Pondering the nativity scene from the Metropolitan Museum of Art

     Last Saturday Crystal and I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It is undoubtedly one of the most impressive collections I have ever seen. One of the many displays that stood out was an impressive nativity scene. As we walked in to the grand hall of the museum there is a huge Christmas tree and under it is a beautiful 18th century Neapolitan nativity scene. 

      We did not spend much time looking at it because there was so much to see, but something seemed interesting to me. As I looked at the scene is it very familiar. The expected characters are there: shepherds and sheep, wise men from the East, Joseph, Mary and of course baby Jesus. It is one of the most beautiful nativities scenes I have ever seen, it is a work of art.
      It was not till later when reflecting upon the scene that something unexpected came to mind. The stable scene is not where I would expect it. It does not seem to be set in Bethlehem in a stable at all, but among the ruins of Roman columns. At first this annoyed me, I do not like when artist change the story of the Gospel. However, after some reflection I believe I understand what the artists were trying to convey. 

     The birth of this child changed the world. It was the beginning of a new age and the death of the old. While the power of Rome will crumble, His Kingdom will never die or decay. Though the Herod’s and Caesar Augustus’ have long since died, He lives. There have been many earthly kingdoms that have risen to power and died. Yet through this Christ child a Kingdom like none other was brought into the light. 

     As we read the news of the day there is war, evil, and greed all around us. However, we must never forget that what was said by the angel to Mary about who Jesus would be, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (Luke 1:32-33)

The Joy Of Giving

      I love giving gifts to those I love, don’t you? There is something special about bringing joy to others at Christmas as they open the presents we give them. However, as I have said to many, it is easy to love those we love. It is much more challenging to love those we don’t much like. Real generosity of our time, money, and energy is to give to those in need, not just those that are easy to love.  

This time of year our hearts seem to be more open to giving to the needs of others than other times of year. Perhaps, it the understanding of the great gift God has given to us (2 Cor. 9:15)? Or perhaps it is all the movies and books and such we watch and read this time of year. Whatever the reason it is a good thing.

When the translators of the King James translation of the Bible sought the most powerful word in their culture for love they chose “charity” in 1 Corinthians 13. Today we often see this word as negative. We say things like, “I don’t want your charity;” or “I am not a charity case.” The concept of genuine love expressed in charity is biblical.

Consider the chilling words of Christ in Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus in verses 35-40 said, “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?  ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’^”

In this passage Jesus says on the Day of Judgment we will give an account for how we have given to and cared for others. There are few things in this world that reveals our hearts and attitudes than our practice of generosity. Through generosity we demonstrate in a concrete form what we love most, we love others more than we do our own comfort. 2 Corinthians 8:9 and 9:15 gives us the example of Christ for how we should give. With that in mind, are you showing grace and generosity to others not only during the Christmas season, but year round?

Merry Christmas my friends  

The Paradox of Christmas

 

           The Bible tells us that Mary pondered the things she was told about Jesus (Luke 2:19) may we do the same. I am struck over and again by the fact that Christianity is a religion of paradoxes, this is seen no clearer than when we look at the Christmas story. Ponder with me all the mystery and glory of that day that changed the world, the day God became flesh and dwelt among men. 

           The very idea that the infinite God of the universe would humble himself and become a man is unthinkable, but true. He, whose power knows no end, came as an infant. For generations many were looking for his coming, but few recognized it.

            Mary was poor, young, and without power, but God chose her to bear his Son. He was not born into nobility, but to peasants. He was not born in a palace, but in a barn. Though he is the most important person to ever live, he was not noticed by most.

He created the world (John 1:1), but there was no room for him in that world in the night he took flesh. He left the spender and throne of heaven to lie in a manger. He, as the Son of God, was clothed with eternity, yet as a babe was wrapped in swaddling clothes.

            Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords; however he said he did not come to be served, but to serve. It was foretold that the Messiah would come and rule, but he established his Kingdom through the cross. Through his death, he brought us life. Though he was completely innocent he took our punishment.

            God had foretold many years before that Jesus was coming. Revelation 13:8 says he was slain before the creation of the world. God knew what must be done to save us before he even created us, ponder that for a time. In the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15) God foretold his coming. The promise is echoed through Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Naomi, David, Isaiah, and many others. When he finally came it was the shepherds who first heard the news. Salvation has come, and it has come in the form of an infant. That is a powerful paradox, and more than that, it is a miracle.  So let us ponder this paradox of greatness through humility this Christmas season.

What is Hanukkah? And how does it give me an excuse to eat doughnuts?

It is not often that Hanukkah and Thanksgiving happen on the same day, in fact it will not happen again for 79,000 years. You may ask, what is it and does it apply to me? I'm glad you asked, let me explain a bit.

The festival of lights or Hanukkah goes back to 165 BC. This is between the closing of the Old Testament Cannon and the New Testament, thus this story is not told in the Bible. The land of Israel and her people were ruled by the Persians until Alexander the Great and his Greek troops conquered the land 331 BC. Ten years later Alexander died and his kingdom was broken into four parts (as prophesied in Daniel). With Greek rule, many Jewish people took on much of the Greek culture. Many changed their names to sound more Greek, started dressing like the Greeks, and some even went as far to go through a process of reversing their circumcision (I will not explain here, but if you are interested I can do that, just ask).

