1 Corinthians 5
5 It is
actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a
kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his
father’s wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? 3 For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. 4 So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, 5 hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.
There was incest happening in the church and Paul told them to expel the person. Our society may cringe over Paul's use of "hand him over to Satan", but that is because our society has become so politically correct and we don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. There was a song on the radio growing up that said, "I'm going to hell in a bucket, but at least I'm enjoying the ride.". That's exactly what we tend to do. We tollerate sin because we don't want to upset people.
6 Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? 7 Get
rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you
really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
"A little yeast leavens the whole batch." If we tolerate sin in our churches then others will sin because they see there is no immediate consequence. Before one knows it, the church looks just like the world. Why would people want what we have if the only difference in our lives is that we lose sleep on Sunday while they sleep in?
9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.
12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”
Notice that we are only to remove ourselves from the sexually immoral the claim to be brothers. And we ARE to judge our brothers actions based on scripture. Matthew 7:3-5 Matthew 18:15-17
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
1 Corinthians 4:14-21
1 Corinthians 4:14-21
14 I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. 15 Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.
When one leads another to Christ they become a spiritual parent. Notice that Paul urges them to imitate him. For years I did not want anyone imitating me because I was imperfect and I kept waiting to achieve perfection. I've learned that will never happen till I reach heaven. I have also learned, through the openness of leaders in my church, that perfection is not required. In fact the willingness to admit mistakes and confess them to God and to those whom you wronged is GREAT leadership.
I remember the first time I approached my daughter and told her I was wrong and asked her forgiveness. She did not turn her back on me and start refusing to listen to me as dad. In fact the exact opposite happened. She melted in my arms and our relationship deepened. What I have to say means more to her now because she knows I will admit that I make mistakes.
I encourage you to follow me as I follow Christ. I will screw up, but I will confess, repent and then keep moving toward Him.
18 Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. 20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 21 What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?
Do what is right even when you are alone. No godly teacher, leader, parent or pastor wants to catch someone doing something wrong? When Dad and Mom said, "This will hurt me more than it hurts you.", they really meant it. Also bear in mind that you are never alone. The Holy Spirit indwells us who believe and see everything we do and even know our motive behind the actions.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
14 I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. 15 Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.
When one leads another to Christ they become a spiritual parent. Notice that Paul urges them to imitate him. For years I did not want anyone imitating me because I was imperfect and I kept waiting to achieve perfection. I've learned that will never happen till I reach heaven. I have also learned, through the openness of leaders in my church, that perfection is not required. In fact the willingness to admit mistakes and confess them to God and to those whom you wronged is GREAT leadership.
I remember the first time I approached my daughter and told her I was wrong and asked her forgiveness. She did not turn her back on me and start refusing to listen to me as dad. In fact the exact opposite happened. She melted in my arms and our relationship deepened. What I have to say means more to her now because she knows I will admit that I make mistakes.
I encourage you to follow me as I follow Christ. I will screw up, but I will confess, repent and then keep moving toward Him.
18 Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. 20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 21 What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?
Do what is right even when you are alone. No godly teacher, leader, parent or pastor wants to catch someone doing something wrong? When Dad and Mom said, "This will hurt me more than it hurts you.", they really meant it. Also bear in mind that you are never alone. The Holy Spirit indwells us who believe and see everything we do and even know our motive behind the actions.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, February 4, 2013
1 Corinthians 4:8-13
1 Corinthians 4:8-13
8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you! 9 For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. 10 We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!
Sarcasm at it's best. The Corinthian church had all it's physical needs met so they assumed they had become fully sanctified and did not need to learn any more. Paul mocked them by alluding toward the millennial kingdom when we will reign with Christ. He, their teacher, had not yet arrived at their level of perfection. He continued his rebuke with comparisons so they would understand how much their pride had clouded their thoughts and actions.
11 To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment.
The apostles endured everything for the cause of Christ and responded only as Christ would have them respond.
So the questions I ask myself and you that are reading this: Are we puffed up and prideful? Are we willing to suffer anything for the cause of Christ?
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you! 9 For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. 10 We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!
Sarcasm at it's best. The Corinthian church had all it's physical needs met so they assumed they had become fully sanctified and did not need to learn any more. Paul mocked them by alluding toward the millennial kingdom when we will reign with Christ. He, their teacher, had not yet arrived at their level of perfection. He continued his rebuke with comparisons so they would understand how much their pride had clouded their thoughts and actions.
11 To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment.
The apostles endured everything for the cause of Christ and responded only as Christ would have them respond.
So the questions I ask myself and you that are reading this: Are we puffed up and prideful? Are we willing to suffer anything for the cause of Christ?
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, February 1, 2013
1 Corinthians 4:1-7
1 Corinthians 4:1-7
This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.
I see the word servant and I think of what a servant would have meant to Paul and the readers of his time. I servant was owned. They had no rights. They did only the will of their master. I call myself a servant of Christ. Am I?
2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
Am I being faithful with what God has given me? Is my conscience clear and I am ready to stand before God and be judged? These are the questions running through my mind as I read this.
6 Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.
