Read Galatians 3:26 - 4:7
Context: The Galatians were Jewish believers. They have been trying to live a Christian life, but their Jewish roots are very strong and they keep returning to the law for direction on how to live. Some of their leaders are integrating the two and requiring adherance to at least a portion of the law. Paul has been admonishing them for this.
Text:
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 4
1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba,[i] Father." 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Galatians 4:6 Aramaic for Father
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This is a fun passage...when taken out of context you can use it to remind your children that they are but slaves! This hasn't really worked for me, but I like to pretend it could.
The concept of clothing myself with Christ is so visual. On any given day there is a wide range of outfits I can choose (despite that old feeling of 'there's nothing to wear). I can go casual, dressy, or in shabbier clothes that are appropriate for garden work. Like most women I want to wear items that hide or at least minimize my flaws.Regardless of what I choose, the world will make judgements and assumptions about me based on the clothes that I wear.
Putting on Christ is very similar. On any given day I can choose to clothe myself fully in him, reflecting his love and grace throughout the day. Or I can choose to show a weak version of him to the world, only calling on him when I have a problem and trying to make it on my own for the rest of the day. When I put on his full glory, he hides all my flaws so people notice him instead of me. When I don't, my sinful nature shines through loud and clear.
What are you wearing today?
Friday, May 25, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
May 24 - Alive in Christ
Read Col 2:6- 15
Context: The church in Colossia was being diverted by those who were strongly steeped in Jewish tradition and the Gnostics, who believed they had the secret knowledge that would get them into Heaven. In this letter, Paul is setting them straight.
Text:
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 11In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature,[a] not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature,[b] God made you[c] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.[d] (NIV)
Footnotes:
Colossians 2:11 Or the flesh
Colossians 2:13 Or your flesh
Colossians 2:13 Some manuscripts us
Colossians 2:15 Or them in him
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Isn't it great that Christ is enough? We don't have to follow a strict code of law and we don't have to hunt for some secret code...Christ has taken care of all of that by coming to earth and giving us the answers.I don't want to sin, and there are lots of guidelines that help us understand what sin is, but when I fail Christ is there to pick me up, dust me off, and send me on the right path again.
Context: The church in Colossia was being diverted by those who were strongly steeped in Jewish tradition and the Gnostics, who believed they had the secret knowledge that would get them into Heaven. In this letter, Paul is setting them straight.
Text:
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 11In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature,[a] not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature,[b] God made you[c] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.[d] (NIV)
Footnotes:
Colossians 2:11 Or the flesh
Colossians 2:13 Or your flesh
Colossians 2:13 Some manuscripts us
Colossians 2:15 Or them in him
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Isn't it great that Christ is enough? We don't have to follow a strict code of law and we don't have to hunt for some secret code...Christ has taken care of all of that by coming to earth and giving us the answers.I don't want to sin, and there are lots of guidelines that help us understand what sin is, but when I fail Christ is there to pick me up, dust me off, and send me on the right path again.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
May 23 - Running for the Gospel
Read Acts 8:26-40
Context: The church was beginning to be persecuted, and Stephen the apostle has been stoned to death. Many of the believers have been scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Philip has been spending his time sharing the gospel with the Samarians, and because of his teaching a very popular sorcerer has become a believer.
Text:
26Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the roadÍÕhe desert roadÍÕhat goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian[a]eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:
"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
33In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth."[b]
34The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"[c] 38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Acts 8:27 That is, from the upper Nile region
Acts 8:33 Isaiah 53:7,8
Acts 8:36 Some late manuscripts baptized?" 37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Philip must have been in pretty good shape to run along side a chariot and still talk without being too out of breath. I wish God would send someone along each time I have a question about the Bible!
Context: The church was beginning to be persecuted, and Stephen the apostle has been stoned to death. Many of the believers have been scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Philip has been spending his time sharing the gospel with the Samarians, and because of his teaching a very popular sorcerer has become a believer.
Text:
26Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the roadÍÕhe desert roadÍÕhat goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian[a]eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:
"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
33In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth."[b]
34The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"[c] 38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Acts 8:27 That is, from the upper Nile region
Acts 8:33 Isaiah 53:7,8
Acts 8:36 Some late manuscripts baptized?" 37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Philip must have been in pretty good shape to run along side a chariot and still talk without being too out of breath. I wish God would send someone along each time I have a question about the Bible!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
May 22 - Just Like Jesus
Read Matthew 3:13-17
Context: Continuation from yesterday
Text:
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Several years ago I attended the Bat Mitzvah of my daughters' friend. It was held during the Feast of Tabernacles and we were able to sit in on a Jewish synagogue service. The rabbi shared the history and traditions of the festival, then our friend read from the Torah in Hebrew.
