Yes, I know they don't go together like a first and second letter, but they are extremely short, and I'm on tight time lines.
Paul's letter to Philemon is simply a request of Paul that he take Onesimus back with a clean slate.
Paul's letter to Titus is a few basic instructions as he was setting up the church leadership in Crete. Nothing new that he hasn't said before, except that he says of the older women "They must teach what is proper" (2:3). In other areas Paul says women should 'be silent' in the church. Titus suggests that those other situations are isolated incidents, because Paul has elsewhere referred to women in leadership.
All throughout his letters, Paul starts and ends with a simple statement, praying that God will be kind to the recipient. He also notes a couple times in Titus, as well as numerous times elsewhere, that it is God's kindness that allows us to be saved. Even in his salutations, he is reminded people that nothing they have done caused them to be saved - it's only God.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
1 & 2 Timothy
"Don't let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). Timothy was young, and this was one of several instructions Paul gave to him s a young leader. He also gave him lots of instructions about the work and leadership of the church.
Some of the things I highlighted are:
1. "First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them." (1 Tim. 2:1, Gratitude)
2. "Take care of any widow who is really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn to serve God by taking care of her, as she once took care of them. This is what God wants them to do." (1 Tim. 5:3-4, Priorities - I live next door)
3. "These people think religion is supposed to make you rich. And religion does make your life rich, by making you content with what you have." (1 Tim. 6:5b-6, People I know)
4. "Keep your mind on Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2:8, Why is it so hard?)
5. "Be humble when you correct people who oppose you." (2 Tim. 2:25, I'm in leadership)
6. "The time is coming when people won't listen to good teaching. Instead, they will look for teachers who will please them by telling them only what they are itching to hear." (2 Tim. 4:3, sounds like now).
Not a lot of reflection for me tonight. It has been almost forty degrees here today, and I've spent much of it outside at yard work. Not bright, I know. Now, it's TV time.
Some of the things I highlighted are:
1. "First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them." (1 Tim. 2:1, Gratitude)
2. "Take care of any widow who is really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn to serve God by taking care of her, as she once took care of them. This is what God wants them to do." (1 Tim. 5:3-4, Priorities - I live next door)
3. "These people think religion is supposed to make you rich. And religion does make your life rich, by making you content with what you have." (1 Tim. 6:5b-6, People I know)
4. "Keep your mind on Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2:8, Why is it so hard?)
5. "Be humble when you correct people who oppose you." (2 Tim. 2:25, I'm in leadership)
6. "The time is coming when people won't listen to good teaching. Instead, they will look for teachers who will please them by telling them only what they are itching to hear." (2 Tim. 4:3, sounds like now).
Not a lot of reflection for me tonight. It has been almost forty degrees here today, and I've spent much of it outside at yard work. Not bright, I know. Now, it's TV time.
Monday, May 29, 2006
1 & 2 Thessalonians
I'm still having a hard time getting used to the short books in the New Testament. I sit back in my chair with my Diet Coke, prepared to settle in for a while, and I'm finished a book before I finish my Diet Coke.
There's a lot of focus given in both letters here to Christ's return. This, for me, was the topic of many sermons growing up. To be truthful, I don't know that I learned much more about the details around Christ's return from a lifetime of sermons than what I just read this morning. Here's how I see it: Jesus is coming back one day for his Church. We will be surprised when it happens, but not really. No one knows when it will be; some believers will have already died, others will be alive. The dead ones will get a head start and then the rest of us who are alive will be next. If anyone says otherwise (from what Paul said in these letters), they are wrong.
I think the most important phrase in all of it is "Encourage each other with these words" (1 Thess. 4:18). I don't believe that we are to get details about Christ's return as much as we can take comfort in the fact that he is coming back one day. It is meant to give us hope, not the scoop.
1 Thessalonians, according to the notes in my Bible, is thought to be Paul's first letter. I like his couple disclaimers at the beginning (1 Thess. 2:1-8). "We didn't have any hidden motives when we won you over, and we didn't try to fool or trick anyone." Also, "we didn't try to flatter anyone." I like that.
