Here are the groups from this Sunday. Be sure to check out yours and other groups responses. Try to understand other people's perspectives. Why would they feel that way? Do you fall in one category more than another? Be sure to get involved! Bring your A-Game! Let's debate!
The question was, "what are the effects of sin?" Here are your responses...with some minor changes
Non-Christian Group: (those who don't believe in sin or its effects)
1. The OT laws and rules are not relevant at all today, thus not applicable.
2. The bible is simply a tool used by religious institutions to control people...and sin is a way in which they induce fear in people.
3. The bible contradicts itself about many concepts, including sin, and so sin is meaningless...thus it has no effects.
Pseudo-Christian Group: (those who justify their sin to do whatever they want)
1. Once we're forgiven we are always forgiven...so why change? (Romans 10:9)
2. We have eternal life already...so I can do whatever I want! (John 3:16)
3. There is no sin in our lives. We've been perfected already!
The Angry Christian Group: (those who use the Bible to condemn and incite fear)
1. God is a wrathful God who punishes all sin!
2. All sinners rightfully deserve and should go to hell!
3. Hell is a real place where God punishes sinners!
The Non-judging Christian Group: (those who don't judge since all have sinned)
1. God is a loving God who sacrificed his only Son for us. If sin doesn't matter, then his sacrifice means nothing.
2. We are all sinners, which separates us from God. It's only through Jesus than anyone can be saved, but God expresses that God desires that all men be saved!
3. God's laws are for our own good.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Eat this Scroll
I don't fast as often as I should, but when I do I sense God's presence, or the need for God's presence that much more. It's frustrating feeling hungry and not having something to satisfy it, but I think that's the point. When we fast we experience what Jesus wanted us to feel when he says in Mark 2 that his disciples would fast after he was gone. Jesus wanted us to sense a feeling of emptiness, rather a hunger for his presence - or being with him, when he's gone. Well, now that he's gone, and we await his return, how often do we fast? And what does that look like?
I've heard and read about all sorts of types of fasts, but each one I try fails to compare to the sense of pain I get in my stomach when I know that I need sustenance to satisfy what my body needs. Our bodies need food and water to survive. That's perhaps one of the few facts that is non-negotiable in the world. God created our bodies to "need" sustenance. The feeling that is associated with in our minds, or at least in my mind, is to "crave" food. Not only do I need food, I crave it! I long after it when my stomach is empty. My mind can rarely get off the topic until my stomach stops hurting. That's how much I need it. That's how much we need God. We rarely stop to practice the discipline of fasting, and so it's anything but ironic that we would rarely sense of how much we NEED food, and thus it's equivalent: GOD. This morning, as I fasted, I filled that time with God's word. Take Ezekiel for example.
And he (God) said to me, “Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. And he said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey. (Ezekiel 3:1-3, emphasis added)
God tells Ezekiel to eat the scroll, he did, and it was sweet as honey. God tells us to fill ourselves with his word. We get sustenance from digesting Scripture. I don't mean simply reading for five minutes and moving on. There is a reason why passages such as Joshua 1:8 and Deuteronomy 6 say that we should meditate on it day and night.
I was reading this morning in Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus by Spangler and Tverberg about the practice of kavanah. Kavanah is a Hebrew word used within the Jewish culture to distinguish the art of directionally channeling our focus in whatever we do to experience the presence of God. It's us doing our part, but always relying on God's active presence. When we focus on kavanah things or events during our day that were once ordinary become exciting and meaningful! Any moment of any day can be a fearful moment in which God's presence explodes in a joyous presentation of his love, mercy and grace. More so this doesn't have to be self-focused. While God may choose to reveal himself to us as we're intimately seeking him, he may also reveal something to someone else, giving us the opportunity to love someone with the extravagant love of Christ! Fasting can be a catalyst to kavanah, sensing God's presence, taking us into the deep longing for God that we were created for. Our souls desperately need to experience the craving for our Creator as our stomachs crave food. We crave, knowingly or not, the inexpressible and inexplorable riches of God's love that only the Holy Spirit can show us! Oh how I long for that! How I long to be taken deeply into the heart of God's law and the spirit of his kingdom! If we only stopped more often to practice the art of fasting that we may find how much we truly need God.
I've heard and read about all sorts of types of fasts, but each one I try fails to compare to the sense of pain I get in my stomach when I know that I need sustenance to satisfy what my body needs. Our bodies need food and water to survive. That's perhaps one of the few facts that is non-negotiable in the world. God created our bodies to "need" sustenance. The feeling that is associated with in our minds, or at least in my mind, is to "crave" food. Not only do I need food, I crave it! I long after it when my stomach is empty. My mind can rarely get off the topic until my stomach stops hurting. That's how much I need it. That's how much we need God. We rarely stop to practice the discipline of fasting, and so it's anything but ironic that we would rarely sense of how much we NEED food, and thus it's equivalent: GOD. This morning, as I fasted, I filled that time with God's word. Take Ezekiel for example.
