I always struggle with the verses about slaves obeying masters and wives being weaker vessels and submitting. I know some of the material is cultural and I understand that "submission implies volition". I also understand that for their era Paul and Jesus and even Peter were world changers in the way they included women in their ministries and inner circles - but I still struggle.
Verse 8 finally offers me a place of equal footing where I can nod my head and feel more comfortable, "Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind." 1 Peter 3:8. I could spend the rest of my life living in to verse 8.
My daughter and I had an interesting discussion last night that led us to this verse, "Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame." 1 Peter 3 :15b-16 NRSV. My daughter was concerned about some of her friends and the sin they were living in. She wondered how to go about pointing out their errors without turning the away. i suggested that she love them. I know the temptation and the desire to argue people into the Kingdom. I have never found this to be effective. I compared it to trying to fish with a frying pan. not very good bait! But the unconditional love of God, now that is what I am after! I wish the church that represents Jesus would turn to his life of love and live into that model.
Chapter 3 ends with some interesting ideas to chase down. "For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you--not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him." 1 Peter 3:18-22 NRSV. It is interesting to me that Christ went and proclaimed the gospel to those in "prison" that had been disobedient! Grace beyond the grave is a fascinating concept, don't you think! Peter shows the limitless power of Jesus and his love expressed through grace to all people here.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
1 Peter 2
It seems to be grumpy season in the church I pastor. People that usually would not say an unkind word are striking out verbally at others - the normal gossip and struggles also continue. i find it interesting that Peter felt it necessary to address these things in his day as well. His call is helpful to our congregations today i think, "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander." 1 Peter 2:1 NRSV. Nothing good comes of the backbiting and slander that is common in many people groups. I pray that God will keep our folks from hurting each other in these hard times.
This chapter of 1 Peter is one of my very favorite chapters in the Bible. (I know, I know...). I love the words of Peter as he describes our position and condition here, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:9-10 NRSV. I wonder if we will ever understand who we really are in Christ? and if we can't imagine our own new position, how will we realize the precious position others have in Christ? I think if we could grasp this, it might change everything.
I believe the rest of the call in this chapter is impossible unless we understand the initial premise - that we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood...
I also marvel at these verses, "When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls." 1 Peter 2:23-25 NRSV. I will meditate on these verses today and I pray that God will use them to change my heart and make me more like Jesus!
This chapter of 1 Peter is one of my very favorite chapters in the Bible. (I know, I know...). I love the words of Peter as he describes our position and condition here, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:9-10 NRSV. I wonder if we will ever understand who we really are in Christ? and if we can't imagine our own new position, how will we realize the precious position others have in Christ? I think if we could grasp this, it might change everything.
I believe the rest of the call in this chapter is impossible unless we understand the initial premise - that we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood...
I also marvel at these verses, "When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls." 1 Peter 2:23-25 NRSV. I will meditate on these verses today and I pray that God will use them to change my heart and make me more like Jesus!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
1 Peter 1
It is interesting to read an epistle or letter from someone other than Paul. Peter, one of my favorites, has a markedly different style and approach from Paul. Their lives traveled significantly different paths to Jesus and I enjoy the variety!
Peter starts off with a humble introduction, simply calling himself an apostle of Jesus Christ. And then speaks words of encouragement to the saints who had been scattered from their homes. He reminds them that they are chosen and loved by God, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you," 1 Peter 1:3-4 NRSV. When I read Peter's words I see him as a good coach, reminding the troops of who and whose we are. It is VERY helpful and encouraging to me!
Hi coaching and encouragement continues with a call to readiness when he says, "Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct;" 1 Peter 1 :13-15 NRSV. What a great reminder and a simple call - be holy!
I have found the scripture here that I will meditate on today - maybe for a few days. "Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God." 1 Peter 1:2 NRSV. It reminds me to set my faith and hope on God and God alone. I sometimes place my trust and faith in wrong things, and then I wonder why they break my heart. Lord, help me today to set my heart and faith on you alone!
Peter starts off with a humble introduction, simply calling himself an apostle of Jesus Christ. And then speaks words of encouragement to the saints who had been scattered from their homes. He reminds them that they are chosen and loved by God, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you," 1 Peter 1:3-4 NRSV. When I read Peter's words I see him as a good coach, reminding the troops of who and whose we are. It is VERY helpful and encouraging to me!
Hi coaching and encouragement continues with a call to readiness when he says, "Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct;" 1 Peter 1 :13-15 NRSV. What a great reminder and a simple call - be holy!
