"I am amazed tha that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ for a different gospel." Galatians 1:6
Several times in Paul's writings, we see the frustrations that the apostle was experiencing boil over into his writing. One is in 1 Corinthians, for a wide variety of reasons, from lawsuits, immorality and divisions in the church among other things. They truly tested Paul's patience. The other is in the little letter to the churches in the region of Galatia. The frustration was both with the people of this region and Paul also mentions his frustration with Peter, who got caught up in hypocrisy.
The problems in Galatia were similiar to those in Colossae, that some Jews, probably from Jerusalem, were coming into the area to try and tell the people that they needed to not only follow Jesus, but to obey the law of Moses. This is the "different gospel" that Paul was alluding to. They were trying to say that a person is not saved through faith alone in Christ, but wanting to add conditions and rules and regulations to what should be done. Paul's answer to that is found in Galatians 2:16-17 which basically says that through the law nobody can be justified. In fact, in Galatians 2:21 Paul says, "if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."
The other area of contention was with Peter himself. Paul mentions that when he was converted he spent 15 days with Peter and also met James the brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:18). When I read that I wonder at what these two pillars of the church talked about. Did they go out to do evangelism together? Did they pray together? I would have loved to have been there and heard some of the conversations they had together. Peter could tell Paul firsthand some of the journeys that Jesus had with his disciples. What an exciting time of fellowship they must have had. That was the good time, but there was also the bad moments also.
Paul mentions this in Galatians 2:11 when Cephas, or Peter, came to Antioch Paul opposed him. I mention this not because it is beat up on Peter week, but because I can relate to Paul's story. There are highs and lows in any ministry. Paul seemed to have the extreme of both of them. It says that Peter was holding himself aloof when Jews would come up from Jerusalem and not eat with the Gentiles. He was being two-faced and Paul didn't let him get away with it. That's the sign of a good friend. He called him on it because he cared about Peter, but also the witness of Peter and the hypocrisy of his actions. The great thing about it is, that Peter accepted the rebuke it appears and corrected his actions. It takes a big person to sometimes admit your wrong.
Having done ministry in a wide variety of settings, I can tell you that sometimes the best thing that could happen to you is to be corrected. It doesn't feel good when it happens, but it is a sign that a person truly cares about you. It takes honesty and sometimes a "tough love" for someone to be honest with us sometimes. It risks confrontation and the other person going off and exploding in anger. Who really wants to deal with that? Most of us would want to avoid it.
The thing is, that God also sometimes corrects us when we need it. It is not a sign of anger only, but of love that he does this. Hebrews 12:11 says "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." God does this sometimes by allowing us to experience the natural consequences of our actions and sometimes God reveals it to us in other ways. Peter experienced a broken heart over his denial of Jesus and wept, but then was stronger afterward. God loves us too much to allow us to not say anything.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Betrayed
"And a little while later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; for the way you talk gives you away." Then he began to curse and swear, "I do not know the man!" And immediately a cock crowed. And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, "Before a cock crows, you will deny Me three times." and he went out and wept bitterly." Matthew 26:73-75
Do you know what it is like to be betrayed by someone you thought you could trust? No more than Jesus. Jesus knew from the beginning who would betray him. He knew that one of his most loyal followers, Peter, would deny that he even knew him. He knew that Judas would betray him to the Pharisees. Jesus is someone who can empathize with our feelings because he has been there.
Not only has he been there, but he did not give up on Peter even though he knew better than Peter did that he would deny him. He gave Peter a definite sign, the cock crowing, as a sign that this was the betrayal that he mentioned. But, Jesus also told Peter that he had prayed for him, that when he repented he would strengthen those around him. He didn't give up on Peter and he doesn't give up on us.
In fact, there seems to be something else going on behind the scenes that Jesus alludes to in Luke 22:31-32, that Satan has demanded to sift Peter like wheat. Jesus said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you; that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you hae turned again, strengthen your brothers." You notice the idea of sifting here. That Satan had been given an opportunity to sift Peter, to get rid of things in Peters life that were hindering him and to help him to be more fruitful. To be sure, Satan means it for harm, but God uses it for his own purposes.
Sometimes we can exalt people to a place they should not be in our lives. Then, God allows Satan to sift us as well, he allows Satan a season of purifying us and our faith, not because he is trying to destroy us, but to purfiy what remains, so that we can be more fruitful. I think God wants us to beware of exalting other people than Himself. When we do we set ourselves up for disappointment. For most people will disappoint us at one time or another. We sometimes even will disappoint ourselves. But, God is not shocked by our lack of strength. He knew that it was there all along. He allows us to see it to keep us humble and to help us realize we have less to be proud about than we thought.
To be betrayed by a trusted friend hurts alot. It violates a trust that we had in the person. Whether it is a lie that was said or some gossip or something far worse. But, part of what makes the christian faith so amazing is that God became flesh and dwelt among us and experienced the same kinds of pains that we have. He experienced physical weakness and thirst, but also the deeper things, the friendship of others and also the pain of rejection. Ultimately, he faced it far more than we, for he was forsaken for our sakes on the cross.
Do you know what it is like to be betrayed by someone you thought you could trust? No more than Jesus. Jesus knew from the beginning who would betray him. He knew that one of his most loyal followers, Peter, would deny that he even knew him. He knew that Judas would betray him to the Pharisees. Jesus is someone who can empathize with our feelings because he has been there.
