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!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
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.
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 -
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.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
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?
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?
Friday, April 27, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Ephesians Chapters 1 & 2
Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Ephesus (now Turkey). It is directed to both the church and individuals.
He starts off in Chapter 1 with the most insightful and profound message, v3-14: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
There is a lot that can be written about those verses but what caught my attention was v4:He chose us before the creation of the world.... BEFORE creation.. WOW! Then v13: marked in him with a ‘seal’. The ‘seal’ meaning you were His, God’s mark of ownership!
Paul continues with a prayer for the Ephesians. He is praying that the believers continue in their love and faith in Jesus. That God gives them (us) the Spirit of Wisdom and revelation so they (we) can know him better. As you can see by the italics, this prayer can still be used today.
v15-23 15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
What struck me about this prayer is the last 13 words of v21: not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Paul knew then this prayer would be used by believers in the future.
Chapter 2
Paul is especially addressing the church in this chapter.
v1-10: As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
v9 really slapped me in the face: not by works, so that no one can boast. This is how I used to believe. As long as I did good things I would be okay and would go to heaven. It wasn’t until I started attending church that I realized I was wrong. God still wants us to do good things but he wants us to be ‘spiritually saved’ so we can have a relationship with Him.
v11-21 11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
In verses 11-21 Paul talks about the Jews & Gentiles becoming one under the blood of Jesus. No more divisions between the two people’s. We are all now one.
The verse that got me here was v18: have access to the Father.... We, as believers, can approach God at anytime and know that He will be there to accept us and love us. Who wouldn’t want that?!
He starts off in Chapter 1 with the most insightful and profound message, v3-14: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
There is a lot that can be written about those verses but what caught my attention was v4:He chose us before the creation of the world.... BEFORE creation.. WOW! Then v13: marked in him with a ‘seal’. The ‘seal’ meaning you were His, God’s mark of ownership!
Paul continues with a prayer for the Ephesians. He is praying that the believers continue in their love and faith in Jesus. That God gives them (us) the Spirit of Wisdom and revelation so they (we) can know him better. As you can see by the italics, this prayer can still be used today.
v15-23 15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
What struck me about this prayer is the last 13 words of v21: not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Paul knew then this prayer would be used by believers in the future.
Chapter 2
Paul is especially addressing the church in this chapter.
v1-10: As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
v9 really slapped me in the face: not by works, so that no one can boast. This is how I used to believe. As long as I did good things I would be okay and would go to heaven. It wasn’t until I started attending church that I realized I was wrong. God still wants us to do good things but he wants us to be ‘spiritually saved’ so we can have a relationship with Him.
v11-21 11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
In verses 11-21 Paul talks about the Jews & Gentiles becoming one under the blood of Jesus. No more divisions between the two people’s. We are all now one.
The verse that got me here was v18: have access to the Father.... We, as believers, can approach God at anytime and know that He will be there to accept us and love us. Who wouldn’t want that?!
Intro to Ephesians
I’ve learned a lot studying the book of Ephesians. There are verses in this book that will stick with me for the rest of my days. While I was studying it made me realize how much better my life would have been if I was raised in a church environment. A lot of this I would have already known and not been so dumbfounded when I read it. Since I am fairly new to the Christian world, I was really stressed about doing this blog. So I decided to go on faith that I would find the right words to say. My summaries are a little long because I’ve included the bible verses. I hope you enjoy my interpretation of Ephesians. Lisa Brooks
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Galations 5&6
Paul ties things up nicely in chapter 5. This is my favorite chapter in the whole bible. Freedom from what in verse 1? Answer. The curse of the law. Only Christ can free us from the curse. In verse 2 circumcision or any work done for the purpose of obtaining righteousness alienates us from Christ. The MESSAGE translation expresses this section like this:"When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love." Verse 18 I believe, though short, says a lot, "But if you are lid by the Spirit you are not under law." This should be the goal of every christian in every moment of every day. Chapter 5, verses 16 through the end of the chapter are explained in a very practical way in the message TRANSLATION. now EGARDING THE QUESTIONS: 3;10 and 6:7. Sin has consequences. It causes us to break fellowship with God, not God breaking fellowship with us. We suffer. 3:16 This study of Galatians should help us be more thankful for the Aabrahamic promise. 3:1 We all can become bewitched when we attempt to do life on our own. 5:18 Those who are not led by the Spitit are still under law. Will sign off with one more comment from C.S.Lewis which has been a big comfort to me concerning Galations 5:14. Loving ones neighbor simply means wanting the best for him and doing what we can to bring the best to him. Thanks for reading. Darrel
Monday, April 23, 2012
wow!!! Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness. Thousands of years before Christ, the gospel was announced. Yet today, just as when Christ was here in the flesh, we still try to gain righteousness by works rather than simply believing God. My thought while preparing to blog was that salvation is very much a GOD thing rather than a man thing. Would you agree that salvation has a past, present , and future component? Let's start each day asking God,"How can you use me today to bless someone? In chapter 4 verse 15 we have a question that is very relevant for today. (NIV) WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOUR JOY? Tomorrow Paul sums up the whole bllk of Galatians. Question. Who are those still under law?
