Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Hebrews 11:4-7 (The Message)
4By an act of faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain. It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference. That's what God noticed and approved as righteous. After all these centuries, that belief continues to catch our notice.
5-6By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. "They looked all over and couldn't find him because God had taken him." We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken "he pleased God." It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
7By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.
For Reflection
How much of your life has been realized because you had faith? Can you think of a time when all you could predict was a dark ending. How did your faith carry you through? Think of a time when consequences were resolved well. Can you see God's hand in the outcome?
Give thanks to the living God. Celebrate your life with Him.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Examining the Scriptures
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Acts 17:10-14 (The Message)
For Reflection
I don't know about you, but when I think about persecution in the early church visions of lion dinners seem to dominate. In reality, establishing Christ's Kingdom was hard work. In these passages we get a hint of how risky preaching the Gospel was. Why is it that challenges to our beliefs are so difficult to deal with? Even under the best of circumstances, Paul's word needed to be verified in scripture before the Jews felt comfortable adopting this new way of believing in God and acting out of love rather than rule.
But, maybe slow adoption is not such a bad thing. Think about the controversies that Christians currently face . Each opinion toward suggested change is different and many cite Scripture as support for their particular point of view. Growth in the Christian community has always involved reconciliation. How much of the modern church do you think Paul would recognize as true to the message?
Pray for the peaceful reconciliation of differences as the God's people grow in his love an grace.
in Today's World
Acts 17:10-14 (The Message)
Berea
10-12That night, under cover of darkness, their friends got Paul and Silas out of town as fast as they could. They sent them to Berea, where they again met with the Jewish community. They were treated a lot better there than in Thessalonica. The Jews received Paul's message with enthusiasm and met with him daily, examining the Scriptures to see if they supported what he said. A lot of them became believers, including many Greeks who were prominent in the community, women and men of influence. 13-15But it wasn't long before reports got back to the Thessalonian hardline Jews that Paul was at it again, preaching the Word of God, this time in Berea. They lost no time responding, and created a mob scene there, too. With the help of his friends, Paul gave them the slip—caught a boat and put out to sea. Silas and Timothy stayed behind. The men who helped Paul escape got him as far as Athens and left him there. Paul sent word back with them to Silas and Timothy: "Come as quickly as you can!"For Reflection
I don't know about you, but when I think about persecution in the early church visions of lion dinners seem to dominate. In reality, establishing Christ's Kingdom was hard work. In these passages we get a hint of how risky preaching the Gospel was. Why is it that challenges to our beliefs are so difficult to deal with? Even under the best of circumstances, Paul's word needed to be verified in scripture before the Jews felt comfortable adopting this new way of believing in God and acting out of love rather than rule.
But, maybe slow adoption is not such a bad thing. Think about the controversies that Christians currently face . Each opinion toward suggested change is different and many cite Scripture as support for their particular point of view. Growth in the Christian community has always involved reconciliation. How much of the modern church do you think Paul would recognize as true to the message?
Pray for the peaceful reconciliation of differences as the God's people grow in his love an grace.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Seeking God's approval
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Galatians 1:1-10 (The Message)
1-5 I, Paul, and my companions in faith here, send greetings to the Galatian churches. My authority for writing to you does not come from any popular vote of the people, nor does it come through the appointment of some human higher-up. It comes directly from Jesus the Messiah and God the Father, who raised him from the dead. I'm God-commissioned. So I greet you with the great words, grace and peace! We know the meaning of those words because Jesus Christ rescued us from this evil world we're in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins. God's plan is that we all experience that rescue. Glory to God forever! Oh, yes! 6-9I can't believe your fickleness—how easily you have turned traitor to him who called you by the grace of Christ by embracing a variant message! It is not a minor variation, you know; it is completely other, an alien message, a no-message, a lie about God. Those who are provoking this agitation among you are turning the Message of Christ on its head. Let me be blunt: If one of us—even if an angel from heaven!—were to preach something other than what we preached originally, let him be cursed. I said it once; I'll say it again: If anyone, regardless of reputation or credentials, preaches something other than what you received originally, let him be cursed. 10-12Do you think I speak this strongly in order to manipulate crowds? Or curry favor with God? Or get popular applause? If my goal was popularity, I wouldn't bother being Christ's slave. Know this—I am most emphatic here, friends—this great Message I delivered to you is not mere human optimism. I didn't receive it through the traditions, and I wasn't taught it in some school. I got it straight from God, received the Message directly from Jesus Christ.
