Week 20 (The Revelation) – Day 3: The Throne of Heaven

Day 98 – The Throne of Heaven – Revelation 4:1-7:17

This is a rather lengthy section, regarding the worship occurring at this very moment in heaven.  How would our life perspective change remembering the awesome worship, which as this passage notes, affects the world each and every moment?

In Christ,

Randy

Week 20 (The Revelation) – Day 2: Messages to the Churches

Day 97 – Messages to the Churches – Revelation 2:1-3:22

This section is actually in the form of a letter, with messages to seven churches.  Indication is given that some form of persecution is about to strike.  Encouragement is given, as well as critiques of issues facing each congregation.

As you read through the various issues, what seems relevant for today’s congregations? 

In Christ,

Randy

Week 20 (The Revelation) – Day 1: A Voice & a Vision

Day 96 – A Voice & a Vision – Revelation 1:1-:20

The final week, and what a week it is.  No book in the Bible has caused so much misunderstanding as the Book of Revelation.  Obviously we can’t cover all issues, but I’ll try to hit a few highlights.  This past week we’ve seen the man who “calculated” the date of rapture (As I’ve noted previously, the “rapture” itself involves rather dubious at best interpretation of scripture.)  Thousands of people were duped into crazy actions, and overall, many took the opportunity to paint all followers of Christ as a bunch of loons.  We may be, but not due to the failed calculations of one “prophet” in his own mind.  The point is, our society seems fascinated by this book, yet understands very little of the basic message.

I wanted to quickly discuss the literary genre, which is key to understanding any text.  First, this book is part of a long line of Jewish material fitting the apocalyptic (Greek for revelation) genre.  In fact a Jewish apocalypse (4^th Esdras, which is found in 2^nd Esdras, chapters 3-14 – yes confusing) which came out at almost exactly the same time as this book.  The purpose of this genre is important. This type of writing was meant to give encouragement to suffering faith communities.  It was to bolster faith that no matter the current situation, God would prevail in the end.  So the genre is designed to give hope.  This is the very opposite of the fear seems to drive the fascination.

The first chapter also reveals another central aspect.  Jesus is the main actor.  Many link the book not to Christ but to the “anti-christ”.  Ironically, that term is not even used in the book.

The book is also filled with symbolic language mainly driven by metaphors.  Notice how many times the word like is used, five times in vv 12-16 for example.  Much of this book contains symbolism which we need to understand form the perspective of the time written, then move forward to our own time.  Poring over the details without understanding the context of the time written can cause one to miss the big picture of this book. 

I close with some sage words from David DeSilva regarding how to read Revelation:  “More than needing to be interpreted, Revelation interprets the reality of the audience, showing … the true character…, the true struggle…, the true stakes…, the true nature…” of the world around us.  (Introduction to the New Testament (IVP Academic) p. 889)

In Christ,

Randy

Break before Revelation

Grace and Peace in the name of Christ,

I can not blog over the next week.  I am not even sure I will have internet access.  In light of this, I will not begin the final week until the evening of May 29th.  This is an unfortuante time to stop with just the Book of Revelation to cover.  At one time many weeks ago, I had a dreamed I could post the last week before I left but events have overtaken me.

So you can continue on your own and read my posts after, or take a breather just before the finish line.

Randy

Week 19 (The Apostles’ Teachings) – Day 5: Love One Another

Day 95 – Love One Another – 1 John 3:11-4:21

The final reading of the week takes us to a book focused on love.  We often study the commands to love one another in this book.  And this is important.  But we may miss the larger focus of the book’s concern with love.  This is the larger focus: that God loved us, as revealed through the actions of his Son, Jesus Christ.  If our love for others is based on anything else than God’s love, it will fail.  I like the stick drawing that I keep in my head regarding this issue.  It consists of three stick figures.  Two people, with a third standing in between: Jesus.  Draw a line connecting the two outside figures.  We love through Jesus.  What if you saw Jesus standing in front of everyone you see each day? 

