Peter: Shifted as Wheat (I originally preached this sermon in August 2003)
Luke 22:31-32
We are going to look at the example of Peter this morning and see how God desires to mold us into Christlikeness just as he did with Peter. He usestrials and all sorts of circumstances to do that. Not that all circumstances that happen to us will be good. I heard about a man who always said “This is good.” to everything that happened to him.It seems that he went with his king on a hunting trip. He loaded the guns and the king shot them. Evidentially, he loaded one gun wrong and when it went off it shot the king’s thumb off. Examining the situation, the friend said as usual, “This is good.” Well, the king got mad and threw his friend in jail. “No, this is not good.” About a year later, the king goes on another hunting trip to a area
where there are cannibals. The Cannibals capture him and tie his hands and feet and bound him to a stake to cook.
As they come near, they find the kings finger is shot off. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone less than whole. So, they set the king free.
As he returned home, he felt guilty about putting his friend in jail for a year. So, he goes to the jail and apologizes to his friend. He explained what happened to him. He says, “I’m very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad for me to do this.”
“No, his friend replied, “This is good.”
“What do you mean, This is good.”
“How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?”
“If I had not been in jail, I would have been with you.”
The fact is is that we all go through trials and difficulties. Jesus warned Peter that he would go through a testing period in our Scripture reference today. But, Jesus apparently believed that this process was necessary for Peter. Jesus called it a sifting like wheat.
Sifting is a two stage process I have been told. One step involves tossing the wheat in the air to allow the chaff to blow away in the wind. The second stage involves a sieve that would be used to separate what is valuable and useful from what is not profitable. In this way, the farmer cleans the wheat and prepares it for the market. He is preparing it for a purpose.
God does that with us. He allows people, circumstances, and events in our lives to take place in order to sift us. Notice what Jesus said to Peter in Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you turn back, strengthen your brother.” NIV.
The rest of the sermon is at http://www.sermoncentral.com/Sermon.asp?SermonID=60903
I hope you like it. It was one of my favorite sermons that I preached in Hull, Texas while I was pastor of First Baptist Hull, Hull, Texas
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
God's will
I was listening to a message today by Jack Graham on his radio program Powerpoint. He is talking about how God guides us. He quoted the verses in Proverbs 3:5-6 which was also a very important passage to me, particularly in college when I was trying to decide what to do. Essentially, it says that our main objective is not to figure God out, but rather to trust Him and to surrender our ways to Him.
To surrender means to me that I am yielding my own desires and will and laying them down at Jesus's feet. I am willing to move or mold or change my plans to His. This does call for trust because it is saying that I don't know what is best. In the end, a lot of sin is due to the fact that deep down we truly do believe we know best. Jack mentioned in his sermon times when God does not seem to be working or has us in a holding pattern. When things are not working out as fast as we think they should we may have a tendency to jump ahead of God and try to fix things ourselves.
I have a history of doing this at times. I grow impatient when I don't see things happening. I want action, sometimes even if it is simply action for its own sake, rather than waiting. Years ago, I read a book called "God's Waiting Room". I'm not sure if it is in print anymore. If it is, I think it should be required reading for every believer. Sooner or later we find ourselves there. Waiting is one of the things I hate the most. I had to sit this week in a waiting room with one of my clients for about two hours. I came back to the office and declared "Hell is a waiting room where your number is never called." I would rather be doing than waiting any day.
The fact is though, that sometimes we are not ready for what God has in store for us yet. God is attempting to mold us or grow us or build within us some quality that He wants us to have. The thing is, that waiting itself can build trust. It certainly calls for us to practice patience. Even sitting here writing that, I wish that was not true. There may be many other reasons that God may have us in a holding pattern at different times. Some of which we may never know this side of glory. But, the question is, will I trust God even when I don't see him working. Will I trust Him even when prayers are not getting answered as fast as I would like? Do I ultimately believe that God can do anything and that He hears me even when there is no easy response?
"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." Isaiah 26:4
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat coems; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in th eyear of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7
"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." Nahum 1:7
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a snake? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, though you are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?" Matthew 7:9-11
To surrender means to me that I am yielding my own desires and will and laying them down at Jesus's feet. I am willing to move or mold or change my plans to His. This does call for trust because it is saying that I don't know what is best. In the end, a lot of sin is due to the fact that deep down we truly do believe we know best. Jack mentioned in his sermon times when God does not seem to be working or has us in a holding pattern. When things are not working out as fast as we think they should we may have a tendency to jump ahead of God and try to fix things ourselves.
I have a history of doing this at times. I grow impatient when I don't see things happening. I want action, sometimes even if it is simply action for its own sake, rather than waiting. Years ago, I read a book called "God's Waiting Room". I'm not sure if it is in print anymore. If it is, I think it should be required reading for every believer. Sooner or later we find ourselves there. Waiting is one of the things I hate the most. I had to sit this week in a waiting room with one of my clients for about two hours. I came back to the office and declared "Hell is a waiting room where your number is never called." I would rather be doing than waiting any day.
"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." Isaiah 26:4
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat coems; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in th eyear of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7
"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." Nahum 1:7
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a snake? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, though you are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?" Matthew 7:9-11
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
gifts
One of the things I remember my chaplain supervisor telling us is that every person has a gift to give us. That gift can take many forms. For some, like the first pastor I worked with out of seminary, it will be to teach me what I don't want to be like. For others, it may be to show us some fault or weakness in ourselves. The gift doesn't necessarily have to be something the person wants to give us. It is a part of they're interactions with us and our journey together.
I can remember a couple who came into the trauma unit when I was a chaplain. They had been in a car accident going over 70 miles an hour when they hit an apartment building. It flipped the car and turned it completely around. The man in the car was not breathing when he came in. They had to do cpr and got his heart restarted. The teenage girl in the car had some minor scratches. She was badly scared, but otherwise unhurt. I called both of their families and asked them to come to the emergency room.
I remember the trauma team using extraordinary measures to try and save the young man's life. His internal organs were crushed. He never did regain consciously. I saw him again at 5 am. He had come out of surgery and his abdomen was completed taped up with green tape. I believe I heard that he died a few hours later that morning.
What I saw caued me to be struck by several things when I encountered this situation. One is the value of the lives of these two and how careless they were with their own lives. With everything to live for they thought they could drive that recklessly and nothing would happen. The second thing I noticed is that the staff were amazing. Everything was about saving their lives. Even when it became apparent that the internal bleeding was too extensive,they kept trying. The third thing is that the parents of the teenage girl didn't know where she had been that night. They had no idea who he even was or that he had put their daughter's life (who she called her "boyfriend") in jeopardy. That always makes me think as a parent of now a teenage girl myself.
It also made me think of someone else who rescued me from certain death, who is Christ. One of my favorite verses in Colossians is "For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved son, in who we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Col 1:13-14 It may have also seemed pointless, but it was not. The sacrifice was extremely, to the say the least.
One thing that that sacrifice says to me is that if Jesus thought you were worth the trouble of saving what does that say about how much He values you? Does that indicate to you that you are important? How then do we think or say that someone has no value. Spiritually we were dead in our transgressions and sins when Jesus died for us. Yet, God saw value in us even though we are fallen. He was able to hate the sin in us and yet love the sinner. That tells us that we are greatly loved by God and greatly valued. That's an important lesson to remember.
Questions to Consider
Do you have some difficult people in your life? What could they teach you about yourself?
Can you see that everyone has something they can teach us if we are open to it? What life lessons have others taught you?
