"I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:1-5 ESV
His judgement will be, in part, that He shows up and everyone will suddenly know that He Is very very real.
I'm reading 2 Timothy chapter 4 again and again and marveling at the seeming disorderliness of ministry around Paul. He delegates. He lets people be led but calls out the carnality of Demas and you have to wonder why he highlights that transgression the way he does.
"Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." - 2 Timothy 4:9-18 ESV
He speaks about 'all the nations hearing' but it seems like this is a small band of likeminded people running in different directions at times with sparse resources.
Still...
We see things from farther down the line, don't we? The nations did and are hearing. It was people like them... like us who told the world. People shivering because they needed a garment left at a person's house in haste. People who relied on the faithfulness of others but were sometimes disappointed.
What are my excuses again? Can I justify nursing hurts stemming from things that should have happened in my mind but didn't? Do I have a Demas or a Titus or an Alexander? Paul had a gracious mind towards those people but he also wasn't naive or too proud to ask for help from Timothy.
God was going to rescue him but He was asking Timothy to bring the cloak, books and parchments. Paul wasn't hyper-spiritual living in quasi-spiritual isolation from people and their weaknesses. He asked things of people who sometimes failed to come through.
Can the Holy Spirit help you and I think like Paul was thinking?... like Jesus Is thinking? I say He can and gave us this book so we could make choices about what we read here and mix faith into what we are reading and hearing.
Help us God. Help us to have this mind. We are so far from the 'end of ourselves' like Paul was here. This is the thinking that gets the Gospel into all the world and we want that because You want that.
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Showing posts with label Paul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Bonds Formed In The Eye Of The Storm
I have been thinking on and off about 'friendship formation'. We have many acquaintances but strong friendship bonds seem to form more rarely.
The Apostle Paul describes himself and others like him as 'helpers of your joy' (see 2 Corinthians 1:24) and the Greek there is very interesting. The word 'helper' (synergos - Strong's G4904) is the word we get synergy from. The phrase 'your joy' is hymōn (Strong's G5216) chara (Strong's G5479). This joy isn't a feeling. It is rejoicing that happens because there is a reason to rejoice. The word could be translated 'the cause or occasion of joy'.
Here is the context. There is conflict in Corinth and Paul is correcting them and looking to God to find a balance out of love...
"For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. But I call God to witness against me - it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you." - 2 Corinthians 1:19 - 2:4 ESV
I am convinced that humor is intrinsically linked to pain and likewise friendship happens in shared conflict. People who survive something together have great friendship potential.
Grace Gospel preachers produce a 'field of friendship' around them because love is presented in the midst of the conflict that holiness produces in a fallen world.
People 'survived' encounters with Paul and His otherworldly message and became friends through that shared experience. They weren't necessarily friends with him. They became friends with God and each other.
Wartime produces the strongest bonds. That is why it is easier to make friends as children. Children are in the conflict of identity formation.
People want to avoid pain but the grapes need to be crushed in order for there to be wine. Likewise, love works in synergy with conflict to form friendships.
Grace is beautiful. It is God's unmerited favor expressed to mankind because of the work of Jesus Christ. A person who talks about it is going to stir things up but in the center of that storm there is an oasis that is 'an occasion of joy'. The lost are found and bonds are formed that can never be broken.
--
The Apostle Paul describes himself and others like him as 'helpers of your joy' (see 2 Corinthians 1:24) and the Greek there is very interesting. The word 'helper' (synergos - Strong's G4904) is the word we get synergy from. The phrase 'your joy' is hymōn (Strong's G5216) chara (Strong's G5479). This joy isn't a feeling. It is rejoicing that happens because there is a reason to rejoice. The word could be translated 'the cause or occasion of joy'.
Here is the context. There is conflict in Corinth and Paul is correcting them and looking to God to find a balance out of love...
"For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. But I call God to witness against me - it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you." - 2 Corinthians 1:19 - 2:4 ESV
I am convinced that humor is intrinsically linked to pain and likewise friendship happens in shared conflict. People who survive something together have great friendship potential.
Grace Gospel preachers produce a 'field of friendship' around them because love is presented in the midst of the conflict that holiness produces in a fallen world.
People 'survived' encounters with Paul and His otherworldly message and became friends through that shared experience. They weren't necessarily friends with him. They became friends with God and each other.
Wartime produces the strongest bonds. That is why it is easier to make friends as children. Children are in the conflict of identity formation.
