….how shall we escape (just punishment) if we ignore such a great salvation? Hebrews 2:3
Great question. The writer of Hebrews is reminding the new converts of all the words, actions, wonders and prophecies that have been fulfilled in Jesus.
I still think it must be tough for a lot of them….many Jews knew Jesus before his ministry and before it was revealed that he was the Messiah. They all knew him as Joseph and Mary’s kid, the carpenters son.
I am reminded of another scripture where Jesus recognizes that it is very tough to minister to your own people; Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor."
This is so true.
Many of you feel this tensions if you grew up around here. As you are exploring faith….for maybe the first time, people are constantly checking you out, seeing if you creed matches your deed. Even Jesus felt this and recognizes it. But what makes you different today with salvation….oppose to two years ago….when either you were not yet saved, or maybe you just lived like you weren’t?
A good question to maybe ask yourself is this….up until now….or up until I started to come back to church….have I ignored salvation? Do I still ignore salvation? Do I know Christ personally? Have I accepted his gift of salvation?
You know, a gift isn’t your just because you know about it. You must take it. It’s free, but it’s not yours until you receive it.
Maybe you enjoy all the aspects of Christianity, yet in your heart….Christ isn’t Lord. Maybe you are waiting for the Holy Spirit to do something inside you….your life, your marriage, your family, yet you don’t have the Holy Spirit. (could be a long wait)
Jenny, my wife, wasn’t saved until she was 30 years old. She was raised in church, walked the aisle when she was 8….but never surrendered herself to the Lordship of Christ. As an adult, she recognized that while others in church talked about faith, the Holy Spirit and God’s word….in her heart….she knew that although she believed all these things, she had never given herself to Jesus.
She could no longer ‘ignore such a great salvation’.
I think Satan uses pride to keep us form Salvation. At my last church there, was a guy I was in a men’s bible study with, he was a deacon, he was the pianist, he was the church treasurer, and he had traveled as part of “cruisade” back in the early 80’s….and one day he admitted to us that he hadn’t trusted Christ for salvation. So this church leader in his mid to late 40's, received the gift of salvation. For him, it was too great to pretend he was saved anymore, his pride had stood in the way long enough.
Guys, you are all friends….and I know that among friends we won’t talk like this….but this is too important. If you have ignored ‘such a great salvation’ and want to receive it….let's go grab some lunch and talk. How shall we escape (just punishment) if we ignore such a great salvation?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Jesus>Angels - Hebrews 1
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1-2
The entire book of Hebrews was written to encourage new Jewish converts to Christianity. If you can imagine….Jews were used to worshipping in temples and now, were worshipping in homes. Jews had been God’s chosen people…now they were sharing Christ with Gentiles, the common man. As these Jewish Christians are now struggling with everything that makes up Christianity, they needed some reminders….and the book of Hebrews is the Father (via the Holy Spirit) reminding us what the Son is all about.
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. Hebrews 1:3-4
Jews slip back to Judaism, and misplacement of Jesus as some other being…..less than God was occurring. The writer of Hebrews is reminding of the power of the word of Jesus….to heal the sick, make the dead came to life…and the most powerful word in their day and ours….to forgive sin. Only God can forgive sin.
Jesus position at the right hand was important. It represents favored status and superiority to other beings/angels who were believed to live in the presence of God.
Just FYI…..Hebrews is going to be “meaty” by comparison to what we have been reading. If we understand the audience, who were so well versed in the Old Testament, many references will be made to OT prophecies, verses, and stories. So read along, use commentaries, hang in there and ask questions.
The entire book of Hebrews was written to encourage new Jewish converts to Christianity. If you can imagine….Jews were used to worshipping in temples and now, were worshipping in homes. Jews had been God’s chosen people…now they were sharing Christ with Gentiles, the common man. As these Jewish Christians are now struggling with everything that makes up Christianity, they needed some reminders….and the book of Hebrews is the Father (via the Holy Spirit) reminding us what the Son is all about.
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. Hebrews 1:3-4
Jews slip back to Judaism, and misplacement of Jesus as some other being…..less than God was occurring. The writer of Hebrews is reminding of the power of the word of Jesus….to heal the sick, make the dead came to life…and the most powerful word in their day and ours….to forgive sin. Only God can forgive sin.
Jesus position at the right hand was important. It represents favored status and superiority to other beings/angels who were believed to live in the presence of God.