I also like his summary guidelines at the end of each letter. I like to think that he considers them of high importance, and by placing them at the end, they will be lodged in people's memories. For example:
"My friends, we ask you to be thoughtful of your leaders who work hard and tell you how to live for the Lord. Show them great respect and love because of their work. Try to get along with each other. My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn't living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone. Don't be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else. Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do. Don't turn away God's Spirit or ignore prophecies. Put everything to the test. Accept what is good and don't have anything to do with evil" (1 Thess 5:12-20, bold is mine).
Also, at the end of 2 Thess., Paul warns against laziness, saying things like "if you don't work, you don't eat" (3:10).
It seems Paul's instructions, here and in other letters, are terribly simple. I apologize for the pop culture reference, but why is that we have to make things so complicated?
There's a lot of focus given in both letters here to Christ's return. This, for me, was the topic of many sermons growing up. To be truthful, I don't know that I learned much more about the details around Christ's return from a lifetime of sermons than what I just read this morning. Here's how I see it: Jesus is coming back one day for his Church. We will be surprised when it happens, but not really. No one knows when it will be; some believers will have already died, others will be alive. The dead ones will get a head start and then the rest of us who are alive will be next. If anyone says otherwise (from what Paul said in these letters), they are wrong.
I think the most important phrase in all of it is "Encourage each other with these words" (1 Thess. 4:18). I don't believe that we are to get details about Christ's return as much as we can take comfort in the fact that he is coming back one day. It is meant to give us hope, not the scoop.
1 Thessalonians, according to the notes in my Bible, is thought to be Paul's first letter. I like his couple disclaimers at the beginning (1 Thess. 2:1-8). "We didn't have any hidden motives when we won you over, and we didn't try to fool or trick anyone." Also, "we didn't try to flatter anyone." I like that.
I also like his summary guidelines at the end of each letter. I like to think that he considers them of high importance, and by placing them at the end, they will be lodged in people's memories. For example:
"My friends, we ask you to be thoughtful of your leaders who work hard and tell you how to live for the Lord. Show them great respect and love because of their work. Try to get along with each other. My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn't living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone. Don't be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else. Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do. Don't turn away God's Spirit or ignore prophecies. Put everything to the test. Accept what is good and don't have anything to do with evil" (1 Thess 5:12-20, bold is mine).
Also, at the end of 2 Thess., Paul warns against laziness, saying things like "if you don't work, you don't eat" (3:10).
It seems Paul's instructions, here and in other letters, are terribly simple. I apologize for the pop culture reference, but why is that we have to make things so complicated?
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Colossians
If I'm going to finish by this Friday, I'm going to have to step it up a bit......
I wonder if Paul knew how influential he would be. If he knew that his words would be read by millions (billions, even) over hundreds of years, would he have been so relaxed. Granted, I'm reading a relaxed version (CEV), but he sends personal greetings to the church, and to particular people in the church, making mention of some by name. I wonder if my blog will be read 2000 years from now? =)
I talked to Karen today. First time since she left. We had been text messaging a little, but this was the first we spoke in seven days.
Colossians is more of the same message Paul wrote to the other churches. No less important, but largely the same. He lists some things that the church should and should not do now that they are living in the freedom that Christ has given them. He encourages them to be humble, love each other, and to forgive. One new instruction that I hadn't noticed before is "When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time. Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions" (4:5-6). Wise words.
He always makes sure to bring it back to Christ. He is and should be the purpose, foundation, center and end result of every thing we say and do.
Did I mention I talked with Karen?
I wonder if Paul knew how influential he would be. If he knew that his words would be read by millions (billions, even) over hundreds of years, would he have been so relaxed. Granted, I'm reading a relaxed version (CEV), but he sends personal greetings to the church, and to particular people in the church, making mention of some by name. I wonder if my blog will be read 2000 years from now? =)
I talked to Karen today. First time since she left. We had been text messaging a little, but this was the first we spoke in seven days.
Colossians is more of the same message Paul wrote to the other churches. No less important, but largely the same. He lists some things that the church should and should not do now that they are living in the freedom that Christ has given them. He encourages them to be humble, love each other, and to forgive. One new instruction that I hadn't noticed before is "When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time. Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions" (4:5-6). Wise words.