Not only has he been there, but he did not give up on Peter even though he knew better than Peter did that he would deny him. He gave Peter a definite sign, the cock crowing, as a sign that this was the betrayal that he mentioned. But, Jesus also told Peter that he had prayed for him, that when he repented he would strengthen those around him. He didn't give up on Peter and he doesn't give up on us.
In fact, there seems to be something else going on behind the scenes that Jesus alludes to in Luke 22:31-32, that Satan has demanded to sift Peter like wheat. Jesus said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you; that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you hae turned again, strengthen your brothers." You notice the idea of sifting here. That Satan had been given an opportunity to sift Peter, to get rid of things in Peters life that were hindering him and to help him to be more fruitful. To be sure, Satan means it for harm, but God uses it for his own purposes.
Sometimes we can exalt people to a place they should not be in our lives. Then, God allows Satan to sift us as well, he allows Satan a season of purifying us and our faith, not because he is trying to destroy us, but to purfiy what remains, so that we can be more fruitful. I think God wants us to beware of exalting other people than Himself. When we do we set ourselves up for disappointment. For most people will disappoint us at one time or another. We sometimes even will disappoint ourselves. But, God is not shocked by our lack of strength. He knew that it was there all along. He allows us to see it to keep us humble and to help us realize we have less to be proud about than we thought.
To be betrayed by a trusted friend hurts alot. It violates a trust that we had in the person. Whether it is a lie that was said or some gossip or something far worse. But, part of what makes the christian faith so amazing is that God became flesh and dwelt among us and experienced the same kinds of pains that we have. He experienced physical weakness and thirst, but also the deeper things, the friendship of others and also the pain of rejection. Ultimately, he faced it far more than we, for he was forsaken for our sakes on the cross.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
How To Study the Bible Part 2
As I said in the last post, there are a variety of ways to study the Bible. We could do a inductive study as I mentioned or we could focus on a verse, a bible character or a topical study. I want to give you an example of a study of a particular verse and share with you how I would go about studying it.
As an example, I will pick Colossians 1:15 which says, "And He is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation." This has a number of interesting words in it that we could look at further. For example, what does it mean to be in the image of the invisible God? What does it mean to be the "first born"? We could use several tools to help us identify these words, a concordance would help us look up how the words are used in other parts of the Bible. Also, an interlinear study Bible will break the verse down into its original language, which in this case was Greek. If we look this word up in an interlinear study bible it looks like this:
ov estin (5748) eikwn tou qeou tou aoratou, prwtotokov pashv ktisewv,
If I go further and look up the definition of the word "image" I get this defintion:
an image of the things (the heavenly things);
used of the moral likeness of renewed men to God;
the image of the Son of God, into which true Christians are transformed, is likeness not only to the heavenly body, but also to the most holy and blessed state of mind, which Christ possesses
So, now I want to know more about this word "image" and go to my concordance. I would use something like a Thompson Chain Reference concordance and look up the word image. In doing so, I would get some other references which might help me explore this word further. In this case I would get these references:
The Ultimate Aim of the Christian Life: Christlikeness
Romans 8:29
1 Corinthians 15:49
2 Corinthians 3:18
Philippians 3:21
Colossians 3:10
2 Peter 1:4
1 John 3:2
SEE New; Man
This would help me to explore this word in its proper context and place it in relationship to the rest of the Bible. Other tools that I might use in my search are Bible handbooks and commentaries. Sometimes commentaries are helpful to understand the history behind the verse. It is helpful to know sometimes where the author was when he was writing or who he was writing to. Also, it is helpful to consider if the writer and reader would have known each other. In the case of Colossians, we know that Paul most likely had never been there, but was relying upon word from a man mentioned in Colossians 1:7 named Epaphras, a church leader in Colossae.
Upon some more study, we might look up the word "first born" since it is the christian view that Christ has always existed and is God in the flesh, we need to understand this idea of first born. It does not intend to mean that Christ was born and therefore is not God. It has a totally different meaning than that. It helps to know in this case the way a first century Jew would use this phrase, which is what Paul was. In looking at Adam Clark's commentary, he comments:
"As the Jews term Jehovah becoro shel olam, the first-born of all the world, or of all the creation, to signify his having created or produced all things; (see Wolfius in loc.) so Christ is here termed, and the words which follow in the 16th and 17th Colossians 1:16,17verses are the proof of this"
So, we see that what Paul was talking about here is what he also clearly says in verses 16-17 that Jesus is the one through whom "all things have been created by Him and for Him, And he is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Paul is talking about the preeminence of Christ over all things. A major theme of this book to combat problems that Epaphras has told Paul about. He is telling the Colossians not to add to the gospel or to place other things alongside, in importance, the person and work of Christ.