I have found the scripture here that I will meditate on today - maybe for a few days. "Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God." 1 Peter 1:2 NRSV. It reminds me to set my faith and hope on God and God alone. I sometimes place my trust and faith in wrong things, and then I wonder why they break my heart. Lord, help me today to set my heart and faith on you alone!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Titus 3
As Paul wraps up this letter to Titus he reminds him, and us, to have the following traits in our ministries and in our lives, "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone." Titus 3:1-2 NRSV.
I remember when I was preparing to marry my wife 25 years ago, my father encouraged me to be kind to her. I remember clearly smiling and nodding my head at that advice, but secretly I thought, "What is he talking about? Isn't there better advice than that for a terrified young groom?" Now, years later, I wish I had taken that advice to heart. I regret the times I was unkind to my wife. Don't get me wrong, I was never horrible, but I wish I had been kinder. This memory causes me to take another look at this seemingly simplistic council from Paul. "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone." Titus 3:1-2 NRSV.
Paul seems to have a better balance of works and grace here as Titus closes, "so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is sure. I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone." Titus 3:7-8 NRSV.
Paul's closing counsel and personal notes give us a glimpse into the personal side of his ministry. I love how he takes care to order the life of the church - to provide for relief workers to free Titus up, to make sure Apollos and Zenas are well provided for. When I was younger, the administrative side of the church, the "order" was a nuisance and the last thing I cared to do. As I have grown older and my ministry has grown, I see the blessing of good administration and find it pleasurable to do. Who would ever have thought I'd have said and meant those words!
I remember when I was preparing to marry my wife 25 years ago, my father encouraged me to be kind to her. I remember clearly smiling and nodding my head at that advice, but secretly I thought, "What is he talking about? Isn't there better advice than that for a terrified young groom?" Now, years later, I wish I had taken that advice to heart. I regret the times I was unkind to my wife. Don't get me wrong, I was never horrible, but I wish I had been kinder. This memory causes me to take another look at this seemingly simplistic council from Paul. "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone." Titus 3:1-2 NRSV.
Paul seems to have a better balance of works and grace here as Titus closes, "so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is sure. I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone." Titus 3:7-8 NRSV.
Paul's closing counsel and personal notes give us a glimpse into the personal side of his ministry. I love how he takes care to order the life of the church - to provide for relief workers to free Titus up, to make sure Apollos and Zenas are well provided for. When I was younger, the administrative side of the church, the "order" was a nuisance and the last thing I cared to do. As I have grown older and my ministry has grown, I see the blessing of good administration and find it pleasurable to do. Who would ever have thought I'd have said and meant those words!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Titus 2
In the second chapter, Paul continues to give Titus instructions to share with the different people groups in the church in Crete. His advice, taken as a whole, is good counsel for all of us today. The cultural differences between men and women has changed, but the need to encourage people to be "temperate, serious, prudent, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance," "reverent in behavior, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good," "love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good managers of the household, kind,". Titus 2 selected verses NRSV, has not changed.
Paul encourages slaves to be submissive and hard workers acting in this way as "ornaments to the doctrine of God our savior". I understand the call Paul makes as centered in his view of eschatology and grace, but I do not like it. I can not imagine encouraging a person to "be a good slave". Perhaps I need to focus on Paul calling people to be a good witness in whatever various conditions they find themselves in.
Paul's only focus is the soon coming Kingdom of God. All else, including his own safety and comfort are of little concern to Paul. I am far too concerned with comfort and justice I suppose and preoccupied with carnal things. Lord, help me to have a heart and eye for your Kingdom and your designs and not simply my own comfort.
Paul encourages slaves to be submissive and hard workers acting in this way as "ornaments to the doctrine of God our savior". I understand the call Paul makes as centered in his view of eschatology and grace, but I do not like it. I can not imagine encouraging a person to "be a good slave". Perhaps I need to focus on Paul calling people to be a good witness in whatever various conditions they find themselves in.
Paul's only focus is the soon coming Kingdom of God. All else, including his own safety and comfort are of little concern to Paul. I am far too concerned with comfort and justice I suppose and preoccupied with carnal things. Lord, help me to have a heart and eye for your Kingdom and your designs and not simply my own comfort.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Titus 1
Paul’s introduction of himself in Titus is a bit unusual and worth noting. Paul begins by saying, “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that is in accordance with godliness, in the hope of eternal life that God, who never lies, promised before the ages began-- in due time he revealed his word through the proclamation with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior,” Titus 1:1-3 NRSV. Paul, a servant, an apostle for the sake of faith and knowledge of truth and godliness as entrusted by the command of God. WOW.