He always makes sure to bring it back to Christ. He is and should be the purpose, foundation, center and end result of every thing we say and do.
Did I mention I talked with Karen?
Philippians
Of all the books in the Bible, I've probably read Philippians the most. For that reason, I keep coming back to a couple of the same passages every time. Namely, "Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves" (2:3) and "Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise" (4:8). I figure that if people could actually accomplish what is stated in these two sentences, the world would be a better place.
And reading it again this morning was no different. Except I see a couple of other themes. More than once, Paul tells the Philippian church that they have seen his example, and they should just follow it. That's a lot of confidence, and he also shared that with the Corinthian church.
All of Paul's thoughts and instruction centers around Christ. He talks about his own life journey and lessons from it, as well as cautioning against those who are bragging and misrepresenting Christ. Paul says that we should brag about one thing and one thing only - Christ himself and what he has done for and in us.
But back to the two sentences that I generally perseverate on --- I rarely live up to their standards. But I noticed another sentence that I had not noticed before - "God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him" (2:13). That's good to know. He's given me the standard, and he's given me a means. Himself.
And reading it again this morning was no different. Except I see a couple of other themes. More than once, Paul tells the Philippian church that they have seen his example, and they should just follow it. That's a lot of confidence, and he also shared that with the Corinthian church.
All of Paul's thoughts and instruction centers around Christ. He talks about his own life journey and lessons from it, as well as cautioning against those who are bragging and misrepresenting Christ. Paul says that we should brag about one thing and one thing only - Christ himself and what he has done for and in us.
But back to the two sentences that I generally perseverate on --- I rarely live up to their standards. But I noticed another sentence that I had not noticed before - "God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him" (2:13). That's good to know. He's given me the standard, and he's given me a means. Himself.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Ephesians
I had to memorize the first chapter of Ephesians in College. I did so successfully, from the New International Version. I've always liked Ephesians, especially 3:20-21. I use it sort of as a testimony. "I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen." Specifically, "His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine."
I've recited that phrase often as my own story. I won't reiterate it here, but suffice it to say that 15 years ago I did not, in my wildest dreams, imagine that I would be where I am today, doing what I do, knowing who I know and married to Karen. As a matter of fact, had someone told me, I would have mocked them. But, God has far exceeded my expectations and imagination.
That's why I am generally comfortable waiting on what God wants. I know in time, he will guide me along where he wants me to go and to what he wants me to do, often in spite of me; and I know he will because he has and because I'm willing (generally speaking!).
But as I read Ephesians again, Paul is emphasizing how Christ wants to use to church, and how we should live as members of his church. Yesterday I had lunch with an acquaintance, who I hope is becoming a friend. He's a believer, and he said he's looking for a church for middle-aged, cynical men. I can appreicate that. But we talked some more and I tried to help him understand (or perhaps I was trying convince myself) that the only way the church can be changed is for us to ask God to use us on the inside. Change it from within. One person at a time. Starting with me.
If we lived by the guidleines Paul outlines, church would be a welcoming place. "I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God's Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace." (4:1-3)
I'm trying. To let myself be changed.
I've recited that phrase often as my own story. I won't reiterate it here, but suffice it to say that 15 years ago I did not, in my wildest dreams, imagine that I would be where I am today, doing what I do, knowing who I know and married to Karen. As a matter of fact, had someone told me, I would have mocked them. But, God has far exceeded my expectations and imagination.
That's why I am generally comfortable waiting on what God wants. I know in time, he will guide me along where he wants me to go and to what he wants me to do, often in spite of me; and I know he will because he has and because I'm willing (generally speaking!).
But as I read Ephesians again, Paul is emphasizing how Christ wants to use to church, and how we should live as members of his church. Yesterday I had lunch with an acquaintance, who I hope is becoming a friend. He's a believer, and he said he's looking for a church for middle-aged, cynical men. I can appreicate that. But we talked some more and I tried to help him understand (or perhaps I was trying convince myself) that the only way the church can be changed is for us to ask God to use us on the inside. Change it from within. One person at a time. Starting with me.