Under Greek rule the High Priest was the civic ruler and the religious representative of the people. This caused many problems as you might expect (there is great value in the separation of church and state if it done right). Things came to head when a very evil ruler by the name of Antiochus IV Epiphanies (meaning visible god) came to power. Jason was the High Priest, he had changed his name from Joshua, but he did not meet the standards of the Antiochus, thus he was replaced with Menelaus.

Antiochus did all he could to get the Jewish population to conform to the Greek way of life and worship. Those that refused faced terrible persecution, read 1 Maccabees to learn all about it. Antiochus took items out of the temple and desecrated them. The true abomination of desolation (prophesied by Daniel) took place when he offered a sow on the altar of God to Zeus.

It was during this time that an old priest named Mattathus fought back against the pagan rule. He and his five sons fled into the wilderness and formed a gorilla fighting force. As their success grew, their numbers did as well. Their tactics were different than others that had fought before them. In the past the Greek forces were able to destroy the Jewish forces on the Sabbath because they were unwilling to fight on the Sabbath. This group, which came to be known as Hasmoneans, fought on the Sabbath and used a gorilla tactics of surprise attacks and flee.

The leader of this group, after his father died, was Judah Maccabee. Maccabee means hammer, he was known as the hammer of God (a manly name to be sure). After three years of battle Judah and his men took the Temple back, forged new items for the Temple, destroyed the defiled altar and built a new one. The Temple was rededicated in 165 BC. When the prayer of dedication was given there was only enough oil found to burn for one day, however by miraculous intervention it burned for eight days. Thus the people celebrated a new festival to never forget what happened, The Festival of Lights.

In John 10:22 we see that Jesus celebrated this festival with his disciples.

Let me make a few applications for us today:

1. The New Testament teaches us we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. If we allow false gods, false allegiances, unclean thoughts, or paganism into this temple we are wrong and need to cleanse it.

2. This festival of lights reminds us of the One, True Light that has come into the world. When Jesus appeared on Christmas a light came into the world that has the power to enlighten all souls, cast out the darkness, and lead us to salvation.

3. Ponder this truth, it was during the Feast of Dedication or the Festival of Lights or Hanukkah that Jesus said in John 8:12,"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of light."

4. In Israel today it is traditional to eat fried doughnuts (oil is the key symbol). Over 17.5 million doughnuts are consumed during Hanukkah in Israel. So go eat some doughnuts and remember what God has done (if you need an excuse to eat doughnuts here it is).

Here the readings for the rest of the year:

November 25, 2013            Ezek 16, James 2, Ps 132:1–4, Prov 28:25–28

[ ]      November 26, 2013            Ezek 17–19, James 3, Ps 132:5–12, Prov 29:1–2

[ ]      November 27, 2013            Ezek 20, James 4–5, Ps 132:13–18, Prov 29:3–4

[ ]      November 28, 2013            Ezek 21–22, 1 Pet 1:1–21, Ps 133, Prov 29:5–6

[ ]      November 29, 2013            Ezek 23–24, 1 Pet 1:22–2:10, Ps 134:1–135:5, Prov 29:7–9

[ ]      November 30, 2013            Ezek 25–27, 1 Pet 2:11–3:6, Ps 135:6–11, Prov 29:10–11

[ ]      December 01, 2013            Ezek 28–30, 1 Pet 3:7–4:6, Ps 135:12–21, Prov 29:12–14

[ ]      December 02, 2013            Ezek 31–32, 1 Pet 4:7–5:14, Ps 136:1–6, Prov 29:15–17

[ ]      December 03, 2013            Ezek 33–34, 2 Pet 1, Ps 136:7–11, Prov 29:18–19

[ ]      December 04, 2013            Ezek 35–36, 2 Pet 2, Ps 136:12–17, Prov 29:20–22

[ ]      December 05, 2013            Ezek 37–39, 2 Pet 3, Ps 136:18–26, Prov 29:23–25

[ ]      December 06, 2013            Ezek 40–41, 1 John 1:1–2:11, Ps 137, Prov 29:26–27

[ ]      December 07, 2013            Ezek 42–44, 1 John 2:12–3:3, Ps 138, Prov 30:1–3

[ ]      December 08, 2013            Ezek 45–46, 1 John 3:4–23, Ps 139:1–5, Prov 30:4–6

[ ]      December 09, 2013            Ezek 47–48, 1 John 3:24–4:19, Ps 139:6–10, Prov 30:7–8

[ ]      December 10, 2013            Dan 1–2, 1 John 4:20–5:21, Ps 139:11–17, Prov 30:9–10

[ ]      December 11, 2013            Dan 3–4, 2 John, Ps 139:18–24, Prov 30:11–12

[ ]      December 12, 2013            Dan 5–6, 3 John, Ps 140:1–5, Prov 30:13–15

[ ]      December 13, 2013            Dan 7–8, Jude, Ps 140:6–13, Prov 30:16–18

[ ]      December 14, 2013            Dan 9:1–11:4, Rev 1, Ps 141, Prov 30:19–20

[ ]      December 15, 2013            Dan 11:5–12:13, Rev 2, Ps 142, Prov 30:21–22

[ ]      December 16, 2013            Hos 1–5, Rev 3, Ps 143:1–3, Prov 30:23–25

[ ]      December 17, 2013            Hos 6–9, Rev 4–5, Ps 143:4–12, Prov 30:26–27

[ ]      December 18, 2013            Hos 10–14, Rev 6:1–7:8, Ps 144:1–6, Prov 30:28–30

[ ]      December 19, 2013            Joel 1–3, Rev 7:9–8:13, Ps 144:7–15, Prov 30:31–33