The Bible is the final authority, not what you or I or our leaders and teachers say. I'm not saying argue everything thing and don't listen to anybody. I am saying know the word. Have the Bible open when leaders are teaching. If you disagree, discuss it in love. I have a friend Rayford and he and I constantly disagree on the interpretation of certain areas of scripture. We have so much fun lovingly debating and when we are done we know two things. We love the Lord and we love each other.
7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
I like the perspective of this verse. We were all born naked and broke. In the physical realm all was provided by our parents. In the spiritual realm all was provided by our heavenly father. Everything we own as adults we had to pay for. There is nothing in this world that we do not get elsewhere and the ultimate source is God.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.
I see the word servant and I think of what a servant would have meant to Paul and the readers of his time. I servant was owned. They had no rights. They did only the will of their master. I call myself a servant of Christ. Am I?
2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
Am I being faithful with what God has given me? Is my conscience clear and I am ready to stand before God and be judged? These are the questions running through my mind as I read this.
6 Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.
The Bible is the final authority, not what you or I or our leaders and teachers say. I'm not saying argue everything thing and don't listen to anybody. I am saying know the word. Have the Bible open when leaders are teaching. If you disagree, discuss it in love. I have a friend Rayford and he and I constantly disagree on the interpretation of certain areas of scripture. We have so much fun lovingly debating and when we are done we know two things. We love the Lord and we love each other.
7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
I like the perspective of this verse. We were all born naked and broke. In the physical realm all was provided by our parents. In the spiritual realm all was provided by our heavenly father. Everything we own as adults we had to pay for. There is nothing in this world that we do not get elsewhere and the ultimate source is God.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
1 Corinthians 3:18-23
1 Corinthians 3:18-23
18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; 20 and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”
Our wisdom is nothing when confronted with God's wisdom. Even when God's way does not make sense to us, it is because we have no clue of the big picture. So in layman's terms, get over yourself and realize God's way is the best way.
21 So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23 and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
We, as Christians, have everything we need and it ALL comes from God, through Christ. It's not about your teacher or you background. It's about Him.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; 20 and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”
Our wisdom is nothing when confronted with God's wisdom. Even when God's way does not make sense to us, it is because we have no clue of the big picture. So in layman's terms, get over yourself and realize God's way is the best way.
21 So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23 and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
We, as Christians, have everything we need and it ALL comes from God, through Christ. It's not about your teacher or you background. It's about Him.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
1 Corinthians 3:10-17
1 Corinthians 3:10-17
10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
As a Christian, our foundation is Jesus Christ. His life, word and commands are to be the way we live. These are the gold, silver and costly stones. When we chose our own way and do what we want, even if it means disobedience, we build with wood, hay and straw.
A judgement is coming by God for us. It will not be one that decides heaven or hell, because Christ paid the penalty for our sin. This will will be for reward. Gold and silver are purified with fire and precious stones are not effected by it at all. Wood, hay and straw are consumed by fire and the life we lived will have been for nothing. Oh we will still be saved, but to enter heaven empty handed is not our goal. Matthew 6:19-20 Matthew 13:52
16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
When we accepted Christ's payment for our sin the Holy Spirit came to live within us. How often I forget that he indwells me. What do I force the Holy Spirit to watch? Do I exercise? Watch what I eat? I'm not sure exactly what it means by "God will destroy that person", but the thought comes to mind of how many people each year die because people abuse their bodies. Take care of you self and treat you body like the sacred temple it is.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
As a Christian, our foundation is Jesus Christ. His life, word and commands are to be the way we live. These are the gold, silver and costly stones. When we chose our own way and do what we want, even if it means disobedience, we build with wood, hay and straw.
A judgement is coming by God for us. It will not be one that decides heaven or hell, because Christ paid the penalty for our sin. This will will be for reward. Gold and silver are purified with fire and precious stones are not effected by it at all. Wood, hay and straw are consumed by fire and the life we lived will have been for nothing. Oh we will still be saved, but to enter heaven empty handed is not our goal. Matthew 6:19-20 Matthew 13:52
16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
When we accepted Christ's payment for our sin the Holy Spirit came to live within us. How often I forget that he indwells me. What do I force the Holy Spirit to watch? Do I exercise? Watch what I eat? I'm not sure exactly what it means by "God will destroy that person", but the thought comes to mind of how many people each year die because people abuse their bodies. Take care of you self and treat you body like the sacred temple it is.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly.
Are we growing? Are we more like Christ this year than last?
I'll read passages like this and get discouraged because there are areas in my life that have not budged in 25 years. But then I remember were God is working in my life. Sanctification is a life-long process. It will not be done until we reach heaven. Take courage in that, but don't quit surrendering each area of you life to God as the Holy Spirit brings it to mind.
For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?
5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
Don't argue about your teacher. He or she is just a servant of God. I am just a servant of God. Should what I say contradict what you know to be true, call me on it. Let's discuss. I do not in anyway want to convey that I know everything. I am merely a man who was so moved by God one day in Bible study that I HAD to share. I you are moved, blessed or convicted by these studies then praise God for it is nothing that I have done. Look to Him.
What is most important is that God is honored and that you grow in him.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly.
Are we growing? Are we more like Christ this year than last?
