Be Prepared

One of my major themes for the Old Testament was that of preparation--after the Exodus, Moses prepared the people to occupy the Promised Land, Isaiah and Jeremiah prepared the people for exile, and all the prophets prepared the people for the coming of Christ. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, found in Matthew 25:1-13, we're told explicitly what God meant by preparation.

I've commented on it before, but there's a difference between planning and preparation. I'll add a new twist to anything I've said or written previously on the subject--planning assumes that we will be in control of events, and preparation assumes that we will NOT be in control. Given the context of this parable and when it was given (this section is commonly referred to as the Olivet Discourse, as it took place on the Mount of Olives on the Tuesday or Wednesday of Holy Week), Jesus was telling his disciples to always be on the lookout for his return. An interesting message, given that I'm not certain that they realized  that Christ was going away in the first place, but we can discuss that another time.

Those of you that know me know that I have an interest in eschatology, or the study of the End Times, but simply because I find them interesting, not because I can in any way determine when they will occur. Every effort I put into determining when the end will come is an effort that could have been more gainfully used by preparing myself and others for when that time comes. Our "oil" is our salvation through Christ, since when the "bridegroom" returns, it will be too late to get that oil. All of us have had our entire lives to store up that oil for Christ's return, and there won't be any excuse for those who weren't prepared.

As such, we must always be prepared. We need to stay strong in Christ, and more importantly, continually reach out to those around us to be sure they have the same assurance we have. We may not be able to share our "oil" when the time comes, but that certainly doesn't  have to prevent us from helping others obtain their own "oil" and be prepared.

Scott

Change (Oct 31)

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.  But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
                                    John 12:24 NIV

Change is discussed here.  The change in a single wheat kernel; through germination, growth, flowering and yielding fruit of many seeds.  In a very real sense, that kernel, when it grows does die and change.

Generally change is something that contains struggles, challenges, and often requires much work.  As a result, we do not like change and sometimes wish that things like high school, a steady relationship, a job, a marriage, our life here on earth would not end.    We, like Peter during the transfiguration of our Lord, wish that some things, those mountain top experiences, would last forever.  We do like what we know.

God gives us changes, transitions, trials and challenges in love for us to grow in character, in our relationship with Him, and in maturity; to understand greater truth with deeper insight.

Look for God's comfort as you go through the changes and transitions in your life, for life truly is a series of transitions.

How can you comfort another who is going through a transition in life?

Pray that God reveals the abundance of His peace as  transitions in life occur.

In Christ,

David P

Reformation Day

I'll kill two birds with one stone here. First, I apologize for going so long this morning (close to 30 minutes), and second, as part of that, I didn't even bring up how we didn't sing "A Mighty Fortress" in church! To make up for that (dual) oversight, I'll give you the opportunity to do so at home, using these slides generated for the 50th anniversary of the church in 1920. 

Oh, and one more thing--I was wrong about the Reformation--the 500th anniversary will be in 1517 (I knew it sounded wrong when I was saying it). And, one LAST one more thing--I'll have a bonus picture at the end. Okay, get ready to sing...

I hope you made it this far, in which case I'll show a picture that Karl Aronson shared with us in class today. It's a square in Wittenberg, Germany, where there are 500 statues of Martin Luther in place in preparation for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. Thanks, Karl, for sharing this with us.

Scott

Abomination That Causes Desolation (Oct 30)

"When you see the 'abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong--let the reader understand--then let those in Judea flee to the mountains...So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time."
                              Mark 13:14-23 NIV

The title for this section of today's reading is Signs of the end of the Age.  This 'abomination that causes desolation' was spoken of in Daniel, a book that is to be sealed, and in Revelation, a book that is to be open.  False prophets, dreadful days, distress, and deception by false Christs are mentioned.  A time of war, famine, earthquakes and death are the "beginning of the birth pangs."  This is certainly a time of trial that has not been previously seen and we read of the promise that such trial will not be seen again.  Thanks be to God!

My dictionary advises that an abomination is: an action that is vicious or vile; an action that arouses disgust or abhorrence; a person who is loathsome or disgusting; or hate coupled with disgust.  Additionally disgust is:  a strong feeling of dislike, distaste, or to cause aversion.  Certainly, in reading the above, there is not an abundance, but rather a lack or absence of Spiritual fruits like:  joy, peace, love, self control, and unity.

