Romans 2:6-8:
God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
In target shooting, the direction is important. In order to hit the target, the first thing you have to do is face the target. You might not hit the target, but if you are facing any other way, you have no chance of it.
Does God expect us to consistently hit the target? No. If He did, why would He have made provisions for our salvation?
Accord to Paul, as he soon tells the Romans later in his letter, “… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23)
We are fallible, imperfect humans -- we are incapable of being perfect -- we are destined to miss the mark most of the time...
But, while God does not expect us to hit the bulls eye with our every attempt, He does expect us to try!
Where we fail, His grace will justify us -- make up for our inabilities.
Our goal is to make constant progress in the direction God has pointed out for us. He desires our constant movement -- always seeking to gain ground -- seeking to complete the goal before us.
We are to aim the best we can -- then go for it. Then -- learn from our mistakes and make corrections each time we miss the target!
What God does not want is for us to just do what we want -- to just live for our own selves -- seek only what we desire.
Living a life seeking to satisfy our own desires leaves us ripe for the picking…
Remember God’s words to Cain?
Genesis 4:6-8: “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
To live a life of selfishness is to invite God’s wrath. Maybe not immediately — but ultimately!
Colossians 3:5-6: Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Acts 17:22-23 - What Kind of Athenian?
Acts 17:22-23:
Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.”
Some say it is "Nature." Some call it the "Cosmos." Some refer to it as "The Great Spirit." Others just call it "The Force."
In some way, most of us recognize there is something greater than ourselves.
These ancient Athenians did also -- and were careful to not exclude whatever it was from their worship. They had built an altar to the "Unknown God."
They had no real idea of how to worship Him, but they recognized a need that was not being met by the other "gods" they worshiped.
Paul, when before them, took advantage of the existence of this altar to begin explaining who their "Unknown God" was.
He did not find it necessary to berate them or ridicule them for their ignorance, but instead, saw it as an opportunity to give them knowledge.
When we are faced with someone who does not know God, do we try to educate them? Or do we tend to think of them as someone beneath us?
As we interact with each other, we will undoubtedly find there are those who know less than we do -- and others who know more.
The Athenians were people who appreciated knowledge -- and to their credit, they wanted to hear more -- and some became believers.
Some sought knowledge for knowledge sake -- but still felt they were in the judgment seat of what they would accept or deny.
Others sought knowledge -- and accepted anything that was true -- even when contrary to their original beliefs. They acted on knowledge.
Which type of "Athenian" are we? As we study and learn, is our goal to only bolster our positions and beliefs? Or are we more interested in learning the truth, and letting it dictate our actions?
To all of us, God is "unknown" to some degree. Studying His word, and learning more and more of Christ, is our way of learning who He is.
As we hear and learn of Him, do we seek to know and catalog our understanding on a dusty shelf? Or does our new found understanding cause us to hunger for more knowledge of God?
John 14:6: Jesus answered, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.”
Some say it is "Nature." Some call it the "Cosmos." Some refer to it as "The Great Spirit." Others just call it "The Force."
In some way, most of us recognize there is something greater than ourselves.
These ancient Athenians did also -- and were careful to not exclude whatever it was from their worship. They had built an altar to the "Unknown God."
They had no real idea of how to worship Him, but they recognized a need that was not being met by the other "gods" they worshiped.
Paul, when before them, took advantage of the existence of this altar to begin explaining who their "Unknown God" was.
He did not find it necessary to berate them or ridicule them for their ignorance, but instead, saw it as an opportunity to give them knowledge.
When we are faced with someone who does not know God, do we try to educate them? Or do we tend to think of them as someone beneath us?
As we interact with each other, we will undoubtedly find there are those who know less than we do -- and others who know more.
The Athenians were people who appreciated knowledge -- and to their credit, they wanted to hear more -- and some became believers.
Some sought knowledge for knowledge sake -- but still felt they were in the judgment seat of what they would accept or deny.
Others sought knowledge -- and accepted anything that was true -- even when contrary to their original beliefs. They acted on knowledge.
Which type of "Athenian" are we? As we study and learn, is our goal to only bolster our positions and beliefs? Or are we more interested in learning the truth, and letting it dictate our actions?