What does your life teach others is important? What does your care or lack of care say is important to you?
What does Jesus' sacrifice say is important to God? How important is it that people are saved?
I can remember a couple who came into the trauma unit when I was a chaplain. They had been in a car accident going over 70 miles an hour when they hit an apartment building. It flipped the car and turned it completely around. The man in the car was not breathing when he came in. They had to do cpr and got his heart restarted. The teenage girl in the car had some minor scratches. She was badly scared, but otherwise unhurt. I called both of their families and asked them to come to the emergency room.
I remember the trauma team using extraordinary measures to try and save the young man's life. His internal organs were crushed. He never did regain consciously. I saw him again at 5 am. He had come out of surgery and his abdomen was completed taped up with green tape. I believe I heard that he died a few hours later that morning.
What I saw caued me to be struck by several things when I encountered this situation. One is the value of the lives of these two and how careless they were with their own lives. With everything to live for they thought they could drive that recklessly and nothing would happen. The second thing I noticed is that the staff were amazing. Everything was about saving their lives. Even when it became apparent that the internal bleeding was too extensive,they kept trying. The third thing is that the parents of the teenage girl didn't know where she had been that night. They had no idea who he even was or that he had put their daughter's life (who she called her "boyfriend") in jeopardy. That always makes me think as a parent of now a teenage girl myself.
It also made me think of someone else who rescued me from certain death, who is Christ. One of my favorite verses in Colossians is "For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved son, in who we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Col 1:13-14 It may have also seemed pointless, but it was not. The sacrifice was extremely, to the say the least.
One thing that that sacrifice says to me is that if Jesus thought you were worth the trouble of saving what does that say about how much He values you? Does that indicate to you that you are important? How then do we think or say that someone has no value. Spiritually we were dead in our transgressions and sins when Jesus died for us. Yet, God saw value in us even though we are fallen. He was able to hate the sin in us and yet love the sinner. That tells us that we are greatly loved by God and greatly valued. That's an important lesson to remember.
Questions to Consider
Do you have some difficult people in your life? What could they teach you about yourself?
Can you see that everyone has something they can teach us if we are open to it? What life lessons have others taught you?
What does your life teach others is important? What does your care or lack of care say is important to you?
What does Jesus' sacrifice say is important to God? How important is it that people are saved?
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Jesus' Return
I was looking at some posts on christianforums.com and there is a debate in some of the threads on when and how Jesus will return. Particularly if the rapture is something seperate from the second coming. In some cases, it seems different and in some ways it seems the same. Looking at one passage in Matthew 24:29-30
"But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened; and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken, and then the sign of the Son of Man wll appear in the sky,and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory."
One thing I noticed from this is that similiar to when Jesus was crucified the sun refuses to shine. Those are the only two instances that I know of where that was the case. Because this is a time of victory for the saints, but also a time of judgment for those who are lost. That may be why those who see Jesus will mourn.
Unlike what I have heard about the rapture, this event happens after the tribulation that is mentioned in this chapter in verse 15-28. Some have interpreted these verses 15-28 as already been fulfilled and having happened to Israel. To some extent that is true. The persecutions and false prophets have already been seen in abundance, from the Davidian compound in Waco to other nuts who claim to be Jesus or a prophet.
Also unlike what I have heard about the rapture, this is a visible appearance. There is no simple disappearance of the saints who are present. There are some present because verse 31 says that God will gather the elect from one end of the sky to the other. The lost will see him clearly and realize they made a mistake. The saved will see God and rejoice. He will end the tribulation upon his return.
Even though this will be a visible return, it will also be a sudden return. "For just as the lightning comes from the east, and flashes even to the west, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be." Matthew 24:27. Which means there will be no time to get ready, but his return will be instanteous. This will happen Jesus says when "For this reason the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." Matthew 24:44. In other places it suggests that the return of Jesus will be something that most people scoff at in the end times as a myth or folklore. This is true in many circles today.
It goes back to the fact that you need more than intelligence to understand the Bible. You need the Holy Spirit as your teacher. The natural person doesn't understand scripture. In 1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." So, the world is not always going to applaud when believers open their mouths. In fact, we should be concerned if that is the case. The gospel is salt and light in the world. It is light in the sense that it says to those who think they are good enough, "Your deeds are like filthy rags." It says to the world that you are evil and need to repent. In a world that says that God is only love and never demands holiness this sounds too harsh to be believed. God is love, but God is also holy.
"But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened; and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken, and then the sign of the Son of Man wll appear in the sky,and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory."
One thing I noticed from this is that similiar to when Jesus was crucified the sun refuses to shine. Those are the only two instances that I know of where that was the case. Because this is a time of victory for the saints, but also a time of judgment for those who are lost. That may be why those who see Jesus will mourn.
Unlike what I have heard about the rapture, this event happens after the tribulation that is mentioned in this chapter in verse 15-28. Some have interpreted these verses 15-28 as already been fulfilled and having happened to Israel. To some extent that is true. The persecutions and false prophets have already been seen in abundance, from the Davidian compound in Waco to other nuts who claim to be Jesus or a prophet.
Also unlike what I have heard about the rapture, this is a visible appearance. There is no simple disappearance of the saints who are present. There are some present because verse 31 says that God will gather the elect from one end of the sky to the other. The lost will see him clearly and realize they made a mistake. The saved will see God and rejoice. He will end the tribulation upon his return.
Even though this will be a visible return, it will also be a sudden return. "For just as the lightning comes from the east, and flashes even to the west, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be." Matthew 24:27. Which means there will be no time to get ready, but his return will be instanteous. This will happen Jesus says when "For this reason the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." Matthew 24:44. In other places it suggests that the return of Jesus will be something that most people scoff at in the end times as a myth or folklore. This is true in many circles today.
It goes back to the fact that you need more than intelligence to understand the Bible. You need the Holy Spirit as your teacher. The natural person doesn't understand scripture. In 1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." So, the world is not always going to applaud when believers open their mouths. In fact, we should be concerned if that is the case. The gospel is salt and light in the world. It is light in the sense that it says to those who think they are good enough, "Your deeds are like filthy rags." It says to the world that you are evil and need to repent. In a world that says that God is only love and never demands holiness this sounds too harsh to be believed. God is love, but God is also holy.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The importance of forgiveness
On a forum that I sometimes visit, someone asked how we can keep from backsliding. I answered by talking about the importance of prayer and Bible reading. While this may sound at first like a legalistic answer, it is not. It is an answer based on the importance of staying connected to God. It is what Jesus referred to as "abiding". Notice this in John 15:1-4 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself, it must remian in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me."
I believe that this scripture talks about the importance of relationship with God. Is it any wonder then, if the christian faith is based on relationship, that the first two commands and most important ones would be about relationship. To love God and then to love others. We cannot seperate the two. This is why the christian faith has always called believers to do things like build hospitals and nursing homes and orphanages and to respond to crisis like in Haiti. Because we cannot say that we love God and then hate others. So, if I am backsliding, then it shows in my relationships first. If I am strong, then it shows in my ability to show compassion and love and even forgiveness.
That last one I have personally the most problem with. I know about God's forgiveness in my head, but have a hard time getting it to my heart. If I can just confess, I would love first to get even, then we'll talk about forgiveness. I'd love for the person who hurt me to squirm for a while, then we can talk about forgiveness. Image if God treated you and me the same way. But, Jesus actually forgave those who crucified him! While they are throwing dice to decide who got his clothes, Jesus is saying, "God forgive them." What a powerful example to us.
