Facade of Belief - Hebrews 3

Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert? And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. Hebrews 3:16-19

This was specifically talking about those in the Hebrew nation whom God had led out of Egyptian slavery under the care of Moses….who once in the desert, turned from God.
I find it funny that the writer of Hebrews is taking his audience back to a very painful time and a well known event and comparing it to their current situation.
The real heart of the passage is the façade of belief. Those who had witnessed all the plagues, seen the Red Sea part….walk across on dry land, seen Pharoah’s army swallowed up by the sea. Been provided food from the heavens while in the desert…been given a cloud to follow in the day and pillar of fire to follow at night. How could anyone…who witnessed all these things, still not believe? How could one benefit from the miracles of God, and their life not be changed for a lifetime?

It’s not merely enough to see the pillars, the Sea parting, the plagues, and eat the manna from heaven…..just like it’s not enough to know that Jesus was the Son of God (even the demons believe) and give the appearance of faith and belief, there is an actual step of faith and belief that occurs both in the Old testament and now.

Don't ignore this - Hebrews 2

….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?

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.

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.

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.

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….

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.

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.

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

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.

Spiritual Realm - 1 Thessalonians 5

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Okay so I wanted to know who this was written for and about and why. I initially thought that it was church leaders, elders or pastors…but come to find out, it is for all of us. So then I wanted to know who it was about.

Those who are idle (also translated those who are unruly) – wayward, inconsistent, and disposed to follow their own will

Timid – feebleminded, easily discouraged by persecution, cast down by trouble.

Weak – those weak in their faith

Everyone – everyone.

The overall tone of letter is during a time of spiritual warfare…and how we are to guide those who either may not understand they are in the midst of it….or may not be able to stand up under it….without encouragement.

Rob Bell did a speaking engagement or tour called “Everything is Spiritual” where he pointed out that we are 100% physical and 100% spiritual. He said to label one area of your life spiritual was to label another area NOT spiritual. Every act is a spiritual act….it’s whether or not you are aware of what you are doing.

So guys, if you are struggling at work….spiritual, with the wife….spiritual, with the kids…..spiritual, in your spirit…….you get it. Deal with these in a spiritual realm, press into God, find Him in his word, seek His counsel and that of those who God has placed in your life over you. And pray.

What Happens - 1 Thessalonians 4

And then this: We can tell you with complete confidence—we have the Master's word on it—that when the Master comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they'll be ahead of us. The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they'll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we'll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

SO have you always thought that when a follower of Christ dies…he/she goes immediately to heaven. Well….you can keep on believing that.
Scripture shows that to be the case in several examples;

• the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell. Luke 16
• "And so it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement:" Hebrews 9:27
• We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8
• For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

What this passage is talking about the “Rapture” and the Christ calling up the BODIES of the dead. There is obviously a difference between the body of the dead and the soul of the dead. I believe that once we die….our souls are in the presence of Jesus, where we will worship him for eternity. Our bodies on the other hand, bound by death and decay will lay waiting for the time that Jesus calls for them prior to His return, where our bodies will take on a new form, free from corruption (1 Cor 15:51-53).
For more on this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapture

Encouragement – 1 Thessalonians 3

So what Paul recognizes is that this baby church could be on the brink. They are in that fragile state when they may feel that they are “laboring in vain”. There really is not much worse than working for something and seeing no benefit or payoff. I think we must remain encouraged that God is doing amazing things throughout the body of Christ, not only ANC but throughout the area, I am hearing amazing reports of unity and movement unlike any other time in recent history.

Like Paul did, I want to encourage you with this…..we don’t have to close the deal. Part of what we learned or are learning through the TK Primer is to just be natural….the ultimate payoff ISN’T to get someone to come to church….and we may never see the ultimate payoff, but that’s not our job. As Hugh Halter told us when he came down and spoke to our Restore Community a year ago……”Just Chill”.

I know being a part of something new and exciting is an amazing ride….and you want people to join you in that. But I hope that you recognize that ANC is more about faith communities than Sunday gatherings. It’s about the JOURNEY. THIS…..me reading God’s word with 12 guys is amazing to me….and as much church as I have ever been a part of. POKER….with you guys….and your friends who have ZERO spiritual context whatsoever….that excites me to no end. My back patio with a fire and “God and Life” discussions….amazing, God shows up. So let me remind you…..chill, be natural, allow the Holy Spirit to lead.