To all of us, God is "unknown" to some degree. Studying His word, and learning more and more of Christ, is our way of learning who He is.
As we hear and learn of Him, do we seek to know and catalog our understanding on a dusty shelf? Or does our new found understanding cause us to hunger for more knowledge of God?
John 14:6: Jesus answered, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Friday, February 24, 2012
Matt. 18:35 - It's the Mercy
Matthew 18:35:
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Peter had listened to Jesus and heard a thorough “procedure list” for dealing with sinners -- and what to do when they fail to change.
But what about when they do change?
Peter wondered, would he have to keep forgiving them, or could he limit the times he forgave them to maybe -- seven times?
We are often sinned against by some who later ask us to forgive them. Then -- they go and do the same thing to us again! Each time they come back -- begging our understanding and forgiveness.
Sometimes it’s genuine -- and other times we just feel they are playing us for a patsy. It is hard to tell.
How much patience do we have to extend to those who keep doing it to us, over -- and over -- and over?
Jesus gave Peter, and those around him, a parable to chew on.
He told of a King’s servant who had built up a debt that was more than he could ever pay back. The king demanded repayment -- and wanted to set up conditions for repayment. In his case -- the man -- his wife -- his children -- and all he had -- would be sold to repay the debt.
The man, filled with fear and dread, begged the king to give him a little more time -- and he would repay it.
The king -- knowing the debt was so great it could not be repaid -- had mercy on him. He not only stopped the sale of the man and his family -- but also forgave the man his entire debt!
The lesson Peter and the others were to learn, came from what the man did after that…
Newly forgiven of his own immense debt, he went out and confronted someone who owed him a small debt -- and put him in prison until he got payment!
The lesson for Peter and the others to grasp?
The offense is not important -- it is the mercy!
The number of times you forgive is not important -- it is the mercy!
How can we hope for forgiveness and mercy -- which we all so desperately need -- if we do not offer forgiveness and mercy ourselves?
How we treat others is a good indication of how we will be treated.
Earlier, Peter and the others heard Jesus say, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt. 7:12)
Think about it... No matter how you have been offended and sinned against -- it pales in comparison to our offenses and sins against the Father -- and He didn’t just forgive our debt -- His Son paid it!
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Peter had listened to Jesus and heard a thorough “procedure list” for dealing with sinners -- and what to do when they fail to change.
But what about when they do change?
Peter wondered, would he have to keep forgiving them, or could he limit the times he forgave them to maybe -- seven times?
We are often sinned against by some who later ask us to forgive them. Then -- they go and do the same thing to us again! Each time they come back -- begging our understanding and forgiveness.
Sometimes it’s genuine -- and other times we just feel they are playing us for a patsy. It is hard to tell.
How much patience do we have to extend to those who keep doing it to us, over -- and over -- and over?
Jesus gave Peter, and those around him, a parable to chew on.
He told of a King’s servant who had built up a debt that was more than he could ever pay back. The king demanded repayment -- and wanted to set up conditions for repayment. In his case -- the man -- his wife -- his children -- and all he had -- would be sold to repay the debt.
The man, filled with fear and dread, begged the king to give him a little more time -- and he would repay it.
The king -- knowing the debt was so great it could not be repaid -- had mercy on him. He not only stopped the sale of the man and his family -- but also forgave the man his entire debt!
The lesson Peter and the others were to learn, came from what the man did after that…
Newly forgiven of his own immense debt, he went out and confronted someone who owed him a small debt -- and put him in prison until he got payment!
The lesson for Peter and the others to grasp?
The offense is not important -- it is the mercy!
The number of times you forgive is not important -- it is the mercy!
How can we hope for forgiveness and mercy -- which we all so desperately need -- if we do not offer forgiveness and mercy ourselves?
How we treat others is a good indication of how we will be treated.
Earlier, Peter and the others heard Jesus say, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt. 7:12)
Think about it... No matter how you have been offended and sinned against -- it pales in comparison to our offenses and sins against the Father -- and He didn’t just forgive our debt -- His Son paid it!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Gen. 3:6 - Why Should I Wait?
Genesis 3:6:
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
How many times have I fell for the same kind if snare?
Satan has done the same thing to me time and time again... "Here is what you want. Maybe the timing is off, and you shouldn't have it yet, but who is looking? Who would know? You are going to get it later anyway, so why wait?"