As I sat there I was overwhelmed with a sense that Jesus had read those same words when he had turned 13. He celebrated many Feasts of the Tabernacle, and he sat through similar services (without the padded seats I imagine). It was amazing to realize that I was actually experiencing something that Jesus had experienced.
Baptism gives each of us a chance to do exactly what our Lord and Savior did. Early in my Christian life I was really hesitant to be submerged...couldn't I just be sprinkled? It's the intent of the act, not the act itself that's important, right? But that was just my ever present self fighting against a blessing God wanted me to have. By being immersed, we demonstrate our obedience and we have the opportunity to have a shared experience with Christ!
Context: Continuation from yesterday
Text:
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Several years ago I attended the Bat Mitzvah of my daughters' friend. It was held during the Feast of Tabernacles and we were able to sit in on a Jewish synagogue service. The rabbi shared the history and traditions of the festival, then our friend read from the Torah in Hebrew.
As I sat there I was overwhelmed with a sense that Jesus had read those same words when he had turned 13. He celebrated many Feasts of the Tabernacle, and he sat through similar services (without the padded seats I imagine). It was amazing to realize that I was actually experiencing something that Jesus had experienced.
Baptism gives each of us a chance to do exactly what our Lord and Savior did. Early in my Christian life I was really hesitant to be submerged...couldn't I just be sprinkled? It's the intent of the act, not the act itself that's important, right? But that was just my ever present self fighting against a blessing God wanted me to have. By being immersed, we demonstrate our obedience and we have the opportunity to have a shared experience with Christ!
Monday, May 21, 2007
May 21 - Be the Pickle
Read Matthew 3:1-12
Context: The prior chapters in Matthew describe the birth and earliest years of Christ's life.
Text:
1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.' "[a]
4John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11"I baptize you with[b] water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 3:3 Isaiah 40:3
Matthew 3:11 Or in
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This passage is the first time the word 'baptize' shows up in the Bible. Apparently there was a Jewish practice of baptizing ones' self as part of the process for becoming a Jew (Bible Knowledge Commentary), repenting as a part of baptism was a new concept to them.
The original Greek word used in this text is baptizo, a verb, that means 'to dip or immerse'. It is similar to the word bapto, yet at the same time it is very different. Strong's lexicon definition gives a good example of the difference:
The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be ‘dipped’ (bapto) into boiling water and then ‘baptised’ (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptising the vegetable, produces a permanent change.When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. e.g. Mark 16:16. ‘He that believes and is baptised shall be saved’. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle!Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice, May 1989.
So maybe the catchphrase of the day is "Be the Pickle!"
Context: The prior chapters in Matthew describe the birth and earliest years of Christ's life.
Text:
1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.' "[a]
4John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11"I baptize you with[b] water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 3:3 Isaiah 40:3
Matthew 3:11 Or in
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This passage is the first time the word 'baptize' shows up in the Bible. Apparently there was a Jewish practice of baptizing ones' self as part of the process for becoming a Jew (Bible Knowledge Commentary), repenting as a part of baptism was a new concept to them.
The original Greek word used in this text is baptizo, a verb, that means 'to dip or immerse'. It is similar to the word bapto, yet at the same time it is very different. Strong's lexicon definition gives a good example of the difference:
The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be ‘dipped’ (bapto) into boiling water and then ‘baptised’ (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptising the vegetable, produces a permanent change.When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. e.g. Mark 16:16. ‘He that believes and is baptised shall be saved’. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle!Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice, May 1989.
So maybe the catchphrase of the day is "Be the Pickle!"
Friday, May 18, 2007
May 18 - Let's Get Together
Read Hebrews 10:11-25
Context: Paul has been describing how the coming of Christ as a sacrifice for all sin changes the way the Israelites worship.