Just FYI…..Hebrews is going to be “meaty” by comparison to what we have been reading. If we understand the audience, who were so well versed in the Old Testament, many references will be made to OT prophecies, verses, and stories. So read along, use commentaries, hang in there and ask questions.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Rich - 1 Timothy 6
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Guy, I know for the most part, we are all well off. We have jobs and incomes that put us in the top 5% of wage earners in the world….therefore we are rich. Do you ever consider why?
Rich (if you have a few minutes…watch)
If you remember the story in Genesis, God blessed Abraham to be a blessing to others. He told him to leave the land of his fathers, and he would bless him with a child, not only a child but a nation.
I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse him that curses you; and all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you."
So by faith, Abraham left where he was from….which was not a small feat, to go to a place that God hadn’t yet revealed to Abraham.
I wonder if God doesn’t require all those who he has blessed, to be a blessing.
I’ve struggled with this in the past….and to a point still do. As a college educated son of a son of the Depression, registered Republican…I have always believed that “God helps those who help themselves” …..ever heard that? Well…that’s not in the bible….and I believe what is more biblical is that God helps those, who He has helped, to help others (I see this over and over in the bible)….he has to help me help others, because it’s not my nature.
I believe the rich need to be commanded to do good, be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share…..why? Because, Paul told Timothy to tell those who were rich in his church to do these things (see above).
There is a “SO THAT” and it is….so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Men, so many times I am tempted to take hold of the life that is NOT truly life. I believe this refers to life outside the will of God, outside of his blessing and outside of his perfect will. I am in essence relegating God to some “Cosmic Bystander”. I believe that God wants (not needs) us to be a blessing to others….for us. And by faith, we should bless others so that we have communion with Him, that we know Him more and that we take hold of the life that is TRULY LIFE.
Guy, I know for the most part, we are all well off. We have jobs and incomes that put us in the top 5% of wage earners in the world….therefore we are rich. Do you ever consider why?
Rich (if you have a few minutes…watch)
If you remember the story in Genesis, God blessed Abraham to be a blessing to others. He told him to leave the land of his fathers, and he would bless him with a child, not only a child but a nation.
I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse him that curses you; and all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you."
So by faith, Abraham left where he was from….which was not a small feat, to go to a place that God hadn’t yet revealed to Abraham.
I wonder if God doesn’t require all those who he has blessed, to be a blessing.
I’ve struggled with this in the past….and to a point still do. As a college educated son of a son of the Depression, registered Republican…I have always believed that “God helps those who help themselves” …..ever heard that? Well…that’s not in the bible….and I believe what is more biblical is that God helps those, who He has helped, to help others (I see this over and over in the bible)….he has to help me help others, because it’s not my nature.
I believe the rich need to be commanded to do good, be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share…..why? Because, Paul told Timothy to tell those who were rich in his church to do these things (see above).
There is a “SO THAT” and it is….so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Men, so many times I am tempted to take hold of the life that is NOT truly life. I believe this refers to life outside the will of God, outside of his blessing and outside of his perfect will. I am in essence relegating God to some “Cosmic Bystander”. I believe that God wants (not needs) us to be a blessing to others….for us. And by faith, we should bless others so that we have communion with Him, that we know Him more and that we take hold of the life that is TRULY LIFE.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Guy, I know for the most part, we are all well off. We have jobs and incomes that put us in the top 5% of wage earners in the world….therefore we are rich. Do you ever consider why?
Rich (if you have a few minutes…watch)
If you remember the story in Genesis, God blessed Abraham to be a blessing to others. He told him to leave the land of his fathers, and he would bless him with a child, not only a child but a nation.
I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse him that curses you; and all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you."
So by faith, Abraham left where he was from….which was not a small feat, to go to a place that God hadn’t yet revealed to Abraham.
I wonder if God doesn’t require all those who he has blessed, to be a blessing.
I’ve struggled with this in the past….and to a point still do. As a college educated son of a son of the Depression, registered Republican…I have always believed that “God helps those who help themselves” …..ever heard that? Well…that’s not in the bible….and I believe what is more biblical is that God helps those, who He has helped, to help others (I see this over and over in the bible)….he has to help me help others, because it’s not my nature.
I believe the rich need to be commanded to do good, be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share…..why? Because, Paul told Timothy to tell those who were rich in his church to do these things (see above).
There is a “SO THAT” and it is….so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Men, so many times I am tempted to take hold of the life that is NOT truly life. I believe this refers to life outside the will of God, outside of his blessing and outside of his perfect will. I am in essence relegating God to some “Cosmic Bystander”. I believe that God wants (not needs) us to be a blessing to others….for us. And by faith, we should bless others so that we have communion with Him, that we know Him more and that we take hold of the life that is TRULY LIFE.