How many young people have fallen for this same thing? Baby after baby has been born because Satan convinced two young people that it would be ok. "You love each other anyway, so why wait?"
Satan is the great deceiver. (I didn't capitalize the letters because he doesn't deserve it!)
"Go ahead and take that tax deduction -- you deserve it."
"Park there in the handicap stall -- why shouldn't you get special treatment too?"
All of these, and most every sin, results from being caught in a similar snare to what Eve fell for -- "I want it now!" Or, maybe, "I'll get it later anyway, so why should I wait?"
The phrase, "Good things come to those who wait," is maybe just a little off. It should be, "Good things are worth the wait."
God might bless a couple with a child, but the blessing truly comes when the parents wait until they are married. God will bless you if you let Him choose the mannor and the time.
By trying to speed things up, Eve caused Adam to deal with weeds all his life, and she gave herself pain in bearing children!
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
How many times have I fell for the same kind if snare?
Satan has done the same thing to me time and time again... "Here is what you want. Maybe the timing is off, and you shouldn't have it yet, but who is looking? Who would know? You are going to get it later anyway, so why wait?"
How many young people have fallen for this same thing? Baby after baby has been born because Satan convinced two young people that it would be ok. "You love each other anyway, so why wait?"
Satan is the great deceiver. (I didn't capitalize the letters because he doesn't deserve it!)
"Go ahead and take that tax deduction -- you deserve it."
"Park there in the handicap stall -- why shouldn't you get special treatment too?"
All of these, and most every sin, results from being caught in a similar snare to what Eve fell for -- "I want it now!" Or, maybe, "I'll get it later anyway, so why should I wait?"
The phrase, "Good things come to those who wait," is maybe just a little off. It should be, "Good things are worth the wait."
God might bless a couple with a child, but the blessing truly comes when the parents wait until they are married. God will bless you if you let Him choose the mannor and the time.
By trying to speed things up, Eve caused Adam to deal with weeds all his life, and she gave herself pain in bearing children!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Gen. 2:22-25 - Helpmeets
Genesis 2:22-25:
Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
Our world seems to be going through a shift in its paradigm...
Marriage is slowly changing from something more than a man and a woman -- to include a man "married" to a man, or a woman "married" to a woman.
Many states in the US are now considering changing laws to include such marriage definitions as legal relationships.
Even a quick glance at this passage, however, gives you a clear understanding of God's reason for marriage to only be between a man and a woman. There is a purpose for it -- to be "helpmeets" to each other.
Adam could find no suitable mate in God's other creatures (not even "man's best friend,") and so God created a special mate -- one from man's own body.
The fact that they were naked together, and had no shame, points to the intimacy of their relationship. It also points to what Heaven will be like as well -- a place where we all will have a relationship so close that we will "have nothing to hide" from each other.
Not that we will be "naked" in Heaven -- but that we will be as transparent to each other.
Consider what your current relationship is to your fellow Christian brothers and sisters... Are you developing close bonds? Or staying a bit distant?
Remember -- these are the ones with whom eternity will be spent!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Gen. 39:20-21 - It's Not My Plan
Genesis 39:20-21:
Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.
But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
His life was not exactly going as he had envisioned it… Amid his dreams, Joseph saw himself at the center. Now, he was forgotten, in a cold dark place…
With turn after turn, everything seemed to constantly spiral downward -- seemingly getting worse with each turn. First his brothers had shunned and mocked him -- later, they sold him as a slave, after first toying with the idea of killing him. Then, after the indignity of being merchandise for slave traders, he was sold to the captain of Pharaoh's guard.
With concentration and discipline, Joseph finally felt himself begin to rise out of his plight. He had made a good impression on his master, and had begun to reap the rewards of keeping his nose clean!
But then -- the master’s randy wife got him into deep trouble -- and he was innocent!
As we read of Joseph here, he was in prison, and yet, he was again bubbling to the surface -- getting noticed by the warden -- being trusted with responsibilities not entrusted to other inmates. If we followed his story, we would see he eventually became second-in-command to all of Egypt!
How is this possible? Remember -- as Joseph’s life will attest to -- God was with him the whole time!