Text:
11Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. 13Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, 14because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:
16"This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds."[a] 17Then he adds:
"Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more."[b]
18And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. 19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Hebrews 10:16 Jer. 31:33
Hebrews 10:17 Jer. 31:34
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Why do you go to church? Why did you choose FCCF? I have always appreciated the truth that I hear in the sermons and Sunday School classes, and I am very thankful for Ruth Wingfield and all the others who have worked to make the children's ministry so robust. I'm not sure I would have made it through our girls' teen years if it weren't for the dynamic ministry that is set up for them. When our boys pray on Saturday night and Sunday night, we always thank God for giving us the opportunity to learn more about Him.
But that's not really what this passage says church is for! We should be meeting together for the purpose of 'encouraging one another' and for 'spurring one another on toward love and good deeds'. That always happens within the walls of our building, but I guess I never thought about this as a primary purpose for meeting together.
This Sunday, I challenge you to be an active encourager of others in the church, not just to learn. Plan ahead...how will you do this?
Context: Paul has been describing how the coming of Christ as a sacrifice for all sin changes the way the Israelites worship.
Text:
11Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. 13Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, 14because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:
16"This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds."[a] 17Then he adds:
"Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more."[b]
18And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. 19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Hebrews 10:16 Jer. 31:33
Hebrews 10:17 Jer. 31:34
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Why do you go to church? Why did you choose FCCF? I have always appreciated the truth that I hear in the sermons and Sunday School classes, and I am very thankful for Ruth Wingfield and all the others who have worked to make the children's ministry so robust. I'm not sure I would have made it through our girls' teen years if it weren't for the dynamic ministry that is set up for them. When our boys pray on Saturday night and Sunday night, we always thank God for giving us the opportunity to learn more about Him.
But that's not really what this passage says church is for! We should be meeting together for the purpose of 'encouraging one another' and for 'spurring one another on toward love and good deeds'. That always happens within the walls of our building, but I guess I never thought about this as a primary purpose for meeting together.
This Sunday, I challenge you to be an active encourager of others in the church, not just to learn. Plan ahead...how will you do this?
Thursday, May 17, 2007
May 17 - "Falling" for Jesus
Read Acts 20:7-12
Context: Paul has been traveling on his third missionary journey. He's been through Thessaloniki, Athens, Corinth, Ephesia, Macedonia, and Greece. He is now in Troas, where he has stayed for seven days.
Text:
7On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!" 11Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.(NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Wow -- sometimes we think our church runs long! I am amazed at the level of commitment these folks had for learning about Christ. They weren't at this church meeting for a weekly 'filling' from the word, they wanted to be hit by a fire hose. They didn't realize it at the time, but this was the last time Paul would be visiting. When he was done here in Ephesia he returned to Jerusalem where he was arrested.
Can you imagine how tired you must be if you can fall asleep on a window opening? This one was probably much more comfortable than what we know as window openings. It may have been 12 -18 inches wide. Eutychus probably had many chances to go home during the day, but he wanted to hear all that Paul had to say. I want that kind of hunger!
Context: Paul has been traveling on his third missionary journey. He's been through Thessaloniki, Athens, Corinth, Ephesia, Macedonia, and Greece. He is now in Troas, where he has stayed for seven days.
Text:
7On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!" 11Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.(NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Wow -- sometimes we think our church runs long! I am amazed at the level of commitment these folks had for learning about Christ. They weren't at this church meeting for a weekly 'filling' from the word, they wanted to be hit by a fire hose. They didn't realize it at the time, but this was the last time Paul would be visiting. When he was done here in Ephesia he returned to Jerusalem where he was arrested.
Can you imagine how tired you must be if you can fall asleep on a window opening? This one was probably much more comfortable than what we know as window openings. It may have been 12 -18 inches wide. Eutychus probably had many chances to go home during the day, but he wanted to hear all that Paul had to say. I want that kind of hunger!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
May 16 - Puzzling
Read Romans 12:1-8
Context: Paul has been discussing the Israelites and how he wishes they would realize the truth of the gospel. He states that God has allowed men to become disobedient so that his mercy can be given to all.
Text:
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[b]faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Romans 12:1 Or reasonable
Romans 12:6 Or in agreement with the
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Have you ever thought about the way God wants to use you to further the kingdom? He has given each of us specific gifts that fit in uniquely with our personalities, talents, and desires. When each of us use these gifts in the way he has intended, the church is so dynamic that people can't help but be drawn to it.
God is pretty amazing (well, duh!), and he has distributed these abilities like puzzle pieces. When you look at the piece or two that you have been given, you can't really figure out what the big picture is. But if you willingly fit your piece on the table with everyone else's his plan quickly becomes clear.
