Is it better that we are weak or that we are strong?
This seems a particularly relevant question with respect to the violence that continues to rock the world. For example, how should Christians respond to militant muslims intent on killing them? I believe the answer will be different for Christians than it will for sovereign nations, and yet it is the Christians who have the only answer that promises to bring true, lasting peace.
(Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10)
The apostle Paul understood what it was like to be attacked. He was being insulted, downgraded, and unfairly labeled by other teachers in Corinth who felt themselves to be superior to Paul. And so Paul responds by doing a little boasting himself, but his boasting is different. He chooses not to boast about his great accomplishments (how many churches he planted, or how many people had come to know the Lord because of his ministry), but instead he chooses to boast about his weaknesses (verse 5).
Why? What strength can possibly be found in weakness?
Paul had received the answer through divine revelation (verse 9), "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Paul boasts about his weaknesses because he knows that when he is weak, then God's power works through him to make him truly strong.
And so that is why Paul chooses to boast only in his weaknesses. (verse 10) "For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Do you agree with Paul? Can you give examples of when God's power rested on you in your weakness? Are there other scripture passages, which might bring further light into this conversation?
Let's discuss!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of September 16, 2012
I believe that the Holy Spirit is the greatest gift a believer receives.
The fact that we receive forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is also the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit unites us to the person of Jesus Christ so that through faith we receive all the benefits He has achieved for us.
Last week we saw that the Spirit is "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession" (Ephesians 1:14). Today Paul writes again about the hope that we have because of the redemption that is coming to those who have received the Holy Spirit.
(Read Romans 8:18-27)
The glory that will be revealed in us (v. 18) is a glory free from the "bondage to decay". Paul even says that all of creation is waiting for the sons of God to be revealed so that creation itself will be "liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God"
(v. 21)
And this is our hope (we who have the firstfruits of the Spirit). It is what we are waiting for, and the Spirit is the key to it all. The Holy Spirit not only unites us to the person of Jesus, but the Holy Spirit also "intercedes for us" thereby deepening our connection to the Living God (who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift a believer receives because the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of God's desire to be with His people. In the Old Testament, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all learned that God was their greatest blessing. If they had God, they had everything, and apart from God all that they had meant nothing. And it is the same with us.
As believers, our greatest blessing is God, and since the Holy Spirit is God, then the Holy Spirit is the greatest gift a believer receives.
So what do you think? Do you agree? Is there something better that a believer receives? Is there another dimension to the Holy Spirit as the greatest gift? Do you know other scriptures that also make this point? Let's discuss.
The fact that we receive forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is also the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit unites us to the person of Jesus Christ so that through faith we receive all the benefits He has achieved for us.
Last week we saw that the Spirit is "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession" (Ephesians 1:14). Today Paul writes again about the hope that we have because of the redemption that is coming to those who have received the Holy Spirit.
(Read Romans 8:18-27)
The glory that will be revealed in us (v. 18) is a glory free from the "bondage to decay". Paul even says that all of creation is waiting for the sons of God to be revealed so that creation itself will be "liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God"
(v. 21)
And this is our hope (we who have the firstfruits of the Spirit). It is what we are waiting for, and the Spirit is the key to it all. The Holy Spirit not only unites us to the person of Jesus, but the Holy Spirit also "intercedes for us" thereby deepening our connection to the Living God (who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift a believer receives because the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of God's desire to be with His people. In the Old Testament, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all learned that God was their greatest blessing. If they had God, they had everything, and apart from God all that they had meant nothing. And it is the same with us.
As believers, our greatest blessing is God, and since the Holy Spirit is God, then the Holy Spirit is the greatest gift a believer receives.
So what do you think? Do you agree? Is there something better that a believer receives? Is there another dimension to the Holy Spirit as the greatest gift? Do you know other scriptures that also make this point? Let's discuss.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of September 9, 2012
In our world, a deposit (a few dollars down) is a "good faith" agreement that we will at some point in the future complete the transaction by paying the full purchase amount. Because we live in an imperfect world things don't always work out, but the deposit means something nonetheless.