When his brothers assaulted him and threw him into the empty cistern, he surely had moments when he felt God had left him. In prison, he might have thought, “Where is God?” -- But, through it all, Joseph held on to his faith in God.
There are times in our own lives we have felt God has left us. Maybe you have even asked yourself the question, “Where is God?” when you felt like you were forgotten, and in a cold, dark place...
For Joseph, the prison was still prison -- the floor was just as cold -- the conditions were just as miserable -- but, after seeing the bigger picture of God’s plan, they were small concerns in comparison to the great things God accomplished.
A songwriter once wrote, “I never promised you a rose garden…,” and neither did God. But -- God has promised you much more that that -- He has promised eternal life to those who believe and obey Him.
Galatians 6:9: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Acts 11:26c - What Is a Name?
Acts 11:26c:
" . . . The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
What do the words, “Galinha,” “Huhn,” “Kip,” “Poulet,” and “Pollo” have in common?
They are the Portuguese, German, Dutch, French and Spanish words for what the English-speaking world calls a chicken.
They are the simple descriptive words each language uses to describe the tasty staple of many dinner tables.
“Rhode Island Reds,” “Mahrans,” “Leghorns,” “Jersey Giants,” and “Silkies” -- are names used to describe particular types of chickens.
Knowing the right name for the right kind of chicken is important, because each type of chicken has certain qualities -- each has certain characteristics -- each is bred to be different!
How about “Christen,” “Chrétien,” “Cristiano,” “Cristão,” and -- “Christian?” Do these words describe different people?
When the people of Antioch looked at those who believed and followed Christ, they saw a group of people who were trying to live like Christ. They started calling them "Christians." They saw a group trying to head in the same direction -- a biblical concept desired by Christ, even as He was facing His own death...
John 17:20-23: ". . . I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
If you place a term before or after "Christian" to describe the kind of Christian you are, ask yourself -- why?
Are you consciously trying to be united to that for which God gave His Son -- or are you unconsciously being lead in a slightly different direction?
There is only one body -- one church. And, it has only one head -- Jesus Christ!
Ephesians 4:4-6: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Colossians 1:15-20: The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
" . . . The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
What do the words, “Galinha,” “Huhn,” “Kip,” “Poulet,” and “Pollo” have in common?
They are the Portuguese, German, Dutch, French and Spanish words for what the English-speaking world calls a chicken.
They are the simple descriptive words each language uses to describe the tasty staple of many dinner tables.
“Rhode Island Reds,” “Mahrans,” “Leghorns,” “Jersey Giants,” and “Silkies” -- are names used to describe particular types of chickens.
Knowing the right name for the right kind of chicken is important, because each type of chicken has certain qualities -- each has certain characteristics -- each is bred to be different!
How about “Christen,” “Chrétien,” “Cristiano,” “Cristão,” and -- “Christian?” Do these words describe different people?
When the people of Antioch looked at those who believed and followed Christ, they saw a group of people who were trying to live like Christ. They started calling them "Christians." They saw a group trying to head in the same direction -- a biblical concept desired by Christ, even as He was facing His own death...
John 17:20-23: ". . . I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
If you place a term before or after "Christian" to describe the kind of Christian you are, ask yourself -- why?
Are you consciously trying to be united to that for which God gave His Son -- or are you unconsciously being lead in a slightly different direction?
There is only one body -- one church. And, it has only one head -- Jesus Christ!
Ephesians 4:4-6: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Colossians 1:15-20: The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Acts 9:26-28 - Are You A Barnabas?
3Acts9:26-28
When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
Have you ever had a poisonous snake as a pet? How about an adult crocodile -- or an un-altered skunk?
No? Probably because you were afraid of them, or not sure you could completely trust them.
What would you do if a known murderer sat next to you in church? Would get up and move . . . to the next city?
We have a natural aversion to dangerous things, and once we know something is dangerous, it is hard for us to accept them as anything else but dangerous!
Imagine what it was like for those in the church in Jerusalem who gathered for prayer only to recognize the "new guy" as being none other than -- Saul of Tarsus, "Persecutor of Christians!"
It would not have been easy to sit there and not be worried about being in the middle of an anti-Christian sting operation.
It couldn't have been easy for Saul either. There he was with his world turned upside down. Knowing what he knew about Christ, he couldn't go back to his old life . . . and yet, his new "brothers" wanted nothing to do with him.