And he (God) said to me, “Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. And he said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey. (Ezekiel 3:1-3, emphasis added)
God tells Ezekiel to eat the scroll, he did, and it was sweet as honey. God tells us to fill ourselves with his word. We get sustenance from digesting Scripture. I don't mean simply reading for five minutes and moving on. There is a reason why passages such as Joshua 1:8 and Deuteronomy 6 say that we should meditate on it day and night.
I was reading this morning in Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus by Spangler and Tverberg about the practice of kavanah. Kavanah is a Hebrew word used within the Jewish culture to distinguish the art of directionally channeling our focus in whatever we do to experience the presence of God. It's us doing our part, but always relying on God's active presence. When we focus on kavanah things or events during our day that were once ordinary become exciting and meaningful! Any moment of any day can be a fearful moment in which God's presence explodes in a joyous presentation of his love, mercy and grace. More so this doesn't have to be self-focused. While God may choose to reveal himself to us as we're intimately seeking him, he may also reveal something to someone else, giving us the opportunity to love someone with the extravagant love of Christ! Fasting can be a catalyst to kavanah, sensing God's presence, taking us into the deep longing for God that we were created for. Our souls desperately need to experience the craving for our Creator as our stomachs crave food. We crave, knowingly or not, the inexpressible and inexplorable riches of God's love that only the Holy Spirit can show us! Oh how I long for that! How I long to be taken deeply into the heart of God's law and the spirit of his kingdom! If we only stopped more often to practice the art of fasting that we may find how much we truly need God.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
This Easter...
So I was driving to church the other day, which I usually take the back roads in from the north. I got to a particular corner a couple of blocks away from church and did my usual roll through when something hit me! (no it wasn't my car)...it was a thought. "Wait, isn't there a stop sign at that corner?" I wasn't speaking to anyone but myself, and it was an actual question (I'm not crazy!). As I looked back, there it was...a stop sign...regular sized and all...with red and white boarders...and the word "STOP" right in the middle. "Huh...I bet I've rolled through that sign every time without thinking about it..."
As I thought more about the incident God revealed something to me. I felt him say in my heart "Seth, I hope that this Easter season is not like that stop sign..." My heart dropped as I thought about all the people this year who may casually roll through the season without ever taking the time to examine their hearts within the gospel. So often many of us, myself included (even as a pastor!) have and can roll through moments in life without ever stopping to look around and check for real danger. Perhaps many of us have been lucky rolling through every day stop signs...but what if God really wants to get our attention this year? What if we roll through Easter without stopping to reflect on our hearts and the deep meaning of what Easter represents?
Easter isn't just a celebration. It's not just good time with family and friends. It's not even just going to church and feeling spiritual because we attended a service on Easter. Easter isn't just Christ dying on a cross (Good Friday) and then raising to life (Easter Sunday). So why celebrate Easter? Why should you stop this year reflect? There are plenty of reasons but here are three...
1. That we are desperate sinners in NEED of God! Seems strange right? In a world where the philosophy of self-sufficiency rules why would ever admit that we actually have NEED of something? A great point, and one that many may never get past. But each of us, in the deep corners of heart, know that we are imperfect. We all recognize right from wrong...and we know that we've done wrong. We see it and feel it. We may not feel it deeply all the time because we have the tendency to only view our sin partially. 1 John 1:10 says "If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." Yet isn't it true that sometimes, often times, we ask God for forgiveness without ever really owning up to our sin. We broadly and generically say "God forgive me" thinking that God already knows all my sin so that phrase should cover it. Since when is forgiveness something that we've reduced to a generic phrase? God wants to hear the depth of heart, to know that we know what we did and how it specifically grieved him. Further he wants to know that we plan to change our behavior, and that we need his help to do it. Forgiveness isn't something that we simply "accept" from God because he offers it. We desperate NEED it! We need only the gift of mercy and grace that God can give!
David Platt in Radical write "And salvation now consists of a deep wrestling in our souls with the sinfulness of our hearts, the depth of our depravity, and the desperation of our need for his grace. Jesus is no longer one to be accepted or invited in but one who is infinitely worthy of our immediate and total surrender." We are desperate sinners who need to wrestle deeply with the sin in our hearts and to plead God to forgive them. 1 John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV). What a great promise! But let's not take it lightly. Let's not brush over our sin and say a generic phrase. Let's get real with our sin and confess it fully before the LORD. There is a great warning in Hebrews 9:27, "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment..." That's enough reason enough to begin consideration of why not to "roll" through Easter this year.