[ ]      December 20, 2013            Amos 1–4, Rev 9, Ps 145:1–5, Prov 31:1–2

[ ]      December 21, 2013            Amos 5–9, Rev 10:1–11:10, Ps 145:6–12, Prov 31:3–4

[ ]      December 22, 2013            Obad, Rev 11:11–12:17, Ps 145:13–21, Prov 31:5–7

[ ]      December 23, 2013            Jonah 1–4, Rev 13, Ps 146:1–4, Prov 31:8–9

[ ]      December 24, 2013            Micah 1–7, Rev 14, Ps 146:5–10, Prov 31:10–12

[ ]      December 25, 2013            Nah 1–3, Rev 15–16, Ps 147:1–7, Prov 31:13–15

[ ]      December 26, 2013            Hab 1–3, Rev 17, Ps 147:8–12, Prov 31:16–17

[ ]      December 27, 2013            Zeph 1–3, Haggai 1–2, Rev 18, Ps 147:13–20, Prov 31:18–20

[ ]      December 28, 2013            Zech 1–4, Rev 19, Ps 148:1–7, Prov 31:21–23

[ ]      December 29, 2013            Zech 5–8, Rev 20:1–21:8, Ps 148:8–14, Prov 31:24–25

[ ]      December 30, 2013            Zech 9–14, Rev 21:9–27, Ps 149, Prov 31:26–28

[ ]      December 31, 2013            Mal 1–4, Rev 22, Ps 150, Prov 31:29–31

Why I am thankful to have served in the Army

Today is Veterans Day and it brings up a lot of memories for me. As I look back on my brief (6 years) and rather insignificant time in Army I am very grateful for the experiences I had for several reasons. Let me share a few of those experiences and why they are meaningful to me.

I went to basic training at Ft. Benning, GA in the summer of 1996 at the age of 17. I went in weighing 135 lbs and having no idea what was in store. While it was in many ways the most difficult summer of my life, it was something I would not trade for nearly anything. It taught me that preconceived mental and physical barriers can be overcome. I ran faster than I had ever run before, I did more push ups than I knew I could, I learned how to be a soldier, and learned more about myself than I could have imagined. The military is a wonderful tool for breaking one down and then building them back up stronger both mentally and physically. I went as a small, determined boy and left a much stronger man. In those 9 weeks I gained 15 lbs of muscle, but more importantly I gained an mental fortitude that blesses me to this day. I learned to not be intimidated by man, how to take orders, and how to block out outside stimuli and concentrate on the task at hand. These lessons serve me well today as I to fulfill my obligations and goals.

On a spiritual level basic training was very good for me. While I had gone to church for years I do not think I had ever really called out to the God I knew about, but did not know personally. Perhaps for the first time in my life I realized I was in over my head and needed Divine help. Drill sergeants can break you, but for me they drove me to God. I began to really read the Bible and pray in a way that I had not done before. I read Matthew and Revelation and loved it, though no doubt did not understand it. While I had not given my whole self to God it was a huge first step.

There are so many memories that stand out from that summer. There is nothing like stepping off the bus into the reality that is boot camp. It cannot be explained, it has to be experienced. The fourth of July singing the national anthem while doing push ups with gas masks on stands out for sure. Some things are very funny looking back, though I did not see the humor at the time. (I could go on, it is amazing how many stories can come out of such a short period of time).

At Advanced Individual training in Ft Leonard Wood the experience was very different. While learning how to blow things up with C-4 (a great experience I assure you), how to deploy and disarm landmines (not as fun), how to run a bulldozer, pan loader, tractor and trailer, dump truck, grader, and several other pieces of equipment (lots of fun) I also had a bit of an emotional and spiritual breakthrough. I think for the first time in my life I felt like and was treated like an adult in every sense of the word. I loved it and think I could have been content with a life in the military as an heavy equipment operator that also blows stuff up (combat engineer).

I was baptized at a small church right off base that summer. I can not tell you the name of the man that baptized me, but I can tell you I knew it was the right thing and time to do it. I began leading a prayer group and study group with my fellow students. It started small with two and ended up being over 100 guys by the time I graduated. Even a drill sergeant would join us from time to time. I was in the best physical shape of my life (even winning an award at graduation for highest physical fitness score in the battalion), I was mentally strong, and I was spiritually on the right track.

Over the next six years I was blessed to serve with a wonderful group of men in the Virginia Army National Guard. I am very grateful to have known and been mentored by such men as Ray Smith, Mark Vandyke, Alfred Wicks, Kenny and Anthony Keen among others. To this day I greatly miss those men and pray for them often. They went to Iraq shortly after I got out to go seminary in Cincinnati. I regret not being with them, but at the same time know I am where I am because of them. These men took me in as part of their family and I am blessed to know them and call them friends and brothers in arms. In the words of Shakespeare, we were a band of brothers. There is nothing like it and I have not found its equal anywhere in the civilian world since.

I could tell stories of experiences at Ft. Pickett, Ft. A.P. Hill, Ft. Jackson (for PLDC, now called warrior leader class which sounds a lot cooler) and many others, but I won't bore you. What I can say is I am the man I am today in part because of what the Army taught me and what those I served with taught me. I thank God for it. I praise God for those that are willing to give of their lives to protect our way of life, we are not worthy.

