Did you know that according to Canon Liddon there are 332 distinct Old Testament predictions about the Messiah that have been literally fulfilled in Christ.
Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, pg. 175.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sermon Notes--Give Thanks 1 Thess. 5:18
What is the difference between the concepts of Give Thanks (thanksgiving), Being Thankful, Being a Thankskeeper and one who Counts Their Blessings?
The command of God--to 'give thanks' is the only one of these very good concepts, that forces us to move out of ourselves. Each of the other words defines an internal process, that while good, doesn't have to go anywhere outside of ourselves. Of course, sometimes it--spills over and that is a positive thing, but only the concept of 'giving thanks' has as its core--going beyond the self.
What aspects are necessary to actually 'give thanks'? Wrestle with these thoughts and see if they don't fit your experiences of giving thanks.
1. sense of blessedness--something has been bestowed upon me from without and it was not necessary nor did I earn it or deserve it.
2. realization of obligation--debt of gratitude-an oughtness that I need to respond--- to complete the act and to define the act.
3. expressing of thanks--GIVE IT--give it up! just do it! say it or write it--simply to be thankful is NOT the same thing as giving thanks.
Teaching kids to say please and thank you teaches them to :
1. not expect you to serve them
2. reminds them that your serving is a gfit from you--not a requirement
3. keeps from developing a false sense of importance
4. helps keep from a superiority complex
Giving thanks pulls us out of ourselves--expresses our interdependence and acknowldeges the gift AND the giver.
1 Thess. 5:18 reminds us that 'giving thanks' IS God's will for us.
Here are some of the benefits that come from practicing this admonition:
1. Awareness--makes me aware that there are people, there is a God, there is power at work in my circumstances---I am not alone!
2. Direction--giving thanks catapults us toward other people--out of ourselves. towards people, towards God--There is a way to go to get outside of ourselves!
3. Connects us---to other people, to God and to the power of God at work in our lives--We walk together!
4. Helps complete us--it helps make us whole people--not black holes that absorb but never give out. interdependent.
5. It helps produce wholesomeness--there is something in the process of giving thanks that brings a sense of goodness, of completion, of fullness that is radically different than not giving thanks.
6. Obeying God bring honor to God--in obedience we not only acknowledge God but we affirm the terms of our relationship with Him--He is in charge and we are His children.
Conclusion: What then shall we DO?
Why not take some time right now to find ways to give thanks and to seek to develop a continual lifestyle of giving thanks. Be specific--how and what shall you do?
The command of God--to 'give thanks' is the only one of these very good concepts, that forces us to move out of ourselves. Each of the other words defines an internal process, that while good, doesn't have to go anywhere outside of ourselves. Of course, sometimes it--spills over and that is a positive thing, but only the concept of 'giving thanks' has as its core--going beyond the self.
What aspects are necessary to actually 'give thanks'? Wrestle with these thoughts and see if they don't fit your experiences of giving thanks.
1. sense of blessedness--something has been bestowed upon me from without and it was not necessary nor did I earn it or deserve it.
2. realization of obligation--debt of gratitude-an oughtness that I need to respond--- to complete the act and to define the act.
3. expressing of thanks--GIVE IT--give it up! just do it! say it or write it--simply to be thankful is NOT the same thing as giving thanks.
Teaching kids to say please and thank you teaches them to :
1. not expect you to serve them
2. reminds them that your serving is a gfit from you--not a requirement
3. keeps from developing a false sense of importance
4. helps keep from a superiority complex
Giving thanks pulls us out of ourselves--expresses our interdependence and acknowldeges the gift AND the giver.
1 Thess. 5:18 reminds us that 'giving thanks' IS God's will for us.
Here are some of the benefits that come from practicing this admonition:
1. Awareness--makes me aware that there are people, there is a God, there is power at work in my circumstances---I am not alone!
2. Direction--giving thanks catapults us toward other people--out of ourselves. towards people, towards God--There is a way to go to get outside of ourselves!
3. Connects us---to other people, to God and to the power of God at work in our lives--We walk together!
4. Helps complete us--it helps make us whole people--not black holes that absorb but never give out. interdependent.
5. It helps produce wholesomeness--there is something in the process of giving thanks that brings a sense of goodness, of completion, of fullness that is radically different than not giving thanks.
6. Obeying God bring honor to God--in obedience we not only acknowledge God but we affirm the terms of our relationship with Him--He is in charge and we are His children.
Conclusion: What then shall we DO?
Why not take some time right now to find ways to give thanks and to seek to develop a continual lifestyle of giving thanks. Be specific--how and what shall you do?
sermon notes on Romans 9-11WHAT ABOUT THE JEWS?
WHAT ABOUT THE JEWS?
Romans 9-11
Intro. Use this outline in conjunction with your study of Romans 9-11. Often these chapters are used as the primary text to argue predestination vs. man’s choice. The fact of the matter is that these chapters were not intended to be about those issues but rather they are addressing the question raised by Paul’s assertions and demonstrations in the first 8 chapters of Romans that the basis of Law, works and choseness are out the window and in truth any are children of Abraham who have placed their faith in the God of Abraham. If these be true then---what about the Jews?
