Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Ezekiel 14:1-8 (The Message)
1-5 Some of the leaders of Israel approached me and sat down with me. God's Message came to me: "Son of Man, these people have installed idols in their hearts. They have embraced the wickedness that will ruin them. Why should I even bother with their prayers? Therefore tell them, 'The Message of God, the Master: All in Israel who install idols in their hearts and embrace the wickedness that will ruin them and still have the gall to come to a prophet, be on notice: I, God, will step in and personally answer them as they come dragging along their mob of idols. I am ready to go to work on the hearts of the house of Israel, all of whom have left me for their idols.'
6-8 "Therefore, say to the house of Israel: 'God, the Master, says, Repent! Turn your backs on your no-god idols. Turn your backs on all your outrageous obscenities. To every last person from the house of Israel, including any of the resident aliens who live in Israel—all who turn their backs on me and embrace idols, who install the wickedness that will ruin them at the center of their lives and then have the gall to go to the prophet to ask me questions—I, God, will step in and give the answer myself. I'll oppose those people to their faces, make an example of them—a warning lesson—and get rid of them so you will realize that I am God.
For Reflection
How do we, in this modern age, turn away from God? What are the "mob of idols" we drag with us? God sees and knows our sin. Yet, He will forgive those who repent.
Pray that you recognize the idols that you drag with you. Pray that these idols do not influence decisions that are contrary to God's intention for you. Confess your ties to your idols and repent. Pray for God to go to work on your heart.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Admonition to Faith and Mercy
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Jude 1:17-25 (The Message)
17-19 But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen: "In the last days there will be people who don't take these things seriously anymore. They'll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts." These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There's nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!
20-21But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!
22-23 Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.
24-25 And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.
For Reflection
Reread these passages often. How others respond is not important. It is what you do that is the key to the Kingdom of God.
Pray as these passages will lead you to pray -- that you will build yourselves up, stay at the center of God's love, be tender with sinners and celebrate God in your life.
Teachings on Community
Jude 1:17-25 (The Message)
17-19 But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen: "In the last days there will be people who don't take these things seriously anymore. They'll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts." These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There's nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!
20-21But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!
22-23 Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.
24-25 And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.
For Reflection
Reread these passages often. How others respond is not important. It is what you do that is the key to the Kingdom of God.
Pray as these passages will lead you to pray -- that you will build yourselves up, stay at the center of God's love, be tender with sinners and celebrate God in your life.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Rebuke of the Unprincipled
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Jude 1:8-16 (The Message)
8This is exactly the same program of these latest infiltrators: dirty sex, rule and rulers thrown out, glory dragged in the mud.
9-11The Archangel Michael, who went to the mat with the Devil as they fought over the body of Moses, wouldn't have dared level him with a blasphemous curse, but said simply, "No you don't. God will take care of you!" But these people sneer at anything they can't understand, and by doing whatever they feel like doing—living by animal instinct only—they participate in their own destruction. I'm fed up with them! They've gone down Cain's road; they've been sucked into Balaam's error by greed; they're canceled out in Korah's rebellion.
12-13These people are warts on your love feasts as you worship and eat together. They're giving you a black eye—carousing shamelessly, grabbing anything that isn't nailed down. They're—
Puffs of smoke pushed by gusts of wind;
late autumn trees stripped clean of leaf and fruit,
Doubly dead, pulled up by the roots;
wild ocean waves leaving nothing on the beach
but the foam of their shame;
Lost stars in outer space
on their way to the black hole.
14-16Enoch, the seventh after Adam, prophesied of them: "Look! The Master comes with thousands of holy angels to bring judgment against them all, convicting each person of every defiling act of shameless sacrilege, of every dirty word they have spewed of their pious filth." These are the "grumpers," the bellyachers, grabbing for the biggest piece of the pie, talking big, saying anything they think will get them ahead.
For Reflection
Whose role is it to rebuke the ungodly? If it is God's role, what is your role?
Pray that you are not caught up in the movements to eradicate the infidels. Pray for the courage to forgive. Pray to have the confidence in your faith that overrides a tendency to elevate yourself over others. Each of us sin in his or her own way.
Teachings on Community
Jude 1:8-16 (The Message)
8This is exactly the same program of these latest infiltrators: dirty sex, rule and rulers thrown out, glory dragged in the mud.