As an example, I will pick Colossians 1:15 which says, "And He is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation." This has a number of interesting words in it that we could look at further. For example, what does it mean to be in the image of the invisible God? What does it mean to be the "first born"? We could use several tools to help us identify these words, a concordance would help us look up how the words are used in other parts of the Bible. Also, an interlinear study Bible will break the verse down into its original language, which in this case was Greek. If we look this word up in an interlinear study bible it looks like this:
ov estin (5748) eikwn tou qeou tou aoratou, prwtotokov pashv ktisewv,
If I go further and look up the definition of the word "image" I get this defintion:
an image of the things (the heavenly things);
used of the moral likeness of renewed men to God;
the image of the Son of God, into which true Christians are transformed, is likeness not only to the heavenly body, but also to the most holy and blessed state of mind, which Christ possesses
So, now I want to know more about this word "image" and go to my concordance. I would use something like a Thompson Chain Reference concordance and look up the word image. In doing so, I would get some other references which might help me explore this word further. In this case I would get these references:
The Ultimate Aim of the Christian Life: Christlikeness
Romans 8:29
1 Corinthians 15:49
2 Corinthians 3:18
Philippians 3:21
Colossians 3:10
2 Peter 1:4
1 John 3:2
SEE New; Man
This would help me to explore this word in its proper context and place it in relationship to the rest of the Bible. Other tools that I might use in my search are Bible handbooks and commentaries. Sometimes commentaries are helpful to understand the history behind the verse. It is helpful to know sometimes where the author was when he was writing or who he was writing to. Also, it is helpful to consider if the writer and reader would have known each other. In the case of Colossians, we know that Paul most likely had never been there, but was relying upon word from a man mentioned in Colossians 1:7 named Epaphras, a church leader in Colossae.
Upon some more study, we might look up the word "first born" since it is the christian view that Christ has always existed and is God in the flesh, we need to understand this idea of first born. It does not intend to mean that Christ was born and therefore is not God. It has a totally different meaning than that. It helps to know in this case the way a first century Jew would use this phrase, which is what Paul was. In looking at Adam Clark's commentary, he comments:
"As the Jews term Jehovah becoro shel olam, the first-born of all the world, or of all the creation, to signify his having created or produced all things; (see Wolfius in loc.) so Christ is here termed, and the words which follow in the 16th and 17th Colossians 1:16,17verses are the proof of this"
So, we see that what Paul was talking about here is what he also clearly says in verses 16-17 that Jesus is the one through whom "all things have been created by Him and for Him, And he is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Paul is talking about the preeminence of Christ over all things. A major theme of this book to combat problems that Epaphras has told Paul about. He is telling the Colossians not to add to the gospel or to place other things alongside, in importance, the person and work of Christ.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
How To Study the Bible Part I
There are several things you can look for without having any commentaries at all. This is called an inductive bible study. It allows the Word to speak for itself. Things to look for include
1. Key Words- usually these are words that are repetitve. If the Bible repeats itself it is usually important. Ask yourself "What is the key word here in this passage?"
2. Cause and effect statements- This looks at relationships between things. You want to look for linking words between two ideas. Words such as "because of", "since" "due to". Cause and effect statement tell us that because of one thing another happens. An example, "You are saved by grace through faith and not by works, so that no one can boast." This tells us that we are saved by grace and as a result, you may not boast about what you accomplished.
3. Promises to claim- what promise in the passage is there that you as a believe can hope in?
4. Commands- Unfortunately, we don't just have ten commandments, there are a lot of others spread throughout the Bible. Is there a command in the passage you need to respond to?
5. What does the passage tell you about the nature of God? The nature of man? Ask questions such as: Who, what, where, when, why. Let the word speak for itself.
6. Look up related text. These are often found at the end of a verse or at the bottom of the page. It can often give insight into the meaning.
7. Look at the context of the passage. That means consider where the Bible characters were and what was going on immediately before and after the verses being studied. People get into trouble when they take things out of context.
Some helpful links to study aids for the Bible
http://www.studylight.org/com/
http://www.biblestudytools.com/
http://bibleresources.bible.com/
http://www.bible.org/
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Psalm 42
"Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him. For the help of His presence." Psalm 42:5
It is unclear to me when David wrote Psalm 42, if it was David that wrote it. The psalmist mentioned panting after God and feeling despair. He mentions the Jordan, the area east of Jersualem and the promise land. But, the thing of it is is that there were a lot of times in David's life when he felt despair. There was a lot of time when he was in exile from others. Sometimes on the run for his life. But, David is talking more than about a physical despair here, but a spiritual one.
Two times in Psalm 42:5-6 the word despair is used. It is the transliterated word "Shachach" which means to "bow down, humbled, to be cast down". The word "despair" is also used to describe his condition and that word is the word "Hamah" which means to mourn, to roar, to be in a stir. The psalmist was in a state of turmoil and despair. He was in a place where he felt spiritually dry. So, it is almost as if he is talking to himself in this psalm. He looks at his situation and then says to himself and also to us, "Hope in God". Then, in verse 6 it tells us "Therefore I remember from the land of the Jordan". It could mean he means a literal Jordan, but more than that it is a place of exile, a spiritual wilderness, a dry and weak place. It is from this place he tells himself to remember, to look back on much like looking back from a mountain.
When you look back from the tops of the mountain, you see the twists and turns and peaks and valleys that you came through. You can see a long ways off. You can look back and remember what you went through. That is part of what I think he means here. Sometimes we should look back and remember what we have already been through. To look back and remember the valleys, the heartaches, the injury and the insult, so that we can remember that God saw us through it. This is what Joseph did in Genesis 50:20 when he said to his brothers "And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive." In retrospect often times, it is much easier to see God's hand at work than in the present.
It is unclear to me when David wrote Psalm 42, if it was David that wrote it. The psalmist mentioned panting after God and feeling despair. He mentions the Jordan, the area east of Jersualem and the promise land. But, the thing of it is is that there were a lot of times in David's life when he felt despair. There was a lot of time when he was in exile from others. Sometimes on the run for his life. But, David is talking more than about a physical despair here, but a spiritual one.