1. Chapter 9:1-29 God’s choice
a. The Jews are recipients of special revelations and privileges vs. 4-5
b. Not all who descended from Israel are Israel, not by blood but by faith
c. God Himself decides whom He shall bless vs. 10-18
d. God’s mercy, not man’s effort is paramount vs. 16-18
e. Yet man is still held accountable for his choices
2. Chap. 9:30-10:21 Man’s choice
a. Israel pursued righteousness wrongly—by works vs. 30-32
b. Zealousness does not equal nor produce righteousness vs. 2-4
c. Righteousness by faith is a matter of the internal belief –believe in your heart and external expression—confess with your mouth
d. There is now no difference between Jew and Gentile—both are made righteous by the same thing—faith in what God has promised—Christ!
e. This faith comes from hearing
f. And Israel is without excuse—they have heard and were vs. 21 disobedient and obstinate
Illustration: example of a family
A child has nothing to do with their birth—it’s their parents
yet every child at some point makes decisions that affect
their experience of ‘family’—they can stay or run away. Trust or disobey
3. Israel and Gentiles chap. 11:1-29—this is not about individuals but about the entire grouping—remember there are only two groups of people—Jews and Gentiles
a. eldest runs away (the Jewish people as a whole)
b. creates opportunity for adoption
c. grafted in (Gentiles—us)
d. doesn’t mean the runaway can’t be reintroduced—in fact the eldest WILL be grafted back in at God’s timing
e. vs. 26—all Israel does not refer to each and every Jew but rather to Israel as a nation—who now turns away from faith in Christ but one day shall turn ‘as a nation’ to Christ just as the Gentiles have turned to Christ—but certainly not every Gentile. These Scriptures are speaking about people groupings, not individuals.
f. no boasting either way—but great sorrow
g. 11:30-32
a. all have fallen short-consigned to disobedience
b. that God may have mercy on them all
c. c. God will restore His family -- Jew and Gentile
d. in reality God demonstrates that He deals with both Jew and Gentile in the same way—He reveals that both have been disobedient and have fallen short of His glory AND then He showers mercy on both of them based on the same love and same actions through Jesus Christ and culminating in the gift of the Holy Spirit to BOTH groups of people.
Conclusion: 11:33-36 Doxology—what God has done for both the Jew and Gentile is fantastic but it is too much for us to completely grasp. Thank God—who would want to worship a God they could totally understand and comprehend? We have all the information, revelation and understanding we need to live life as followers of Christ through faith.
Jim Swanson shared this little poem with me:
“How odd of God to choose the Jew
not as odd as those of you;
who choose the Jewish God
and hate the Jew.”
We cannot hate the Jew, feel superior nor gloat or be boastful over their misfortune.
They are our sibling. They are before us in the family. We are united with them in the same Promise, we fail as they do through the same sin of Adam repeated in every life through our own trust in ourselves versus trust in God and we are brought back to God through the same Christ, sacrificed on the cross and we share in the same Holy Spirit poured out into our hearts. We have the same Father who has made us both His children.
Romans 9-11
Intro. Use this outline in conjunction with your study of Romans 9-11. Often these chapters are used as the primary text to argue predestination vs. man’s choice. The fact of the matter is that these chapters were not intended to be about those issues but rather they are addressing the question raised by Paul’s assertions and demonstrations in the first 8 chapters of Romans that the basis of Law, works and choseness are out the window and in truth any are children of Abraham who have placed their faith in the God of Abraham. If these be true then---what about the Jews?
1. Chapter 9:1-29 God’s choice
a. The Jews are recipients of special revelations and privileges vs. 4-5
b. Not all who descended from Israel are Israel, not by blood but by faith
c. God Himself decides whom He shall bless vs. 10-18
d. God’s mercy, not man’s effort is paramount vs. 16-18
e. Yet man is still held accountable for his choices
2. Chap. 9:30-10:21 Man’s choice
a. Israel pursued righteousness wrongly—by works vs. 30-32
b. Zealousness does not equal nor produce righteousness vs. 2-4
c. Righteousness by faith is a matter of the internal belief –believe in your heart and external expression—confess with your mouth
d. There is now no difference between Jew and Gentile—both are made righteous by the same thing—faith in what God has promised—Christ!
e. This faith comes from hearing
f. And Israel is without excuse—they have heard and were vs. 21 disobedient and obstinate
Illustration: example of a family
A child has nothing to do with their birth—it’s their parents
yet every child at some point makes decisions that affect
their experience of ‘family’—they can stay or run away. Trust or disobey
3. Israel and Gentiles chap. 11:1-29—this is not about individuals but about the entire grouping—remember there are only two groups of people—Jews and Gentiles
a. eldest runs away (the Jewish people as a whole)
b. creates opportunity for adoption
c. grafted in (Gentiles—us)
d. doesn’t mean the runaway can’t be reintroduced—in fact the eldest WILL be grafted back in at God’s timing
e. vs. 26—all Israel does not refer to each and every Jew but rather to Israel as a nation—who now turns away from faith in Christ but one day shall turn ‘as a nation’ to Christ just as the Gentiles have turned to Christ—but certainly not every Gentile. These Scriptures are speaking about people groupings, not individuals.
f. no boasting either way—but great sorrow
g. 11:30-32
a. all have fallen short-consigned to disobedience
b. that God may have mercy on them all
c. c. God will restore His family -- Jew and Gentile
d. in reality God demonstrates that He deals with both Jew and Gentile in the same way—He reveals that both have been disobedient and have fallen short of His glory AND then He showers mercy on both of them based on the same love and same actions through Jesus Christ and culminating in the gift of the Holy Spirit to BOTH groups of people.