If we lived by the guidleines Paul outlines, church would be a welcoming place. "I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God's Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace." (4:1-3)
I'm trying. To let myself be changed.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Galations
I don't think I ever noticed before that Paul's letter to the Galations was in a lot of ways a defense of himself. It seems someone had accused him of preaching a false gospel, or something of the sort, and he was explaining to them how he was called by Jesus and was preaching the message that Jesus himself gave him.
That said, it is a lot like Romans, in that Paul concentrates on comparing to living under the law and living by faith in Christ through the power of the Spirit. It seems some people were saying that the church should be circumcised, but Paul tells them that if they obey that one piece, then they must obey it all. Jesus came to fulfill the law and allow us to live by faith in him, and not by obedience to the law.
Then, faith in Christ results in a life that is pleasing to God. "God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled (5:22-23). If we live by faith in Christ through the power of his Spirit, then this is the result - Christ has shown us a way to live other than in bondage to the Law.
Paul also talks about the importance of giving to the poor (2:10), which has been a recurring them for me. And talks about people comparing themselves to others and boasting about their accomplishments. He noted that faith in Christ makes everyone equal (3:20) and that we should focus on helping others and loving each other.
This is a teaching letter, so the lessons are straightforward. I still get frustrated by us as a church. The tendency of the church today is the same as the Galation church - we like to compare ourselves to others and talk about an economy of worthiness. Some people consider themselves better than others because they dress nicer for church, say or don't say certain things, pray one hour every morning or read the Bible through every month. The world's value system still exists in the church. Why is it that we cannot embrace what it means to be free and equal because of faith in Christ?
I really don't know the answer, except that I'm trying daily to live a life that is pleasing to God. I'm sure I regularly disappoint or offend others, but when it's all said and done, I only want to please one person, and let Him take care of the rest.
That said, it is a lot like Romans, in that Paul concentrates on comparing to living under the law and living by faith in Christ through the power of the Spirit. It seems some people were saying that the church should be circumcised, but Paul tells them that if they obey that one piece, then they must obey it all. Jesus came to fulfill the law and allow us to live by faith in him, and not by obedience to the law.
Then, faith in Christ results in a life that is pleasing to God. "God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled (5:22-23). If we live by faith in Christ through the power of his Spirit, then this is the result - Christ has shown us a way to live other than in bondage to the Law.
Paul also talks about the importance of giving to the poor (2:10), which has been a recurring them for me. And talks about people comparing themselves to others and boasting about their accomplishments. He noted that faith in Christ makes everyone equal (3:20) and that we should focus on helping others and loving each other.
This is a teaching letter, so the lessons are straightforward. I still get frustrated by us as a church. The tendency of the church today is the same as the Galation church - we like to compare ourselves to others and talk about an economy of worthiness. Some people consider themselves better than others because they dress nicer for church, say or don't say certain things, pray one hour every morning or read the Bible through every month. The world's value system still exists in the church. Why is it that we cannot embrace what it means to be free and equal because of faith in Christ?
I really don't know the answer, except that I'm trying daily to live a life that is pleasing to God. I'm sure I regularly disappoint or offend others, but when it's all said and done, I only want to please one person, and let Him take care of the rest.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
1 & 2 Corinthians
There was a lot of familiar stuff in the two leters to the Corinthian church. I guess I have read each of them several times before. In the first letter, Paul talks about their not getting along as proof that they were not fully living for Christ. He also gives lessons in spiritual gifts and love. Love is about getting along with others. His instructions about the Lord's Supper was about getting along.
There's still a lot of 'not getting along' in church. It's not new. It's amazing that we're still not getting this right, after two millenia.
The second letter seems to me to have a bit of a sarcastic tone, but I'm not sure. I'll have to come back to it another time.
Clearly, though, he is writing and responding to some questions and specific issues. He says that a few times. Also, in 14:34, he says that the women must not be allowed to speak in church. Yet, in Romans, he tells them to welcome Pheobe who is a respected church leader. It isn't consistent unless it is issue based.
Unfortunately for me, I'm having a hard time concentrating, so the one lesson I'm getting from here is that we need to get along. For me, that means I must do my part not to tick off people, but to make every effort to live at peace with everyone. I shouldn't be promoting myself, I should be promoting others.
There's still a lot of 'not getting along' in church. It's not new. It's amazing that we're still not getting this right, after two millenia.