People want to avoid pain but the grapes need to be crushed in order for there to be wine. Likewise, love works in synergy with conflict to form friendships.
Grace is beautiful. It is God's unmerited favor expressed to mankind because of the work of Jesus Christ. A person who talks about it is going to stir things up but in the center of that storm there is an oasis that is 'an occasion of joy'. The lost are found and bonds are formed that can never be broken.
--
Friday, November 17, 2017
Abuse Of Power
Like many these days, I've been thinking about the abuse of power. I've been looking at these passages and substituting the word 'brother' and 'elder' for 'powerful and experienced person who has influence.'
"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." - Matthew 18:15-17 ESV
"Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure." - 1 Timothy 5:19-22 ESV
In today's climate in 2017, social media seems to be a way that a group gets justice. Going alone to settle a score can be dangerous, can't it? Can you even get an appointment? Will your life be pulled through the mud as a result?
Looking at these passages I see a God who wants to give mercy and to cover matters if it is possible but it all sits on a foundation of justice.
I cringe at the abuse I see across a multitude of industries. I wish I could say the Church was immune but it isn't nor does the Bible say it is going to be.
Paul said this statement to a group just at the formation of the Church within a generation of the cross and the incarnation.
"Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears." - Acts 20:28-31 ESV
There have always been those who abuse power. Nathan had to walk into the court of King David and confront the King about a grave transgression (see 2 Samuel 12:1f). Nathan had a divine covering but what he did was dangerous. I marvel at the courage a person needs to muster up to face a person in power. Powerful people also get accused of things that aren't true and have to deal with those situations on occasion also.
"Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever! Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression? For our soul is bowed down to the dust; our belly clings to the ground. Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love! - Psalm 44:22-26 ESV
The psalmist captures the feeling there doesn't he?
I read these things and say to myself, 'I refuse to take the easy way out in these matters. I must be accountable and if need be make others accountable. Mercy is to great a cause. Love covers but that covering can't become a hiding place for abuse.'
Speaking truth to power has never been easy but we can live in the confidence that Nathan did when he came before his king.
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-11 ESV
Let us live in the maturity of love. If God for us who can be against us?
In one of the recent high profile sexual abuse cases the reporters who broke, it said that they spent months interviewing victims but they avoided going to the man directly because they wanted to avoid 'off the record' conversations that might hinder them later. I found it interesting. Of course, the press isn't seeking to 'cover' or reconcile. Hopefully, we are.
--
"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." - Matthew 18:15-17 ESV
"Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure." - 1 Timothy 5:19-22 ESV
In today's climate in 2017, social media seems to be a way that a group gets justice. Going alone to settle a score can be dangerous, can't it? Can you even get an appointment? Will your life be pulled through the mud as a result?
Looking at these passages I see a God who wants to give mercy and to cover matters if it is possible but it all sits on a foundation of justice.
I cringe at the abuse I see across a multitude of industries. I wish I could say the Church was immune but it isn't nor does the Bible say it is going to be.
Paul said this statement to a group just at the formation of the Church within a generation of the cross and the incarnation.
"Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears." - Acts 20:28-31 ESV
There have always been those who abuse power. Nathan had to walk into the court of King David and confront the King about a grave transgression (see 2 Samuel 12:1f). Nathan had a divine covering but what he did was dangerous. I marvel at the courage a person needs to muster up to face a person in power. Powerful people also get accused of things that aren't true and have to deal with those situations on occasion also.
"Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever! Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression? For our soul is bowed down to the dust; our belly clings to the ground. Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love! - Psalm 44:22-26 ESV
The psalmist captures the feeling there doesn't he?
I read these things and say to myself, 'I refuse to take the easy way out in these matters. I must be accountable and if need be make others accountable. Mercy is to great a cause. Love covers but that covering can't become a hiding place for abuse.'
Speaking truth to power has never been easy but we can live in the confidence that Nathan did when he came before his king.
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-11 ESV
Let us live in the maturity of love. If God for us who can be against us?
In one of the recent high profile sexual abuse cases the reporters who broke, it said that they spent months interviewing victims but they avoided going to the man directly because they wanted to avoid 'off the record' conversations that might hinder them later. I found it interesting. Of course, the press isn't seeking to 'cover' or reconcile. Hopefully, we are.
--
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
A Good Companion For An Agitator
I'm reading Acts this morning. It is very encouraging. I decided to read the portion of acts that includes Silas. He is first mentioned here...
"Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers," - Acts 15:22 ESV
He travels with Paul on and off through Acts 18 and is last mentioned in Acts chapter 18 verse 5.