Two times in Psalm 42:5-6 the word despair is used. It is the transliterated word "Shachach" which means to "bow down, humbled, to be cast down". The word "despair" is also used to describe his condition and that word is the word "Hamah" which means to mourn, to roar, to be in a stir. The psalmist was in a state of turmoil and despair. He was in a place where he felt spiritually dry. So, it is almost as if he is talking to himself in this psalm. He looks at his situation and then says to himself and also to us, "Hope in God". Then, in verse 6 it tells us "Therefore I remember from the land of the Jordan". It could mean he means a literal Jordan, but more than that it is a place of exile, a spiritual wilderness, a dry and weak place. It is from this place he tells himself to remember, to look back on much like looking back from a mountain.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
prayer
I went to church this Sunday at First Wesleyan Church in High Point. Here is the web site if you want to check it out at http://www.firstwesleyan.org/
The sermon was about prayer this morning and particularly about God's provision in prayer. The pastor's key verse was about Matthew 6:11 "Give us this day our daily bread". He talked about how God is able to do so much more than we ask, but he wants us to pray about everything. He wants us to come to him and ask for wisdom when we need it and for our daily needs. Among some of the other verses he used are: Ephesians 3:20; James 1:5; Hebrews 11:6.
I began to think of my own prayer life and how sometimes I simply go to God with my concerns and really don't expand that to cover all of the needs I know about. For example, I know of someone who ran away from home this week. I know people who have drug problems. I drive around each week in areas of Burlington where there are strong problems with unemployment and drugs. Many of the people who come into our office during the week have been sexually abused or physically abused in some way. Yet, how many times does it bother me enough to really cry out to God about it.
The scripture in Ephesisans 3:20 caught my attention during the sermon as well. It says, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abudantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us." In some sense, I think when we go to God and pray only about our needs, I think God says, "Is that it?" "Is that all you want?" We should realize that God can do so much more than we dare ask for. We limit God sometimes by shallow and selfish praying. Maybe that is a reflections of our faith. Maybe that is a reflection of my faith.
Another thought that crossed my mind was that prayer is so much more than asking. Prayer also needs to contain thankfulness for what God has done. If you can think of nothing else, then there should be mention of the cross and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. There should be a mention of how God does not treat us as we deserve. Thankfulness for God's love and mercy towards us.
Hebrews 11:6 says "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." In the previous verses, the writer mentions Enoch. Not much is known about him except that God "took him" early on in Genesis. We do know because of what this passage says that Enoch was a man of faith because without it he could not please God at all. But, notice also that it says that God rewards those who "seek Him". As I mentioned in a previous post, we are to be seekers of God. Not just for what He can do for us, but for Him.
I began to think of my own prayer life and how sometimes I simply go to God with my concerns and really don't expand that to cover all of the needs I know about. For example, I know of someone who ran away from home this week. I know people who have drug problems. I drive around each week in areas of Burlington where there are strong problems with unemployment and drugs. Many of the people who come into our office during the week have been sexually abused or physically abused in some way. Yet, how many times does it bother me enough to really cry out to God about it.
The scripture in Ephesisans 3:20 caught my attention during the sermon as well. It says, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abudantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us." In some sense, I think when we go to God and pray only about our needs, I think God says, "Is that it?" "Is that all you want?" We should realize that God can do so much more than we dare ask for. We limit God sometimes by shallow and selfish praying. Maybe that is a reflections of our faith. Maybe that is a reflection of my faith.
Another thought that crossed my mind was that prayer is so much more than asking. Prayer also needs to contain thankfulness for what God has done. If you can think of nothing else, then there should be mention of the cross and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. There should be a mention of how God does not treat us as we deserve. Thankfulness for God's love and mercy towards us.
Hebrews 11:6 says "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." In the previous verses, the writer mentions Enoch. Not much is known about him except that God "took him" early on in Genesis. We do know because of what this passage says that Enoch was a man of faith because without it he could not please God at all. But, notice also that it says that God rewards those who "seek Him". As I mentioned in a previous post, we are to be seekers of God. Not just for what He can do for us, but for Him.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
A Compelling Story
"I will not let you go unless you bless me." Genesis 32:26
The thing about Jacob is, that he is an unlikely hero in scripture. Born with his hands on the ankle of his brother. He was the ultimate momma's boy. When his mother said to do something that would ultimately cheat his older brother out of his blessing, He did as he was told. He also stole his brother birthright by deception. Now, after years of working for his distant relative Laban, he is coming home to pay for his sins.
I think Jacob was worried about how Esau would greet him on return. After all, last time he saw his brother Esau wanted to kill him. He was not the soft and feely type. He was a hard man who let bitterness stew overnight. The evidence that Jacob knew this is how he goes back home, by sending presents on to his brother ahead of him. But, this is a changed Jacob coming home.
In Genesis 32 we read of a story where it says a man wrestled with Jacob until daylight (Genesis 32:24). This was a battle of which Wrestlemania has never seen. The wrestling match of conscious, of pride, of Jacob's heart and spiritual foundation. And when the man says, "Let me go" verse 26 Jacob says he will not until he blesses him. Maybe Jacob didn't know much, but he knew this man was spiritual and he wanted his blessing before he went on.
