November 29 - December 3, 2010

And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

I John 1:5

Have you ever stopped to consider God’s timing? Today we go through our emails and delete half of them before we ever open them. Communication is merely a text or an instant message away. If we do happen to keep the communiqué, it is often buried under a mountain of megabytes that may never get opened again. This was certainly not the case when the fullness of God’s time came and the message of the Good News was being spread through the world. Letters were cherished! There was no such thing as a postage stamp. They were hand-carried across the miles and delivered by someone you really trusted. They were passed around and shared as though they were precious treasures. As we continue to go through these priceless letters we realize that one of the reasons they have been preserved is because people in that day valued the price of a handwritten correspondence.

This week our mailbag contains letters from three fathers of the faith - Peter, John, and Jude. This is our second correspondence from Peter. Peter’s letters deal with such practical living. It is truly a handbook for relationships on all levels. Marriage, work, the church, young, old – there is something for everyone! Peter constantly encourages us to lead by example and not merely by words.

Peter speaks to the leaders in the church and addresses them as shepherds.

Shepherd the flock of God among you, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; (I Peter 5:2)

You can hear the heart of the Great Shepherd as Peter goes on to say,

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (I Peter 5:8)

You may recall when Jesus spoke to Peter after His resurrection and told him to “tend My lambs,” “shepherd My sheep,” and “tend My sheep.” Even today Peter’s written words continue to minister as a shepherd to Jesus’ flock.

The salutation of Peter’s first letter causes me to consider without drawing a conclusion. Peter expresses greetings from the church where he is, but he also expresses the greetings of a young man named Mark. Peter also calls this individual his son. I haven’t found any evidence to suggest that this Mark is John Mark, the relative of Barnabas and the one that had been with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. I know Paul referred to Timothy as being “like” a son to him, but in this passage Peter says Mark is his son. We know that Peter was married when he followed Jesus. We also know that Peter was married during the time of his ministry after Jesus’ ascension. I can’t imagine that Peter didn’t have children. Could it be that this one who stands alongside him at this crucial time in his life is truly his own flesh and blood. I’d like to think it is!

In Peter’s second letter you can hear his patient endurance. Along with many others, Peter has been unwearyingly waiting for Christ’s return. Obviously, when Jesus told them He would come back again, none of them were expecting that it would take two thousand years. You may recall quite some time ago, when we were looking at the lives of King Saul and King David. They both were put through test. One test was go and do, and the other was go and wait! We see that the early saints were also put through the same character-proving tests. In the midst of the waiting period, false teachers began to preach heresies that were birthed out of false dreams and visions, and self-ambitions. The test of “wait” continues to reveal the true hearts of men. In spite of the years that have passed, Peter stands assured that the day of the Lord will come and encourages others to stand firm, no matter how long it takes!!!!!

Our letters from John confirm the character of the man. Remember when John wrote his testimony of Jesus’ life, which we refer to as the Gospel of John? John’s reference to himself was always, “The disciple whom Jesus loved.” Love was always at the core of John’s being, and so it is his very nature to write about the love of God. Leave it to John to say, “God is love!” When Jesus commanded the apostles at the Passover before He was crucified to “love one another,” John embraced that command. This mandate is the very heart and soul of his letters.

If some one says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. (I John 4:20-21)

John echoes the words of Jesus as he continues to declare Christ’s command to us in our generation.

Our last letter this week is from Jude, who is the brother of James. He is believed by most scholars to be one of Jesus’ half-brothers referred to in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3. What a precious thought that is when you stop and remember that while Jesus walked this earth, His brothers refused to believe in Him. Obviously, that all changed when He rose from the dead!!!!!! Jude’s letter is small but powerful! His context spans from Enoch, the seventh generation from Adam, to Judgment Day. It is quite apparent that Jude knew the Scriptures and, by the Spirit, was able to weave the threads of their prophetic meaning into current events. His understanding of the power and authority of the unseen world is a topic that the church at large would do well to listen to today.

In my files I have letters from precious loved-ones that, every now and then, I will take out and read. Their messages never fail to touch my heart. This week, as we finish reading the epistles of the New Testament, I pray that their words find greater expression in our hearts and that we are drawn to consider them over and over again. May each reading reveal greater insight and spur us on to a purer walk of holiness.

