Once again Paul reminds us that we are saved by grace, which means our wrongdoing is
not held against us.
When we judge others, we are stepping outside of grace
for them. Paul says if they can't get grace, neither can we! Shut off grace
for others, deprive yourself of grace.
Interesting how eager we are to not have our own wrongdoing held agaisnt us; excuse ourselves becassue of what others did to us, or our background or different problems we face. At the same time we want grace of ourselves, we want others to get what they deserve.
My prayer for each of you is that you would be gracious to the people in your
life!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
SOAK Romans 1:24-27
"No Matter How Good Sin Looks at the Start, it Always Lead to Destruction."
We all get tempted by things that looks good, by something we think will be ok, something we think we can control or stop any time, something safe or better than what we have.
When we stumble (and we all do one time or another) we find what Paul said to be true. Sin only leads to more sin, to lies and cover-ups, to shame and eventually, if we don't turn back, destruction of our lives and damage to others.
Repentance is the only road back.
I pray that you will say NO to the temptations you face today.
We all get tempted by things that looks good, by something we think will be ok, something we think we can control or stop any time, something safe or better than what we have.
When we stumble (and we all do one time or another) we find what Paul said to be true. Sin only leads to more sin, to lies and cover-ups, to shame and eventually, if we don't turn back, destruction of our lives and damage to others.
Repentance is the only road back.
I pray that you will say NO to the temptations you face today.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
SOAK Romans 1:16-17
To Paul, the word "gospel" sums up the truth that God has extended an opportunity to man to be reconciled to God through Christ. This truth is Paul's whole world, and he has given his whole life to spreading it.
He reminds us that it is for everyone, and that he never hesitates in his loyalty to the gospel. I have always felt that one of the best demonstrations of our faith is that fact that the gospel is for all people everywhere. Go to any place in the world, and you find people who have come close to God through Jesus, from jungle trails to mountain passes to peaceful villages to huge cities.
It works for all people at all places in all times.
No reason to ever be ashamed of the gospel!
Are you?
He reminds us that it is for everyone, and that he never hesitates in his loyalty to the gospel. I have always felt that one of the best demonstrations of our faith is that fact that the gospel is for all people everywhere. Go to any place in the world, and you find people who have come close to God through Jesus, from jungle trails to mountain passes to peaceful villages to huge cities.
It works for all people at all places in all times.
No reason to ever be ashamed of the gospel!
Are you?
Insight from Ferndale
My brother-in-law, Mike Rody, pastors "Whatcom New Life Assembly" in Ferndale Washington, USA. He mentioned this in an email to me and a few other friends, in reference to what happened with Mike Guglielmucci. I think it fits in many situations.
"Sad story indeed. What a blessing to be a Pentecostal and know the power of God. What a curse to be a pentecostal unable to duplicate the power of God but trying ever so hard."
"Sad story indeed. What a blessing to be a Pentecostal and know the power of God. What a curse to be a pentecostal unable to duplicate the power of God but trying ever so hard."
Monday, August 25, 2008
SOAK Romans 1:8-15
What jumps out to me in this passage is when Paul tells teh roman church that he is writing to that the faith of the Christians living in Roman has become known around the whole world. It is a reminder of the way that our daily life, lived out for God, can have an impact far away from our own setting.
This week we had some dear friends visit IES. They worshipped with us in Jakarta from 1995-1998, and now live in Portugal. They shared how they have been able to use the things they learned in the church in Jakarta when we all served together in other churches in the different places they have lived since then.
When we live for Jesus, the impact of the things we do can go much further than we ever dreamed or expected.
This week we had some dear friends visit IES. They worshipped with us in Jakarta from 1995-1998, and now live in Portugal. They shared how they have been able to use the things they learned in the church in Jakarta when we all served together in other churches in the different places they have lived since then.
When we live for Jesus, the impact of the things we do can go much further than we ever dreamed or expected.
Why Fake Cancer?
There is a lot of confusion and head shaking over last weeks revelation that Michael Guglielmucci, singer, songwriter and pastor, has been lying for two years when he told everyone that he had a rare and terminal cancer.
As usual, the church doesn't know what to say and the world full of people who don't follow Jesus are laughing and using this one case to say all Christians are liars and fakes.
I am sure there are a lot of revelations to come, and perhaps we shouldn't make up our minds on the whole issue until there has been a more extensive investigation by the church and the authorities.
In the meantime, take a look at this blog:
http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/when-vessels-break/
It is the wisest and most balanced thing that I have read yet.
Stay tuned for more.
As usual, the church doesn't know what to say and the world full of people who don't follow Jesus are laughing and using this one case to say all Christians are liars and fakes.
I am sure there are a lot of revelations to come, and perhaps we shouldn't make up our minds on the whole issue until there has been a more extensive investigation by the church and the authorities.