2. Easter celebrates the atonement that Christ paid. In Romans 3:25 Scripture says that Jesus was put forth as a "propitiation" - what does that mean? It means this...that Christ exhausted all of God's wrath on the cross...he exhausted the eternal punishment that every single person of all time deserved. Jesus before he was betrayed over to be crucified was in the Garden of Gethsemane praying...to the point that he felt the physical burden he was about to carry and he said to his disciples "...'my soul is very sorrowful, even to death'...and going a little further he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will'" (Matthew 26:38-39). Many martyrs throughout history have sung their way up to the stake where they would be burned. So why was Jesus in so much torment? Jesus wasn't afraid of the nails...nor dying from exhaustion on the cross from having to lift his chest via pressure on the nails just in order to breath each breath. In the garden Jesus felt the physical and spiritual burden of an entire worlds' sin that was about to bore in his body on the cross. In the event of the crucifixion God's wrath was exhausted, spent, done, gone, let go...all in Christ's death...in his body. Not yours or mine...but his body. He took our sin and did away with it. Easter celebrates that God took it upon himself to be the JUST and the JUSTIFIER.
3. Finally, Easter celebrates HOPE. His resurrection from the dead and subsequent going into heaven gives us hope that if we have died with Christ in his body that we will live forever more in heaven in God's presence should we ever die here on earth (which is pretty likely!). We no longer live in light of death...but hope in new life...the guarantee of never-ending time in the presence of the perfect Creator! It also gives us hope to life a new life now! We can take off the old us and put on a new...as Christ has removed our hearts of stone and gives us new hearts...eager to do as he asks. We have died to sin and thus have the power to no longer live in sin any longer (Romans 6:1). Satisfaction in this world...buying things...receiving entertainment, physical stimulation - none of it matters. The only satisfaction for the person with forgiveness of sins is in doing God's will.
Ephesians 2:8-10 sums up well what we've been talking about. We have not received forgiveness of sins via works. We cannot earn God's forgiveness. It's his choice to give it to us. And he gave it in the gift of his Son. Jesus Christ died the perfect death for our sins and we don't simply "accept" his forgiveness willy nilly, we desperately need it! When we receive God's forgiveness it motivates us to live in God's good and holy works, which is what he intended from the beginning (Genesis 1-2).
That's what we're celebrating. We're celebrating our redemption...our forgiveness of sins in the form of the gift of grace in Jesus Christ. He died so that we wouldn't have to. And we should respond. So let's choose to stop at the stop sign this year, and reflect on the great gift which God has given us. Let's reflect this year that we may avoid the disaster of the possible crash and burn when we have no more chances to get our hearts right with God.
Blessings to you this Easter season as you wrestle through the gift of God's grace and what He's asking of you.
Seth
As I thought more about the incident God revealed something to me. I felt him say in my heart "Seth, I hope that this Easter season is not like that stop sign..." My heart dropped as I thought about all the people this year who may casually roll through the season without ever taking the time to examine their hearts within the gospel. So often many of us, myself included (even as a pastor!) have and can roll through moments in life without ever stopping to look around and check for real danger. Perhaps many of us have been lucky rolling through every day stop signs...but what if God really wants to get our attention this year? What if we roll through Easter without stopping to reflect on our hearts and the deep meaning of what Easter represents?
Easter isn't just a celebration. It's not just good time with family and friends. It's not even just going to church and feeling spiritual because we attended a service on Easter. Easter isn't just Christ dying on a cross (Good Friday) and then raising to life (Easter Sunday). So why celebrate Easter? Why should you stop this year reflect? There are plenty of reasons but here are three...
1. That we are desperate sinners in NEED of God! Seems strange right? In a world where the philosophy of self-sufficiency rules why would ever admit that we actually have NEED of something? A great point, and one that many may never get past. But each of us, in the deep corners of heart, know that we are imperfect. We all recognize right from wrong...and we know that we've done wrong. We see it and feel it. We may not feel it deeply all the time because we have the tendency to only view our sin partially. 1 John 1:10 says "If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." Yet isn't it true that sometimes, often times, we ask God for forgiveness without ever really owning up to our sin. We broadly and generically say "God forgive me" thinking that God already knows all my sin so that phrase should cover it. Since when is forgiveness something that we've reduced to a generic phrase? God wants to hear the depth of heart, to know that we know what we did and how it specifically grieved him. Further he wants to know that we plan to change our behavior, and that we need his help to do it. Forgiveness isn't something that we simply "accept" from God because he offers it. We desperate NEED it! We need only the gift of mercy and grace that God can give!
David Platt in Radical write "And salvation now consists of a deep wrestling in our souls with the sinfulness of our hearts, the depth of our depravity, and the desperation of our need for his grace. Jesus is no longer one to be accepted or invited in but one who is infinitely worthy of our immediate and total surrender." We are desperate sinners who need to wrestle deeply with the sin in our hearts and to plead God to forgive them. 1 John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV). What a great promise! But let's not take it lightly. Let's not brush over our sin and say a generic phrase. Let's get real with our sin and confess it fully before the LORD. There is a great warning in Hebrews 9:27, "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment..." That's enough reason enough to begin consideration of why not to "roll" through Easter this year.