What could make the concept of the abomination that causes desolation more understandable?  Perhaps by framing in your heart the abomination as anything that takes God, Christ, and The Spirit out of the highest and best place, or focus of your heart.  An idol, a bad habit, gossip, negative feelings, and other items might come to mind.  Remember what we are to seek first, the kingdom of God.  Anything that takes us off of that path is an abomination that causes desolation.

Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and what He has done for you.

Can you name a few abominations in this world that affect communities, families, and individuals?

What kinds of actions could you, in love, take to shed light on those items?

Pray that you are guided by the Spirit to show love and yield much Spiritual fruit.

In Christ,

David P

Marriage at the Resurrection

The section in Mark 12:18-27 is labeled "Marriage at the Resurrection" in the Chronological Bible, hence the title of my post. I'm less interested in events described as much as what it represented.

The story begins with the Sadducees describing a ridiculous scenario and asking a dumb question at the end. The Sadducees were asking questions regarding resurrection when they themselves didn't believe in it, which suggests they weren't asking questions of Christ to learn as much to trip him up in an answer or for mental sport. Christ, of course, didn't fall for this sophistry and set them straight, all the while maintaining Scriptural and logical integrity.

This happens countless times in the modern world. People with no interest in Christianity attempt to trip up Christians or ask them silly questions based on a belief system they flatly reject in the first place. They aren't interested in learning or knowledge, but have some other goal in mind. This is a constant in political discourse, where each side of a given issue attempts to put forth their worldview as the "truth," thus relegating all opposing views as misguided and unworthy of discussion.

  

We Christians shouldn't have any confusion when it comes to these questions. As David posted earlier today, to the extent we let the two greatest commandments be a primary basis for the way we live and treat others, we'll go quite a ways toward being successful Christians, worthy of bearing the title of the man who bestowed it upon us with his death and resurrection. When we run into people that attempt to question our beliefs, consider two possible responses:

1. If they're genuinely curious and want to know, help them to the extent you're able, and by all means, don't just say "Read the Bible"--give them specific places to look (John or any of the Gospels is an excellent starting point).

2. If they're just trying to make a point or be argumentative, I strongly urge you to ignore it or change the subject. I've spent the better part of my life trying to separate myself from the intentionally ignorant and the willful denier, and unless they show some inkling of wanting to learn about Christianity, why waste your time? 

Let the philosophers discuss these banal questions--we Christians have work to do.

Scott

Love (Oct 29)

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might and with all your strength.  The second is this, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  There is no greater command than these."
                                                    Mark 12:30-31 NIV

Love is certainly a central attribute of God.  Jesus in His life, showed much love to so many.  Even his act of cleansing the temple was an act of love toward His Father and His Father's house.  Jesus in the above 40 words gives clear direction to us, our lives, and our actions.

Paul writes of attributes of love in 1Corinthians 13; patient, kind, long suffering, never proud or boastful, always hopes, always perseveres, never fails.  Paul adds that of faith, hope and love, love is the greatest.

Love covers a multitude of sin.  Consider Jesus' love for us by suffering on the cross.  That perfect love from one man, covered all of humanities sin.  Scripture tells us that sin entered the world through one man.  It also tells us that one man triumphed over sin.

Love is a great blessing, however it does need to be nurtured.  We do need to pay attention and show our love, and Christ's love to others in our midst, for without nurturing love can, and will eventually decline.

Often it has been popularly said the opposite of love is hate.  I was told that this is not true, for the opposite of like is hate.  I was further instructed that the opposite of love is no love.  Love adds intensity to our attachments and relationships.  The example provided was the contrast between a family member and one we pass by on the street.  The emotions of like and hate are much greater with those we love as a relative in contrast to the like and hate we have with a passer by.

How do you view the differences between like and dislike; love and no love?

Pray to show the Love of Christ to all in your life.

In Christ,

David P 

Giving To Caesar

Mark 12:17 states:

Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

Anytime we enter the political season, we're sure to hear much about taxes, as well as what we use those taxes for. For those of you who weren't aware, the income tax is a relatively recent phenomenon in the United States, being established in 1912. Prior to that, the primary mechanism of revenue generation were tariffs.

We Christians don't claim that we shouldn't pay taxes, and a common misconception is that we all want some kind of theocracy established based on God. There have been plenty of occasions where this has been tried, and we read of one noble experiment that spanned from about 1040 BC-587 BC when the people of Israel had kings rule over them, and that didn't seem to end well. This begs a very simple question--just what IS "Caesar's" and what is God's?

