To what can we compare the Christian life?
A walk in a garden.
An afternoon nap.
A church picnic.
Ephesians tells us to put on armor because we are at war.
Helmet, shield, sword, and breastplate because we have an enemy.
Arrows are being fired in our direction.
Arrows hurt.
Arrows pierce.
Arrows kill.
"Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Ephesians 6:16 NKJV)
Today, remember that we are at war.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
he likes us
God loves us (John 3:16).
He also likes us.
"...he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure..." (Ephesians 1:5 NIV)
He not only saved us because he loves us, but he also adopted us because he likes us.
He also likes us.
"...he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure..." (Ephesians 1:5 NIV)
He not only saved us because he loves us, but he also adopted us because he likes us.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
The Apostle Paul was a man of prayer and mighty miracles.
"God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and thier illnesses were cured.." (Acts 19:11 NIV)
However, sometimes God said "No" to Paul's prayers.
"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take [the thorn] away from. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
Sometimes God's power is demonstrated in unanswered prayer.
"God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and thier illnesses were cured.." (Acts 19:11 NIV)
However, sometimes God said "No" to Paul's prayers.
"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take [the thorn] away from. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
Sometimes God's power is demonstrated in unanswered prayer.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Don't forget to recycle
Well here's the goal for the day, it's a big one.
"...and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5)
Every thought that is unlike Christ is to be thrown into recycle bin.
Every selfish, prideful, harmful, envious, jealous, angry, unforgiving, greedy, stingy, negative thought.
I'm gonna need a bigger bin.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Trinity
Christians believe in the Trinity.
God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Divinity of the Father and Son is not difficult to find in Scripture.
(Gospel of John especially)
The Divinity of the Holy Spirit is a little less obvious.
However today we read:
"And we... are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." ( 2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV emphasis added)
God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Divinity of the Father and Son is not difficult to find in Scripture.
(Gospel of John especially)
The Divinity of the Holy Spirit is a little less obvious.
However today we read:
"And we... are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." ( 2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV emphasis added)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Temple
The Temple was a large building made of massive stones.
The Temple was place of worship.
A place for fellowship with God.
A place of sacrifice.
A place of music.
A place of joy.
The Temple is still around; however, it is no longer made of stone and it's no longer located in Jerusalem.
The Temple is now located in the mirror. The Temple is wearing tennis shoes, jeans, and glasses.
"Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit" 1 Corinthians tells us.
A place to meet with God 24/7. Eat w/ God. A place of Music. Joy. Sacrifice. Worship.
The Temple was place of worship.
A place for fellowship with God.
A place of sacrifice.
A place of music.
A place of joy.
The Temple is still around; however, it is no longer made of stone and it's no longer located in Jerusalem.
The Temple is now located in the mirror. The Temple is wearing tennis shoes, jeans, and glasses.
"Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit" 1 Corinthians tells us.
A place to meet with God 24/7. Eat w/ God. A place of Music. Joy. Sacrifice. Worship.
Monday, July 19, 2010
understanding
Is Christianity hard to understand or easy?
Sin separates us from God. All have sinned.
Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead to put us in right standing with God.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV)
"But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (2:14)
Sin separates us from God. All have sinned.
Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead to put us in right standing with God.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV)
"But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (2:14)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
more than saved
Are you saved?
That's lingo for asking if someone is a Christian.
It is biblical (Romans 5:9) But there's more.
A fireman can run into a burning building and "save" a family he's never met before.
A doctor can perfom an emergency surgery on a patient and "save" him. After the surgery, the doctor goes to lunch and never talks to or sees the man again.
It is possible to save someone and not even like them.
God saved us through Christ, but even more than that, we are also reconciled to him.
Friends reconcile. Couples reconcile. God and sinners reconcile through Jesus.
That means we are going to be spending a long time together.
That's what He wants.
That's lingo for asking if someone is a Christian.
It is biblical (Romans 5:9) But there's more.
A fireman can run into a burning building and "save" a family he's never met before.
