Today is Day 18 and I'm just writing my journal for Day 15. I'm getting SOOO close to being caught up. I'm behind 1 day on reading now. So at this point, I have to read Day 17 & 18 and journal for Days 15, 16, 17 & 18. By the end of day tomorrow, I hope to be all caught up and back on a one day at a time pace. Today's reading is the first half of Romans, another letter from Paul.
Gods Unjust Judgement
"But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us?" Romans 3:5
When I first read this verse it baffled me, Paul has the tendency to baffle me in some of his writings. Sometimes it's like he's writing in a HUGE circle with his arguments going from one "if this, then this" to the next "and if this, then this" (see 1 Cor 15:12-19 for a good example of that I mean). In this verse, I was just confused at how he got to the statement "God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us". So I underlined this verse to come back to it and figure it out.
After re-reading it a few times, here's the conclusion that I've come to. It's not saying that as we sin, we are bring glory to God because it brings out His righteousness more clearly. This makes it sound like it's OK to sin. I think what Paul was saying here is that sin makes our need for God really stand out. Which brings me to the next verse I underlined...
The Full Power of Sin
"The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase." Romans 5:20
In yesterdays journal I wrote how the law was our supervisor/guide. Reading this verse, and many more like it in Romans, brought the understanding that the law also showed us just how sinful we were. From that knowledge, the law showed us just how much we need Christ. I liked how the Contemporary English Version puts it:
"The Law came, so that the full power of sin could be seen."
Sin vs. Spirit
The last couple of verses I underlined in today's readings were verses that spoke about our sinful nature and living by the Spirit.
"5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind controlled by the sinful nature is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The sinful mind is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God." Romans 8:5-8
"13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8:13
"14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:14-17
I liked how these verses contrasted each other, giving us examples of what it looks like to live in sin versus what is looks like to live by the Spirit. I also love the thought of being a "co-heir with Christ". I looked on-line, but found very little that explained what this meant exactly. Here is a snippet from one resource:
"What does this imply? According to the most mainstream interpretations of the Bible, it implies two things. First, it implies suffering. Many believers would not like to acknowledge this fact, but the New Testament says that if Christ was persecuted, Christians will also be persecuted because they believe. However, if one can keep their faith strong and endure, he or she will see the second part of that promise.
The Bible suggests to many that if a believer suffers with Christ, he or she will also one day reign and share in the glory of Christ as well. An example of this promise can be found in James 1:12 which says “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (NIV)."
http://biblestudies.suite101.com/article.cfm/christian_indentity
That's it For Now
Sort of short, but sweet for today. Tomorrow I finish up Romans. Looking ahead I made 5 notes in my bible on that days reading. We'll see just how much I can write about those!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Day 14 - When I Don't Want to do NT40
In today's reading we go through the entire book of Galatians. Another letter written by Paul. This letter dealt mostly with the Old Testament law and it's place now that Jesus has come.
Old Testament Supervisor
I always looked at the Old Testament law as being something that the people were bound to. They were "under" the law. They were "limited" by the law. They were "restricted" by the law. But I like the way that Paul puts in chapter 3. Here's a snippet of my favorite three verses from chapter 3:
"Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was put in charge of us until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." Gal. 3:23-25
I never thought of the law as being "in charge", or being a "supervisor" of the people, but it makes sense. The law was there to not only restrict us (which has a negative connotation to it), but to guide is (which sounds a lot nicer!).
OT Salvation
While reading this book, I started to wonder if the people who had died before Jesus died for our sins were going to Heaven or not. What if they followed the law perfectly (including sacrificing for sins)? What if they tried, but failed? What if they didn't even try? Will any of these people to to Heaven?
This seems to be a great debate. Some believe that if the person believed in God and had faith that God would send a messiah and followed the law (observing the various festivals and performing the various sacrifices), then those people will go to Heaven. I don't think this is one of those questions that can be firmly answered though.
Here are a couple of links to some resources (the Yahoo! answers one is funny/interesting):
http://www.biblebell.org/otsaints.html
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060822060219AANQm3t
When I Don't Want to do NT40
I found a passage from Galatians that explains what's going on inside me when I want to watch TV or play a game or go to bed or not wake up early, instead of do my NT40 reading and journaling:
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. " Gal 5:16-17
I don't know that it explains it, per se, but it relates to that struggle a little. "Should I do what I want? Or should I go do my Bible study?" I'm not saying that I don't always want to do my Bible study, but I do have my days. That's how I got so far behind on my journaling in the first place.
Helping the Sinner
Paul writes some more about helping people caught in sin. This time, Paul is saying to help, but with a word of warning.
"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." Gal 6:1
Wrap it up!
That's it for Day 14 and Galatians. The next two days worth of reading is from Romans. I am almost caught up. It is Day 17 and I haven't done my reading or journaling for today, but I can do that tonight. I only have Day 15 and 16 (Romans) to journal and I'll be all caught up!
Old Testament Supervisor
I always looked at the Old Testament law as being something that the people were bound to. They were "under" the law. They were "limited" by the law. They were "restricted" by the law. But I like the way that Paul puts in chapter 3. Here's a snippet of my favorite three verses from chapter 3:
"Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was put in charge of us until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." Gal. 3:23-25
I never thought of the law as being "in charge", or being a "supervisor" of the people, but it makes sense. The law was there to not only restrict us (which has a negative connotation to it), but to guide is (which sounds a lot nicer!).
OT Salvation
While reading this book, I started to wonder if the people who had died before Jesus died for our sins were going to Heaven or not. What if they followed the law perfectly (including sacrificing for sins)? What if they tried, but failed? What if they didn't even try? Will any of these people to to Heaven?
This seems to be a great debate. Some believe that if the person believed in God and had faith that God would send a messiah and followed the law (observing the various festivals and performing the various sacrifices), then those people will go to Heaven. I don't think this is one of those questions that can be firmly answered though.
Here are a couple of links to some resources (the Yahoo! answers one is funny/interesting):
http://www.biblebell.org/otsaints.html
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060822060219AANQm3t
When I Don't Want to do NT40
I found a passage from Galatians that explains what's going on inside me when I want to watch TV or play a game or go to bed or not wake up early, instead of do my NT40 reading and journaling:
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. " Gal 5:16-17
I don't know that it explains it, per se, but it relates to that struggle a little. "Should I do what I want? Or should I go do my Bible study?" I'm not saying that I don't always want to do my Bible study, but I do have my days. That's how I got so far behind on my journaling in the first place.
Helping the Sinner
Paul writes some more about helping people caught in sin. This time, Paul is saying to help, but with a word of warning.
"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." Gal 6:1
Wrap it up!
That's it for Day 14 and Galatians. The next two days worth of reading is from Romans. I am almost caught up. It is Day 17 and I haven't done my reading or journaling for today, but I can do that tonight. I only have Day 15 and 16 (Romans) to journal and I'll be all caught up!
Day 13 - Our Mission
Getting closer to being caught up in my journal entries! Today is actually day 17. I haven't done the reading yet, but I will tonight. And here I am writing my journal for Day 13. Just a little behind, so lets get started.
The Letter Kills?