Here is this week's texts:
 November 09, 2013            Jer 32:26–34:22, Philem, Ps 119:153–160, Prov 27:13–15

[ ]      November 10, 2013            Jer 35–37, Heb 1:1–2:9, Ps 119:161–168, Prov 27:16–17

[ ]      November 11, 2013            Jer 38–40, Heb 2:10–3:15, Ps 119:169–176, Prov 27:18–19

[ ]      November 12, 2013            Jer 41–43, Heb 3:16–4:16, Ps 120, Prov 27:20–22

[ ]      November 13, 2013            Jer 44–46, Heb 5:1–6:8, Ps 121, Prov 27:23–24

[ ]      November 14, 2013            Jer 47–48, Heb 6:9–7:10, Ps 122:1–3, Prov 27:25–27

[ ]      November 15, 2013            Jer 49–50, Heb 7:11–8:13, Ps 122:4–9, Prov 28:1–3

[ ]      November 16, 2013            Jer 51, Heb 9:1–22, Ps 123, Prov 28:4–5

[ ]      November 17, 2013            Jer 52, Heb 9:23–10:10, Ps 124, Prov 28:6–7

[ ]      November 18, 2013            Lam 1–2, Heb 10:11–39, Ps 125, Prov 28:8–9

[ ]      November 19, 2013            Lam 3–5, Heb 11:1–22, Ps 126, Prov 28:10–12

[ ]      November 20, 2013            Ezek 1–3, Heb 11:23–40, Ps 127, Prov 28:13–15

[ ]      November 21, 2013            Ezek 4–6, Heb 12:1–17, Ps 128, Prov 28:16–17

[ ]      November 22, 2013            Ezek 7–9, Heb 12:18–13:6, Ps 129, Prov 28:18–19

[ ]      November 23, 2013            Ezek 10–12, Heb 13:7–25, Ps 130, Prov 28:20–22

[ ]      November 24, 2013            Ezek 13–15, James 1, Ps 131, Prov 28:23–24

[ ]      November 25, 2013            Ezek 16, James 2, Ps 132:1–4, Prov 28:25–28

[ ]      November 26, 2013            Ezek 17–19, James 3, Ps 132:5–12, Prov 29:1–2

[ ]      November 27, 2013            Ezek 20, James 4–5, Ps 132:13–18, Prov 29:3–4

[ ]      November 28, 2013            Ezek 21–22, 1 Pet 1:1–21, Ps 133, Prov 29:5–6

[ ]      November 29, 2013            Ezek 23–24, 1 Pet 1:22–2:10, Ps 134:1–135:5, Prov 29:7–9

[ ]      November 30, 2013            Ezek 25–27, 1 Pet 2:11–3:6, Ps 135:6–11, Prov 29:10–11

The legacy of Luther

On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther presented his 95 thesis and thus sparked the Protestant Reformation. There are few people that have had such an impact not only upon the history of Christianity, but also upon the world. In his time the world was divided about him. One Catholic thought Martin Luther was a “demon in the appearance of a man.” Another who first questioned Luther’s theology later declared, “He alone is right!” As we look back with nearly 600 years of perspective we can say he was not right about everything by any means, but he was a huge step in the right direction. He was a tremendous theologian, communicator, and world changer; few in history compare.

            Luther entered collage at the age of 13 to study law and completed his bachelors and masters degrees in the shortest time allowed. As a young man Luther was caught in a severe thunderstorm. Fearing for his life he pledged to become a monk if his life was spared. He fulfilled his promise and immersed himself in the practices of being a monk. While Luther prayed, fasted, went without sleep, endured cold, and flagellated himself he found that could not find the peace he sought with these means. He later wrote, “If anyone could have earned heaven by the life of a monk, it was I.”

            Everything changed when Luther began studying the text of Romans in depth. When he read Romans 1:17 “the righteous shall live by faith” he despaired because he knew he was not righteous and he was convinced that God would punish him. He was given the task to teach the book of Romans and in the middle studying to teach he came to a new understanding. “At last meditating day and night, by the mercy of God, I … began to understand that the righteousness of God is that through which the righteous live by a gift of God, namely by faith.… Here I felt as if I were entirely born again and had entered paradise itself through the gates that had been flung open.”

This understanding that salvation does not come through works was revolutionary for his time. On October 31, 1517 Luther publicly objected to the selling of indulgences (a means of buying forgiveness for you or on behalf of dead loved one). The sales pitch that was used to sell them went like this, “Once the coin into the coffer clings, a soul from purgatory heavenward springs!”

Luther wrote 95 theses to be discussed and posted them on the church door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany. Here is a link if you care to read them: Luther's 95 theses

In his later life Luther said many things that are not worthy of reprinting or even considering. However, his accomplishments are vast. He translated the Bible into German; many consider modern German to be largely formed by this translation (in much the same way Shakespeare helped to define modern English). He wrote many hymns the most famous and enduring is “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” Before Luther it can be argued that there was no congregational singing. It is fair to say he sparked not only a religious reformation, but a cultural one as well in which the Middle Ages came to an end.

On this day in which many go trick or treating and dress up in costumes, let us also remember the works of Martin Luther. 