9-11The Archangel Michael, who went to the mat with the Devil as they fought over the body of Moses, wouldn't have dared level him with a blasphemous curse, but said simply, "No you don't. God will take care of you!" But these people sneer at anything they can't understand, and by doing whatever they feel like doing—living by animal instinct only—they participate in their own destruction. I'm fed up with them! They've gone down Cain's road; they've been sucked into Balaam's error by greed; they're canceled out in Korah's rebellion.
12-13These people are warts on your love feasts as you worship and eat together. They're giving you a black eye—carousing shamelessly, grabbing anything that isn't nailed down. They're—
Puffs of smoke pushed by gusts of wind;
late autumn trees stripped clean of leaf and fruit,
Doubly dead, pulled up by the roots;
wild ocean waves leaving nothing on the beach
but the foam of their shame;
Lost stars in outer space
on their way to the black hole.
14-16Enoch, the seventh after Adam, prophesied of them: "Look! The Master comes with thousands of holy angels to bring judgment against them all, convicting each person of every defiling act of shameless sacrilege, of every dirty word they have spewed of their pious filth." These are the "grumpers," the bellyachers, grabbing for the biggest piece of the pie, talking big, saying anything they think will get them ahead.
For Reflection
Whose role is it to rebuke the ungodly? If it is God's role, what is your role?
Pray that you are not caught up in the movements to eradicate the infidels. Pray for the courage to forgive. Pray to have the confidence in your faith that overrides a tendency to elevate yourself over others. Each of us sin in his or her own way.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Welcoming a Lost Son
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Luke 15:11-24 (The Message)
11-12 Then he said, "There was once a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, 'Father, I want right now what's coming to me.'
12-16 "So the father divided the property between them. It wasn't long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through that country and he began to hurt. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any.
17-20"That brought him to his senses. He said, 'All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.' He got right up and went home to his father.
20-21 "When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.'
22-24 "But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time.
For Reflection
This has got to be one of the most familiar Bible stories. It is such a rich reservoir for interpretation of life. One can focus on the wayward son or the son who stayed. Or one can focus on the father who had the courage to let his son go and celebrate his return. To what extent is this story a window into the nature of God?
Pray that your expressions of love are as unconditional as that of the father of the wayward son.
Teachings on Community
Luke 15:11-24 (The Message)
11-12 Then he said, "There was once a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, 'Father, I want right now what's coming to me.'
12-16 "So the father divided the property between them. It wasn't long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through that country and he began to hurt. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any.
17-20"That brought him to his senses. He said, 'All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.' He got right up and went home to his father.
20-21 "When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.'
22-24 "But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time.
For Reflection
This has got to be one of the most familiar Bible stories. It is such a rich reservoir for interpretation of life. One can focus on the wayward son or the son who stayed. Or one can focus on the father who had the courage to let his son go and celebrate his return. To what extent is this story a window into the nature of God?
Pray that your expressions of love are as unconditional as that of the father of the wayward son.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Seeking a Lost Sheep
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Luke 15:1-7 (the Message)
1-3 By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, "He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends." Their grumbling triggered this story.
4-7"Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' Count on it—there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.
For Reflection
Boy, does this sound familiar! Judgment is essential to survival. The problem was not that the Jewish leaders judged, it was that they were openly judgmental. Their action inhibited rather than invited others to enjoy the fruits of the Kingdom of God.
The fact that people of doubtful reputation were listening to Jesus, is a testament to the power of His words. It is also the model of Christian love that we all should work to duplicate in our own lives. The Pharisees and religion scholars, as well schooled as they were in the word, seemed to be uneducated in the act.
Pray that you become a living invitation for others to follow God's plan as revealed in Jesus Christ.
Teachings on Community
Luke 15:1-7 (the Message)
1-3 By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, "He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends." Their grumbling triggered this story.
4-7"Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' Count on it—there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.
For Reflection
Boy, does this sound familiar! Judgment is essential to survival. The problem was not that the Jewish leaders judged, it was that they were openly judgmental. Their action inhibited rather than invited others to enjoy the fruits of the Kingdom of God.
The fact that people of doubtful reputation were listening to Jesus, is a testament to the power of His words. It is also the model of Christian love that we all should work to duplicate in our own lives. The Pharisees and religion scholars, as well schooled as they were in the word, seemed to be uneducated in the act.
Pray that you become a living invitation for others to follow God's plan as revealed in Jesus Christ.
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Evils of Reward
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
1 Timothy 6:3-10 (The Message)
2-5 These are the things I want you to teach and preach. If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors. Eventually there's an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck. 6-8 A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough.