In 2 Cor chapter 3, Paul talks about living by the Spirit and not by the letter. I understood "letter" to mean the law that they have been following for so long, which was impossible for us mere humans to follow. I underlined this part of verse 6:
"...for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
I underlined this part of the verse to remind myself to go back and research this to see if I was interpreting it correctly. What I found is that I was right in my interpretation, but that also, sometimes people interpret "the letter" to mean the literal meaning of scripture in it's entirety. The author of the site I read this from believes that this is the incorrect, but that "the letter" is referring to the Old Testament law.
http://www.bible-truths-revealed.com/2Corinthians.html
Our Mission
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." 2 Cor 5:17-20
I really enjoy the verses that give us explicit instructions on how to behave as well as what we are supposed to do while we're here on earth. This one spoke to me as our Mission Statement. Our ministry is to be ambassadors of Christs message of reconciliation to help people become reconciled to God.
Unbelievers
I big topic for me is what do we, as Christians, do with/for unbelievers. This topic is addressed in 2 Cor 6:14-16:
"14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
"I will live with them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people."
Day 13 Journal... Finis
That's it for 2 Corinthians. Not as short as I had anticipated, but I hit all of the notes that I made in my Bible. Next up... Galatians!!
The Letter Kills?
In 2 Cor chapter 3, Paul talks about living by the Spirit and not by the letter. I understood "letter" to mean the law that they have been following for so long, which was impossible for us mere humans to follow. I underlined this part of verse 6:
"...for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
I underlined this part of the verse to remind myself to go back and research this to see if I was interpreting it correctly. What I found is that I was right in my interpretation, but that also, sometimes people interpret "the letter" to mean the literal meaning of scripture in it's entirety. The author of the site I read this from believes that this is the incorrect, but that "the letter" is referring to the Old Testament law.
http://www.bible-truths-revealed.com/2Corinthians.html
Our Mission
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." 2 Cor 5:17-20
I really enjoy the verses that give us explicit instructions on how to behave as well as what we are supposed to do while we're here on earth. This one spoke to me as our Mission Statement. Our ministry is to be ambassadors of Christs message of reconciliation to help people become reconciled to God.
Unbelievers
I big topic for me is what do we, as Christians, do with/for unbelievers. This topic is addressed in 2 Cor 6:14-16:
"14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
"I will live with them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people."
I looked at how other versions of the Bible worded verse 14. Some examples are to not be "bound", not "become partners with", "you are not the same as" and not to "team up with" unbelievers. Still, most say to not be "unequally yoked" with unbelievers (and I found one that said to "stay away from unbelievers").
Surprisingly, I found an article that deeply investigates these verses. In the article, the author describes how the term "unequally yoked" has been known to referred to mating different breeds of animals. So some scholars think Paul is talking about marriage in these verses; that believers should not marry unbelievers. Others believe that the qualifier "unequal" leads the verse to be interpreted that some form of association with believers is OK as long as it is not deemed "unequally yoked". Still other believe that these verse simply mean to not associate with nonbelievers at all, which I find kind of hard to believe. How else would be spread the good news?
Gossip
When reading 2 Cor 10:1, I couldn't help but wonder if the words "timid" and "bold" were used by someone in Corinth behind Paul's back, or possibly in a letter to him. The words are in quotes in verse 1, as if he is saying that these were words someone used to described him, maybe while gossipping/complaining about Paul.
I found a lengthy article (actually, it looks like a college course guide) that goes through all of 2 Cor. It talks about the tone in Paul's 2nd letter to the Corinthians changing starting with 10:1 because Paul "defends himself against criticism" from the "super-apostles", as the introduction to 2 Corinthians puts it in the Today's New International Version that I am reading.
Another article I found on-line puts it like this:
"He had learned that he was under relentless and merciless attack there by false teachers who were wanting to ruin his reputation and ministry and destroy the people's confidence in him."
So I wasn't too far off. It was more slander than gossip.Day 13 Journal... Finis
That's it for 2 Corinthians. Not as short as I had anticipated, but I hit all of the notes that I made in my Bible. Next up... Galatians!!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Day 12 - What's Wrong With the Good Ol' Internet Machine?
Today's reading finishes off 1 Corinthians. I have a lot of notes on this reading too, so let's jump in!
Parts of the Whole
Chapter 12 of 1 Cor talks about the body of Christ. How we are all made unique, but that uniqueness is crafted by God. What I like about this chapter is that it reaffirms Gods love for us no matter how imperfect we are. It's just another reason why we should love Him back even more. Verse 18 reads:
"But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be."
This chapter not only address Gods love for us as we are, but it also touches on the love that we should have for each other in our own uniqueness. Verses 24 -25 read:
"...But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other."
This chapter is a reminder that:
Love is...
Can I really journal about today's reading without including this? This was read by my dad as he did our wedding ceremony, and with good cause. This should be part of my daily mantra as I wake up and go to bed.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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 Cor 13:4-7
A Contradiction?
"22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, 25 as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"" 1 Cor 14:22-25
I'm confused here. IF Tongues are a sign for the unbelievers (verse 22), then why would it make an unbeliever tell the church that they are "out of your mind" when they hear it (verse 23)? Conversely, if prophecy is not for unbelievers (verse 22), then why would it make an unbeliever "fall down and worship God" (verse 25)?
It seems that verse 22 is backwards. Am I reading this wrong? I wasn't able to find a resource on-line that could help me with this one.
The Trinity Hierarchy
"When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all." 1 Cor 15:28
What does this mean? Is Christ not subject to God right now? What about the Holy Spirit? I looked on-line for a little help with this one, but couldn't find anything. Boy! The good ol' Internet machine must be broken today!!
The Second and Last
I had heard this term before, but never really looked into the meaning of it. But reading it in 1 Cor 15:45 gave me pause. So I underlined it and did a little research on-line. I found this summary:
"It is the first epistle to the Corinthians alone, and in the same passage, which gives us the two important terms, so closely related as they are to one another, of “Second Man” and “Last Adam” (15:45, 47). The one looks backward; the other forward. The “Second Man” implies that before Him we have only the firstman, repeated and multiplied, in his descendants; now a new type has appeared; and that this, which is the full and final thought of man, may become the true heir of the inheritance, the “Second Man” is the “Last Adam.” He is the “last” not “second,” because plainly there is no other to succeed Him."
http://www.biblecentre.org/topics/fwg_crowned_christ_7_last_adam.htm
Persevere
A reminder:
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Cor 15:58
Personal Touch
At the end of this letter Paul writes his own greeting. After reading through the entire letter in two sittings, this personal touch at the end really shows Paul's love for these people.
Wrapping it up now!
Parts of the Whole
Chapter 12 of 1 Cor talks about the body of Christ. How we are all made unique, but that uniqueness is crafted by God. What I like about this chapter is that it reaffirms Gods love for us no matter how imperfect we are. It's just another reason why we should love Him back even more. Verse 18 reads:
"But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be."
This chapter not only address Gods love for us as we are, but it also touches on the love that we should have for each other in our own uniqueness. Verses 24 -25 read:
"...But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other."
This chapter is a reminder that:
- I'm not perfect.
- Others are not perfect.
- That God made is this way.
- That God intended us to work as whole (one body) to bring Him glory.
Love is...
Can I really journal about today's reading without including this? This was read by my dad as he did our wedding ceremony, and with good cause. This should be part of my daily mantra as I wake up and go to bed.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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 Cor 13:4-7
A Contradiction?
"22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, 25 as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"" 1 Cor 14:22-25
I'm confused here. IF Tongues are a sign for the unbelievers (verse 22), then why would it make an unbeliever tell the church that they are "out of your mind" when they hear it (verse 23)? Conversely, if prophecy is not for unbelievers (verse 22), then why would it make an unbeliever "fall down and worship God" (verse 25)?