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Galatians, Chapters 1&2
In chapter one, verses 6-9 Paul exposes a huge problen to the Galatian christians. He identifies the problem as a different gospel (NIV) which is no gospel at all. He then immediately establishes his authority to address the problem. He continues this in chapter 2, then gives an example of when he(Paul) rebuked Peter for being hypicritical when he compromised over the same problem. Now some questions to consider as we read chapter 3 tomorrow. Why do we, the church, tend to put more importance on the Mosaic covenant (law) than we do on the Abrahamic covenant (promise) ? Also, how can a spirit filled believer become bewitched? More questions tomorrow.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
2 Corinthians 12 & 13
I am impressed by Paul's love for the church at Corinth. Even though they were a difficult bunch who consistently gave him trouble, he remained patient with them; dealing with them in ways intending to restore and reconcile them to Christ and to the church. Churches are made up of people, and we are most decidedly imperfect. Pastors and lay people often make the mistake of allowing a disagreement or imperfection to cause them to break fellowship with their faith community when they should be staying and allowing others to be as imperfect as they are. In Paul's final warnings in chapter 13, he exhorts them to do what is right, even if others may seem to have failed. There is too much jumping around from place to place by people looking for exactly what they want. The role of a faith community is not to give you what you want, but to give you a place where you can build relationships with other believers, be strengthened in your faith, and work with the others to spread the gospel. If any church ever gets to the place where it's main mission is to provide a comfortable place for the members to hang out with each other and agree on every point, it will not survive.
Paul's commitment to the Corinthian church is for restoration; being restored to Christ and to one another. We need one another to fulfill our Christian mandate to go into all the world.
Paul's commitment to the Corinthian church is for restoration; being restored to Christ and to one another. We need one another to fulfill our Christian mandate to go into all the world.
Friday, April 20, 2012
2 Corinthians 10 & 11
When we compare ourselves to others, or if we compare others to even others, it is always a sliding scale. We compare favorably to some, and others are obviously more talented, gifted, connected or successful than we are. It is easy to say about the person you know and see al the time that they don't stack up well when compared to someone you only see occasionally. Paul was no stranger to that sort of thing. Folks complained that Paul was a boring speaker, or that he only got bold from a distance, and that others were building bigger groups than he was. Some who elevated themselves were teaching false doctrines and raised a lot of money by giving messages that people liked to hear. Sound familiar? That still goes on today. But Paul committed to a life of integrity and boasted only in his salvation through Christ. He made it available to any who would hear. He did it because he was compelled by his understanding of Jesus' call on his life and not to make the big bucks. He didn't do the crowd pleasing thing, but people are still being led to Christ through his teaching. The others are not even remembered.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
2 Corinthians 8 & 9
Paul spends this entire part of his letter encouraging and commending the church to be generous. It is a common theme in the New Testament that it is not enough just to speak blessing toward someone if you can do more. We see accounts of people opening up their homes to others, visiting others in a time of distress, and givng financial gifts to others who were in need. The expectation is that over time, we all have our ups and downs, but the generous spirit ensures that all members of a faith community receive what they need. When a member has an abundance, they give. And when that member has a time of lack, he receives.
Giving is not a financial issue, it is spiritual. Everything we have or accumulate is from the Lord and when we reach the end of this life, we leave it all behind for our heirs to fight over. But the heart that holds "things" very lightly and gives freely demonstrates a spirit that is pleasing to God. Your giving doesn't buy you a ticket to Heaven. It indicates your level of understanding of God's generosity toward you. God rejoices when He sees believers who "get Him" by living generously and giving cheerfully.
Giving is not a financial issue, it is spiritual. Everything we have or accumulate is from the Lord and when we reach the end of this life, we leave it all behind for our heirs to fight over. But the heart that holds "things" very lightly and gives freely demonstrates a spirit that is pleasing to God. Your giving doesn't buy you a ticket to Heaven. It indicates your level of understanding of God's generosity toward you. God rejoices when He sees believers who "get Him" by living generously and giving cheerfully.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
2 Corinthians 6 & 7
Sometimes things get tough and stay that way. In these two chapters Paul talks about a tough stretch of ministry. He doesn't hide the fact that it has been difficult and draining. He doesn't pretend that he likes a good fight or that there is no struggle. He isn't whining, he is just being real. Then, early in chapter 7 he says that even though the going has been tough, he still has joy. But he was really glad for a visit from Titus. His visit comforted and refreshed Paul. Titus brought a fresh face, good news from home, and support for Paul. One guy. A simple visit. And it made the Bible.