2. Easter celebrates the atonement that Christ paid. In Romans 3:25 Scripture says that Jesus was put forth as a "propitiation" - what does that mean? It means this...that Christ exhausted all of God's wrath on the cross...he exhausted the eternal punishment that every single person of all time deserved. Jesus before he was betrayed over to be crucified was in the Garden of Gethsemane praying...to the point that he felt the physical burden he was about to carry and he said to his disciples "...'my soul is very sorrowful, even to death'...and going a little further he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will'" (Matthew 26:38-39). Many martyrs throughout history have sung their way up to the stake where they would be burned. So why was Jesus in so much torment? Jesus wasn't afraid of the nails...nor dying from exhaustion on the cross from having to lift his chest via pressure on the nails just in order to breath each breath. In the garden Jesus felt the physical and spiritual burden of an entire worlds' sin that was about to bore in his body on the cross. In the event of the crucifixion God's wrath was exhausted, spent, done, gone, let go...all in Christ's death...in his body. Not yours or mine...but his body. He took our sin and did away with it. Easter celebrates that God took it upon himself to be the JUST and the JUSTIFIER.
3. Finally, Easter celebrates HOPE. His resurrection from the dead and subsequent going into heaven gives us hope that if we have died with Christ in his body that we will live forever more in heaven in God's presence should we ever die here on earth (which is pretty likely!). We no longer live in light of death...but hope in new life...the guarantee of never-ending time in the presence of the perfect Creator! It also gives us hope to life a new life now! We can take off the old us and put on a new...as Christ has removed our hearts of stone and gives us new hearts...eager to do as he asks. We have died to sin and thus have the power to no longer live in sin any longer (Romans 6:1). Satisfaction in this world...buying things...receiving entertainment, physical stimulation - none of it matters. The only satisfaction for the person with forgiveness of sins is in doing God's will.
Ephesians 2:8-10 sums up well what we've been talking about. We have not received forgiveness of sins via works. We cannot earn God's forgiveness. It's his choice to give it to us. And he gave it in the gift of his Son. Jesus Christ died the perfect death for our sins and we don't simply "accept" his forgiveness willy nilly, we desperately need it! When we receive God's forgiveness it motivates us to live in God's good and holy works, which is what he intended from the beginning (Genesis 1-2).
That's what we're celebrating. We're celebrating our redemption...our forgiveness of sins in the form of the gift of grace in Jesus Christ. He died so that we wouldn't have to. And we should respond. So let's choose to stop at the stop sign this year, and reflect on the great gift which God has given us. Let's reflect this year that we may avoid the disaster of the possible crash and burn when we have no more chances to get our hearts right with God.
Blessings to you this Easter season as you wrestle through the gift of God's grace and what He's asking of you.
Seth
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
I've been doing a lot of reading lately on discipleship. Rather, what I've been studying is trying to release to baggage of the word and move more towards disciple-making. It's been an interesting process to say the least. And this is only a tiny tidbit of the conversation. It is not intended to give all the answers. In fact this will probably leave more questions. That's good. So let's dialogue about this together.
The more important factor in making disciples is that one must first be a disciple. Now you're probably saying, "Duh. Thanks captain obvious. Why am I reading this guy's blog?" I know it's at the risk of sounding pedantic, but truly this is an issue of belief vs. action. We often say "I totally believe that!" but we don't live it. The truth is that in order to make disciples, one must first, in one's inner most being, live out the things that Christ calls us to (I suggest reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan or Radical by David Platt). But that begs the question: what do I mean when I say disciple? I don't mean: Christian. While all disciples are indeed Christians, that word contains about five centuries worth of messy baggage that I don't want to deal with right now - I know - call me selfish. When I say disciple I mean: Christ-follower. I mean someone who sits at the feet of Jesus daily. Someone who is endlessly praying for others and trying to do the work of God.
But here is the kicker. So often we can try so hard to do the things of God that we forget the first and most simple rule of being a disciple: that only God can do the work in me. In John 15, the famous passage that speaks of "abiding" - which in Koine (New Testament) Greek is from 'meno' (long o) and means: to remain, continue to exist within, sometimes with the hope of expectancy. It's with this in mind that Jesus says "Abide in me, for apart from me, you can do nothing." That is, if we should ever leave, to try to exist apart from Christ, then you begin to do it on your own. We cease to rely on the power of God. We may think that we're relying on God...we may even say that we're relying on God. But the truth is, that apart from "abiding" in Christ - we can do nothing! We must rely on the POWER OF GOD.
