Philippians 4 and Colossians 1
What holds YOUR world together? There are several verses I remember and quote when the "goin' gets rough".
Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice."
Philippians 4:6 "Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God".
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things". (This is 2nd my favorite verse in the Bible. My first favorite is Micah 6:8)
Those verses help hold my world together. Paul is one very inspiring fellow in this letter.
Colossians is about Christ's role in the cosmos. There is apparently some philosophy that it opposes.
Paul's letter opens with a thanksgiving, and intercessory prayer report, and then a type of hymn. 1:15-17 deals with Christ's role in creation, and 1:18-20 deals with his role in the sphere of redemption. This cosmic ruler (Christ) achieved his position through suffering and the peace for the whole world is the result.
There is a lot of discussion in the commentaries about the "hymn" in 1:15-20 and where it came from. It seems there has been a lot written about having been a song about another Gnostic savior, and it was changed by Paul to reflect who Jesus was. "There is major scholarly debate regarding these verses, and voluminous secondary literature"(The New Interpreter's Bible, Vol. 11, pg. 601). Can you imagine being a part of that debate? That must be what scholars do. Seems like too much work to be done in this world to bother debating over a hymn and where it came from.
It reminded me of Charles Wesley using the tunes to pub songs to help people remember the words of the songs he wrote. How many of us pay close attention to words we are singing? It isn't as difficult with modern praise songs because there is a lot of repetition (I get it - "Our God is an awesome God!"). When you sing the words, "Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!" does your heart soar? Do you want to know about where the saints got their golden crowns and why they are casting them down around the glassy sea? Have you noticed that at the bottom of the page in the hymnal is the verse Rev. 4:8-11? Fascinating!
Some of you may have never heard of Gnosticism. It is an interesting topic. Check it out.
If we Christians focussed on what we had in common - instead of how we are different - and what we can't agree on, I wonder how different the world would be. I wonder what Christ thinks about all the different denominations of Christianity. I guess as long as we love God and love our neighbor, we can work together. That will help hold the world together.
Tomorrow we finish Colossians and start on Philemon. Then on to Corinthians! I love Corinthians! I wish I could get ahead of you guys, but I am having touble just keeping up.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July Resolutions - Jump In!
If you have any ideas about how to keep people involved in the NT Challenge I would love to hear them. Encourage your friends to hang in there, even if they just read one of the chapters for the day.
Today is Phillipians 1-3. Tell me what you liked!
Today is Phillipians 1-3. Tell me what you liked!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Fruit!
My favorite verse in Galatians is 5:22. Any time there is trouble in the church - I wonder about the fruit of the Spirit. If it is anything else other than what I read in Gal. 5:22, I wonder about who is stirring things up (and I am pretty sure it is not the HOLY Spirit!). The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, AND self control. When you are experiencing jealousy, anger, dissensions, and factions - it might be a good idea to check your spirit. It may have been "hornswaggled" by the spirit of the flesh and desire to control.
I also like verse 6:6 - "Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher." You all teach me things every time I make an attempt to teach you! So I think this verse means, "Share and share alike."
I changed the background since it is the 4th of July. Orange swirls just didn't seem appropriate for the occasion and I could not find a holiday theme (yet). Have a wonderful holiday!
I also like verse 6:6 - "Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher." You all teach me things every time I make an attempt to teach you! So I think this verse means, "Share and share alike."
I changed the background since it is the 4th of July. Orange swirls just didn't seem appropriate for the occasion and I could not find a holiday theme (yet). Have a wonderful holiday!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Paul Would Love Vacation Bible School
Galatians 1-2
I thought Galatians would be fairly simple. 6 chapters. Then I went to the commentary that has 147 pages of background information. The "gospel" of good news got complicated - even before commentaries! The big question for Paul is - is there one church or two? Quite an interesting question considering the number of denominations in our western world today.
I experienced the gospel in an amazing way this past week. 479 children from all denominations came together for a week of experiencing the good news. I had a group of 11 of the smartest, caring, kind fifth graders I have ever been around. Paul would have been also been pleased to see all the groups of our church coming together to make this a wonderful week happen - youth, senior adults, Sunday School classes, staff, etc. It was magnificent! Praise God.