God bless the Tituses of the world. Those who bring encouragement and support to those who are in a struggle. What a refreshing for Paul just to sit for a while and visit about the folks back home. For a little while to turn off the "ministry switch", and just have a good chat with a buddy. Let's all look for opportunities to be a Titus to someone.
God bless the Tituses of the world. Those who bring encouragement and support to those who are in a struggle. What a refreshing for Paul just to sit for a while and visit about the folks back home. For a little while to turn off the "ministry switch", and just have a good chat with a buddy. Let's all look for opportunities to be a Titus to someone.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
2 Corinthians 4 - 5
Life comes at you fast and furious at times. It certainly came fast at Paul. He was stoned, beaten, plotted against, shipwrecked and snake bit all for his stand for Christ. But Paul had the big picture in mind. He called all of those things "light and momentary troubles". He was thinking in light of eternity. Today, in 2012, Paul is still in the presence of Jesus. Do you think he is still fretting about the injustice and discomfort he endured 2000 years ago? I don't think so.
Can we, like Paul, recognize that Jesus dies for all and that we now should live not for ourselves for for him who died for us? If we could have a truly eternal perspective, do you think that the list of things that we think are worth fighting for might change? They do for me. I find that fewer and fewer things are really worth parting company over. But those few things cause me not to want to part company but to reconcile a lost world with the One who died for all.
Can we, like Paul, recognize that Jesus dies for all and that we now should live not for ourselves for for him who died for us? If we could have a truly eternal perspective, do you think that the list of things that we think are worth fighting for might change? They do for me. I find that fewer and fewer things are really worth parting company over. But those few things cause me not to want to part company but to reconcile a lost world with the One who died for all.
Monday, April 16, 2012
2 Corinthians 2 - 3
The hallmark of the gospel is that grace and forgiveness is available to all who will receive it. Just because we have received salvation it doesn't mean that we will never mess up. It is necessary from time to time for those with spiritual authority to confront someone with their error but the goal of this confrontation is always to be redemptive. We are always looking to restore relationships whenever possible. Since we are under the new covenant, the glory and grace which are ours are dependent on right heart attitudes instead of strict adherence to the law code. That makes a huge difference in administering discipline. Instead of punishing wrongdoing, we are working to reestablish the grace relationship. Both might be uncomfortable, but one seeks to exact payment for transgression. The other seeks to make changes that restore the person to their position of grace. What a wonderful way to live!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
1 Corinthians 16 & 2 Corinthians 1
At the end of Paul's epistles he usually takes care of personal and personnel issues. It is in these farewells that i begin to sympathize with him as I realize the number of churches he is assisting in leadership. He never uses his enormous spiritual authority to build his own empire. He always uses his authority to under-gird one of the young leaders he is helping. By giving his authority away to help others, he actually increases his authority. It would be good if all leaders could understand that principle.
As we slip into 2 Corinthians I notice something. A few days ago we talked about the misquoted, "God won't put more on you than you can stand", and realized that the scripture was actually referring to not being tempted beyond your ability to resist. Paul makes the point that we will most certainly have more put on us than we can stand in verses 8-10: 8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,
It stands to reason that if we never had anything come against us that we couldn't stand, we wouldn't need to trust in God. But God wants us to trust His strength, not our own. He has delivered us, He will deliver us, and will continue to deliver us as we depend on Him.
As we slip into 2 Corinthians I notice something. A few days ago we talked about the misquoted, "God won't put more on you than you can stand", and realized that the scripture was actually referring to not being tempted beyond your ability to resist. Paul makes the point that we will most certainly have more put on us than we can stand in verses 8-10: 8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,
It stands to reason that if we never had anything come against us that we couldn't stand, we wouldn't need to trust in God. But God wants us to trust His strength, not our own. He has delivered us, He will deliver us, and will continue to deliver us as we depend on Him.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
1 Corinthians 14 & 15
I love being Pentecostal. I love the freedom of Pentecostal worship, I love the power of good Pentecostal preaching, and I love the joy of Pentecostal fellowship. But sometimes we Pentecostals get things out of order, and speaking in tongues is one of those things. Speaking in tongues isn't the reason we are Pentecostals although it is a spiritual distinctive that we embrace and enjoy. Paul does a masterful job of explaining that the speaking in tongues has a profound effect on the believer, but it is not effective in evangelizing. If the message can't be understood by the listener it doesn't help anything. Paul makes it clear that speaking in tongues is a vital part of his prayer time, but that the real work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to make us more bold and effective witnesses of the salvation power offered by Christ's death and resurrection.