It seems that verse 22 is backwards. Am I reading this wrong? I wasn't able to find a resource on-line that could help me with this one.
The Trinity Hierarchy
"When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all." 1 Cor 15:28
What does this mean? Is Christ not subject to God right now? What about the Holy Spirit? I looked on-line for a little help with this one, but couldn't find anything. Boy! The good ol' Internet machine must be broken today!!
The Second and Last
I had heard this term before, but never really looked into the meaning of it. But reading it in 1 Cor 15:45 gave me pause. So I underlined it and did a little research on-line. I found this summary:
"It is the first epistle to the Corinthians alone, and in the same passage, which gives us the two important terms, so closely related as they are to one another, of “Second Man” and “Last Adam” (15:45, 47). The one looks backward; the other forward. The “Second Man” implies that before Him we have only the firstman, repeated and multiplied, in his descendants; now a new type has appeared; and that this, which is the full and final thought of man, may become the true heir of the inheritance, the “Second Man” is the “Last Adam.” He is the “last” not “second,” because plainly there is no other to succeed Him."
http://www.biblecentre.org/topics/fwg_crowned_christ_7_last_adam.htm
Persevere
A reminder:
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Cor 15:58
Personal Touch
At the end of this letter Paul writes his own greeting. After reading through the entire letter in two sittings, this personal touch at the end really shows Paul's love for these people.
Wrapping it up now!
Day 11 - Unrealistic?
Wow! Lot’s of notes in my Bible for today’s reading. Paul jam packed this letter to the Corinthians!
Foolishness
One of the things that Paul talks about in his letter is the power of Christ. In Chapter 1 verse 18 he says:
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
I remember when I fell to the dark side there was a part of me that thought believing in the Bible was silly and not logical at all. In essence, although I don’t think I ever actually said this, I thought that Christians were foolish for being believers. Now that I’ve been won over by the Love of God I can understand this verse all too well.
Mere Human Beings
In chapter 3 verse 3, Paul says to the Corinthians:
“Are you not acting like mere human beings?”
Now I get that we are born into sin and that the only way we can become blameless in the sight of God is through Jesus, so I understand that when he says “mere” he is meaning humans in their base, sinful nature, but my question when I read this was “What else is there to act like?” I know the answer is bigger than anything I can type here. The answer is to live out what the Bible says about how we should act, and that makes us more than mere human beings. But what do we call that? "Christians"?
The Holman Christian Standard Bible words the verse this way:
"Are you not fleshy and living like ordinary people?"
Reading this version gave me the idea that instead of behaving like ordinary people, we should behave like extraordinary people. Who wouldn't want to get on board with that?
Give Him to Satan To Save Him?
I'm just a little confused about Chapter 5 verse 5:
"...hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the sinful nature so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord."
I get the need to destroy his sinful nature so that his spirit may be saved, but how do you accomplish this by handing him over to Satan? That seems to be the opposite of what you should do.
I read a little about this on-line and it turns out my tendency to read too literally is to blame for this confusion again. By handing him over to Satan, Paul meant to not associate with him anymore. If this man wants to sin, then let him sin and he can leave alone the people striving to be good. Also, towards the end of this chapter Paul drives the point home when he says:
"...Expel the wicked person from among you." 1 Cor 5:13
This clears up my confusion about this verse, but then it blurs the line on whether we should associate and witness to sinners or leave them alone.
Judging Angels
Regarding 1 Cor. 6:3:
"Do you not know that we will judge angels?"
I wasn't able to find anything on-line that gave me a good answer for what this verse really meant, but I found a lot of references to Angels in general and how they have a "lower rank in the order of creation" than us humans.
"Angels then are not only inferior in relation to Christ (Hebr. 1:4ff) but even in relation to believers. Angels do not know the content of redemption. (1 Pet. 1:12) They do not know what it means experientially to have Jesus Christ give His life for the salvation of sinners. They are not the adopted children of the heavenly Father. In Jesus Christ we become the children of the heavenly Father; the angels remain His servants (cf. John 15:15f. ) Believers are to be crowned with glory and honour (Ps. 8:6), and share in Christ's exaltation which exceeds the dignity of angels. And not the angels will judge us but we will judge them. Paul makes this remarkable statement: "Do you not know that we will judge angels?" (1 Cor. 6:3) Calvin opines that Paul refers to the judging of fallen angels."
http://www.reformedreflections.ca/studies/5-reality-of-angels.html
Anyways, I got caught up on the Internet for a while there reading about Angels. My favorite thing that I found just now was Heb. 13:2:
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
Unrealistic?
There is a section of today's reading that I question whether or not Paul is being realistic.
"What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who are married should live as if they were not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." 1 Cor 7:29-31
I understand the concept that what matters in this world is that we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and spread the good news, being a light to bring everyone to Him, but the way Paul puts it here it is as if he wants us to live like robots. Live like your not married? Don't mourn or be happy? I can agree to the part about not being "engrossed" in the things of this world. I know I'm guilty of that 100%, and it's an area of my life that I'm working on.
Looking into this a little on-line has cleared things up a bit. There are two views on the meaning of these verses. The first brings to point that Paul is saying this 10 years before Christians go through some severe persecution. The resource I read on-line said there was a prediction about these hard times and Paul was just giving advice on how to make it easier for a Christ follower to get by during these times. The second view is that Paul was making these statements for Christians to follow until Christ's return. The author of the article I read agrees more with the first view than the second.
"I favor the first view because this advice Paul gives in this verse, including being as those who do not weep or rejoice, would be both for that time and other times of persecution. The second view would make Paul’s advice for that time and all times forward until Christ returns."
http://inerrancy.org/1cor.htm
I agree!
Selfishness
I underlined 1 Cor 10:24:
"No one should seek their own good, but the good of others."
The note I made simply said, "Instruction to be selfless." But I got to thinking about this verse a little more. How different would everything be if we followed this rule? Is this (selfishness) the reason for a lot of our troubles? Is my problem with patience a result of my selfishness? Are some of my problems at home and at work a result of my selfishness? In a sense, I think they are.
The End... Finally!
Like I said at the beginning of this post, 1 Cor has so much in it. Paul covers a lot. I couldn't help but make a lot of notes. And when it comes time for me to journal, I feel that if I leave some of my notes out that I'm short changing myself in the process. This is my journal, for me to log my thoughts. I did leave a few notes out, but they were minor observations. But boy! This was a long one! Looking ahead at my notes, I think the journal for tomorrow is going to be long too!
Day 10 - A Powerful Delusion
Still getting caught up, while trying not to fall behind! Today we read through all of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians.
There were two verses in 1st Thessalonians that struck me in this reading.
So Forgiving
The first one was chapter 4 verses 7 and 8:
“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.”
I know that when I do something wrong, I 1. Know it’s wrong, 2. Know that God witnessed me doing wrong and 3. I feel really terrible about it. So I usually pray for forgiveness and strength to do better next time and I thank Him for His Mercy and Grace. When I read that verse it reminded of how I feel when I do something wrong and it made me love God even more for being so forgiving.
So Patient
The second one was chapter 5 verse 14. Specifically the end of that verse that reads:
“…be patient with everyone.”