In another discussion that Paul had with the Corinthians (1 Cor. 3:1-9) - he reminds them in their dispute over who they would wish to follow - Paul says that it isn't man who does anything. Man can plant and water, but only God can cause the growth. So why do we constantly try to do it on our own?
Perhaps herein lies the confusion. We are vessels, instruments by which God has chosen to use for the sake of his kingdom. He uses us to do his own work. So how much "work" do we do? When do I know that I've done enough? When do I rely on God?
We should always rely on God. Even in our works it is God who is working through us. Perhaps Colossians 1:28-29 may sharpen this. Paul says "Him (Christ) we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me." We see that while Paul is doing the work, he is reliant on God for the strength to do it.
So here is what God is teaching me. I can do nothing. I need God's power to work within me fist and foremost to BE a disciple, let alone to make disciples. Further, every work that I do is an opportunity for Christ to do a work through me or for me to try and do it on my own strength, reliant on my own abilities and techniques. The latter will fail to produce lasting fruit. So I should never leave the fold of God and try to do it on my own. I must abide in him at all times. I must choose to never leave my primary role in making disciples...to be a disciple myself. Doug Field says that he often found himself trying so hard to "do" the work of God without "being" a person of God. He had left the fold in order to do it himself, despite that he thought that what he was doing was good. He states that he'd rather have one volunteer leader who is trusting in God than ten leaders with great skill who are not trusting in God. Are we trusting in God? Or are we doing it ourselves?
My friends, it is never good to leave the vine. In order to do anything for God's kingdom, we must hold fast to that which is the source of our own discipleship. To be disciple-makers we must first be disciples who cling to their master. Let's sit at the feet of Jesus together, and pray that God may remove us from the equation, allowing us to fully trust in him.
Let's engage and interact with each other by sharing your own struggles with this. What is God teaching you right now? How is the power of God at work in you?
The more important factor in making disciples is that one must first be a disciple. Now you're probably saying, "Duh. Thanks captain obvious. Why am I reading this guy's blog?" I know it's at the risk of sounding pedantic, but truly this is an issue of belief vs. action. We often say "I totally believe that!" but we don't live it. The truth is that in order to make disciples, one must first, in one's inner most being, live out the things that Christ calls us to (I suggest reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan or Radical by David Platt). But that begs the question: what do I mean when I say disciple? I don't mean: Christian. While all disciples are indeed Christians, that word contains about five centuries worth of messy baggage that I don't want to deal with right now - I know - call me selfish. When I say disciple I mean: Christ-follower. I mean someone who sits at the feet of Jesus daily. Someone who is endlessly praying for others and trying to do the work of God.
But here is the kicker. So often we can try so hard to do the things of God that we forget the first and most simple rule of being a disciple: that only God can do the work in me. In John 15, the famous passage that speaks of "abiding" - which in Koine (New Testament) Greek is from 'meno' (long o) and means: to remain, continue to exist within, sometimes with the hope of expectancy. It's with this in mind that Jesus says "Abide in me, for apart from me, you can do nothing." That is, if we should ever leave, to try to exist apart from Christ, then you begin to do it on your own. We cease to rely on the power of God. We may think that we're relying on God...we may even say that we're relying on God. But the truth is, that apart from "abiding" in Christ - we can do nothing! We must rely on the POWER OF GOD.
In another discussion that Paul had with the Corinthians (1 Cor. 3:1-9) - he reminds them in their dispute over who they would wish to follow - Paul says that it isn't man who does anything. Man can plant and water, but only God can cause the growth. So why do we constantly try to do it on our own?
Perhaps herein lies the confusion. We are vessels, instruments by which God has chosen to use for the sake of his kingdom. He uses us to do his own work. So how much "work" do we do? When do I know that I've done enough? When do I rely on God?
We should always rely on God. Even in our works it is God who is working through us. Perhaps Colossians 1:28-29 may sharpen this. Paul says "Him (Christ) we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me." We see that while Paul is doing the work, he is reliant on God for the strength to do it.
So here is what God is teaching me. I can do nothing. I need God's power to work within me fist and foremost to BE a disciple, let alone to make disciples. Further, every work that I do is an opportunity for Christ to do a work through me or for me to try and do it on my own strength, reliant on my own abilities and techniques. The latter will fail to produce lasting fruit. So I should never leave the fold of God and try to do it on my own. I must abide in him at all times. I must choose to never leave my primary role in making disciples...to be a disciple myself. Doug Field says that he often found himself trying so hard to "do" the work of God without "being" a person of God. He had left the fold in order to do it himself, despite that he thought that what he was doing was good. He states that he'd rather have one volunteer leader who is trusting in God than ten leaders with great skill who are not trusting in God. Are we trusting in God? Or are we doing it ourselves?