Now, in the economy (household) of God, what does a deposit guarantee? Well we know that unlike us, God never goes back on a promise. So when He makes a deposit it is more than just a "good faith" agreement. It is a "perfect faith" agreement because God is faithful to always keep His promises.
(Read Ephesians 1:3-14; esp. 13-14)
True faith in Jesus Christ (His life, death, resurrection, and ascension - with His accompanying promise to return) is the means by which we receive forgiveness of sins, the promise of eternal life, and the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. But when Paul talks about the Holy Spirit as "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance" what does he mean?
Well to be more specific, Paul calls the Holy Spirit "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory." Does that make things a little clearer? No. Okay. Let's break it down a little more then.
The deposit, unlike too many of our "good faith" agreements, is a perfect guarantee (it will certainly take place) of our inheritance (eternal life with God) because the guarantee is made by God Himself!
Remember that in 2 Corinthians 1:20 Paul says, "no matter how many promises God has made they are 'Yes' in Christ." So God does not make idle promises. He answers "yes" to all His promises and He does so in the person of Jesus. He has in the past, and He will in the future.
Therefore, the Holy Spirit (who we receive by means of true faith in Jesus Christ) is a deposit (a "perfect faith" agreement from the One who remains faithful forever) guaranteeing (it will certainly take place) our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession.
In other words, Jesus Christ will return. He will judge the living and the dead, and He will make all things new! It is most certain because God has promised it. And God never goes back on a promise.
But when will the inheritance be fully ours?
Paul says, "... until the redemption of those who are God's possession." So we are in a holding pattern, waiting until the day Jesus Christ returns as God's "yes" answer to yet another promise. But waiting until when? "... until the redemption of those who are God's possession."
This means that if Jesus Christ has not returned, then those who are God's possession have not yet experienced the "redemption" that is theirs through true faith in Jesus Christ. So that means there is work yet to be done.
God brings people to Jesus, as we bring Jesus to people. So if there are more people to be brought to Jesus, then that means you and I have more people to whom we must bring Jesus. This is what it means to be "On Mission with God".
So what are your thoughts? What do you think Paul means when he calls the Holy Spirit, "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession"?
Now, in the economy (household) of God, what does a deposit guarantee? Well we know that unlike us, God never goes back on a promise. So when He makes a deposit it is more than just a "good faith" agreement. It is a "perfect faith" agreement because God is faithful to always keep His promises.
(Read Ephesians 1:3-14; esp. 13-14)
True faith in Jesus Christ (His life, death, resurrection, and ascension - with His accompanying promise to return) is the means by which we receive forgiveness of sins, the promise of eternal life, and the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. But when Paul talks about the Holy Spirit as "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance" what does he mean?
Well to be more specific, Paul calls the Holy Spirit "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory." Does that make things a little clearer? No. Okay. Let's break it down a little more then.
The deposit, unlike too many of our "good faith" agreements, is a perfect guarantee (it will certainly take place) of our inheritance (eternal life with God) because the guarantee is made by God Himself!
Remember that in 2 Corinthians 1:20 Paul says, "no matter how many promises God has made they are 'Yes' in Christ." So God does not make idle promises. He answers "yes" to all His promises and He does so in the person of Jesus. He has in the past, and He will in the future.
Therefore, the Holy Spirit (who we receive by means of true faith in Jesus Christ) is a deposit (a "perfect faith" agreement from the One who remains faithful forever) guaranteeing (it will certainly take place) our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession.
In other words, Jesus Christ will return. He will judge the living and the dead, and He will make all things new! It is most certain because God has promised it. And God never goes back on a promise.
But when will the inheritance be fully ours?
Paul says, "... until the redemption of those who are God's possession." So we are in a holding pattern, waiting until the day Jesus Christ returns as God's "yes" answer to yet another promise. But waiting until when? "... until the redemption of those who are God's possession."