The resurrection is a much bigger deal in salvation and evangelism than speaking in tongues. If we don't believe that Jesus was resurrected and that we will resurrected when He returns, there is not much point in any of the rest of it. So if we believe in resurrection, the rest falls into place. That's why Romans 10:9 calls for us to confess that Jesus is Lord, but to believe that God has raised Him from the dead. We serve a risen Savior. Knowing and believing that is essential to Christian faith. I am amazed at the force and clarity of Paul's writing as he gives this great defense of our spiritual foundation.
The resurrection is a much bigger deal in salvation and evangelism than speaking in tongues. If we don't believe that Jesus was resurrected and that we will resurrected when He returns, there is not much point in any of the rest of it. So if we believe in resurrection, the rest falls into place. That's why Romans 10:9 calls for us to confess that Jesus is Lord, but to believe that God has raised Him from the dead. We serve a risen Savior. Knowing and believing that is essential to Christian faith. I am amazed at the force and clarity of Paul's writing as he gives this great defense of our spiritual foundation.
Friday, April 13, 2012
1 Corinthians 12 & 13
The Holy Spirit is infinite and indefinable. He cannot be limited in the ways he chooses to work within the individual. Paul explains in detail that no one can claim supremacy because of his particular spiritual gift. After all, it is a gift, and is given by God's grace. So if we are benefiting from something that was given to us by someone much greater than us, we really have no reason to boast, because we have done nothing to deserve it. There are no insignificant members of the body of Christ.
When we remember that, we realize that chapter 13, "The Love Chapter" is much more than some nice words to read at a wedding; in reality it is a powerful way for us to live. It does not matter how many talents we have developed or spiritual gifts that we manifest, it we do not relate to one another in love, it is all a waste.
When we remember that, we realize that chapter 13, "The Love Chapter" is much more than some nice words to read at a wedding; in reality it is a powerful way for us to live. It does not matter how many talents we have developed or spiritual gifts that we manifest, it we do not relate to one another in love, it is all a waste.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
1 Corinthians 10 & 11
The folks in Corinth had a lot of zeal but not a lot of spiritual wisdom. Paul is telling them that just belonging to a family of faith isn't enough; it takes a right relationship with Christ. Idolatry takes many forms, and God isn't pleased with any of them, even if they look spiritual. He warned them not to start thinking that they were "all that" because the one who thinks he has it figured out best is the one most likely to slip up.
One of the most improperly used phrases in the Bible is in this section. People say that God will not put more on you than you can stand. But what verse 13 actually says is that God won't let you be tempted beyond your ability and will always give you an escape route. So when we succumb to temptation we can't blame it on "God made me this way". It is because we didn't look for the way out and allowed ourselves to fall.
The folks at Corinth loved their gatherings, but allowed the gatherings to overshadow their Christian living by getting carried away at the fellowship dinners. Some got drunk, and others were left out entirely. Once again we can be grateful for Paul's wonderful description of why we participate in the Lord's Supper and how we are to approach it. Pure gold.
One of the most improperly used phrases in the Bible is in this section. People say that God will not put more on you than you can stand. But what verse 13 actually says is that God won't let you be tempted beyond your ability and will always give you an escape route. So when we succumb to temptation we can't blame it on "God made me this way". It is because we didn't look for the way out and allowed ourselves to fall.
The folks at Corinth loved their gatherings, but allowed the gatherings to overshadow their Christian living by getting carried away at the fellowship dinners. Some got drunk, and others were left out entirely. Once again we can be grateful for Paul's wonderful description of why we participate in the Lord's Supper and how we are to approach it. Pure gold.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
1 Corinthians 8 & 9
We don't have many controversies today about whether or not it is okay to eat meat that was sacrificed to idols. But that doesn't mean that we can just skip over this chapter, because there are plenty of ways this issue applies to us today. Under grace, many things are permissable, and they may pose no stumbling block to you or me. However, something that may not be an issue to us may really be a problem for someone else coming from a different background or worldview. The issue for us isn't how it affects us. The issue is will we value our freedom in a way that puts another person in bondage?
Paul is calling believers to live in true spiritual maturity in these two chapters by urging us to be willing to put ourselves in second place behind people who are newer in the walk. It is tempting to hold the opinion that since I know it's okay you can just deal with it, but as Paul leads us up to the "Love Chapter" in chapter 13, he details for us ways that our Christian love should be shown to others. Living in a way that doesn't hinder the spiritual "newbies" is a big one.