In the meantime, take a look at this blog:
http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/when-vessels-break/
It is the wisest and most balanced thing that I have read yet.
Stay tuned for more.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
SOAK Romans 1:1-7
We move from Galatians to Romans today. Romans is a powerful, deep and profound book. Martin Luther was moved by his study of this book, and the Holy spirit led him to a fresh understanding of the idea that we are justified by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Years later, John Wesley's spiritual life was ignited by reading and studying Romans. I pray that you will be inspired too.
In the first passage that we read today, the thing that stands out to me is Paul's strong sense of calling. He knew that God had a purpose for his life, and that purpose was to be an apostle. That strong sense was able to keep Paul going in the difficult times of his life and ministry.
You might not know what kind of job, career, education, spouse or country God has called you too, but one thing that you can know for sure. God has called you to be His child. That wonderful call He has extended to you will give every day of your life meaning, and you can each day draw closer to the Father who loves you and has given your life purpose.
In the first passage that we read today, the thing that stands out to me is Paul's strong sense of calling. He knew that God had a purpose for his life, and that purpose was to be an apostle. That strong sense was able to keep Paul going in the difficult times of his life and ministry.
You might not know what kind of job, career, education, spouse or country God has called you too, but one thing that you can know for sure. God has called you to be His child. That wonderful call He has extended to you will give every day of your life meaning, and you can each day draw closer to the Father who loves you and has given your life purpose.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
SOAK Galatians 5:22-26
Verse 25 of this passage, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit" is a verse that had a profound impact in my life.
Many years ago I was pastoring in the big city of Napavine, Washington (population, about 200). I had been in the church there (average attendance at that point, 4-5 people, 6 hand puppets) for about one year and could think of every reason that I should leave and move on to one of the several good offers that I had to do other kinds of ministry, including an offer from a large Christian ministry to return to Hong Kong and work for them there at a very good salary.
I was fasting and praying and asking the Lord to show me which way to go, stay or go. In my heart I wanted to go, but in my "spirit" I knew that God had not released me from Napavine yet. I had gotten a lot of good advice from people, and they had all agreed that I should and could leave. I had done my time and done my best, and it was time for me to go where my talents were better suited for success. I could even rationalize that if I left there would be someone with a better skill set who could come in and build the Napavine church up again too.
I wanted to hear from God, and I wanted to hear Him tell me it was OK to do what I wanted, to move on.
One Monday I went to a "Fellowship Meeting" where the pastors and members from various churches in the county would gather together and have a service, followed by a potluck meal and a time of gathering and talking for the pastors (all pastors love to gather and talk), and then an afternoon service.
A man named Dan Womack was scheduled to preach. Dan was pastoring a nearby church, and although he later became a good friend, at that time I had not met him. Dan was supposed to preach after the time of singing. I had been praying all through the singing and asking the Lord to speak to me. I had been fasting for 2 or 3 days.
As he stood up to preach, he stopped behind the pulpit and stood there for a few minutes with a strange look on his face. Finally he said "don't you hate it when God does this to you. I have been planning to preach a sermon I had preached last weekend, but the Lord has asked me to preach on a different text." Dan then read a portion which included Galatians 5:25. I am not sure what other verses he read with it, but when he read verse 25 I knew it was a message to me from the Lord.
The message? "Dave, if you expect me to lead you in your life, then you need to do the things you know I have told you to do."
It was as simple as that. I needed to stay in Napavine (which I did for another year or so) until God told me to go. If I would do what He told me to do, I could always be confident in His leading.
By the way, the Lord did bring in someone with a much better skill set for the Napavine church, and it is a healthy church that touches its (small) community now.
The lesson was clear to me and has stuck with me for many years, and I was comforted that the Lord would change someones preaching plans to make sure I got the message!
Many years ago I was pastoring in the big city of Napavine, Washington (population, about 200). I had been in the church there (average attendance at that point, 4-5 people, 6 hand puppets) for about one year and could think of every reason that I should leave and move on to one of the several good offers that I had to do other kinds of ministry, including an offer from a large Christian ministry to return to Hong Kong and work for them there at a very good salary.
I was fasting and praying and asking the Lord to show me which way to go, stay or go. In my heart I wanted to go, but in my "spirit" I knew that God had not released me from Napavine yet. I had gotten a lot of good advice from people, and they had all agreed that I should and could leave. I had done my time and done my best, and it was time for me to go where my talents were better suited for success. I could even rationalize that if I left there would be someone with a better skill set who could come in and build the Napavine church up again too.
I wanted to hear from God, and I wanted to hear Him tell me it was OK to do what I wanted, to move on.
One Monday I went to a "Fellowship Meeting" where the pastors and members from various churches in the county would gather together and have a service, followed by a potluck meal and a time of gathering and talking for the pastors (all pastors love to gather and talk), and then an afternoon service.