A doctor can perfom an emergency surgery on a patient and "save" him. After the surgery, the doctor goes to lunch and never talks to or sees the man again.
It is possible to save someone and not even like them.
God saved us through Christ, but even more than that, we are also reconciled to him.
Friends reconcile. Couples reconcile. God and sinners reconcile through Jesus.
That means we are going to be spending a long time together.
That's what He wants.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
atheism
All men believe in God. Always have always will.
Deep down all men know that God exists.
However, instead of worshiping Him, they "suppress the truth by their wickedness" (Romans 1:18 (NIV)
"..Men are without excuse" (1:20) because of the beauty and complexity of creation.
"For although they knew God, they neighter glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him" (1:21)
"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie" (1:25)
"Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind..." (1:28)
Apparently, God doesn't believe in atheist.
Deep down all men know that God exists.
However, instead of worshiping Him, they "suppress the truth by their wickedness" (Romans 1:18 (NIV)
"..Men are without excuse" (1:20) because of the beauty and complexity of creation.
"For although they knew God, they neighter glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him" (1:21)
"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie" (1:25)
"Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind..." (1:28)
Apparently, God doesn't believe in atheist.
Monday, July 12, 2010
gospel
Paul has an opportunity to preach before the governor Felix, a powerful and influential man.
With this kind of opportunity how would he present the gospel?
a) How to have a happy life?
b) How to be rich & healthy?
c) Positive thinking?
"...He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid..."
Before people can appreciate the good news of Jesus they must be aware of the bad news.
God's righteousness. Our lack of self-conrol=sin. The Judgment.
"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!" -Apostle Paul (Rom. 7:24-25)
With this kind of opportunity how would he present the gospel?
a) How to have a happy life?
b) How to be rich & healthy?
c) Positive thinking?
"...He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid..."
Before people can appreciate the good news of Jesus they must be aware of the bad news.
God's righteousness. Our lack of self-conrol=sin. The Judgment.
"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!" -Apostle Paul (Rom. 7:24-25)
Friday, July 9, 2010
passing the torch
Peter has been on center stage from Acts 2-12.
However, Paul is taking over the lead role in the story.
In today's reading the Gentiles are coming to faith.
Later Paul will call this a mystery.
Abraham's seed is becoming a blessing to all people's through the Gospel.
However, Paul is taking over the lead role in the story.
In today's reading the Gentiles are coming to faith.
Later Paul will call this a mystery.
Abraham's seed is becoming a blessing to all people's through the Gospel.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Domino's, DQ, and Acts
I am very thankful for Peter's vision in Acts 10.
Yesterday I had pepperoni pizza for lunch and a bacon cheeseburger for dinner.
Yesterday I had pepperoni pizza for lunch and a bacon cheeseburger for dinner.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Jesus & Moses
Moses was considered to be one of the greatest men of O.T.
"We are disciples of Moses" the Pharisees announced (Jn 9:28)
Moses prophesied that God would raise up a prophet just like him, and anyone who does not listen to this prophet will be cut off from God's people.
In the N.T., Stephen stands up and declares that Jesus is the one Moses was talking about.
But how is Moses like Jesus?
Jesus did not part the Red Sea, bring down commandments from Mt. Sinai, or confront Pharaoh.
So why did Stephen say Jesus is the prophet just like Moses?
His answer is surprising.
"The is the same Moses whom they had rejected..." (Acts 7:35)
"But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him..."(Acts 7:39)
Jesus and Moses both sent for salvation. Both rejected by their people.
"We are disciples of Moses" the Pharisees announced (Jn 9:28)
Moses prophesied that God would raise up a prophet just like him, and anyone who does not listen to this prophet will be cut off from God's people.
In the N.T., Stephen stands up and declares that Jesus is the one Moses was talking about.
But how is Moses like Jesus?
Jesus did not part the Red Sea, bring down commandments from Mt. Sinai, or confront Pharaoh.
So why did Stephen say Jesus is the prophet just like Moses?