Paul is calling believers to live in true spiritual maturity in these two chapters by urging us to be willing to put ourselves in second place behind people who are newer in the walk. It is tempting to hold the opinion that since I know it's okay you can just deal with it, but as Paul leads us up to the "Love Chapter" in chapter 13, he details for us ways that our Christian love should be shown to others. Living in a way that doesn't hinder the spiritual "newbies" is a big one.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
1 Corinthians 6 & 7
I love the practical nature of Paul's instructions to the church. Don't sue other believers, flee from sexual immorality, marry or don't marry. If you marry, treat your spouse with respect. If you don't marry, live wholeheartedly for the Lord. But whatever state of life you find yourself in, be content in it. That is so practical and profound. We feel enough pressures from our culture to adhere to certain patterns; marriage, children, home ownership, retirement accounts, estates to leave to our children and before you know it, you have grown old and never had the time or resources to do anything for the Lord.
I appreciate the fact that Paul was never married and spent his life in total devotion to the things of God. He would have been a horrible husband if he had been on his many adventures and been beaten, jailed and shipwrecked all those times with a wife and kids at home. But he loved his life and wished that there were many more just like him who could go all out for God without the worry of how it would affect his family.
But Paul knew that not everyone had his gift and that God can use anyone who is willing to be used, so he gives good detailed instructions about to live Christianly in financial dealings, marriage and interpersonal relationships. I have to remind myself that this was written thousands of years ago because the issues he discusses are still potential stumbling blocks for us today.
I appreciate the fact that Paul was never married and spent his life in total devotion to the things of God. He would have been a horrible husband if he had been on his many adventures and been beaten, jailed and shipwrecked all those times with a wife and kids at home. But he loved his life and wished that there were many more just like him who could go all out for God without the worry of how it would affect his family.
But Paul knew that not everyone had his gift and that God can use anyone who is willing to be used, so he gives good detailed instructions about to live Christianly in financial dealings, marriage and interpersonal relationships. I have to remind myself that this was written thousands of years ago because the issues he discusses are still potential stumbling blocks for us today.
Monday, April 9, 2012
1 Corinthians 4 & 5
It is a scary thing to be a teacher of the Word. God knows every word that is said and every motive that the heart contains. He will ultimately judge the fruit of each ministry and the motivation of each minister. Because of that, we should be very careful about judging or criticizing someone else's work. It's not our job. Of course, we should listen to teachers and compare what they say with the message of the Bible, but we should think twice before we arrogantly or quickly speak against another believer.
But that doesn't mean that we do not have a responsibility to discipline obviously wrong behavior when it is found in the life of a leader. Anyone is welcome to attend and belong, but there is a standard for those who would be in a position of leadership. To allow public wrongdoing by leaders is to undermine the very foundations of the Christian life. Grace is a wonderful thing, but to presume on grace causes confusion and very possibly can cause a believer to stumble in their walk with Christ.
But that doesn't mean that we do not have a responsibility to discipline obviously wrong behavior when it is found in the life of a leader. Anyone is welcome to attend and belong, but there is a standard for those who would be in a position of leadership. To allow public wrongdoing by leaders is to undermine the very foundations of the Christian life. Grace is a wonderful thing, but to presume on grace causes confusion and very possibly can cause a believer to stumble in their walk with Christ.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
1 Corinthians 2 & 3
Everything was so new. The Holy Spirit was moving actively in the lives of the believers. Spiritual gifts were appearing in people other than prophets and priests. And the early church was having to learn what it all meant for them and the future of the Gospel. Not surprisingly, they had some issues. Paul speaks strongly but lovingly to them as he explains to them how the Holy Spirit works in and through them.
Of course, as things move forward, people find that different styles or personalities connect with them better than some others. Paul says that it okay to enjoy someone's ministry but to realize that all have been called by God and it's not okay to disregard someone's gift just because it doesn't turn you on. And it's dangerous to dismiss someone else's ministry because it is God's business to judge those things. We have to be careful when we begin to think that we've got it all figured out because "the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight." (3:19 NIV)
Of course, as things move forward, people find that different styles or personalities connect with them better than some others. Paul says that it okay to enjoy someone's ministry but to realize that all have been called by God and it's not okay to disregard someone's gift just because it doesn't turn you on. And it's dangerous to dismiss someone else's ministry because it is God's business to judge those things. We have to be careful when we begin to think that we've got it all figured out because "the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight." (3:19 NIV)
Saturday, April 7, 2012
! Corinthians 1
Thanks, Shayne for your insights on Romans!