A man named Dan Womack was scheduled to preach. Dan was pastoring a nearby church, and although he later became a good friend, at that time I had not met him. Dan was supposed to preach after the time of singing. I had been praying all through the singing and asking the Lord to speak to me. I had been fasting for 2 or 3 days.
As he stood up to preach, he stopped behind the pulpit and stood there for a few minutes with a strange look on his face. Finally he said "don't you hate it when God does this to you. I have been planning to preach a sermon I had preached last weekend, but the Lord has asked me to preach on a different text." Dan then read a portion which included Galatians 5:25. I am not sure what other verses he read with it, but when he read verse 25 I knew it was a message to me from the Lord.
The message? "Dave, if you expect me to lead you in your life, then you need to do the things you know I have told you to do."
It was as simple as that. I needed to stay in Napavine (which I did for another year or so) until God told me to go. If I would do what He told me to do, I could always be confident in His leading.
By the way, the Lord did bring in someone with a much better skill set for the Napavine church, and it is a healthy church that touches its (small) community now.
The lesson was clear to me and has stuck with me for many years, and I was comforted that the Lord would change someones preaching plans to make sure I got the message!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
SOAK Galatians 5:16-21
A couple of interesting points in this passage.
One obvious point that Paul is trying to make is that the only people who are truly free are those who have been reborn, since they are the only ones who can choose to sin or not sin. Those who have not been forgiven and reborn through Jesus cannot really choose not to sin. They might, on occasion, not sin when tempted; one might decide to tell the truth instead of a lie, but in the end their behavior will be sinful.
What I find more interesting is Paul's list in verse 20 and 21 of Chapter 5. He finds sexual immorality, idolatry and witchcraft in the same category as discord, selfish ambition and envy, then tops off the list with drunkenness and orgies.
In the church these days we tend to be against certain kinds of sins that we all agree are terrible, like witchcraft, idolatry and orgies, and tolerate others such as people who envy others or are selfishly ambitious.
Isn't it time we admitted that there are no "misdemeanor" sins, that they all betray our sinful nature and that we all need to fight against them in our own lives and be changed by the Spirit until we don't live in them any more?
One obvious point that Paul is trying to make is that the only people who are truly free are those who have been reborn, since they are the only ones who can choose to sin or not sin. Those who have not been forgiven and reborn through Jesus cannot really choose not to sin. They might, on occasion, not sin when tempted; one might decide to tell the truth instead of a lie, but in the end their behavior will be sinful.
What I find more interesting is Paul's list in verse 20 and 21 of Chapter 5. He finds sexual immorality, idolatry and witchcraft in the same category as discord, selfish ambition and envy, then tops off the list with drunkenness and orgies.
In the church these days we tend to be against certain kinds of sins that we all agree are terrible, like witchcraft, idolatry and orgies, and tolerate others such as people who envy others or are selfishly ambitious.
Isn't it time we admitted that there are no "misdemeanor" sins, that they all betray our sinful nature and that we all need to fight against them in our own lives and be changed by the Spirit until we don't live in them any more?
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Rick Invites Barry and Johnny to his House
I hope you got to see the broadcast from Saddleback Church today of the Civil Forum, featuring two one-hour dialogues between Pastor Rick Warren and the two major candidates for President of the USA, Barack (or Barry, as he was known when he lived here in Jakarta as a child) Obama and John McCain.
It was fair, balanced and very impressive. Rick's team at Saddleback put together an event that will have an impact, though what kind of an impact is not entirely clear. I watched most of it live and almost all of it (including the parts I missed earlier) on a rebroadcast.
Rick is a very smart guy, and his knowledge of things he cares about is extensive and deep. He was prepared, and he kept to topics where he had good questions to ask. The answers the candidates gave showed us a lot about them, as did the way they answered the questions.
I doubt if many will change their choice based on the event and the things they heard, but I suspect that many people will come away with a new respect for both candidates as people.
A few years ago, when Pastor Rick Warren held a Summit on AIDS as a part of an effort to get churches involved in fighting AIDS as a global problem, he invited Obama to speak at Saddleback for the event. I know Rick was surprised and hurt by the vicious attacks, some very personal, against him for extending an invitation to Obama to speak at his church. many of these attacks came from people who claim to be followers of Christ and his fellow evangelicals. It seems like some people have their minds so made up about people they are afraid to listen to what someone has to say on any topic!
I remembered what happened with the AIDS Summit today as I watched this important event. I recalled what I had learned about how this event was put together, that Rick has a personal relationship with both candidates and has touched both of their lives, so that when he reached out to them to do the Civil Forum, they both responded.