For Reflection
Apparently there was a strong influence from those in the early church who advocated the value of good works as a pathway and entry key to heaven. The point was one cannot have true salvation with out grace. Paul argues that Christians are not justified by good works, but rather, by faith. One cannot expect to earn his or her way into God's good favor. Where do good works and faith meet in your life?
Pray that your "good works" arise authentically out of you faith. Believe in the grace of God.
in Today's World
Galatians 1:1-10 (The Message)
1-5 I, Paul, and my companions in faith here, send greetings to the Galatian churches. My authority for writing to you does not come from any popular vote of the people, nor does it come through the appointment of some human higher-up. It comes directly from Jesus the Messiah and God the Father, who raised him from the dead. I'm God-commissioned. So I greet you with the great words, grace and peace! We know the meaning of those words because Jesus Christ rescued us from this evil world we're in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins. God's plan is that we all experience that rescue. Glory to God forever! Oh, yes! 6-9I can't believe your fickleness—how easily you have turned traitor to him who called you by the grace of Christ by embracing a variant message! It is not a minor variation, you know; it is completely other, an alien message, a no-message, a lie about God. Those who are provoking this agitation among you are turning the Message of Christ on its head. Let me be blunt: If one of us—even if an angel from heaven!—were to preach something other than what we preached originally, let him be cursed. I said it once; I'll say it again: If anyone, regardless of reputation or credentials, preaches something other than what you received originally, let him be cursed. 10-12Do you think I speak this strongly in order to manipulate crowds? Or curry favor with God? Or get popular applause? If my goal was popularity, I wouldn't bother being Christ's slave. Know this—I am most emphatic here, friends—this great Message I delivered to you is not mere human optimism. I didn't receive it through the traditions, and I wasn't taught it in some school. I got it straight from God, received the Message directly from Jesus Christ.
For Reflection
Apparently there was a strong influence from those in the early church who advocated the value of good works as a pathway and entry key to heaven. The point was one cannot have true salvation with out grace. Paul argues that Christians are not justified by good works, but rather, by faith. One cannot expect to earn his or her way into God's good favor. Where do good works and faith meet in your life?
Pray that your "good works" arise authentically out of you faith. Believe in the grace of God.
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Outcomes of Faith
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
1 Thessalonians 1 (The Message)
1I, Paul, together here with Silas and Timothy, send greetings to the church at Thessalonica, Christians assembled by God the Father and by the Master, Jesus Christ. God's amazing grace be with you! God's robust peace!
7-10Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore—you're the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom.
For Reflection
Our faith comes to us not only in word, but also in flesh and holy spirit. God is always there. His holy spirit lives in us and works through us.
Around the world our faith leaders are being persecuted for their resistance to culturally and politically embedded injustices and their persistence to foster a Christian counter culture. We who enjoy a relatively peaceful coexistence with our culture are in a strong position to encourage our family of faithful who are persecuted in His name.
We have exemplary faith. How could we affirm the power of their example? How can we encourage them and support their commitment to peace and justice?
Pray for all those who are today suffering persecution in the name of Christ. Pray that they feel the healing spirit of God in their midst. Pray that they feel the presence of Jesus Christ in their struggle.
in Today's World
1 Thessalonians 1 (The Message)
1I, Paul, together here with Silas and Timothy, send greetings to the church at Thessalonica, Christians assembled by God the Father and by the Master, Jesus Christ. God's amazing grace be with you! God's robust peace!
Convictions of Steel
2-5Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you're in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn't just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions. 5-6You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you, and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit!—taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.7-10Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore—you're the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom.
For Reflection
Our faith comes to us not only in word, but also in flesh and holy spirit. God is always there. His holy spirit lives in us and works through us.
Around the world our faith leaders are being persecuted for their resistance to culturally and politically embedded injustices and their persistence to foster a Christian counter culture. We who enjoy a relatively peaceful coexistence with our culture are in a strong position to encourage our family of faithful who are persecuted in His name.
We have exemplary faith. How could we affirm the power of their example? How can we encourage them and support their commitment to peace and justice?
Pray for all those who are today suffering persecution in the name of Christ. Pray that they feel the healing spirit of God in their midst. Pray that they feel the presence of Jesus Christ in their struggle.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Imitators of Christ
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
1 Corinthians 10:22 (The Message)
19-22Do you see the difference? Sacrifices offered to idols are offered to nothing, for what's the idol but a nothing? Or worse than nothing, a minus, a demon! I don't want you to become part of something that reduces you to less than yourself. And you can't have it both ways, banqueting with the Master one day and slumming with demons the next. Besides, the Master won't put up with it. He wants us—all or nothing. Do you think you can get off with anything less?