I'll read passages like this and get discouraged because there are areas in my life that have not budged in 25 years. But then I remember were God is working in my life. Sanctification is a life-long process. It will not be done until we reach heaven. Take courage in that, but don't quit surrendering each area of you life to God as the Holy Spirit brings it to mind.
For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?
5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
Don't argue about your teacher. He or she is just a servant of God. I am just a servant of God. Should what I say contradict what you know to be true, call me on it. Let's discuss. I do not in anyway want to convey that I know everything. I am merely a man who was so moved by God one day in Bible study that I HAD to share. I you are moved, blessed or convicted by these studies then praise God for it is nothing that I have done. Look to Him.
What is most important is that God is honored and that you grow in him.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
1 Corinthians 2:6-16
1 Corinthians 2:6-16
6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written:
God's plan of salvation was not revealed until he was ready to reveal it. Christ's death was not a mistake, but part of God's plan. He has a plan for those who love him too.
11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
The Holy Spirit know God better than anyone. That is why He can help us understand salvation and our sanctification (becoming like Jesus) as we study God's word.
13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment:
But we have the mind of Christ.
I share in my bio that I only teach that which I am sure of. When I don't know, I don't know and I don't grasp at answers. If these scriptures make no sense to you pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal the answers to you.
This song is going through my head so I will close with it.
6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written:
“No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him”—
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him”—
10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.God's plan of salvation was not revealed until he was ready to reveal it. Christ's death was not a mistake, but part of God's plan. He has a plan for those who love him too.
11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
The Holy Spirit know God better than anyone. That is why He can help us understand salvation and our sanctification (becoming like Jesus) as we study God's word.
13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment:
16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord
that he may instruct him?”
that he may instruct him?”
I share in my bio that I only teach that which I am sure of. When I don't know, I don't know and I don't grasp at answers. If these scriptures make no sense to you pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal the answers to you.
This song is going through my head so I will close with it.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
Paul stood by when Steven was murdered and approved. Paul persecuted the church with great conviction. And yet with historical eyes we look back at all Paul accomplished for God and we are amazed.
Are you poor in speech? Weak? Afraid? You are the perfect person that God wants to work with. He's not in need of an eloquent know-it-all those people are a dime a dozen. The Holy spirit can work through the most broken person for God's glory. In that way all will see Christ and not this great speaker/teacher.
Will you become like Paul? Not likely. God had a mission for Paul and his mission is not yours. However, God does have a mission for you and if you surrender to Him with all your heart it will be an incredible ride. Will people look back on your life and be amazed? Maybe, but that is not our goal. Our goal is to bring glory to God by sharing Christ's gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit. No matter where you start in life, you can finish well.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
Paul stood by when Steven was murdered and approved. Paul persecuted the church with great conviction. And yet with historical eyes we look back at all Paul accomplished for God and we are amazed.
Are you poor in speech? Weak? Afraid? You are the perfect person that God wants to work with. He's not in need of an eloquent know-it-all those people are a dime a dozen. The Holy spirit can work through the most broken person for God's glory. In that way all will see Christ and not this great speaker/teacher.
Will you become like Paul? Not likely. God had a mission for Paul and his mission is not yours. However, God does have a mission for you and if you surrender to Him with all your heart it will be an incredible ride. Will people look back on your life and be amazed? Maybe, but that is not our goal. Our goal is to bring glory to God by sharing Christ's gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit. No matter where you start in life, you can finish well.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, January 18, 2013
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.
The Jews were under Roman occupation. They thought the Messiah was going to be a Military leader and set them free. When Jesus was crucified, they dismissed Him and clung to their view of the Messiah.
26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
I so needed these verses. I keep screwing up and use those screw ups as reason to not serve God. God chose me because I am a screw up. He wanted the opportunity to show the world what he could do with a guy like me. I know how bad I am, but I know how much worse I was before I began this journey of sanctification. I've by no means arrived, but I will move forward with Him.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
In my walk with the Lord, I have had my days when I really think about the gospel. Virgin birth, perfect life, had all the power in the universe and allowed his creation to put him to death and then rose on the third day.
- On a human level birth takes egg and sperm, if you're missing either one, you don't get a baby.
- No one can be perfect in everything they do, especially thought life.
- I know if I have the power to stop someone from hurting me, I'm going to stop it.
- Dead is dead. People don't come back.
The Jews were under Roman occupation. They thought the Messiah was going to be a Military leader and set them free. When Jesus was crucified, they dismissed Him and clung to their view of the Messiah.
26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
I so needed these verses. I keep screwing up and use those screw ups as reason to not serve God. God chose me because I am a screw up. He wanted the opportunity to show the world what he could do with a guy like me. I know how bad I am, but I know how much worse I was before I began this journey of sanctification. I've by no means arrived, but I will move forward with Him.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
Does this mean that we NEVER disagree? No. The context of these quarrels was pride of who their teacher was, like Harvard vs Princeton. Their educator became more important than the gospel and the cause of Christ was lost in the debate. It's not who your teacher is because ultimately your teacher is merely a servant of God. It's the message that is important.
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? 14 I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Paul was aware of his place within the church and his calling. He was an evangelist and he did his job to the glory of God and Jesus Christ. He did not wish to be raised on a pedestal and glorified. Which brings to mind the question of why do we serve in church? Is it for God's glory or our own?