9-10 But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.
For Reflection
What with so many demoninations and so many versions of Christianity, how can one sort the righteous from the unrighteous? What standard do you use to sort the true teachers from the false teachers?
Pray for the wisdom to unravel the mystery of truth. Pray that in judging you do not become judgmental. Pray that the church rejects the seduction of all kinds of reward and remains true to its mission as a disciple of Christ.
Teachings on Community
1 Timothy 6:3-10 (The Message)
2-5 These are the things I want you to teach and preach. If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors. Eventually there's an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck. 6-8 A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough.
9-10 But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.
For Reflection
What with so many demoninations and so many versions of Christianity, how can one sort the righteous from the unrighteous? What standard do you use to sort the true teachers from the false teachers?
Pray for the wisdom to unravel the mystery of truth. Pray that in judging you do not become judgmental. Pray that the church rejects the seduction of all kinds of reward and remains true to its mission as a disciple of Christ.
Friday, May 21, 2010
An Example of Love
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Philemon 1-7 (The Message)
1-3I, Paul, am a prisoner for the sake of Christ, here with my brother Timothy. I write this letter to you, Philemon, my good friend and companion in this work—also to our sister Apphia, to Archippus, a real trooper, and to the church that meets in your house. God's best to you! Christ's blessings on you!
4-7Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, "Oh, thank you, God!" I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.
For Reflection
"Butter up!" Sorry, I could not avoid the pun. It is, after all, baseball season. We might well hear an umpire yell, "Batter up!"
Paul is a master rhetorician. At first glance one might think that this passage is pure flattery. Well, there is some of that. However, it is the sincere out pouring of love that is flattering. Paul calls himself a prisoner to indicate the depth of his commitment to his missionary task. This label may also indicate the seriousness of the consequences of that commitment.
Paul is about to yell, "Batter up!" He is about to ask Philemon to accept his emissaries into Philemon's church. The way Paul approaches Philemon is a reflection of the love Paul has for him and for Christ's mission.
Pray that you will have the courage to become a prisoner to Christ. Pray that when Christ calls, "Batter up!" you will find ways to express the love that results from imprisonment in Christ.
Teachings on Community
Philemon 1-7 (The Message)
1-3I, Paul, am a prisoner for the sake of Christ, here with my brother Timothy. I write this letter to you, Philemon, my good friend and companion in this work—also to our sister Apphia, to Archippus, a real trooper, and to the church that meets in your house. God's best to you! Christ's blessings on you!
4-7Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, "Oh, thank you, God!" I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.
For Reflection
"Butter up!" Sorry, I could not avoid the pun. It is, after all, baseball season. We might well hear an umpire yell, "Batter up!"
Paul is a master rhetorician. At first glance one might think that this passage is pure flattery. Well, there is some of that. However, it is the sincere out pouring of love that is flattering. Paul calls himself a prisoner to indicate the depth of his commitment to his missionary task. This label may also indicate the seriousness of the consequences of that commitment.
Paul is about to yell, "Batter up!" He is about to ask Philemon to accept his emissaries into Philemon's church. The way Paul approaches Philemon is a reflection of the love Paul has for him and for Christ's mission.
Pray that you will have the courage to become a prisoner to Christ. Pray that when Christ calls, "Batter up!" you will find ways to express the love that results from imprisonment in Christ.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Conformed to Christ's Image
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Romans 8:28-39 (The Message)
26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
29-30God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.
31-39So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture...None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
For Reflection
So, ya think Paul had confidence?
God intends us to become holy in the likeness of Christ. God calls us to be restored and justifies us. He glorifies us with His holy spirit. The Spirit lives in us and never abandons us. We are led into gospel mysteries and are affected by them. Because Jesus Christ loves and defends us, we may, with holy boldness, defy all the powers of darkness. How confident are you when faced by threat?
Pray for the confidence displayed by Paul. Pray that you put on the armor of God's promise. Pray that you fulfill God's intention for you. Pray for holy boldness in the face of adversity.
Teachings on Community
Romans 8:28-39 (The Message)
26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
29-30God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.
31-39So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture...None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
For Reflection
So, ya think Paul had confidence?
God intends us to become holy in the likeness of Christ. God calls us to be restored and justifies us. He glorifies us with His holy spirit. The Spirit lives in us and never abandons us. We are led into gospel mysteries and are affected by them. Because Jesus Christ loves and defends us, we may, with holy boldness, defy all the powers of darkness. How confident are you when faced by threat?