Guy, I know for the most part, we are all well off. We have jobs and incomes that put us in the top 5% of wage earners in the world….therefore we are rich. Do you ever consider why?
Rich (if you have a few minutes…watch)
If you remember the story in Genesis, God blessed Abraham to be a blessing to others. He told him to leave the land of his fathers, and he would bless him with a child, not only a child but a nation.
I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse him that curses you; and all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you."
So by faith, Abraham left where he was from….which was not a small feat, to go to a place that God hadn’t yet revealed to Abraham.
I wonder if God doesn’t require all those who he has blessed, to be a blessing.
I’ve struggled with this in the past….and to a point still do. As a college educated son of a son of the Depression, registered Republican…I have always believed that “God helps those who help themselves” …..ever heard that? Well…that’s not in the bible….and I believe what is more biblical is that God helps those, who He has helped, to help others (I see this over and over in the bible)….he has to help me help others, because it’s not my nature.
I believe the rich need to be commanded to do good, be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share…..why? Because, Paul told Timothy to tell those who were rich in his church to do these things (see above).
There is a “SO THAT” and it is….so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Men, so many times I am tempted to take hold of the life that is NOT truly life. I believe this refers to life outside the will of God, outside of his blessing and outside of his perfect will. I am in essence relegating God to some “Cosmic Bystander”. I believe that God wants (not needs) us to be a blessing to others….for us. And by faith, we should bless others so that we have communion with Him, that we know Him more and that we take hold of the life that is TRULY LIFE.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Simple Instruction - 1 Timothy 3
Paul’s love for this church and affection for Timothy are the reasons such a letter was written. Coupling today’s reading with yesterday’s, we see that Paul wanted to outline “best practices” for God’s church….which is really the front door to faith for so many people.
I think about today at ANC….as we try to live incarnationally and intentionally among friends and neighbors….we must take on these same aspects, not with rigid legalism, but embrace a good life so that we, by our mere presence represent Christ, not only the salvation but also the freedom.
Simple instruction really….
In the NTT (New Tray Translation) this goes something like this.....Guys, dont be douchebags...Ladies....be nice. There may other instruction both implied or taught....but I think it is more the intent (of the law) than the letter (of the law). I have been at a church where we got so hung up in the letter of the law, we were reduced to legalistic ineffective zealots. Let's not do that.
I think about today at ANC….as we try to live incarnationally and intentionally among friends and neighbors….we must take on these same aspects, not with rigid legalism, but embrace a good life so that we, by our mere presence represent Christ, not only the salvation but also the freedom.
Simple instruction really….
Men....Love God.
Be men of character and integrity
Let your yes be yes, your no be know
Have your house in order
Provide for your family
Don't be a womanizer
Respect your wife (in her presence and out)
Don't be a drunk (or drink too much)
Ladies.....Love God
Don’t be malicious gossips.
Don't tear others down under the auspices of a 'prayer request'
Respect and love your husband
In the NTT (New Tray Translation) this goes something like this.....Guys, dont be douchebags...Ladies....be nice. There may other instruction both implied or taught....but I think it is more the intent (of the law) than the letter (of the law). I have been at a church where we got so hung up in the letter of the law, we were reduced to legalistic ineffective zealots. Let's not do that.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Idle Hands - 2 Thessalonians 3
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 2 Thessalonians 3:6
"If a man will not work, he shall not eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10
I had someone throw this second verse at me the other day when he questioned our ministry to the homeless…..slackers…he called them. Well….if taken in context, this verse speaks specifically of “brothers” in the faith. But I do agree, we are to do an honest days work for an honest days wage.
I think the thing Paul is warning about in this passage is idleness. You guys have probably all heard the saying, “Idle hands are the Devil’s Playground/Workshop/Playthings”. And it’s true. I have heard time and again….even experienced it….when we become bored, when we don’t have a task, something that keeps us busy…..our minds start to wander, our thoughts turn to things that don’t honor God…..at least I know mine does.
I truly believe one way to combat this is daily scripture reading. It’s a great way to start the day and have your initial focus be on His ways. I pray for conviction in times of idleness. I pray God disturbs me…interrupts me.
"If a man will not work, he shall not eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10
I had someone throw this second verse at me the other day when he questioned our ministry to the homeless…..slackers…he called them. Well….if taken in context, this verse speaks specifically of “brothers” in the faith. But I do agree, we are to do an honest days work for an honest days wage.