There are a lot of Sundays when I want to just show up to church and enjoy the day, relaxing in those nice new chairs. However, every time I do that it is like I leave my puzzle piece at home. I want to see the whole picture, but I am refusing to contribute my part to it. As a result someone who shows up that same day doesn't receive the blessings that God had intended for him or her.
What piece of the puzzle to you add? Is it hidden in a drawer for safekeeping, or do you bring it with you each day so that the puzzle picture can be complete?
Context: Paul has been discussing the Israelites and how he wishes they would realize the truth of the gospel. He states that God has allowed men to become disobedient so that his mercy can be given to all.
Text:
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[b]faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Romans 12:1 Or reasonable
Romans 12:6 Or in agreement with the
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Have you ever thought about the way God wants to use you to further the kingdom? He has given each of us specific gifts that fit in uniquely with our personalities, talents, and desires. When each of us use these gifts in the way he has intended, the church is so dynamic that people can't help but be drawn to it.
God is pretty amazing (well, duh!), and he has distributed these abilities like puzzle pieces. When you look at the piece or two that you have been given, you can't really figure out what the big picture is. But if you willingly fit your piece on the table with everyone else's his plan quickly becomes clear.
There are a lot of Sundays when I want to just show up to church and enjoy the day, relaxing in those nice new chairs. However, every time I do that it is like I leave my puzzle piece at home. I want to see the whole picture, but I am refusing to contribute my part to it. As a result someone who shows up that same day doesn't receive the blessings that God had intended for him or her.
What piece of the puzzle to you add? Is it hidden in a drawer for safekeeping, or do you bring it with you each day so that the puzzle picture can be complete?
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
May 15 - The Early Church
Read Acts 2:42-47
Context: The Holy Spirit has come upon the believers at Pentecost and Peter spoke to the onlookers. About three thousand people believed his message and were baptized.
Text:
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
We have one of the larger churches in our area, and we don't get 3000 people attending per week...can you imagine that many people congregating at St. Ferdinand park every day to meet, learn, and praise? They enjoyed each others company so much that they broke up into smaller groups to meet for meals after the lessons. There weren't any microphones or speakers, so they probably either listened to someone with a huge, booming voice or they broke into smaller groups each led by a different teacher.
All around them were new people who were being baptized daily. They brought their friends and neighbors, and the excitement of all these new believers was contagious.
Many of our churches today have gotten stale. There is a natural maturity and loss of enthusiasm as we grow in Christ over the years, but it seems that there is more at play. Across the country people attend church because it is their habit, or they feel obligated to go for some reason. I get the sense that many couldn't tell you the three key points of the sermon by the time they finish their lunch on Sunday.
What has happened to that hunger to learn more, that enthusiasm to share, the joy and excitement that comes from learning about our Lord? Are we just too busy???
Context: The Holy Spirit has come upon the believers at Pentecost and Peter spoke to the onlookers. About three thousand people believed his message and were baptized.
Text:
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
We have one of the larger churches in our area, and we don't get 3000 people attending per week...can you imagine that many people congregating at St. Ferdinand park every day to meet, learn, and praise? They enjoyed each others company so much that they broke up into smaller groups to meet for meals after the lessons. There weren't any microphones or speakers, so they probably either listened to someone with a huge, booming voice or they broke into smaller groups each led by a different teacher.
All around them were new people who were being baptized daily. They brought their friends and neighbors, and the excitement of all these new believers was contagious.
Many of our churches today have gotten stale. There is a natural maturity and loss of enthusiasm as we grow in Christ over the years, but it seems that there is more at play. Across the country people attend church because it is their habit, or they feel obligated to go for some reason. I get the sense that many couldn't tell you the three key points of the sermon by the time they finish their lunch on Sunday.
What has happened to that hunger to learn more, that enthusiasm to share, the joy and excitement that comes from learning about our Lord? Are we just too busy???
Monday, May 14, 2007
May 14 - A House Church
Read Mark 2:1-12
Context: Jesus has been traveling through Galilee, preaching in the synagogues, healing people, and driving out demons. This is relatively early in his ministry.
Text:
1A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
6Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7"Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
8Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, 11"I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!" (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Some texts say that Jesus' home in Capernaum was actually the home of Peter. It was very close to the synagogue so it was easy for them to travel back and forth. This is the first example we see of a 'house church' -- people gathering together for the purpose of learning more about God and his Son. The text makes it sound like the people knew where Jesus stayed and they went to his home as soon as they heard he was back in town.