I need to work on being patient in every area of my life. With my family, at work, when with friends, etc. Maybe my small group could do a study on patience! ;)
Payback
Looking at my notes, I also underlined the beginning of chapter 5 verse 15, which says:
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong…”
It is so easy for me to want to ignore someone when they’ve done something wrong to me. Or to be short or rude to someone who is that way to me. But I know that’s not how I should be. I should always show love and respect to everyone. Wow! Doesn’t that sound impossible. But that’s what we should do, right?
I also underlined two areas in 2nd Thessalonians.
A Powerful Delusion
The first was in chapter 2 verse 11 and 12:
“For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.”
I understand that you reap what you sow. That unbelievers will spend the rest of eternity in Hell after Jesus returns, but this verse almost makes it sound like God is actively helping unbelievers to get there.
I was surprised to find my on-line help with this verse came from Yahoo! Answers, of all places. This question was posed there a year ago and has 8 answers. Most of them point to the fact that this verse is not saying that God will help unbelievers stay unbelievers by sending them a powerful delusion, but rather that at the time of judgement God will hand these people over to Satan as a result of their unbelief. Here’s the link if anyones interested:
Fellow Believers
The last area that I underlined in todays readings was in chapter 3 verse 14 and 15. I think these verses stood out to me because of some problems that Evalena is having with a friend right now. What do you do when a fellow believer is behaving in a way that is consistent with the teachings of the Bible?
“Take special note of those who do not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as enemies, but warn them as fellow believers.”
The End
…of week 2!! Next week we tackle 4 whole books of the New Testatment!! We are on a roll with this NT40 challenge!! To everyone keeping up with it, Good job!! To those that aren’t, your NT40 journey can start on any day in any month!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Day 9 – The Goads?
Still getting caught up on my journaling. But it’s good to put all of these thoughts down on paper and flush them out. It also gives me a chance to research anything that I didn’t understand. Which is what this NT40 journey is all about anyways, right? Reading Gods word, but not just to say that we read it, but to learn from it. So let the learning commence!
Don’t Fall Asleep in Church
Before you continue reading this, I wonder if you can tell by the heading what story in Acts this is going to be about? This is about the story of Eutychus in Troas who fell asleep while listening to Paul speak late at night and proceeded to fall out of the window to his death. Remember this one? Paul brought him back to life. Is the lesson here to not fall asleep in church? There was a little on-line about this story, but most of it to the point of this being a good children’s "resurrection" story. Here it is if you want to read it to your kids:
Paul was Warned
An observation here… I didn’t know that the Holy Spirit had revealed to Paul that he would be facing so much hardship. In Acts 20:23, Paul says:
“I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.”
Prior to reading this, I hadn’t given it much thought whether Paul looked forward to a hopeful, peaceful future or the future that we read about; full of difficulties. Knowing that he had a sense for how difficult his life would be, it tells me of Pauls conviction and zeal to fulfill the task Jesus had given him of spreading the good news.
The Lord Stood Near Paul
I’m the kind of guy that reads into the literal meaning of things more than the figurative meaning. So when I read Acts 23:11 I underlined it and thought, “Really?” Acts 23:11 reads:
“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Is this possible? Does Jesus come back to earth after he returns to the Father but before the End Times? I looked online for some help, but couldn’t find any.
The Goads?
The account of Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus is a little different between Acts 9 and Acts 26. In Acts 9 Jesus says “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”, but in Acts 26 it adds “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” When I read this I thought, “What??” Soooo, a little search on the good ol’ internet box found this:
"A large percentage of people in the first century were tillers of the soil. Oxen were used to work the soil. The prick or goad was a necessary devise. The prick was usually a wooden shaft with a pointed spike (prick) at one end. The man working the ox would position the goad in such a way as to exert influence and control over the ox. You see, if the ox refused the command indicated by the farmer, the goad would be used to jab or prick the ox. Sometimes the ox would refuse this incentive by kicking out at the prick. As result, the prick would be driven deeper into the flesh of the rebellious animal. The more the animal rebelled, the more the animal suffered. Hence, the statement to Saul: "It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." (Saul was rebelling against God.)"
Makes sense, right? I think this is also the root of the word as it is used today (e.g. We used money to goad him into making a decision).
A Little FYI
I’m not sure if this caught anyone else’s attention, but in Acts 28 it mentions that Paul put out on an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. I was wondering who these guys were and if they had any literary importance to the story. Turns out, I could only find out who these guys were and the fact that they were in the Bible, but not any additional information as to why they were in the Bible. Here’s an outtake from Wikipedia:
“In the myth the twins shared the same mother but had different fathers which meant that Pollux was immortal and Castor was mortal. When Castor died, Pollux asked Zeus to let him share his own immortality with his twin to keep them together and they were transformed into the Gemini constellation”
That’s it!!!
Day 9 in the books! Acts, in the books!! Day 10 is both 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, both very short books, but good reading.
Day 8 - You Want me to do What??
The good news is that I’m on track with my reading. The bad news is that I’m behind on my journaling by about 5 days. So I’m picking up where I left off with my journaling (Day 8) and I’m going back through my Bible, looking at the notes I made in the margins and writing my journal entries to get caught up. To keep consistent, I’m going to write my journal for each individual day. I didn’t actually make many notes for Day 8’s reading, so it should be fairly short. Anways, here we go, Day 8…
You Want me to do What??
In today’s reading we see the dispute between members of the church on whether the Gentiles need to be circumcised or not. We see the church come to an agreement that they do not need to be circumcised and they send a letter with Paul to the believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia to state as such.
Paul meets Timothy and wants to bring him along on their journeys, so he circumcises Timothy. It says he did this “…because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.” I know that the decision by the church was that they didn’t HAVE to be circumcised, not that they couldn’t be if they wanted to be, but I’m trying to understand why Paul would have wanted Timothy to go through this.
I looked into this a little on-line and found the same explanation at a few different sites. This one site called gracethrufaith.com most succinctly put it like this:
“In 1 Cor. 9:19-22 Paul said that when he was among Jews he acted like a Jew and when among gentiles he was like them. He said he was all things to all men so as to save some. Since Timothy was a young man whose mother was Jewish, and since they were going among the Jews, he circumcised him to help him be accepted by the Jews.”
I wonder if Timothy was like, “You want to do what? I thought you just told me we didn’t have to do that!”
Pronoun Confusion
Between Acts 16:8 and 16:10, the wording of the writing changes from “they” to “we”. Then we don’t see the story teller referring to “we” again in Chapter 16, or in any of the rest of the days reading, after verse 16:16. I was able to fairly quickly find a great resource on-line that cleared up my confusion. Here is what the site preceptaustin.org has to say on the matter:
“The first use here of we in the narrative, instead of "they," seems to indicate that Luke, the author of the book of Acts, joined the missionary party at Troas. Then after Paul and Silas and Timothy left Philippi, Luke changed the pronoun from we to they in Acts 17:1, which suggests that he remained behind in Philippi to watch over the infant church after Paul left.
God wanted Paul and his team to go to Troas and pick up a doctor named Luke. If God wouldn't have said "no" to Paul two times, we might not have a gospel and a Book of Acts written by Luke!
It was some six to seven years later when Luke rejoined Paul...
But these had gone on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas. (Acts 20:5 )
Finally, in the third we section, Luke is with Paul has they sail for Italy ...
And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. (Acts 27:1)"
So that all makes sense. It's just weird that Luke doesn't specify when he joins them, he just changes the pronouns used to show that he was there.