The truth is, that Jesus is the source by which we get the power to forgive others. I cannot bear that fruit alone. I can't do anything without him. Anymore than an empty, unattached branch can bear fruit. I can only forgive some people because God gives me the ability and compassion to do so. It is a natural thing to want to "get even". It is nature for us to want to retaliate and get even. But, God calls us to a higher place. He calls us to forgive and to even pray for those who hurt us, whether intentional or not.
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32
"Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Col 3:13-14
I believe that this scripture talks about the importance of relationship with God. Is it any wonder then, if the christian faith is based on relationship, that the first two commands and most important ones would be about relationship. To love God and then to love others. We cannot seperate the two. This is why the christian faith has always called believers to do things like build hospitals and nursing homes and orphanages and to respond to crisis like in Haiti. Because we cannot say that we love God and then hate others. So, if I am backsliding, then it shows in my relationships first. If I am strong, then it shows in my ability to show compassion and love and even forgiveness.
That last one I have personally the most problem with. I know about God's forgiveness in my head, but have a hard time getting it to my heart. If I can just confess, I would love first to get even, then we'll talk about forgiveness. I'd love for the person who hurt me to squirm for a while, then we can talk about forgiveness. Image if God treated you and me the same way. But, Jesus actually forgave those who crucified him! While they are throwing dice to decide who got his clothes, Jesus is saying, "God forgive them." What a powerful example to us.
The truth is, that Jesus is the source by which we get the power to forgive others. I cannot bear that fruit alone. I can't do anything without him. Anymore than an empty, unattached branch can bear fruit. I can only forgive some people because God gives me the ability and compassion to do so. It is a natural thing to want to "get even". It is nature for us to want to retaliate and get even. But, God calls us to a higher place. He calls us to forgive and to even pray for those who hurt us, whether intentional or not.
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32
"Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Col 3:13-14
Monday, January 18, 2010
Last Sunday
So, I had trouble getting up for church Sunday and not feeling great, so we decided to go on Sunday night. I don't remember the last time I have been on a Sunday night. During the service, my son had a disagreement with my daughter and threw a rubic's cube at her. Fortunately, it didn't hit her, but did hit the wall on the side of the sanctuary. A brief thought went through my mind to drag him from the sanctuary, but I didn't cause I knew he would fight me and it would have been even more disruptive. It made me think about all the time the people in Philippi wanted to tell me how to parent my children.
Some people seem to believe that if a kid acts up your to simply whip them into submission. That seems to me in many cases to be simply teaching kids that I am bigger than you and I'm going to force you to do something. How does that teach kids to do right when there isn't the threat of punishment? I remember one church member who was trying to rebuke me because my son Caleb was crawling under my legs one time when I was trying to do the children's message. He wanted to get attention. It was difficult, but I finished the lesson while ignoring his behavior. This church member wanted me to stop the service and whip my child. He remarked that is what his dad did to him. I guess that's why he has turned out as dysfunctional as he is.
Anyway, this service also included a sermon about those who are backsliding and causing trouble in the church. It sounds a lot like what I went through three years ago, with many immature believers in leadership places. The pastor mentioned that sometimes people who call themselves believers will abandon what it says in the Bible to attack each other. The world tells us that might makes right. While Jesus commanded us to have a attitude of a servant and to be willing to wash each others feet.
I don't know if you've ever been in a foot washing ceremony. I have two times. Once I was on the receiving end and the other I did the washing. There is humility involved on both sides. It takes courage to allow someone to wash your feet. It also takes courage and humility to do that. You won't soon yell at or domineer a person whose foot you just had in your hand. You realize your taking the position of a servant of others. That is why Jesus could wash the disciples feet to begin with. All the disciples were too proud to take on that role and the servant in the upper room wasn't present. So, Jesus gave them an example to follow.
Some people seem to believe that if a kid acts up your to simply whip them into submission. That seems to me in many cases to be simply teaching kids that I am bigger than you and I'm going to force you to do something. How does that teach kids to do right when there isn't the threat of punishment? I remember one church member who was trying to rebuke me because my son Caleb was crawling under my legs one time when I was trying to do the children's message. He wanted to get attention. It was difficult, but I finished the lesson while ignoring his behavior. This church member wanted me to stop the service and whip my child. He remarked that is what his dad did to him. I guess that's why he has turned out as dysfunctional as he is.
Anyway, this service also included a sermon about those who are backsliding and causing trouble in the church. It sounds a lot like what I went through three years ago, with many immature believers in leadership places. The pastor mentioned that sometimes people who call themselves believers will abandon what it says in the Bible to attack each other. The world tells us that might makes right. While Jesus commanded us to have a attitude of a servant and to be willing to wash each others feet.
I don't know if you've ever been in a foot washing ceremony. I have two times. Once I was on the receiving end and the other I did the washing. There is humility involved on both sides. It takes courage to allow someone to wash your feet. It also takes courage and humility to do that. You won't soon yell at or domineer a person whose foot you just had in your hand. You realize your taking the position of a servant of others. That is why Jesus could wash the disciples feet to begin with. All the disciples were too proud to take on that role and the servant in the upper room wasn't present. So, Jesus gave them an example to follow.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Symbolism in the Old Testament
One of the things that fascinated me about the Old Testament, particularly the temple and its structure, but also some of the stories in the Old Testament was how it so symbolic of Jesus and what he did on the cross. One of the examples of this is in John 3:14 when it says, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." You may not be familiar with the story. It can be found in Numbers 21:4-9.
The story goes that the people grumbled again against Moses and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!" This is after the experience they had where they saw Moses produce water from a rock as mentioned in Numbers 20. They were not just doubting Moses, but this statement implies that God was intentionally misleading them into the desert to kill them. Their words express not just a lack of faith, but a hostility toward Moses.
The end result is that God allows snakes to enter the camp and they begin to kill some people. As a result, the people humble themselves and ask for Moses to pray for them. When he does he gets specific instructions from God to make a bronze serpent. This serpent is symbolic in some ways of Jesus.
Bronze is symbolic of judgment. In the outer court of the temple near where animals were sacrificed there was only instruments of bronze. In the inner court, after the sacrifice had been made, all article were made of gold. There is no mention of bronze in the inner court because there is no more judgment. That is also the case for the believer
The snake was cursed in the garden in Genesis. It is also symbolic of being cursed or judged.
This was lifted up. Jesus was also lifted up on a cross.
As many as looked at the snake were healed. As many as look to Jesus are healed of the curse of sin and spiritual death. But, it takes an act of faith to look.
In Number 21:9 it says, "So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived."
The story goes that the people grumbled again against Moses and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!" This is after the experience they had where they saw Moses produce water from a rock as mentioned in Numbers 20. They were not just doubting Moses, but this statement implies that God was intentionally misleading them into the desert to kill them. Their words express not just a lack of faith, but a hostility toward Moses.
The end result is that God allows snakes to enter the camp and they begin to kill some people. As a result, the people humble themselves and ask for Moses to pray for them. When he does he gets specific instructions from God to make a bronze serpent. This serpent is symbolic in some ways of Jesus.
Bronze is symbolic of judgment. In the outer court of the temple near where animals were sacrificed there was only instruments of bronze. In the inner court, after the sacrifice had been made, all article were made of gold. There is no mention of bronze in the inner court because there is no more judgment. That is also the case for the believer
The snake was cursed in the garden in Genesis. It is also symbolic of being cursed or judged.
This was lifted up. Jesus was also lifted up on a cross.