Luckily our ministers don't have to deal with such invasive distractions. But Jesus handled it like the pro he was. I always wondered what Peter's wife was thinking as she saw the debris from the roof raining in on her living room....
Context: Jesus has been traveling through Galilee, preaching in the synagogues, healing people, and driving out demons. This is relatively early in his ministry.
Text:
1A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
6Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7"Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
8Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, 11"I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!" (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Some texts say that Jesus' home in Capernaum was actually the home of Peter. It was very close to the synagogue so it was easy for them to travel back and forth. This is the first example we see of a 'house church' -- people gathering together for the purpose of learning more about God and his Son. The text makes it sound like the people knew where Jesus stayed and they went to his home as soon as they heard he was back in town.
Luckily our ministers don't have to deal with such invasive distractions. But Jesus handled it like the pro he was. I always wondered what Peter's wife was thinking as she saw the debris from the roof raining in on her living room....
Friday, May 11, 2007
May 11 - The Message from a Witness
Read 1 John 1 (don't worry...it's short!)
Context: This letter is strongly believed to be from John, son of Zebedee, disciple of Christ. Since it isn't addressed to a specific group, it was most likely a letter that was circulated among the early churches. He wrote the letter to expose false teachers and to give believers assurance of salvation (NIV Study Bible).
Text:
1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write this to make our[a] joy complete.
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (NIV)
Footnotes:
1 John 1:4 Some manuscripts your
1 John 1:7 Or every
Taken from www.biblegateway.com
This passage pretty well sums up the ministry of Christ! I appreciate how John shows us his qualifications in the beginning...he reminds us that we are reading the words of an eyewitness to the glory of God. Wouldn't you have loved to sit at his feet as he remembered those three turbulent years? Those really were the 'good old days'.
Context: This letter is strongly believed to be from John, son of Zebedee, disciple of Christ. Since it isn't addressed to a specific group, it was most likely a letter that was circulated among the early churches. He wrote the letter to expose false teachers and to give believers assurance of salvation (NIV Study Bible).
Text:
1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write this to make our[a] joy complete.
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (NIV)
Footnotes:
1 John 1:4 Some manuscripts your
1 John 1:7 Or every
Taken from www.biblegateway.com
This passage pretty well sums up the ministry of Christ! I appreciate how John shows us his qualifications in the beginning...he reminds us that we are reading the words of an eyewitness to the glory of God. Wouldn't you have loved to sit at his feet as he remembered those three turbulent years? Those really were the 'good old days'.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
May 10 - Fashion Statements of the Bible
Matthew 11:20-28
Content: Jesus has just instructed his twelve disciples as they head out into the mission field. He has gone to Galilee, and John the Baptist, in prison, heard about what he had been doing. John sent some of his disciples to ask if Jesus was the 'one who was to come.' Our text is about halfway through his response to them.
Text:
20Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21"Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.[a] If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."
25At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 11:23 Greek Hades
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I'm not exactly sure what the sackcloth was like in Jesus' day, but I remember the big burlap bags that my great grandpa received when he bought feed for his animals. They were very rough and scratchy, they had a large weave and they were the color of dirt. They smelled musty and dirty. I sure wouldn't want to wear it!
But in Biblical times this type of cloth was worn to show mourning or grief over death or disaster. It was also occasionally worn to show grief over sin. Sackcloth was almost always worn with ashes as the main accessory. In Jeremiah 6:26 it says that they rolled in the ashes. When dressed like this everyone knew that the person was in deep despair.
That's exactly when Jesus wants us to come to him, when we have heavy burdens and are in deep despair. We are to come as children, wide eyed and believing, and he will help to carry our load so we can have rest.
Content: Jesus has just instructed his twelve disciples as they head out into the mission field. He has gone to Galilee, and John the Baptist, in prison, heard about what he had been doing. John sent some of his disciples to ask if Jesus was the 'one who was to come.' Our text is about halfway through his response to them.
Text:
20Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21"Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.[a] If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."
25At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 11:23 Greek Hades
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I'm not exactly sure what the sackcloth was like in Jesus' day, but I remember the big burlap bags that my great grandpa received when he bought feed for his animals. They were very rough and scratchy, they had a large weave and they were the color of dirt. They smelled musty and dirty. I sure wouldn't want to wear it!