Here are this week's texts:

October 31, 2013            Jer 9:17–11:23, 1 Tim 3:8–4:16, Ps 119:89–96, Prov 26:18–20

November 01, 2013            Jer 12–14, 1 Tim 5, Ps 119:97–104, Prov 26:21–22

November 02, 2013            Jer 15–17, 1 Tim 6, Ps 119:105–112, Prov 26:23–25

November 03, 2013            Jer 18–20, 2 Tim 1:1–2:13, Ps 119:113–120, Prov 26:26–28

November 04, 2013            Jer 21–23, 2 Tim 2:14–26, Ps 119:121–128, Prov 27:1–2

November 05, 2013            Jer 24–25, 2 Tim 3, Ps 119:129–131, Prov 27:3–4

November 06, 2013            Jer 26–28, 2 Tim 4, Ps 119:132–136, Prov 27:5–7

November 07, 2013            Jer 29–30, Titus 1:1–2:10, Ps 119:137–144, Prov 27:8–9

November 08, 2013            Jer 31:1–32:25, Titus 2:11–3:15, Ps 119:145–152, Prov 27:10–12

November 09, 2013            Jer 32:26–34:22, Philem, Ps 119:153–160, Prov 27:13–15

November 10, 2013            Jer 35–37, Heb 1:1–2:9, Ps 119:161–168, Prov 27:16–17

The 7 Churches in Revelation.

This past Sunday night we finished up Revelation 3. As we consider the 7 churches in Revelation. 

Here is a link to the sermon and PowerPoint: Revelation 3

Below is a chart to review. It is not hard to see how this can apply to us today. We must remain vigilant to stay on focus and listen to the Word of God rather than our society or false teachers. 

Church	Description	Praised for	Warned about
Ephesus (2:1-7)	Loveless Church	Labor Patience Not being those who are evil Testing false apostles Perseverance Hating the deed of the Nicolaitans	Leaving their first love
Smyrna (2:8-11)	The Persecuted Church	Tribulation Poverty	Faithfulness under persecution
Pergamos (2:12-17)	The Compromising Church	Holding fast to Christ’s name Not denying the faith, even faced with martyrdom	Allowing false teaching having to do with immorality and idolatry Holding fast and overcoming
Thyatira (2:18-29)	The Corrupt Church	Love Service Faith Patience	Allowing Jezebel to teach and seduce to immorality and idolatry Holding fast and overcoming
Sardis	The Dead Church	A few faithful people	Deadness, even though they had a reputation for being alive
Philadelphia	The Faithful Church	A little strength Keeping Christ’s word Not denying Christ’s name Perseverance	Holding fast what they had and overcoming during coming tribulations
Laodicea (3:13-20)	The Lukewarm Church		Being Lukewarm Pretending to be well off spiritually when they were impoverished Need for repentance and overcoming

Here are the texts for this week:

October 19, 2013            Isa 39–41, Col 1:24–2:23, Ps 119:1–8, Prov 25:16–17

October 20, 2013            Isa 42–43, Col 3:1–17, Ps 119:9–16, Prov 25:18–20

October 21, 2013            Isa 44–46, Col 3:18–4:18, Ps 119:17–24, Prov 25:21–22

October 22, 2013            Isa 47–49, 1 Thess 1:1–2:12, Ps 119:25–32, Prov 25:23–25

October 23, 2013            Isa 50–54, 1 Thess 2:13–3:13, Ps 119:33–40, Prov 25:26–28

October 24, 2013            Isa 55–58, 1 Thess 4, Ps 119:41–43, Prov 26:1–2

October 25, 2013            Isa 59–62, 1 Thess 5, Ps 119:44–48, Prov 26:3–4

October 26, 2013            Isa 63–66, 2 Thess 1, Ps 119:49–56, Prov 26:5–6

Link to this week's Revelation Bible Study and this week's texts

Here is a link this past week's Revelation Bible study:

Letters to the churches part 2

October 10, 2013            Isa 10:5–13:22, Eph 4:25–5:14, Ps 115:1–8, Prov 24:27–29

October 11, 2013            Isa 14–16, Eph 5:15–33, Ps 115:9–18, Prov 24:30–32

October 12, 2013            Isa 17–20, Eph 6, Ps 116:1–6, Prov 24:33–34

October 13, 2013            Isa 21–23, Phil 1:1–18, Ps 116:7–12, Prov 25:1–2

October 14, 2013            Isa 24–27, Phil 1:19–2:11, Ps 116:13–117:2, Prov 25:3–5

October 15, 2013            Isa 28–29, Phil 2:12–30, Ps 118:1–6, Prov 25:6–7

October 16, 2013            Isa 30–32, Phil 3:1–4:1, Ps 118:7–13, Prov 25:8–10

October 17, 2013            Isa 33–36, Phil 4:2–23, Ps 118:14–23, Prov 25:11–13

October 18, 2013            Isa 37–38, Col 1:1–23, Ps 118:24–29, Prov 25:14–15

October 19, 2013            Isa 39–41, Col 1:24–2:23, Ps 119:1–8, Prov 25:16–17

October 20, 2013            Isa 42–43, Col 3:1–17, Ps 119:9–16, Prov 25:18–20

A few lingering thoughts from Revelation 2, a link to the audio and this week's texts

A few lingering thoughts from Revelation 2:

As we read the letters to the churches in Revelation 2-3 it is easy to look at them and think, well those churches are messed up. However, be careful that you do not fall into a trap with this type of thinking. It is like reading the story of the Pharisee and tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 and thinking, "I sure am glad I am not like that Pharisee." So when we read these warning and these blessings we need to seek to apply them to our own lives and the lives of the churches we serve. 

It is interesting to me (as pointed out by Ramsay in his commentary on Revelation from 1904) that the two cities that were most severely rebuked (Sardis and Laodicea) are now completely uninhabited. The two cities that are most praised (Smyrna and Philadelphia) are the two cities that held out the longest before the Turkish conquest. Furthermore, Ephesus, which was warned to repent or its candlestick would be removed, was moved some 3 kilometers from the location of the first century to the location today. 

