1 Corinthians 1 & 2
The Book of 1 Corinthians was written by Paul in response to a letter by members of Chloe’s house. In this letter, Paul seeks to address reported problems involving: divisions within the church, sexual immorality, marriage, situations with idols and spiritual immaturity. For believers today, the study of this book is very impactful, as it answers questions that we come face to face with every day. Corinth was a major metropolis, and seaport. People came from all over, carrying their beliefs and ideals. Similar to today’s believers, followers back then had difficulty discerning which behavior or idea was acceptable.
In chap 1, Paul opens with confronting the growing division in the church. Paul heard that members were arguing over who they were following, whether if it was Paul himself, Apollos, Peter or Jesus Christ. Paul dispels those notions with a review of the Good News. Paul proceeded to repeatedly state Jesus Christ’s name and remind the believers of what He had done for the world. Paul took all emphasis off himself.
Next Paul dealt with the issue of worldly intelligence vs. spiritual understanding. In a broader view, Paul began addressing the issue of spiritual maturity. Starting in Chap 1 and going through Chap 2, Paul sought to explain how many people of the world will chastise and mock them. This was due to man not understanding God’s wisdom. Paul, the biblical scholar, referred back to Isa 29:14 to illustrate how God dislikes those who consider themselves “wise” and “intelligent”. Paul wanted to make clear that God’s plan could only be understood through the Holy Spirit’s actions.
Where does this leave us today? As with the believers back then, we need to be mindful of whom we are following. Much of these two chapters, in some way deals with man’s boasting. Paul first illustrates how we are to focus on Jesus not individuals who can capture a crowd. Next Paul emphasized our need to develop in spiritual maturity as opposed to worldly intelligence. By focusing on the latter, our pride will distort God’s truth and the ability for the Holy Spirit to operate in us.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
"The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever." (Isaiah 40:8)What a statement by the prophet Isaiah. The Word of God lasts forever. It not only lasts forever, but its words are true forever. Thus, every believer can trust God's Word. For example in Isaiah 40:11 the prophet states "He protects His flock like a shepherd..." We are save in the arms of God.
God's Word also states in Isaiah 40:28-31 that those who are faint and weary can receive renewed strength and soar on wings like eagles. What a promise.
Every promise in God's Word is true. Why? Because God is enthroned above the circle of the earth (Isaiah 40:21-25). He is the awesome, mighty God. "This is what the LORD, the King of Israel and its Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts, says: I am the first and I am the last. There is no God but Me." (Isaiah 44:6)
As you read God's Word this year, look for the promises He has for His children. They are for you!
God's Word also states in Isaiah 40:28-31 that those who are faint and weary can receive renewed strength and soar on wings like eagles. What a promise.
Every promise in God's Word is true. Why? Because God is enthroned above the circle of the earth (Isaiah 40:21-25). He is the awesome, mighty God. "This is what the LORD, the King of Israel and its Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts, says: I am the first and I am the last. There is no God but Me." (Isaiah 44:6)
As you read God's Word this year, look for the promises He has for His children. They are for you!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday, February 24th
I recently went over to the home of a friend who was in distress. This person was in a place in life that I have never been. The troubles that they were experiencing I have never had to deal with, at least not yet. I have to admit that as I drove out to my friend’s home, I was scared. This book of Job is getting to me. During my trek I became keenly aware of how easy I could become Eliphaz, Bildad or Zophar. When I arrived one of the first things out of my mouth was to tell my friend how terrified I was of saying the wrong thing. I did not want to presume that I knew what God was doing in my friend’s life. I have to admit that until I had this talk with my friend I was angry and indignant towards Job’s companions. But I now realize how easy it is to presume to know motives.