1 Corinthians is a real gift to the Church today because it is a letter written to a church that really wanted to do the right thing, but was struggling with how to get it done, because the people who were in the church were really imperfect. Sound familiar?
We divide over things that don't really matter, and fail to address significant shortcomings or error. Paul, through his letters, tries to explain to the Corinthians the importance of getting the heart right and not focus on externals. Then, as now, it is easy to place too great an emphasis on styles or personalities when it is the power of the Cross and our resurrected Savior that should be our focus. To a world that is skeptical and unbelieving, the message of the Cross seems pretty crazy, but when the Holy Spirit takes that same message and penetrates our souls with it, the Cross becomes a symbol of the power of God.
Romans is a richly thematic book which lays out the case for serving God and the security that is ours as believers in Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians is a detailed, practical explanation of some of the do's and don'ts of living together as a church body. He gets right the heart of the matter and we are grateful today for this letter. Today we still deal with the same issues that the church in Corinth had to work through.
P. Randy
1 Corinthians is a real gift to the Church today because it is a letter written to a church that really wanted to do the right thing, but was struggling with how to get it done, because the people who were in the church were really imperfect. Sound familiar?
We divide over things that don't really matter, and fail to address significant shortcomings or error. Paul, through his letters, tries to explain to the Corinthians the importance of getting the heart right and not focus on externals. Then, as now, it is easy to place too great an emphasis on styles or personalities when it is the power of the Cross and our resurrected Savior that should be our focus. To a world that is skeptical and unbelieving, the message of the Cross seems pretty crazy, but when the Holy Spirit takes that same message and penetrates our souls with it, the Cross becomes a symbol of the power of God.
Romans is a richly thematic book which lays out the case for serving God and the security that is ours as believers in Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians is a detailed, practical explanation of some of the do's and don'ts of living together as a church body. He gets right the heart of the matter and we are grateful today for this letter. Today we still deal with the same issues that the church in Corinth had to work through.
P. Randy
Romans 16
Paul is continuing to close his letter by tying up some more personal matters. I do find it
interesting how many female names are listed. Clearly women were a
very important part of early Christian church ministries.
Paul concludes his letter to the
Christians in Rome with the warning to be ever vigilant in watching
out for those who cause divisions in the church. Those who seek to
be divisive not only hurt the Church, but also serve as massive
stumbling blocks to those with weaker faith.
As Paul concludes his letter I will conclude my section of this blog. Thank all y'all for having indulged me has I have tried to share my thoughts (as flawed as they may be) on this wonderful text.
As Paul finished, so shall I. Glory be to God forever through His risen Son, Jesus the Messiah. Amen.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Romans 14 - 15
Anyone who has or has had young
children will be well aware of the tendency of this age group to
want to correct faults they perceive in their peers and they get
very frustrated when the adults in the room don't lower the boom on
the supposed offender. Parents get to be the parents. It is
important to get past this tendency as maturing Christians. Lets let
God be God while we focus on learning how to share our toys and not
hit or bite. I understand this is more difficult than it sounds. I
am not sure that Jonah ever got past it, and he was a prophet. (Then
again I am probably judging him unfairly.)
The second half of Romans 14 is some of
the most difficult for me. I know I will be devastated if I ever
discover that a Christian has lost faith because of some action of
mine. However, world wide nearly all Christians continue to eat meat, most
continue to drink wine, and of course, all do “anything else”.
I believe that Paul wants us to be aware of each individual's beliefs.
Unfortunately, I am not really satisfied with my understanding. No coffee
around Mormons? No meat when hangin' with Seventh Day Adventists? I
just don't know, and would love to hear (and by hear I mean read)
what others think.
I don't have much to say in reference to Romans 15. Perhaps after the emotion of Roman 14 I don't give Romans 15 its due. It truly reads as a letter written to a select group, being friendly and discussing travel plans. Sorry I don't have more. Perhaps I should read it again, separately from Romans 14. As always I would love comments from them who have been blessed with something from chapter 15.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Romans 12 - 13
For most of my Christian youth (which lasted much longer than my physical youth), I always got frustrated and lost with what I refer to as church "platitudes". ( I in no way wish to denigrate scripture with that term, just illustrate my frustrations.) Romans 12 begins with an oft repeated verse that I struggled to understand. We are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God. OK.... Clearly we are not being asked to do as those who worshiped baal and bleed ourselves over the alter. So here are my thoughts on living sacrifice (with a big thanks to some of the clarifying bible translations that are now available.) Place your life morning, noon, night; simple things (sleeping and eating), complex (working and relating) and your physical body (keep it healthy) before God as a live offering.