In case you can't tell, what I'm now writing is being written about 9 hours after what I've written above, since my neighbor and fellow Trinity member Jeff Buck called me up and made me go golfing. So...

Imagine if the United States was truly a Christian nation, with Christian values embedded in all our laws and administrative policies. As soon as you all nod your heads vigorously and say "YES!" I'll ask one simple question--whose Christianity? We Christians disagree on so many points that I shudder to think what we would come up with as a "Christian" government. I suspect it would be so watered down from compromise that it would infuriate everyone, Christian and non-Christian alike. There was an old Mercedes commercial that used the statement "Compromise is a situation where both parties don't get what they want," and we'd just further that by not only trying to define Christianity, but what it would mean in terms of governing.

What is "Caesar's" in the end? It would be what it uniquely of this earth. Government is a human invention, so don't blame God and drag him in and make him fix what we broke ourselves. What is God's is much easier to explain--our hearts and our lives, and if we dedicate those to the Lord, the government part will take care of itself.

Scott

A Stone (Oct 28)

Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written:
               " The stone the builders rejected
                   has become the capstone?""
                                      Luke 20:17 NIV

The commentary has much to say about this passage.  The passage contains a quote from Psalm 118:22.  We read Psalm 118 on September 11 and were advised that it was perhaps written when the temple was rebuilt.  The book of Ezra dealt with the rebuilding of the temple and the release from Babylonian exile.  The Psalm is a messianic Psalm.

Jesus was, by applying this Psalm to himself, claiming to be the Messiah.  We know from Peter's statement in Acts 4:11, when he was before the Sanhedrin, that the Jewish religious leaders were the builders.

The Lord is our rock, a rock is a stone.  The Jewish religious leaders stumbled over the Lord, the stone.

We, by putting our trust in Jesus, make Jesus our cornerstone.  One might recall words to a Hymn: Our faith is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness, On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.

Daniel, in explaining Nebuchadnezzar's (that guy again)  dream in Daniel 2:35 explains the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth.  The message in view of today's passage is that those who condemn Christ, like the statue, will be crushed.

One must give deep consideration to Christ's message and to Christ's messengers, for rejection of the message and messengers has consequences.

What kinds of stones do people stand on today?

What stone do you stand on?

Pray to stand on Christ.

In Christ,

David P

The Triumphal Entry

I'm not going to write about Palm Sunday as much as use the descriptions by the four Gospel writers to show the differences in what they saw and what they wrote.

1. Matthew, Mark and John all note the praises of the people shouting "Hosanna," whereas Luke leaves out that mention, but reports the rest of what the people shouted. In case you find the words familiar, we sing them in Communion liturgy.

2. The procurement of the donkey was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. All report on the donkey, but only Matthew and John explicitly state what prophecy was being fulfilled, and John's version differs from Matthew, even though they're both quoting Scripture.

3. I knew I read it somewhere, but it took me awhile to find it--Matthew 21:10 states that the people didn't know who he was, which I found interesting for the great welcome they gave anyway. John suggests that the crowd had accompanied Jesus from the raising of Lazarus, which could explain their delirious celebration of his presence.

4. Luke adds the detail that the Pharisees were present and not pleased with the reception, as shown in Luke 19:39. Even better is Jesus' response in Luke 19:40:

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Luke then added greater detail of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem in Luke 19:41-44. I find this detail interesting for no other reason than  that this implies that either Luke himself was present (a very real possibility, although don't quote me on that) or had access to an eye witness. Matthew and John also would have been witnesses, but chose not to write about it.

5. John adds an extremely important detail in John 12:16 when he writes:

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. 

For those of you unfamiliar with the book of John, he gets to the end of the story fairly quickly--we're only at chapter 12 of a 21-chapter book, and he's already writing about the last 50 days of Jesus' ministry. He hasn't even written his best stuff yet, which I'll comment on when we get there, because it's important and gives us great hope for us today, but John wanted to make clear to his audience that the disciples (and we have to assume John as well, because he doesn't say otherwise) still hadn't quite figured out who Jesus was. They knew he was the Messiah, but they were still completely in the dark as to what that meant.