The second letter seems to me to have a bit of a sarcastic tone, but I'm not sure. I'll have to come back to it another time.
Clearly, though, he is writing and responding to some questions and specific issues. He says that a few times. Also, in 14:34, he says that the women must not be allowed to speak in church. Yet, in Romans, he tells them to welcome Pheobe who is a respected church leader. It isn't consistent unless it is issue based.
Unfortunately for me, I'm having a hard time concentrating, so the one lesson I'm getting from here is that we need to get along. For me, that means I must do my part not to tick off people, but to make every effort to live at peace with everyone. I shouldn't be promoting myself, I should be promoting others.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Romans
The law vs. faith in Christ. That's pretty much it.
I decided that I want to finish the New Testament by the end of next week. That means I'll be reading more often and that my journaling will be simpler. It doesn't help that I'm a little preoccupied - Karen's should be arriving in Lviv, Ukraine any minute now, and she's away until next Friday. We're half a world apart.
But back to Romans. The law vs. faith in Christ. Acts ended with Paul in Rome. Romans begins with Paul saying how much he wanted to visit, which suggests he wrote it early on in his work. Most of the letter is Paul explaining to the Jewish readers that they should not be boastful or think they're all that because they have the law. The law wasn't enough. He then explains that the law was necessary, but sums it all up by saying that they were sinners who Christ died for and they needed to accept him by faith.
Then, Paul starts speaking to the Gentiles (10:13), and tells them that they shouldn't think they're all that either, because the Jews were God's chosen people - they were welcomed in and made part of the family, but the Jews were first.
He essentially takes away any reason for anyone to boast. That must have been a problem. Sort of like denominations nowadays.
Then it looks like he switches and talk to everyone (12:1) and gives some basic instructions for living for Christ - all very practical. He then sums up the Jew / Gentile conversation (15:7) then shares some information about himself (15:14) then some closing remarks.
All in all, it seems Romans' emphasis is for one group not to think they are better than another group, that only faith in Christ is what matters, and God used the law to lay a foundation for people to be able to accept Christ.
Now I can get back to missing Karen.
I decided that I want to finish the New Testament by the end of next week. That means I'll be reading more often and that my journaling will be simpler. It doesn't help that I'm a little preoccupied - Karen's should be arriving in Lviv, Ukraine any minute now, and she's away until next Friday. We're half a world apart.
But back to Romans. The law vs. faith in Christ. Acts ended with Paul in Rome. Romans begins with Paul saying how much he wanted to visit, which suggests he wrote it early on in his work. Most of the letter is Paul explaining to the Jewish readers that they should not be boastful or think they're all that because they have the law. The law wasn't enough. He then explains that the law was necessary, but sums it all up by saying that they were sinners who Christ died for and they needed to accept him by faith.
Then, Paul starts speaking to the Gentiles (10:13), and tells them that they shouldn't think they're all that either, because the Jews were God's chosen people - they were welcomed in and made part of the family, but the Jews were first.
He essentially takes away any reason for anyone to boast. That must have been a problem. Sort of like denominations nowadays.
Then it looks like he switches and talk to everyone (12:1) and gives some basic instructions for living for Christ - all very practical. He then sums up the Jew / Gentile conversation (15:7) then shares some information about himself (15:14) then some closing remarks.
All in all, it seems Romans' emphasis is for one group not to think they are better than another group, that only faith in Christ is what matters, and God used the law to lay a foundation for people to be able to accept Christ.
Now I can get back to missing Karen.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Acts
A month or so ago Huldah Buntaine was at our church, sharing what God was doing in Calcutta. She knew Mother Theresa, which was pretty cool. About three weeks ago we had our debit card compromised and someone stole $760.00 from our bank account. Then, the following week Dr. David Wang was at church (from Asian Outreach) sharing what God was doing in the Chinese church. That day I felt that if the 760.00 got reimbursed by our bank (they have insurance and all) that I should give it to missions. After it was stolen, I worked it out so I could manage without it, so I really didn't need it. I don't know if it was a God-thing or just me, but nonetheless, I figured it wasn't a bad thing.