My friends, it is never good to leave the vine. In order to do anything for God's kingdom, we must hold fast to that which is the source of our own discipleship. To be disciple-makers we must first be disciples who cling to their master. Let's sit at the feet of Jesus together, and pray that God may remove us from the equation, allowing us to fully trust in him.
Let's engage and interact with each other by sharing your own struggles with this. What is God teaching you right now? How is the power of God at work in you?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
I have been memorizing Philippians lately with a couple of college students, and I had forgotten how much fun and insightful it is to memorize long portions of Scripture. The very fact that one must slow down and process the words is insightful enough. If you haven't tried it...here's your chance.
As I was looking at the next portion to memorize, God implanted a piece on my heart today that I deemed I should share...as it's not my thought but God's.
In chapter one of Philippians Paul shares his joy over the people's partnership with the gospel, as partakers with him of grace. But it extends even into Paul's imprisonment and how it made the other brothers more bold for the gospel. What a strange thought? Would't imprisonment discourage boldness? Rather there is something intrinsically ironic about this situation. Where imprisonment may normally bring fear, to God's ambassadors it brings courage. If we are being imprisoned for it...it was for their sake! Thus the imprisonment sparks a sense of gratitude and response.
But more, what the Spirit really laid on me this morning was Paul's attitude and remarks about death. For indeed to die is gain, but should God allow him to live longer in his fleshly body, then it is for the sake of the brothers! What a glorious perspective! To die is gain, and in fact who wouldn't rather just go and spend an eternity with God in his glory? Paul says "I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better..." but he continues in saying that "to remain in the flesh is more necessary..." why? Because it was necessary for Paul to continue serving and teaching others about Christ, "for their progress and joy in the faith..."
How often when we get some spare time do we waste it on ourselves? Don't get me wrong, everyone needs to replenish themselves with "me" time...but are we really devoting the time that God gives us to furthering others progress in the faith and for others joy?
Paul sends them out with this a word of encouragement, "Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ..." and that they are "not frightened by their opponents.." Let us strive, each of us, to live a life worthy of the gospel. A life that isn't afraid of adversaries, but one that is bold, even if their is persecution. Let us live lives centered on the progress of others faith and joy...the progress of God's kingdom...the fulfillment of Jesus' great commission (Mt. 28).
As I was looking at the next portion to memorize, God implanted a piece on my heart today that I deemed I should share...as it's not my thought but God's.
In chapter one of Philippians Paul shares his joy over the people's partnership with the gospel, as partakers with him of grace. But it extends even into Paul's imprisonment and how it made the other brothers more bold for the gospel. What a strange thought? Would't imprisonment discourage boldness? Rather there is something intrinsically ironic about this situation. Where imprisonment may normally bring fear, to God's ambassadors it brings courage. If we are being imprisoned for it...it was for their sake! Thus the imprisonment sparks a sense of gratitude and response.
But more, what the Spirit really laid on me this morning was Paul's attitude and remarks about death. For indeed to die is gain, but should God allow him to live longer in his fleshly body, then it is for the sake of the brothers! What a glorious perspective! To die is gain, and in fact who wouldn't rather just go and spend an eternity with God in his glory? Paul says "I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better..." but he continues in saying that "to remain in the flesh is more necessary..." why? Because it was necessary for Paul to continue serving and teaching others about Christ, "for their progress and joy in the faith..."
How often when we get some spare time do we waste it on ourselves? Don't get me wrong, everyone needs to replenish themselves with "me" time...but are we really devoting the time that God gives us to furthering others progress in the faith and for others joy?
Paul sends them out with this a word of encouragement, "Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ..." and that they are "not frightened by their opponents.." Let us strive, each of us, to live a life worthy of the gospel. A life that isn't afraid of adversaries, but one that is bold, even if their is persecution. Let us live lives centered on the progress of others faith and joy...the progress of God's kingdom...the fulfillment of Jesus' great commission (Mt. 28).
Monday, October 31, 2011
"Take nothing",,,?
Read Mark 6:7-13
INTRO
So lately my wife Nikii and I have been reading through the book of Mark together. I love Mark for many reasons, one being how simply it portrays the gospel but more so, as a result of the gospel, is Christ's call to discipleship. The book really highlights the call as well as the failures of disciples. It's no surprise that the disciples failed more than they succeeded...but it's a healthy reminder for us who tend to think that all they did was succeed. Granted they had Christ, which we don't...at least in a physical sense, but it's encouraging to think that if the disciples had Christ and still failed and received grace then we can have the same grace.
Reread Mark 6:7-13
Isn't it so easy for us to rationalize and justify our beliefs? What do I mean? I mean this: when Christ calls us to do something we push it aside and think that somehow it doesn't relate to our society. For example: in Mark 6:7-13 Jesus begins to send out his disciples, but he tells them to "take nothing" on their journey. No money. No food. No extra clothes. Just the sandals on their feet, the clothes on their backs, and a staff for walking. Take nothing...really? What is Jesus trying to accomplish here?