From a triumphant entry on a Sunday to a gruesome death on Friday--quite a turn of events, but Jesus knew what was going to happen and still went. The fact that the four Gospel writers had slightly different accounts of the activities on this day is irrelevant in the end, because this was but one event of many that would occur during Holy Week.

Scott

Resurrection

Today's reading contains the second half of the story of Lazarus. Yesterday's (October 25th) reading told of his passing, and Jesus, as he comforts Mary and Martha, tells them that he "will rise again." Martha replied in John 11:24:

Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 

For a word that is a central part of our belief, the Bible is strangely silent on the subject of resurrection, at least up to this point. Since I'm always interested in determining what people knew and when they knew it, I went immediately to my NIV Study Bible to check for any notes on this verse--nothing. That's right, NOTHING, not one word on it, so I checked the cross-references instead, of which there were three:

John 5:28-29, which didn't really expand my knowledge

Acts 24:15, which likewise didn't help--it only mentions that the resurrection will occur

Daniel 12:2--here I hit some paydirt

Whenever you run across a difficult section of the Bible, I always suggest going to Daniel for a clear explanation (this is a joke, actually a HUGE JOKE--feel free to laugh), but much to my surprise, I found one here. The note for Daniel 12:2 gave me two important nuggets:

1. The first clear reference to a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

2. everlasting life. The phrase occurs only here in the OT.

As you recall, Daniel was writing 500 years prior to Christ's birth, and in that intervening period, some dissent began to occur between the Jewish sects regarding eternal life--the Pharisees believed in it, the Sadducees didn't. All of this is academic, since Martha made clear that she and her sister believed in the resurrection of the dead--she just had no idea she was going to see it a bit sooner than she expected.

AFTER the Gospels, there is no shortage of references by Paul and others to the resurrection and eternal life (I count about 40 or so), but by that point, they had a reference point in Christ's resurrection to point to. Martha demonstrated true faith at this point, believing in the resurrection prior to seeing the proof she would see within the year. For us today, there's nothing to be confused over--there IS a resurrection, there IS eternal life, and there ARE eternal consequences to decisions that we make in this life. This makes it incumbent upon us to do two things on a DAILY basis:

1. Be sure that we continually repent of our sins to God and beg for his forgiveness.

2. Be sure we're telling those people who don't know about God what they need to know AND how to live it. If you don't feel you know how to do this, FIND OUT HOW--these discussions will have eternal repercussions.

Scott

Astonishment (Oct 26)

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid.  Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him.
                  Mark 10:32 NIV

We can easily understand astonishment and fear when following Jesus.  Jesus will take us to places to live and to serve that we have never been before.  Service may be given on a mission trip, at church, in the community, at work, at home, and in other locations.  We may be called to do something we have never done before.  Jesus will equip us to do what needs to be done when we are serving him.

The closer to God's will we are, the less fear and more astonishment we will experience serving  on our road to the New Jerusalem.

Jesus has told us what has happened and what will happen.  It is for us to follow with courage as we live our lives in this world where there is darkness.

How do you find comfort, and astonishment knowing Christ?

Pray that the Spirit direct your steps to serve in your daily walk.

In Christ,

David P 

What was said (Oct 25)

and many people came to him.  They said, "Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true."
              John 10:41 NIV

John the baptist was dead for about two years when the above was spoken of him.  John the Baptist never did perform a miracle, but he did tell the truth of Jesus Christ.  Those words persisted even after his death, prompting his recollection.

We need to look at our lives.  We do not perform miracles.  We do our daily God given tasks with our God given abilities.  Our examples of service in Jesus' name, our words of truth explaining Jesus to others, may even after our short walk on this earth is completed, be recalled by one we serve or by one who heard and the work of the Spirit bringing another to Christ after we are gone, might occur.

Consider your work for Christ to have eternal value.

How do you consider your daily routine?

What gifts from God do you use during your daily routine?

Do you tell the story?

Pray to keep your eyes open to opportunities to share the gospel message.

In Christ,

David P

Blindness

At the end of yesterday's (October 23rd) reading, we read of a blind man given the gift of sight on the Sabbath, yet again infuriating the Pharisees. At the beginning of today's reading, we see where the man went back to Jesus to find out more about the man who healed him. When Jesus told the man that he was indeed the Messiah, the man simply said "Lord, I believe." Would that when we're in similar situations that our statement is as brief and heartfelt.