Wrapping it Up
That’s pretty much it for Day 8. One more day of reading Acts and then we dive into and complete 1 & 2 Thessalonians in ONE DAY!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Day 7 - Acts Acts as a Reminder
It's been a long week. Lot's of stuff made it difficult for me to get some good reading time in this week. I'm writing this blog on Saturday, for Day 7's reading, which I did on Tuesday morning. Regardless, I have the rest of the day to get all caught up. So here we go.
History According to Stephen
I really like how Stephen sums up the Bible from Abraham to Jesus in Acts 7. I've read through those stories before, but I don't think I've ever been real good at realizing the whole time line in which these events are ordered. Reading through this chapter of Acts, um, acts as a good reminder.
The Holy Spirit Will Come on You When...
I had always believed that we are filled with the Holy Spirit when we choose to believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Part of the reading today seemed to contradict this belief. In Acts 8, when Philip was in a city in Samaria and brought the word of God to the people there, he baptized them. But then Peter and John travel to that city because they have heard the good that Philip had done there and they "prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus." So this is where my confusion lies. It seems to me that these people accepted the word of God and were baptized in the name of Jesus, but apparently that was not enough for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Acts goes on to say, "Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit."
I've accepted Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior and I've been baptized. So do I have the Holy Spirit in me? Or do I need Peter or John, or both of them, to place their hands on me before I receive the Holy Spirit?
Later on in today's reading, towards the end of Acts 10, Peter is talking to a room of Gentiles and sharing the good news with them. In the middle of Peter's speaking, the Holy Spirit comes on all of the people in the room that are listening to him. They hadn't been baptized AND they hadn't had hands laid on them. It seems as if the moment they became believers, the Holy Spirit filled them up.
After reading this, I went back to the first story above and the only thing I can think of is that the people of the city in Samaria did not truly believe until Peter and John witnessed to them. I looked around on-line a little for more information or possible explanations, but I could not find any.
Holy Spirit Can Act on Earth
In the story where Philip converts the Ethiopian eunuch, it stood out to me what the Holy Spirit did. "The Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away..." I had always thought of the Holy Spirit as something that could not be seen, heard (with our ears) or felt. To me the Holy Spirit was what whispered in my thoughts to help guide me through my day, would comfort me in times of need, etc. But in this story, the Holy Spirit does a physical act on earth. It takes Philip away and places him somewhere else. I'm not sure why I had placed a limitation on what the Holy Spirit is capable of doing, but I did not think that it could physically interact with objects on earth.
All Knowing God
Knowing how this story plays out, I found it interesting what God says to Ananias in Acts 9:16 regarding Saul, "I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." If this was the first time a person was reading this story, the reader might think "Oh, God is going to punish Saul for everything he's been doing to Christians." That may have even been my first reaction to this verse. But to know what effect God has on Saul and how the rest of his life plays out, it gives this verse a whole different meaning.
More to Come
Well, I have 3 days worth of reading to do tonight, about 30 more pages. Not sure if I'll be able to blog for each one of those days tonight, since I'm running short on time. But I'll be taking my notes to journal about later. I should be able to read all 3 days and journal each of those days between tonight and tomorrow... fingers crossed.
History According to Stephen
I really like how Stephen sums up the Bible from Abraham to Jesus in Acts 7. I've read through those stories before, but I don't think I've ever been real good at realizing the whole time line in which these events are ordered. Reading through this chapter of Acts, um, acts as a good reminder.
The Holy Spirit Will Come on You When...
I had always believed that we are filled with the Holy Spirit when we choose to believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Part of the reading today seemed to contradict this belief. In Acts 8, when Philip was in a city in Samaria and brought the word of God to the people there, he baptized them. But then Peter and John travel to that city because they have heard the good that Philip had done there and they "prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus." So this is where my confusion lies. It seems to me that these people accepted the word of God and were baptized in the name of Jesus, but apparently that was not enough for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Acts goes on to say, "Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit."
I've accepted Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior and I've been baptized. So do I have the Holy Spirit in me? Or do I need Peter or John, or both of them, to place their hands on me before I receive the Holy Spirit?
Later on in today's reading, towards the end of Acts 10, Peter is talking to a room of Gentiles and sharing the good news with them. In the middle of Peter's speaking, the Holy Spirit comes on all of the people in the room that are listening to him. They hadn't been baptized AND they hadn't had hands laid on them. It seems as if the moment they became believers, the Holy Spirit filled them up.
After reading this, I went back to the first story above and the only thing I can think of is that the people of the city in Samaria did not truly believe until Peter and John witnessed to them. I looked around on-line a little for more information or possible explanations, but I could not find any.
Holy Spirit Can Act on Earth
In the story where Philip converts the Ethiopian eunuch, it stood out to me what the Holy Spirit did. "The Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away..." I had always thought of the Holy Spirit as something that could not be seen, heard (with our ears) or felt. To me the Holy Spirit was what whispered in my thoughts to help guide me through my day, would comfort me in times of need, etc. But in this story, the Holy Spirit does a physical act on earth. It takes Philip away and places him somewhere else. I'm not sure why I had placed a limitation on what the Holy Spirit is capable of doing, but I did not think that it could physically interact with objects on earth.
All Knowing God
Knowing how this story plays out, I found it interesting what God says to Ananias in Acts 9:16 regarding Saul, "I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." If this was the first time a person was reading this story, the reader might think "Oh, God is going to punish Saul for everything he's been doing to Christians." That may have even been my first reaction to this verse. But to know what effect God has on Saul and how the rest of his life plays out, it gives this verse a whole different meaning.
More to Come
Well, I have 3 days worth of reading to do tonight, about 30 more pages. Not sure if I'll be able to blog for each one of those days tonight, since I'm running short on time. But I'll be taking my notes to journal about later. I should be able to read all 3 days and journal each of those days between tonight and tomorrow... fingers crossed.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Day 6 - But First, a Little Old Business
Today we started reading Acts, the second volume of Lukes works. Jesus has died on the cross and risen again. Acts tells of the first church and we get to see how it grows from only a few followers to thousands of men and women. We see the apostles performing miracles and preaching the good news.
But First, A Little Old Business
I had always wondered what happened to Judas Iscariot after Jesus was crucified. Acts tells us that he bought a field with the money he received for betraying Jesus and then fell (a good ways, I'm assuming) to his death where "his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out". Wow. That takes care of that, huh?
The First Church
We see the church grow from a few, to three thousand and then to five thousand. That's a pretty good start, no? Luke says these people had "...everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." "No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had." "...God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them."
No needy persons. Can you imagine what that looks like? We are in such a day and age where greed, needs and possessions is almost embedded in our beings. What would it take to get back to this level of community?
Original Sin
I took a moment today to look more into the story of Ananias and Sapphira to see if there was more to it than what appears at first glance. One author compares this story to the story of the fall in Genesis 3. In both stories, the couples sin is first, not obeying God and second, not being honest with Him.
The author writes "Conclusion of the story of Acts 5: the ekklesia is a community whose members are weakened, but whose project of communion is saved by the judgment of God."
http://www.cjd.org/paper/ananias.html
Gamaliel the Wise
He's not called that in the Bible, but I thought what he said was pretty wise, if not a little tricky. When trying to decide what to do with Peter and the apostles, Gamaliel, a Pharisee says something to the effect, "Remember these other two guys a while back that were trying to do something similar. When they were killed their followers scattered." Here I expected him to say "So lets just kill them!", but instead he says "Lets let them go!" I was a little surprised at this. It didn't make any sense to me, especially with the sentences leading up to this statement.