Were it not for the bravery of Barnabas . . .
Sometimes it takes someone to step in and bring us together. The reformed convict -- the publicly exposed sinner -- the rehabilitated drug user -- even the new guy in town -- can all be left out in the cold by the unfounded fear of others. Any and all can have a difficult time finding a way to fit in among us.
Can you be a Barnabas?
Step back a few paces and look around you . . . Who do you see out on the edge of your fellowship? Who is the "spiritual" wall flower that you can help bring in to the fold?
It took guts for Barnabas to approach Saul. You know he had to wonder if Saul was truly converted. Yet, he could see the benefit of helping Saul get acquainted with the brethren . . .
Thirteen letters of the New Testament, all written by the same Saul of Tarsus (Paul), show us that Barnabas was right!
When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
Have you ever had a poisonous snake as a pet? How about an adult crocodile -- or an un-altered skunk?
No? Probably because you were afraid of them, or not sure you could completely trust them.
What would you do if a known murderer sat next to you in church? Would get up and move . . . to the next city?
We have a natural aversion to dangerous things, and once we know something is dangerous, it is hard for us to accept them as anything else but dangerous!
Imagine what it was like for those in the church in Jerusalem who gathered for prayer only to recognize the "new guy" as being none other than -- Saul of Tarsus, "Persecutor of Christians!"
It would not have been easy to sit there and not be worried about being in the middle of an anti-Christian sting operation.
It couldn't have been easy for Saul either. There he was with his world turned upside down. Knowing what he knew about Christ, he couldn't go back to his old life . . . and yet, his new "brothers" wanted nothing to do with him.
Were it not for the bravery of Barnabas . . .
Sometimes it takes someone to step in and bring us together. The reformed convict -- the publicly exposed sinner -- the rehabilitated drug user -- even the new guy in town -- can all be left out in the cold by the unfounded fear of others. Any and all can have a difficult time finding a way to fit in among us.
Can you be a Barnabas?
Step back a few paces and look around you . . . Who do you see out on the edge of your fellowship? Who is the "spiritual" wall flower that you can help bring in to the fold?
It took guts for Barnabas to approach Saul. You know he had to wonder if Saul was truly converted. Yet, he could see the benefit of helping Saul get acquainted with the brethren . . .
Thirteen letters of the New Testament, all written by the same Saul of Tarsus (Paul), show us that Barnabas was right!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Gen. 22:7-9 - Where Is the Lamb?
Genesis 22:7-9:
Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
As far as he knew, Abraham was following the command of God. He was to take his son, Isaac -- his only son -- and sacrifice him on the mountain. He hadn’t told his son all of the details -- but, Isaac was a bright boy…
Can you imagine what had gone through Isaac’s mind? He knew he and his father were on a hike to build an altar for a burnt offering. And, he knew what was involved. They had the bundle of wood -- the lit torch for the fire -- and a knife -- but, where was the lamb? All his father said was, “God will provide the lamb.”
What went through Abraham’s mind? This son that God had given him in his old age, and out of season -- his only son -- was now to be taken from him -- and by his own hands!
Abraham’s faith had to fight against his paternal desires; it was not natural for a man to take the life of his own son. But -- God, Himself had required it.
And then, there they were -- the wood was arranged, Isaac was bound up, and laid on the alter. Abraham fought his every desire to stop, and forced himself to hold the knife . . .
As he drew back his arm, he heard . . . . “Abraham! Abraham!”
Abraham’s heart raced as he looked for the source of the voice, and he heard the angel say, “Do not lay a hand on the boy.” -- It had been a test!
“Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Then, Abraham saw a ram caught by its horns in the thicket.
We might find ourselves asking how could God have asked a father to willingly allow his son -- his only son --to be killed?
It wasn’t easy -- but at least with Abraham, He could provide a substitute.
But for God? His Son -- was the Lamb!
1 Peter 1:17-18: For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Acts 6:2 - Wear the Right Hats
Acts 6:2:
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.”
How many hats do you wear? Most of us have more than one task -- job -- responsibility. We refer to this as wearing many hats -- one for each type of function we perform.
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.”