The harsh speech that comes out of Eliphaz’s mouth in chapter 15 is rooted in the toxic soil of presumption. Eliphaz presumes to know the heart of Job and the mind of God. He presumes that Job’s heart doesn’t fear God. “Fearing God” is what got Job noticed in the first place!!! Eliphaz asks why Job’s spirit is against God? Job’s spirit has most likely never been more “with God” that it was at that moment. Job is the child asking, “why Daddy, why” over and over again. Job doesn’t yet have an answer but he is sure that he is crying out to the only one who does have real knowledge.
Eliphaz makes a statement that, in life, wicked people writhe in pain. Wrong-o!!! A lot of wicked people have the top job, live in the biggest house, and seem to have their finger on the button. This is a fallen world. It is no longer the garden. Sometimes wicked people prosper. Often time’s good people suffer. While at my friend’s house they made the statement that they did not understand why God was being silent towards them; after all they had spent their life helping others. To be honest I didn’t have an answer. To be painfully honest it was probably best that I didn’t try to fabricate an answer.
I really think that Job would have appreciated friends who would be willing to say that they didn’t understand what was going on anymore than he did. If only they could’ve said, “Job… the only thing I know is that God is always trying to shape, mold and refine his loved ones and I know he loves you.” Maybe Job would’ve had some comfort. Instead part of Job’s affliction is that he has to defend himself against bad theology. Let’s all pause for a minute and pray that no one ever has to suffer or receive false comfort because of our poor understanding of who God is.
I think in chapter 16 that Job actually tries to minister to his friends!! He tells them that they stink as counselors. I believe that he is actually being somewhat tender to them by pointing out what could happen if roles were reversed. “I could put you guys under a blurry microscope and say the same things to you”. “Or… I could just love and encourage you with my words.” (Hint, hint, hint.)
The end of chapter 16 actually bridges in chapter 17 with Job waxing poetic about his pain. Again he ascribes his pain directly to God!! Not the absence of God but to God Himself!! I believe that within Job there is a wrestling match with two sides that are probably familiar to most of us. It goes like this; on one side God is a cruel master or… His ways may actually be higher than my ways. In the midst of your pain… which side wins? I pray that we all deal with pain understanding that His ways are higher than our ways.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Judges 12-16
In Judges 12, we find the judge Jephthah sets up a test for the tribe of Ephraim. The purpose of the test is to destermine who are true Ephraimites and who are not as it was determined that there were the fugitives of Ephraim and the true Ephraimites. I am reminded of John's first epistle
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
1 John 2:19
John clearly communicates that within the church there are those who are there but they are not in. Jesus speaks of separating the wheat from the tares and the goats from the sheep. This process that Jephthah instituted is a wonderful picture of the church in the New Testament and determining who is in and who is not.
In Judges 13 we see the miraculous birth of Samson as the Lord brought a child to Manoah and his wife. The Lord gave very specific directions as to how Samson should be raised as he would be the next judge for the nation. The nation of Israel is in the hands of the Phillistines and they are looking for deliverance.
In Judges 14, I see great tension in the scripture. I see Samson being used by God against the Phillistines; yet, I see a man who is compulsive, wants what he sees and wants it NOW, and lives by his appetites, he eats when he ought not as he eats ought of a dead carcass. The struggle that we see is a man who does good but who's character is lacking.
In Judges 15, I get even more perplexed as I see Samson losing control of his anger which ultimately brings about the loss of his wife and her father. He withdraws possibly out of grief, but then he is used by God to kill a 1,000 Phillistines with the jawbone of a donkey. Then he complains of thirst and God supplies him with water supernaturally. What a gracious response from the Lord to one who needs to learn some lessons of charcter. I am grateful that the Lord is good to me even though I need to learn some lessons as well.