But in Biblical times this type of cloth was worn to show mourning or grief over death or disaster. It was also occasionally worn to show grief over sin. Sackcloth was almost always worn with ashes as the main accessory. In Jeremiah 6:26 it says that they rolled in the ashes. When dressed like this everyone knew that the person was in deep despair.
That's exactly when Jesus wants us to come to him, when we have heavy burdens and are in deep despair. We are to come as children, wide eyed and believing, and he will help to carry our load so we can have rest.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
May 9 - No Condemnation
Read Romans 8:1-11
Context: Continuation from yesterday
Text:
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in sinful man,[d] 4in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man[e] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind[f] is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Romans 8:1 Some later manuscripts Jesus, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit,
Romans 8:3 Or the flesh; also in verses 4, 5, 8, 9, 12 and 13
Romans 8:3 Or man, for sin
Romans 8:3 Or in the flesh
Romans 8:6 Or mind set on the flesh
Romans 8:7 Or the mind set on the flesh
This whole section of Romans has always been a little confusing to me. It seems like Paul has gotten onto his soapbox and he is so excited and passionate about what he's trying to say that his words run together. The Baker Commentary on the Bible says that it is typical Jewish and Hellenistic sytle to alternate between themes. While today's text relates to yesterdays text, it really links back to Romans 6:1-7:6 where he talks about being dead to sin and slaves to righteousness.
The word 'condemnation' in verse one means (in the Greek), damnatory sentence. All who try to follow the law will fail, and that failure results in a sentence of death. But since we are Christians and the Spirit of God dwells in us, our failures don't mean death because Jesus has already taken our punishment.
This doesn't mean that we can go on sinning, though. As Christians filled with the Spirit, we are free from the legalism of the law, but we are to be controlled by the Spirit, doing what He leads us to do. Paul says in Galatians 5:13 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."
We will always sin because we are human, but if we follow the Spirit's leading we can please God.
Context: Continuation from yesterday
Text:
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in sinful man,[d] 4in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man[e] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind[f] is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Romans 8:1 Some later manuscripts Jesus, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit,
Romans 8:3 Or the flesh; also in verses 4, 5, 8, 9, 12 and 13
Romans 8:3 Or man, for sin
Romans 8:3 Or in the flesh
Romans 8:6 Or mind set on the flesh
Romans 8:7 Or the mind set on the flesh
This whole section of Romans has always been a little confusing to me. It seems like Paul has gotten onto his soapbox and he is so excited and passionate about what he's trying to say that his words run together. The Baker Commentary on the Bible says that it is typical Jewish and Hellenistic sytle to alternate between themes. While today's text relates to yesterdays text, it really links back to Romans 6:1-7:6 where he talks about being dead to sin and slaves to righteousness.
The word 'condemnation' in verse one means (in the Greek), damnatory sentence. All who try to follow the law will fail, and that failure results in a sentence of death. But since we are Christians and the Spirit of God dwells in us, our failures don't mean death because Jesus has already taken our punishment.
This doesn't mean that we can go on sinning, though. As Christians filled with the Spirit, we are free from the legalism of the law, but we are to be controlled by the Spirit, doing what He leads us to do. Paul says in Galatians 5:13 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."
We will always sin because we are human, but if we follow the Spirit's leading we can please God.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
May 8 - Why Do I Do What I Do?
Read Romans 7:14-25
Context: Paul has been explaining sanctification to the Romans. He has discussed how Christ's death took away the law so we can be released and serve in the new way of the Spirit, not the old way of the written code.
Text:
14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Romans 7:18 Or my flesh
taken from www.biblegateway.com
It is encouraging to see that someone who was so faithful and dedicated also struggled daily with sin. It seems that just as soon as I decide I'm going to focus on a particular area of my life to improve (such as eating less or devoting more time to Bible study) my mind and body rebel and I end up doing the thing I don't want to do even more often that I did before I decided not to do it!
Context: Paul has been explaining sanctification to the Romans. He has discussed how Christ's death took away the law so we can be released and serve in the new way of the Spirit, not the old way of the written code.
Text:
14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Romans 7:18 Or my flesh
taken from www.biblegateway.com
It is encouraging to see that someone who was so faithful and dedicated also struggled daily with sin. It seems that just as soon as I decide I'm going to focus on a particular area of my life to improve (such as eating less or devoting more time to Bible study) my mind and body rebel and I end up doing the thing I don't want to do even more often that I did before I decided not to do it!