Conclusion: 11:33-36 Doxology—what God has done for both the Jew and Gentile is fantastic but it is too much for us to completely grasp. Thank God—who would want to worship a God they could totally understand and comprehend? We have all the information, revelation and understanding we need to live life as followers of Christ through faith.
Jim Swanson shared this little poem with me:
“How odd of God to choose the Jew
not as odd as those of you;
who choose the Jewish God
and hate the Jew.”
We cannot hate the Jew, feel superior nor gloat or be boastful over their misfortune.
They are our sibling. They are before us in the family. We are united with them in the same Promise, we fail as they do through the same sin of Adam repeated in every life through our own trust in ourselves versus trust in God and we are brought back to God through the same Christ, sacrificed on the cross and we share in the same Holy Spirit poured out into our hearts. We have the same Father who has made us both His children.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Romans 8:19-24
I love Romans 8. The chapter is rich and varied and reveals the mystery of God held secret for so long which is...."Christ in you, the hope of Glory."
But I am also intrigued by this passage from verse 19-24 and while I can come up with no definitive explanation, the speculations of theology can be very interesting. So please accept these rumblings as only Greg's thoughts. Try them on and see how they fit. Here goes:
vs. 19,"The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."
What an intriguing concept. Some how, someway, Creation has been forced to a lower state than before, a place of decay and in the RSV death as well.In fact Creation's fortunes have been intricately linked with the place of man.
Now what can we be sure of from the text? 1. Creation has been frustrated and lowered. It is not allowed to be what it once was and in fact has been brought to a place where it will run down (decay) and die. 2. This is not the picture we receive of Creation in the Garden in Genesis. 3.No where in this passage nor in Genesis do we catch even a hint that Creation is at fault or particiapted in the slighest in Man's rebellion and disobedience of God. 4. It appears that Creation's subjection is nearly identical to Man's, at least in its effect. Frustration, decay and death.
5. So if Creation has no fault, no sin no trespass, why has it been subjected to the same 'curse' as man?
Here is another thing we know. The One who subjected Creation to this aspect of the curse is----God Himself. This is not the desire of Creation but a decision of God's and further more, He links the well being and restoration of Creation with the redemption of Man. Creation cannot and will not be restored in and of itself. The freedom and wholeness of Creation will find its fulfillment only in the wholeness of Man. So "we know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."
The things I have just shared above are clearly indicated in this Scripture. These truths have been revealed to us. What is not clear and I cannot find overtly in Scripture is, "why did God subject the Creation to the curse of Man when in fact it has no guilt?
This is my speculation: God created Creation and then He made Man and He put Man in charge of Creation as His caretaker. Man was to name the animals and to care for the well-being of all of Creation. Man was the head steward tasked by God, in charge if you will. Then when Man rebelled, was kicked out of the Garden and subjected to decay and death, a fracture in the economy of God could have been created. Now Man who was the pinnacle of His Creation has been marred and brought low, producing a state where Creation which was 'under' Man would have been more glorious, more beautiful, more alive and more eternal than Man in his fallen state. So then does Creation rule over Man? One explanation that I offer for what happened is this: God's ultimate will will not be thwarted by Man's disobedience. God decided that Creation, which was created to be in relationship with Man would remain in the same relationship EVEN though they were not guilty as to rebellion. So when Man fell by his own disobeience, God cabled Creations' existence and state directly into an unchangeable situation where--whatever befalls Man befalls Creation. As Man suffers and dies so does Creation and conversley, as Man is redeemed and restored so will Creation.
If this is true it at least answers some of our questions. Who subjected Creation to decay and death if it did nothing wrong. Why is its welfare linked with the welfare of Man? Why does Creation eagerly wait and deeply groan for Man to be redeemed and restored?
A further corollary to Man's rebellion and sin is that the effects of our decisions in Adam have impacted negatively--the entire cosmos. But fortunately, the decision and acts of the one Man Christ--has brought and is bringing redemption--for all the cosmos!
One last bit of speculative theology comes out of this passage. If the magnificent Creation we see today is a mere shadow of its former self; if the world has been lowered and frustrated and made to decay; what must of it been like before the Fall? And what might it look like when it is restored?
When the Scriptures say that the 'trees clap their hands in joy' I'm sure it doesn't mean that trees have hands, but can it mean that even now trees have a hidden consciousness that would be openly seen in the Garden? When Jesus says that 'these very rocks would cry out' is this hyperbole or is their some underlying reality that we have lost out on? Have you ever looked at your dog, looked into their eyes and there seems to be this desire to communicate, to speak and yet there is chasm between their desire and their ability to speak. Could this be an example of Creation being frustrated and lowered in its experience so that it might maintain its postion in relationship to fallen Man? I am intrigued by C. S. Lewis' view of Narnia and the creatures who inhabit it. They talk, they live but they are always in the best way when there is a son and daughter (Mankind)of Aslan (Jesus Christ) on the throne (in charge) of the Kingdom.
For sure, I do not know what Creation was like nor what it will be like in the restored Kingdom. I know that the Bible tells us that the lion will play with the lamb and the child with the asp and it will be good! If this broken, fallen world can be so achingly beautiful and yet beset by horrilbe pain and decay, I can't wait to see what a Creation (and Mankind) will look like when the frustration is gone, the decay is arrested and death is defeated. That Day is coming!