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
Does this mean that we NEVER disagree? No. The context of these quarrels was pride of who their teacher was, like Harvard vs Princeton. Their educator became more important than the gospel and the cause of Christ was lost in the debate. It's not who your teacher is because ultimately your teacher is merely a servant of God. It's the message that is important.
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? 14 I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Paul was aware of his place within the church and his calling. He was an evangelist and he did his job to the glory of God and Jesus Christ. He did not wish to be raised on a pedestal and glorified. Which brings to mind the question of why do we serve in church? Is it for God's glory or our own?
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The author is Paul and I am one of it's intended recipients. No, Paul was not all knowing and did not have me personally in mind, but I am "sanctified in Christ Jesus". If you have accepted Christ, then this letter is for you as well.
"Grace and peace from God our Father", I need that today. All Christians everywhere need that every day.
4 I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
Take time to notice what God has done in the lives of others and thank God for the grace he has granted them to grow in Him.
5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge— 6 because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.
As a child of God do we believe this and live "enriched in every way"? When people hear us speak is it a confirmation of our love and life for Christ or our we too busy talking about TV, sports, movies and politics that we forget that GOD is our only mission here on earth? I must confess I too often forget who I am in Christ.
7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
Do you know what your spiritual gift is? Are you using it? Are we eager for Christ to be revealed? Take a serious look at your plans for today. Where is Christ revealed in what you have planed? What if he shows up today? Are you ready? I'm not.
8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
God is faithful, and we must rely on Him. He will keep us strong so that we will be blameless. It is not anything that we do.
I will close with Paul's words. "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The author is Paul and I am one of it's intended recipients. No, Paul was not all knowing and did not have me personally in mind, but I am "sanctified in Christ Jesus". If you have accepted Christ, then this letter is for you as well.
"Grace and peace from God our Father", I need that today. All Christians everywhere need that every day.
4 I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
Take time to notice what God has done in the lives of others and thank God for the grace he has granted them to grow in Him.
5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge— 6 because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.
As a child of God do we believe this and live "enriched in every way"? When people hear us speak is it a confirmation of our love and life for Christ or our we too busy talking about TV, sports, movies and politics that we forget that GOD is our only mission here on earth? I must confess I too often forget who I am in Christ.
7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
Do you know what your spiritual gift is? Are you using it? Are we eager for Christ to be revealed? Take a serious look at your plans for today. Where is Christ revealed in what you have planed? What if he shows up today? Are you ready? I'm not.
8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
God is faithful, and we must rely on Him. He will keep us strong so that we will be blameless. It is not anything that we do.
I will close with Paul's words. "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Monday, January 14, 2013
James 5:13-20
James 5:13-20
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.
Reliance and God and recognizing Him in all aspects of our lives.
15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
My sister died of breast cancer and we prayed for her healing. Does that make these verses a lie? NO! Re-reading 15 and 16 together makes me think this is a sickness brought on by sin. David in Psalm 51:8 talks of his bones being crushed and only after the sin came out that he began to heal.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
A righteous person is pursuing God. They walk with God and listen to Him. A righteous person prays within the will of God. Therefore, God answers the prayers of the righteous. Our prayers are not answered because we too often pray for our own selfish gain. (James 4:3)
19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
It's not that we give them forgiveness, it's that our faithfulness in bringing them back to the faith prevents them from future sins.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.
Reliance and God and recognizing Him in all aspects of our lives.
15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
My sister died of breast cancer and we prayed for her healing. Does that make these verses a lie? NO! Re-reading 15 and 16 together makes me think this is a sickness brought on by sin. David in Psalm 51:8 talks of his bones being crushed and only after the sin came out that he began to heal.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
A righteous person is pursuing God. They walk with God and listen to Him. A righteous person prays within the will of God. Therefore, God answers the prayers of the righteous. Our prayers are not answered because we too often pray for our own selfish gain. (James 4:3)
19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
It's not that we give them forgiveness, it's that our faithfulness in bringing them back to the faith prevents them from future sins.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Friday, January 11, 2013
James 5:7-12
James 5:7-12
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
At 41 I am old enough to remember life before microwaves, cell phones and a computer in every home. We live in a world of INSTANT gratification and information. We want it NOW. I've often said, "If God would just download his calendar to my iPod, I'd be all set.". That because I don't want to wait.
Waiting involves trust. It involves believing that God's plan is truly the best plan. When we don't wait on God, we demonstrate our lack of faith and trust in God.
9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Grumbling against a brother or sister puts us in the place of God. We don't know what God's plan is for us, never mind other people. By grumbling we think we know what is best for others. God is the Judge and you will answer to him.
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Be patient when you are suffering. God has a plan and will bless you or others through it. You may never know why you are suffering till you reach heaven and God reveals it to you.
12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
Oaths are dangerous because you become bound by them. Just a simple yes or no and follow through on you word. If you say yes and life gets in the way be honest and upfront. Integrity, once lost, is hard to regain. A bad reputation will hurt your testimony for Christ.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
At 41 I am old enough to remember life before microwaves, cell phones and a computer in every home. We live in a world of INSTANT gratification and information. We want it NOW. I've often said, "If God would just download his calendar to my iPod, I'd be all set.". That because I don't want to wait.