Before church this morning I read Acts. Tomorrow, Karen (my wife) is going with nine other women to Ukraine for a short-term (10 days) missions trip. I don't know if any of this has bearing on anything, except that now I see that Acts is all about missions. Jesus left his disciples, gave them the Holy Spirit, and the rest is Christian History.
There are some really neat stories about people: Peter, Stephen, Philip, Saul (Paul), Barnabas, Timothy and Silas. The thing that struck me as I read was that the main characters took every opportunity to talk about Jesus. Everything, they used it to draw attention to Jesus. Missions.
Paul travelled all over the place, freely. Then, he managed to make his way to Rome, as a prisoner. He used the fact that he used to be a Pharisee to win credibility to share Jesus to the Jewish officials. He used his Roman citizenship to get an audience with Roman officials so he could tell him about Jesus. His trip to Rome was to see the Emporer, as a prisoner, which was I'm sure, to tell him about Jesus.
As each of them travelled and taught, they performed miracles, all for the purpose of gettign peoples attention and gettign an audience so they could tell them about Jesus. Then, they prayed for them that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit.
There are lots of specific lessons that can be learned here for me, and I'll be back for a deeper read in the future. For example, in the story of Cornelius, and angel appears to him, a non-Jew, and says "God has heard your prayers and knows about your gifts to the poor" (10:4). God sent Peter to him, and Peter was able to use this experience later to show that god wanted to draw all people to him, not just Jews.
So, I was not necessarily excited about Karen's trip before. I was happy for the experience for her, and support her in prayer, morale and finance. The disciples did two things immediately after Jesus left: they waited, then they went. We've already received the Holy Spirit, now she's going, so she's walking in the steps of the early church.
I work in Developmental Services. The majority of my peers in other agencies are socially and politically active, very well educated, and not many are followers of Christ. As a matter of fact, many likely do not have any examples of Christ in their lives - I'm probably it. I like the fact that God gave wisdom to Peter and Paul and the others as they preached and taught. I like that they were able to have the respect of many audiences even though they were not well educated. That gives me hope. Somehow, I might be able to be an example to people who far exceed my knowledge, education and experience. I like that God uses people that are not at the top of the ladder.
Before church this morning I read Acts. Tomorrow, Karen (my wife) is going with nine other women to Ukraine for a short-term (10 days) missions trip. I don't know if any of this has bearing on anything, except that now I see that Acts is all about missions. Jesus left his disciples, gave them the Holy Spirit, and the rest is Christian History.
There are some really neat stories about people: Peter, Stephen, Philip, Saul (Paul), Barnabas, Timothy and Silas. The thing that struck me as I read was that the main characters took every opportunity to talk about Jesus. Everything, they used it to draw attention to Jesus. Missions.
Paul travelled all over the place, freely. Then, he managed to make his way to Rome, as a prisoner. He used the fact that he used to be a Pharisee to win credibility to share Jesus to the Jewish officials. He used his Roman citizenship to get an audience with Roman officials so he could tell him about Jesus. His trip to Rome was to see the Emporer, as a prisoner, which was I'm sure, to tell him about Jesus.
As each of them travelled and taught, they performed miracles, all for the purpose of gettign peoples attention and gettign an audience so they could tell them about Jesus. Then, they prayed for them that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit.
There are lots of specific lessons that can be learned here for me, and I'll be back for a deeper read in the future. For example, in the story of Cornelius, and angel appears to him, a non-Jew, and says "God has heard your prayers and knows about your gifts to the poor" (10:4). God sent Peter to him, and Peter was able to use this experience later to show that god wanted to draw all people to him, not just Jews.
So, I was not necessarily excited about Karen's trip before. I was happy for the experience for her, and support her in prayer, morale and finance. The disciples did two things immediately after Jesus left: they waited, then they went. We've already received the Holy Spirit, now she's going, so she's walking in the steps of the early church.