But I am also intrigued by this passage from verse 19-24 and while I can come up with no definitive explanation, the speculations of theology can be very interesting. So please accept these rumblings as only Greg's thoughts. Try them on and see how they fit. Here goes:
vs. 19,"The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."
What an intriguing concept. Some how, someway, Creation has been forced to a lower state than before, a place of decay and in the RSV death as well.In fact Creation's fortunes have been intricately linked with the place of man.
Now what can we be sure of from the text? 1. Creation has been frustrated and lowered. It is not allowed to be what it once was and in fact has been brought to a place where it will run down (decay) and die. 2. This is not the picture we receive of Creation in the Garden in Genesis. 3.No where in this passage nor in Genesis do we catch even a hint that Creation is at fault or particiapted in the slighest in Man's rebellion and disobedience of God. 4. It appears that Creation's subjection is nearly identical to Man's, at least in its effect. Frustration, decay and death.
5. So if Creation has no fault, no sin no trespass, why has it been subjected to the same 'curse' as man?
Here is another thing we know. The One who subjected Creation to this aspect of the curse is----God Himself. This is not the desire of Creation but a decision of God's and further more, He links the well being and restoration of Creation with the redemption of Man. Creation cannot and will not be restored in and of itself. The freedom and wholeness of Creation will find its fulfillment only in the wholeness of Man. So "we know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."
The things I have just shared above are clearly indicated in this Scripture. These truths have been revealed to us. What is not clear and I cannot find overtly in Scripture is, "why did God subject the Creation to the curse of Man when in fact it has no guilt?
This is my speculation: God created Creation and then He made Man and He put Man in charge of Creation as His caretaker. Man was to name the animals and to care for the well-being of all of Creation. Man was the head steward tasked by God, in charge if you will. Then when Man rebelled, was kicked out of the Garden and subjected to decay and death, a fracture in the economy of God could have been created. Now Man who was the pinnacle of His Creation has been marred and brought low, producing a state where Creation which was 'under' Man would have been more glorious, more beautiful, more alive and more eternal than Man in his fallen state. So then does Creation rule over Man? One explanation that I offer for what happened is this: God's ultimate will will not be thwarted by Man's disobedience. God decided that Creation, which was created to be in relationship with Man would remain in the same relationship EVEN though they were not guilty as to rebellion. So when Man fell by his own disobeience, God cabled Creations' existence and state directly into an unchangeable situation where--whatever befalls Man befalls Creation. As Man suffers and dies so does Creation and conversley, as Man is redeemed and restored so will Creation.
If this is true it at least answers some of our questions. Who subjected Creation to decay and death if it did nothing wrong. Why is its welfare linked with the welfare of Man? Why does Creation eagerly wait and deeply groan for Man to be redeemed and restored?
A further corollary to Man's rebellion and sin is that the effects of our decisions in Adam have impacted negatively--the entire cosmos. But fortunately, the decision and acts of the one Man Christ--has brought and is bringing redemption--for all the cosmos!
One last bit of speculative theology comes out of this passage. If the magnificent Creation we see today is a mere shadow of its former self; if the world has been lowered and frustrated and made to decay; what must of it been like before the Fall? And what might it look like when it is restored?
When the Scriptures say that the 'trees clap their hands in joy' I'm sure it doesn't mean that trees have hands, but can it mean that even now trees have a hidden consciousness that would be openly seen in the Garden? When Jesus says that 'these very rocks would cry out' is this hyperbole or is their some underlying reality that we have lost out on? Have you ever looked at your dog, looked into their eyes and there seems to be this desire to communicate, to speak and yet there is chasm between their desire and their ability to speak. Could this be an example of Creation being frustrated and lowered in its experience so that it might maintain its postion in relationship to fallen Man? I am intrigued by C. S. Lewis' view of Narnia and the creatures who inhabit it. They talk, they live but they are always in the best way when there is a son and daughter (Mankind)of Aslan (Jesus Christ) on the throne (in charge) of the Kingdom.
For sure, I do not know what Creation was like nor what it will be like in the restored Kingdom. I know that the Bible tells us that the lion will play with the lamb and the child with the asp and it will be good! If this broken, fallen world can be so achingly beautiful and yet beset by horrilbe pain and decay, I can't wait to see what a Creation (and Mankind) will look like when the frustration is gone, the decay is arrested and death is defeated. That Day is coming!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Gift--the next sermon --on Rom. 6:23
I will be preaching on Rom. 6 this weekend culminating with verse 23 which says, "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
So, since last week and our exposure to the word 'gift' in Rom. 4 and 5 have you been thinking about what if could refer to? As I preach on this concept this weekend here are some questions that will enrich our conversation:
1. List ever time the word 'gift' is used in Romans 4, 5 and 6. Also include any qualifiers that accompany it.
2. Where else in Scripture is the word 'gift' used in a similar manner?
Think about these questions?
1. What gifts does Scripture tell us that God gives to us?
2. How do we receive these gifts?
3. Why do we receive these gifts?
4. Which 'gift' is this passage refering to?
5. What is the nature of---a gift?
6 As a recipeint of a gift--what are our options and obligations?
Have fun and shoot me any questions that pop into your studies.