As many as looked at the snake were healed. As many as look to Jesus are healed of the curse of sin and spiritual death. But, it takes an act of faith to look.
In Number 21:9 it says, "So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived."
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Pat Robertson
I noticed recently that Pat Robertson made another remark that has many people shaking their heads wondering what is wrong with him. But, this is nothing new for Pat. Remember, this is a man who once ran for President. He is a egomaniac. He wants the spotlight on himself. So, instead of preaching and teaching the good news of Jesus, He uses his television program to talk trash about a people already hit with a earthquake. Great move Pat. What next? Maybe trip some old ladies in the park? Encourage children to play with hand guns? Did you forget to take your Aricept Pat? No wonder so many unbelievers have problems with Christians today.
In addition to this, he also said 9/11/2001 was an act of judgment by God by the way and that in 2007 we would see a weapon strike our nation. (A comment by him that did not come true by the way) In contrast to him, Jesus himself tells us that it is the merciful who will receive mercy. Jesus, when he had the chance to condemn the woman at the well for having 5 husbands or the woman who was caught in adultery, seemed more concerned about showing some compassion.
Christians believe that Jesus lived a perfect, sinful life. He did absolutely nothing wrong. He is the sinless, perfect Lamb of God. John the Baptist called him this because he was an unblemished by sin sacrifice. He could forgive because he was not tainted himself. So, if anyone had a righ to condemn those who were sinful, it was Jesus. But, the ironic thing about this is that while Jesus hated sin, He always loves sinners. IN fact, if you look at the crowds that hung around Jesus, most were people like tax collectors and harlots and common folk who had many problems of their own. Who did Jesus really have it out with though? It was the self-righteous Pharisees who found themselves being condemned by Jesus. Those who thought they had all the answers. I have a feeling he would have a few choice words for Pat today also.
One of the things that is not in dispute is that fact that we all fall short. The book of Romans tell us that all of us miss the mark. While that is true, Jesus seemed not so focused on that as he was about telling people the good news that God loves them and wants to save them. The good news is that God knows who we are and wants to have a relationship with us anyway. He wants to share His love with us. If nothing else, this disaster is an opportunity for all of us to give something to the people of Haiti and to pray for them, not to condemn them.
As believers, we do believe God is active in the world. But, I don't believe it is our job to judge others. As believers we are to be busy about sharing the good news of Jesus. That good news is that God is love and God loves you. His love is overflowing and abundant. If the sky could be measured above that is how great a love he has for you. Not that God is sitting up on his throne waiting for you to mess up so he can judge you. If that were the case then Jesus would not have abandoned heaven to come to earth, to be condemned and to suffer and die. He did that because he is interested in saving people, not condemning.
Just wanted to share my two cents worth..
Pray for those in Haiti and those who are helping them. .
In addition to this, he also said 9/11/2001 was an act of judgment by God by the way and that in 2007 we would see a weapon strike our nation. (A comment by him that did not come true by the way) In contrast to him, Jesus himself tells us that it is the merciful who will receive mercy. Jesus, when he had the chance to condemn the woman at the well for having 5 husbands or the woman who was caught in adultery, seemed more concerned about showing some compassion.
Christians believe that Jesus lived a perfect, sinful life. He did absolutely nothing wrong. He is the sinless, perfect Lamb of God. John the Baptist called him this because he was an unblemished by sin sacrifice. He could forgive because he was not tainted himself. So, if anyone had a righ to condemn those who were sinful, it was Jesus. But, the ironic thing about this is that while Jesus hated sin, He always loves sinners. IN fact, if you look at the crowds that hung around Jesus, most were people like tax collectors and harlots and common folk who had many problems of their own. Who did Jesus really have it out with though? It was the self-righteous Pharisees who found themselves being condemned by Jesus. Those who thought they had all the answers. I have a feeling he would have a few choice words for Pat today also.
One of the things that is not in dispute is that fact that we all fall short. The book of Romans tell us that all of us miss the mark. While that is true, Jesus seemed not so focused on that as he was about telling people the good news that God loves them and wants to save them. The good news is that God knows who we are and wants to have a relationship with us anyway. He wants to share His love with us. If nothing else, this disaster is an opportunity for all of us to give something to the people of Haiti and to pray for them, not to condemn them.
As believers, we do believe God is active in the world. But, I don't believe it is our job to judge others. As believers we are to be busy about sharing the good news of Jesus. That good news is that God is love and God loves you. His love is overflowing and abundant. If the sky could be measured above that is how great a love he has for you. Not that God is sitting up on his throne waiting for you to mess up so he can judge you. If that were the case then Jesus would not have abandoned heaven to come to earth, to be condemned and to suffer and die. He did that because he is interested in saving people, not condemning.
Just wanted to share my two cents worth..
Pray for those in Haiti and those who are helping them. .
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
the way God works Part II
I was thinking about the title to this post and the last one and I wanted to say right now that I am not claiming in this blog to have a corner on God. I am not claiming that I know more than anyone else. I am not claiming to be an expert. I am just writing down my thoughts. If anything else, this blog is helping me to process my thoughts a little. If anyone else gets something from it then I am glad to hear that.
I was reading a booklet titled "What am I supposed to do with my life?" by Douglas Brouwer. One of the questions he presents in the material is a statement that many well meaning christians make. It goes something like this, "God never closes a door without opening another." Rev. Brouwer asks the questions, "Is this statement really true?" I would have to agree with the conclusion that the author comes to when he says, "No, this is not true." At least not in the sense meant by the people who are making this statement.
Many times this statement is made when people are facing unemployment. Keep in mind that as I write this, unemployment stands at about 10%. So, the question would be, if this statement is true then why are so many people out of work. Why are so many doors not opening? Having had an experience where I have been laid off before and have had trouble finding work before, I know it can be a belittling experience. It is frustrating to go to a Bible study or somewhere where people talk about God answering prayers and not feeling like God is paying any attention to yours.
Like I said earlier, I don't think this statement is true the way those say it mean it. But, I do believe there is always opportunity to grow as a believer, particularly in the difficult times. The fact is, that Christianity is a faith that is tested and proved, not born and put on like a coat. Faith needs to be pruned, refined, tested. Faith increases through the word of God and through prayer. But, also like a muscle it grows from use. Faith must be practice and trained into order to grow.
I don't know all of the reasons why God seems to delay in answering prayers. I went 5 years where the only job I could find was a temp job at Capital One. I tried three times to get on with that job permanently and it never did work out. I looked for open doors, prayed for open doors, talked to other believers about open doors and didn't find any for a long time. I don't have an idea today of all the reasons why I was in a limbo state at that time in my life. But, I was there and I can tell you it is frustrating. But, I know that God did not and would not abandon me. I know while that prayer wasn't answered, many others were. I know that that time was not wasted time because God can use all of our experiences, both good and bad if we allow Him to.
I was reading a booklet titled "What am I supposed to do with my life?" by Douglas Brouwer. One of the questions he presents in the material is a statement that many well meaning christians make. It goes something like this, "God never closes a door without opening another." Rev. Brouwer asks the questions, "Is this statement really true?" I would have to agree with the conclusion that the author comes to when he says, "No, this is not true." At least not in the sense meant by the people who are making this statement.
Many times this statement is made when people are facing unemployment. Keep in mind that as I write this, unemployment stands at about 10%. So, the question would be, if this statement is true then why are so many people out of work. Why are so many doors not opening? Having had an experience where I have been laid off before and have had trouble finding work before, I know it can be a belittling experience. It is frustrating to go to a Bible study or somewhere where people talk about God answering prayers and not feeling like God is paying any attention to yours.