Monday, May 7, 2007
May 7 - Woe to the Pharisees
Read Matthew 23:13-33
Context: Jesus has been having a rough day. He entered the temple courts to teach the people and he has been tested by the authorities all day long. The Pharisees sent their disciples and the Herodians to trap him in his words. They were amazed at his response, so they left and a little later the Sadducees came to him with a trick question. After he had silenced them, the Pharisees came back to test him again. Jesus then gives the following speech to the crowds and his disciples.
Text:
13"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.[a]
15"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
16"Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 18You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' 19You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. 22And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it.
23"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.
25"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
27"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
29"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. 30And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' 31So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 32Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers!
33"You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 23:13 Some manuscripts to. 14 Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Therefore you will be punished more severely.
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Wow -- I'm so glad we aren't like the Pharisees! They must have been pompous and self assured, knowing that they were going to Heaven because of their righteousness. They worked hard to ensure that all of those they taught really understood the difficulties of being good enough to get to heaven. They probably didn't associate with those people who were 'real' sinners -- the tax collectors, harlots, and the like. Everyone around them must have been awestruck by their devotion. They had given up their whole lives to serve their God. They were unapproachable and condescending. What hypocrites.
I know that if I had lived back then I would never have done the things they did...
But wait...look back at verse 30. That's exactly what they said! Oh, and that part about looking good on the outside but being filled with greed and self-indulgence...that hits a little close to home, too.
Be warned...the Pharisees are still on the loose. I saw one in the mirror just this morning.
Context: Jesus has been having a rough day. He entered the temple courts to teach the people and he has been tested by the authorities all day long. The Pharisees sent their disciples and the Herodians to trap him in his words. They were amazed at his response, so they left and a little later the Sadducees came to him with a trick question. After he had silenced them, the Pharisees came back to test him again. Jesus then gives the following speech to the crowds and his disciples.
Text:
13"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.[a]
15"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
16"Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 18You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' 19You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. 22And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it.
23"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.
25"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
27"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
29"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. 30And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' 31So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 32Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers!
33"You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 23:13 Some manuscripts to. 14 Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Therefore you will be punished more severely.
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Wow -- I'm so glad we aren't like the Pharisees! They must have been pompous and self assured, knowing that they were going to Heaven because of their righteousness. They worked hard to ensure that all of those they taught really understood the difficulties of being good enough to get to heaven. They probably didn't associate with those people who were 'real' sinners -- the tax collectors, harlots, and the like. Everyone around them must have been awestruck by their devotion. They had given up their whole lives to serve their God. They were unapproachable and condescending. What hypocrites.
I know that if I had lived back then I would never have done the things they did...
But wait...look back at verse 30. That's exactly what they said! Oh, and that part about looking good on the outside but being filled with greed and self-indulgence...that hits a little close to home, too.
Be warned...the Pharisees are still on the loose. I saw one in the mirror just this morning.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
May 3 - Wait for the Spirit
Read Acts 1:1-10
Context: Luke is expanding up on the last few paragraphs of the gospel he had written, talking about Jesus' final appearance to the disciples.
Text:
1In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Did the disciples understand who the Holy Spirit was any better than we do? Jesus was often filled with the Spirit, and there are many instances in the Old Testament of men also being filled with the Spirit. They had used the power of the Spirit many times when healing others, so they had quite a bit of knowledge. I wonder how 'being filled with the Spirit' was different before and after Jesus?
I imagine the disciples had many questions for Jesus that weren't answered before his ascension. And, most likely, they didn't realize he was leaving until the moment he was taken up. Did they really hear all that he had to say that day? They were probably confused and wondered how they could be baptized with the Holy Spirit...an entity they could not see. All they could do was gape at the sky thinking of all the things they wished they had asked Jesus, kicking themselves for things they had not said.
Context: Luke is expanding up on the last few paragraphs of the gospel he had written, talking about Jesus' final appearance to the disciples.
Text:
1In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Did the disciples understand who the Holy Spirit was any better than we do? Jesus was often filled with the Spirit, and there are many instances in the Old Testament of men also being filled with the Spirit. They had used the power of the Spirit many times when healing others, so they had quite a bit of knowledge. I wonder how 'being filled with the Spirit' was different before and after Jesus?