It is interesting that Jacob did not know this man's name. I think this is a pre-incarnate view of Jesus. Sometimes that happens in scripture. Jesus said that Abraham saw his day and was glad for it. We need to realize that Jesus is God. As God he has always existed. He is actually the reason that everything exists. So, when Jacob asks him his name, the response is "Why is it that you ask my name?" Part of the reason for this is because Jacob realizes he is wrestling with a divine being. The actual question the man asks could be rephrased "Why do you ask about something that is too great for you to understand?" That is why Jacob responds in verse 30 "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved."
Sometimes in the face of God's silence, when God hides himself. I think God wants us to find the determination of Jacob. The boldness, the courage, the strength, to say to God, I am going to seek you out. I am going to grab a hold and not let go. I am coming after you and not resting until I find you. In a sense, it is almost like a divine hide and seek if you will. The question becomes, "Do you care enough to look?" God has actually promised to allow himself to be found by those who seek him. But, there is still more than that, it is God himself who gives you the desire to look for him.
Are you willing to say as Jacob did "I will not let you go unless you bless me."? Are you will to ask, seek and knock until your arms are weak and knees are sore? "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7-8
The thing about Jacob is, that he is an unlikely hero in scripture. Born with his hands on the ankle of his brother. He was the ultimate momma's boy. When his mother said to do something that would ultimately cheat his older brother out of his blessing, He did as he was told. He also stole his brother birthright by deception. Now, after years of working for his distant relative Laban, he is coming home to pay for his sins.
I think Jacob was worried about how Esau would greet him on return. After all, last time he saw his brother Esau wanted to kill him. He was not the soft and feely type. He was a hard man who let bitterness stew overnight. The evidence that Jacob knew this is how he goes back home, by sending presents on to his brother ahead of him. But, this is a changed Jacob coming home.
In Genesis 32 we read of a story where it says a man wrestled with Jacob until daylight (Genesis 32:24). This was a battle of which Wrestlemania has never seen. The wrestling match of conscious, of pride, of Jacob's heart and spiritual foundation. And when the man says, "Let me go" verse 26 Jacob says he will not until he blesses him. Maybe Jacob didn't know much, but he knew this man was spiritual and he wanted his blessing before he went on.
It is interesting that Jacob did not know this man's name. I think this is a pre-incarnate view of Jesus. Sometimes that happens in scripture. Jesus said that Abraham saw his day and was glad for it. We need to realize that Jesus is God. As God he has always existed. He is actually the reason that everything exists. So, when Jacob asks him his name, the response is "Why is it that you ask my name?" Part of the reason for this is because Jacob realizes he is wrestling with a divine being. The actual question the man asks could be rephrased "Why do you ask about something that is too great for you to understand?" That is why Jacob responds in verse 30 "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved."
Sometimes in the face of God's silence, when God hides himself. I think God wants us to find the determination of Jacob. The boldness, the courage, the strength, to say to God, I am going to seek you out. I am going to grab a hold and not let go. I am coming after you and not resting until I find you. In a sense, it is almost like a divine hide and seek if you will. The question becomes, "Do you care enough to look?" God has actually promised to allow himself to be found by those who seek him. But, there is still more than that, it is God himself who gives you the desire to look for him.
Are you willing to say as Jacob did "I will not let you go unless you bless me."? Are you will to ask, seek and knock until your arms are weak and knees are sore? "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7-8
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Spirit over the waters
Two posts ago, I commented about the scripture where it says that the Holy Spirit hovered over the surface of the waters. I was thinking about that passage today. The picture in my mind came of a writer or artist posed over a blank sheet of paper or canvas preparing to create. There is a pause, as the creator considers what will be made. I think that is the same idea here-- one of anticipation.
The irony is that for much of the history of man, the sea was a place to be feared. Man had to use the sea and oceans for transporting goods, lumber and animals and people. But, people knew early on that storms could arise and that some people simply would not return from the voyage they undertook. Yet, here God is hovering over the waters to create. He is going to bring order out of chaos.
I was reading a web site about this where the author said, "Suffice it to say that the idea of water as a threat to the world, as a symbol of the destructive power of sin, as a way to describe the world or people without God, even as evidence of the judgment of God, is a pervasive theme in Scripture. Conversely, the conquest or taming of water is a common metaphor to describe the creative and transforming actions of God in the world, especially at crucial junctures in human history." God take something here that is feared and shows that he is master over it and creator.
http://www.crivoice.org/biblestudy/bbgen3.html
It reminds me of when Moses and the children of God were escaping from Egypt. As they moved from Egypt they went towards the Red Sea. They became trapped between the soliders of Egypt on one side and water and mountains on the others. Yet, here God again shows he is Lord over the things that we fear. He simply lifted up the waters and allowed the Israelites to pass through. But, at the same time, when the Egyptians tried the same thing they died in the waters.
How many people today have lives that we could describe as formless and void and in darkness. They have not allowed the God of peace to touch what is theirs and to mold it into things for his purposes. As a result, homes are destroyed, marriages crumble and lives are ruined. We are taught to be self-sufficient, when our only true rest and peace comes from surrender and dependence on God not self-sufficiency.
The irony is that for much of the history of man, the sea was a place to be feared. Man had to use the sea and oceans for transporting goods, lumber and animals and people. But, people knew early on that storms could arise and that some people simply would not return from the voyage they undertook. Yet, here God is hovering over the waters to create. He is going to bring order out of chaos.