So, since last week and our exposure to the word 'gift' in Rom. 4 and 5 have you been thinking about what if could refer to? As I preach on this concept this weekend here are some questions that will enrich our conversation:
1. List ever time the word 'gift' is used in Romans 4, 5 and 6. Also include any qualifiers that accompany it.
2. Where else in Scripture is the word 'gift' used in a similar manner?
Think about these questions?
1. What gifts does Scripture tell us that God gives to us?
2. How do we receive these gifts?
3. Why do we receive these gifts?
4. Which 'gift' is this passage refering to?
5. What is the nature of---a gift?
6 As a recipeint of a gift--what are our options and obligations?
Have fun and shoot me any questions that pop into your studies.
response to Regena's questions about heirs of the world
Thank you for your questions becuase it is quite obvious that as a communicator I did not do my job. You may also see on the blog spot commnets that my son Ryan also had some questions about what I wrote.
1. As I understand it, there is understanding about the first question--who are the heirs? all those who like Abraham--believe.
2.Its the second point where the confusion comes. Let me see if I can clarify. In talking about two possibilites, there really are two different possibilites about what this word 'world' could mean. Sometimes in the Scriptures it refers to Creation, the created order, the sticks and stones of earth. When this is the understanding of the word--'world' then I agree with Ryan that yes--we do re-inherit the 'world'--Creation and we will be restored as the stewards of this created order as part of our inheritance. In other words--this created earth is not refuse nor to be discarded, nor taken lightly. But there is another use of the word 'world' in the Pauline letters and it is a usage that is not refering to the creation, nor the sticks and stones of the created order but to the cultures, values and energy of the 'world' which are opposed to God. (See Eph. 2:2)
So what I was trying to say was not--that Creation is rotten or bad--it is fallen just as we are--but it will also be redeemed and restored as shall all who trust in Christ but the usage of the word 'world' in this particular verse was refering more to the world that is made up of values and practices that are opposed to God.
I landed on this particular usage of the word 'world' primarily because of Rom. 4:17 where Paul refers to the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were." In other words, the entire passage is using Abraham as as an example of one who believed that God could supernaturally do what the 'world' could not fathom and would call foolish. So I was led to the conclusion that we are the heirs who have come out of the world. What I was trying to say is that while I am very eager to inherit the Creation restored to its God planned grandeur, I am not desiring at all to inherit those things of the world--her cultures, values and energies (that are opposed to God)(that do not believe that God can, when man can't) this is NOT the inheritance that I want. What I want to inherit is more of the presence of God, more of His power and more of His love in my life--none of which the 'world' can provide for me.
Finally trying to figure out what God is saying in His word is not a matter of thinking that Holy Spirit has changed his mind or said something different. It is trying to understand (free of my own fleshly interpretations and wisdom) what He means in each and every Scripture. I seek Him, I pray and I think--then I speak or write. I do not presume to own the only interpretaion possible but I do know that the Holy Spirit also resides in me and I am thankful that He directs and aids me as I go-just as He does each of His children as they seek Him. Hopefully this helps clarify. If not lets keep on dialoguing.
1. As I understand it, there is understanding about the first question--who are the heirs? all those who like Abraham--believe.
2.Its the second point where the confusion comes. Let me see if I can clarify. In talking about two possibilites, there really are two different possibilites about what this word 'world' could mean. Sometimes in the Scriptures it refers to Creation, the created order, the sticks and stones of earth. When this is the understanding of the word--'world' then I agree with Ryan that yes--we do re-inherit the 'world'--Creation and we will be restored as the stewards of this created order as part of our inheritance. In other words--this created earth is not refuse nor to be discarded, nor taken lightly. But there is another use of the word 'world' in the Pauline letters and it is a usage that is not refering to the creation, nor the sticks and stones of the created order but to the cultures, values and energy of the 'world' which are opposed to God. (See Eph. 2:2)
So what I was trying to say was not--that Creation is rotten or bad--it is fallen just as we are--but it will also be redeemed and restored as shall all who trust in Christ but the usage of the word 'world' in this particular verse was refering more to the world that is made up of values and practices that are opposed to God.
I landed on this particular usage of the word 'world' primarily because of Rom. 4:17 where Paul refers to the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were." In other words, the entire passage is using Abraham as as an example of one who believed that God could supernaturally do what the 'world' could not fathom and would call foolish. So I was led to the conclusion that we are the heirs who have come out of the world. What I was trying to say is that while I am very eager to inherit the Creation restored to its God planned grandeur, I am not desiring at all to inherit those things of the world--her cultures, values and energies (that are opposed to God)(that do not believe that God can, when man can't) this is NOT the inheritance that I want. What I want to inherit is more of the presence of God, more of His power and more of His love in my life--none of which the 'world' can provide for me.
Finally trying to figure out what God is saying in His word is not a matter of thinking that Holy Spirit has changed his mind or said something different. It is trying to understand (free of my own fleshly interpretations and wisdom) what He means in each and every Scripture. I seek Him, I pray and I think--then I speak or write. I do not presume to own the only interpretaion possible but I do know that the Holy Spirit also resides in me and I am thankful that He directs and aids me as I go-just as He does each of His children as they seek Him. Hopefully this helps clarify. If not lets keep on dialoguing.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
heir of the world
Here is my shot at understanding Romans 4:13 without the use of commentaries. The first question is who is the heir?