Waiting involves trust. It involves believing that God's plan is truly the best plan. When we don't wait on God, we demonstrate our lack of faith and trust in God.
9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Grumbling against a brother or sister puts us in the place of God. We don't know what God's plan is for us, never mind other people. By grumbling we think we know what is best for others. God is the Judge and you will answer to him.
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Be patient when you are suffering. God has a plan and will bless you or others through it. You may never know why you are suffering till you reach heaven and God reveals it to you.
12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
Oaths are dangerous because you become bound by them. Just a simple yes or no and follow through on you word. If you say yes and life gets in the way be honest and upfront. Integrity, once lost, is hard to regain. A bad reputation will hurt your testimony for Christ.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
James 5:1-6
Before we get into today's lesson I want to share this song. Yesterday was not a good day. I did not walk closely with the Lord. Upon hitting the pillow last night I had a time of prayer. I woke to this song on my head. God is faithful even when I am not.
James 5:1-6
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.
Let's begin by making it clear that there is no sin in being rich. The question lies in where you put your trust. If you put all your trust in you money than you will be sorry. Already here in the US and around the globe, money is losing value and people are going broke. Trust in God, not in wealth.
4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.
Do you owe someone money for services and you did not pay? Have you worked and not been payed? God knows. If you owe, pay. If you are owed, trust in God. He knows your needs and he loves you.
5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
I love my country, however the US and its allies are involved in a shooting war in many different countries. Now I am not against war. There are times when they are necessary and I realize that innocent people die in war. My issue and conviction is that people are dying all over the world, our military and government are involved, and to be honest I care more about my next meal and my next movie. Not sure what I'm going to do about it, but it is the first thing that came to mind when I read these verses.
Not exactly an uplifting study today. Sometimes we need to be shaken.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
James 5:1-6
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.
Let's begin by making it clear that there is no sin in being rich. The question lies in where you put your trust. If you put all your trust in you money than you will be sorry. Already here in the US and around the globe, money is losing value and people are going broke. Trust in God, not in wealth.
4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.
Do you owe someone money for services and you did not pay? Have you worked and not been payed? God knows. If you owe, pay. If you are owed, trust in God. He knows your needs and he loves you.
5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
I love my country, however the US and its allies are involved in a shooting war in many different countries. Now I am not against war. There are times when they are necessary and I realize that innocent people die in war. My issue and conviction is that people are dying all over the world, our military and government are involved, and to be honest I care more about my next meal and my next movie. Not sure what I'm going to do about it, but it is the first thing that came to mind when I read these verses.
Not exactly an uplifting study today. Sometimes we need to be shaken.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Monday, January 7, 2013
James 4:13-17
James 4:13-17
13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.
This NOT saying we don't make plans. All to often Christians say, "God, this is my plan. Rubber stamp it and make it happen.". We must seek His will and see if our plans fit. If they don't we need to get with God's plan.
17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
Have you ever felt like the Lord was prodding you about something and you did not obey? Perhaps your reasoning is that other people are doing (____) and their Christian walk seems fine. Or the fact that other Christians are not doing (_____) and their Christian walks seems fine. Or perhaps it comes down to a choice and the better one is not the one you wish to do.
These are the practical day to day decisions the we as Christians must make. This is how we grow. If we come to a point and know what is right and we don't do it, we sin.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.
This NOT saying we don't make plans. All to often Christians say, "God, this is my plan. Rubber stamp it and make it happen.". We must seek His will and see if our plans fit. If they don't we need to get with God's plan.
17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
Have you ever felt like the Lord was prodding you about something and you did not obey? Perhaps your reasoning is that other people are doing (____) and their Christian walk seems fine. Or the fact that other Christians are not doing (_____) and their Christian walks seems fine. Or perhaps it comes down to a choice and the better one is not the one you wish to do.
These are the practical day to day decisions the we as Christians must make. This is how we grow. If we come to a point and know what is right and we don't do it, we sin.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
James 4:1-12
James 4:1-12
4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?
Do you really want to be an enemy of God?
The Holy Spirit lives within each one of us who has accepted Christs payment for our sins. When we choose to sin, He is forced to witness what we do. This is the Spirit of God. He wishes for communion with God the Holy Spirit, yet we are forcing the Holy Spirit to witness filth.
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
Some people will take these verses and accuse anyone who approaches them about sin in their life as judging them. Not so. Matthew 18 is very clear on how we approach a brother or sister who is acting in a fashion contrary to scripture. Mathew 7 warns us make sure we are not guilty of the sin we are about to approach our brother or sister about.
I believe this paragraph refers to those Christians who decide that a person is not saved. Or they decide the person is beyond hope. These Christians act like they are God and condemn the other. We are NOT God. We were sinners. God chose us with all our faults and filth and gave us grace. We need to extend that grace to others. I smile at how appropriate the verses I close each days lesson with are today.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.
Christmas time. People are showing off their gifts. Have you ever seen what someone received, that you did not receive, and said, "I hate you." I do realize that phrase has become part of American culture, but be careful. 1 John 3:15 says if you hate your brother you are guilty of murder. For most of us, that is the principle on which James is speaking. You want something in your heart and you hate those that have it. You do want ever you can to get it including racking up debt. How many fights in a marriage start with money?