So, back to Paul and Galatia. Other "missionaries" appear to be focusing on rules that turn people away from the heart of the gospel - a gospel of grace. The transforming power of God's surprising call for Paul resulted in Paul's changing from a persecutor to an apostle. Anything that separates people from one another is troubling for Paul.
One of my favorite verses is Galatians 2:20a "...it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me".
How far would you go to break down the walls that Christians put up between one another?
I thought Galatians would be fairly simple. 6 chapters. Then I went to the commentary that has 147 pages of background information. The "gospel" of good news got complicated - even before commentaries! The big question for Paul is - is there one church or two? Quite an interesting question considering the number of denominations in our western world today.
I experienced the gospel in an amazing way this past week. 479 children from all denominations came together for a week of experiencing the good news. I had a group of 11 of the smartest, caring, kind fifth graders I have ever been around. Paul would have been also been pleased to see all the groups of our church coming together to make this a wonderful week happen - youth, senior adults, Sunday School classes, staff, etc. It was magnificent! Praise God.
So, back to Paul and Galatia. Other "missionaries" appear to be focusing on rules that turn people away from the heart of the gospel - a gospel of grace. The transforming power of God's surprising call for Paul resulted in Paul's changing from a persecutor to an apostle. Anything that separates people from one another is troubling for Paul.
One of my favorite verses is Galatians 2:20a "...it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me".
How far would you go to break down the walls that Christians put up between one another?
Friday, July 2, 2010
Freedom Isn't Free
Luke 22-24
Much of this last part of Luke you may be pretty familiar with because we read these scriptures every year during Lent and Easter. Some of the other passages in the NT you don't hear that often.
Luke 22:35-38 is one of the stories I didn't remember. I did remember Jesus sending out the disciples without a "purse, bag, or sandals", but I didn't remember Jesus changing the instructions at the end to "But now the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one." Then do you notice the disciples try to offer Jesus a sword? Jesus' response shows a bit of frustration, don't you think?
As I read about Peter's denial and the angry mob as Jesus faces the trial before Pilate, I know it must have been hard for the disciples to stand back and just let the events take their course. Of course, their lives were in danger also, and Jesus needed them to watch and observe. Can Jesus count on you if it requires silently standing by and observing? Or do you want to get in the middle and fight?
The resurrection and the story of the visit to Emmaus are the parts of the story we want to remember and celebrate. In the breaking of the bread, the hearts of the people are "strangely warmed". We are Easter people and we celebrate that every time we share in the breaking of the bread.
Last day of VBS. I hope the rain holds off until we get our rockets launched. I love the rain!!!
We start Galatians today.
Much of this last part of Luke you may be pretty familiar with because we read these scriptures every year during Lent and Easter. Some of the other passages in the NT you don't hear that often.
Luke 22:35-38 is one of the stories I didn't remember. I did remember Jesus sending out the disciples without a "purse, bag, or sandals", but I didn't remember Jesus changing the instructions at the end to "But now the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one." Then do you notice the disciples try to offer Jesus a sword? Jesus' response shows a bit of frustration, don't you think?
As I read about Peter's denial and the angry mob as Jesus faces the trial before Pilate, I know it must have been hard for the disciples to stand back and just let the events take their course. Of course, their lives were in danger also, and Jesus needed them to watch and observe. Can Jesus count on you if it requires silently standing by and observing? Or do you want to get in the middle and fight?
The resurrection and the story of the visit to Emmaus are the parts of the story we want to remember and celebrate. In the breaking of the bread, the hearts of the people are "strangely warmed". We are Easter people and we celebrate that every time we share in the breaking of the bread.
Last day of VBS. I hope the rain holds off until we get our rockets launched. I love the rain!!!
We start Galatians today.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Authority, Hypocrisy, and Truth
Luke 19-21
The first thing I noticed in the reading for today is another story that I never heard in Sunday School. I have heard a similar story from the book of Mark (25:14-30), but this one has a very different ending. Does this parable help us understand God wanting us to use our gifts wisely or risk punishment? Now I understand why we focus more on Mark. I think most of us don't like seeing God as one who punishes.
There are several scenes where "the authorities" are questioning Jesus' authority. I love it when Jesus answers their questions with a question.