What he says next is why I called him "wise". He says "For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." That's some good, logical stuff. Apparently, it was enough for them to let the apostles go with a flogging (btw, was a "flogging" the whipping on the back with the sharp boney flails?), to which the apostles rejoiced for being able to suffer in the name of Jesus.
Enough Already
Good reading this morning. I didn't take as many notes as I did the first four days of reading. I think that's because I have so many questions when Jesus is speaking. I'm sure that's by design. More Acts tomorrow!
But First, A Little Old Business
I had always wondered what happened to Judas Iscariot after Jesus was crucified. Acts tells us that he bought a field with the money he received for betraying Jesus and then fell (a good ways, I'm assuming) to his death where "his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out". Wow. That takes care of that, huh?
The First Church
We see the church grow from a few, to three thousand and then to five thousand. That's a pretty good start, no? Luke says these people had "...everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." "No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had." "...God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them."
No needy persons. Can you imagine what that looks like? We are in such a day and age where greed, needs and possessions is almost embedded in our beings. What would it take to get back to this level of community?
Original Sin
I took a moment today to look more into the story of Ananias and Sapphira to see if there was more to it than what appears at first glance. One author compares this story to the story of the fall in Genesis 3. In both stories, the couples sin is first, not obeying God and second, not being honest with Him.
The author writes "Conclusion of the story of Acts 5: the ekklesia is a community whose members are weakened, but whose project of communion is saved by the judgment of God."
http://www.cjd.org/paper/ananias.html
Gamaliel the Wise
He's not called that in the Bible, but I thought what he said was pretty wise, if not a little tricky. When trying to decide what to do with Peter and the apostles, Gamaliel, a Pharisee says something to the effect, "Remember these other two guys a while back that were trying to do something similar. When they were killed their followers scattered." Here I expected him to say "So lets just kill them!", but instead he says "Lets let them go!" I was a little surprised at this. It didn't make any sense to me, especially with the sentences leading up to this statement.
What he says next is why I called him "wise". He says "For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." That's some good, logical stuff. Apparently, it was enough for them to let the apostles go with a flogging (btw, was a "flogging" the whipping on the back with the sharp boney flails?), to which the apostles rejoiced for being able to suffer in the name of Jesus.
Enough Already
Good reading this morning. I didn't take as many notes as I did the first four days of reading. I think that's because I have so many questions when Jesus is speaking. I'm sure that's by design. More Acts tomorrow!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Day 5 - In the Books?
And so we complete our first week of reading AND the entire book of Luke. We're off to a great start with the NT40 challenge! We've learned a lot this week and had great discussions. The first Sunday 8:45am small group discussion on NT40 is tomorrow as well as Clarks message, which should have something to do with the reading, so I guess the first week isn't completely over yet.
Today's reading included the Passion story and I found that when it came to those pages, I didn't take many notes (if any at all). It may be because that has been a topic of discussion already that we've dissected many times. Or maybe I was so into the story that my mind wouldn't let me stop to make a note. Either way, it is for this reason that my blog should be shorter than normal today.
Answer A Question With A Question
Jesus is known for answering questions with questions and parables. I think his best is in Luke 20:1-8. He completely stumps the chief priests in these passages when he answers their question with a question of his own. In a way, his reply/question should have helped them realize what hypocrites they were being. But I think they were too caught up in catching Jesus in their nets to realize this.
Uh-Duh
Call my silly on this one, but I never made the connection in the Parable of the Tenants and the Vineyard that the son of the owner is supposed to be Jesus. That one just flew right over my head. Man, I can't believe I missed that one. Anyway, it's a good parable of how we should be good tenants of earth, the Kingdom and the gift of Jesus until his return.
Amazing Recollection
I remembered the story of how Jesus appears to two disciples the day of his resurrection as they travel on the road. But I don't know if I ever heard the part where Jesus recalls all of the messianic prophecies. And I love how it's put in the bible, "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." This prompted me to find a resource that outlined these prophecies and it wasn't hard to find one on-line. Here's a pretty good one:
http://www.biblestudy.org/prophecy/old-testament-prophecies-jesus-fulfilled.html
Wrap it Up!!
Week 1 almost done (except for group meeting tomorrow and Clarks message). Book of Luke... in the books? Fantastic week! Wonderful reading, researching and learning! Next week... the book of Acts!
Today's reading included the Passion story and I found that when it came to those pages, I didn't take many notes (if any at all). It may be because that has been a topic of discussion already that we've dissected many times. Or maybe I was so into the story that my mind wouldn't let me stop to make a note. Either way, it is for this reason that my blog should be shorter than normal today.
Answer A Question With A Question
Jesus is known for answering questions with questions and parables. I think his best is in Luke 20:1-8. He completely stumps the chief priests in these passages when he answers their question with a question of his own. In a way, his reply/question should have helped them realize what hypocrites they were being. But I think they were too caught up in catching Jesus in their nets to realize this.
Uh-Duh
Call my silly on this one, but I never made the connection in the Parable of the Tenants and the Vineyard that the son of the owner is supposed to be Jesus. That one just flew right over my head. Man, I can't believe I missed that one. Anyway, it's a good parable of how we should be good tenants of earth, the Kingdom and the gift of Jesus until his return.
Amazing Recollection
I remembered the story of how Jesus appears to two disciples the day of his resurrection as they travel on the road. But I don't know if I ever heard the part where Jesus recalls all of the messianic prophecies. And I love how it's put in the bible, "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." This prompted me to find a resource that outlined these prophecies and it wasn't hard to find one on-line. Here's a pretty good one:
http://www.biblestudy.org/prophecy/old-testament-prophecies-jesus-fulfilled.html
Wrap it Up!!
Week 1 almost done (except for group meeting tomorrow and Clarks message). Book of Luke... in the books? Fantastic week! Wonderful reading, researching and learning! Next week... the book of Acts!
Day 4 - Hate Everything
Boy! I got a little behind over the last couple of days. I did my reading late Thursday night, but didn't have time to journal. Yesterday was too busy for reading or journalling. So I'm journalling my Thursday reading right now and hopefully I'll have time tonight to read my 5th day for the week and do my journalling. Then I'll be all caught up and ready to begin again on Monday. Also, I'm participating in a study group for NT40 that is meeting at Journey Church Sunday mornings at 8:45am. This Sunday, tomorrow, will be our first meeting, so I'm really excited for that as well.
The Least Important Place
In today's reading I liked the parable Jesus told to the Pharisee to illustrate the pride they had in sitting in the "places of honor" at the table. What stuck with me was the part of the story where Jesus warns that the host might says "Give this person your seat." I can imagine the embarassment in that situation. I think I get embarrased fairly easily, which is proabably why this scenario stuck with me more than the scenario in which the host asks the person to move up to a better place. While that would be nice, to me, the embarrasement of the first scenario outweighs the good feelings from the second scenario.
In that same sitting, Jesus tells the parable about the man giving a banquet that none of his friends will come to. At the end of the story, the master says "I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet." Was the master inviting anyone that would come just to make sure that those who declined his invitation will not be able to ever eat any of the banquet food? Is he doing this out of anger?