In Judges 16, we see Delilah entered his life. She is encouraged by the Phillistines to find the source of his strength. He does not tell her multiple times but he ultimately gives in. The passage says,
It came about when she pressed him daily with her words and urged him, that his soul was annoyed to death. Judges 16:16
If anything this reminds us of our need to be vigilant because the enemy will always send his messenger and will never give up in our life. He ultimately gives in but the story of Samson ends with hope as he repents. He ends his life in death but in victroy as he sees more Phillistines die in his death than saw die through all of the fighting of his life. It is never too late to turn around and be obedient to our gracious Lord.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
1 John 2:19
John clearly communicates that within the church there are those who are there but they are not in. Jesus speaks of separating the wheat from the tares and the goats from the sheep. This process that Jephthah instituted is a wonderful picture of the church in the New Testament and determining who is in and who is not.
In Judges 13 we see the miraculous birth of Samson as the Lord brought a child to Manoah and his wife. The Lord gave very specific directions as to how Samson should be raised as he would be the next judge for the nation. The nation of Israel is in the hands of the Phillistines and they are looking for deliverance.
In Judges 14, I see great tension in the scripture. I see Samson being used by God against the Phillistines; yet, I see a man who is compulsive, wants what he sees and wants it NOW, and lives by his appetites, he eats when he ought not as he eats ought of a dead carcass. The struggle that we see is a man who does good but who's character is lacking.
In Judges 15, I get even more perplexed as I see Samson losing control of his anger which ultimately brings about the loss of his wife and her father. He withdraws possibly out of grief, but then he is used by God to kill a 1,000 Phillistines with the jawbone of a donkey. Then he complains of thirst and God supplies him with water supernaturally. What a gracious response from the Lord to one who needs to learn some lessons of charcter. I am grateful that the Lord is good to me even though I need to learn some lessons as well.
In Judges 16, we see Delilah entered his life. She is encouraged by the Phillistines to find the source of his strength. He does not tell her multiple times but he ultimately gives in. The passage says,
It came about when she pressed him daily with her words and urged him, that his soul was annoyed to death. Judges 16:16
If anything this reminds us of our need to be vigilant because the enemy will always send his messenger and will never give up in our life. He ultimately gives in but the story of Samson ends with hope as he repents. He ends his life in death but in victroy as he sees more Phillistines die in his death than saw die through all of the fighting of his life. It is never too late to turn around and be obedient to our gracious Lord.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Genesis 28-31
How are you doing with your daily readings? Are you learning a lot? Are you striving to keep up with the rigorous daily reading schedule? It can be difficult at points; life seems to happen and steer you away from your goal of finishing the whole Bible this year.
If you're like many people trying for the first time to read through the whole Bible, you started the year with a zeal to learn and grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ by reading His word all the way through.
And, if you're like many people trying for the first time to read through the whole Bible, you're at a point where you have missed more days than you've hit; you're behind in your reading plan.
What now?
GRACE
Grace allowed you to start the reading plan, Grace will allow you to continue. There is nothing greater in the world than to know God intimately. And the only way to know Him truly is through His Word He has given us.
So, forget the past. Jump back in. Begin again today afresh in your journey of reading through the Bible in a year with us at NorthWoods.
You won't regret it. You'll find joy and peace; hope and Grace.
Blessings,
bp
If you're like many people trying for the first time to read through the whole Bible, you started the year with a zeal to learn and grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ by reading His word all the way through.
And, if you're like many people trying for the first time to read through the whole Bible, you're at a point where you have missed more days than you've hit; you're behind in your reading plan.
What now?
GRACE
Grace allowed you to start the reading plan, Grace will allow you to continue. There is nothing greater in the world than to know God intimately. And the only way to know Him truly is through His Word He has given us.
So, forget the past. Jump back in. Begin again today afresh in your journey of reading through the Bible in a year with us at NorthWoods.
You won't regret it. You'll find joy and peace; hope and Grace.
Blessings,
bp
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011
Romans 15 & 16
In these chapters Paul concludes his letter to the people of Rome. Throughout this letter Paul addressed the following concepts:
Theological Perspective:
1) Man’s innate nature to sin
2) How salvation is obtained through faith in Jesus Christ
3) How faith in Jesus allows believers to be reconciled to God.
4) How laws, rituals and ethnicity do not bring about salvation.