In Christ,

Randy

Week 19 (The Apostles’ Teachings) – Day 4: Faith & Works

Day 94 – Faith & Works – James 1:1-2:26

The Book of James can push Protestants due to its words regarding works.  The early Reformation was not even sure that the book should be in the Bible.   

The verses we read today and the entire book are tied to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:28).  Many themes from that teaching are found in James.  In addition, the book has ties back to Wisdom Literature from the Old Testament.  This literature is concerned with tying every day experiences to our relationship with God.  A summation of Wisdom is “‘Truly, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.’” (Job 28:28) 

The main point comes down to this: faith will exhibit the working of the Holy Spirit in our life.  Works do not earn us anything.  But actions are an indication that one’s life is moving in a new direction.  Actions indicate that the Holy Spirit is transforming us.  Even works, as with faith, are not our own doing, but God’s gift to us. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

I put some references in this so that those who struggle with this issue may cross reference scripture with other scripture. 

How is your life exhibiting the ongoing transformation by the Holy Spirit? 

In Christ,

Randy

Week 19 (The Apostles’ Teachings) – Day 3: A Living Hope

Day 93 – A Living Hope – 1 Peter 1:1-1:12

I apologize about not posting last night.  My body is still not ready for a 12 hour day. 

Many of the recent readings could be an entire week themselves and today’s passage from 1 Peter is no exception.  Once again I’ll highlight a few aspects:

Foremost we see again the idea of resurrection life:  By his [God] great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… (v 1:3) 

Peter then goes onto to describe some of the mysteries of this life, much of which I merely mention for your further thought.  First, this new life has both an element of change in the present, while total fulfillment is only possible in the future.  There is an element of living life not separated from the world, nor absorbed by the world.  And finally we see this great idea that you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people… (v 2:9)  Throughout these verses we see holiness defined by how we act in community.  We have tended to turn holiness into personal piety, but this issue is really defined by our actions within community.  After all, is not the one we call holy, the Triune God, defined made known to us through the community of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

In Christ,

Randy

Week 19 (The Apostles’ Teachings) – Day 2: A New Creation in Christ

Day 92 – A New Creation in Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:1-6:2

As the Spirit of Christ works within us, we are truly a new creation.  Our life is in transformation from our death in sin to the new life.  A great description of the result is given by the words: For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  (2 Cor 4:6)  The Triune God has loved us from the very beginning and will to the very end.

This new creation has one goal.  Just as we are reconciled through Christ to God we are called to be reconciled to others.  This is the goal of living the new life.  What can you do to reconcile with those from whom you are alienated?

In Christ,

Randy

Week 19 (The Apostles’ Teachings) – Day 1: The Most Excellent Way

Day 91 – The Most Excellent Way – 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

This passage may be one of the most well known passages in all of scripture.  Rare is the wedding which does not use this passage either as the main text or at least a reading.  Although the context for Paul’s writing was not meant for romantic love.  (An interesting issue is that there are few passages which really fit for weddings.)

What can be added to Paul’s words regarding love?  The one thing which may be useful is that this is really a description of God’s love for us.  This love is the basis for the community of faith. 

How would life look, remembering that our act of loving others was our enduring legacy?

In Christ,

Randy

Blogspot Back Up!

Blogspot was having a problem the last day or so.  I was unable to post Day 90 at the normal time and the removed Day 89.  Both posts are now up.  Sorry for the inconvience.

Week 18 (Paul to the Leaders) – Day 5: The Coming of the Lord

Day 90 – The Coming of the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

This letter from Paul to the church in Thessalonica is probably the earliest writing of the New Testament.  The followers of Jesus were suffering for their faith.  Note that this suffering was not governmental persecution but more along the lines of social ostracizing.  Friends and neighbors no longer would interact with those following Jesus.

So Paul discusses the great hope to come.  Jesus will return to right all wrongs.  Their suffering will turn to joy.  This is our great hope as well.