Hate Everything
At first glance, Luke 14:26 seems out of character for Jesus. He is saying that to become a disciple you must "hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters - yes, even life itself". I HAD to underline this passage and research.
The NLT version of the Bible says "...you must hate everyone else by comparison..." This makes a little more sense to me. Basically, if you choose these people (or life) over the kingdom of God, then you can not be a disciple of Christ.
I also came across a decent article on this verse that ties it in with the parable that was told in Luke right before this passage. It's a little tough getting in and out of this article, but the middle part of it is good reading.
http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/what-did-jesus-mean-when-he-said-we-must-hate-our-family
I Am the Lost Son
When reading the parable of the prodigal son I was able to relate parts of my life with the lost son. And it occurred to me that I think is how most of us might be, as opposed to the older brother. The fact that this is in the Bible and that it is Jesus telling this parable, which gives it validity and truth, is part of why I can be excited about some day going to Heaven.
Describe Hell
I haven't read, or don't recall reading, a lot in the bible that describes Hell. Before being introduced to this passage, I imaged Heaven and Hell as being in a verticle order; Hell below, Heaven above. But I've never given it much consideration as to what is between them. In the story that Jesus tells, in Luke 16:26, he speaks of a chasm that seperates the two places; one that can not be crossed. Other translations have these words in place of chasm: gulf, pit, ditch, wide space, hole, dark place (in the Wycliffe New Testatment). I just found the topics of "what seperates Heaven and Hell" and "can someone from Hell go to Heaven" interesting ones.
1 Out of 10
The story of Jesus healing 10 lepers and only 1 returning to give praise, glory and worship to Jesus made me think about how most of our nation is today. I looked on-line for a few stats and found a couple websites quoting studys that said 20% of Americans go to church every Sunday. What about the other 80%? I have friends who believe that they have accomplished everything in their lifes on their own with no help from God. You must have friends like this, too? To be perfectly honest, I believed this lie at some point in my life too, but now, it just seems so self centered and ridiculous.
Remember Lot's wife!
I love the look into the rapture that Jesus provides in Luke 17:30-26. The idea that we will be "taken" someday is exhilarating! But we should also heed the warning provided here, too. Don't look back at your old life. "Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it."
Hello? Hello? Anybody home? Huh? Think, McFly. Think!
Is anyone else wondering why the Disciples sometimes have a problem understanding what Jesus is telling them? In Luke 18:31-34 Jesus straight out tells them what is going to happen... and they don't understand?
Wrap it Up!!!
There are so many notes that I wrote down in my Bible that I didn't journal about. There is always just so much that can be discussed. I'm really loving this NT40 study!!!
The Least Important Place
In today's reading I liked the parable Jesus told to the Pharisee to illustrate the pride they had in sitting in the "places of honor" at the table. What stuck with me was the part of the story where Jesus warns that the host might says "Give this person your seat." I can imagine the embarassment in that situation. I think I get embarrased fairly easily, which is proabably why this scenario stuck with me more than the scenario in which the host asks the person to move up to a better place. While that would be nice, to me, the embarrasement of the first scenario outweighs the good feelings from the second scenario.
In that same sitting, Jesus tells the parable about the man giving a banquet that none of his friends will come to. At the end of the story, the master says "I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet." Was the master inviting anyone that would come just to make sure that those who declined his invitation will not be able to ever eat any of the banquet food? Is he doing this out of anger?
Hate Everything
At first glance, Luke 14:26 seems out of character for Jesus. He is saying that to become a disciple you must "hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters - yes, even life itself". I HAD to underline this passage and research.
The NLT version of the Bible says "...you must hate everyone else by comparison..." This makes a little more sense to me. Basically, if you choose these people (or life) over the kingdom of God, then you can not be a disciple of Christ.
I also came across a decent article on this verse that ties it in with the parable that was told in Luke right before this passage. It's a little tough getting in and out of this article, but the middle part of it is good reading.
http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/what-did-jesus-mean-when-he-said-we-must-hate-our-family
I Am the Lost Son
When reading the parable of the prodigal son I was able to relate parts of my life with the lost son. And it occurred to me that I think is how most of us might be, as opposed to the older brother. The fact that this is in the Bible and that it is Jesus telling this parable, which gives it validity and truth, is part of why I can be excited about some day going to Heaven.
Describe Hell
I haven't read, or don't recall reading, a lot in the bible that describes Hell. Before being introduced to this passage, I imaged Heaven and Hell as being in a verticle order; Hell below, Heaven above. But I've never given it much consideration as to what is between them. In the story that Jesus tells, in Luke 16:26, he speaks of a chasm that seperates the two places; one that can not be crossed. Other translations have these words in place of chasm: gulf, pit, ditch, wide space, hole, dark place (in the Wycliffe New Testatment). I just found the topics of "what seperates Heaven and Hell" and "can someone from Hell go to Heaven" interesting ones.
1 Out of 10
The story of Jesus healing 10 lepers and only 1 returning to give praise, glory and worship to Jesus made me think about how most of our nation is today. I looked on-line for a few stats and found a couple websites quoting studys that said 20% of Americans go to church every Sunday. What about the other 80%? I have friends who believe that they have accomplished everything in their lifes on their own with no help from God. You must have friends like this, too? To be perfectly honest, I believed this lie at some point in my life too, but now, it just seems so self centered and ridiculous.
Remember Lot's wife!
I love the look into the rapture that Jesus provides in Luke 17:30-26. The idea that we will be "taken" someday is exhilarating! But we should also heed the warning provided here, too. Don't look back at your old life. "Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it."
Hello? Hello? Anybody home? Huh? Think, McFly. Think!
Is anyone else wondering why the Disciples sometimes have a problem understanding what Jesus is telling them? In Luke 18:31-34 Jesus straight out tells them what is going to happen... and they don't understand?
Wrap it Up!!!
There are so many notes that I wrote down in my Bible that I didn't journal about. There is always just so much that can be discussed. I'm really loving this NT40 study!!!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Day 3 - Unashamed
You Hurt Marys Feelings...
The story where Jesus is told that his mother and brother are wanting to see him and he says that all who put God's word into practice are his mother and brothers has always made me wonder if Mary and his brothers had their feelings hurt. I understand what Jesus is saying, but if you put yourself in Mary's shoes, don't you think you might be a little distraught, if not jarred, by this comment. Mary must have had an immense amount of pride for her son. And to be told that she is no more important to him than others probably cut deep. Again, I understand what he is saying and I don't think that Jesus should show any special favor to Mary or his brother, but I'd bet she was hurt by this.
Legion
I wish I had a special font for that word... "Legion!!!!" It would look like cracked, rumbling stone in all CAPS... "LEGION!!!!" This exorcism is one of my favorites. What caught my attention this time, though, was the part where the demons "begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss." I took "Abyss" to mean Hell (I could be wrong in this) and found it intriguing that even demons don't want to go to hell! During my research, I did read that the Abyss is a spiritual and physical, DEEP, HOT place on earth. So maybe it isn't hell. And if that's the case, then I guess it makes sense that the demons would rather be out wreaking havoc on the surface of the earth than deep down inside it. Still, best exorcism in the Bible.
http://www.keyway.ca/htm2003/20030424.htm
Unashamed
Twice during today's readings Jesus mentions that we should not be ashamed of our belief in Christ. In both passages he basically says if you are ashamed of me (or disown me), then I will be ashamed of you (or disown you) when you come before the angels of God. I can remember growing up not being very public with my faith. In school, it didn't seem to be the "popular" thing to do. I also didn't have a place like Journey where students had a place to gather with other believers and be encouraged and lifted up by them and the staff. I often wonder if I was connected to a place like that, if my teen age years might have been different. Regardless, my faith is strong now and I have no problems with being public about my faith. At my work, I have sort of become known as the "religious guy" and this doesn't bother me in the slightest. I try hard to be a good witness and to shine the light for all to see. I'm not perfect at it, but I'm trying.