The Pharisees were a different matter altogether, not even remotely understanding the concept of spiritual blindness. It's too late for them, but in the modern age, we can be just as spiritually blind as the Pharisees if we don't acknowledge some simple truths:

1. Most of the miracles that Jesus performed can be replicated with modern medicine, but giving sight to the blind is still beyond our capabilities. 

2. Even if medical advances allowed for the granting of sight to blind people, there is no way that a blind person could heal that blindness on their own--someone else needs to do it.

3. Especially for a person blind from birth, describing ANYTHING is close to impossible, or at least beyond my capabilities. Try explaining what a tree is when a blind person has no knowledge of shapes, colors, height or any other the other numerous facets that make up the totality of what a tree is. 

4. For all practical purposes, the blind cannot travel without some sort of assistance.

This is a picture of total helplessness, and the spiritually blind are in the same jam. In spiritual blindness, we can't see God, know God or understand God no matter how hard we try, and every effort will be in vain. Only through the Holy Spirit can our hearts and minds be opened to understand first, that we are indeed blind, and second, that we don't have to stay that way. Once that gift has been bestowed upon us, a great responsibility has then been given us--the order to assist others in overcoming their spiritual blindness. If you think about it, once we receive our "sight," is there anything in Scripture to imply that we should keep this gift to ourselves? As usual, we know that answer, but how we live that answer is far more important.

We all know the hymn "Amazing Grace" (quick note--this hymn is NOT in the Red Hymnal), and the end of the first verse is the well-known phrase "Was blind, but now I see." The Pharisees didn't understand the concept of Grace, and it's quite possible they couldn't, given that the gift of the Holy Spirit had not yet been given, but no matter what, WE don't have any excuse today. For as many reasons as there have been people on this Earth, we were all "blind" at one point, and some of us were blessed enough to be given God's gift of "sight." Let it be our mission, and indeed our joy, to spread that gift of "sight" to all that we come in contact with.

Scott

Gifts (Oct 24)

"I tell you the truth, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
                                      Mark 10:15 NIV

Think of how a little child receives a gift.  Children are so thankful when they receive a gift: the eyes light up, the face smiles, there is excitement and joy everywhere.  Time is spent getting acquainted with the gift and attributes of the gift are learned over, often, a short period of time. 

We daily receive the kingdom of God when we pray, spend time in devotions, read the Bible, or serve others in Christ's love.  As we receive the gift, the kingdom of God, we need to look to our children to learn how to receive the gift to see the Spiritual blessings of joy, love, peace, unity, and others.  

As we receive the kingdom of God, we should consider the attributes of God, and unselfishly share the gifts of the kingdom.

How do you react when you receive a gift?

How do you share your gifts?

Pray for the Spirit to guide you to share your gifts.

In Christ,

David P

 

Slavery

John 8:31-32 states:

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Jesus spoke these verses while preaching to a mixed crowd of people and Pharisees about his divinity, with the usual results--the people, with some reservations, were ready to accept and believe, and the Pharisees were more intent on nitpicking and splitting hairs. However, when Jesus got to these verses, the people had some misgivings, as they replied:

They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” 

I find this to be an interesting reply on the part of the people, who most certainly had been slaves in their past, to wit:

1. That insignificant 400-year episode in Egypt (and let's recall, they weren't slaves for that entire period)

2. Sold into slavery in Judges 3:8 as punishment for their disobedience

3. FOUR VERSES LATER in Judges 3:12-14

4. A Canaanite king in Judges 4:2

5. Again in Judges 6:1, which necessitated Gideon's rescue

6. Again in Judges 10:7

7. Assyrian captivity in 722 BC (not necessarily slavery, but still)

8. Babylonian captivity in 587 BC

Of course, all of this is irrelevant, since Jesus was referring to the slavery of sin, but I still find it interesting that a people as knowledgeable of their history would make a statement like this. 

For us, it's an entirely different matter. We have never NOT been slaves to sin, and when we're honest with ourselves, we acknowledge this and thank and praise Jesus for his death and resurrection absolving us of the obligation to be punished for our sins. Simply put, as I've stated over and over throughout the year, we know better. We know our shortcomings, but that doesn't make it any easier to do something about it. Repentance has two parts:

1. Remorse and sorrow for what we did

2. A promise to refrain from repeating what we did

We're pretty good at the first and have a tendency to overlook the second. Part of freeing ourselves from the slavery of sin is to change behavior and not repeat those things we've been doing. Change, of course, is something for other people to do--if God had meant us to change easily, he wouldn't have made us German and Scandinavian. Only God can make that change, but that doesn't mean that we don't have a role in asking him to assist us in that transformation.