Paul follows up with don't "conform with this world". I have no doubt he was clear to the recipients of this letter, and I am certain Paul was not trying to trip me up, but I really didn't understand what this meant. We have to continue to eat, work, socialize ( yes we do) and exist in this world. I personally could have been a hermit living in the high Rockies and been happy, but I know this is not God's will for me. Changing the word world to culture helps me immensely. I do get to choose what cultural environment (or at least sub-culture) I spend my time in. Also I can focus on being an uplifting aspect (salt and light) of that culture.
Big day for me today, since Paul really comes at me and my rebellious libertarianesque nature (just ask my parents, or now my wife). Paul clearly dictates that we are to submit to those placed in authority over us. If God gives authority, who are we to take it away. At least we here in the United States have it easy. At times we gripe like we live in an oppressive country, but Paul appears to be telling those who are living under truly harsh regimes to obey those in authority. That is some tough reading, but if we refer back to the book of Acts, we see that Paul (even as a Roman citizen) was not treated well by those in authority over him.
Paul follows up with don't "conform with this world". I have no doubt he was clear to the recipients of this letter, and I am certain Paul was not trying to trip me up, but I really didn't understand what this meant. We have to continue to eat, work, socialize ( yes we do) and exist in this world. I personally could have been a hermit living in the high Rockies and been happy, but I know this is not God's will for me. Changing the word world to culture helps me immensely. I do get to choose what cultural environment (or at least sub-culture) I spend my time in. Also I can focus on being an uplifting aspect (salt and light) of that culture.
Big day for me today, since Paul really comes at me and my rebellious libertarianesque nature (just ask my parents, or now my wife). Paul clearly dictates that we are to submit to those placed in authority over us. If God gives authority, who are we to take it away. At least we here in the United States have it easy. At times we gripe like we live in an oppressive country, but Paul appears to be telling those who are living under truly harsh regimes to obey those in authority. That is some tough reading, but if we refer back to the book of Acts, we see that Paul (even as a Roman citizen) was not treated well by those in authority over him.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Romans 10 - 11
Romans 10 summarizes the salvation message. It does not take long. Step 1: Believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord. Step 2: Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. Done; now repeat steps 1 and 2 as often as needed, and then a few more times. Not to difficult is it? However, as Paul continues on, what good is this message if no one ever hears it?
Paul refers back to the teachings of Moses to indicate that it was never God's Plan (old covenant or new) for people to work their way to heaven. Trust in God and God's will and good works become a part of who you are.
Chapter 11 focuses on controlling the tendency of pride. Paul reminds us gentiles not to ever feel superior the the Jewish people. Salvation is open to all equally and without question.
Romans 11 typically ends translated with some version of an emphatic ..to God be the Glory forever! Amen. That is wonderful of course, but this is another area where the Message Bible translation has a little fun that I really enjoyed. "Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes." You can almost see Paul jumping up in down and praising God after writing this.
Paul refers back to the teachings of Moses to indicate that it was never God's Plan (old covenant or new) for people to work their way to heaven. Trust in God and God's will and good works become a part of who you are.
Chapter 11 focuses on controlling the tendency of pride. Paul reminds us gentiles not to ever feel superior the the Jewish people. Salvation is open to all equally and without question.
Romans 11 typically ends translated with some version of an emphatic ..to God be the Glory forever! Amen. That is wonderful of course, but this is another area where the Message Bible translation has a little fun that I really enjoyed. "Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes." You can almost see Paul jumping up in down and praising God after writing this.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Romans 8-9
Everyone has a choice, live in
accordance to human desires resulting in bondage to sin, followed by
death. Not the choice I would recommend. The other option is to live according to the Spirit, gaining
the supernatural ability to to live free from sin. If we live
according to the will of the Holy Spirit who joins with our spirits, we live as a child of God and will be blessed as a father blesses
his child. (I love this knowledge, it is amazing to know when we
hurt so much we don't even know what to pray, God himself prays for
us, using the Holy Spirit.)
Paul moves on to remind us that if
Jesus (God's own Son) was allowed to suffer, that we will suffer at
times as well. Our suffering will be incomparable to the glory that
is yet to be revealed to us. Also, even while suffering we are
blessed with hope. What hope we have! In the final section Paul
appears to allude to (probably unintentionally, but the impression I
get nonetheless) the story of Jesus asking the innocent (there were none) to accuse
(and execute) the adulter. Nobody is left to accuse us, God the
Father has declared our innocence, and Jesus died to pay for the sins
we so deserved convictions of.