We will look at Revelation in a couple of weeks.  Start to think now about viewing the return of Christ not as a time of fear, but as a time of hope.

An interesting sidebar is that these particular verses are used to justify belief in the “rapture”, which is the basis of the Left Behind series of books and movies.  This idea may make a lot of money but does not match the description found here. 

In Christ,

Randy

Week 18 (Paul to the Leaders) – Day 4: All Scripture is God-breathed

Day 89 – All Scripture is God-breathed – 2 Timothy 3:10-4:8

We are reaching the end of instructions passed on to the next generation.  Today has a few items of focus.

First we have the clearest statement about what scripture is and what its uses are: All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.  We could talk for quite some time about what exactly is meant by inspired (which is translated by some as God-breathed, which is a stretch.)

I like the words from our Directory for Worship which read:  The church confesses the Scriptures to be the Word of God written, witnessing to God’s self-revelation.  Where that Word is proclaimed, Jesus Christ the Living Word is present by the inward witness of the Holy Spirit. (W-2.2001) The central purpose of reading the Bible is to know the living Word, Jesus, and how to follow him. 

The final section is also interesting.  Traditions where testimonies are prevalent tend to focus on the salvation aspect:  I was a sinner and Jesus saved me.  This testimony is different.  It is about what life is like when the Holy Spirit is transforming us.  In line with other passages, God doesn’t call us to an easy life.  The journey, as described here, is full of suffering and danger, all in the service of the Lord.  This is a tough, but consistent, message to hear.  One we may not like to hear as the world calls us to safety and comfort.

In Christ,

Randy

Week 18 (Paul to the Leaders) – Day 3: Good Soldiers of Christ

Day 88 – Good Soldiers of Christ – 2 Timothy 2:1-26

Three items stand out for me in this chapter. 

First, read the metaphorical language and see its power.  This is rich language meant not in the literal sense.  The term good soldier of Christ Jesus has led to behaviors leading to historical events which are not very Chrsit-like.  The key is to note the effect of the metaphorical words like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  This metaphor is tied directly before to the word suffering, not violence or power.

Second is this issue of suffering.  Over and over, we are told that suffering is part of being a leader.  The prosperity gospel is not something easily found in scriptures.

Finally, we are exhorted to minister rather than become tied up in idle speculation and controversy.  Often this is a temptation at a personal, congregational and denominational level. 

Which metaphor speaks to you and why?

In Christ,

Randy

Week 18 (Paul to the Leaders) – Day 2: The Love of Money

Day 87 – The Love of Money – 1 Timothy 6:3-21

The challenge of desiring wealth is discussed many places in scripture.  When Jesus speaks about ethical issues, he places more emphasis on this than any other issue.  So it should be no surprise that the issue has a great deal of attention in other parts of scripture as well.

This is a challenge for our society.  Even the person earning an average amount of money is rich be worldly standards.  Most of us reading this are part of the top 10% wealthiest in the world.  Yet we tend to focus on what we do not have versus what God has given us.  A good friend who spent time in Afghanistan notes that an entire village would live in his house here.  It is by no means an extravagant house.

The drive for wealth distorts us in many ways.  Many of the economic problems of the last couple of years can be traced to financiers who, while already making huge amounts of money, wanted more.  Money is a never ending desire.  In some manner, just like any other addiction, it almost seems the more one has, the more the desire grows. 

Scripture does not condemn the wealthy, as much as ask that it be used in Godly ways.  Examples of this are found in Acts, and here we see teachings laid out as well:  As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share.. (vv 17-18)

The challenge of money is the greatest issue faced by our society.  Remembering that we are truly wealthy in comparison to the world, what challenge is do you face with these words?

In Christ,

Randy

Week 18 (Paul to the Leaders) – Day 1: Elders & Deacons

Day 86 – Elders & Deacons – 1 Timothy 3:1-16

This chapter lays out the qualities of leadership within the church.  It is interesting that these same qualities are valued within family life as well.  This language is no mistake.  These instructions are written so that: you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. (v 15)

Take a look at the list.  What qualities of leadership do you recognize within yourself?  What are areas to ask for God’s strength?