Like I said earlier, I don't think this statement is true the way those say it mean it. But, I do believe there is always opportunity to grow as a believer, particularly in the difficult times. The fact is, that Christianity is a faith that is tested and proved, not born and put on like a coat. Faith needs to be pruned, refined, tested. Faith increases through the word of God and through prayer. But, also like a muscle it grows from use. Faith must be practice and trained into order to grow.
I don't know all of the reasons why God seems to delay in answering prayers. I went 5 years where the only job I could find was a temp job at Capital One. I tried three times to get on with that job permanently and it never did work out. I looked for open doors, prayed for open doors, talked to other believers about open doors and didn't find any for a long time. I don't have an idea today of all the reasons why I was in a limbo state at that time in my life. But, I was there and I can tell you it is frustrating. But, I know that God did not and would not abandon me. I know while that prayer wasn't answered, many others were. I know that that time was not wasted time because God can use all of our experiences, both good and bad if we allow Him to.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Way God Works- Part I
I recently read a little booklet about vocational calling. It was written by a Presbyterian minister who was talking about how to know what God wants us to do with our vocation. In other words, what am I suppose to do with my life? My work? Course, the ultimate goal I think is honoring God and glorifying and living for Him. But, specifically what does God want us to do?
At different times in my life I would have answered that question differently. But, I think the answer is found in answering a different question. That question is "Who has God made you into?" In other words, when you look into the mirror, what is the core values and goals that are yours? What makes you get up in the morning? What do you find fulfilling? What are your strengths and gifts? To answer that, of course, is something only the individual can do. Nobody can do it for you. The answer is the calling. The vocation, in my opinion, is an outward working out of that calling.
At some point in the last few years, I have come to see that in some ways I can identify with those who are hurting. I have an empathy for them, but it isn't pity. I don't feel pity, but I don't feel a desire to help those who are hurting. My calling is to help those who are wounded. That woundedness can be spiritual, emotional and sometimes it is physical. That is my calling. My vocational at the present time is in mental health. That is how my calling is worked out. I have also found myself in hospitals, nursing homes and churches. These are all places where wounded people go.
If you asked me that question a few years ago about where God wants us to be. I would have said that you should make sure you are delighting in God and then pray about it and seek God's face. That is still a good answer. I think there is a lot to prayer and meditating on God's truths and getting right with God. I also would also say that I believe God has a specific desire for each of us in our work. Work is simply too important a task for us to ignore that God has a will for what we should do. We spend a good part of our lives working at something. But, I would also say now that I believe God wants us to be true to ourselves. God wants us to be authentic. It seems like to me there are a lot of people who are not true to themselves and therefore are discontent.
God does have a specific desire for each of us in our work. I truly believe that. But, I also believe that God has a desire for us to be who he has made us to be. In Romans 8:28 it talks about how God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. What does that mean? It doesn't mean that God causes bad things to happen. It means that God can bring good out of bad things. Maybe it is to take those painful places and help someone else in the process. It certainly means that God uses the trials and the pains and the suffering of life to mold us into who He wants us to be. That God is interested in building in us the character of Christ, so that He can use us. If Christ suffered, then we will also suffer.
At different times in my life I would have answered that question differently. But, I think the answer is found in answering a different question. That question is "Who has God made you into?" In other words, when you look into the mirror, what is the core values and goals that are yours? What makes you get up in the morning? What do you find fulfilling? What are your strengths and gifts? To answer that, of course, is something only the individual can do. Nobody can do it for you. The answer is the calling. The vocation, in my opinion, is an outward working out of that calling.
At some point in the last few years, I have come to see that in some ways I can identify with those who are hurting. I have an empathy for them, but it isn't pity. I don't feel pity, but I don't feel a desire to help those who are hurting. My calling is to help those who are wounded. That woundedness can be spiritual, emotional and sometimes it is physical. That is my calling. My vocational at the present time is in mental health. That is how my calling is worked out. I have also found myself in hospitals, nursing homes and churches. These are all places where wounded people go.
If you asked me that question a few years ago about where God wants us to be. I would have said that you should make sure you are delighting in God and then pray about it and seek God's face. That is still a good answer. I think there is a lot to prayer and meditating on God's truths and getting right with God. I also would also say that I believe God has a specific desire for each of us in our work. Work is simply too important a task for us to ignore that God has a will for what we should do. We spend a good part of our lives working at something. But, I would also say now that I believe God wants us to be true to ourselves. God wants us to be authentic. It seems like to me there are a lot of people who are not true to themselves and therefore are discontent.
God does have a specific desire for each of us in our work. I truly believe that. But, I also believe that God has a desire for us to be who he has made us to be. In Romans 8:28 it talks about how God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. What does that mean? It doesn't mean that God causes bad things to happen. It means that God can bring good out of bad things. Maybe it is to take those painful places and help someone else in the process. It certainly means that God uses the trials and the pains and the suffering of life to mold us into who He wants us to be. That God is interested in building in us the character of Christ, so that He can use us. If Christ suffered, then we will also suffer.
Monday, January 11, 2010
What does it mean to go to church?
I've been involved in church most of my life. My parents started taking me when I was a baby and encouraged me when I said I was interested in looking into the ministry. They never pushed me to go into the ministry though. I think back on my relationship with the church and what we do in church and I think it has been a hot and cold relationship at best.
There are some aspects of church that I really enjoy. I enjoy feeling a part of something bigger than myself. I enjoy times of worship where I feel closer to God. I enjoy learning new things from the Bible. I enjoy making new friends and seeing those friendships deepen. I really enjoyed preaching and teaching, but I also hated the literature from Lifeway. You expect people to grow you have to feed them something other than milk
But, it seemed the closer I got to a position of authority in the church, the worse things got for me. I came to a point where I hated going to church. I felt like God's presence wasn't even in the building. The apathy of many believers really got on my nerves. Then serving became a chore and something I resented rather than enjoyed.
When I was in the youth group at Klein United Methodist, there were times when the work felt like a chore, but most of the time it was something I enjoyed. Some of the time it was even my idea. I remember when the youth organized a retreat during the spring, It was a camping trip and it rained the whole time. I remember when we decided to do a serve project to get canned goods for the less fortunate, that was a great success. I also remember seeing our Wednesday Bible study time dying out when the group a year before us left and some of those in the group younger than my class didn't want to come.
I remember on that same camping trip, one night the guy in the tent with me was snoring. I couldn't sleep because most of our stuff was wet or because of the noise. Then, I heard a noise outside of our tent. I look outside and John is digging a trench around our tent. It is just like John to do something like that for someone else. One of the most unselfish guys you ever wanted to meet. I didn't even want to dig a trench around my own tent and here he is doing it for other people. So, even as I am sitting here ranting and raving about the church, I want to say there are still some John's in the church that go the extra mile. I wish there was more guys like him. John if your reading this, your the greatest.
One of the other things I remember, both in Hull and in Philippi where I pastored was not feeling God's presence. Some of the hardest years of my life were as a pastor. Not only trying to live up to my own expectations, but everyone else's as well. Preaching your heart out and not seeing anything happen as a result of it. Feeling so cold in the sanctuary you could ice skate down the center isle. Feeling like the Holy Spirit was being grieved and quenched by the bickering between believers. Preaching in front of a man who would sit in front of me with a angry look on his face with his arms folded every week. I will admit it also, sometimes I threw a little gas on the fire. He made me angry by not supporting me and it just went downhill from there.