November 22-24, 2010

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1)

Have you ever been to a major sports event? Did you notice that the best seats are always reserved for the most distinguished spectators? Well this week the writer of Hebrews gets us into the elite section of the stadium, which is normally reserved for the chosen few. Our author is well aware of the struggles the Jews have endured because of their monotheistic faith. Now these outcasts are not only forsaken by the world; their own people reject them because they believed the promises of God. They have been willing to let go of tradition for truth. We may think that this is a simple task, but let me assure you, I’m confident that most of the church world would struggle with their faith if they were asked to forsake many of our pagan-founded traditions. These believers were not just giving up worldly customs; they were forsaking a life’s system of beliefs that was the anchor of their religion. Circumcision, sacrifices, obedience to the Law to gain righteousness, all these were now obsolete. The only thing that remained was faith in God and His promises.

As we enter into the Hall of Faith, we gaze with respect and admiration at the men and women who trusted God through amazing circumstances. Each one would be worthy of our time and contemplation. We could stop and consider Abel’s better sacrifice. Not better because it was a sheep, but because it was offered by faith. Cain’s sacrifice of the fruit of the land would have been quite acceptable if it was presented out of his trust in God. God had not demanded any certain kind of sacrifices, and even the Law, which came later, not only recognized blood sacrifices, but produce as well. How could a man who walked so close to God that he was taken from this earth without dying not impress one? Enoch’s belief in the coming judgment at the end of time is spoken of thousands of years later and his prophecies give us insight into God’s plan for him in the last days. But we’ll look more at that later. And what a contrast is seen between Noah, whose faith condemned the world and Abraham, whose faith brought the Seed of Salvation into the world.

Of all the faithful heroes, the Holy Spirit lingers a bit longer when He speaks of Abraham. We know Abraham believed God’s word that promised him an inheritance and an heir, but have you ever considered the depth of Abraham’s faith? Why did God wait so long to give him the promised seed? We are clearly told that Abraham was old and as good as dead!!! I’m sure I don’t have to give a biology lesson for you to understand what that means. And Sarah was well past menopause; so all hope was also gone in that department. What kind of faith did Abraham need in order to believe God would give him offspring through Sarah? The answer is quite profound – he needed faith in the resurrection power of God! I have no doubt that this experience was the catalyst that encouraged Abraham to obediently place Isaac, his son of promise, on the altar when God required it of him. Once again Abraham was confronted with the test of his faith. And what did that faith require? Once again, it required Abraham to trust God for resurrection power! When you boil Abraham’s faith down, Abraham believed IN THE RESURRECTION!!!

Unlike some of the teachings of today that tell us true faith will make everything turn out happy and positive, we find that many of our role models died having never received what they hoped for. True faith has the ability to look beyond this world into the realm of eternity. Godly faith understands that there are times when letting go of freedom, life, prosperity, and things that we think will give us happiness requires greater trust in God than obtaining our desires.

As we run our race on this earth, the grandstands are filled with people who are cheering us on. They are not just observers of the race, they are ones who have run it and know what it takes to win! They understand the necessity of fixing your eyes on the goal and not losing precious time looking at your opponent. That’s what makes our “Journeys Through the Word” so special. With each chapter and each new character, we hear the encouragement of those who have stripped away the things of this world so they could run the race. These victorious spectators are now cheering us on and calling out to us to never give up or give in. Hopefully we are hearing their voices.

As you complete your walk through the pages of Hebrews and begin to read Peter’s letter, I hope you hear his shouts of encouragement to finish your course. Peter’s words are so much more powerful when you put them in light of his life. It was to Peter Jesus said,

Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:17-18)

I have no doubt that Peter understood the play on his name and the comparison Jesus was using. The word “rock” spoke of massive bedrock. The name “Peter” signified a small stone that helped to make up the bedrock. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians puts this all in perspective for us.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being guilt together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Remembering and understanding these things cause Peter’s words to take on even great significance when he writes

And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For this is contained in Scripture; “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and He who believes in Him will not be disappointed. This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,” And “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. (I Peter 2:4-8)

If anyone can preach to us about stones, certainly Peter can!!! God give us the ears to not only hear his word, but to discern the heart of the Spirit by which he spoke them. Open the eyes of our heart Lord!

November 15-19, 2010

Coming Soon!

November 8-12, 2010

Coming Soon!

November 1-5, 2001

Coming Soon!