Approved - 1 Thessalonians 2

….we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6

We speak as men approved by God…that is a pretty weighty thought right there. If you can imagine, the Sovereign God saved you and me and His way of promulgating the Gospel, is to entrust it to the very entity that’s hope was the Gospel….and on….and on…..and on….

Paul’s point is that, as representatives of the Gospel, we aren’t suppose to just do what’s right on the outside….but our hearts should bear witness to our actions. For instance….a lot of people love the outward symbols of faith, the Ichthus (the little fishy on the car), the Christians T-shirts (His Pain My Gain), and the cross around the neck….even pro football players, quick to “thank God for letting us win”….there is nothing WRONG with any of these things….but they should be in line with your heart.

An interesting fact that I learned was that the men at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (called the Honor Guard) make a life long commitment. 80% of the men who try out for do not make it. These men are such men of character that they make a commitment never to cuss and never to drink…..LIFE LONG...NEVER! These men take this role very seriously…and it’s not for everyone. I’ll bet that they guys have no outward symbols marking their commitment, their service or the fact that they are part of elite group…..but I can bet you that if you ever run into one of these guys….you just know there is something different about him.

To often, Christians treat Christianity as a hobby, while other religions make theirs….a way of life. – Ed Stetzer

Listen guys…..grace is free to us, but it for sure wasn’t cheap. Let’s do our part as men approved and entrusted with the Gospel….and continually be working on ourselves…from the inside out.

Power - 1 Thessalonians 1

Guys this is an amazingly short yet powerful chapter. I loved this verse and pray this for us as men and as a church.

…our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. 1 Thessalonians 1:5

Brandon was telling me last night, that a newcomer to ANC was telling him what he loved about ANC is that he is constantly challenged by the message. Something I have learned is that the Holy Spirit can and does show up in power. Even in a simple message.
What I see in this verse is that it’s not merely in the words we say, but in the lives we live. ANC is constantly challenging me to live “in the Spirit” and follow His leadings.

Outsiders - Colossians 4

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6

I guess what I love the most of this chapter and Paul, is that he recognizes the “outsider”, the Jew or the Gentile that is without the saving grace of Jesus. He is constantly posturing himself and the churches that he has helped plant to be looking outward.

I think Paul recognizes that it is super easy to (because it is our nature) to become an insular church, on that is focused on self. At ANC we have had to fight this from the start. It may be one of the toughest things that we do, because a lot of Christians who have been at other churches expect “programs”. New believers, new to faith, have no context for church…but they are taking their cue from the “old-timers” or those who act like they know what they are doing. So Paul is just encouraging them to be very aware of their actions and their conversations.

“so that you may know how to answer everyone”…..guys also let me encourage you and thank you for being and making yourself accountable in this scripture reading. As we continue to plant God’s word in our hearts and our minds…the automatic overflow will be God’s word. We will speak words of truth more openly and freely.

Recovering - Colossians 3

Rules:

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

When I was re-entering into relationship with Christ after my college and young adult years…I was married had two small kids…and I was a recovering douchebag…..still am probably. It’s like being an alcoholic….you never fully recover. You have to fight the tendencies all the time.

My spiritual mentor at the time….always wanted to know how my relationship with my wife was. His favorite thing to ask me….in front of her…was;
“are you treating Jenny like crystal?” …..and I always answered “who is Crystal?”. But at breakfast or coffee or whatever…he always wanted to know how things were at home, was I loving her, like Christ loved the church, was there any tension or strife.
One time, after I told them there was….he and his wife came to our home….and talked us through it.

There are tons of unhappy marriages both in and outside the church…but in a committed Christian relationship where the husband and wife are both faithfully committed to daily scripture reading…the statistics fall to almost nothing. I think it is because we are learning to actually love each other the way God intended.

a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day;
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

But the one verse that was most convicting to me is;
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. (and by the way....willing to lay his life down for)
Christ, as we have been reading and hearing in the beatitudes, is under control (meek) and loving. Christ is the head of the church, but not in a dictatorial manner….and if we find ourselves RULING our wives, then we aren’t loving like Christ loved.
How did Christ love?
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Sound familiar?

Settling - Colossians 2 (and a glimpse into 3)

Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Colossians 2:20-23

I loved what one of the commentaries said that I read…why do we settle for lighting a candle, when we can bask in the noonday sun?

