Romans 3-6
Rich reading for the next few days.
To understand the depth of what Paul is saying requires some understanding of history. So many try to apply historical situations to our current environment, and then we lose the intensity of what happened when Christ accepted the vocation God gave him - a vocation that cost him everything as far as his earthly existence.
Chapter 3, verses 10-16 are quotes from Psalms and Proverbs. Paul was trying to prove his statements with the authority of the scriptures. Paul believes that all along God intended for all of humanity, not just a certain race or religion, to come into a relationship with Him. Performance of Christian duties (or any religious duty) is not enough. Justification by faith is designed to result in fellowship. What does that say about the current state of denominations in our world today? It seems to me that we are more like "tribes" than brothers and sisters. Of course, I know siblings do have a history of rivalry!
Quickly (because it is time to start preparing for worship tomorrow!):
Chapter 4: Abraham is "the father of us all". Christians are not just a "new group" sprung up from nowhere! "The family promised by God to Abraham is a family of forgiven sinners, rescued by grace alone from the personal and communal disintegration that results from idolatry and sin. The God we worship is the God who justifies the ungodly, not the pious" (The New Interpreter's Bible, Vol. 10, pg. 506). Our task is to encourage - and endure.
Chapter 5: Verse 20 "But law came in, with the result that trespass multiplied...".
Chapter 6: With freedom comes responsibility. Grace reaches where humans are, and accepts them, "because anything less would result in nobody being saved" (ibid, pg. 548). True freedom is not random, but "genuine humanness that reflects the image of God" (ibid, pg. 548).
This is why I am a Christian. The demands are liberating. Thank you God for your amazing grace.
On to Elijah and Elisha (message for worship tomorrow)...
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
On to Rome - and Romans
Acts 26-28, Romans 1-2
Chapter 26 - Paul gets a chance to defend himself to King Agrippa.
Chapter 27 - Bad weather, a shipwreck and a snakebite -then let the healings begin! The voyage of faith is arduous and adventurous.
Chapter 28 - The Roman Jews seem more level headed than the Jews in Israel. No lynch mob here! Paul stays in Rome for 2 years teaching about Jesus "without hindrance".
Romans 1 - Idolatry will lead to problems.
Romans 2 - Judgement is not good either. Be doers of God's laws, no just hearers. Do not presume God's kindness. Circumcision is a matter of the heart (spiritual).
Headed to a wedding rehearsal.
I hear thunder. Maybe we will get some showers!
Chapter 26 - Paul gets a chance to defend himself to King Agrippa.
Chapter 27 - Bad weather, a shipwreck and a snakebite -then let the healings begin! The voyage of faith is arduous and adventurous.
Chapter 28 - The Roman Jews seem more level headed than the Jews in Israel. No lynch mob here! Paul stays in Rome for 2 years teaching about Jesus "without hindrance".
Romans 1 - Idolatry will lead to problems.
Romans 2 - Judgement is not good either. Be doers of God's laws, no just hearers. Do not presume God's kindness. Circumcision is a matter of the heart (spiritual).
Headed to a wedding rehearsal.
I hear thunder. Maybe we will get some showers!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Mob Mentality
Acts 22-25
What do you think of the mob who is so angry at Paul?
What do you think they are afraid of?
What are they trying to protect?
And I am back to one of my original questions - what about "Thou shalt not kill"?
It looks like they are picking and choosing which parts of the scriptures they want to emphasize.
Look at Acts 23, verse 5. Then look up Exodus 22:28 and Ecclesiastes 10:20. Good advice especially back in those days. A mob accusation without proof and if you weren't a Roman citizen, you could be a goner.
Roberts Rules of Order can be tedious during meetings (i.e. Annual Conference!), but they are fascinating when you realize the fairness of the proceedings and how mob mentality erupt without order.
Paul is in prison in Caesarea for two years. Have you ever wondered what prison was like back then? He is imprisoned because of an angry mob. He is protected in prison because he is a Roman citizen. Religion and politics. Interesting subjects.
His goal is to get to Rome! Paul is a very smart man.
What do you think of the mob who is so angry at Paul?
What do you think they are afraid of?
What are they trying to protect?
And I am back to one of my original questions - what about "Thou shalt not kill"?
It looks like they are picking and choosing which parts of the scriptures they want to emphasize.