Paul can easily be described as an agitator. Trouble seems to go with him. Silas however seemed to be a good person for Paul to have around.
"And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words." - Acts 15:32 ESV
There were times that Paul had to leave a place because he had worn out his welcome but he could leave Silas there to edify, stabilize and continue the work.
"But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed." - Acts 17:13-15 ESV
Acts is such an interesting book. You can use it to build time lines and strategies. You can see patterns and then employ the methods you see to an outreach. Those are all valid uses of the book but this morning I am refreshed by the hearts of men who are going forward by faith. These men are very different from one another. They argue. They go to prison together. Some forge forward and others are left behind for a season. They are a team. Being on a team is awesome.
Paul eventually ends up in prison. I wonder what happened to Silas after Acts chapter 18. The scriptures don't mention him so we can't know for sure.
I pray that God raises up leaders for today that aren't afraid to shake things up. This morning I am also praying for men like Silas. Edifiers who will sing in the prison cells. Men who will stay in a place when the leader who shook things up must move on to the next destination.
The book of Acts has 28 chapters but in a way it is still being written. Men are still sent like Silas was sent. Men still teach. People go to prison and sing hymns.
The scripture gives us all we need. It is complete but history is still being written and different types of men and women are used by God. Silas was who he was. He made choices and we have choices to make. It's convicting to think about isn't it?
--
"Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers," - Acts 15:22 ESV
He travels with Paul on and off through Acts 18 and is last mentioned in Acts chapter 18 verse 5.
Paul can easily be described as an agitator. Trouble seems to go with him. Silas however seemed to be a good person for Paul to have around.
"And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words." - Acts 15:32 ESV
There were times that Paul had to leave a place because he had worn out his welcome but he could leave Silas there to edify, stabilize and continue the work.
"But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed." - Acts 17:13-15 ESV
Acts is such an interesting book. You can use it to build time lines and strategies. You can see patterns and then employ the methods you see to an outreach. Those are all valid uses of the book but this morning I am refreshed by the hearts of men who are going forward by faith. These men are very different from one another. They argue. They go to prison together. Some forge forward and others are left behind for a season. They are a team. Being on a team is awesome.
Paul eventually ends up in prison. I wonder what happened to Silas after Acts chapter 18. The scriptures don't mention him so we can't know for sure.
I pray that God raises up leaders for today that aren't afraid to shake things up. This morning I am also praying for men like Silas. Edifiers who will sing in the prison cells. Men who will stay in a place when the leader who shook things up must move on to the next destination.
The book of Acts has 28 chapters but in a way it is still being written. Men are still sent like Silas was sent. Men still teach. People go to prison and sing hymns.
The scripture gives us all we need. It is complete but history is still being written and different types of men and women are used by God. Silas was who he was. He made choices and we have choices to make. It's convicting to think about isn't it?
--
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Useful People
This morning I'm reading Acts chapter 11 over and over again. God is sending unlikely people to different groups and it is putting a social strain on the culture of the Church.
"So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, 'You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.' But Peter began and explained it to them in order:" - Acts 11:2-4 ESV
"Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch." - Acts 11:19-22 ESV
"So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians." - Acts 11:25-26 ESV
Peter was sent to non-Jews. Groups were evangelizing the Hellenists (Greeks). Barnabas went to look for Saul and they taught this strange mixture of people for a calendar year.
In Acts chapter 11 verse 24 it calls Barnabas a 'good' man. The Greek word used there is Agathos (Strong's G18) and it is not talking about moral goodness. This word speaks of usefulness.
"So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul." - Acts 11:29-30 ESV
Barnabas was willing to go and rejoiced at the grace of God given to people. He encouraged people. He was willing to be the one to go to those in need or carry money back to the elders in Jerusalem. None of these tasks were beneath him.
I sit here thinking of the 'good' men I know. They go. They carry. They get. They approve and edify. They aren't morally perfect. They are spiritually useful because they don't let their flaws stop them from going and doing the next thing whatever that is.
Grace makes us glad and we become useful people who repent (that word really just means to turn to God) and do the next thing.
God give us a vision of grace so that we can live in flexibility to do the next thing... to change gears if we must or keep at it if that is what is called for. Make us useful without striving. Thank You God.
--
"So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, 'You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.' But Peter began and explained it to them in order:" - Acts 11:2-4 ESV
"Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch." - Acts 11:19-22 ESV
"So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians." - Acts 11:25-26 ESV
Peter was sent to non-Jews. Groups were evangelizing the Hellenists (Greeks). Barnabas went to look for Saul and they taught this strange mixture of people for a calendar year.