How many hats do you wear? Most of us have more than one task -- job -- responsibility. We refer to this as wearing many hats -- one for each type of function we perform.
Occasionally, we are asked to wear a “hat” that doesn’t fit us well. When that happens, the efficiency of the task we perform suffers. We may not have the right skills -- the right ability -- the right discipline -- to do the job properly.
And, sometimes we just wear too many hats!
Wearing too many hats can be devastating to the work you want to accomplish.
In the early days of the Church, the Greek-speaking believers and the Hebrew-speaking believers began to have disputes and issues over how their respective widows were being served. We don’t know the full details, but we have all witnessed how, even today, we have similar issues when we start looking only to our own interests.
In their wisdom, the Twelve knew that they were not able to continue spreading the word of God effectively if they had to also conduct a food program!
They charged the disciples to put forth seven men, all able to meet the Apostles’ criteria of having wisdom and being full of the Spirit. Then, once the responsibilities of serving the widows were given over to these seven men, things were much smoother for all. And, the lack of disputes allowed the work of the Apostles flourish:
Acts 6:7: So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
If you are a spiritual leader, what hats are you wearing? Do they all fit you well? Or -- are you trying to wear a hat that would better fit another’s head?
Trying to hold on to all the hats -- trying to do it all yourself -- can actually hinder the work you want to do! Sure, there is some satisfaction in knowing “you did it yourself,” and your hat rack might look good with a hat on every peg -- but was the work done as well as it could have been? Did something else you should have been doing get neglected?
Look around you. Others are ready and willing to help. Sure, they might not perform the task you give them the way you would do it -- they may even do it better!
By giving others a part in the work, you allow them to learn how to stretch, gain strength, and grow in their own usefulness for the Lord. Don’t underestimate the abilities of those around you -- you might just be giving a young David the courage he needs to pick up a few rocks...
1 Cor. 12:18-19: But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Acts 5:35 - Gamaliel's Challenge
Acts 5:35:
Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.”
Have you ever been jealous of someone else? Maybe you wanted something they had? Maybe you wanted to look or be like them? Or -- maybe you wanted to have their power or ability to influence others? Whatever its reason, jealousy can lead you to do some strange and mean things if you don't control it soon enough.
Being Sadducees themselves, the High Priest and his close friends were not so keen on the resurrection story Peter and the other apostles -- the followers of Jesus -- had been spreading. Their jealousy led to Peter and the others being thrown in jail overnight. The next morning, they had hoped to settle the matter once and for all.
During the night, though, even with a full compliment of guards and locked gates, the apostles had been freed by an angel. He told them to go back to “telling the people all about this new life."
Learning where they were, the High Priest had them re-arrested and brought before the full council, where he gave them a good tongue lashing . . .
Acts 5:28: "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said, "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."
Undaunted by the authority of the council, Peter knew where his allegiance stood -- God’s Will trumped everything else. "We must obey God rather than human beings!"
Peter and the others knew what they had seen, heard, witnessed, and were told to do . . . and no one on earth could make them stop . . . and said so to the council.
Jealousy flamed to anger, and the council started to come unglued! They were furious! They wanted Peter and the others put to death for their insolence -- and would have except for the cool head of one member.
Gamaliel, an honored teacher of the law, ordered the room cleared for a while -- called an impromptu executive session.
Once it was just them -- he and the council alone -- he urged them to carefully consider how they handled themselves. He reminded them of a few recent failed uprisings by others -- and suggested how this one surrounding Jesus seemed different.
Acts 5:38-39: "Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave them alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
So -- remember this as we face strong, jealous opposition to our following God -- our opposition is not fighting against us . . . but against God!
Romans 8:31-34: What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.”
Have you ever been jealous of someone else? Maybe you wanted something they had? Maybe you wanted to look or be like them? Or -- maybe you wanted to have their power or ability to influence others? Whatever its reason, jealousy can lead you to do some strange and mean things if you don't control it soon enough.
Being Sadducees themselves, the High Priest and his close friends were not so keen on the resurrection story Peter and the other apostles -- the followers of Jesus -- had been spreading. Their jealousy led to Peter and the others being thrown in jail overnight. The next morning, they had hoped to settle the matter once and for all.
During the night, though, even with a full compliment of guards and locked gates, the apostles had been freed by an angel. He told them to go back to “telling the people all about this new life."