Pray for the confidence displayed by Paul. Pray that you put on the armor of God's promise. Pray that you fulfill God's intention for you. Pray for holy boldness in the face of adversity.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Love and Service
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
John 21:15-19 (The Message)
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
"Yes, Master, you know I love you."
Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep."
17-19Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I'm telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you'll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don't want to go." He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, "Follow me."
For Reflection
The sincerity of our love for God often brings us to the test. Christ continues to ask us all, "Do you love me?" If so then act like it! He asks us to live a life to the glory of God. He ask us to follow him and tend his sheep. It is not because we lack the love for Christ, it is because we do that we are tested. As you live your life today, notice those things which challenge your faith. How did you tend the sheep?
Pray that you live a life that reflects the love you have for Christ. Pray so that even in the face of going where you don't want to go, you have been in the service of God.
Teachings on Community
John 21:15-19 (The Message)
Do You Love Me?
15After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you."Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
"Yes, Master, you know I love you."
Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep."
17-19Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I'm telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you'll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don't want to go." He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, "Follow me."
For Reflection
The sincerity of our love for God often brings us to the test. Christ continues to ask us all, "Do you love me?" If so then act like it! He asks us to live a life to the glory of God. He ask us to follow him and tend his sheep. It is not because we lack the love for Christ, it is because we do that we are tested. As you live your life today, notice those things which challenge your faith. How did you tend the sheep?
Pray that you live a life that reflects the love you have for Christ. Pray so that even in the face of going where you don't want to go, you have been in the service of God.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Those Who Love Christ
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
John 14:21-24 (The Message)
21"The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that's who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and make myself plain to him."
22Judas (not Iscariot) said, "Master, why is it that you are about to make yourself plain to us but not to the world?"
23-24"Because a loveless world," said Jesus, "is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we'll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn't mine. It's the message of the Father who sent me.
For Reflection
Following Christ is an intimate affair. Person by person the Kingdom grows. Person by person the good news is spread. Person by person; loving and being loved; wholly immersed in the living God. Even a sightless world can not ignore the truth that is Jesus Christ. Person by person each loving act keeps the word of Christ. Keeping the greatest commandments means loving Christ and Christ makes himself plain to us.
Pray that you become more intimate with Christ each day. Pray that you keep Christ's word. Have confidence in He who lives in you. Together, you and Christ will move into the neighborhood right next door to the sightless.
Teachings on Community
John 14:21-24 (The Message)
21"The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that's who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and make myself plain to him."
22Judas (not Iscariot) said, "Master, why is it that you are about to make yourself plain to us but not to the world?"
23-24"Because a loveless world," said Jesus, "is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we'll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn't mine. It's the message of the Father who sent me.
For Reflection
Following Christ is an intimate affair. Person by person the Kingdom grows. Person by person the good news is spread. Person by person; loving and being loved; wholly immersed in the living God. Even a sightless world can not ignore the truth that is Jesus Christ. Person by person each loving act keeps the word of Christ. Keeping the greatest commandments means loving Christ and Christ makes himself plain to us.
Pray that you become more intimate with Christ each day. Pray that you keep Christ's word. Have confidence in He who lives in you. Together, you and Christ will move into the neighborhood right next door to the sightless.
Monday, May 17, 2010
A Faithful and Beloved Brother
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Colossians 4:2-9 (The Message)
7-9My good friend Tychicus will tell you all about me. He's a trusted minister and companion in the service of the Master. I've sent him to you so that you would know how things are with us, and so he could encourage you in your faith. And I've sent Onesimus with him. Onesimus is one of you, and has become such a trusted and dear brother! Together they'll bring you up-to-date on everything that has been going on here.
For Reflection
Paul sacrificed his former life to live in Christ and to allow Christ to live in him. What does God ask us to sacrifice?
God asks of no less of us than he asked of Paul. He asks that we declare our former selves dead and He provides a resurrection into a new life with Him. He asks us to become a living witness to Christ.
How is it going for you? Are you making the most out of the opportunities to serve Him? Are you gracious in speech? Do you bring the best out in others? Could you be Paul's trusted brother or sister?
Pray, as Paul did, that every time you open your mouth you are able to make Christ plain as day.