A lot of the time I look back and wonder if I should not have changed jobs earlier. If what I wanted was my will and not God's at all. Or if I should just have quit the job in Philippi very early on and that may have gotten the church members attention. I was thinking about quitting as early as 6 weeks after I got there, but another pastor talked me out of it. Sometimes I wonder if I was being stubborn in going on to a second church and simply should have stayed where I was. To this day I don't know if you want to know the honest truth. I know that I am much less likely to naively trust people today because of what happened. I know that I can't depend on the church or others to help me get close to God. Most of the time, they have not helped, but rather hindered. That's kinda sad.
Another thing that surprised me about the church was the amount of politics in the church. For whatever reasons I may have had for getting into the church, one reason was to help change people's lives. I didn't realize that I would also need to be a politician in order to survive. I naively thought I could just have good intentions and people would realize that. I didn't realize that I had to walk on water. I just thought I had to know the one who did. That brings me to the final issue.
The final issue is that somewhere along the way some bitterness creeped in towards the church. Maybe it was the couple hundred sermons that I preached that nobody came down the isle. Maybe it was when I wanted to have an Easter egg hunt and some people in the church threw a fit. Maybe it was when the chairman of the deacons in Hull told me that he wouldn't go visiting with me to do outreach door to door. Maybe it was when . . . .there are a lot of whens. But, I did become anger and disappointed and I'm still dealing with that. Started out that the church was a place of healing and then it became a place of pain for me. I use to refer to the church in Philippi as "the church that enjoys hurting me." That wasn't true for everyone, but for many it surely was.
There are some aspects of church that I really enjoy. I enjoy feeling a part of something bigger than myself. I enjoy times of worship where I feel closer to God. I enjoy learning new things from the Bible. I enjoy making new friends and seeing those friendships deepen. I really enjoyed preaching and teaching, but I also hated the literature from Lifeway. You expect people to grow you have to feed them something other than milk
But, it seemed the closer I got to a position of authority in the church, the worse things got for me. I came to a point where I hated going to church. I felt like God's presence wasn't even in the building. The apathy of many believers really got on my nerves. Then serving became a chore and something I resented rather than enjoyed.
When I was in the youth group at Klein United Methodist, there were times when the work felt like a chore, but most of the time it was something I enjoyed. Some of the time it was even my idea. I remember when the youth organized a retreat during the spring, It was a camping trip and it rained the whole time. I remember when we decided to do a serve project to get canned goods for the less fortunate, that was a great success. I also remember seeing our Wednesday Bible study time dying out when the group a year before us left and some of those in the group younger than my class didn't want to come.
I remember on that same camping trip, one night the guy in the tent with me was snoring. I couldn't sleep because most of our stuff was wet or because of the noise. Then, I heard a noise outside of our tent. I look outside and John is digging a trench around our tent. It is just like John to do something like that for someone else. One of the most unselfish guys you ever wanted to meet. I didn't even want to dig a trench around my own tent and here he is doing it for other people. So, even as I am sitting here ranting and raving about the church, I want to say there are still some John's in the church that go the extra mile. I wish there was more guys like him. John if your reading this, your the greatest.
One of the other things I remember, both in Hull and in Philippi where I pastored was not feeling God's presence. Some of the hardest years of my life were as a pastor. Not only trying to live up to my own expectations, but everyone else's as well. Preaching your heart out and not seeing anything happen as a result of it. Feeling so cold in the sanctuary you could ice skate down the center isle. Feeling like the Holy Spirit was being grieved and quenched by the bickering between believers. Preaching in front of a man who would sit in front of me with a angry look on his face with his arms folded every week. I will admit it also, sometimes I threw a little gas on the fire. He made me angry by not supporting me and it just went downhill from there.
A lot of the time I look back and wonder if I should not have changed jobs earlier. If what I wanted was my will and not God's at all. Or if I should just have quit the job in Philippi very early on and that may have gotten the church members attention. I was thinking about quitting as early as 6 weeks after I got there, but another pastor talked me out of it. Sometimes I wonder if I was being stubborn in going on to a second church and simply should have stayed where I was. To this day I don't know if you want to know the honest truth. I know that I am much less likely to naively trust people today because of what happened. I know that I can't depend on the church or others to help me get close to God. Most of the time, they have not helped, but rather hindered. That's kinda sad.
Another thing that surprised me about the church was the amount of politics in the church. For whatever reasons I may have had for getting into the church, one reason was to help change people's lives. I didn't realize that I would also need to be a politician in order to survive. I naively thought I could just have good intentions and people would realize that. I didn't realize that I had to walk on water. I just thought I had to know the one who did. That brings me to the final issue.
The final issue is that somewhere along the way some bitterness creeped in towards the church. Maybe it was the couple hundred sermons that I preached that nobody came down the isle. Maybe it was when I wanted to have an Easter egg hunt and some people in the church threw a fit. Maybe it was when the chairman of the deacons in Hull told me that he wouldn't go visiting with me to do outreach door to door. Maybe it was when . . . .there are a lot of whens. But, I did become anger and disappointed and I'm still dealing with that. Started out that the church was a place of healing and then it became a place of pain for me. I use to refer to the church in Philippi as "the church that enjoys hurting me." That wasn't true for everyone, but for many it surely was.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The North River: A Review
I recently found this book at Barnes and Nobles on the bargain table. It is called "The North River" by Pete Hamill. I think I like it because it has to do with the strength of the human spirit and moving on despite tragedy. Despite the overall tone in the book, especially at the beginning, which seems kinda depressing.
Dr. Delaney is the main character. He lives and practices medicine in New York. One day he comes home to find his 3 year old grandson in a stroller on his front step. His mother has decided to go look for her husband in Spain. There is also a part of the story where Delaney is between mob figures, one of whom he knows from the War. Delaney is currently struggling with the fact that his wife left 16 months ago and may have drown in the North River, also called the Hudson.
I don't know New York at all since I have never been there, but my sense is that the author is giving up real facts about the city as he tells the story. We are getting a history lesson and the love that the author has for New York really comes across in the story.
Here is a link to amazon.com so you can read more about this book. There is some unnecessary cursing in the book, which I think the author could have left out and it does not add to the story. I would give it a 4.8 out of 5.
http://www.amazon.com/North-River-Novel-Pete-Hamill/dp/0316007994/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263139212&sr=1-1
Dr. Delaney is the main character. He lives and practices medicine in New York. One day he comes home to find his 3 year old grandson in a stroller on his front step. His mother has decided to go look for her husband in Spain. There is also a part of the story where Delaney is between mob figures, one of whom he knows from the War. Delaney is currently struggling with the fact that his wife left 16 months ago and may have drown in the North River, also called the Hudson.
I don't know New York at all since I have never been there, but my sense is that the author is giving up real facts about the city as he tells the story. We are getting a history lesson and the love that the author has for New York really comes across in the story.
Here is a link to amazon.com so you can read more about this book. There is some unnecessary cursing in the book, which I think the author could have left out and it does not add to the story. I would give it a 4.8 out of 5.
http://www.amazon.com/North-River-Novel-Pete-Hamill/dp/0316007994/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263139212&sr=1-1
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Favorite Verses
What are your favorite verses or promises in the Bible? Here are some of mine.
Most of the 8th chapter of Romans, especially verse 1 "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Also verse 28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to HIs purpose."
Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Him who strengthens Me."
Colossians 1:13-14 "For He delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us as spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline."
All of 1 Corinthians 13
Hebrews 1:3 "And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of his nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins; He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;"
Ephesians 2:8-10 "For by grace you have been aved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
Revelations 22:3-4 "And there shall no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants shall serve Him; and they shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads."