In Gal. 3:16 Paul refers to Abraham's seed as singular (not plural) and relating to Christ. In that context it makes perfect sense but here in this part of the Romans arguement, Paul has just been making the case that not just those who are Jews and have the Law are Abraham's descendants but also those who like Abraham believe God and have had it reckoned to them as righteousness. (4:3)So in this case I believe that the term offspring is meaning to refer to all those both Jew and Gentile alike--who have faith in Jesus Christ. So the identification of the 'heir' is all those, like Abraham, who have believed God. We are not heirs by virtue of works of the Law but we are Abraham's offspring when we trust God.
The second question is, What does 'of the world' refer to?
As I think it through there are two primary possibilites. First, it could mean, the heirs (those who trust God), what they inherit is---the world. This reminds me of Matt. 5:5 where in the Sermon of the Mount Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." I also remember Jesus saying in Matt. 6:33,"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."So if this is the case it would mean something like 'for the ones who trust God, who believe Him and do not rely on works of the Law for righteousness, these shall receive from God, as an inheritance--(something we get out of the situation)--the world.
This could be the correct interpretation but it doesn't sit well with me. When I trust God in reality I give up the world with all my silly gropings to try and hold on to it. When Abraham believed God--he did so in spite of the world that would say--your body is to old to have sex and your wife has been barren for decades. It was the wisdom of the world that Abraham had to forego and he had to trust that God was able to do what the world said was impossible. So for the one who believes God (which at least in part entails giving up the world) I find this second possibilitiy for what 'of the world' means to be more compelling. Here then is that second choice.
Grammatically 'of the world' could also mean--out of all the world, these people, (those who believe God as Abraham did) these are the ones who are heirs. Actually I kind of like that. It is after all what I wanted when I trusted God. All i have ever wanted when I trusted God was His abiding presence. If you are here God, everything will be okay. If I turn it over to God, then because He is good, everything that comes from His hand is good (even if I don't like it) You see when I trust God, it is not the world I was hoping to get out of that trusting relationship. In fact it is just the opposite of that. In trusting God Abraham hoped to get out of that trust--what God could bring to the table that the world could not. That is it exactly. As an heir (one who trusts God) what I want is God Himself and all the power His presence brings. I don't want the world. It looks bleak and barren. I want God who brings life out of death. Vitality out of drudgery. Hope out of despair.
When we trust God and don't rely on our efforts within this world, we become heirs within this world who receive the power and presence of God who is beyond this world and Lord over this world.
That's where the Holy Spirit has led me. What do you think? Keep living in Romans.
In Gal. 3:16 Paul refers to Abraham's seed as singular (not plural) and relating to Christ. In that context it makes perfect sense but here in this part of the Romans arguement, Paul has just been making the case that not just those who are Jews and have the Law are Abraham's descendants but also those who like Abraham believe God and have had it reckoned to them as righteousness. (4:3)So in this case I believe that the term offspring is meaning to refer to all those both Jew and Gentile alike--who have faith in Jesus Christ. So the identification of the 'heir' is all those, like Abraham, who have believed God. We are not heirs by virtue of works of the Law but we are Abraham's offspring when we trust God.
The second question is, What does 'of the world' refer to?
As I think it through there are two primary possibilites. First, it could mean, the heirs (those who trust God), what they inherit is---the world. This reminds me of Matt. 5:5 where in the Sermon of the Mount Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." I also remember Jesus saying in Matt. 6:33,"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."So if this is the case it would mean something like 'for the ones who trust God, who believe Him and do not rely on works of the Law for righteousness, these shall receive from God, as an inheritance--(something we get out of the situation)--the world.
This could be the correct interpretation but it doesn't sit well with me. When I trust God in reality I give up the world with all my silly gropings to try and hold on to it. When Abraham believed God--he did so in spite of the world that would say--your body is to old to have sex and your wife has been barren for decades. It was the wisdom of the world that Abraham had to forego and he had to trust that God was able to do what the world said was impossible. So for the one who believes God (which at least in part entails giving up the world) I find this second possibilitiy for what 'of the world' means to be more compelling. Here then is that second choice.
Grammatically 'of the world' could also mean--out of all the world, these people, (those who believe God as Abraham did) these are the ones who are heirs. Actually I kind of like that. It is after all what I wanted when I trusted God. All i have ever wanted when I trusted God was His abiding presence. If you are here God, everything will be okay. If I turn it over to God, then because He is good, everything that comes from His hand is good (even if I don't like it) You see when I trust God, it is not the world I was hoping to get out of that trusting relationship. In fact it is just the opposite of that. In trusting God Abraham hoped to get out of that trust--what God could bring to the table that the world could not. That is it exactly. As an heir (one who trusts God) what I want is God Himself and all the power His presence brings. I don't want the world. It looks bleak and barren. I want God who brings life out of death. Vitality out of drudgery. Hope out of despair.
When we trust God and don't rely on our efforts within this world, we become heirs within this world who receive the power and presence of God who is beyond this world and Lord over this world.
That's where the Holy Spirit has led me. What do you think? Keep living in Romans.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Romans 3
In Romans 3 the use of the word redemption is found in verse 24. I am intrigued by how American our view of this verse is. If redemption is the redeeming of our lives from ownership of another master, we become so thankful that in Christ, we no longer are slaves to sin nor under the curse of death. Christ has saved us from this and paid the price in full for our freedom--I'm FREE!!!! So goes our thought process.