Teachings on Community
Colossians 4:2-9 (The Message)
Pray for Open Doors
2-4Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don't forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I'm locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I'll be able to make Christ plain as day to them. 5-6Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.7-9My good friend Tychicus will tell you all about me. He's a trusted minister and companion in the service of the Master. I've sent him to you so that you would know how things are with us, and so he could encourage you in your faith. And I've sent Onesimus with him. Onesimus is one of you, and has become such a trusted and dear brother! Together they'll bring you up-to-date on everything that has been going on here.
For Reflection
Paul sacrificed his former life to live in Christ and to allow Christ to live in him. What does God ask us to sacrifice?
God asks of no less of us than he asked of Paul. He asks that we declare our former selves dead and He provides a resurrection into a new life with Him. He asks us to become a living witness to Christ.
How is it going for you? Are you making the most out of the opportunities to serve Him? Are you gracious in speech? Do you bring the best out in others? Could you be Paul's trusted brother or sister?
Pray, as Paul did, that every time you open your mouth you are able to make Christ plain as day.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Seek the Things Above
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Colossians 3:1-11 (The Message)
5-8And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.
9-11Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
For Reflection
This is the Good News! Each day is a new day of living in the hollow of God's hand. To what extent can our lives in Christ be considered a never ending cycle of baptism and communion -- a resurrection each day -- an unending series of opportunities to live in Christ and Christ in us?
Pray that you will go each day with your head lifted above the perverse and the pervasive influence of the culture in which we live. See anew with God's eyes. Touch anew with God's hands. Believe the Good News.
Teachings on Community
Colossians 3:1-11 (The Message)
He Is Your Life
1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. 3-4Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.5-8And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.
9-11Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
For Reflection
This is the Good News! Each day is a new day of living in the hollow of God's hand. To what extent can our lives in Christ be considered a never ending cycle of baptism and communion -- a resurrection each day -- an unending series of opportunities to live in Christ and Christ in us?
Pray that you will go each day with your head lifted above the perverse and the pervasive influence of the culture in which we live. See anew with God's eyes. Touch anew with God's hands. Believe the Good News.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Fruit of the Spirit
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Galatians 5:22-26 (The Message)
22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
23-24Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.
25-26Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.
For Reflection
Edmund Burk once said, "Man is rotten with perfection." Rules do not guarantee perfection. Rewards and punishments are useless outside the context of the Living God. Neither are good intentions the pathway to living out the Kingdom of God. What good reason do we have to be defensive about our faith? Each of us is an original and each needs the loving support of others.
Pray that we live the kind of life God has chosen for us. Pray that we do not hold so fastly to the tenets of our faith that we see ourselves as somehow better that others. Pray for the discovery of a life most extraordinary.
Teachings on Community
Galatians 5:22-26 (The Message)
22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
23-24Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.
25-26Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.
For Reflection
Edmund Burk once said, "Man is rotten with perfection." Rules do not guarantee perfection. Rewards and punishments are useless outside the context of the Living God. Neither are good intentions the pathway to living out the Kingdom of God. What good reason do we have to be defensive about our faith? Each of us is an original and each needs the loving support of others.
Pray that we live the kind of life God has chosen for us. Pray that we do not hold so fastly to the tenets of our faith that we see ourselves as somehow better that others. Pray for the discovery of a life most extraordinary.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
You Must Forgive
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Luke 17:1-6 (The Message)
5The apostles came up and said to the Master, "Give us more faith."
6But the Master said, "You don't need more faith. There is no 'more' or 'less' in faith. If you have a bare kernel of faith, say the size of a poppy seed, you could say to this sycamore tree, 'Go jump in the lake,' and it would do it.
For Reflection
Verse 3 and 4 is advice that hits the core of our faith. It really doesn't matter what kind of response is given. The most important thing is that the person whom you have forgiven knows that you have forgiven him. Our Father has the capacity for infinite forgiveness. Surely, we can forgive as well. Think about the times you have been wronged. How did you feel? What was your first reaction? How long did it take you to forgive? What difference did that act of forgiveness make to you and to the person who wronged you? Did you expect a return on your forgiveness? Then, have you really forgiven? Can we place conditions on forgiveness and still reflect the forgiving acts of God?
Pray that you forgive unconditionally.
Teachings on Community
Luke 17:1-6 (The Message)
A Kernel of Faith
1-2He said to his disciples, "Hard trials and temptations are bound to come, but too bad for whoever brings them on! Better to wear a millstone necklace and take a swim in the deep blue sea than give even one of these dear little ones a hard time! 3-4"Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him. If he responds, forgive him. Even if it's personal against you and repeated seven times through the day, and seven times he says, 'I'm sorry, I won't do it again,' forgive him."5The apostles came up and said to the Master, "Give us more faith."
