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?
Monday, August 27, 2012
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!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of July 29, 2012
What is the only debt that ought to always remain outstanding? (And no it is not the US national deficit).
(Read Romans 13:1-14)
This is a rich passage. It deals with our responsibilities to the governing authorities that have been instituted by God, as well as our responsibilities (debts) to others. And finally it offers the reason why these things are so important.
So we have a responsibility to submit to our governing authorities. Do you have a hard time with that?
If so, let us remember that in submitting to the governing authorities we are submitting to God who placed them over us.
Sometimes the governing authorities are not that nice, and they do not always stand for what we believe. However, God did not tell us to submit to them because they are worthy of submission. Rather God told us to submit because those in authority over us have been placed there by God and His authority.
And that is what we see in the book of Daniel. Right away in the first verses of the first chapter, we see God placing Nebuchadnezzar in authority over His own people. And we see Daniel and his friends submitting themselves to the king's authority as long as the king does not ask them to betray the LORD.
So no matter how difficult it may be, we are called to submit to authority (even paying taxes, revenue, respect, and honor - see Romans 13:7). Yet our responsibility to the governing authorities is only the beginning.
Our responsibility to others is to "love one another". This is the debt that ought to always remain outstanding (for all you trivia buffs like me). The debt to love is something we always owe to everyone. And Paul adds it is the summary of the law.
But why? Why should we submit to authority and continue to love one another? Paul gives us the answer in verse 11.
The present time is the time of salvation that is nearer now than when we first believed. The time is growing short. This world is not our home, and soon Jesus will return and make all things new. Jesus is the true King of kings, and He will assert His authority over all things on that great day!
But for now, we are called to submit, to love, to clothe ourselves with Jesus, and in everything to trust God. He will fulfill His promise, and He will renew all things and we will see Him "face to face".
Oh glorious day!
(Read Romans 13:1-14)
This is a rich passage. It deals with our responsibilities to the governing authorities that have been instituted by God, as well as our responsibilities (debts) to others. And finally it offers the reason why these things are so important.
So we have a responsibility to submit to our governing authorities. Do you have a hard time with that?
If so, let us remember that in submitting to the governing authorities we are submitting to God who placed them over us.
Sometimes the governing authorities are not that nice, and they do not always stand for what we believe. However, God did not tell us to submit to them because they are worthy of submission. Rather God told us to submit because those in authority over us have been placed there by God and His authority.
And that is what we see in the book of Daniel. Right away in the first verses of the first chapter, we see God placing Nebuchadnezzar in authority over His own people. And we see Daniel and his friends submitting themselves to the king's authority as long as the king does not ask them to betray the LORD.
So no matter how difficult it may be, we are called to submit to authority (even paying taxes, revenue, respect, and honor - see Romans 13:7). Yet our responsibility to the governing authorities is only the beginning.
Our responsibility to others is to "love one another". This is the debt that ought to always remain outstanding (for all you trivia buffs like me). The debt to love is something we always owe to everyone. And Paul adds it is the summary of the law.
But why? Why should we submit to authority and continue to love one another? Paul gives us the answer in verse 11.
"And do this understanding the present time."
The present time is the time of salvation that is nearer now than when we first believed. The time is growing short. This world is not our home, and soon Jesus will return and make all things new. Jesus is the true King of kings, and He will assert His authority over all things on that great day!
But for now, we are called to submit, to love, to clothe ourselves with Jesus, and in everything to trust God. He will fulfill His promise, and He will renew all things and we will see Him "face to face".
Oh glorious day!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of July 22, 2012
Last week's tragedy in Colorado leaves us with questions. How could this happen? Where was God? etc.
Anytime evil is perpetrated these questions come up. Do I have complete answers? No. None of us will fully understand the problem of evil in light of the sovereignty of God. However, I do want to reflect on a scriptural truth that can hopefully offer some comfort, or at the very least frame the discussion. Again, I will offer my thoughts and invite you to offer yours.
Yesterday, the sermon text was Psalm 146. In verses 7-9 we see a description of the things God does because He remains faithful forever (see verse 6). In verse 9, the psalmist says, "The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked."
Those words might be hard for us to read following such an awful tragedy, however, they also ring true and bring unspeakable comfort and hope in the face of this menacing evil.
Did God frustrate the complete diabolical plan of this young man? Obviously not. There are 12 people dead and several others wounded to show that He did not. Nevertheless, there are also other details coming out that demonstrate the hand of God "frustrating the ways of the wicked" in the midst of the chaos of that night.
First, there was the young man who turned his head just a split second before a bullet entered his neck narrowly missing vital nerves which would have left him paralyzed.
Second, there is the man who was shot in the neck, but the bullet barely missed his carotid artery allowing his life to be spared.
Third, there is the lady in the apartment underneath the suspect's own apartment, which had been wired to explode as soon as anyone entered the door. Hearing the loud music she went up and knocked on the door asking him to please turn down the music. In her frustration she discovered the door unlocked. She was about to burst in, but at the last second "something" told her not to go in.
These are just a few evidences of the LORD frustrating the ways of the wicked. The young man who perpetrated these heinous acts had even bigger plans for the pain he wanted to inflict, however some of those plans were frustrated. There is no telling how many more people would have been killed if his apartment bombs had been detonated, or his bullets had found their awful mark.
All in all this is an awful tragedy. I do not in any way want to minimize it, nor do I want to say this was part of God's plan. Evil is never part of God's plan. However, I do want to affirm that these few incidences of the ways of the wicked being frustrated cannot simply be chocked up to coincidence or fate or chance. These incidences of frustration are the work of an almighty God who was at work that horrible night frustrating the ways of the wicked.