...from. No God redeemed us in Christ from the power of sin not just to set us free from a terrible tyrant, but to bring us under His loving and gracious Lordship.
...;. So if this be true--and I believe it is---what day to day impact might this have on our decisions, attitudes and actions? What do you think?
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Gen. 3 The Evening After the Fall
If you have not yet read the previous blog, do that now before you read this blog.
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The walk had been forced and ardous. Blisters had formed on his feet and a thorn had embedded in her arch. No longer was there any sign or even a remembrance of the Garden. The fruit trees they had inspected for dinner were well past prime and yeilded only a few worm free bites for dinner. They had finally found a rock overhang with a cold, hard stone base to sleep upon.
Why, they were not sure, but a general dis-ease was upon them -----and fear lurked within. A solid wall for their back, a roof for their head and stones for a mattress. As they settled in, her skin rose with goose bumps from the chilled air only to stretch and wrinkle the sun burned parts on her shoulders.
But there was no rest.
A spider walking across her arm tore a miniscule bite from her. Mesquitos drilled for precious blood. A fly circled her. The once friendly hare skittered by , darting for cover. And the owl skimmed the meadows, searching for a meal. Adam and she started it up again. The argument and recriminations were a steady torrent.
But there was no apparent remedy for their tragic chew. They were exiles in a land gray and drab, frought with fear and danger, hunger and want, pain and despair. No sweet nestling closed their evening, but rather the furtive clinging of the afraid.
A troubled sleep overcame Eve, Adam dozed fitfully, always aware of a vicious tone to the wolf's howl. Protect, defend, provide. Morning and night. Night and morning. Days without end. A cold sweat broke out on his once regal brow. As he dozed on the rim, his heart burst as from deep within there echoed, "Where are you?"
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The walk had been forced and ardous. Blisters had formed on his feet and a thorn had embedded in her arch. No longer was there any sign or even a remembrance of the Garden. The fruit trees they had inspected for dinner were well past prime and yeilded only a few worm free bites for dinner. They had finally found a rock overhang with a cold, hard stone base to sleep upon.
Why, they were not sure, but a general dis-ease was upon them -----and fear lurked within. A solid wall for their back, a roof for their head and stones for a mattress. As they settled in, her skin rose with goose bumps from the chilled air only to stretch and wrinkle the sun burned parts on her shoulders.
But there was no rest.
A spider walking across her arm tore a miniscule bite from her. Mesquitos drilled for precious blood. A fly circled her. The once friendly hare skittered by , darting for cover. And the owl skimmed the meadows, searching for a meal. Adam and she started it up again. The argument and recriminations were a steady torrent.
But there was no apparent remedy for their tragic chew. They were exiles in a land gray and drab, frought with fear and danger, hunger and want, pain and despair. No sweet nestling closed their evening, but rather the furtive clinging of the afraid.
A troubled sleep overcame Eve, Adam dozed fitfully, always aware of a vicious tone to the wolf's howl. Protect, defend, provide. Morning and night. Night and morning. Days without end. A cold sweat broke out on his once regal brow. As he dozed on the rim, his heart burst as from deep within there echoed, "Where are you?"
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Gen.3 The Morning of the Fall
The sun floated gently upon her face. A slight breeze stirred through the leaves of the giant maple nearby. Birds alternated between rich arias and full choral pieces. The wolf laid by her side. During the night no insects drilled or ripped into her creamy skin. No predators prowled the dark. There was not a shred of fear in her heart as she had layed down to sleep; and now, the freshness of dawn was calling to her. The notes of the symphony of Creation were all in tune. There was only one discordant note, one counterpoint, one insistent thought lurking in her mind. It had been there for days.
She rolled over from her deep green blanket of grass from which no allergy had ever irritated her skin, and opening her eyes, the love of her life was laying beside her. Regal of brow, powerful of body, kind of heart--fully devoted to her, Adam awoke.
Lying together, they gently rejoiced in the joy of comnpleteness. Their joy, given by the Father whom they adored. The lion they had named greeted the morning on a rock outcropping 25 feet away. The gazelle darted by as did the lumbering tapir, blissfully thriving in life. Their vividness radiant. The joy and exuberance of each animal shone from within. And every specie frolicked in the innocence of ignorance.
"Shall we talk more about it now," Adam asked. "Later," she whispered. In each mind, an unaccounted shadow hovered.
After arising, they took their customary walk. They stopped to pluck grapes, succulent and juicy. As they moved by the bluebbery patch, Mr. Bear pawed a hello. By the babbling brook their thirst was quenched and carrots, green peppers and dark lettuce were cleaned and feasted on. The artichoke, pineapple and lime were fresh on the vine and papya juice ran strong with mango.
They were near the center now. At every turn, their eyes beheld the wonders of creation. Deep canyons, towering pinnacles, snow capped mountains, alpine meadows, gentle lakes and deserts in full bloom were all laid side by side. Their hearts leapt in exulatation at the grandeur they never tired of.
But as their eyes turned forward, their steps halted, for once again, as they had every day, they came to the Tree. The one Tree. The Tree that had come to dominate their minds. The one that was stirring their wills and straining their serenity. The only tree the Father had told them they could not eat of. Their one boundary, their one limitation, their only prohibition.
They sat, they stared--------and the shadow grew.
She rolled over from her deep green blanket of grass from which no allergy had ever irritated her skin, and opening her eyes, the love of her life was laying beside her. Regal of brow, powerful of body, kind of heart--fully devoted to her, Adam awoke.