6But the Master said, "You don't need more faith. There is no 'more' or 'less' in faith. If you have a bare kernel of faith, say the size of a poppy seed, you could say to this sycamore tree, 'Go jump in the lake,' and it would do it.
For Reflection
Verse 3 and 4 is advice that hits the core of our faith. It really doesn't matter what kind of response is given. The most important thing is that the person whom you have forgiven knows that you have forgiven him. Our Father has the capacity for infinite forgiveness. Surely, we can forgive as well. Think about the times you have been wronged. How did you feel? What was your first reaction? How long did it take you to forgive? What difference did that act of forgiveness make to you and to the person who wronged you? Did you expect a return on your forgiveness? Then, have you really forgiven? Can we place conditions on forgiveness and still reflect the forgiving acts of God?
Pray that you forgive unconditionally.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
You are My Witnesses
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Isaiah 43:10-13 (The Message)
8-13Get the blind and deaf out here and ready—
the blind (though there's nothing wrong with their eyes)
and the deaf (though there's nothing wrong with their ears).
Then get the other nations out here and ready.
Let's see what they have to say about this,
how they account for what's happened.
Let them present their expert witnesses
and make their case;
let them try to convince us what they say is true.
"But you are my witnesses." God's Decree.
"You're my handpicked servant
So that you'll come to know and trust me,
understand both that I am and who I am.
Previous to me there was no such thing as a god,
nor will there be after me.
I, yes I, am God.
I'm the only Savior there is.
I spoke, I saved, I told you what existed
long before these upstart gods appeared on the scene.
And you know it, you're my witnesses,
you're the evidence." God's Decree.
"Yes, I am God.
I've always been God
and I always will be God.
No one can take anything from me.
I make; who can unmake it?"
.
For Reflection
The sighted cannot hear and the hearing can not hear! But those who truly see and hear know who God is and and that it is He who creates. To what extent are you a witness to God's creation? To what extent does your life exemplify the Spirit in you?
Pray that you become the living proof of the existence of God and His intent for us.
Teachings on Community
Isaiah 43:10-13 (The Message)
8-13Get the blind and deaf out here and ready—
the blind (though there's nothing wrong with their eyes)
and the deaf (though there's nothing wrong with their ears).
Then get the other nations out here and ready.
Let's see what they have to say about this,
how they account for what's happened.
Let them present their expert witnesses
and make their case;
let them try to convince us what they say is true.
"But you are my witnesses." God's Decree.
"You're my handpicked servant
So that you'll come to know and trust me,
understand both that I am and who I am.
Previous to me there was no such thing as a god,
nor will there be after me.
I, yes I, am God.
I'm the only Savior there is.
I spoke, I saved, I told you what existed
long before these upstart gods appeared on the scene.
And you know it, you're my witnesses,
you're the evidence." God's Decree.
"Yes, I am God.
I've always been God
and I always will be God.
No one can take anything from me.
I make; who can unmake it?"
.
For Reflection
The sighted cannot hear and the hearing can not hear! But those who truly see and hear know who God is and and that it is He who creates. To what extent are you a witness to God's creation? To what extent does your life exemplify the Spirit in you?
Pray that you become the living proof of the existence of God and His intent for us.
Monday, May 10, 2010
I Am Your God
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Isaiah 41:4-10 (The Message)
4 Who has done this and carried it through,
calling forth the generations from the beginning?
I, the LORD -with the first of them
and with the last—I am he."
5 The islands have seen it and fear;
the ends of the earth tremble.
They approach and come forward;
6 each helps the other
and says to his brother, "Be strong!"
7 The craftsman encourages the goldsmith,
and he who smooths with the hammer
spurs on him who strikes the anvil.
He says of the welding, "It is good."
He nails down the idol so it will not topple.
8 "But you, O Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
you descendants of Abraham my friend,
9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, 'You are my servant';
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
For Reflection
So where is their room for fear? Where is there room for selfishness? Where is their room for anything but righteousness?
Remember the times when you felt uplifted with the righteous hand of God.
Pray that no matter how dismal the circumstance might be God will lead you through. Pray that no matter how satisfying the circumstance might be, you will not forget the One who lead you to paradise.
Teachings on Community
Isaiah 41:4-10 (The Message)
4 Who has done this and carried it through,
calling forth the generations from the beginning?