I invite your thoughts on this as well. What do you think? Where was God? How do we deal with the reality of evil in light of God's full sovereignty? Let's discuss.
Anytime evil is perpetrated these questions come up. Do I have complete answers? No. None of us will fully understand the problem of evil in light of the sovereignty of God. However, I do want to reflect on a scriptural truth that can hopefully offer some comfort, or at the very least frame the discussion. Again, I will offer my thoughts and invite you to offer yours.
Yesterday, the sermon text was Psalm 146. In verses 7-9 we see a description of the things God does because He remains faithful forever (see verse 6). In verse 9, the psalmist says, "The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked."
Those words might be hard for us to read following such an awful tragedy, however, they also ring true and bring unspeakable comfort and hope in the face of this menacing evil.
Did God frustrate the complete diabolical plan of this young man? Obviously not. There are 12 people dead and several others wounded to show that He did not. Nevertheless, there are also other details coming out that demonstrate the hand of God "frustrating the ways of the wicked" in the midst of the chaos of that night.
First, there was the young man who turned his head just a split second before a bullet entered his neck narrowly missing vital nerves which would have left him paralyzed.
Second, there is the man who was shot in the neck, but the bullet barely missed his carotid artery allowing his life to be spared.
Third, there is the lady in the apartment underneath the suspect's own apartment, which had been wired to explode as soon as anyone entered the door. Hearing the loud music she went up and knocked on the door asking him to please turn down the music. In her frustration she discovered the door unlocked. She was about to burst in, but at the last second "something" told her not to go in.
These are just a few evidences of the LORD frustrating the ways of the wicked. The young man who perpetrated these heinous acts had even bigger plans for the pain he wanted to inflict, however some of those plans were frustrated. There is no telling how many more people would have been killed if his apartment bombs had been detonated, or his bullets had found their awful mark.
All in all this is an awful tragedy. I do not in any way want to minimize it, nor do I want to say this was part of God's plan. Evil is never part of God's plan. However, I do want to affirm that these few incidences of the ways of the wicked being frustrated cannot simply be chocked up to coincidence or fate or chance. These incidences of frustration are the work of an almighty God who was at work that horrible night frustrating the ways of the wicked.
I invite your thoughts on this as well. What do you think? Where was God? How do we deal with the reality of evil in light of God's full sovereignty? Let's discuss.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Going Deeper for the week of July 1, 2012
According to the Bible, judgment is not our job. There is a judge and He (Jesus) will judge the world with grace and truth. But if judgment is not our job, then what is?
In James 5 we learn that we are called to patience (to wait on God) and to prayer (seek God - praise Him, thank Him, confess to Him, and ask Him for good things). In prayer we are called to offer "requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving" for everyone so that all men will come to know "the truth that there is one God and one mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus ..." (see I Timothy 2:1-6)
This is our testimony (there is one God and one mediator between God and men ...) and it is our calling to pray that more people will come to know the truth, even as we wait for Jesus to return!
In light of this, let us consider Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 2:1-16.
(Read I Corinthians 2:1-16)
Paul says he "resolved to know nothing ... except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (2:2) This was the content of his message and it was mediated by the Holy Spirit. (2:13) So what about us? What is our message, and how do we trust it is mediated?
I am learning that one of the hardest things for us to give up is control. We like to control everything: conversations, outcomes, people, and in our worst moments (if we are honest) we even like to control God. We are not comfortable with God operating outside of the boundaries we have set for Him (and we tend to justify the boundaries by saying they are boundaries God Himself has set). But if we think about it that is not the case. God is free. He is unbounded, and He operates in ways we don't always expect. So are we willing to let go of our need for control? Are we willing to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified? Are we willing to rest in that testimony and let the Spirit do the work?
These are questions with which we as the church must wrestle if we are to embrace a "missional" identity in the world in which we live. So what do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
I invite you to share your thoughts. Let's discuss as we seek to go deeper into God's word together.
In James 5 we learn that we are called to patience (to wait on God) and to prayer (seek God - praise Him, thank Him, confess to Him, and ask Him for good things). In prayer we are called to offer "requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving" for everyone so that all men will come to know "the truth that there is one God and one mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus ..." (see I Timothy 2:1-6)
This is our testimony (there is one God and one mediator between God and men ...) and it is our calling to pray that more people will come to know the truth, even as we wait for Jesus to return!
In light of this, let us consider Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 2:1-16.
(Read I Corinthians 2:1-16)
Paul says he "resolved to know nothing ... except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (2:2) This was the content of his message and it was mediated by the Holy Spirit. (2:13) So what about us? What is our message, and how do we trust it is mediated?
I am learning that one of the hardest things for us to give up is control. We like to control everything: conversations, outcomes, people, and in our worst moments (if we are honest) we even like to control God. We are not comfortable with God operating outside of the boundaries we have set for Him (and we tend to justify the boundaries by saying they are boundaries God Himself has set). But if we think about it that is not the case. God is free. He is unbounded, and He operates in ways we don't always expect. So are we willing to let go of our need for control? Are we willing to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified? Are we willing to rest in that testimony and let the Spirit do the work?
These are questions with which we as the church must wrestle if we are to embrace a "missional" identity in the world in which we live. So what do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
I invite you to share your thoughts. Let's discuss as we seek to go deeper into God's word together.
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