While the churches addressed lived in a very difficult time and in a society that was far from Godly they were still called to account. No matter how much power, or lack thereof, that a church may have in its culture the church is still called to be a guardian of the culture. We as the church in America (or wherever you live) have not done a good job with this at all. We have fallen asleep at our post and are paying the price of allowing the enemy to come into our midst without even a fight. While the Ephesian church was praised for standing for the truth, too often we as the modern church do not embrace nor proclaim the absolute truth of the Gospel. Just as in John's day there are many that claim to be a spokesman or spokeswoman of God, but we must test them to see if they are of God. It is easy to be infiltrated by false teaching if we are not resolute in our commitment to Biblical truth, authority, and study. 

At the same time we must be careful in our zeal to stand for truth that we do not forget to love. The church from time to time has been so good at hating sin that they have committed sins perhaps even more dangerous than the sins they originally hated. The expression hate the sin, but love the sinner is overused and perhaps missed used, but it is overused because there is some real truth in it. We must be cautious also with how we draw lines of fellowship. In doing so, there is a danger of placing judgment upon those that God has not done so. When we make our own levels of maturity, not defined in the Bible, there is a tendency to put ourselves above those we disagree with.

A church that does not hold to the truth is in danger of apostasy, while the church that does not love is in danger of no longer being the church at all. Both are to be avoided if we are to not fall to the same warnings given by Christ to the church at Ephesus. There are many reasons a church can die or become stagnant. Sometimes the church forgets their love for the lost and do not evangelize at all. Sometimes churches die because of lack of love for the truth of God's Word. Sometimes a church can die due to an overabundance of love for the past and tradition at the cost of the present and future and new leadership. Sometimes a church can die because they show no love to visitors or even to those that are not part of their inner circle. It has been said that the church is great at killing off its wounded; I pray that is not true where we serve. There are too many well intentioned dragons among us. 

The church at Smyrna shows a list of contrasts and irony. It is written by the One that was dead, but lives, who is the First and the Last. It is written to those that poor, but are rich; and are being persecuted by those that claim to be Jews, but are not. Finally, they will find life in death. I love it. 

The church at Smyrna is encouraged to stand strong with the promise of eternal life. It is interesting to me as I study the history of Christianity that when persecution breaks out Christianity grows. Perhaps when suffering comes we can understand more clearly what really matters in life. 

The church at Pergamum had some good qualities and some bad ones as well; I would say that is the case with most churches. The warning to them and to us is not to assimilate into the pagan culture around us. We are called to follow the examples of Joseph, Daniel, Jeremiah, and Jesus in which we live in a culture that is not of God, but to be a beacon of light. While our issue in America is not worshiping an idol, false god, or emperor, we do have our idols don't we. 

The idols of materialism and commercialism are rampant in our society. The key focus in many lives is how to obtain as much material wealth and prestige as possible. Our society is eaten up with greed. What is worse is many in the church have come to believe that the church is something that is intended to please them rather than a place they go to serve the Lord. If we don't like the product we are receiving we go find it somewhere else.  

The idols of pleasure and entertainment are obvious as well. How many hours a day does that average Christian spend watching sports, television, listening to music, messing around on the internet, or whatever else they enjoy? Compare that with how much time we spend on studying God's Word, praying, serving others, and evangelism and we begin to see the extent of our issues. The idol worship, or near to that, we see with athletes, musicians, and actors is outright pathetic to be honest. Could it be that a great spiritual revival is needed in our churches? 

Where are you tempted to compromise your beliefs? Is it with sexual sins (not just adultery, but lust as well) being that we live in a society that flaunts sexuality? Is it chemical addictions? Is it simply remaining silent when we see injustice, legalized sin, or perhaps extreme liberalism on college campuses? Is it with what you watch on television and on the internet or even with video games? Have we forgotten how to blush? Is it putting your job, country, or politics before your God? When we value fitting into our society more than obeying the Lord we forfeit our right to be a true witness. 

Perhaps one way we can stay true to the Lord is to focus upon what is coming in Heaven. Each of the churches are promised a part of heaven if they remain faithful. If we understand what heaven is and what is in store, then this world loses much of its appeal. To give a few very imperfect analogies, to give up a prime cut of steak for worms is ludicrous. To choose rocks over diamonds or dirt over gold is just silly. In the same way, to choose the pleasures of this temporary world over the reward of heaven is unthinkable if we know the true reality of heaven. 

I'll stop now, but here is a link to the lesson from Sunday night and the PowerPoint:

Revelation 2 - The Letters To The Churches

Here is this week's texts:

October 02, 2013            Eccles 1–4, Gal 3:19–4:7, Ps 109:24–31, Prov 24:8–9

[ ]      October 03, 2013            Eccles 5:1–8:1, Gal 4:8–31, Ps 110, Prov 24:10–11

[ ]      October 04, 2013            Eccles 8:2–12:14, Gal 5, Ps 111:1–4, Prov 24:12–14

[ ]      October 05, 2013            Song 1:1–5:1, Gal 6, Ps 111:5–10, Prov 24:15–17

[ ]      October 06, 2013            Song 5:2–8:14, Eph 1, Ps 112, Prov 24:18–19

[ ]      October 07, 2013            Isa 1–2, Eph 2, Ps 113:1–3, Prov 24:20–22

[ ]      October 08, 2013            Isa 3–6, Eph 3, Ps 113:4–9, Prov 24:23–24

[ ]      October 09, 2013            Isa 7:1–10:4, Eph 4:1–24, Ps 114, Prov 24:25–26

[ ]      October 10, 2013            Isa 10:5–13:22, Eph 4:25–5:14, Ps 115:1–8, Prov 24:27–29

[ ]      October 11, 2013            Isa 14–16, Eph 5:15–33, Ps 115:9–18, Prov 24:30–32

[ ]      October 12, 2013            Isa 17–20, Eph 6, Ps 116:1–6, Prov 24:33–34

[ ]      October 13, 2013            Isa 21–23, Phil 1:1–18, Ps 116:7–12, Prov 25:1–2

Some thoughts on giving from 2 Cor 8-9

Last week we looked at 2 Corinthians 8-9 on Sunday morning. As follow up here are some more thoughts about our giving.