I don't know about you when, but it's been a tendency of mine to want to take lots of things when I go to meet with people. I need my Bible, I need my phone, I need my wallet for food, I need my sunglasses, I need my watch, I need my etc. All of these are fine things and sometimes necessary, so why would Jesus call the disciples to take nothing?
Write your comments below...
INTRO
So lately my wife Nikii and I have been reading through the book of Mark together. I love Mark for many reasons, one being how simply it portrays the gospel but more so, as a result of the gospel, is Christ's call to discipleship. The book really highlights the call as well as the failures of disciples. It's no surprise that the disciples failed more than they succeeded...but it's a healthy reminder for us who tend to think that all they did was succeed. Granted they had Christ, which we don't...at least in a physical sense, but it's encouraging to think that if the disciples had Christ and still failed and received grace then we can have the same grace.
Reread Mark 6:7-13
Isn't it so easy for us to rationalize and justify our beliefs? What do I mean? I mean this: when Christ calls us to do something we push it aside and think that somehow it doesn't relate to our society. For example: in Mark 6:7-13 Jesus begins to send out his disciples, but he tells them to "take nothing" on their journey. No money. No food. No extra clothes. Just the sandals on their feet, the clothes on their backs, and a staff for walking. Take nothing...really? What is Jesus trying to accomplish here?
I don't know about you when, but it's been a tendency of mine to want to take lots of things when I go to meet with people. I need my Bible, I need my phone, I need my wallet for food, I need my sunglasses, I need my watch, I need my etc. All of these are fine things and sometimes necessary, so why would Jesus call the disciples to take nothing?
Write your comments below...
Monday, October 10, 2011
GRACE
Two experiences this past week that made think about God's grace...
The first was early last week. I was sitting in my car (very noticeably) in a Starbucks parking lot. This particular parking lot, if you're familiar with Boulder, CO, has fairly small parking spaces (maybe a ploy on the city's part to make more people drive environmentally friendly cars...or bikes). But due to the size of the spots I always make it a point to park well within the lines, with an even amount of space on either side so as to be courteous to others (it's not uncommon for cars in Boulder to be parked half way over the line!). This time I was well within my lines. As I sat there, finishing a ministry related text with one of my volunteer leaders, a car pulled in next to me. The driver got out, as did her passenger...who hit my Jeep with his door...to which he said "oops" and walked away....as I was sitting in my car. Really?
The second experience was a couple of days ago. I walked out to my car, with nothing out of the normal. It was a nice day, not too warm and not too cold (I prefer colder weather). I walked down the stairs of my condo and around my car to get something out of the back seat. I opened the door, grabbed the stuff, shut the door, and began to walk away...until I remembered seeing something that was out of place. "Nah, can't be I thought" but I walked back just to check, and sure enough, there was a giant groove in the side of my Jeep. Not like the door had been bashed in, but it was very noticeable. I inspected it and found a gray paint in the groove from the car door that had hit mine. Immediately I looked to see if anyone had left me a note on my car...nothing. Really?
I'm not going to lie...the first minute, sometimes five minutes, after an event like either of the two above can leave me feeling a bit angry (I don't like admitting that I'm not perfect, but pastors have very serious flaws too!). I later told my wife when she came home. I said, "they should have at least left a note!" To which she replied "if you knew who did it, what would you do?" Crap. Kicks to the head hurt...even worse is a kick to the heart. What would I say? As if she hadn't convicted me enough she then said, "what if it was a kid? I see kids toys in that car..." Suck. Can't argue with that (I've been married for what...two weeks now...and I'm already being refined! God bless that woman). I can't yell at a kid...and ultimately I can't yell at a parent either. Why? Because they deserve God's grace just as much as I do.
Read Ephesians 4:29-32. Let the words wash over your heart.
I was reading this morning from one of my favorite authors: Jerry Bridges. Jerry has written I don't know how many books on the topic of grace, and each has been phenomenal, filled with nuggets of very simple but necessary reminders about the truth of grace. It's easy for some to think (perhaps from the evil one's influence, or just naiveté) that the older, wiser, mature Christians have in a sense mastered, maybe if even theologically if not practically, the concept of grace. But that's so untrue. Bridges explains that this is one of the main topics that his mind always comes back to...for the past ten years! For ten years he's been thinking, writing, rethinking, rewriting, about the topic of grace. He explains that often he feels like this topic is like dipping paper towels into the entire ocean to soak it up. It's so deep. John 1:16 says that "from his (Christ's) fullness we have received, grace upon grace." It's immeasurable.