Look at Acts 23, verse 5. Then look up Exodus 22:28 and Ecclesiastes 10:20. Good advice especially back in those days. A mob accusation without proof and if you weren't a Roman citizen, you could be a goner.
Roberts Rules of Order can be tedious during meetings (i.e. Annual Conference!), but they are fascinating when you realize the fairness of the proceedings and how mob mentality erupt without order.
Paul is in prison in Caesarea for two years. Have you ever wondered what prison was like back then? He is imprisoned because of an angry mob. He is protected in prison because he is a Roman citizen. Religion and politics. Interesting subjects.
His goal is to get to Rome! Paul is a very smart man.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Gossip and Confusion - Paul's Passion Narrative?
Acts 20-21
There are some real similarities to Paul's journey to Jerusalem and Jesus' journey to Jerusalem previously.
First Paul brings someone back from the dead (similar to Jesus' raising of Lazurus). Eutychus ("Lucky") falls asleep listening to Paul preach and falls out of a third story window. After Paul heals him, Paul returns for more "conversation" which lasts until DAWN. I used to talk that long when I was a teenager, but no more. I can watch old movies until about 3 or 4, but not "conversation". Of course Paul did not have Facebook, Twitter, or Blogging.
In Acts 20:16-38 Paul delivers a farewell address to the leaders of Ephesus, his most important community (and the place where he stayed the longest). Like Jesus, Paul predicts his own demise. The picture is grim. He is predicting things will probably get worse before they get better.
Paul was planning a rather low key visit to Jerusalem to deliver the collection he had received from the converts from his travels. James receives him warmly, but the success he has brought comes with rumors of his turning people against the law of Moses. James requests a ritual of purification which lasts long enough for the "forces of malice to swing into action" ( Storyteller Companion to the Bible, vol. 12. pg. 167).
Paul's quest for unity is subverted by gossip and rumors.
Rumors put "the whole city" in turmoil. Paul is arrested and brought to the front of the mob which is yelling "Away with him" or "Kill him" (Like with Jesus, "Crucify him").
The arresting officer is stunned that Paul can speak Greek and is not "the Egyptian who started a revolt some time ago". Oops, wrong guy. When Paul is allowed to speak to the crowd - he speaks in the Jewish language, which quiets them. Oops. The crowd has been upset with the wrong guy for the wrong reasons.
Today the reading is Chapters 22- 25. I am still playing catch up!
On a another note - Gene Fritz passed away this afternoon. Services are pending. Services for Judy Smith are Thursday afternoon at 2 at Klein Funeral Home on Cypresswood.
There are some real similarities to Paul's journey to Jerusalem and Jesus' journey to Jerusalem previously.
First Paul brings someone back from the dead (similar to Jesus' raising of Lazurus). Eutychus ("Lucky") falls asleep listening to Paul preach and falls out of a third story window. After Paul heals him, Paul returns for more "conversation" which lasts until DAWN. I used to talk that long when I was a teenager, but no more. I can watch old movies until about 3 or 4, but not "conversation". Of course Paul did not have Facebook, Twitter, or Blogging.
In Acts 20:16-38 Paul delivers a farewell address to the leaders of Ephesus, his most important community (and the place where he stayed the longest). Like Jesus, Paul predicts his own demise. The picture is grim. He is predicting things will probably get worse before they get better.
Paul was planning a rather low key visit to Jerusalem to deliver the collection he had received from the converts from his travels. James receives him warmly, but the success he has brought comes with rumors of his turning people against the law of Moses. James requests a ritual of purification which lasts long enough for the "forces of malice to swing into action" ( Storyteller Companion to the Bible, vol. 12. pg. 167).
Paul's quest for unity is subverted by gossip and rumors.
Rumors put "the whole city" in turmoil. Paul is arrested and brought to the front of the mob which is yelling "Away with him" or "Kill him" (Like with Jesus, "Crucify him").
The arresting officer is stunned that Paul can speak Greek and is not "the Egyptian who started a revolt some time ago". Oops, wrong guy. When Paul is allowed to speak to the crowd - he speaks in the Jewish language, which quiets them. Oops. The crowd has been upset with the wrong guy for the wrong reasons.
Today the reading is Chapters 22- 25. I am still playing catch up!