Some have asked from time to time about tithing. I have to say up front that the New Testament does not command us to tithe. What it does command is much more profound that than a simple 10% of our blessings. The Bible teaches that all we have is God's. That is to say not just a gift from God, which it is, but it belongs to God. We are called to possess and hold on to our blessings, rather we are called to be good stewards of God's blessings. When we can come to this understanding it changes everything. Now how I spend money and use resources is not dictated by my own desires, but rather by what is best for the Kingdom of God.

The concept of tithing predates the Law. We see the concept in Genesis 14:30; 28:22; and Hebrews 7:4-10 for example. However we must be cautious because there are several practices that predate the Law that are not carried over into the New Testament era. For example we do not practice animal sacrifice, levirate marriage, or the consecration of the firstborn today.

In Matthew 23:23 Jesus spoke about tithing, but He was speaking to a Jewish audience under the Law. Furthermore, His point in the text has to do with their hearts much more than the amount they give. With that in mind lets see what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8-9.

In this text, like most all of the texts in the NT dealing with giving, the background is giving for what we might call missions or charity. It was more than charity though it was a means of showing physically what we believe theologically. We are one body of believers worldwide. Thus when part of the body is hurting, regardless of where they are located, we do what we can to help. In this context the Gentiles were giving to Jewish believers and thus showing their unity. The Jewish people had been the vessel God used to bring about the Messiah and now the Gentiles were being used to supply the needs of persecuted Jewish believers.

Paul uses the example of the Macedonian believers to encourage the believers in Corinth and us today as well. The Macedonians saw giving not a chore or obligation, but as a joy and honor. They give not out of their abundance, but from their poverty. They gave beyond their ability, not because they were commanded or urged to do so, but because they saw it as a grace to do so.

Paul uses several words for the offering in Corinthians epistles. It is the collection (logeia) in 1 Cor. 16:1-2, a blessing (eulogia) in 2 Cor. 9:5, their priestly service (leitourgia) in 2 Cor. 9:12, fellowship (koinonia) in 2 Cor. 8:4 and 9:13, their service or ministry (diakonia) in 2 Cor. 8:4, 9:1, 12, 13, and expression of grace (charis) in 2 Cor. 8, 1, 4, 6, 7, 9. To Paul giving was much more important than simply giving away money. It was a sacred act of worship and a great joy to do so.

When we give it is an act of faith. It is faith that not only that God has provided, but that He will provide in the future. God is concerned about our heats in giving. Not so much about the amount we give, but that we do give sacrificially. Thus Paul says when we give it should be voluntary (8:3) rather than required, it should be willing (8:11, 12) rather than grudgingly, it should be generous (8:2) rather than as little as we think we can get away with and stay in good standing with God, it should be done eagerly (8:7, 8) rather than writing a check wishing you did not have to do so, and it should be overflowing (8:2, 3, 7, 14).

When we teach about giving we do not teach foremost about how it is wise to give because you will get a return as an investor, but we give because it is joyful and worshipful. We do not give as if we are paying our dues to get certain services (as on two occasions older believers have explained to me why they give with the exception of me doing such and such for them).

Perhaps the problem with giving in the church (and there is a problem I grant you) is not so much that we don't ask enough or sell the concept well enough. Perhaps it is not that our buildings, budgets, passions, and vision are not big enough. Perhaps our problem is we have not taught the glorious grace of God well enough. Perhaps we have not taught the glorious joy of helping others well enough. Perhaps we have not taught the awe of God's blessings and being well enough. Perhaps not, you tell me?

So do I preach you need to give 10%, not I don't because I don't see it in the New Testament. What I do teach is much more counter cultural and revolutionary. I teach that God says everything you have is God's and you are only a steward. I teach we are called to live under our means so that we can be generous. I teach that it is a joyful act of worship to give not only to my local congregation in which I serve, but also to those in need around the world.

Does that make sense?

Extra thoughts from 2 Cor 6

Every week I feel like there is more to say. Here are some thoughts from 2 Corinthians 6.

Paul seems to have constantly been dealing with those that tried to destroy his ministry and witness. We will talk more about this in chapter 10 (this Sunday, how do we deal with criticism). A key theme for Paul's ministry was endurance. His endurance was not based upon his own strength, but the power of the Holy Spirit. Too often we try to rely on our strength only to find it lacking. When we rely on our strength, skills, energy, and wisdom we can never live up to the potential within us. For the Spirit within us is much stronger, wiser, powerful, and skilled than we can ever dream of being.