Scott

Abide In (Oct 23)

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."
                                         John 8:31-32 NIV

Here Jesus is having a conversation with the Jews and Pharisees after an adulterous woman is brought to him, caught in the act of adultery.  The Pharisees and Jews bring up the point of the law dealing with adultery and the penalty of death by stoning. 

Jesus stated that if anyone was without sin, that person should begin the stoning.  All left and the woman was pardoned by Jesus and told to leave her life of sin.

Jesus has washed away our sin.  Here He advises that if we hold to His word, we are truly His disciples.  The phrase abide in My word is used in the New King James Version. 

The dictionary explains that the word abide means to: remain, continue, stay, dwell, wait for, submit to, to suffer for and to endure without change.  If we dwell in the house of the Lord, dwell in Jesus' word, in our hearts, on a moment by moment basis, we will be abiding in the way, the light, and the truth.  Certainly the truth has set us free, for the truth, Jesus, died on the cross and overcame death to set us free 2 millenia ago at Golgotha.

We need to hold to the teaching of Christ, and serve others with love in response to what He has first done for us.

In what ways are you holding to Jesus' Word?

What kinds of ways do people not hold to Jesus' Word?

Are there any ways you are not holding to Jesus' Word?

Pray that the Spirit is active and illuminates dark areas in your life and gives you the strength, wisdom, and courage to change those dark areas.

In Christ,

David P

The Kingdom of God (Oct 22)

Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, 'The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation.'
                           Luke 17:20 NIV

Jesus starts a thoughtful answer to the Pharisee's question about the arrival of God's kingdom today in the above verse.  My bible dictionary gives a 2 1/2 page definition of the kingdom of God that touches on Old and New Testament events that point to God's sovereign nature and concludes by stating, "The kingdom of God is the work of God, not produced by human ingenuity.  God brought it into the world through Christ, and it presently works through the church.  The church preaches the kingdom of God and anticipates the eventual consummation."

The word 'consummate,' means to bring to a state of perfection, to complete, to finalize, to bring to the highest point. 

The bible handbook refers to the kingdom as having a "range of meanings" that revolve around;  "having Jesus' dominion in the hearts of his people through all dispensations, onward into eternity."  It adds that the kingdom might refer to; the reign of God in an individual, the righteousness among men, the church, Christendom, or heaven itself.

Jesus pointed out the fact that just by careful observation of the law, the kingdom would not come.  Remember that the law does not forgive sin, it only serves as a mirror to point out or illuminate our sin.

From reading the above, we understand that the kingdom of God has many definitions and is a complex concept in its entirety.  On a practical, more simple, note however; the kingdom of God is at hand any time the Spirit leads us to help, assist, serve and show the light and love of God through Jesus to our fellow sojourners on this earth in a way that brings glory to God.

How have you shared the gospel message with others?

How are you planning on serving this Sunday?

Pray to keep your eyes open for ways to serve others to show Jesus' love to others.

In Christ,

David P

Crosses (Oct 21)

And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
                                             Luke 14:27 NIV

Jesus advises us that we must carry our own cross and follow him in order to be His disciple.  There are 62 definitions of cross in my Webster.  Certainly many have to do with the crucifixion, cross shape, or going across something.  In addition there is a double cross and one may cross one's heart. 

The definition of cross that seemed to jump out of the dictionary in my research was: any misfortune, trouble.  Jesus, in this verse, is advising us that we must carry our challenges and not blame others.  We, in a sense, need to accept our misfortune, challenges, and troubles and not blame someone else, like Adam and Eve, who caused our fall from harmony with God. 

After we accept our misfortune, trouble, challenges, and difficulties, then we can bring them to the Lord in confession to restore ourselves and then, via the Lord's work, move on as a disciple with the Spirit's guidance in faith and in love.

How do people give their crosses to others?

Have you been given someone else's cross?

Have you ever given one of your crosses to another?

Pray to have the wisdom to see your cross, pick it up, and bring it to the Lord in prayer.