His answer is surprising.
"The is the same Moses whom they had rejected..." (Acts 7:35)
"But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him..."(Acts 7:39)
Jesus and Moses both sent for salvation. Both rejected by their people.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The change
What comes to mind when you think of Peter?
Walking on water? His confession of faith? Baptizing 3000 people?
I think about his denial of Christ 3x
"Jesus" --"Nope doesn't ring a bell". "Never heard of him." "I promise, I don't know him."
The book of Acts gives us a very different picture of Peter.
Peter is now shockingly bold.
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter....they were astonished" (Acts 4:13 ESV)
What's gotten into Peter?
A motivational seminar? A new hairstyle? Vitamins?
The difference is Peter is now "filled with the Holy Spirit" (4:8)
Walking on water? His confession of faith? Baptizing 3000 people?
I think about his denial of Christ 3x
"Jesus" --"Nope doesn't ring a bell". "Never heard of him." "I promise, I don't know him."
The book of Acts gives us a very different picture of Peter.
Peter is now shockingly bold.
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter....they were astonished" (Acts 4:13 ESV)
What's gotten into Peter?
A motivational seminar? A new hairstyle? Vitamins?
The difference is Peter is now "filled with the Holy Spirit" (4:8)
Monday, July 5, 2010
acts
That's an unusual name for a book: Acts.
What does it mean? Acts chronicles the early church.
Some Bibles might say the Acts of the apostles.
The first couple chapters could be titled the Acts of the Holy Spirit.
Look how prominent the Holy Spirit is in Ch.'s 1 and 2.
The disciples will be baptized in the Holy Spirit (1:5)
The Holy Spirit will provide them with power (1:8)
Scripture is inspired by the Spirit (1:16)
The Spirit enabled them to speak in tongues (2:5)
God has given Jesus the Holy Spirit (2:33)
Jesus pours out the Holy Spirit (2:33)
When people are baptized and repent they receive the Holy Spirit (2:38)
The Spirit is a gift (2:38)
The apostles are becoming just like Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
The same Holy Spirit we receive today.
What does it mean? Acts chronicles the early church.
Some Bibles might say the Acts of the apostles.
The first couple chapters could be titled the Acts of the Holy Spirit.
Look how prominent the Holy Spirit is in Ch.'s 1 and 2.
The disciples will be baptized in the Holy Spirit (1:5)
The Holy Spirit will provide them with power (1:8)
Scripture is inspired by the Spirit (1:16)
The Spirit enabled them to speak in tongues (2:5)
God has given Jesus the Holy Spirit (2:33)
Jesus pours out the Holy Spirit (2:33)
When people are baptized and repent they receive the Holy Spirit (2:38)
The Spirit is a gift (2:38)
The apostles are becoming just like Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
The same Holy Spirit we receive today.
Friday, July 2, 2010
things to do
In Exodus, God gave the Israelites 10 commandments to follow.
Ranging from worship to marriage to property and even to thoughts (coveting).
In John's Gospel, Jesus gives almost no commands.
Up to this point, Jesus commands people to believe he is from God. (John 6:29)
He says we should wash one another's feet. (Literal ? Maybe. John 13:14)
Finally, he commands that we "love one another" (13:34)
Thus far 2 commands and 1 should.
Ranging from worship to marriage to property and even to thoughts (coveting).
In John's Gospel, Jesus gives almost no commands.
Up to this point, Jesus commands people to believe he is from God. (John 6:29)
He says we should wash one another's feet. (Literal ? Maybe. John 13:14)
Finally, he commands that we "love one another" (13:34)
Thus far 2 commands and 1 should.
I've got the believing part down.
The others are on my things to do list.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
from birth
"As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him,'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?" (John 9:1-2)
"Neither" answers Jesus. (9:3)
"You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" (9:34) the Pharisees shouted at the man who once was blind.
"Neither" answers Jesus. (9:3)
"You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" (9:34) the Pharisees shouted at the man who once was blind.
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