This means that if Jesus Christ has not returned, then those who are God's possession have not yet experienced the "redemption" that is theirs through true faith in Jesus Christ. So that means there is work yet to be done.
God brings people to Jesus, as we bring Jesus to people. So if there are more people to be brought to Jesus, then that means you and I have more people to whom we must bring Jesus. This is what it means to be "On Mission with God".
So what are your thoughts? What do you think Paul means when he calls the Holy Spirit, "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession"?
Monday, August 27, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of August 26, 2012
Why do you think people (ourselves included) should read the Bible? We hear that admonition all the time, but what is the goal?
Is the goal merely to gain knowledge? The Game Show Network is offering a new show called "American Bible Challenge" and as part of the promo the host of the show (Jeff Foxworthy) says, "If you don't know your Bible, you haven't got a prayer." So is the goal of reading the Bible simply to gain trivia knowledge, or is there something more?
(Read Jeremiah 9:23-24)
These words of the LORD are offered in the midst of a pronouncement of judgment upon God's people. They are being punished because they have forsaken the LORD and His ways, and have chosen to pursue other gods instead.
Yet in the middle of this long pronouncement there is a call, an invitation from the LORD Himself.
"Let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on the earth,
for in these I delight." (verse 24)
Therefore the goal of reading our Bibles is that we might get to know God. He reveals Himself in His word by His Spirit, and the invitation to read God's word is given so that we might come to know Him.
Jesus also commented on this topic in John 5:39. In a discussion with the religious leaders of His day, Jesus offers this invitation, "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
The purpose of studying the Scriptures and reading the Bible is not to gain information, but to meet God and come to know Him for Who He is by what He has done.
So what do you think? Why do you think people (ourselves included) should read the Bible? Do you agree with my answer, if so how will it change the way you read the Bible?
Is the goal merely to gain knowledge? The Game Show Network is offering a new show called "American Bible Challenge" and as part of the promo the host of the show (Jeff Foxworthy) says, "If you don't know your Bible, you haven't got a prayer." So is the goal of reading the Bible simply to gain trivia knowledge, or is there something more?
(Read Jeremiah 9:23-24)
These words of the LORD are offered in the midst of a pronouncement of judgment upon God's people. They are being punished because they have forsaken the LORD and His ways, and have chosen to pursue other gods instead.
Yet in the middle of this long pronouncement there is a call, an invitation from the LORD Himself.
"Let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on the earth,
for in these I delight." (verse 24)
Therefore the goal of reading our Bibles is that we might get to know God. He reveals Himself in His word by His Spirit, and the invitation to read God's word is given so that we might come to know Him.
Jesus also commented on this topic in John 5:39. In a discussion with the religious leaders of His day, Jesus offers this invitation, "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
The purpose of studying the Scriptures and reading the Bible is not to gain information, but to meet God and come to know Him for Who He is by what He has done.
So what do you think? Why do you think people (ourselves included) should read the Bible? Do you agree with my answer, if so how will it change the way you read the Bible?
Monday, August 20, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of August 19, 2012
Are you humble? If so, how humble? If not, why not?
Humility is a strange thing. As Christ followers we are called to be humble, but the moment we recognize our humility, we are in danger of becoming prideful about it. Yet humility is our calling, and so we should concern ourselves with how humble we are. So again are you humble? If not, why?
(Read I Peter 5:1-11)
So what is the source of humility? How can we actually be humble?
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (v. 6)
The true source of humility is recognizing God; His authority and His power, while also recognizing that our place is in submission to Him.
But how can we actually be humble? How do we show that we are humble without becoming prideful about our humility?
I think the answer to that question is service. If we choose to serve, rather than be served, we will show that we are humble. And we can avoid pride in our humility by not expecting anything in return. Service that is rooted in a sense of entitlement ("I will do this so that I will get that") is not really service.
Note how Peter commends the elders to serve and then assures them that they will be rewarded by God at the proper time.
"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you but being examples to the flock."