In Christ,

David P

Work on the Sabbath

Luke 13:10-17 describes Jesus healing a woman on the Sabbath, which is the second occurrence we've read where people were upset that Jesus was dishonoring the Sabbath. About a year ago, I went to a meeting in Des Moines with a woman who described how some of her friends honored Sunday by not participating in anything that requires anyone to work on Sunday. This meant no TV (someone has to man the production booths), obviously no sports of any kind, no shopping, etc. I asked her two questions:

1. Was this some kind of pronouncement of those people's religion (no)

2. Did they not go to church since that would make the pastor work on Sunday (she laughed at that)

I won't belabor a point I've made previously (if YOU wish to belabor it, you can view that post here), but Christ's message was the simple one of mercy over adherence to the law. Having said that, while I don't want the blue laws of old brought back, I do wonder if we've debased Sundays and what they're supposed to mean. As a former K-mart manager, it was not unusual for me to work Sundays, but since I left that company in 1992, things have gotten much worse. Stores that used to close at 6:00 pm now stay open until 8:00 pm or longer and open earlier. Children's sports activities, once almost verboten on Sundays, now seem to begin as soon as the sun rises. Have we gone too far?

When Christ healed the woman, he was fulfilling what we're supposed to remember on Sunday--kindness and mercy to our brethren. What's the point of reflecting and contemplating service when we walk right past an opportunity to serve? The Pharisees were all about strict observance, and Christ was about repentance and throwing off the old ways. It wasn't an easy change (what significant change is), but it would prove to be a life-changing one, one that we need to remember EVERY day, and not just on Sunday.

Scott

Do Not Worry (Oct 20)

Then Jesus said to the disciples: "Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat; about your body, what you will wear.  Life is more than food and the body more than clothes.
                                      Luke 12;22-23 NIV

There are several definitions of worry.  The two that are the most germane to today's passage are: to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret and to torment what cares, anxieties, etc; trouble.  In addition, worry means to move with effort: an old car worrying uphill.

Worry is an inward emotion that we apply to ourselves in uncomfortable, challenging, unresolvable and impossible situations we or loved ones are in.  It tends to be with us always and by our own efforts is not leave or depart from us.  Often, worry stems from uncertainty about an outcome, that is, in fact, most usually outside of our direct control.

When worry creeps into our life, we need to remember that we were, with original sin, born into an uncomfortable, challenging, and for our own efforts alone in an unresolvable and impossible situation.  It is only by the work of our Lord, Jesus, on the cross, that we were given eternal life.

When a worrisome situation arises, and we are heavy laden, take that situation to the Lord in prayer.  Take that situation to the cross, and wash that situation in the blood of Christ that has been shed for us and our sin.

Focus on Christ; as the Hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus states that the things of the world will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.  Worry too can grow strangely dim.

What burdens are you carrying that you have not taken to the Lord in prayer?

Take your burdens to the Lord in prayer now.

In Christ,


David P

Six Woes

My NIV Study Bible labels Luke 11:37-54 as "Six Woes." Luke 11:46 states:

Jesus replied, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.

The Pharisees were the audience, and in addition to constantly telling themselves how good and holy they were, they pointed out the shortcomings of others. Jesus was clearly telling these Pharisees they were wrong on both counts. We've already read where the Pharisees were intent on killing Jesus (Matthew 12:14, all the way back on October 5th), and here, Jesus adds more reasons for their hatred.

But he wasn't just talking to the Pharisees. A leader without a follower is just another person, and Jesus was telling the people that the Pharisees were empty suits, full of words and devoid of action. The Pharisees were a group that pointed out shortcomings as opposed to helping educate, edify and spiritually grow the people. They weren't teachers as much as enforcers, and Jesus' message of a new way wouldn't just diminish their power, but eliminate it totally. In the end, the Pharisees weren't scared of Jesus' teaching as much as his ability to make them obsolete.

Our obligation today is two-fold. First, we need to be on our guard that we don't fall under the sway of people like this, people that are preaching a false message that is not Christ-centered. Second, and more important in my mind, is that WE need to be sure we're not "load[ing] people down with burdens they can hardly carry." Our job as Christians is to help those who need help, and to instruct those who need instruction. In the business world, it's not hard to tell people what to do, but it's pretty useless by itself. The trick is making sure the resources are available to get the job done, and our job as Christians isn't just to tell people "Believe!", but provide them with the understanding of what that means and the instruction on how to live it.

.

Jesus summed it all up in Luke 11:52:

“Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”

Stinging words, and words we need to spend our lives making sure aren't said to us when we meet the Lord.

Scott