I, the LORD -with the first of them
and with the last—I am he."
5 The islands have seen it and fear;
the ends of the earth tremble.
They approach and come forward;
6 each helps the other
and says to his brother, "Be strong!"
7 The craftsman encourages the goldsmith,
and he who smooths with the hammer
spurs on him who strikes the anvil.
He says of the welding, "It is good."
He nails down the idol so it will not topple.
8 "But you, O Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
you descendants of Abraham my friend,
9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, 'You are my servant';
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
For Reflection
So where is their room for fear? Where is there room for selfishness? Where is their room for anything but righteousness?
Remember the times when you felt uplifted with the righteous hand of God.
Pray that no matter how dismal the circumstance might be God will lead you through. Pray that no matter how satisfying the circumstance might be, you will not forget the One who lead you to paradise.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Hold Fast to Christ
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Colossians 2:11-19 (The Message)
11-15Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It's not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws. No, you're already in—insiders—not through some secretive initiation rite but rather through what Christ has already gone through for you, destroying the power of sin. If it's an initiation ritual you're after, you've already been through it by submitting to baptism. Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ's cross. He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.
16-17So don't put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ.
18-19Don't tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They're a lot of hot air, that's all they are. They're completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us. He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us.
For Reflection
What if it were really true? Each day we are born anew. All sins forgiven. The slate wiped clean. What a gift! Believe the good news. To what extent do you live your life as though each day were a new day? How would you live differently if you truly believed that?
Pray that you live each day as a new day, devoted to that which really matters and giving short shift to those things which in comparison to Gods calling for you are insignificant.
Teachings on Community
Colossians 2:11-19 (The Message)
11-15Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It's not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws. No, you're already in—insiders—not through some secretive initiation rite but rather through what Christ has already gone through for you, destroying the power of sin. If it's an initiation ritual you're after, you've already been through it by submitting to baptism. Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ's cross. He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.
16-17So don't put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ.
18-19Don't tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They're a lot of hot air, that's all they are. They're completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us. He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us.
For Reflection
What if it were really true? Each day we are born anew. All sins forgiven. The slate wiped clean. What a gift! Believe the good news. To what extent do you live your life as though each day were a new day? How would you live differently if you truly believed that?
Pray that you live each day as a new day, devoted to that which really matters and giving short shift to those things which in comparison to Gods calling for you are insignificant.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Full Stature of Christ
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
2 Peter 3:14-18 (The Message)
14-16So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master's patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters, refers to this in all his letters, and has written you essentially the same thing. Some things Paul writes are difficult to understand. Irresponsible people who don't know what they are talking about twist them every which way. They do it to the rest of the Scriptures, too, destroying themselves as they do it.
17-18But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!
For Reflection
What does it mean to grow in grace and knowledge? How are you progressing? Hit the EASY button. Let the Spirit flow through you.
Pray to be found "living at your best." Give thanksgiving for the opportunity to live in the hollow of God's hand. Sing yes, Yes, YES! Praise the power and majesty of God.
Teachings on Community
2 Peter 3:14-18 (The Message)
14-16So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master's patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters, refers to this in all his letters, and has written you essentially the same thing. Some things Paul writes are difficult to understand. Irresponsible people who don't know what they are talking about twist them every which way. They do it to the rest of the Scriptures, too, destroying themselves as they do it.
17-18But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!
For Reflection
What does it mean to grow in grace and knowledge? How are you progressing? Hit the EASY button. Let the Spirit flow through you.
Pray to be found "living at your best." Give thanksgiving for the opportunity to live in the hollow of God's hand. Sing yes, Yes, YES! Praise the power and majesty of God.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Romans 12:3-8 (The Message)
3I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
4-6In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.
6-8If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.
For Reflection
God expects only that we love him and each other. Accept each other. Accept the goodness that He brings to us.
Pray that you find yourself by losing yourself in God's grace. pray for the courage to follow your calling.
Teachings on Community
Romans 12:3-8 (The Message)
3I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
4-6In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.
6-8If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.
For Reflection
God expects only that we love him and each other. Accept each other. Accept the goodness that He brings to us.
Pray that you find yourself by losing yourself in God's grace. pray for the courage to follow your calling.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
For the Glory of God
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Ephesians 4:11-16 (The Message)
7-13But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift. The text for this is,
He climbed the high mountain,
He captured the enemy and seized the booty,
He handed it all out in gifts to the people.
