Saul, who did terrible things to believers in the name of the Jewish religion.)

Instead, Paul shares his story with anyone who will listen. My guess is the prison guard that was chained to him was a pretty captive audience. (Get it....captive....?)  But he lets the people start the conversation.  "Hey.  You!", "What are you in for?".  What a perfect opportunity to say "I'm in jail for believing in Jesus Christ, our Savior"!  To many people, this would seem to be such a little offense.  How could someone be punished for believing in something so "small" in comparison to the atrocities that were going on outside of the prison walls?  But we know first hand how this "small" belief can morph into something so large and expansive that we're still figuring things out 2,000 years later.

The close of the chapter has Paul reminding us to live out our daily lives as a testament to our faith.  Not a testament to our religion, our church, or our Sunday school, but to our faith!

Oh, Chapter 2, why are you hitting me so squarely between the eyes this morning?  In the Message translation, the Heading for verses 12 through 18 is "Do Everything Without Grumbling".

Really Lord? I'm not supposed to grumble when I pick up three hundred different pairs of shoes in the living room, only to find that the floor of the bedroom where they belong is covered with toys, books, and games?  And there in the corner of that same bedroom, is the overflowing laundry hamper begging to be dealt with.  Oh - wait! There's the phone!  A call from work with a Def Con 5 status. Why can't this wait until tomorrow?

Or maybe in your world it's "Really Lord?", "It's raining again - how am I supposed to get the car washed, the dog trimmed, the lawn mowed, the house painted and the kids to the park?".  Never mind that just one short year ago, we would have been praying for that same rain.

The last part of verse 15 in the Message translation is "...Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky".  If we're still able to do at least a small part of our "happy dance", while things are dark, and scary, and uncertain, then we're going to shine.  And that shining light is going to be so evident to others who don't have Christ in their life.  They're going to stop and marvel about what keeps us going.

The last section of Chapter 2, has Paul naming his "brother, co-worker and fellow soldier", Epaphroditus.  From my study bible, it appears that this brother of Paul traveled some 700 miles to visit Paul in prison.  While there, he became gravely ill and almost passed away.  But he recovered, and now Paul is sending him home to Philippi, with this letter. He is urging the Philippians to welcome him home with great joy.  Who are we needing to welcome with great joy?

Ephesians 5 & 6

Chapter 5: 1 -21


The Christian Household
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul is now instructing on how the foundation of a Christian household should be. The first words of Chapter 5: Follow God’s example. Paul is telling the Ephesians (and us) to lead by example. That a child of God can and must, no matter what, be a living witness to the power of Christ in their life. This is what we need to be doing every day. I know everyone knows they should be following God’s example but knowing and actually doing are two different things.

v22-33
22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

I believe these are the most misquoted verses in the Bible. If not the most, then close to it. In short, the husband is to be the spiritual and domestic head of the household by providing love & protection to the family. The wife is to love, assist, be a good mother and caretaker of the home. I know this sounds a bit old fashioned to some people (and I have to admit it was for me) but now that I have read and re-read these verses, they make perfect sense. Life would be so much simpler if all of us would use Paul’s letter to the Ephesians as a guide to living life.

Chapter 6 v 1-9
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. 5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. 9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

All I can say about v1-4 is that they need to be posted in every home. Verses 1-4 are another reason I wish I could turn back time and start over by making sure our children were raised in a Christian home.

The Armor of God v10-23
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Final Greetings
21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

v10-20 - WOW! I was left breathless after reading these verses. They are awesome, makes me proud to be a Christian! This is why we as Christian’s need to spread the word of God so everyone can experience ’The Full Armor of God’.

I’m going to cheat a little bit here and rewrite what my bible (NIV) says about the armor of God.
The Full Armor of God:
1) The belt of truth - Allegiance to God’s truth and commitment to integrity;
2) The breastplate of righteousness - Godly character and a right relationship with God;
3) Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace - Believing and boldly proclaiming Christ’s message;
4) The shield of faith - how bold faith helps us throw off the enemy attacks;
5) The helmet of salvation - Being renewed in our minds and confident of our relationship with God;
6) The sword of the Spirit - the word of God
7) Prayer

In conclusion, I would like to finish my adventure thru Ephesians with my bibles commentary about v18. I think it applies to us as a church.
Our warfare against Satan’s spiritual forces calls for serious and continued prayer. This means praying “in the Spirit”, “on all occasions”, “with all kinds of prayers”, “for all the saints”, “and always keep on praying”. Prayer is not to be viewed just as another spiritual weapon, but as the very act of battle itself as we work together with God to gain the victory for ourselves and others. Failing to pray diligently, with all kinds of prayer in all situations, is to surrender to the enemy.

You didn’t think I would end this adventure without a trivia question, did you?

How many times was the phrase ‘in Christ’ used in Ephesians?   Give up?     36

Thank you for your time. God bless everyone.

Ephesians Chapters 3 & 4

Ephesians 3 & 4

Chapter 3

God’s Plan for the Gentiles v1-13

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Paul is telling the Gentiles they have the same grace as the Jews. They are heirs together with Israel. 　Paul uses the word ‘mystery’ 3 times in these verses. He’s not trying to convey something mysterious, he means something that’s hidden until the appropriate time comes for God to reveal it.

In v12, he states again how we as a nation, as a church may approach God with freedom and confidence. God is there at all times even when we think we don’t need Him.

Prayer for the Ephesians v14-21
14　For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

This prayer is letting the Ephesians know that with continued faith in Christ, they will be filled with the fullness of God. 　It’s a reminder to us all, that the love of Christ has no boundaries.

　
Chapter 4

Unity in the Body of Christ v1-16
1　As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says:
"When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people."
9 (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.Paul is giving step by step instructions on how the church foundation is to be built and how the members are to be spiritually active.

Here are a couple of verses that stood out to me:
Let’s read v2 together: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.　 Doesn’t that verse just bring the feeling of peace upon you? It did me.

v4-6: How great is the number one!
one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all....

Instructions for Christian Living v17-32
17　So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
There’s not much to say about these verses. Again Paul is giving step by step instructions on how to live a Christian life. They apply today just as they did back in the day. If everyone would follow them, there wouldn’t be any strife in life or church.　The one verse that I have to make a special comment on is v26: do not let the sun go down while you are angry. I didn’t realize that what I’d been hearing most of my life was a verse from the bible. That made me go.... hum.