October 25-29, 2010

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. (Acts 20:17)

And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. (Acts 20:36)

We begin our week with Paul closing his letter to the believers in Rome. As per Paul’s normal mode of operation, he is mindful of those that mean so much to him. It is an interesting list of friends that Paul greets in this letter. Pay special attention to how many of those mentioned by name are women. It is also interesting to see the variety of ministries that are represented among them. Paul introduces Phoebe and informs them that she is a “minister” in the church. He uses the same word to describe Phoebe’s ministry that he used when speaking of Jesus, Apollos, Epaphras, Tychicus, Timothy, himself, and others. He sends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila. Obviously they returned to Rome to help the believers they had left behind. I’m sure their time with Paul brought greater depth to their understanding of The Way and they were eager to return and share with those they loved. Whenever Paul speaks of this couple as husband and wife he refers to them as Aquila and Priscilla, but when he speaks of them in ministry he calls them Priscilla and Aquila. Hmmmm! Why do you think that might be?!? Since the two of them returned to Rome, they had begun pastoring a church together. It is quite obvious that Paul recognizes them both in this work. Paul also recognizes Mary’s “hard work.” He uses this word continuously when he refers to his labor for the Lord. Paul said that he didn’t want to find he had labored in vain, and he wanted to be sure the people in Rome knew that Mary was laboring to the point of exhaustion for them as well. Junias was a fellow prisoner with Paul and he says SHE is outstanding among the apostles. Yes, SHE! Junias is a female name!!! And the list goes on. How many other women are found in this list of beloved friends and co-workers of Paul?

At some point in this part of Paul’s ministry he had gotten a response from his letter to the Corinthians and Paul makes sure he answers them before he begins his journey to Jerusalem. His letter is a rich correspondence of joy, heaviness, concern, encouragement and personal weariness. Although Paul has needs of his own, his heart is still weighed down with concern for those struggling in Jerusalem. The collection Paul speaks of is not for him, but for those to whom he will take their gift.

This week we also join Paul in his journey back to Jerusalem. More than just his travel itinerary is given! This meaningful trip is filled with insights concerning believers’ reactions to the prophetic word of God. At what point and how God revealed to Paul that he was headed for prison and would be going to Rome, we are not told. We have already seen by Paul’s letter to the Romans that God had worked a desire in Paul to go to Rome. I don’t get the sense that Paul knew before he began his trip that his journey to Rome was going to be paid for at the expense of the Roman government because he was going to be shipped there as a prisoner. But by the time Paul got to Miletus he already knew what was ahead for him.

Some of Paul’s friends accepted the word with grief, believing they would never see Paul again. Although they were heartbroken, they never questioned whether Paul should be going. Other tried to rescue him from his fate, begging him not to set foot in Jerusalem. What is confusing about this group is that it says “they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem.” So was God warning Paul not to go, and did Paul disregard God’s warning? Or were their words meant to test Paul, like the words Elijah spoke to Elisha when he told him to “stay here please, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” And then you have Agabus! You may remember him. He was the prophet from Jerusalem who went to Antioch and prophesied of the great famine that was coming, telling them to make provisions for those who would be in great need. Agabus’ words were direct and to the point, without commentary and personal thought. This is what God said and that’s the way it will be! End of story!!! Spoken like a true prophet!!!!! But the most important acceptance of God’s word is Paul‘s attitude towards it! He knew what God had spoken to him and was prepared for what he would face. He knew how to grieve with those who grieved, encourage those who didn’t understand, and accept the difficult prophecy that merely confirmed what he already knew. He did not become confused or shaken when others didn’t agree with the determinations of his heart. He did not allow the grief of others to deter him from pouring out his life as a sacrifice to God, nor was he unmoved by their tears. Paul displays a beautiful blend of compassion and resolution. He shows us how to love and lead with a tender heart and a steadfast spirit. Yes, I truly love this servant of God and always enjoy the times I spend walking with him through the pages of the Book. I trust his words are teaching and encouraging you as well.

October 18-22, 2010

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. (Romans 1:8)

A number of years ago, I had the privilege of traveling to Germany with Dr. Robert Cornwall and a couple of other Bible teachers and scholars. Our mission was to teach and encourage pastors and full-time ministers. While we were there, we were given the rare privilege of touring the courtroom where the Nuremberg trials were conducted, and then taken to the prison cells where those who were convicted awaited their sentences. A wing of the prison in operation at that time is still used today, and so we walked in the midst of convicted criminals. Few Germans, let alone Americans, ever get to see these places. We only had the occasion because one of the ministers who sponsored the conference was a chaplain in the prison and had connections that opened this door of opportunity. But in a couple of weeks Paul, our special tour guide, is about to afford us the rare opportunity of standing in Rome’s highest courtroom in Israel, and give us a jailbird’s eye view of life in a Roman prison.