Revelations 21:4 "and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or pain, the first things have passed away."
Most of the 8th chapter of Romans, especially verse 1 "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Also verse 28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to HIs purpose."
Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Him who strengthens Me."
Colossians 1:13-14 "For He delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us as spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline."
All of 1 Corinthians 13
Hebrews 1:3 "And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of his nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins; He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;"
Ephesians 2:8-10 "For by grace you have been aved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
Revelations 22:3-4 "And there shall no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants shall serve Him; and they shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads."
Revelations 21:4 "and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or pain, the first things have passed away."
Friday, January 8, 2010
Discussions about the rapture
Lately, I've been thinking about revisiting the issue of the rapture and studying the end times. I know some people would say why bother with this since there is so many theories and ideas. I do think it is a good idea to ask the question "How does this apply to me right now?" when looking at studying the Bible rather than just doing this for the fun of it. How does whether or not the rapture happens at the beginning of the tribulation period or the end matter in the end.
The main passage I have looked at has to be 1 Thessalonians 4:17 which mentions being caught up in the air with the Lord. This seems distinctly different to me than seeing the Lord return and come down to earth on the Mount of Olives. There is a lot of similiarities between the idea of the rapture and the second coming, but they also appear distinctly different in some ways. For one, if the rapture is next then that could happen at any time. Jesus does tell us that his return could be at any time and to be ready. We are to live prepared lives. Jesus repeatedly says this,
"Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour." Matt 25:13
"For this reason you be ready too; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." Matthew 24:44 also verse 42
I've seen things recently that point to predictions that the end of the world will occur sometimes in 2012. I remember someone making that prediction when I was in Junior High. I waited all day to see what would happen and remember looking out the window in art class wondering if this would be the day. The day came and went like any other day and nothing happened. Jesus actually said that only the Father knows the day and hour when He will return. It is not something we can compute from scripture regarding a particular season or day. Rather, it is our responsibility to live and work as if that day is today. Now, the big question is "are we?" Also, "How would my life be different if I anticipated Jesus coming back before the end of the day?" "Is there any sin that needs to be confessed?"
We can all do better in living for the Lord, I am one of the primary examples of that. I can work on forgiving others more. I can work on being more patient. I can work on being more compassionate. I can work on sharing my faith, not just in words, but in actions. What about those words though? Do my words testify a difference in my life? Can others tell there is something different about me? How does the hope of the resurrection affect my daily life? These are the questions I am asking myself.
"But immediately after the tribuation, of those days the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He wills end forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other." Matthew 24:29-31
The main passage I have looked at has to be 1 Thessalonians 4:17 which mentions being caught up in the air with the Lord. This seems distinctly different to me than seeing the Lord return and come down to earth on the Mount of Olives. There is a lot of similiarities between the idea of the rapture and the second coming, but they also appear distinctly different in some ways. For one, if the rapture is next then that could happen at any time. Jesus does tell us that his return could be at any time and to be ready. We are to live prepared lives. Jesus repeatedly says this,
"Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour." Matt 25:13
"For this reason you be ready too; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." Matthew 24:44 also verse 42
I've seen things recently that point to predictions that the end of the world will occur sometimes in 2012. I remember someone making that prediction when I was in Junior High. I waited all day to see what would happen and remember looking out the window in art class wondering if this would be the day. The day came and went like any other day and nothing happened. Jesus actually said that only the Father knows the day and hour when He will return. It is not something we can compute from scripture regarding a particular season or day. Rather, it is our responsibility to live and work as if that day is today. Now, the big question is "are we?" Also, "How would my life be different if I anticipated Jesus coming back before the end of the day?" "Is there any sin that needs to be confessed?"
We can all do better in living for the Lord, I am one of the primary examples of that. I can work on forgiving others more. I can work on being more patient. I can work on being more compassionate. I can work on sharing my faith, not just in words, but in actions. What about those words though? Do my words testify a difference in my life? Can others tell there is something different about me? How does the hope of the resurrection affect my daily life? These are the questions I am asking myself.
"But immediately after the tribuation, of those days the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He wills end forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other." Matthew 24:29-31
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Colossians 3:12-13
In Colossians 3:12-13 Paul says, "Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience accepting one another and forgiving one another. If anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so also you must forgive."
When I read this passage, there are a couple of things that stand out to me. The first is the way that Paul refers to us as believers, "chosen ones" and "holy and loved". Paul is reminding us of our status before God eyes even if we don't feel that way ourselves. We are holy because we are forgiven. We are chosen because we are loved. But, Paul also urges us to put on the new life and to take up the old one. Not in order to be saved, but because we are.
What that says to me is that the life of faith is meant to be demonstrated. It is suppose to make a difference in the way we treat other people. It is expected of us that we love, forgive and act in compassion and humility. Paul says, "Just as the Lord has forgiven you. . ." In other words, since you tasted this forgiveness, now pass it on to others. That's one of the things that demonstrates, that shows the fruit of the seed God has planted in us. We are to let that light shine Matthew 5 says.
I've been struggling with that whole idea of forgiveness. Sometimes we feel like perhaps we lose power over someone by forgiving someone. Or maybe that they will take advantage of us again if we forgive. But, it wasn't a sign of weakness when God forgave us, but a sign of strength. If I am to imitate God in this respect then I must forgive when people would actually spur it if they knew I had forgiven them. I put be radical in my forgiveness because radical and life changing is the kind of forgiveness that God offers. It goes back to that idea of "grace". It also means forgiving and treating myself with grace as much as others. We all make mistakes. I have made so many it is too numerous to count. I can really do some stupid things some times. I don't know what my I.Q. is, but I am not stupid, but I can sure show a lack of good sense some times. Then, I will look back on it and think to myself, that sure was stupid. So, I have to practice this not only with others, but with myself and show others and myself some grace.
When I read this passage, there are a couple of things that stand out to me. The first is the way that Paul refers to us as believers, "chosen ones" and "holy and loved". Paul is reminding us of our status before God eyes even if we don't feel that way ourselves. We are holy because we are forgiven. We are chosen because we are loved. But, Paul also urges us to put on the new life and to take up the old one. Not in order to be saved, but because we are.
What that says to me is that the life of faith is meant to be demonstrated. It is suppose to make a difference in the way we treat other people. It is expected of us that we love, forgive and act in compassion and humility. Paul says, "Just as the Lord has forgiven you. . ." In other words, since you tasted this forgiveness, now pass it on to others. That's one of the things that demonstrates, that shows the fruit of the seed God has planted in us. We are to let that light shine Matthew 5 says.
I've been struggling with that whole idea of forgiveness. Sometimes we feel like perhaps we lose power over someone by forgiving someone. Or maybe that they will take advantage of us again if we forgive. But, it wasn't a sign of weakness when God forgave us, but a sign of strength. If I am to imitate God in this respect then I must forgive when people would actually spur it if they knew I had forgiven them. I put be radical in my forgiveness because radical and life changing is the kind of forgiveness that God offers. It goes back to that idea of "grace". It also means forgiving and treating myself with grace as much as others. We all make mistakes. I have made so many it is too numerous to count. I can really do some stupid things some times. I don't know what my I.Q. is, but I am not stupid, but I can sure show a lack of good sense some times. Then, I will look back on it and think to myself, that sure was stupid. So, I have to practice this not only with others, but with myself and show others and myself some grace.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Blessed are the poor in spirit
The sermon on the mount in Matthew 5 starts with a series of statements from Jesus. These statements seem to be almost the polar opposite of what we would expect to hear from Jesus or any religious teacher. They are the opposite of what we often hear in the secular world. Jesus says that among those who are blessed are those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, the gentle, the merciful, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. The disciples must have walked with Jesus in a state of constant amazement.