We are called as God's elect to affirm the Gospel regardless of circumstances or opinions of others. The truth of the Gospel stands in great contrast with the prevailing culture we live in today. The world may teach if it feels good and right to you it must be right (subjectivism and relativism), but the Gospel teaches there is absolute truth that is not based on our emotions or ever changing sensibilities. I think that sometimes I do not speak up because I do not want to be perceived as arrogant or I am afraid that I have not thought it out enough to speak up. While there is great wisdom in thinking before speaking, there does come a time to speak up. It is time to speak up about our witness for Christ. I do not envision standing on a soapbox condemning those that pass by. Rather, I envision the Church as the redeemed of God pleading with a dying world with love and service, following in the example of Christ. I dream that the people of God will apply the teachings of Christ to all spheres of life. When we show the world what real love is, I believe it will change our society. The power of our witness is seen in the changed lives we demonstrate daily.

Paul speaks of the Church as the Temple of God. When we encounter the Living God, the Holy One within the context of worship several things happen. First, we also encounter our own sinfulness. We understand that we have nothing to bring to God outside of His grace. Second, we encounter the grace of Calvary. Our security and foundation is found in the crucified Christ that died for our sins and conquered death through the Resurrection. Third, when we encounter the Living God it changes our view of others. No longer do we judge in the way others do. If we seek to judge ourselves by the measure of others we can always find someone we can feel superior to. However, if our example is Christ we all fall miserably short. Thus, we look at the lost and we do not feel superior, no, we feel a sense of urgency to help them experience the peace we have as the redeemed of God.  We as the Temple of God are held together through the love of Christ and the fear of God. We are the people of God, who are created by His Presence, for the purpose of worship and service.

We have an understanding of what God has done for us, thus we can live victoriously in the present because we know who God is and what He has done for us. We know what is coming in the future and thus we can live in hope in the present. While we learn from the past and look forward to the future, we live with purpose, faith, and joy in the present moment. We understand we cannot change the past or control the future. However, God has redeemed the past and secured the future, thus we can have peace in the present. Our ability to be obedient is dependant upon the past sacrifice of Christ, the present work of Spirit, and our desire to please Him.

What sets Christians apart from the world? It is not a sense of superiority, but a sense of humility and meekness. It is not a sense of entitlement, but a desire to serve others in the name of Christ. It is not a title, but testimony of forgiveness. We are called to live a life of faith that says God is all I need. To say I need a certain house or car or lawn or clothing or new phone or physical appearance or even relationship is in a real sense to deny the sufficiency of Christ in our lives. I don't need God and a better job, a vacation, a stable retirement plan, education, or whatever else. I simply need God to have contentment. God will give me what I need as I seek Him and work hard.

I pray that God can help us to encounter His glory today. May the Holy Spirit within us lead us to seek a life of holiness and love.

I know these are some random thoughts, sorry about that.

Revelation 1:7-20

Revelation 1:7-20 sermon audio and PowerPoint file

Above is a link to Sunday Night's Revelation Study. I am greatly enjoying studying with you and look forward to digging into God's Word with you as we continue through this marvelous book.

Here is this week's texts:

September 24, 2013     Prov 16–17, 2 Cor 9, Ps 107:22–30, Prov 23:22–24

September 25, 2013     Prov 18–19, 2 Cor 10, Ps 107:31–36, Prov 23:25–26

September 26, 2013     Prov 20:1–22:16, 2 Cor 11:1–21, Ps 107:37–43, Prov 23:27–29

September 27, 2013     Prov 22:17–24:22, 2 Cor 11:22–12:13, Ps 108:title–7, Prov 23:30–32

September 28, 2013     Prov 24:23–26:28, 2 Cor 12:14–13:14, Ps 108:8–13, Prov 23:33–35

September 29, 2013     Prov 27–28, Gal 1, Ps 109:title–7, Prov 24:1–2

September 30, 2013     Prov 29–30, Gal 2, Ps 109:8–17, Prov 24:3–5

October 01, 2013           Prov 31, Gal 3:1–18, Ps 109:18–23, Prov 24:6–7

October 02, 2013           Eccles 1–4, Gal 3:19–4:7, Ps 109:24–31, Prov 24:8–9

Revelation 1:1-7 and this week's texts

Last night was a great time of study for our group. We finished our introduction of Revelation and moved into the text. Below is a link to the audio and to the PowerPoint. To get to the PowerPoint click on notes. I hope this is helpful and a blessing to you.

Revelation 1a

Here are this week's texts as well:

September 14, 2013            Ps 136–139, 1 Cor 15:20–34, Ps 106:1–5, Prov 22:26–27

September 15, 2013            Ps 140–144, 1 Cor 15:35–58, Ps 106:6–13, Prov 22:28–29

September 16, 2013            Ps 145–150, 1 Cor 16, Ps 106:14–19, Prov 23:1–3

September 17, 2013            Prov 1–2, 2 Cor 1:1–14, Ps 106:20–26, Prov 23:4–6

September 18, 2013            Prov 3–4, 2 Cor 1:15–2:17, Ps 106:27–36, Prov 23:7–9

September 19, 2013            Prov 5:1–7:5, 2 Cor 3, Ps 106:37–41, Prov 23:10–11

September 20, 2013            Prov 7:6–9:18, 2 Cor 4:1–5:8, Ps 106:42–48, Prov 23:12–13

September 21, 2013            Prov 10–11, 2 Cor 5:9–6:10, Ps 107:1–8, Prov 23:14–16

September 22, 2013            Prov 12–13, 2 Cor 6:11–7:16, Ps 107:9–14, Prov 23:17–18

September 23, 2013            Prov 14–15, 2 Cor 8, Ps 107:15–21, Prov 23:19–21