No one likes hearing their father/mother say "sweetie, I lost my job today" or "we've gone bankrupt." Why? Because both demonstrate a serious need for help! When we're bankrupt we have no way of feeding ourselves, paying the heat for the house, let alone the mortgage payment (like a rent payment except for owners). But morally speaking we are all bankrupt. There is so much sickness, gross acts, painful memories that separate us from God's holiness (his perfection). We have no way of saving ourselves. We are spiritually bankrupt. We need help!
That's what grace is...help. It's God's way of giving us the help we need.
Read Romans 3:10-12
What experience can you share that demonstrates the feeling of your "spiritual bankruptcy"?
Do you think it is important to focus on our relationship APART from Christ to understand our need for grace? Why?
Read Romans 5:6-9; 12-21
Do you think that grace is something that you only experience once?
What do you think Paul meant in verses 20-21 when he says "so that grace might reign"?
When you're at school, do you feel guilty? Ashamed? How does that compare to the GRACE that we should feel?
How do you think God wants you to experience grace?
Prayer: Pray with a thankfulness that God has provided you with the free gift of grace!
The first was early last week. I was sitting in my car (very noticeably) in a Starbucks parking lot. This particular parking lot, if you're familiar with Boulder, CO, has fairly small parking spaces (maybe a ploy on the city's part to make more people drive environmentally friendly cars...or bikes). But due to the size of the spots I always make it a point to park well within the lines, with an even amount of space on either side so as to be courteous to others (it's not uncommon for cars in Boulder to be parked half way over the line!). This time I was well within my lines. As I sat there, finishing a ministry related text with one of my volunteer leaders, a car pulled in next to me. The driver got out, as did her passenger...who hit my Jeep with his door...to which he said "oops" and walked away....as I was sitting in my car. Really?
The second experience was a couple of days ago. I walked out to my car, with nothing out of the normal. It was a nice day, not too warm and not too cold (I prefer colder weather). I walked down the stairs of my condo and around my car to get something out of the back seat. I opened the door, grabbed the stuff, shut the door, and began to walk away...until I remembered seeing something that was out of place. "Nah, can't be I thought" but I walked back just to check, and sure enough, there was a giant groove in the side of my Jeep. Not like the door had been bashed in, but it was very noticeable. I inspected it and found a gray paint in the groove from the car door that had hit mine. Immediately I looked to see if anyone had left me a note on my car...nothing. Really?
I'm not going to lie...the first minute, sometimes five minutes, after an event like either of the two above can leave me feeling a bit angry (I don't like admitting that I'm not perfect, but pastors have very serious flaws too!). I later told my wife when she came home. I said, "they should have at least left a note!" To which she replied "if you knew who did it, what would you do?" Crap. Kicks to the head hurt...even worse is a kick to the heart. What would I say? As if she hadn't convicted me enough she then said, "what if it was a kid? I see kids toys in that car..." Suck. Can't argue with that (I've been married for what...two weeks now...and I'm already being refined! God bless that woman). I can't yell at a kid...and ultimately I can't yell at a parent either. Why? Because they deserve God's grace just as much as I do.
Read Ephesians 4:29-32. Let the words wash over your heart.
I was reading this morning from one of my favorite authors: Jerry Bridges. Jerry has written I don't know how many books on the topic of grace, and each has been phenomenal, filled with nuggets of very simple but necessary reminders about the truth of grace. It's easy for some to think (perhaps from the evil one's influence, or just naiveté) that the older, wiser, mature Christians have in a sense mastered, maybe if even theologically if not practically, the concept of grace. But that's so untrue. Bridges explains that this is one of the main topics that his mind always comes back to...for the past ten years! For ten years he's been thinking, writing, rethinking, rewriting, about the topic of grace. He explains that often he feels like this topic is like dipping paper towels into the entire ocean to soak it up. It's so deep. John 1:16 says that "from his (Christ's) fullness we have received, grace upon grace." It's immeasurable.
No one likes hearing their father/mother say "sweetie, I lost my job today" or "we've gone bankrupt." Why? Because both demonstrate a serious need for help! When we're bankrupt we have no way of feeding ourselves, paying the heat for the house, let alone the mortgage payment (like a rent payment except for owners). But morally speaking we are all bankrupt. There is so much sickness, gross acts, painful memories that separate us from God's holiness (his perfection). We have no way of saving ourselves. We are spiritually bankrupt. We need help!
That's what grace is...help. It's God's way of giving us the help we need.
Read Romans 3:10-12
What experience can you share that demonstrates the feeling of your "spiritual bankruptcy"?
Do you think it is important to focus on our relationship APART from Christ to understand our need for grace? Why?
Read Romans 5:6-9; 12-21
Do you think that grace is something that you only experience once?
What do you think Paul meant in verses 20-21 when he says "so that grace might reign"?
When you're at school, do you feel guilty? Ashamed? How does that compare to the GRACE that we should feel?
How do you think God wants you to experience grace?
Prayer: Pray with a thankfulness that God has provided you with the free gift of grace!
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