You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Let's face it folks. Our greed list grows very fast here in America. Please understand I love my country, but we have turned our backs on God and turned to "stuff". We stopped asking God because we know he is a good parent and will say "no".
Do you really want to be an enemy of God?
The Holy Spirit lives within each one of us who has accepted Christs payment for our sins. When we choose to sin, He is forced to witness what we do. This is the Spirit of God. He wishes for communion with God the Holy Spirit, yet we are forcing the Holy Spirit to witness filth.
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
but shows favor to the humble.”
Grace. Praise God for grace.
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
When I stared listening to a Bible program that will help me through the Bible, I began to relax. The Word was like salve to me. God came near as these verses promise.
Some people will take these verses and accuse anyone who approaches them about sin in their life as judging them. Not so. Matthew 18 is very clear on how we approach a brother or sister who is acting in a fashion contrary to scripture. Mathew 7 warns us make sure we are not guilty of the sin we are about to approach our brother or sister about.
I believe this paragraph refers to those Christians who decide that a person is not saved. Or they decide the person is beyond hope. These Christians act like they are God and condemn the other. We are NOT God. We were sinners. God chose us with all our faults and filth and gave us grace. We need to extend that grace to others. I smile at how appropriate the verses I close each days lesson with are today.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
James 3:13-18
James 3:13-18
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
If God told you to do something that needs to be done do it...and shut up about it. Don't brag about how great you and you accomplishments are.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Peacekeeping is easy. It's done at the end of a gun. The UN has been sending armed men into harms way to prevent people from killing each other. The problem is once the armed men leave the war starts all over because the heart problem was never resolved.
Peacemaking is from God. Each party thinks of the welfare of the other.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
If God told you to do something that needs to be done do it...and shut up about it. Don't brag about how great you and you accomplishments are.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Peacekeeping is easy. It's done at the end of a gun. The UN has been sending armed men into harms way to prevent people from killing each other. The problem is once the armed men leave the war starts all over because the heart problem was never resolved.
Peacemaking is from God. Each party thinks of the welfare of the other.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
James 3:1-12
Happy New year everybody. I took an unplanned break from the blog. Figure it's the first day of the year, let's start it with the Lord. Had to smile at the providence of God in the topic of today's passage. It was conviction of a recent conversation that got me to thinking I really need to start doing my Bible study again.
James 3:1-12
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
I've said it before. I do this blog with great respect for the Word of God knowing that all I say I will give an answer for. This is the reason I am not afraid to say, "I don't know.".
2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
The entire body, I'll go so far as to say ones entire life is easier to maintain than the tongue.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
So how do we tame it? Galatians 5:16-17 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. It really is that simple. Every day recognize the you are a child of God. Study His word and obey it. You will not be perfect at first and the change will be gradual, but one day you will look back and realize how much of the filth that comes out of our mouths has changed.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
James 3:1-12
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
I've said it before. I do this blog with great respect for the Word of God knowing that all I say I will give an answer for. This is the reason I am not afraid to say, "I don't know.".
2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
The entire body, I'll go so far as to say ones entire life is easier to maintain than the tongue.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
So how do we tame it? Galatians 5:16-17 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. It really is that simple. Every day recognize the you are a child of God. Study His word and obey it. You will not be perfect at first and the change will be gradual, but one day you will look back and realize how much of the filth that comes out of our mouths has changed.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Friday, December 21, 2012
James 2:14-26
James 2:14-26
There is no real breaking point for me to make commentary, so follow the link and read today's passage. When you are done come back and read my commentary.
Someone claims to be a Doctor, Policeman, Fireman, mechanic, clerk, plummer, electrician or any other occupation we expect proof in their lives. Yet people go forward in a church service one day and pray a prayer and then go home and there is no change in their lives, but they're "saved" because of that experience so long ago. These verses say that person is wrong and their faith was never real.
James is not teaching a works salvation here. Remember Wednesday when I pointed out Isaiah 64:6 that our righteousness, or works, are as filthy rags. What James is teaching is true faith will change you. If you truly believe, your life and actions will not be the same. Verse 23 of our passage says "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness". The belief came first and that belief moved him to action.
So, where is your faith leading you? What is God asking you to do?
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
There is no real breaking point for me to make commentary, so follow the link and read today's passage. When you are done come back and read my commentary.
Someone claims to be a Doctor, Policeman, Fireman, mechanic, clerk, plummer, electrician or any other occupation we expect proof in their lives. Yet people go forward in a church service one day and pray a prayer and then go home and there is no change in their lives, but they're "saved" because of that experience so long ago. These verses say that person is wrong and their faith was never real.
James is not teaching a works salvation here. Remember Wednesday when I pointed out Isaiah 64:6 that our righteousness, or works, are as filthy rags. What James is teaching is true faith will change you. If you truly believe, your life and actions will not be the same. Verse 23 of our passage says "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness". The belief came first and that belief moved him to action.
So, where is your faith leading you? What is God asking you to do?