This epistle is written to another on of Paul’s children in the faith - Titus. Titus was left behind in Crete by Paul, “that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you:” Titus 1:5b.
An Elder was an over seer that had specific duties and qualifications. They are as follows, “someone who is blameless, married only once, whose children are believers, not accused of debauchery and not rebellious. For a bishop, as God's steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain; but he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled. He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it." Titus 1:6-9 NRSV. Quite a list of requirements for a job that will lead to poverty and persecution, don’t you think?
Paul speaks very harshly about those from Crete or the Cretans as he calls them. Paul quotes a Philosopher from Crete named Epimenides when he says, "Cretans are always liars, vicious brutes, lazy gluttons." Titus 1:12b. I do not believe this blanket statement to be true, but it shows the heart of Paul when he coaches Titus to impose harsh discipline in the church to make sure the lesser nature of the people was straightened out.
From this first chapter it seems Titus is caught in a tough ministry field, surrounded by Cretans and opposed by Judaisers. Makes me glad I am in Boonville surrounded by the folks I call my neighbors!
This epistle is written to another on of Paul’s children in the faith - Titus. Titus was left behind in Crete by Paul, “that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you:” Titus 1:5b.
An Elder was an over seer that had specific duties and qualifications. They are as follows, “someone who is blameless, married only once, whose children are believers, not accused of debauchery and not rebellious. For a bishop, as God's steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain; but he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled. He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it." Titus 1:6-9 NRSV. Quite a list of requirements for a job that will lead to poverty and persecution, don’t you think?
Paul speaks very harshly about those from Crete or the Cretans as he calls them. Paul quotes a Philosopher from Crete named Epimenides when he says, "Cretans are always liars, vicious brutes, lazy gluttons." Titus 1:12b. I do not believe this blanket statement to be true, but it shows the heart of Paul when he coaches Titus to impose harsh discipline in the church to make sure the lesser nature of the people was straightened out.
From this first chapter it seems Titus is caught in a tough ministry field, surrounded by Cretans and opposed by Judaisers. Makes me glad I am in Boonville surrounded by the folks I call my neighbors!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
2 Thessalonians 3
As Paul closes his last letter to the Thessalonians he asks them to pray for him, “so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, just as it is among you, 2 and that we may be rescued from wicked and evil people; for not all have faith.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1a-2 NRSV. There was a time a few years ago when I had an excellent prayer team surrounding me and upholding me in prayer. I miss that spiritual cover, and I can understand why Paul asks for prayer. I have noticed that as these days seem to get harder for people, many of us also seem to get meaner! Please pray for all leaders and all of the saints that God would protect us and keep us in peace.
Paul warns against idleness and again refers to the fact that he received no salary - even though he had the right to receive one - from the Thessalonians. This model of ministry is very, very appealing to me. Perhaps my next appointment I will plant a church as a bi-vocational minister. This not only frees up the resources of the congregation, it also increases the responsibility of every member to be in ministry. Sounds like fun from this vantage point!
After a closing call for peace for all of the saints, Paul points out the signature in his own hand, thus verifying the authenticity of the letter.
Paul warns against idleness and again refers to the fact that he received no salary - even though he had the right to receive one - from the Thessalonians. This model of ministry is very, very appealing to me. Perhaps my next appointment I will plant a church as a bi-vocational minister. This not only frees up the resources of the congregation, it also increases the responsibility of every member to be in ministry. Sounds like fun from this vantage point!
After a closing call for peace for all of the saints, Paul points out the signature in his own hand, thus verifying the authenticity of the letter.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
2 Thessalonians 2
Paul speaks again here about the Second coming of Christ. Some apparently had been deceived and had been told that Christ had already returned. Paul tells them that this in nonsense and can not occur until the one who is restraining the lawless on is removed. I believe the one restraining the lawless on is Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit is the civilizing restraining one that Wesley referred to when he spoke of Prevenient Grace. This prevenient or preventing grace keeps us and all humanity from sliding in to the depths of carnality. According to Paul, when this restraint is removed, the Lawless one will be revealed.
The deception will be complete when, “For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion, leading them to believe what is false, so that all who have not believed the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness will be condemned.” 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12. Lord, save us from taking pleasure in what is unrighteous and draw us by your Spirit to love your kingdom.
Paul encourages them and us to strengthen our resolve to live in the faith that we have received and not to compromise with the world. How many places and in how many ways have we adapted ourselves to the worlds wisdom and turned from the gospel? Lord, where have I become either a Pharisee or a hedonist in my walk?
The deception will be complete when, “For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion, leading them to believe what is false, so that all who have not believed the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness will be condemned.” 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12. Lord, save us from taking pleasure in what is unrighteous and draw us by your Spirit to love your kingdom.