Learning where they were, the High Priest had them re-arrested and brought before the full council, where he gave them a good tongue lashing . . .
Acts 5:28: "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said, "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."
Undaunted by the authority of the council, Peter knew where his allegiance stood -- God’s Will trumped everything else. "We must obey God rather than human beings!"
Peter and the others knew what they had seen, heard, witnessed, and were told to do . . . and no one on earth could make them stop . . . and said so to the council.
Jealousy flamed to anger, and the council started to come unglued! They were furious! They wanted Peter and the others put to death for their insolence -- and would have except for the cool head of one member.
Gamaliel, an honored teacher of the law, ordered the room cleared for a while -- called an impromptu executive session.
Once it was just them -- he and the council alone -- he urged them to carefully consider how they handled themselves. He reminded them of a few recent failed uprisings by others -- and suggested how this one surrounding Jesus seemed different.
Acts 5:38-39: "Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave them alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
So -- remember this as we face strong, jealous opposition to our following God -- our opposition is not fighting against us . . . but against God!
Romans 8:31-34: What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Acts 2:36-38 - What Shall We Do?
Acts 2:36-38:“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Have you ever followed a group of people into action, and later wonder what it was that possessed you? Being in a crowd can lead to your doing things that you would never do otherwise. It's called, "peer pressure" or "mob thinking" -- and it can be intoxicating!
During riots, for instance, looting is done by many people who would never dream of stealing in normal circumstances. But, "Everyone else is doing it," can be an empowering concept.
But, when the dust clears . . . when it is time to account for your actions? -- That is another story.
That is the case here, when we read of the people gathered around Peter and the other apostles on the Day of Pentecost. Everyone heard the commotion, and had come to see it for themselves -- another crowd gathered. This time, though, they weren't being stirred to action, but were being brought to an accounting.
The sudden realization came with the finality of a jury foreman's proclamation of "guilty!"
To the honest listener, it was like being splashed with cold water -- being rudely awakened -- being stabbed in the heart! "We did what? We killed the one we were waiting for?"
The only thing the crowd could do was ask, "What shall we do?"
Peter's answer to them may seem odd to "contemporary Christians" of today, who tend to want to make following Christ more a matter of convenience, than obedience. Their answer is to pray -- utter a sort of "sinner's prayer."
Prayer is definitely called for in the heart of a repentant believer, but Peter had asked the crowd to do more than that -- to also be baptized.
That is something you don't hear much about today -- but -- if it was what Peter said was required then, why would it not be required by repentant believers today? -- A simple search through Scripture makes it hard to miss the importance of baptism to the believer.
1 Peter 3:20-22: "...to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also -- not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand -- with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him."
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Have you ever followed a group of people into action, and later wonder what it was that possessed you? Being in a crowd can lead to your doing things that you would never do otherwise. It's called, "peer pressure" or "mob thinking" -- and it can be intoxicating!
During riots, for instance, looting is done by many people who would never dream of stealing in normal circumstances. But, "Everyone else is doing it," can be an empowering concept.
But, when the dust clears . . . when it is time to account for your actions? -- That is another story.
That is the case here, when we read of the people gathered around Peter and the other apostles on the Day of Pentecost. Everyone heard the commotion, and had come to see it for themselves -- another crowd gathered. This time, though, they weren't being stirred to action, but were being brought to an accounting.
The sudden realization came with the finality of a jury foreman's proclamation of "guilty!"
To the honest listener, it was like being splashed with cold water -- being rudely awakened -- being stabbed in the heart! "We did what? We killed the one we were waiting for?"
The only thing the crowd could do was ask, "What shall we do?"
Peter's answer to them may seem odd to "contemporary Christians" of today, who tend to want to make following Christ more a matter of convenience, than obedience. Their answer is to pray -- utter a sort of "sinner's prayer."
Prayer is definitely called for in the heart of a repentant believer, but Peter had asked the crowd to do more than that -- to also be baptized.
That is something you don't hear much about today -- but -- if it was what Peter said was required then, why would it not be required by repentant believers today? -- A simple search through Scripture makes it hard to miss the importance of baptism to the believer.
1 Peter 3:20-22: "...to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also -- not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand -- with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him."
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