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
James 2:1-12
James 2:1-13
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
The first thing that comes to mind is the Mafia. They wear suits that cost as much as some cars, yet their hearts are full of murder and crime. Man looks at what a man is wearing. God looks at the heart of the man. 1 Samuel 16:7
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
The last two years financially have been the poorest of my life. Yet God has used his church to bless me in ways I cannot count and spiritually I've been the richest in my life because I've fallen into His word.
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
We are no longer under Old Testament law. However Jesus summed up the law in Matthew 22:37-40. 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” If a person truly loves God and his neighbor as Jesus says we won't have a problem. Again, we are no longer under compulsion to follow the "law" and therefore can not "break" it. However we can break God's heart. Which do you think is worse?
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Mercy folks. It is lacking in our society. I'm trying to teach it to my kids. We do not need to respond with anything other than mercy. If you think it's hard you have the wrong focus. Focus on God and his mercy. Focus on Christ and the grace he lavished upon us. Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Still finding it hard to forgive and give mercy to others? Read it again. If you still find it hard remember that God will forgive you only to the level that you forgive others. The Lord's prayer says "for give us our trespasses and we forgive others who trespass against us."
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
The first thing that comes to mind is the Mafia. They wear suits that cost as much as some cars, yet their hearts are full of murder and crime. Man looks at what a man is wearing. God looks at the heart of the man. 1 Samuel 16:7
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
The last two years financially have been the poorest of my life. Yet God has used his church to bless me in ways I cannot count and spiritually I've been the richest in my life because I've fallen into His word.
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
We are no longer under Old Testament law. However Jesus summed up the law in Matthew 22:37-40. 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” If a person truly loves God and his neighbor as Jesus says we won't have a problem. Again, we are no longer under compulsion to follow the "law" and therefore can not "break" it. However we can break God's heart. Which do you think is worse?
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Mercy folks. It is lacking in our society. I'm trying to teach it to my kids. We do not need to respond with anything other than mercy. If you think it's hard you have the wrong focus. Focus on God and his mercy. Focus on Christ and the grace he lavished upon us. Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Still finding it hard to forgive and give mercy to others? Read it again. If you still find it hard remember that God will forgive you only to the level that you forgive others. The Lord's prayer says "for give us our trespasses and we forgive others who trespass against us."
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
James 1:19-27
James 1:19-27
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Slow to anger. The Holy Spirit has done and incredible work in me, but I'm not "there" yet. When getting angry don't ask, "Do I have the RIGHT to be angry?". Ask yourself, "Do I have the DUTY to be angry?".
If one is angry about their rights being violated by some perceived offense, this is human anger and does not produce righteousness. It stems from pride. If one sees a situation that violates God's standards, then we have the duty to be angry about it. Be careful how you act on that anger. Eph 4:26 warns us not to sin while angry.
One may ask what verse 21 has to do with anger. Immorality and anger go hand in hand. I learned the fruit of the spirit at a young age, but the deeds of the flesh build on each other. Galatians 5:19-25 speaks of both but I only want to show the link between filth and anger. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. It is my conviction that they build on one another. If there is filth in your life, get rid of it.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
The doing. That is the major issue with all of us. Slowly, as the Word of God works through my life I am changing. I find that I apply more and more of what I read. God's word really is freedom. It's our liberty and right to do what ever we want that are the chains.
Also note that scripture is a mirror. When we look in a mirror we see our own face and not that of a parent or sibling or Christian friend. Therefore be VERY careful when you read a passage and think how (fill in the person's name) needs to read and apply it. Make sure you apply Matthew 7:3-5 before approaching them.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
How is your speech? Do you take care of widows and orphans? These are all great things to do in the name of God and for God's glory. Matthew 25:31-46
Have you kept yourself pure? Good, but keep in mind it will not save you. Isaiah 64:6 Only faith in Christ can do that. John 3:16
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Slow to anger. The Holy Spirit has done and incredible work in me, but I'm not "there" yet. When getting angry don't ask, "Do I have the RIGHT to be angry?". Ask yourself, "Do I have the DUTY to be angry?".
If one is angry about their rights being violated by some perceived offense, this is human anger and does not produce righteousness. It stems from pride. If one sees a situation that violates God's standards, then we have the duty to be angry about it. Be careful how you act on that anger. Eph 4:26 warns us not to sin while angry.
One may ask what verse 21 has to do with anger. Immorality and anger go hand in hand. I learned the fruit of the spirit at a young age, but the deeds of the flesh build on each other. Galatians 5:19-25 speaks of both but I only want to show the link between filth and anger. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. It is my conviction that they build on one another. If there is filth in your life, get rid of it.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
The doing. That is the major issue with all of us. Slowly, as the Word of God works through my life I am changing. I find that I apply more and more of what I read. God's word really is freedom. It's our liberty and right to do what ever we want that are the chains.
Also note that scripture is a mirror. When we look in a mirror we see our own face and not that of a parent or sibling or Christian friend. Therefore be VERY careful when you read a passage and think how (fill in the person's name) needs to read and apply it. Make sure you apply Matthew 7:3-5 before approaching them.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
How is your speech? Do you take care of widows and orphans? These are all great things to do in the name of God and for God's glory. Matthew 25:31-46
Have you kept yourself pure? Good, but keep in mind it will not save you. Isaiah 64:6 Only faith in Christ can do that. John 3:16
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
James 1:9-18
James 1:9-18
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
It's not wrong to be rich. But if you are counting on your riches and not on Christ, your riches will fail you.