Paul encourages them and us to strengthen our resolve to live in the faith that we have received and not to compromise with the world. How many places and in how many ways have we adapted ourselves to the worlds wisdom and turned from the gospel? Lord, where have I become either a Pharisee or a hedonist in my walk?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
2 Thessalonians 1
Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica begins with encouragement and love. Paul assures the church that they are widely respected and that he talks about their faithfulness in all of his travels.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians that all of us who follow Christ should expect tribulations in this world, and that we must always be ready to support others who suffer and ready to endure suffering ourselves.
Paul encourages them by assuring them that when Christ returns the wretches who are tormenting them will also be tormented and punished in hellish finality. Perhaps it is because I am not being persecuted that this does not sound appealing to me. I wonder why the demise of others -- even those that harm us -- is held up as a desired end to the struggle.
How often do I buy into the desire for vengeance instead of leaning into the mind of Christ and begging for their forgiveness and salvation? I know the context of Paul’s appeal is dire, and I know that I live in the lap of luxury, but I still want to see Christ as Lord of every life.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians that all of us who follow Christ should expect tribulations in this world, and that we must always be ready to support others who suffer and ready to endure suffering ourselves.
Paul encourages them by assuring them that when Christ returns the wretches who are tormenting them will also be tormented and punished in hellish finality. Perhaps it is because I am not being persecuted that this does not sound appealing to me. I wonder why the demise of others -- even those that harm us -- is held up as a desired end to the struggle.
How often do I buy into the desire for vengeance instead of leaning into the mind of Christ and begging for their forgiveness and salvation? I know the context of Paul’s appeal is dire, and I know that I live in the lap of luxury, but I still want to see Christ as Lord of every life.
Monday, November 10, 2008
1 Thessalonians 5
This week we will finish the epistles to the Thessalonians and start in on Titus. Please read; Monday -- 1 Thessalonians 5, Tuesday -- 2 Thessalonians 1, Wednesday -- 2 Thessalonians 2, Thursday -- 2 Thessalonians 3, and Friday -- Titus 1.
As Paul closes this letter he chooses not to speculate on the end times. He says, “Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape!” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 NRSV. Even Paul, perhaps one of the greatest authorities on Old Testament prophesy, a man who had been caught up to heaven, didn’t presume to know when the Lord would return. Isn’t it a bit presumptuous for us to?
Paul’s call to the Thessalonians is my call to you, stay awake, live ready for the coming of the Lord, lest it surprise you and catch you unprepared.
Paul’s closing admonitions to the church are worth reading over and over again, “But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 NRSV.
As Paul closes this letter he chooses not to speculate on the end times. He says, “Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape!” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 NRSV. Even Paul, perhaps one of the greatest authorities on Old Testament prophesy, a man who had been caught up to heaven, didn’t presume to know when the Lord would return. Isn’t it a bit presumptuous for us to?
Paul’s call to the Thessalonians is my call to you, stay awake, live ready for the coming of the Lord, lest it surprise you and catch you unprepared.
Paul’s closing admonitions to the church are worth reading over and over again, “But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 NRSV.
Friday, November 7, 2008
1 Thessalonians 4
In the first half of chapter 4, Paul encourages us to live lives full of righteousness. We have been called to righteousness and not to lust and greed. Paul encourages us to live gentle, self contained lives so that we are able to help others and represent God well.
Paul next transitions to speak about the eternal life we wait for. He says, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13 NRSV. Notice that Paul does not say that we do not grieve, he says we do not grieve as those who have no hope! A Christian will absolutely mourn the death of loved ones, but we morn in faith, knowing that we will see them again!
The controversial doctrine in the church of “rapture is addressed briefly here. “For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NRSV. What a ride that will be! We who are alive when Christ returns will be caught up in the clouds with the Lord. Let me say here that I do not pretend to know when this will happen, I only believe the Bible says here that it will. I am in sales, not management and I believe that some of these particulars are left in the hands of God alone -- right where it belongs!
Paul next transitions to speak about the eternal life we wait for. He says, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13 NRSV. Notice that Paul does not say that we do not grieve, he says we do not grieve as those who have no hope! A Christian will absolutely mourn the death of loved ones, but we morn in faith, knowing that we will see them again!