Elders are called to serve because service is the way of Jesus. Jesus Himself came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. (see Matthew 20:28) And the same is true for the "young men".
The "young men" serve by willingly submitting to the wisdom of those who are older. Now this does not mean that older Christ followers are never wrong. No mere human being is infallible. However, even when young people disagree with "those who are older" there are ways to disagree without showing disrespect. This is what it means to submit humbly.
In the end, true humility seeks to serve without counting the cost, or considering the benefits. Willing service models the heart of God, and receives a reward that can never be taken away. (v. 4, 11)
So what about you? Are you humble? If so, how are you showing it? If not, why?
Humility is a strange thing. As Christ followers we are called to be humble, but the moment we recognize our humility, we are in danger of becoming prideful about it. Yet humility is our calling, and so we should concern ourselves with how humble we are. So again are you humble? If not, why?
(Read I Peter 5:1-11)
So what is the source of humility? How can we actually be humble?
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (v. 6)
The true source of humility is recognizing God; His authority and His power, while also recognizing that our place is in submission to Him.
But how can we actually be humble? How do we show that we are humble without becoming prideful about our humility?
I think the answer to that question is service. If we choose to serve, rather than be served, we will show that we are humble. And we can avoid pride in our humility by not expecting anything in return. Service that is rooted in a sense of entitlement ("I will do this so that I will get that") is not really service.
Note how Peter commends the elders to serve and then assures them that they will be rewarded by God at the proper time.
"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you but being examples to the flock."
Elders are called to serve because service is the way of Jesus. Jesus Himself came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. (see Matthew 20:28) And the same is true for the "young men".
The "young men" serve by willingly submitting to the wisdom of those who are older. Now this does not mean that older Christ followers are never wrong. No mere human being is infallible. However, even when young people disagree with "those who are older" there are ways to disagree without showing disrespect. This is what it means to submit humbly.
In the end, true humility seeks to serve without counting the cost, or considering the benefits. Willing service models the heart of God, and receives a reward that can never be taken away. (v. 4, 11)
So what about you? Are you humble? If so, how are you showing it? If not, why?
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of August 12, 2012
There are many things which can distress us in this world, and in particular in the North American culture. What distresses you the most?
After thinking through that question for a while, read Acts 17:16-34 and see how Paul handles things which distress him in the Greek and Roman culture?
As Paul is waiting in Athens, "he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols". But how did he respond? Did he put together a campaign to protest the idols in the city? Did he gather the church in worship so that he could preach against the evils of the Greek and Roman culture of the day?
No. Paul "reasoned" with Jews, Greeks, and even Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. He did not start by condemning them. He started by speaking their language. He "reasoned" with them. And after "reasoning" with them he gained a hearing. So let's look at Paul's message. What did he say, and how did he say it?
(Read verses 22-31)
Paul begins by recognizing that they are "very religious", then he uses one of their own cultural symbols (an idol to "the unknown god") as an opportunity to share the truth about God and the good news Jesus brings.
In the end, he still calls them to "repent" (see verse 30) and explains the truth that there is only one God, who sent His Son Jesus to judge the world with justice (notice this is Jesus' job and not ours). And Paul proclaims the truth that Jesus is the true Son of God because He was raised from the dead.
All the elements of the good news are there. Jesus as Lord, Savior (through His life, death, and resurrection), and rightful judge. But Paul does not begin with judgment, rather he begins by working within the culture to present the good news in a way people can understand.
So what do we learn from this? How should we handle things in our culture which distress us?
Let's discuss ...
After thinking through that question for a while, read Acts 17:16-34 and see how Paul handles things which distress him in the Greek and Roman culture?
As Paul is waiting in Athens, "he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols". But how did he respond? Did he put together a campaign to protest the idols in the city? Did he gather the church in worship so that he could preach against the evils of the Greek and Roman culture of the day?
No. Paul "reasoned" with Jews, Greeks, and even Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. He did not start by condemning them. He started by speaking their language. He "reasoned" with them. And after "reasoning" with them he gained a hearing. So let's look at Paul's message. What did he say, and how did he say it?