I was reading a web site about this where the author said, "Suffice it to say that the idea of water as a threat to the world, as a symbol of the destructive power of sin, as a way to describe the world or people without God, even as evidence of the judgment of God, is a pervasive theme in Scripture. Conversely, the conquest or taming of water is a common metaphor to describe the creative and transforming actions of God in the world, especially at crucial junctures in human history." God take something here that is feared and shows that he is master over it and creator.
http://www.crivoice.org/biblestudy/bbgen3.html
It reminds me of when Moses and the children of God were escaping from Egypt. As they moved from Egypt they went towards the Red Sea. They became trapped between the soliders of Egypt on one side and water and mountains on the others. Yet, here God again shows he is Lord over the things that we fear. He simply lifted up the waters and allowed the Israelites to pass through. But, at the same time, when the Egyptians tried the same thing they died in the waters.
How many people today have lives that we could describe as formless and void and in darkness. They have not allowed the God of peace to touch what is theirs and to mold it into things for his purposes. As a result, homes are destroyed, marriages crumble and lives are ruined. We are taught to be self-sufficient, when our only true rest and peace comes from surrender and dependence on God not self-sufficiency.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Church Service last night
I decided to try another church last night, Wednesday night prayer service, at a church I had not been to before. I went to the first church I was thinking of checking out and there was two cars in the parking lot. It didn't look like anyone was really doing anything, so I turned around to go to my second choice. I arrived a few minutes late and slipped in the back.
The first thing I thought was, I wonder where the younger people are. There was about 15 people present, all older than me. Most I think it would be fair to say were senior adults. The second thing I noticed was when the pastor made a point of singling me out after the prayer asking me if I had been there before. They then had a man come to the back to give me an outline, which the pastor then ignored during his lesson. The third thing I noticed, is that though I am required in my job to dot the i's and cross the t's, he didn't seem prepared at all.
Several thoughts went through my mind as I sat there. One was that I understand completely most people not wanting to be there. It was about as boring as boring gets. No wonder most of the pews were empty. Second, I felt sad that there wasn't more younger people there. That is what happens when the church refuses to change, update its methods of reaching people and does the same old thing year in and year out. The other thing is, that it is a shame that the church makes Jesus, who was probably the most revolutionary and exciting person to ever live, seem so drab and boring. I can completely understand my kids desire not to go to church. What a pathetic shame most churches are. Sorry, but that's the truth.
The thing is, that the church has a most relevant message for people today. People are craving to hear that God loves them and to experience his forgiveness. They need the relationship that Christ offers a hurting world. They also need the peace that God offers and understanding and explaining our purpose for being as people. People are looking for these answers in all sorts of other places instead of the church.
The first thing I thought was, I wonder where the younger people are. There was about 15 people present, all older than me. Most I think it would be fair to say were senior adults. The second thing I noticed was when the pastor made a point of singling me out after the prayer asking me if I had been there before. They then had a man come to the back to give me an outline, which the pastor then ignored during his lesson. The third thing I noticed, is that though I am required in my job to dot the i's and cross the t's, he didn't seem prepared at all.
Several thoughts went through my mind as I sat there. One was that I understand completely most people not wanting to be there. It was about as boring as boring gets. No wonder most of the pews were empty. Second, I felt sad that there wasn't more younger people there. That is what happens when the church refuses to change, update its methods of reaching people and does the same old thing year in and year out. The other thing is, that it is a shame that the church makes Jesus, who was probably the most revolutionary and exciting person to ever live, seem so drab and boring. I can completely understand my kids desire not to go to church. What a pathetic shame most churches are. Sorry, but that's the truth.
The thing is, that the church has a most relevant message for people today. People are craving to hear that God loves them and to experience his forgiveness. They need the relationship that Christ offers a hurting world. They also need the peace that God offers and understanding and explaining our purpose for being as people. People are looking for these answers in all sorts of other places instead of the church.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Interpreting Genesis
I was talking with some people on a forum that I have been involved in about Genesis and possible interpretations for it. Particularly, referring to the story of creation and how long it took to create heaven and earth. There are several different views on how to interpret this story and problems with each one. Some people take the story literally, while others do not.
There are several problems with taking the story of creation literally. One is that the earth does not appear to be as young as the story of creation would lead us to believe. Most scholars who study the Bible would say that if it is to be taken literally the earth is approximately 5,000 years old. Then if that is true then what do we make of the appearance that the earth is millions of years old? Some scholars have tried to reconcile this with science by coming up with theories. One of the theories is the young earth theory.
The young earth theory suggests that God created the world with age already built into it. In other words, when he created Adam and Even, when you look at them they would look very much like adults. This makes sense because you wouldn't think Adam would have been created as a helpless baby. So, Adam would have looked much older than he was on his first day of existence. Some would say that God did the same thing with the earth and that there were fossils and things in the ground on the first day of creation.
There are some other problems with the literal interpretation of creation such as if Adam and Eve were the first parents then who did their sons marry? They apparently had children and yet no women are mentioned with the mentioning of Cain and Abel. If Adam and Eve did have girls afterwards does that mean that Cain and Abel married they're sisters? Sounds a little strange to me.
