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.
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