1 Corinthians 10:23
23-24 Looking at it one way, you could say, "Anything goes. Because of God's immense generosity and grace, we don't have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster." But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well.
For Reflection
Looking at it another way, we could say, "Living well means living for others." In Jesus Christ we have the authority to reject all that separates us from God and embrace God's great gift to us -- His invitation to minister in His name.
Pray that today and every day you are a blessing to someone.
in Today's World
1 Corinthians 10:22 (The Message)
19-22Do you see the difference? Sacrifices offered to idols are offered to nothing, for what's the idol but a nothing? Or worse than nothing, a minus, a demon! I don't want you to become part of something that reduces you to less than yourself. And you can't have it both ways, banqueting with the Master one day and slumming with demons the next. Besides, the Master won't put up with it. He wants us—all or nothing. Do you think you can get off with anything less?
1 Corinthians 10:23
23-24 Looking at it one way, you could say, "Anything goes. Because of God's immense generosity and grace, we don't have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster." But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well.
1 Corinthians 11
1-2 It pleases me that you continue to remember and honor me by keeping up the traditions of the faith I taught you. All actual authority stems from Christ.For Reflection
Looking at it another way, we could say, "Living well means living for others." In Jesus Christ we have the authority to reject all that separates us from God and embrace God's great gift to us -- His invitation to minister in His name.
Pray that today and every day you are a blessing to someone.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Faith and Convictions
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Romans 14:22-23 (The Message)
22-23Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don't impose it on others. You're fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you're not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you're out of line. If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong.
For Reflection
When I was a teenager one of the theologians that had the most influence on me was Archbishop Fulton Sheen. He had a very successful radio program and then a television show which ended in 1957. I can remember sitting on the floor in front of our TV enraptured by his wit, his understanding, and his practical theology that was often illustrated at his chalkboard. He didn't impose his opinon on anyone. He just talked.
He once was asked to open a congressional session in Washington D.C. with prayer. He opened prayer by saying, "There are three things a man must do for himself -- blow his own nose, make his own love, and say his own prayers." I now understand (many years later) just how unusual it really was for a Catholic priest to say that. His recognition of the personal and intimate relationship one has with God has influenced me all these years. You can see and hear Bishop Sheen on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaa7I44gkgc&feature=related
Think about your relationship to God. How congruent is your belief and your behavior?
Pray that your behavior and beliefs are consistent. Ask God to help you cultivate a stronger and more intimate relation to him. Ask God to help you be more open to His Holy Spirit.
in Today's World
Romans 14:22-23 (The Message)
22-23Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don't impose it on others. You're fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you're not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you're out of line. If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong.
For Reflection
When I was a teenager one of the theologians that had the most influence on me was Archbishop Fulton Sheen. He had a very successful radio program and then a television show which ended in 1957. I can remember sitting on the floor in front of our TV enraptured by his wit, his understanding, and his practical theology that was often illustrated at his chalkboard. He didn't impose his opinon on anyone. He just talked.
He once was asked to open a congressional session in Washington D.C. with prayer. He opened prayer by saying, "There are three things a man must do for himself -- blow his own nose, make his own love, and say his own prayers." I now understand (many years later) just how unusual it really was for a Catholic priest to say that. His recognition of the personal and intimate relationship one has with God has influenced me all these years. You can see and hear Bishop Sheen on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaa7I44gkgc&feature=related
Think about your relationship to God. How congruent is your belief and your behavior?
Pray that your behavior and beliefs are consistent. Ask God to help you cultivate a stronger and more intimate relation to him. Ask God to help you be more open to His Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
A Purified People
Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Titus 2:11-15 (The Message)
11-14God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.
15Tell them all this. Build up their courage, and discipline them if they get out of line. You're in charge. Don't let anyone put you down.
For Reflection
God is committed to us. Are we committed to Him? What in your life today can be considered Godless and self-indulgent? Don't worry about getting rid of those things. Displace those things by allowing the grace of God to flow through you and engage you in a God centered, God filled, and God honoring life.
Pray to become more open to God's grace. Ask God to help you displace ungodly acts and thoughts with those centered upon His intention for your life.
in Today's World
Titus 2:11-15 (The Message)
11-14God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.
15Tell them all this. Build up their courage, and discipline them if they get out of line. You're in charge. Don't let anyone put you down.
For Reflection
God is committed to us. Are we committed to Him? What in your life today can be considered Godless and self-indulgent? Don't worry about getting rid of those things. Displace those things by allowing the grace of God to flow through you and engage you in a God centered, God filled, and God honoring life.
Pray to become more open to God's grace. Ask God to help you displace ungodly acts and thoughts with those centered upon His intention for your life.
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