In Acts chapter 11 verse 24 it calls Barnabas a 'good' man. The Greek word used there is Agathos (Strong's G18) and it is not talking about moral goodness. This word speaks of usefulness.
"So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul." - Acts 11:29-30 ESV
Barnabas was willing to go and rejoiced at the grace of God given to people. He encouraged people. He was willing to be the one to go to those in need or carry money back to the elders in Jerusalem. None of these tasks were beneath him.
I sit here thinking of the 'good' men I know. They go. They carry. They get. They approve and edify. They aren't morally perfect. They are spiritually useful because they don't let their flaws stop them from going and doing the next thing whatever that is.
Grace makes us glad and we become useful people who repent (that word really just means to turn to God) and do the next thing.
God give us a vision of grace so that we can live in flexibility to do the next thing... to change gears if we must or keep at it if that is what is called for. Make us useful without striving. Thank You God.
--
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Hands On The Rope
"What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool... If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands. I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 11:17, 30-33 & 12:1 ESV
Can you picture the blocked gates and the many hands of the people that loved Paul and held the rope of that basket?
Paul needed people. He would not have survived without them.
Acts chapter 9 gives the account this way...
"But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket." - Acts 9:22-25 ESV
There are traps we end up in where the exits are blocked.
Only many hands on a prayer rope are the answer. Only the provision found in a calling will provide the way of escape.
"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen." - Galatians 1:3-5 ESV
This provision is given to 'us' and we can often find it alone on our knees for our personal issues but there are certain logistical issues that require the provision to be found in 'us'.
It's Sunday and I'm going to go be with people.
We will sing and worship. We will hear a fresh portion of Christ centered truth and who knows what we will escape from just because we spent that time there.
--
Can you picture the blocked gates and the many hands of the people that loved Paul and held the rope of that basket?
Paul needed people. He would not have survived without them.
Acts chapter 9 gives the account this way...
"But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket." - Acts 9:22-25 ESV
There are traps we end up in where the exits are blocked.
Only many hands on a prayer rope are the answer. Only the provision found in a calling will provide the way of escape.
"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen." - Galatians 1:3-5 ESV
This provision is given to 'us' and we can often find it alone on our knees for our personal issues but there are certain logistical issues that require the provision to be found in 'us'.
It's Sunday and I'm going to go be with people.
We will sing and worship. We will hear a fresh portion of Christ centered truth and who knows what we will escape from just because we spent that time there.
--
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Away in Arabia And Back Where Two Or More Are Gathered
We must be alone with God yet at the same time if we spend too much time like that we can become subjective and theoretical. Christianity has grand principles but at it's heart it is about relationships.
" 'Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.' Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.' " - Matthew 18:19-22 ESV
God is going to manifest His presence in a special way in the 'two or more' dynamic.
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." - James 5:16 ESV
"Was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days." - Galatians 1:16-18 ESV
The prayer of one person closeted away touches God's throne and the place we really get our doctrine straight is alone with God. We need to hear the preacher and participate in a vision that has fellowship and we also need that time alone to sort it all out.
Peter was a fisherman. He was used to spending hours out on the water with just a few other people. When Jesus said that He was going to be with them when they gathered Peter's first question was, 'How many times do I have to forgive people?'
That is the other side of fellowship... forgiveness.
Paul didn't have to do much forgiving went he went off to Arabia but God brought him back for the fellowship of the other Apostles as a soundly doctrinal person.
It is good and important to study under people and it is my conviction that I never outgrow them or that dynamic. Christianity is a chain that stretches back and forward in time and our personal rewards are intertwined with that chain.
It is good to have a solid personal walk. We can't ride on other peoples faith forever. There are personal battles to be fought that alone time in Arabia will give us the resources to sit and stand in those trials.
If we are away and have been away a long time... Come back. God wants to meet us in a special way where two or more are gathered.
If you are knit in then go to Arabia in that prayer closet of yours. Close the door. open the Book of Books and ask God some hard questions. You will be surprised at how He answers.
Our whole lives can be lived in one week. Those seven days can have elements of everything. I want both of these things to happen every week.
I thank God for the 'two or more' God has given me. Each individual one has meant so much. We have forever friendships because God was right there in the middle of us.
" 'Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.' Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.' " - Matthew 18:19-22 ESV
God is going to manifest His presence in a special way in the 'two or more' dynamic.