My part in the discussion of Romans 9 will be short since I don't
understand it. I find it difficult to read, just as I struggle
through Job, lamentations (or pretty much any of the books regarding
the prophecies regarding the Babylonian exile and Israel's
punishments). It is clear that Paul is anguished over the Jewish
denial of Jesus as the Messiah. Paul is trying to understand through
his own study of scriptures, which he shares with us. Basically this
section boils down to “God is God, and (we) are not”. Any
comments for those with a better understanding of this text?
Monday, April 2, 2012
Romans 5-7
…...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Patience,
I am getting there. Just seein' who actually read Romans 5. What I
got most out of this chapter is the fealty of trying to clean
yourself up prior to accepting Jesus. Do you really think you still
get an opportunity to make a good first impression? Jesus is ready
now, and is fully aware of your spots and wrinkles. Secondly, after
accepting, through faith, God's grace, don't look back through doubt.
(We are supposed to be the salt and light, not a pillar of salt). If
God made your worthy while dead and worthless, you certainly have
nothing to fret about now that you have been reborn.
In the beginning of Romans 6, Paul
answers his rhetorical question from chapter 3 that he began this
discussion with. Should we keep on a sinnin' to magnify God's grace.
Of course not, why would the living want to live as the dead? (My
paraphrase.)
Paul changes tact a bit and discusses
salvation as freedom, but not freedom to live a life of sin. I look
at it like this. Would a prisoner receive a Governor's pardon, and
then decide to hang out in the prison for the rest of his life?
In Roman's 7 Paul passionately
defends the law. Paul wants us to understand that salvation
through grace was by no means a replacement for the law. I think
that Paul was concerned (as a good Jew) that Jews would think
that all of this talk of “freedom” from the law would lead
people to think that somehow that the law was imperfect or had failed. The law did not fail, it served (and continues to serve) its purpose of demonstrating God's will, and man's shortcomings in comparison. However, fallen man got his hands on the law and turned it into a club. After
reestablishing the intention, and continued need for the law, Paul
admits that he cannot avoid sin without help, (and clearly neither
can we.) Jesus was that help, he came to free us from our failures
while validating the need for the law's guidance. Today's discussion question: How do we continue to teach God's "right from wrong" without allowing our fleshly desire to "shape" the law to fit our personal opinions, and worse, as a way to get others to behave as we see fit.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Apology
A personal failure of mine was pointed out to me this morning. It turns out that I've been blogging to the beat of a different drum (trust me, I have the same problem musically). If I could develop a good punch line I would try to write this off as April fool's satire. My sincere apologies to those that have been faithfully reading.
To get me back on schedule, tomorrow will now cover Romans 5-7. This is a now a three chapter day, so buckle down and take solace in the fact that Paul's writings are pleasant reading.
Shayne
To get me back on schedule, tomorrow will now cover Romans 5-7. This is a now a three chapter day, so buckle down and take solace in the fact that Paul's writings are pleasant reading.
Shayne
Romans 3-4
The beginning of Romans chapter 3
always makes me think of Grigori Rasputin, a Russian Orthodox fellow
occasionally referred to as the “Mad Monk”. Rasputin lived in
the late 19th century and is known for his whole hearted
endorsement of the precepts of these few verses. I wonder if he
bothered to continue reading? If you are ever curious about the
dangers of taking scriptures out of context, google a picture of
Rasputin (shudders....).
As Romans 3 progresses Paul repeats one
of his core themes; all, Jew or gentile are miserable sinners and
all would pay the price for living in constant sin had God not
sacrificed his Son Jesus to provide the ultimate gift of grace and love.
(Sidebar: I sometimes wish I could say I have “fallen short of the
Glory of God”, but I know that that is a bit of an understatement.
I have missed by miles and miles and miles).
It seems to me that Paul invested a lot
of time trying to get the Jewish people off of their pious pedestal.
I believe that Paul knows that if the Jewish people (of which he was one of) failed to give up
their pride in being God's chosen people, they would not have the
meekness and humility to truly accept and serve Jesus as Messiah.
In chapter 4 Paul (actually Paul is
writing a letter, somebody else put in all of these silly chapter and
verse things) expands on his discussion regarding the Jewish as God's
chosen. Paul asks how people were identified as
belonging to God prior to the physical act of circumcision started
under God's covenant with Abraham. Paul also reminds all that
Abraham didn't go to God with this great plan, God came to Abraham.
I really appreciate Paul's desire to
reason and logically explain his arguments, rather than “laying
down the law” or relying on nurturing a sense of fear to get people
to listen to his teaching. Do you think that the Christian church
has moved more towards this method of sharing the “Good News” in
the past decade or so, and is there ways this can be further
developed. Or, has the church already gone to far; think “Emergent
Christianity”. Comments?
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