One other theory is that of the "gap theory". In other words, some scholars place a gap of millions and possible billions of years between Genesis 1:2 and 1:3. The first two verses are said to be the first creation and then God destroyed that one and so it returned to a state of being void or formless. Then, God started all over again much like you would pottery on a pottery wheel. Smash it up and start all over again from scratch. Some would say that the dinosaurs existed on that first earth before it became formless.
If your shaking your head at this theory your in the same boat with me. Although not everyone who believes in a gap theory would go to this extent. Some would simply say that the earth existed and it was covered in water. The statement in verse 2 would support that water covered the earth. "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkenss was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." The only problem with believing in another first creation with dinosaurs is that you would never get that from reading the passage alone. It doesn't support that and scripture alone cannot be interpreted that way.
One of the other things that have puzzled me about Genesis is who is telling this story and from what perspective? In other words, is this a verbal story passed down from Adam and Eve themselves? Did God tell Adam how he created the earth and then Adam passed it down? How would God have explained the story to Adam, creating something from nothing, in a way that he would understand. In fact, how do I understand that God existed and always existed and made all things from nothing and yet never had a beginning. You would think that God would have to simplify what happened at least for Adam's benefit. Not that God lied, as much as simplified.
One other question about Genesis is do we take the story as a literal 6 24 hour days? You may notice on the first day of the story God creates light. This is despite the fact that the sun was not created for several days later. You would wonder how we would measure time at this point. Also, there is the issue of how long did the earth remain void and formless as it is when the story starts. If it is formless and void does that mean that something did exist at that point? Could that also account for the earth looking older than it is. Don't even get me started on the dinosaurs. . . .
A few links to references to Genesis
http://www.christiananswers.net/creation/menu-bible.html
http://www.religioustolerance.org/com_geev.htm
There are several problems with taking the story of creation literally. One is that the earth does not appear to be as young as the story of creation would lead us to believe. Most scholars who study the Bible would say that if it is to be taken literally the earth is approximately 5,000 years old. Then if that is true then what do we make of the appearance that the earth is millions of years old? Some scholars have tried to reconcile this with science by coming up with theories. One of the theories is the young earth theory.
The young earth theory suggests that God created the world with age already built into it. In other words, when he created Adam and Even, when you look at them they would look very much like adults. This makes sense because you wouldn't think Adam would have been created as a helpless baby. So, Adam would have looked much older than he was on his first day of existence. Some would say that God did the same thing with the earth and that there were fossils and things in the ground on the first day of creation.
There are some other problems with the literal interpretation of creation such as if Adam and Eve were the first parents then who did their sons marry? They apparently had children and yet no women are mentioned with the mentioning of Cain and Abel. If Adam and Eve did have girls afterwards does that mean that Cain and Abel married they're sisters? Sounds a little strange to me.
One other theory is that of the "gap theory". In other words, some scholars place a gap of millions and possible billions of years between Genesis 1:2 and 1:3. The first two verses are said to be the first creation and then God destroyed that one and so it returned to a state of being void or formless. Then, God started all over again much like you would pottery on a pottery wheel. Smash it up and start all over again from scratch. Some would say that the dinosaurs existed on that first earth before it became formless.
If your shaking your head at this theory your in the same boat with me. Although not everyone who believes in a gap theory would go to this extent. Some would simply say that the earth existed and it was covered in water. The statement in verse 2 would support that water covered the earth. "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkenss was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." The only problem with believing in another first creation with dinosaurs is that you would never get that from reading the passage alone. It doesn't support that and scripture alone cannot be interpreted that way.
One of the other things that have puzzled me about Genesis is who is telling this story and from what perspective? In other words, is this a verbal story passed down from Adam and Eve themselves? Did God tell Adam how he created the earth and then Adam passed it down? How would God have explained the story to Adam, creating something from nothing, in a way that he would understand. In fact, how do I understand that God existed and always existed and made all things from nothing and yet never had a beginning. You would think that God would have to simplify what happened at least for Adam's benefit. Not that God lied, as much as simplified.
One other question about Genesis is do we take the story as a literal 6 24 hour days? You may notice on the first day of the story God creates light. This is despite the fact that the sun was not created for several days later. You would wonder how we would measure time at this point. Also, there is the issue of how long did the earth remain void and formless as it is when the story starts. If it is formless and void does that mean that something did exist at that point? Could that also account for the earth looking older than it is. Don't even get me started on the dinosaurs. . . .
A few links to references to Genesis
http://www.christiananswers.net/creation/menu-bible.html
http://www.religioustolerance.org/com_geev.htm
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Set Us Free
In Galatains 5:1 it says, "It is for freedom that Christ set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Did you know that in the ancient world where Paul lived there was probably as many as a third of the people living who were under slavery of some kind? Paul knew a lot about slavery. But, physical slavery was not what Paul was talking about in these verses, but a spiritual slavery to the law. Paul was saving that Jesus set us free from the rules and regulations that appear religious, but do not help us to have peace with God. I no longer have to worry about whether or not God is mad at me or try to win his approval. I simply need to have faith that Christ has paid that debt for me.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
Galatians was written for some of the same reasons that Colossians was written. Some Jews had come, probably from Jerusalem, and were telling new believers they had to follow the law of Moses along with the commands of Jesus. Paul went on to say to them that Jesus set them free from these expectations. They no longer had to worry about what to drink, wash or ceremonies of special days or events. We don't have to worry about trying to earn God's favor because we already have it. Rather, the good works that we do we do out of love for God because of what he has done for us. So, my motivation is not fear, but it is love.