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." - James 5:16 ESV
"Was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days." - Galatians 1:16-18 ESV
The prayer of one person closeted away touches God's throne and the place we really get our doctrine straight is alone with God. We need to hear the preacher and participate in a vision that has fellowship and we also need that time alone to sort it all out.
Peter was a fisherman. He was used to spending hours out on the water with just a few other people. When Jesus said that He was going to be with them when they gathered Peter's first question was, 'How many times do I have to forgive people?'
That is the other side of fellowship... forgiveness.
Paul didn't have to do much forgiving went he went off to Arabia but God brought him back for the fellowship of the other Apostles as a soundly doctrinal person.
It is good and important to study under people and it is my conviction that I never outgrow them or that dynamic. Christianity is a chain that stretches back and forward in time and our personal rewards are intertwined with that chain.
It is good to have a solid personal walk. We can't ride on other peoples faith forever. There are personal battles to be fought that alone time in Arabia will give us the resources to sit and stand in those trials.
If we are away and have been away a long time... Come back. God wants to meet us in a special way where two or more are gathered.
If you are knit in then go to Arabia in that prayer closet of yours. Close the door. open the Book of Books and ask God some hard questions. You will be surprised at how He answers.
Our whole lives can be lived in one week. Those seven days can have elements of everything. I want both of these things to happen every week.
I thank God for the 'two or more' God has given me. Each individual one has meant so much. We have forever friendships because God was right there in the middle of us.
--
Friday, March 14, 2014
A Fundraiser By Faith
"I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen." - Romans 15:30-33 ESV
Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, stayed 'in the mix' with the Apostles in Israel.
"Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me." - 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 ESV
Paul was a fundraiser. No doubt this took faith for him to do. He did it out of love. He braved dangers to do it. There was even a possibility in Paul's mind that the gift might not be 'well received'. Some must have still been wary of Paul. It would have been easy for Paul with the calling he had to slip away and not visit but Paul stayed in the mix. He didn't go where in was easy to be... He went where God had Him to be.
I was thinking over the last few days, 'Maybe he didn't like this part of His walk. Maybe he did it by faith like I sometimes do.'
Having coffee with P Thomas Sliva last night he brought up a fresh idea about Elisha and Naaman in 2 Kings chapter 5. Maybe Elisha invited this powerful man over to his house by faith and didn't come out of his house to greet him because he knew there was a possibility of being influenced by Naaman's big personality so he 'floated the instructions outside' by faith and God moved.
Jesus had this to say about the account...
"And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian." - Luke 4:27 KJV
Yes, Elisha had a track record with God but he interacted with people by faith. Elisha saw the chariots on the hillside.
There are chariots on your hillside. Do you see them? If you do then that knowledge will keep you interacting with people like Naaman and the people in Jerusalem.
There are unique seasons when God pulls us out into the wilderness like Jesus was drawn into the desert (Matthew 4:1f ; Mark 1:13) and Paul was brought out to be taught.
"To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days." - Galatians 1:16-18 KJV
Paul wasn't connected with Jerusalem because he had a natural attraction. It wasn't a sentimental or 'soulish' connection. He did it by faith and there was great benefit in that.
There is healing and sharpening that is only going to happen in the mix. No matter what our personality is like as spiritual people it is not good for us to go it alone. It was not good for Adam and it is not good for us. Jesus lived an anonymous life before he began His Earthly ministry and His spiritual life did not rely on people but it always involved people.
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." - Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV
Fundraising may not be 'your thing.' It isn't mine. But it will become my thing by faith if that is the vehicle God provides. Jesus rode a young donkey into town. I'll ride whatever horse God gives me.
--
Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, stayed 'in the mix' with the Apostles in Israel.
"Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me." - 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 ESV
Paul was a fundraiser. No doubt this took faith for him to do. He did it out of love. He braved dangers to do it. There was even a possibility in Paul's mind that the gift might not be 'well received'. Some must have still been wary of Paul. It would have been easy for Paul with the calling he had to slip away and not visit but Paul stayed in the mix. He didn't go where in was easy to be... He went where God had Him to be.
I was thinking over the last few days, 'Maybe he didn't like this part of His walk. Maybe he did it by faith like I sometimes do.'
Having coffee with P Thomas Sliva last night he brought up a fresh idea about Elisha and Naaman in 2 Kings chapter 5. Maybe Elisha invited this powerful man over to his house by faith and didn't come out of his house to greet him because he knew there was a possibility of being influenced by Naaman's big personality so he 'floated the instructions outside' by faith and God moved.