Lying together, they gently rejoiced in the joy of comnpleteness. Their joy, given by the Father whom they adored. The lion they had named greeted the morning on a rock outcropping 25 feet away. The gazelle darted by as did the lumbering tapir, blissfully thriving in life. Their vividness radiant. The joy and exuberance of each animal shone from within. And every specie frolicked in the innocence of ignorance.
"Shall we talk more about it now," Adam asked. "Later," she whispered. In each mind, an unaccounted shadow hovered.
After arising, they took their customary walk. They stopped to pluck grapes, succulent and juicy. As they moved by the bluebbery patch, Mr. Bear pawed a hello. By the babbling brook their thirst was quenched and carrots, green peppers and dark lettuce were cleaned and feasted on. The artichoke, pineapple and lime were fresh on the vine and papya juice ran strong with mango.
They were near the center now. At every turn, their eyes beheld the wonders of creation. Deep canyons, towering pinnacles, snow capped mountains, alpine meadows, gentle lakes and deserts in full bloom were all laid side by side. Their hearts leapt in exulatation at the grandeur they never tired of.
But as their eyes turned forward, their steps halted, for once again, as they had every day, they came to the Tree. The one Tree. The Tree that had come to dominate their minds. The one that was stirring their wills and straining their serenity. The only tree the Father had told them they could not eat of. Their one boundary, their one limitation, their only prohibition.
They sat, they stared--------and the shadow grew.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Thor's Rumblings
Pastor’s Pen
Dear Friends,
Sometimes the greatest surprises come out of the biggest disappointments.
This past week, as some of you know, I was in the Boston area helping Dottie’s aunt as well as taking some study leave. I love history—particularly American history and I was in historical heaven there in the cradle of the American Revolution. I did the Freedom Trail (a historical tour of places in Boston) and saw the Boston Commons, the Old Grainery Cemetery, where Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, Mother Goose (a person) and the victims of the Boston Massacre, are all buried. I also saw places like the Old South Meeting Hall and Faneuil Hall that were prominent locations of patriotic discussions, the Old North Church, where the two lanterns were lit, and Bunker Hill, a devastating victory for the British.
I had a delightful time following the running battle from Lexington (where the shot heard round the world occurred) to Concord, dining at the Colonial Inn in Concord (dated to 1717) and seeing in the same 5 mile area—Henry David Thoreau’s Walden Pond of fame, the Orchards house which is where Louisa May Alcott grew up and based her book-Little Women on, and then the Old Manse house from which the battle at the North Bridge was viewed by a Pastor on April 19, 1775, then in the 1830’s, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote for nearly ten years and then in the 1840’s, Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote—all from the same house. Absolutely amazing. Pure delight—historical bonanza!
But my most thrilling experience emanated from the biggest disappointment. I have always been a huge fan of John Adams (signer of the Declaration, first Vice President and second President of the United States). His wife, Abigail, is one of the most amazing women in history, a strong outspoken follower of Jesus, wonderful insights into the Christian life and the political landscape of that day and a loving advocate for the rights of all people. Her written letters are pure gold.
So I drove down to Quincy/Braintree where John Adams was born, raised and where he and Abigail lived (it is just 8 miles south of Boston). I was so excited to see where they lived, how they lived, where they were buried and to read and discover more about them.
When I got there at 10:30 in the morning—the Interpretive Center was closed, the old cemetery was closed, the houses they had lived in were closed and the church where they were buried was closed. I was mad—me, a lover of American history, an amateur historian from the west coast, only time in my life in Quincy, and just because it’s cold out and there aren’t many tourists---they can’t be open! I fumed as I walked around. I went back to the Church of the Presidents where John and Abigail were buried as well as their son, John Quincy Adams, the 5th President of the United States and his wife-- and I began walking around it just to try and get a feel for it.
As I encircled the building, a man came out a basement door carrying garbage. I stopped him and pleaded, “Sir, I am from Oregon and I am a big fan of John and Abigail Adams and I may never be here again. Is there any way I can come in and take a quick peek? He looked furtively around and then said, “Okay, but we don’t normally do this.” He proceeded to take me down into the basement, through a maze of hallways and then unlocked a strong wooden door. This led into a stone hallway and he led me up to a locked iron grate. He took out an old skeleton key unlocked the grate and said, “Go on in.” I had to stoop to enter, but as I went in I did so slowly because it was dark and I could see nothing. “Is there a light?” I asked. “Oh, of course,” he answered and proceeded to switch on the light.
I was stunned speechless. Overwhelmed. Awed. I was stooped over, standing one foot from the stone coffin of John Adams. His wife, Abigail’s coffin was a step away. John Quincy and his wife were five steps away. I was in the crypt of their burial. Separated only by stone containers from some of my (and the nation’s) greatest heroes, I asked permission to touch the coffin, to photograph them and to linger. Out of my huge disappointment, I was being given such a rare privilege to actually enter, touch and linger where the general public must view from beyond the locked grates.
I am even today—still ‘blown away’ by this rare privilege I received.
I remember the Apostle James telling his fellow believer’s, “Consider it pure joy, my brethren, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”(James 1:2) Pure joy describes my reaction to the huge disappointment I had been experiencing.
Indeed, sometimes the greatest surprises come out of the biggest disappointments!
In Christ,
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