(Read verses 22-31)
Paul begins by recognizing that they are "very religious", then he uses one of their own cultural symbols (an idol to "the unknown god") as an opportunity to share the truth about God and the good news Jesus brings.
In the end, he still calls them to "repent" (see verse 30) and explains the truth that there is only one God, who sent His Son Jesus to judge the world with justice (notice this is Jesus' job and not ours). And Paul proclaims the truth that Jesus is the true Son of God because He was raised from the dead.
All the elements of the good news are there. Jesus as Lord, Savior (through His life, death, and resurrection), and rightful judge. But Paul does not begin with judgment, rather he begins by working within the culture to present the good news in a way people can understand.
So what do we learn from this? How should we handle things in our culture which distress us?
Let's discuss ...
Monday, August 6, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of August 5, 2012
The kingdom of God is a wonderful, powerful reality, yet it is also a profound mystery. How does the kingdom come? We pray "Your kingdom come", but how does it come?
(Read Luke 17:20-37)
"The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is' or 'There it is' because the kingdom of God is within (among) you." (Luke 17:20-21)
So the kingdom of God is within or among the people to whom Jesus is speaking. But what does that mean? For years I wondered about that saying. I thought about it related to today. The kingdom of God is within or among us as followers of Jesus. And I think there is some truth to that statement, but it is not the most important truth. The kingdom of God comes in the person of Jesus, and Jesus was right there with them in their midst. That is why the kingdom of God was among them.
But what about God's people, all who have placed true faith in Jesus, are we not also considered the body of Christ? If then we are the body of Christ, and Jesus Christ is the ONE who brings the kingdom, then do we not have some role in its coming?
I answer "yes" and "no". "Yes" because we proclaim the truth that Jesus reigns and that all who trust in Him are God's children and heirs of Christ's salvation. In other words, all who believe are loyal subjects to Christ and His kingdom. But I also say "No" because the kingdom ultimately comes at Jesus' return. We say and do things now that point to the reality of His kingdom (His reign), but we cannot bring the kingdom. Only Jesus has the power and authority to do that, and He will.
At the end of time, Jesus says, it will be just like it was in the days of Noah and Lot. Jesus will return very unexpectedly and He will judge the living and the dead and make all things new! This will be the kingdom to which we are looking forward. And He is coming soon! The king will return, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!!!
So what do you think about the kingdom of God? Because it is an "already" and "not yet" reality there is lots more to say. So let's discuss!
(Read Luke 17:20-37)
"The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is' or 'There it is' because the kingdom of God is within (among) you." (Luke 17:20-21)
So the kingdom of God is within or among the people to whom Jesus is speaking. But what does that mean? For years I wondered about that saying. I thought about it related to today. The kingdom of God is within or among us as followers of Jesus. And I think there is some truth to that statement, but it is not the most important truth. The kingdom of God comes in the person of Jesus, and Jesus was right there with them in their midst. That is why the kingdom of God was among them.
But what about God's people, all who have placed true faith in Jesus, are we not also considered the body of Christ? If then we are the body of Christ, and Jesus Christ is the ONE who brings the kingdom, then do we not have some role in its coming?
I answer "yes" and "no". "Yes" because we proclaim the truth that Jesus reigns and that all who trust in Him are God's children and heirs of Christ's salvation. In other words, all who believe are loyal subjects to Christ and His kingdom. But I also say "No" because the kingdom ultimately comes at Jesus' return. We say and do things now that point to the reality of His kingdom (His reign), but we cannot bring the kingdom. Only Jesus has the power and authority to do that, and He will.
At the end of time, Jesus says, it will be just like it was in the days of Noah and Lot. Jesus will return very unexpectedly and He will judge the living and the dead and make all things new! This will be the kingdom to which we are looking forward. And He is coming soon! The king will return, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!!!
So what do you think about the kingdom of God? Because it is an "already" and "not yet" reality there is lots more to say. So let's discuss!
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