I think the thing Paul is warning about in this passage is idleness. You guys have probably all heard the saying, “Idle hands are the Devil’s Playground/Workshop/Playthings”. And it’s true. I have heard time and again….even experienced it….when we become bored, when we don’t have a task, something that keeps us busy…..our minds start to wander, our thoughts turn to things that don’t honor God…..at least I know mine does.
I truly believe one way to combat this is daily scripture reading. It’s a great way to start the day and have your initial focus be on His ways. I pray for conviction in times of idleness. I pray God disturbs me…interrupts me.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Standing - 2 Thessalonians 2
I don’t mind telling you, I have no clue on the first part of this passage. I have read commentaries, but I am still skeptical of guys who say they know. I have my personal beliefs on End Time Prophecies, the anti-Christ and the Rapture….but not good enough to stand on them and say….this is how it’s going to go down.
I think the point Paul was making….was “Hey, it’s not already happened. Don’t turn away from your new faith because of something you may have heard.” And he gave reasons that I guess were revealed to him by God.
But I do like this;
…brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 2 Thessalonians 2:15
Like we pointed out yesterday, not a lot of us are under much persecution in the traditional sense of the word…..but lets remember that the “Body of Christ” as a whole is….that “the secret power of lawlessness is already at work” ….and we are part of that body.
If you don’t understand what that secret power is……it’s SIN. We don’t need to look any farther than our own lives, marriages, relationships, pride, thought lives, hoarding, not trusting God, addictions, the stuff we do….but also the stuff we don’t do.
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. James 4:17
I think the point Paul was making….was “Hey, it’s not already happened. Don’t turn away from your new faith because of something you may have heard.” And he gave reasons that I guess were revealed to him by God.
But I do like this;
…brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 2 Thessalonians 2:15
Like we pointed out yesterday, not a lot of us are under much persecution in the traditional sense of the word…..but lets remember that the “Body of Christ” as a whole is….that “the secret power of lawlessness is already at work” ….and we are part of that body.
If you don’t understand what that secret power is……it’s SIN. We don’t need to look any farther than our own lives, marriages, relationships, pride, thought lives, hoarding, not trusting God, addictions, the stuff we do….but also the stuff we don’t do.
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. James 4:17
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
All or nothing - 2 Thessalonians 1
Religion, if worth anything, is worth everything.
All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 2 Thessalonians 1:5
How are we following Christ? Are we wading lightly into the pool of Christianity? Are we all the way in? It’s hard to imagine suffering for the Gospel, but the church at Thessalonica must have been having some trials that they were enduring and Paul was encouraging them.
God tells us not to be luke-warm….either be hot or cold for him. Luke-warm repulses…nothing good comes from a luke-warm believer. My old football coach used to use the expression, “that would puke a dog off a gut wagon” and while I never fully understood the country-ness of that saying….he was talking about effort or our lack of it. Nothing is more unattractive than someone “going through the motions” of religion.
Are we really trying to make disciplines of our reading? Are you reading God’s word, or are you kinda following along these posts? Are we living on mission and are we being intentional? Are you praying….have you prayed with your wife lately? Are we compartmentalizing our religiosity?
Hey listen, I know our community is fun….ANC is a great place to be a part of, me and Brandon are not “your daddy’s pastors”, but if we are not making disciples of Jesus….we are failing. If the God we serve is worth getting up on Sunday morning for….he is worthy every hour of every day. All or nothing.
All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 2 Thessalonians 1:5
How are we following Christ? Are we wading lightly into the pool of Christianity? Are we all the way in? It’s hard to imagine suffering for the Gospel, but the church at Thessalonica must have been having some trials that they were enduring and Paul was encouraging them.
God tells us not to be luke-warm….either be hot or cold for him. Luke-warm repulses…nothing good comes from a luke-warm believer. My old football coach used to use the expression, “that would puke a dog off a gut wagon” and while I never fully understood the country-ness of that saying….he was talking about effort or our lack of it. Nothing is more unattractive than someone “going through the motions” of religion.
Are we really trying to make disciplines of our reading? Are you reading God’s word, or are you kinda following along these posts? Are we living on mission and are we being intentional? Are you praying….have you prayed with your wife lately? Are we compartmentalizing our religiosity?
Hey listen, I know our community is fun….ANC is a great place to be a part of, me and Brandon are not “your daddy’s pastors”, but if we are not making disciples of Jesus….we are failing. If the God we serve is worth getting up on Sunday morning for….he is worthy every hour of every day. All or nothing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