Gnostic beliefs were already present in this church and Paul was writing a letter to help set them straight. Gnosticism was or is a belief system that you can enhance your spirituality through increased wisdom and deeds. That there are different levels of salvation and spirituality, and that Christ came to impart this wisdom necessary for salvation.

Like modern day ‘Legaists’, Gnostics placed greater weight to what they abstained from and their perceived piety and knowledge than the redemptive work Christ did for us on the Cross.

I love the last verse….. but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence….meaning your head knowledge and repetitive abstention from doing things, does nothing for your heart. As a matter of fact….the first couple of verses in Chapter 3 points out….to set our hearts and minds on the things above….Paul continually makes the Christian Journey about the do’s and not about the don’ts.

Christ tells us he wants us to have life….and life to the full…..yet Christians tend to be (like Brandon pointed out Sunday) some of the meanest and most unhappy people around. Thank you guys for setting your hearts and minds on things above….as we continue to search the scriptures to learn about Our Father’s heart.

The Big E - Colossians 1

All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:6-8

Remember that these churches that Paul is writing to encourage are church plants…..new churches. The founding and growth of this church is credited to Epaphras. Paul considers him a “fellow servant” or bond-servant. This term Paul used on himself throughout the epistles, but twice did he refer to anyone else in this manner, once here and the other to Timothy.

Let me back up though…..another verse that smacks me around a bit is the first one….and we could let it get by as just a greeting….but it really is so much more than that;
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God Colossians 1:1
By the will of God? Think about that…..Paul didn’t muster enough gumption to become an apostle, he didn’t claim to “choose” to be become an apostle….he loves and lives the ways of Jesus, by the will of God.
I think that one of the biggest problems that I have with both free-will & election….is that election sounds exclusive….but free-will sounds self-righteous. Here Paul seems to solve this for me, at least in this instance. Thoughts?

Jesus Made Me Fumble - Philippians 4

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13

Paul literally says, I know what it means to live hungry, in scarcity and with need…..but I also what it means to live so that I can relieve the needs of others.
To Paul, having plenty meant being able to help others. When God blessed Abraham….he said I will bless you so that you can bless others. So many of us (Americans) hoard. We believe that our time of blessing is for us, for our retirement and for pleasure. Paul never looked on blessing for any this.
If you watch any college football, you have seen Teebow or another athlete, with Phil 4:13 on their eye-black strips. Athletes love envoke the power of God for their benefit on the field of play….but I have never been convinced that God really cares who wins football games.

VIDEO

Hope you guys have a great day and week. We have already breezed through 3 books of the New Testament…on to Colossians tomorrow.

Knowing - Philippians 3

I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Phillipians 3:8

Do we really want to know Christ? I suppose we have a passing knowledge of him….I mean, we were saved by Him. We are doing a bible study….reading his word, seeking his face, but how badly do we want to know him?
The apostle Paul here, already saved….considered everything loss compared to the greatness of KNOWING Christ. Paul is not talking about knowing in the past tense for salvation….he is talking in the present and future….riches, knowledge, fame, notoriety, image….all these things pale in comparison to knowing Christ intimately.
Charles Spurgeon wrote a sermon asking us to consider being rightly accused and convicted and sentenced to die. Our death was to be placed in a pit with lion. As the gate is drawn up and the lion steps out…someone from the crowd of onlookers jumps the rail and slays the beast.
We are then rushed off to a palace where all our needs are met, and we are clothed in the finest clothes, eat the most delicious meals and sleep in the most comfortable bed. But when we ask who our savior and benefactor is….we are told it’s the same person from the lions pit. Daily we receive love notes and tokens of love from this benefactor yet when we ask who this person is….it is met with resistance. We are told that while we are experiencing lavish love from this person….and know some of what he is doing, there is 10 times as many things he is doing on our behalf greater than what we know yet they go unnoticed by us.
Do you think our desire to know this person would increase or decrease?
In my opinion, I would lay awake at night in turmoil wanting to know who this guy was. Not knowing him would haunt me….it would burn in my gut….why then am I so okay, with my limited knowledge of Jesus?
You know when someone asks you, “ hey, do you know ______?” and you know him by name, or reputation, or you may have heard of him through a friend. And you reply…..”Yes, I know him”…but you really don’t. I feel a lot of people know Jesus this way.
Spurgeon went on to say;
Do not be satisfied with thinking you know him; hoping you know him, but know him.