One last thing before I run over to the hot dog dinner in my pajamas (yes you read that right -it is VBS week and tonight is movie night). "Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things" (21:36) I believe is great advice to help us remember that prayer gives us strength to meet any challenges that come our way. Just when I think things can't get any worse, knowing God is with me does give me strength. The important thing is to remain "alert" at "all times".
I am lovin' VBS. I have a GREAT group of 5th graders. Their energy is so amazing.
The first thing I noticed in the reading for today is another story that I never heard in Sunday School. I have heard a similar story from the book of Mark (25:14-30), but this one has a very different ending. Does this parable help us understand God wanting us to use our gifts wisely or risk punishment? Now I understand why we focus more on Mark. I think most of us don't like seeing God as one who punishes.
There are several scenes where "the authorities" are questioning Jesus' authority. I love it when Jesus answers their questions with a question.
One last thing before I run over to the hot dog dinner in my pajamas (yes you read that right -it is VBS week and tonight is movie night). "Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things" (21:36) I believe is great advice to help us remember that prayer gives us strength to meet any challenges that come our way. Just when I think things can't get any worse, knowing God is with me does give me strength. The important thing is to remain "alert" at "all times".
I am lovin' VBS. I have a GREAT group of 5th graders. Their energy is so amazing.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Humility and Persistence
Luke 17-18
Interesting quote from "New Interpreter's Bible Commentary", Vol. IX, pg. 324, "...lack of humility is more dangerous than temptation...It prevents us from experiencing the depth of God's love for us". It appears that self righteousness and false spiritual superiority can be destructive to the body of Christ. We are challenged in chapter 17 to be servants (or "slaves", depending on the translation you are reading).
Fear seems to drive us apart. What are you afraid of when it comes to being a follower of Jesus? Has anything ever caused you to leave a church because you didn't agree with something?
Here's a statement that I am not familiar with, Luke 17:37, "Where the corpse is, the vultures will gather." Ick. It's not something I remember learning in Sunday School. Interesting to contemplate.
In chapter 18 the story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (verses 9-14) has always been one of my favorites (we did learn this story in Sunday School). Those who trust in their own righteousness and regard others with contempt are like vinegar instead of honey. Those who judge people seem to drive people away from church and from a relationship with God. That is so so sad to me. I like the concept of hating the sin and still loving the sinner.
In my experience, people who are aware of their need for grace and forgiveness usually find it difficult to despise people, or to walk away.
It isn't easy to "hang in there" when the going gets tough. I have found that many times persistence pays off.
The little children and the rich young ruler are stories I did hear in the church. Helping children love the church and love Jesus has been part of my calling. Like the rich man, I have also been challenged by what I can let go of, and what I hold on to.
The storm is brewing in the Gulf. Sometimes I am thankful for storms. Even though they can be very destructive, they have a tendency to clean the air.
Interesting quote from "New Interpreter's Bible Commentary", Vol. IX, pg. 324, "...lack of humility is more dangerous than temptation...It prevents us from experiencing the depth of God's love for us". It appears that self righteousness and false spiritual superiority can be destructive to the body of Christ. We are challenged in chapter 17 to be servants (or "slaves", depending on the translation you are reading).
Fear seems to drive us apart. What are you afraid of when it comes to being a follower of Jesus? Has anything ever caused you to leave a church because you didn't agree with something?
Here's a statement that I am not familiar with, Luke 17:37, "Where the corpse is, the vultures will gather." Ick. It's not something I remember learning in Sunday School. Interesting to contemplate.
In chapter 18 the story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (verses 9-14) has always been one of my favorites (we did learn this story in Sunday School). Those who trust in their own righteousness and regard others with contempt are like vinegar instead of honey. Those who judge people seem to drive people away from church and from a relationship with God. That is so so sad to me. I like the concept of hating the sin and still loving the sinner.
In my experience, people who are aware of their need for grace and forgiveness usually find it difficult to despise people, or to walk away.
It isn't easy to "hang in there" when the going gets tough. I have found that many times persistence pays off.
The little children and the rich young ruler are stories I did hear in the church. Helping children love the church and love Jesus has been part of my calling. Like the rich man, I have also been challenged by what I can let go of, and what I hold on to.
The storm is brewing in the Gulf. Sometimes I am thankful for storms. Even though they can be very destructive, they have a tendency to clean the air.
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