I work in Developmental Services. The majority of my peers in other agencies are socially and politically active, very well educated, and not many are followers of Christ. As a matter of fact, many likely do not have any examples of Christ in their lives - I'm probably it. I like the fact that God gave wisdom to Peter and Paul and the others as they preached and taught. I like that they were able to have the respect of many audiences even though they were not well educated. That gives me hope. Somehow, I might be able to be an example to people who far exceed my knowledge, education and experience. I like that God uses people that are not at the top of the ladder.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
John
It's been a couple weeks since I read Luke. I wasn't sure why I was waiting to read John, but this past Sunday morning we had Dr. David Wang (www.asianoutreach.org) at church. He spoke using John 9. I think I waited so that I could hear his talk and have it influence how I read John.
Dr. Wang talked about the Chinese church, how it had simple faith, prayer, evangelism and mission. As for simple faith, his thought was that the western church, and the disciples, made it complicated. "Who sinned, that this boy was born blind?" When all Jesus wanted to do was show his glory. When challenged later, the boy said simply "Once I was blind, now I can see." He taught that there is arrogance in sophistication, and Jesus wants us simply to know him.
Then, reading John yesterday morning took on a different slant. As I have shared with some people my approach to reading the Bible this past year, some challenge me that I'm not getting deep enough. They think I'm just skim reading, which is not the case - I'm reading thoroughly, with an open mind, not expecting a particular message but letting the text, "the Word," speak to me.
John's interesting. He doesn't record many miracles. Mostly he has recorded conversations and teachings of Jesus. If I had to sum up my thoughts about John, pick one phrase that captures what I've learned, it's in 14:11. Jesus says "Have faith in me when I say that the Father is one with me and that I am one with the Father. Or else have faith in me simply because of the things I do." John presents Jesus and someone who wants to be known by us, he wants us to know how much he, who is the the Father, loves us. I know people pick John 3:16 as their favourite verse. I guess that is the background to why Jesus came. I think 14:11 explains his method.
The miracles were second nature for Jesus. He doesn't seem to focus too much on them. But he knows that's what we need. I know he said that we would do even greater things than he did, but in context, the miracles are not something we should seek after, as much as it should just flow out of our relationship with him. I was raised Pentecostal. The emphasis in my upbringing has always been on supernatural things. I find that a focus on supernatural for me puts the onus for change externally, but Jesus wants us to be changed internally. The external will follow.
Now I think I'm just rambling.
Dr. Wang talked about our tendency to theologize, to be sophisticated. He says we need to be simple. That's what I want, but there is a constant pull in my life between sophistication and Jesus, between knowing about him, and knowing him.
Dr. Wang talked about the Chinese church, how it had simple faith, prayer, evangelism and mission. As for simple faith, his thought was that the western church, and the disciples, made it complicated. "Who sinned, that this boy was born blind?" When all Jesus wanted to do was show his glory. When challenged later, the boy said simply "Once I was blind, now I can see." He taught that there is arrogance in sophistication, and Jesus wants us simply to know him.
Then, reading John yesterday morning took on a different slant. As I have shared with some people my approach to reading the Bible this past year, some challenge me that I'm not getting deep enough. They think I'm just skim reading, which is not the case - I'm reading thoroughly, with an open mind, not expecting a particular message but letting the text, "the Word," speak to me.
John's interesting. He doesn't record many miracles. Mostly he has recorded conversations and teachings of Jesus. If I had to sum up my thoughts about John, pick one phrase that captures what I've learned, it's in 14:11. Jesus says "Have faith in me when I say that the Father is one with me and that I am one with the Father. Or else have faith in me simply because of the things I do." John presents Jesus and someone who wants to be known by us, he wants us to know how much he, who is the the Father, loves us. I know people pick John 3:16 as their favourite verse. I guess that is the background to why Jesus came. I think 14:11 explains his method.
The miracles were second nature for Jesus. He doesn't seem to focus too much on them. But he knows that's what we need. I know he said that we would do even greater things than he did, but in context, the miracles are not something we should seek after, as much as it should just flow out of our relationship with him. I was raised Pentecostal. The emphasis in my upbringing has always been on supernatural things. I find that a focus on supernatural for me puts the onus for change externally, but Jesus wants us to be changed internally. The external will follow.
Now I think I'm just rambling.
Dr. Wang talked about our tendency to theologize, to be sophisticated. He says we need to be simple. That's what I want, but there is a constant pull in my life between sophistication and Jesus, between knowing about him, and knowing him.
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