But before we go there, let’s take some time to consider Paul’s last days as a free man. One of the first things we notice is that Paul, even though he knew salvation through Christ, still held to and encouraged the Gentiles to commemorate the appointed festivals instituted by God under the Old Covenant. Although Paul had people waiting for him in Troas, Paul did not sail from Philippi until after Passover and the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread. Also, Paul carefully planned his traveling itinerary to do his best to be in Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost. Over and over again, Paul taught the Gentiles that salvation did not come through the keeping of the Law, nor through the rite of circumcision. But Paul understood the importance of understanding the reality of those things he had once only known as shadows. He understood that Jesus left this earth looking forward to the day when He would return and sit at the Passover meal with His followers. I’m sure Paul approached the seder meal with greater reverence than ever before, and also taught the significance to those he was with.

Many church traditions have incorporated communion every Sunday using Luke’s passage in his writings of the book of Acts as their Scriptural foundation.

And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to depart the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. (Acts 20:7)

They have interpreted the words “break bread” as relating to the time Jesus “broke bread” on the night He was celebrating Passover with His disciples. But a simple word study will quickly reveal that this phrase not only refers to the breaking of bread at Passover, but is also used to express sharing a common meal together. My Aussie and Kiwi friends could easily explain this one. If they tell you that they had someone over for “tea,” they’ve just informed you that they had company for dinner. Likewise, in Hebrew and Greek, the word for bread does not merely refer to the substance used to enclose ham and cheese with a little mayo, but for food in general. Like several of the churches where I have the privilege of speaking, this group of believers met on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) to share the Word and a meal.

This week Paul introduces us to several more of his friends. Over the next couple of weeks we will find that some of them remained close companions throughout Paul’s life, while others deserted him in his hours of deepest need. It is obvious that Paul valued friendship and agonized when these relationships failed and was deeply grateful when they didn’t. You may want to keep track of those he mentions by name. Alexander is definitely one to follow! Some people he only speaks about once, while others he has a considerable amount to share.

As we walk with Paul, we enter his world about thirty years after the crucifixion. It’s been close to ten years since Paul began his missionary outreach and was sent by the church in Antioch. Paul has covered many miles, but he still has not been to Rome. How did Christianity spread to Rome? We know for certain that it wasn’t a result of Paul’s ministry. We know that when Paul was in Corinth, he had met the devoted Christian couple of Aquila and Priscilla who had been expelled from Rome because of their beliefs. You can be sure that Aquila and Priscilla told Paul about the believers they had left behind. We also know that there were Jews from Rome who were in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers after Christ’s resurrection. You may recall their amazement when they heard the Gospel spoken in their own language. Obviously, there were those who heard, believed, and went back to Rome eagerly sharing what they had experienced. The only names that receive credit for founding the church in Rome is Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit!

As Paul begins to wrap up his current ministry trip and prepares to head back to Jerusalem, his thoughts are drawn to the Christians in Rome. The Holy Spirit continually brings them to Paul’s attention, and he finds himself continually remembering to pray for them. It is obvious that God is placing a deep desire in his heart to meet these brothers and sisters, and Paul feels compelled to send them a letter. As much as Paul’s suffering and difficulties have deepened his faith in the work of Christ, he recognizes that their experiences also have accomplished a commendable quality of faith in them and he desires to mutually share the good things of God.

For I long to see you in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:11-12)

Unlike Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, Paul is not dealing with issues in the church. His words are written to strengthen their faith in the Son of God, and to bring greater understanding of grace and the work of the cross. Remembering that it was Jews who brought back the message of Christ the Messiah after they had been in Jerusalem for Pentecost, Paul is careful to address the areas of misunderstanding that are running rampant in the early church. Sin, Abraham and the promise of inheritance, the Law, the cross, the reality of who Jesus really is and was before He became man, the continual fight between conflicting natures, the role of Jews in the past, present, and future, and the hope of the Gentiles are all topics Paul touches upon. This letter is heralded as the most comprehensive of all of Paul’s writings and is revered for “its wonderful combination of doctrinal, ethical and administrative wisdom and power.” Hopefully you are savoring Paul’s words and allowing this correspondence to the Romans to deepen your roots as well.