Is it not true that the One who climbed up also climbed down, down to the valley of earth? And the One who climbed down is the One who climbed back up, up to highest heaven. He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.
14-16No prolonged infancies among us, please. We'll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.
For Reflection
Our strength as individuals lies in how we are different, not in how we are alike. Differences are gifts from God. What are your gifts? How have you used them? How do you think God will use them? Give in to God. Relax! If you have him as your first interest, He will have you as His.
Pray that we recognize the gifts in our selves and in others. Pray that we embrace our differences.
Teachings on Community
Ephesians 4:11-16 (The Message)
7-13But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift. The text for this is,
He climbed the high mountain,
He captured the enemy and seized the booty,
He handed it all out in gifts to the people.
Is it not true that the One who climbed up also climbed down, down to the valley of earth? And the One who climbed down is the One who climbed back up, up to highest heaven. He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.
14-16No prolonged infancies among us, please. We'll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.
For Reflection
Our strength as individuals lies in how we are different, not in how we are alike. Differences are gifts from God. What are your gifts? How have you used them? How do you think God will use them? Give in to God. Relax! If you have him as your first interest, He will have you as His.
Pray that we recognize the gifts in our selves and in others. Pray that we embrace our differences.
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Power and Wisdom of God
Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
1 Corinthians 1:20-25 (The Message)
18-21The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out. It's written,
I'll turn conventional wisdom on its head,
I'll expose so-called experts as crackpots.
So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn't God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered dumb—preaching, of all things!—to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation.
22-25While Jews clamor for miraculous demonstrations and Greeks go in for philosophical wisdom, we go right on proclaiming Christ, the Crucified. Jews treat this like an anti-miracle—and Greeks pass it off as absurd. But to us who are personally called by God himself—both Jews and Greeks—Christ is God's ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one. Human wisdom is so tinny, so impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God. Human strength can't begin to compete with God's "weakness."
For Reflection
Our culture places a high value on education (Even though it at times seems unwilling to pay for it!). And yet, with all the time we spend getting high school and college degrees, special technical and vocational training, and even multiple advanced graduate and post graduate degrees, we still appear to be well schooled but not so well educated. Our heads are filled with what Paul called "pretentious nonsense." We tend to place heavy reliance on science and the arts as though the answers to life's mystery resides in the academic mansions. To what extent do you place faith in knowledge? To what extent do you bolster your self-concept by cherishing the knowledge you possesses? To what extent do you elevate yourself over others whom you judge as having less knowledge than you? In Christ we overcome the limitations of knowledge. We embrace the mystery that is God and His love for us. Faith and Hope abides when conventional wisdom fails.
Pray that you grow into righteousness by study and knowledge of the Living God. Pray that maturing in faith and hope and the knowledge of the Holy Spirit will lead you to humility in the presence of the vastness of God. Pray that in the Kingdom of God you will become a willing servant.
Teachings on Community
1 Corinthians 1:20-25 (The Message)
18-21The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out. It's written,
I'll turn conventional wisdom on its head,
I'll expose so-called experts as crackpots.
So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn't God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered dumb—preaching, of all things!—to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation.
22-25While Jews clamor for miraculous demonstrations and Greeks go in for philosophical wisdom, we go right on proclaiming Christ, the Crucified. Jews treat this like an anti-miracle—and Greeks pass it off as absurd. But to us who are personally called by God himself—both Jews and Greeks—Christ is God's ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one. Human wisdom is so tinny, so impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God. Human strength can't begin to compete with God's "weakness."
For Reflection
Our culture places a high value on education (Even though it at times seems unwilling to pay for it!). And yet, with all the time we spend getting high school and college degrees, special technical and vocational training, and even multiple advanced graduate and post graduate degrees, we still appear to be well schooled but not so well educated. Our heads are filled with what Paul called "pretentious nonsense." We tend to place heavy reliance on science and the arts as though the answers to life's mystery resides in the academic mansions. To what extent do you place faith in knowledge? To what extent do you bolster your self-concept by cherishing the knowledge you possesses? To what extent do you elevate yourself over others whom you judge as having less knowledge than you? In Christ we overcome the limitations of knowledge. We embrace the mystery that is God and His love for us. Faith and Hope abides when conventional wisdom fails.
Pray that you grow into righteousness by study and knowledge of the Living God. Pray that maturing in faith and hope and the knowledge of the Holy Spirit will lead you to humility in the presence of the vastness of God. Pray that in the Kingdom of God you will become a willing servant.
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