Even Jesus' actions appear to be a contradiction at times, Jesus often seemed to ignore the Sabbath. He didn't say a word when his disciples picked grain to eat while walking through the fields. Jesus openly talked about his death and rejection from the Pharisees and Sadducees. He talked about taking up your cross, an image not clearly identified as a symbol of victory, but one of death. If Jesus was a pitcher, his favorite pitch would be a curve ball.
Maybe part of the lesson in all this is that God looks at things from an eternal perspective and not as we do. Maybe it is also a invitation, to call us to look at our heros and the villians in life in different terms than we usually do. Jesus tells us, "Do you want to live? Then you have to die." You have to die to self. You have to be willing to give it all away.
Years ago when I was a youth pastor in Petersburg, Virginia, our youth had a lock in at the church. We spent the whole night at the church, playing games and enjoying the time together. A man called the church very late, probably seeing that we were still there. He said he was passing through from Alabama and needed gas for his car. I met him at a nearby Texaco station and filled his car with gas.
The man kept talking after that and telling me his story. I realize now that he was probably telling me alot of lies. I felt sorry for the guy and gave him some money. I don't ever do that anymore. I'm too afraid someone will use it for cigarettes or alcohol or drugs. The guy took my money and kept talking. He really should have gone to work for Hollywood. The story was that good.
I am not sure if that man really needed me or not. I don't remember his name and I
am sure he has long forgot about me. I am sure that what may have appeared to have been a perfect con job on me was perhaps something else in God's eyes. Maybe it was an opportunity for me to give myself away. Over time, I have gotten a lot more cynical about people like him. My first inclination would be to not believe him now. To those of us who have gotten burned quite a lot by giving and caring, I think Jesus message to us is still the same. You have to die to self.
Even Jesus' actions appear to be a contradiction at times, Jesus often seemed to ignore the Sabbath. He didn't say a word when his disciples picked grain to eat while walking through the fields. Jesus openly talked about his death and rejection from the Pharisees and Sadducees. He talked about taking up your cross, an image not clearly identified as a symbol of victory, but one of death. If Jesus was a pitcher, his favorite pitch would be a curve ball.
Maybe part of the lesson in all this is that God looks at things from an eternal perspective and not as we do. Maybe it is also a invitation, to call us to look at our heros and the villians in life in different terms than we usually do. Jesus tells us, "Do you want to live? Then you have to die." You have to die to self. You have to be willing to give it all away.
Years ago when I was a youth pastor in Petersburg, Virginia, our youth had a lock in at the church. We spent the whole night at the church, playing games and enjoying the time together. A man called the church very late, probably seeing that we were still there. He said he was passing through from Alabama and needed gas for his car. I met him at a nearby Texaco station and filled his car with gas.
The man kept talking after that and telling me his story. I realize now that he was probably telling me alot of lies. I felt sorry for the guy and gave him some money. I don't ever do that anymore. I'm too afraid someone will use it for cigarettes or alcohol or drugs. The guy took my money and kept talking. He really should have gone to work for Hollywood. The story was that good.
I am not sure if that man really needed me or not. I don't remember his name and I
am sure he has long forgot about me. I am sure that what may have appeared to have been a perfect con job on me was perhaps something else in God's eyes. Maybe it was an opportunity for me to give myself away. Over time, I have gotten a lot more cynical about people like him. My first inclination would be to not believe him now. To those of us who have gotten burned quite a lot by giving and caring, I think Jesus message to us is still the same. You have to die to self.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Set your heart on things above
Colossians is one of my favorite books of the Bible. When I was a pastor in Philippi, West Virginia, I did a series of bible studies on Wednesday nights with our church members on this little letter that Paul wrote. Most likely he did not even personally know the people at Colossae. It was a town that was on no major highway at the time. The two churches I pastored were a lot like that. They were both miles off the beaten path.
One of my church members in Hull, Texas where I was pastor told me when she had trouble sleeping at night she would count how many businesses had been on main street at one point. When I was there there was a post office, hardware store and our church. There was a place to eat and a gas station several blocks away and nothing else until you get to the next town. This lady who had lived in Hull most of her life said she had at one point counted 28 businesses that had been there including 3 car businesses a movie theater and a two story hotel. All of that was gone. There was at least 7 abandoned buildings around our church.
This was the kind of environment Colossae was. That is why Paul didn't stop there. You didn't get there by accident. But, having heard from some of the believers there that some people were coming in and trying to mislead the believers there Paul writes this little letter from prison. Paul tells them, specifically in the first two chapter, put Christ first and don't add to the gospel. It seems that people are constantly tripping over the simplicity of the gospel. We want to add to it with works since we want to do something instead of simply receiving what Christ wants to give us. In some ways, we want to try and earn it. But, God doesn't tell us that we earn it. The Bible says that it is a free gift of grace. The very word "grace' means "unmerited favor". It is unmerited because there is nothing you did to impress God or warrant God treating you with kindness.
Then, in chapter three Paul goes on to talk about what our response should be as believers to what Christ did for us. It is not in order to be saved, but because we are saved that we want to do these things. Understanding the high price that Christ paid on our behalf and how much He loves us, now we are to live for Him. So, Paul tells us to "set" our minds on things above. It is very intentional what we set our minds on. Then, he goes on to say that we should "put to death" Col 3:5 the things that belong to the flesh. As believers in Christ, I have a choice each day what type of spiritual clothing I put on. I have a choice who I surrender to. When I was lost I didn't have that choice. But, now I am to put on the new creation that Christ brings to us. 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
One of my church members in Hull, Texas where I was pastor told me when she had trouble sleeping at night she would count how many businesses had been on main street at one point. When I was there there was a post office, hardware store and our church. There was a place to eat and a gas station several blocks away and nothing else until you get to the next town. This lady who had lived in Hull most of her life said she had at one point counted 28 businesses that had been there including 3 car businesses a movie theater and a two story hotel. All of that was gone. There was at least 7 abandoned buildings around our church.
This was the kind of environment Colossae was. That is why Paul didn't stop there. You didn't get there by accident. But, having heard from some of the believers there that some people were coming in and trying to mislead the believers there Paul writes this little letter from prison. Paul tells them, specifically in the first two chapter, put Christ first and don't add to the gospel. It seems that people are constantly tripping over the simplicity of the gospel. We want to add to it with works since we want to do something instead of simply receiving what Christ wants to give us. In some ways, we want to try and earn it. But, God doesn't tell us that we earn it. The Bible says that it is a free gift of grace. The very word "grace' means "unmerited favor". It is unmerited because there is nothing you did to impress God or warrant God treating you with kindness.
Then, in chapter three Paul goes on to talk about what our response should be as believers to what Christ did for us. It is not in order to be saved, but because we are saved that we want to do these things. Understanding the high price that Christ paid on our behalf and how much He loves us, now we are to live for Him. So, Paul tells us to "set" our minds on things above. It is very intentional what we set our minds on. Then, he goes on to say that we should "put to death" Col 3:5 the things that belong to the flesh. As believers in Christ, I have a choice each day what type of spiritual clothing I put on. I have a choice who I surrender to. When I was lost I didn't have that choice. But, now I am to put on the new creation that Christ brings to us. 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
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