Jesus had this to say about the account...
"And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian." - Luke 4:27 KJV
Yes, Elisha had a track record with God but he interacted with people by faith. Elisha saw the chariots on the hillside.
There are chariots on your hillside. Do you see them? If you do then that knowledge will keep you interacting with people like Naaman and the people in Jerusalem.
There are unique seasons when God pulls us out into the wilderness like Jesus was drawn into the desert (Matthew 4:1f ; Mark 1:13) and Paul was brought out to be taught.
"To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days." - Galatians 1:16-18 KJV
Paul wasn't connected with Jerusalem because he had a natural attraction. It wasn't a sentimental or 'soulish' connection. He did it by faith and there was great benefit in that.
There is healing and sharpening that is only going to happen in the mix. No matter what our personality is like as spiritual people it is not good for us to go it alone. It was not good for Adam and it is not good for us. Jesus lived an anonymous life before he began His Earthly ministry and His spiritual life did not rely on people but it always involved people.
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." - Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV
Fundraising may not be 'your thing.' It isn't mine. But it will become my thing by faith if that is the vehicle God provides. Jesus rode a young donkey into town. I'll ride whatever horse God gives me.
--
Monday, August 26, 2013
The Science of Suffering
In today's devotional in "Reaching Towards the Heights" Richard Wurmbrand uses the term 'Sufferology'. If you know anything about his life he certainly has an understanding of that subject matter.
For many people I think this is a subject they would rather avoid not something to be studied or systematically understood. Some time in the classroom benefits us for our time in the field and some practical application turns theory into something beneficial.
"Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress." Psalms 48:1-3 ESV
Yes. God is beautiful in His elevation... even in this subject. There is a lowness that a sufferer can experience but God elevates the sufferer who suffers in Him.
"For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble sprout from the ground, but man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number" Job 5:6-9 ESV
Here is an interesting exchange God had with a man, Ananias, regarding Paul the Apostle:
"But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.' But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.' " - Acts 9:13-16 ESV
Ananias spoke to God about the Earthy authority that had been given to Paul and God answered with the Heavenly authority grace would soon give to the man. Paul's authority was in his ability to suffer well.
Grace gives us many things in unsearchable quantities... Love... Freedom... Forgiveness... Access... It also gives this great ability to survive the un-survivable. Those who suffer with grief might rather not survive it but God elevates us.
Yes. Suffering can be seen as a science. The Bible is it's textbook. We can learn it's principles and laws and then it will not seem so scary.
"Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful - for he cannot deny himself." 2 Timothy 2:10-13 ESV
Positional salvation is assured by faith in Christ's death burial and Resurrection. It is a once and for all thing. Situational salvation is a science of faith. Learning endurance qualifies us for leadership. How can we bring someone else down a path we have not ourselves traveled before?
Christ is our Shepherd. He suffered what none of us could and will teach us this art if we are willing to be His students.
For many people I think this is a subject they would rather avoid not something to be studied or systematically understood. Some time in the classroom benefits us for our time in the field and some practical application turns theory into something beneficial.
"Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress." Psalms 48:1-3 ESV
Yes. God is beautiful in His elevation... even in this subject. There is a lowness that a sufferer can experience but God elevates the sufferer who suffers in Him.
"For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble sprout from the ground, but man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number" Job 5:6-9 ESV
Here is an interesting exchange God had with a man, Ananias, regarding Paul the Apostle:
"But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.' But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.' " - Acts 9:13-16 ESV
Ananias spoke to God about the Earthy authority that had been given to Paul and God answered with the Heavenly authority grace would soon give to the man. Paul's authority was in his ability to suffer well.
Grace gives us many things in unsearchable quantities... Love... Freedom... Forgiveness... Access... It also gives this great ability to survive the un-survivable. Those who suffer with grief might rather not survive it but God elevates us.
Yes. Suffering can be seen as a science. The Bible is it's textbook. We can learn it's principles and laws and then it will not seem so scary.
"Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful - for he cannot deny himself." 2 Timothy 2:10-13 ESV
Positional salvation is assured by faith in Christ's death burial and Resurrection. It is a once and for all thing. Situational salvation is a science of faith. Learning endurance qualifies us for leadership. How can we bring someone else down a path we have not ourselves traveled before?
Christ is our Shepherd. He suffered what none of us could and will teach us this art if we are willing to be His students.
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