On a another note - Gene Fritz passed away this afternoon. Services are pending. Services for Judy Smith are Thursday afternoon at 2 at Klein Funeral Home on Cypresswood.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
ZOOMING with Paul
Acts 16-19
Now I am having eye trouble. I think it from too much reading! Fortunately it is my "distance" eye (I had mono vision lasik surgery a couple of years ago), so I can still see enough to type.
In chapters 16-19 Paul is on the move through Greece (Macedonia) and Turkey. Those are not countries that are easy to get around. Much of the terrain is mountainous, so a lot of the travel is done by boat. For those who want to walk where Jesus walked, but might be concerned for their safety in Israel, I highly recommend "The Journeys of Paul" through Greece and Turkey. There is something about experiencing geography and being able to understand the stories.
The European mission dawns at Philippi. The city eventually becomes a Roman colony whose political status will be important in the future of the church in the Roman Empire. The disciples go down to river and find women willing to listen to them. What were the women doing there and where were the men? Lydia, one of the women, is a dealer in purple fabric. So, maybe the women are dying fabric for Lydia. Lydia and the women, gentiles speaking with Jews - these are indications that barriers are coming down.
There is a parallel in this story between Paul and Jesus. In Luke 4:31-37 Jesus begins his ministry with an exorcism. So Paul begins his European mission in this chapter with the removing of the annoying spirit of a slave girl that is following them around. This leads to imprisonment, a jail break, and the conversion of the jailer and his household. Score!
Acts 17 talks about three Sabbaths in Thessolinica synagogue, a stop which eventually doesn't turn out well due to an angry mob. Paul and Silas are once again able to convince some - including Gentiles and women, but tick of some Jews and ruffians. So under the cover of darkness they head to Beroea - where the are received more kindly - until the ruffians from Thessolonica show up. Then it is down to the coast and on to Athens.
Athens is a prime location. Lots of people! Paul is BOLD. Stepping up on the Areopagus and challenging the Council of Athens took "blessed assurance". The "unknown God" is suddenly made known - a single God who has created all.
Then to Corinth. And on to Ephesus. Whew!
Both absolutely fascinating cities in the history of the world. So much to know - such little time to reflect and discuss.
Still playing catch up. Sandra is my hero. She is keeping me honest. Way to go Sandra!
Now I am having eye trouble. I think it from too much reading! Fortunately it is my "distance" eye (I had mono vision lasik surgery a couple of years ago), so I can still see enough to type.
In chapters 16-19 Paul is on the move through Greece (Macedonia) and Turkey. Those are not countries that are easy to get around. Much of the terrain is mountainous, so a lot of the travel is done by boat. For those who want to walk where Jesus walked, but might be concerned for their safety in Israel, I highly recommend "The Journeys of Paul" through Greece and Turkey. There is something about experiencing geography and being able to understand the stories.
The European mission dawns at Philippi. The city eventually becomes a Roman colony whose political status will be important in the future of the church in the Roman Empire. The disciples go down to river and find women willing to listen to them. What were the women doing there and where were the men? Lydia, one of the women, is a dealer in purple fabric. So, maybe the women are dying fabric for Lydia. Lydia and the women, gentiles speaking with Jews - these are indications that barriers are coming down.
There is a parallel in this story between Paul and Jesus. In Luke 4:31-37 Jesus begins his ministry with an exorcism. So Paul begins his European mission in this chapter with the removing of the annoying spirit of a slave girl that is following them around. This leads to imprisonment, a jail break, and the conversion of the jailer and his household. Score!
Acts 17 talks about three Sabbaths in Thessolinica synagogue, a stop which eventually doesn't turn out well due to an angry mob. Paul and Silas are once again able to convince some - including Gentiles and women, but tick of some Jews and ruffians. So under the cover of darkness they head to Beroea - where the are received more kindly - until the ruffians from Thessolonica show up. Then it is down to the coast and on to Athens.
Athens is a prime location. Lots of people! Paul is BOLD. Stepping up on the Areopagus and challenging the Council of Athens took "blessed assurance". The "unknown God" is suddenly made known - a single God who has created all.
Then to Corinth. And on to Ephesus. Whew!
Both absolutely fascinating cities in the history of the world. So much to know - such little time to reflect and discuss.
Still playing catch up. Sandra is my hero. She is keeping me honest. Way to go Sandra!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Decision Making in the Church
Whew! I thought I could catch up today, but now I have two funerals and a wedding this week. I'm going to keep up as best I can. I hope you will too.