A Little Harsh
Question, when Jesus says to his disciples "You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you and put up with you?", do you think it's a little harsh. It seems out of character for Jesus to say something like this.
Burn 'em Down!!!
"Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" First of all, did the disciples really believe that THEY could call down fire from heaven? Second, I think it's funny that these men are still holding onto the old beliefs of how God was in the Old Testament instead of learning from the example that Jesus is setting right there before their eyes. Jesus is healing, casting out demons and teaching, not burning down towns. I wonder what exactly Jesus did to "rebuke" them? Maybe he just turned away from them, looked down and shook his head.
Few Things Are Needed
The story in the reading today where a woman, Martha, asks Jesus to tell her sister Mary to help her make preparations instead of sitting at his feet listening to what he says reminds me a little of my wife. My wife is always fitting time in to clean this, or organize that, or pick up this, or put the dishes away instead of doing what needs to be done at the time. For example, we could be 20 minutes late for church and she'll be cleaning up instead of putting her shoes on or helping with getting the kids ready so we can leave. It just seems like she puts such a high emphasis on cleaning that it overtakes other things in her life. Ask her. She'll admit to it.
Thoughts AND Actions
Luke 11:34-36 jumped off the page for me today. "When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness." To me, this was speaking of sinful thoughts that are a result of what the eye sees. Coveting being the prime example of this. Wanting what others have, or fantasizing about what others have, leads to an unhealthy eye. In today's world of high speed media and advertising everywhere, I believe this is a big problem for most people. We must remember this and try our hardest to not only keep our actions blameless, but also our thoughts.
The Rich, with a Qualifier!
I found another quote from Jesus that speaks about the rich (indirectly), but this time with a qualifier. This time he says "This is how it will be with those who store up things for themselves but are not rich toward God." So in this quote, it's okay to "store up things" as long as you are "rich toward God". You might find it odd that I'm focusing so much on these comments about the rich, but they have just struck me as odd and I'm trying to understand. So I'll continue to journal about these as I come across them.
Wrap It Up!!
Another good day of reading, but I think I'm wearing down from waking up at 5am. I'm going to sleep in tomorrow and try to do my reading during my lunch hour instead of first thing in the morning. Maybe if I can sleep in one day, I'll feel better about getting up early on Friday. I might also be coming down with a sinus infection or my allergies are just acting up alot. I haven't felt tip-top this week. However, more Luke tomorrow. I'm loving the dialogue we're having in the Google Group too. These 40 days are going to be a lot of fun.
The story where Jesus is told that his mother and brother are wanting to see him and he says that all who put God's word into practice are his mother and brothers has always made me wonder if Mary and his brothers had their feelings hurt. I understand what Jesus is saying, but if you put yourself in Mary's shoes, don't you think you might be a little distraught, if not jarred, by this comment. Mary must have had an immense amount of pride for her son. And to be told that she is no more important to him than others probably cut deep. Again, I understand what he is saying and I don't think that Jesus should show any special favor to Mary or his brother, but I'd bet she was hurt by this.
Legion
I wish I had a special font for that word... "Legion!!!!" It would look like cracked, rumbling stone in all CAPS... "LEGION!!!!" This exorcism is one of my favorites. What caught my attention this time, though, was the part where the demons "begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss." I took "Abyss" to mean Hell (I could be wrong in this) and found it intriguing that even demons don't want to go to hell! During my research, I did read that the Abyss is a spiritual and physical, DEEP, HOT place on earth. So maybe it isn't hell. And if that's the case, then I guess it makes sense that the demons would rather be out wreaking havoc on the surface of the earth than deep down inside it. Still, best exorcism in the Bible.
http://www.keyway.ca/htm2003/20030424.htm
Unashamed
Twice during today's readings Jesus mentions that we should not be ashamed of our belief in Christ. In both passages he basically says if you are ashamed of me (or disown me), then I will be ashamed of you (or disown you) when you come before the angels of God. I can remember growing up not being very public with my faith. In school, it didn't seem to be the "popular" thing to do. I also didn't have a place like Journey where students had a place to gather with other believers and be encouraged and lifted up by them and the staff. I often wonder if I was connected to a place like that, if my teen age years might have been different. Regardless, my faith is strong now and I have no problems with being public about my faith. At my work, I have sort of become known as the "religious guy" and this doesn't bother me in the slightest. I try hard to be a good witness and to shine the light for all to see. I'm not perfect at it, but I'm trying.
A Little Harsh
Question, when Jesus says to his disciples "You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you and put up with you?", do you think it's a little harsh. It seems out of character for Jesus to say something like this.
Burn 'em Down!!!
"Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" First of all, did the disciples really believe that THEY could call down fire from heaven? Second, I think it's funny that these men are still holding onto the old beliefs of how God was in the Old Testament instead of learning from the example that Jesus is setting right there before their eyes. Jesus is healing, casting out demons and teaching, not burning down towns. I wonder what exactly Jesus did to "rebuke" them? Maybe he just turned away from them, looked down and shook his head.
Few Things Are Needed
The story in the reading today where a woman, Martha, asks Jesus to tell her sister Mary to help her make preparations instead of sitting at his feet listening to what he says reminds me a little of my wife. My wife is always fitting time in to clean this, or organize that, or pick up this, or put the dishes away instead of doing what needs to be done at the time. For example, we could be 20 minutes late for church and she'll be cleaning up instead of putting her shoes on or helping with getting the kids ready so we can leave. It just seems like she puts such a high emphasis on cleaning that it overtakes other things in her life. Ask her. She'll admit to it.
Thoughts AND Actions
Luke 11:34-36 jumped off the page for me today. "When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness." To me, this was speaking of sinful thoughts that are a result of what the eye sees. Coveting being the prime example of this. Wanting what others have, or fantasizing about what others have, leads to an unhealthy eye. In today's world of high speed media and advertising everywhere, I believe this is a big problem for most people. We must remember this and try our hardest to not only keep our actions blameless, but also our thoughts.
The Rich, with a Qualifier!
I found another quote from Jesus that speaks about the rich (indirectly), but this time with a qualifier. This time he says "This is how it will be with those who store up things for themselves but are not rich toward God." So in this quote, it's okay to "store up things" as long as you are "rich toward God". You might find it odd that I'm focusing so much on these comments about the rich, but they have just struck me as odd and I'm trying to understand. So I'll continue to journal about these as I come across them.
Wrap It Up!!
Another good day of reading, but I think I'm wearing down from waking up at 5am. I'm going to sleep in tomorrow and try to do my reading during my lunch hour instead of first thing in the morning. Maybe if I can sleep in one day, I'll feel better about getting up early on Friday. I might also be coming down with a sinus infection or my allergies are just acting up alot. I haven't felt tip-top this week. However, more Luke tomorrow. I'm loving the dialogue we're having in the Google Group too. These 40 days are going to be a lot of fun.
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