I imagine the disciples had many questions for Jesus that weren't answered before his ascension. And, most likely, they didn't realize he was leaving until the moment he was taken up. Did they really hear all that he had to say that day? They were probably confused and wondered how they could be baptized with the Holy Spirit...an entity they could not see. All they could do was gape at the sky thinking of all the things they wished they had asked Jesus, kicking themselves for things they had not said.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
May 2 - Led by the Holy Spirit
Read Luke 4:1-13
Context: Jesus was just baptized by John in the Jordan River.
Text:
1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."
4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'[a]"
5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7So if you worship me, it will all be yours."
8Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'[b]"
9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10For it is written:
" 'He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
11they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'[c]"
12Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'[d]"
13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Luke 4:4 Deut. 8:3
Luke 4:8 Deut. 6:13
Luke 4:11 Psalm 91:11,12
Luke 4:12 Deut. 6:16
taken from www.biblegateway.com
The Trinity is one of the most difficult concepts of the Bible to fully understand. One God, three persons. Each is separate, yet all are one. I find it fascinating that Jesus, fully God and fully Man, can be filled with the Holy Spirit... is that because of the man He was, or for another reason? The Spirit clearly led Jesus into the desert and it can be presumed that the Spirit stayed with him for the next forty days of fasting and praying. If you read on in the text, we are told that Jesus returned to Galilee in the 'power of the Spirit'.
Jesus, God himself, relied on the Holy Spirit to give him direction and power. Do you rely on the Holy Spirit? For what purpose?
Context: Jesus was just baptized by John in the Jordan River.
Text:
1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."
4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'[a]"
5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7So if you worship me, it will all be yours."
8Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'[b]"
9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10For it is written:
" 'He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
11they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'[c]"
12Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'[d]"
13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Luke 4:4 Deut. 8:3
Luke 4:8 Deut. 6:13
Luke 4:11 Psalm 91:11,12
Luke 4:12 Deut. 6:16
taken from www.biblegateway.com
The Trinity is one of the most difficult concepts of the Bible to fully understand. One God, three persons. Each is separate, yet all are one. I find it fascinating that Jesus, fully God and fully Man, can be filled with the Holy Spirit... is that because of the man He was, or for another reason? The Spirit clearly led Jesus into the desert and it can be presumed that the Spirit stayed with him for the next forty days of fasting and praying. If you read on in the text, we are told that Jesus returned to Galilee in the 'power of the Spirit'.
Jesus, God himself, relied on the Holy Spirit to give him direction and power. Do you rely on the Holy Spirit? For what purpose?
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
May 1 - The Spirit is Everywhere
Read Psalm 139:1-12
Context: This is a psalm written by David for the director of music.
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Psalm 139:8 Hebrew Sheol
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Both of our sons have been having some trouble 'staying on task' at school lately. I don't know if it's the weather that has them restless or if they are just being boys, but we get reports every other day or so that one of them has been preoccupied with something other than their assignment. Yesterday Kevin kind of grinned when he told me that his teacher had given him a good report for the day. He confided that while she was out of the classroom he had been out of his chair quite a bit...and he finished with "She didn't even know!"
That, of course, led to the discussion of God's omnipresence. While she didn't know, He did, and He wants us to obey even when no one is watching. This passage is good evidence of that!
There is a more positive side to this passage, too. In addition to watching us at all times so we know that we can't hide the evil in our hearts or actions, the Spirit is also watching out for us...helping us to avoid those situations and protecting our hearts from harm. No matter where we are, or how far away from Him we stray, the Spirit is with us and is nudging us toward fulfillment of God's plan.
Context: This is a psalm written by David for the director of music.
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Psalm 139:8 Hebrew Sheol
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Both of our sons have been having some trouble 'staying on task' at school lately. I don't know if it's the weather that has them restless or if they are just being boys, but we get reports every other day or so that one of them has been preoccupied with something other than their assignment. Yesterday Kevin kind of grinned when he told me that his teacher had given him a good report for the day. He confided that while she was out of the classroom he had been out of his chair quite a bit...and he finished with "She didn't even know!"
That, of course, led to the discussion of God's omnipresence. While she didn't know, He did, and He wants us to obey even when no one is watching. This passage is good evidence of that!
There is a more positive side to this passage, too. In addition to watching us at all times so we know that we can't hide the evil in our hearts or actions, the Spirit is also watching out for us...helping us to avoid those situations and protecting our hearts from harm. No matter where we are, or how far away from Him we stray, the Spirit is with us and is nudging us toward fulfillment of God's plan.
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