Acts 14 and 15
These are rich readings because we see that evangelism creates controversy right at the very beginning of the church.
In chapter 14 when the crippled man is healed, the people start calling Barnabas by the name of Zeus and Paul by the name Hermes. Then the priest of the Zeus temple comes with oxen to offer a sacrifice. Accepting this sacrifice would be idolatry.
The crowd loves Paul and Barnabas in verse 18, but some other Jews from other towns show up and 1 verse later (20) they turn "the crowd" against Paul and and stone Paul until they think he is dead! The Storyteller's Companion, vol. 12, pg. 106 describes "the crowd" this way, "Barbarians are not only a superstitious lot; they are also fickle."
In Chapter 15 Paul is called to task by some Pharisees about the gentiles and circumcision question. What is the motive that prompts this disagreement? Paul believes reconciliation on this particular issue will make God's work greater. This one requirement might have been the end of spreading the church among the gentiles. For Paul it was the deal breaker for his evangelism efforts among the gentiles. I think the Pharisees were concerned that if they give in on the requirement for circumsion, where else will they be asked to give in?
James offers a compromise. The New Interpreter's Bible, vol. 12, pg. 211 states "It is often necessary for decision makers to forge careful compromises between two competing positions to preserve Christian unity whenever each person makes a valuable contribution." Good theology allows the church to move forward.
In chapter 15:19 James uses the word "trouble". The force of the word that is translated denotes "pestering someone against their will." This is a referral back to Peter's concern in verse 10. Circumcision is definitely something that would trouble adult gentiles.
James also issues a cautionary note: Guard against cultural compromise that might cause people to consider "Moses" irrelevant. Verse 20 refers to the text from Leviticus 17-18 that is as verse 21 states is "read aloud every sabbath in the synagogues". (I haven't had a chance to check out Lev. 17-18 to see what it says, but if you have time I would suggest going back and taking a look). The lack of sensitivity to the church's Jewish legacy would definitely have an effect on on the congregation's Jewish membership (Romans 14:1, 1 Corinthians 8 -10).
I watched a movie on Turner Classic Network yesterday afternoon about the Nuremberg trials, where the prominent members of the Nazi party in Germany were being tried for their war crimes (I had to take a "Bible break"!). I can see where unawareness of our Jewish heritage lead to acceptance of horrific torture of an entire population. I would rather watch "The Diary of Anne Frank".
I hope you will keep seeing the great value in being more aware of what is in the Bible. It is not just stories. It will transform your life, how you treat your neighbor, and how you treat other Christians. I wish we could all agree on the basics. But then we would have to agree on what the basics are.
Acts 14 and 15
These are rich readings because we see that evangelism creates controversy right at the very beginning of the church.
In chapter 14 when the crippled man is healed, the people start calling Barnabas by the name of Zeus and Paul by the name Hermes. Then the priest of the Zeus temple comes with oxen to offer a sacrifice. Accepting this sacrifice would be idolatry.
The crowd loves Paul and Barnabas in verse 18, but some other Jews from other towns show up and 1 verse later (20) they turn "the crowd" against Paul and and stone Paul until they think he is dead! The Storyteller's Companion, vol. 12, pg. 106 describes "the crowd" this way, "Barbarians are not only a superstitious lot; they are also fickle."
In Chapter 15 Paul is called to task by some Pharisees about the gentiles and circumcision question. What is the motive that prompts this disagreement? Paul believes reconciliation on this particular issue will make God's work greater. This one requirement might have been the end of spreading the church among the gentiles. For Paul it was the deal breaker for his evangelism efforts among the gentiles. I think the Pharisees were concerned that if they give in on the requirement for circumsion, where else will they be asked to give in?
James offers a compromise. The New Interpreter's Bible, vol. 12, pg. 211 states "It is often necessary for decision makers to forge careful compromises between two competing positions to preserve Christian unity whenever each person makes a valuable contribution." Good theology allows the church to move forward.
In chapter 15:19 James uses the word "trouble". The force of the word that is translated denotes "pestering someone against their will." This is a referral back to Peter's concern in verse 10. Circumcision is definitely something that would trouble adult gentiles.