The controversial doctrine in the church of “rapture is addressed briefly here. “For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NRSV. What a ride that will be! We who are alive when Christ returns will be caught up in the clouds with the Lord. Let me say here that I do not pretend to know when this will happen, I only believe the Bible says here that it will. I am in sales, not management and I believe that some of these particulars are left in the hands of God alone -- right where it belongs!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
1 Thessalonians 3
Paul speaks here about the anxiety he felt for the Christians in Thessalonica over his own suffering. As he suffered persecution, he could not help worrying about the saints in Thessalonica and their faith life. He therefore sent Timothy to check on them, and he was delighted at Timothy’s good report.
Paul says he is not surprised by the suffering and persecution he has faced, and they should not be surprised either. Paul forewarned them that this was bound to happen, and now it has.
What expectations do you have about your journey of faith? Do we expect that everything will be easy and that we will be popular for standing up for the Gospel? If that is what we expect, on what do we base that expectation? It seems to me, that the only real glimpse we receive from Christ on our future in this life does not lend itself to these expectations! If we have been promised by Jesus that the world will hate us just like it hated him, if we hear him say “In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!" John 16:33b, why would we presume the opposite?
Lord, help me today to gain a realistic view of the call that I am trying to live into.
Paul says he is not surprised by the suffering and persecution he has faced, and they should not be surprised either. Paul forewarned them that this was bound to happen, and now it has.
What expectations do you have about your journey of faith? Do we expect that everything will be easy and that we will be popular for standing up for the Gospel? If that is what we expect, on what do we base that expectation? It seems to me, that the only real glimpse we receive from Christ on our future in this life does not lend itself to these expectations! If we have been promised by Jesus that the world will hate us just like it hated him, if we hear him say “In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!" John 16:33b, why would we presume the opposite?
Lord, help me today to gain a realistic view of the call that I am trying to live into.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
1 Thessalonians 2
Paul speaks to the church in Thessalonica with an intimacy that rivals the love letter of Philippians. Paul reminds them that he made no demands on them when he came preaching, and that they received him in the same love.
Paul labored night and day, so as not to be a burden on the saints. Paul worked to earn a living and ministered as well. This “tent making ministry” may become more common in the future as the economy worsens and the cost of supporting a full time pastor goes up. Many churches already either share a pastor, or have a part time pastor that works a “secular” job.
I think I can feel the love that Paul has for these churches after pastoring here in Boonville for 18 years. It is hard to move from church to church in the itinerant system that I am a member of, and so it is tempting to keep ones heart from being broken by keeping a professional distance on some level. I have loved all of the churches I have pastored, but the Boonville church has my heart.
Paul labored night and day, so as not to be a burden on the saints. Paul worked to earn a living and ministered as well. This “tent making ministry” may become more common in the future as the economy worsens and the cost of supporting a full time pastor goes up. Many churches already either share a pastor, or have a part time pastor that works a “secular” job.
I think I can feel the love that Paul has for these churches after pastoring here in Boonville for 18 years. It is hard to move from church to church in the itinerant system that I am a member of, and so it is tempting to keep ones heart from being broken by keeping a professional distance on some level. I have loved all of the churches I have pastored, but the Boonville church has my heart.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
1 Thessalonians 1
Paul’s opening address to the church in Thessalonica offers us a glimpse into the success he had there. Paul says that their faithfulness is so widely known that they don’t even need to mention it any more! Paul writes, “in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it.” 1 Thessalonians 1:8b NRSV.
Paul says that when the gospel was preached there it came not only with words, but with power and the Holy Spirit’s conviction. I often wonder what power accompanies our preaching today. The New Testament records often that the preaching was followed by “signs and wonders” that led to great harvests of souls. I will pray today for a deeper vision of what God might be waiting to do among us if we would just let God.
Paul says that when the gospel was preached there it came not only with words, but with power and the Holy Spirit’s conviction. I often wonder what power accompanies our preaching today. The New Testament records often that the preaching was followed by “signs and wonders” that led to great harvests of souls. I will pray today for a deeper vision of what God might be waiting to do among us if we would just let God.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Colossians 4
Chapter 4 is interesting in the names and contexts we see in Paul’s farewell. Paul begins by encouraging, “Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Master in heaven.” Colossians 4:1 NRSV, and then down in verse 9 mentions that Onesimus, the runaway slave from Philemon fame, is coming to see them.
He also tells them to expect Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, and to welcome him. Mark had been at odds with Paul earlier in the mission field and it is interesting to me that Paul makes note that he desires Mark to be treated well.
This conclusion helps me to remember that these are real men and women living and growing and maturing just like us!
He also tells them to expect Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, and to welcome him. Mark had been at odds with Paul earlier in the mission field and it is interesting to me that Paul makes note that he desires Mark to be treated well.
This conclusion helps me to remember that these are real men and women living and growing and maturing just like us!
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