I think of hurricane Sandy that just wrecked lower Manhattan. Though these people are poor by American standards they're rich by worldly standards. Of what benefit were their nice homes when the power went out? When my church was sending relief we were told not to send money because there was nothing on the shelf to buy. Money and riches failed.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
My last two years have been a great trial. God has carried me every step of the way.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
God does not tempt people to sin. He may bring trials and he may allow us to be tempted, but he does not send the temptation to us.
Ever here the phrase "The devil made me do it."? Well if we can't blame God, then it's got to be Satan. Wrong! Most all of our sin is just plain old us. We choose it.
I also want to point out the devil is ONE being and he is NOT omniscient. He cannot be everywhere at once. There are billions of people on the Earth and one devil. Unless you are Super Christian who is on the front lines being used of God to bring thousands to Christ, I don't think the devil himself is going to bother with you.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Have you ever loved someone who changed? Our father does not change. He does not give us gifts and then change his mind. All the good gift he has given us are by his choice. I am getting chills when I contemplate the fact that God chose me. My eyes are wet thinking about it.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
It's not wrong to be rich. But if you are counting on your riches and not on Christ, your riches will fail you.
I think of hurricane Sandy that just wrecked lower Manhattan. Though these people are poor by American standards they're rich by worldly standards. Of what benefit were their nice homes when the power went out? When my church was sending relief we were told not to send money because there was nothing on the shelf to buy. Money and riches failed.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
My last two years have been a great trial. God has carried me every step of the way.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
God does not tempt people to sin. He may bring trials and he may allow us to be tempted, but he does not send the temptation to us.
Ever here the phrase "The devil made me do it."? Well if we can't blame God, then it's got to be Satan. Wrong! Most all of our sin is just plain old us. We choose it.
I also want to point out the devil is ONE being and he is NOT omniscient. He cannot be everywhere at once. There are billions of people on the Earth and one devil. Unless you are Super Christian who is on the front lines being used of God to bring thousands to Christ, I don't think the devil himself is going to bother with you.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Have you ever loved someone who changed? Our father does not change. He does not give us gifts and then change his mind. All the good gift he has given us are by his choice. I am getting chills when I contemplate the fact that God chose me. My eyes are wet thinking about it.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Monday, December 17, 2012
James 1:1-8
James 1:1-8
Joy? For real? Recently my testing has not brought much joy. However the past year has brought so much change in my life that I understand why there should be joy in my life when tested. Compare it to going to the gym. No pain. No gain. Faith, like a muscle, must be exercised to grow.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
It's the not doubting that I struggle most with. Not that I think he can't help, but I doubt that he will. Which according to this verse is exactly why he does not act. When we turn to God we need to believe that he can and will act and that he has our best interest at heart.
My the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.Joy? For real? Recently my testing has not brought much joy. However the past year has brought so much change in my life that I understand why there should be joy in my life when tested. Compare it to going to the gym. No pain. No gain. Faith, like a muscle, must be exercised to grow.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
It's the not doubting that I struggle most with. Not that I think he can't help, but I doubt that he will. Which according to this verse is exactly why he does not act. When we turn to God we need to believe that he can and will act and that he has our best interest at heart.
My the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen
Friday, December 14, 2012
Hebrews 13:11-25
Hebrews 13:11-25
11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Jesus' blood purifies us and we look forward to heaven. Praise is a sacrifice. We admit our position and we give back to God what he gave to us.
17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
I really hope this is referring to spiritual leaders. I have very little confidence in the leaders of this country. When we submit and obey to our leaders we make their burden light and we please the Lord.
18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
Another request for prayer. I don't pray for my pastor enough.
20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Peter 1:3 Tells us that we do have all we need. We just need to get to know God and his word.
24 Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.
25 Grace be with you all.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Jesus' blood purifies us and we look forward to heaven. Praise is a sacrifice. We admit our position and we give back to God what he gave to us.
17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
I really hope this is referring to spiritual leaders. I have very little confidence in the leaders of this country. When we submit and obey to our leaders we make their burden light and we please the Lord.
18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
Another request for prayer. I don't pray for my pastor enough.
20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Peter 1:3 Tells us that we do have all we need. We just need to get to know God and his word.
22 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.
23 I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.24 Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.
25 Grace be with you all.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Hebrews 13:7-10
Very brief today. Got a late start and need to log into school.
Hebrews 13:7-10
Hebrews 13:7-10
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Watch the example of you pastors and elders. See how their life turns out. No, they will not be perfect, but as they apply their faith to life you will notice them grow in Christ. Follow their example.
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Some people cannot be trusted because they change their mind. And all of us know someone who puts on masks, meaning they act one way around family and another way around friends and yet another way at work. God is the same all the time. We can approach Him with confidence because he's not going to suddenly say, "I no longer accept my son's payment for sin. Go to hell."
9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.
As Christians we celebrate the Lord's table to remember what Christ did for us on the cross. The ordinance does not save us nor does it forgive our sins. It helps us to focus and remember Christ. We are under grace now. It's not about ceremony and doing. It's about Christ who is better than the old way of following the law.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
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