I was talking with a lady who has been helping her son with paying some bills. She has started to resent how much money the son is asking for. It has been causing a lot of friction in the home. I told her that if she could not give it willingly and because it gave her joy then she should keep it. Keep in mind this is an adult son who is living at home. I specifically told her she shouldn't give him a penny. I think it is the same with giving to God. God loves a cheerful giver. I do the good works that I do not out of fear, but out of gratitude. Gratitude that God has set me free from the fear of hell, forgiven all my offenses and washed my sins away. Though it is as black as the Gulf of Mexico, God has cleansed, forgiven, as if it has never been. If that doesn't make you want to do something in return maybe you don't have an idea of how dark the waters were to begin with.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
Galatians was written for some of the same reasons that Colossians was written. Some Jews had come, probably from Jerusalem, and were telling new believers they had to follow the law of Moses along with the commands of Jesus. Paul went on to say to them that Jesus set them free from these expectations. They no longer had to worry about what to drink, wash or ceremonies of special days or events. We don't have to worry about trying to earn God's favor because we already have it. Rather, the good works that we do we do out of love for God because of what he has done for us. So, my motivation is not fear, but it is love.
I was talking with a lady who has been helping her son with paying some bills. She has started to resent how much money the son is asking for. It has been causing a lot of friction in the home. I told her that if she could not give it willingly and because it gave her joy then she should keep it. Keep in mind this is an adult son who is living at home. I specifically told her she shouldn't give him a penny. I think it is the same with giving to God. God loves a cheerful giver. I do the good works that I do not out of fear, but out of gratitude. Gratitude that God has set me free from the fear of hell, forgiven all my offenses and washed my sins away. Though it is as black as the Gulf of Mexico, God has cleansed, forgiven, as if it has never been. If that doesn't make you want to do something in return maybe you don't have an idea of how dark the waters were to begin with.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Gulf Oil Spill
Like a lot of other people, I have been watching the news of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I grew up in Texas near the Gulf coast. We often went to the beach at Galveston during the summer to swim and play in the sand. Though the beaches from what I understand in Texas are still clear, most of the Gulf coast has been effected and will be effected by this oil spill. It is difficult to watch as we have access to watch the oil coming out of the broken pipe at the bottom of the ocean floor. It is difficult to imagine that years of damage this is doing to the coast line and to animals in the water. Not to mention the livelihood of those who depend on the ocean.
This explosion seems to be the exception rather than the rule thankfully. I can remember looking out at the shoreline and seeing oil rigs for as long as I remember. In fact, when I went to the Outer Banks of North Carolina last year the thing that struck me was that there are no oil rigs there-- at least not yet. The accident occurred not because of the oil rig itself, but it seems because safety measures that should have been taken were not. To the point that the rig itself was unsafe and not built to standards. This was all done in the name of trying to save money and make money. In a word, this happened because of greed.
I am not saying that the oil rig workers themselves were the ones who caused this. I am sure that most of the employees at BP are honest, hard working folks. I believe though from what I have heard that the people at the corporate level knew that they were cutting corners and allowed it even though they knew it was unsafe. That disregard for the safety and welfare of others is disturbing and the exact opposite of what the gospels tell us to do in treating other people. Jesus tells us that the most important commands of all are to love God and love others. How is this disregard for others demonstrating love?
There are serious consequences when we try to live and work in a manner that is in contrast to the gospel. When we disregard the safety of others. Eventually these things come back to a time of reaping what was sowed. If I sow good thoughts and positive actions, I believe that it eventually will come back to me. If I disregard God's laws and commands, it may not happen today or tomorrow, but one day there will be a day of judgment, a day to pay for what I have done. Unfortunately, people all along the Gulf coast are also having to pay for the sins of others and not their own. That is part of it to, when there are consequences, those consequences often effect others around us.
Latest Update about the Spill
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100702-706157.html
This explosion seems to be the exception rather than the rule thankfully. I can remember looking out at the shoreline and seeing oil rigs for as long as I remember. In fact, when I went to the Outer Banks of North Carolina last year the thing that struck me was that there are no oil rigs there-- at least not yet. The accident occurred not because of the oil rig itself, but it seems because safety measures that should have been taken were not. To the point that the rig itself was unsafe and not built to standards. This was all done in the name of trying to save money and make money. In a word, this happened because of greed.
I am not saying that the oil rig workers themselves were the ones who caused this. I am sure that most of the employees at BP are honest, hard working folks. I believe though from what I have heard that the people at the corporate level knew that they were cutting corners and allowed it even though they knew it was unsafe. That disregard for the safety and welfare of others is disturbing and the exact opposite of what the gospels tell us to do in treating other people. Jesus tells us that the most important commands of all are to love God and love others. How is this disregard for others demonstrating love?
There are serious consequences when we try to live and work in a manner that is in contrast to the gospel. When we disregard the safety of others. Eventually these things come back to a time of reaping what was sowed. If I sow good thoughts and positive actions, I believe that it eventually will come back to me. If I disregard God's laws and commands, it may not happen today or tomorrow, but one day there will be a day of judgment, a day to pay for what I have done. Unfortunately, people all along the Gulf coast are also having to pay for the sins of others and not their own. That is part of it to, when there are consequences, those consequences often effect others around us.
Latest Update about the Spill
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100702-706157.html
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