5) Believers are to spread the Good News and live their new life to exemplify Christ.
6) Through God’s Mercy and Grace; we are blended into his family.
Daily Living Perspective:
1) Commit ourselves totally to God
2) Humility
3) Use gifts God has given us to reach others.
4) Respect authority
5) Sincerely LOVE your neighborhood
In Chap.15 & 16, Paul gives his final instructions. He encouraged everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, to live in order to please one another. In doing this, everyone is to give praise to God’s glory; for fulfilling his covenant to Abraham’s people and sending Jesus to die for our sins. Paul also warned the believers about those who would cause division and present false teaching. He gave encouragement to remain obedient and wise to what is right and remain innocent from wrong doing. His final encouragement was his statement about God soon crushing Satan under their feet. This is an image that even Christians today should hold on too. Even when things are at their worst, the God of Peace is victorious over Satan’s chaos, (CRUSHED).
In these chapters Paul concludes his letter to the people of Rome. Throughout this letter Paul addressed the following concepts:
Theological Perspective:
1) Man’s innate nature to sin
2) How salvation is obtained through faith in Jesus Christ
3) How faith in Jesus allows believers to be reconciled to God.
4) How laws, rituals and ethnicity do not bring about salvation.
5) Believers are to spread the Good News and live their new life to exemplify Christ.
6) Through God’s Mercy and Grace; we are blended into his family.
Daily Living Perspective:
1) Commit ourselves totally to God
2) Humility
3) Use gifts God has given us to reach others.
4) Respect authority
5) Sincerely LOVE your neighborhood
In Chap.15 & 16, Paul gives his final instructions. He encouraged everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, to live in order to please one another. In doing this, everyone is to give praise to God’s glory; for fulfilling his covenant to Abraham’s people and sending Jesus to die for our sins. Paul also warned the believers about those who would cause division and present false teaching. He gave encouragement to remain obedient and wise to what is right and remain innocent from wrong doing. His final encouragement was his statement about God soon crushing Satan under their feet. This is an image that even Christians today should hold on too. Even when things are at their worst, the God of Peace is victorious over Satan’s chaos, (CRUSHED).
Friday, February 18, 2011
Saturday, January 19
I don't know about anyone else, but I know that I love to be around children who love God. I love talking to kids and students that have learned something new about God. I love hearing young people share about how God has changed their lives.
In Matthew 18, we see a glimpse into the relationship that occurs between God and children. Jesus refers to children as the "greatest in the kingdom of God." This is not because adults aren't amazing creations of the Lord. It is because children are able to see God through humble eyes and minds. Jesus states that to see the kingdom of heaven we must humble ourselves like a child. I think it would be wise to spend more time looking at God through the lives of children.
As the chapter continues we see warnings of steering others in the wrong direction, away from God. We are told of the danger of causing people to stumble. As well, we see warnings and measures that we should take if we ourselves stumble.
Overall, I think that we see this amazing concept of how we must live our lives. We must be like a child, we must steer people towards God, and we place God first no matter the cost! These basic understandings can take the different shapes in different peoples lives but it is something we must all address in our lives in order to grow spiritually!
In Matthew 18, we see a glimpse into the relationship that occurs between God and children. Jesus refers to children as the "greatest in the kingdom of God." This is not because adults aren't amazing creations of the Lord. It is because children are able to see God through humble eyes and minds. Jesus states that to see the kingdom of heaven we must humble ourselves like a child. I think it would be wise to spend more time looking at God through the lives of children.
As the chapter continues we see warnings of steering others in the wrong direction, away from God. We are told of the danger of causing people to stumble. As well, we see warnings and measures that we should take if we ourselves stumble.
Overall, I think that we see this amazing concept of how we must live our lives. We must be like a child, we must steer people towards God, and we place God first no matter the cost! These basic understandings can take the different shapes in different peoples lives but it is something we must all address in our lives in order to grow spiritually!
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