James also issues a cautionary note: Guard against cultural compromise that might cause people to consider "Moses" irrelevant. Verse 20 refers to the text from Leviticus 17-18 that is as verse 21 states is "read aloud every sabbath in the synagogues". (I haven't had a chance to check out Lev. 17-18 to see what it says, but if you have time I would suggest going back and taking a look). The lack of sensitivity to the church's Jewish legacy would definitely have an effect on on the congregation's Jewish membership (Romans 14:1, 1 Corinthians 8 -10).
I watched a movie on Turner Classic Network yesterday afternoon about the Nuremberg trials, where the prominent members of the Nazi party in Germany were being tried for their war crimes (I had to take a "Bible break"!). I can see where unawareness of our Jewish heritage lead to acceptance of horrific torture of an entire population. I would rather watch "The Diary of Anne Frank".
I hope you will keep seeing the great value in being more aware of what is in the Bible. It is not just stories. It will transform your life, how you treat your neighbor, and how you treat other Christians. I wish we could all agree on the basics. But then we would have to agree on what the basics are.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Power, Peter, Paul, Passover, Prayer, Parallelism, Perga, and Pisidia.
Still playing catch up today. Conversion #3 was the conversion of Cornelius - a prominent soldier and citizen. The story is also about the conversion of Peter. Peter's dream of the sail cloth filled with every kind of animal in was puzzling to him at first. Then Peter is called to the house of Cornelius, a gentile. Before Peter has a chance to finish his speech to Cornelius and his household, the Holy Spirit came upon ALL who were listening. Oooh - this is what God means by saying "it is not for you to call profane what God counts clean". "The men of Jewish birth that had accompanied Peter are amazed and return as witnesses for Peter when he heads back to Jerusalem, where he is questioned by more of those "of Jewish birth".
"Table fellowship" is the big problem. In the Middle East there are obligations still today for hosts and guests when a meal is shared.
Chapter 12 highlights:
1) Disciples take up a contribution for fellow Christians who are experiencing a famine in Judea. (maps and atlases are fun to follow when you see these kinds of tid-bits).
2) They entrust the delivery of the contribution to Barnabus and Saul.
3) There are several King Herod's in the New Testament and they are all pretty much bad guys.
4) Peter is arrested and put in prison by King Herod.
5) Peter escapes thanks to an angel (of light!).
6) Herod is struck dead because he does not give glory to God (it looks to me like he wants to be the hero).
Chapter 13:
1) Barnabas and Saul head out with 4 others and are still going to the synagogues to make their first contacts.
2) Verse 9 - Saul is now referred to as Paul. Maybe to cover for his widespread reputation of a Christian antagonist and murderer.
3) Here is more parallelism - Paul encounters a devilish type of character: Barjesus, "Son of Joshua" (Yeshua), or Elymas (false prophet). The "seer" is blinded.
4) Paul goes to Perga. (I have actually been to Perga. Waddy and I went on a trip called "the Journeys of Paul" with Jim Fleming and that was one of our fascinating stops).
How are you doing with keeping up? It is definitely a challenge! Hang in there.
"Table fellowship" is the big problem. In the Middle East there are obligations still today for hosts and guests when a meal is shared.
Chapter 12 highlights:
1) Disciples take up a contribution for fellow Christians who are experiencing a famine in Judea. (maps and atlases are fun to follow when you see these kinds of tid-bits).
2) They entrust the delivery of the contribution to Barnabus and Saul.
3) There are several King Herod's in the New Testament and they are all pretty much bad guys.
4) Peter is arrested and put in prison by King Herod.
5) Peter escapes thanks to an angel (of light!).
6) Herod is struck dead because he does not give glory to God (it looks to me like he wants to be the hero).
Chapter 13:
1) Barnabas and Saul head out with 4 others and are still going to the synagogues to make their first contacts.
2) Verse 9 - Saul is now referred to as Paul. Maybe to cover for his widespread reputation of a Christian antagonist and murderer.
3) Here is more parallelism - Paul encounters a devilish type of character: Barjesus, "Son of Joshua" (Yeshua), or Elymas (false prophet). The "seer" is blinded.
4) Paul goes to Perga. (I have actually been to Perga. Waddy and I went on a trip called "the Journeys of Paul" with Jim Fleming and that was one of our fascinating stops).
How are you doing with keeping up? It is definitely a challenge! Hang in there.
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