In Christ,

Randy

Week 17 (Paul to the Churches) – Day 5: The Supremacy of Christ

Day 85 – The Supremacy of Christ – Colossians 1:1-23

As with all of Paul’s letters, understanding the issue involved is often helpful in understanding his letters.  This often also explains why on issues he may appear to contradict himself.  But for example, with regards to Jesus’ return, some congregations did not think Jesus would return, while others quit living and sat around waiting.  So Paul’s words are different to each.

The issue with the Colossians is an issue we can relate with our own culture.  The formal term is syncretism.  One can mix and match various ideas from different faiths to come up with a personal faith system.  Think of someone who is Christian but believes in reincarnation, for example.

The church in Colossae, for example, had a strong interest in angels as intermediaries with God, rather than Jesus.  Again angels are a common theme today.

This passage makes grand sweeping claims of great importance.  Jesus Christ is in charge of everything.  The Word was the creator and still holds everything together. Yet Jesus is not a ruler who causes others to suffer.  Instead he suffered for us, and continues to suffer with us.  This is the good news.

What are you tempted to add to Jesus?  Is it personal actions of piety or adding another entity on earth or above to “ensure” the gospel?  Recognize whatever it may be (or multiples thereof) and ask for Jesus to help.

In Christ,

Randy

Week 17 (Paul to the Churches) – Day 4: Rejoice in the Lord

Day 84 – Rejoice in the Lord – Philippians 4:2-9

Philippians focuses on living a life of joy in the Lord.  This is not some emotional high, but an ability to live through whatever is faced.  But this joy is in the Lord.  The Spirit of Christ lives within us and gives us joy and peace.

Pray for these gifts in your life.

In Christ,

Randy

BTW this is actually Thursday's.  I am leaving on retreat and will post the last one of the week on Saturday.

Week 17 (Paul to the Churches) – Day 3: The Armor of God

Day 83 – The Armor of God – Ephesians 6:10-20

Paul uses an easily understood metaphor to highlight the fact that we truly are in a battle.  Much more is at stake for us and everything around us, than we often think about.  There is evil in the world.  It does not have power over God.  But evil does have power in the fallen world.  Listen to the imagery used by Paul: belt of truth, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit. 

Do you ever think about the unseen world of which we are part of?  And how do we ensure that you are wearing the armor of God?

In Christ,

Randy

Week 17 (Paul to the Churches) – Day 2: The Fruit of the Spirit

Day 82 – The Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:16-6:1

People often ask: how do we live life as a Christian? 

Paul often ends his letters with an ethical discussion.  We see a list of behaviors which indicate that the Holy Spirit is working within us.  We also see opposite behaviors.  The second part of this short reading also indicates how the Spirit works through the faith community.  Mutual accountability is a major aspect of life together.

What do you see within yourself which is a fruit of the Spirit and what do you see as working against the Spirit?  Pray for help and strength.

In Christ,

Randy

Week 17 (Paul to the Churches) – Day 1: More than Conquerors

Day 81 – More than Conquerors – Romans 8:1-39

LOVE THIS CHAPTER.  If one chapter could cover the entire Bible this is it.  We read about the actions of the Triune God, with specific references to all three persons.  The entire plan of salvation is laid out as well.  We are reminded that salivation not only includes us, but creation as well.  Specific references are made to our eternal future with resurrected bodies. 

There are so many promises of God’s love but I’ll just list two: For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.  (vv 29-30)  God is in charge of the grace we receive.  We receive a series of great promises in these verses leading up to the resurrected eternal life.

Then look at the great promises:  For I [Paul] am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Nothing in all of creation, not even ourselves, can separate us from God’s love…

Any time you are discouraged in any way, or just need to remind yourself of God’s loving plan for you, read Romans 8!

In Christ,

Randy