As often happens in life, Rick had done something he thought was important in inviting Obama to the AIDS Summit. Rick had taken a lot of criticism for doing that, but opening the door to Obama for that event placed Rick in a position to bring Obama to the Civil Forum, which will impact many more people. Rick's critics are proved wrong and Rick's gracious desire to listen and understand every perspective, and to be civil in every circumstance, has been vindicated.
Some people have asked me who I thought "won" the day. Who came out looking the best? My answer is simple.
Rick won.
He proved on the largest stage yet in this American political year that he is a man of grace, wisdom and a desire to touch peoples lives because of his faith in God.
It was fair, balanced and very impressive. Rick's team at Saddleback put together an event that will have an impact, though what kind of an impact is not entirely clear. I watched most of it live and almost all of it (including the parts I missed earlier) on a rebroadcast.
Rick is a very smart guy, and his knowledge of things he cares about is extensive and deep. He was prepared, and he kept to topics where he had good questions to ask. The answers the candidates gave showed us a lot about them, as did the way they answered the questions.
I doubt if many will change their choice based on the event and the things they heard, but I suspect that many people will come away with a new respect for both candidates as people.
A few years ago, when Pastor Rick Warren held a Summit on AIDS as a part of an effort to get churches involved in fighting AIDS as a global problem, he invited Obama to speak at Saddleback for the event. I know Rick was surprised and hurt by the vicious attacks, some very personal, against him for extending an invitation to Obama to speak at his church. many of these attacks came from people who claim to be followers of Christ and his fellow evangelicals. It seems like some people have their minds so made up about people they are afraid to listen to what someone has to say on any topic!
I remembered what happened with the AIDS Summit today as I watched this important event. I recalled what I had learned about how this event was put together, that Rick has a personal relationship with both candidates and has touched both of their lives, so that when he reached out to them to do the Civil Forum, they both responded.
As often happens in life, Rick had done something he thought was important in inviting Obama to the AIDS Summit. Rick had taken a lot of criticism for doing that, but opening the door to Obama for that event placed Rick in a position to bring Obama to the Civil Forum, which will impact many more people. Rick's critics are proved wrong and Rick's gracious desire to listen and understand every perspective, and to be civil in every circumstance, has been vindicated.
Some people have asked me who I thought "won" the day. Who came out looking the best? My answer is simple.
Rick won.
He proved on the largest stage yet in this American political year that he is a man of grace, wisdom and a desire to touch peoples lives because of his faith in God.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
SOAK Galatians 3:26-4:7
I know, it is a long passage. We have to squeeze a little to get all of Galatians and Romans in before we start SOAKing the Christmas story in November.
This is an amazing passage with lots of meat. One of the important things in this passage is the point that Paul makes about there being no difference between any of us; slave or free, male or female, Jew or Gentile. Now obviously there are great differences between any of those pairs. Paul's point is that what we have in common is so much greater than those things that separate us (gender, class, culture, race, social standing) that those other differences disappear.
What is this wonderfully huge thing we all have in common?
We all have been adopted by God, so that we have the privilege to call Almighty God the same thing. We can all call Him "Dad."
This is an amazing passage with lots of meat. One of the important things in this passage is the point that Paul makes about there being no difference between any of us; slave or free, male or female, Jew or Gentile. Now obviously there are great differences between any of those pairs. Paul's point is that what we have in common is so much greater than those things that separate us (gender, class, culture, race, social standing) that those other differences disappear.
What is this wonderfully huge thing we all have in common?
We all have been adopted by God, so that we have the privilege to call Almighty God the same thing. We can all call Him "Dad."
It was a Long, Dark Knight
I finally got to watch the new Batman movie. It is clearly a great movie. Well made, great acting. Heath Ledger should win an Oscar for his amazing performance. He really steals the show, and is so bad (how bad is he....) that you don't ever find yourself cheering for him.
All that being said, it is a very long movie and not really very much fun. I go to movies to be entertained, and I was only "sort of" entertained by "The Dark Knight." I agree with the critic from one of the major news magazines (can't remember which) who said, "It's Batman, not Hamlet. It would be nice to have a little fun too" or something like that.
It might go on to surpass "Titanic" as the top grossing movie of all time, but it isn't a more entertaining movie than "Titanic." AS a super hero movie, I prefer any of the Spiderman movies, especially Spiderman 3.
And as for fun, I had a lot more fun watching "Hancock."
All that being said, it is a very long movie and not really very much fun. I go to movies to be entertained, and I was only "sort of" entertained by "The Dark Knight." I agree with the critic from one of the major news magazines (can't remember which) who said, "It's Batman, not Hamlet. It would be nice to have a little fun too" or something like that.
It might go on to surpass "Titanic" as the top grossing movie of all time, but it isn't a more entertaining movie than "Titanic." AS a super hero movie, I prefer any of the Spiderman movies, especially Spiderman 3.
And as for fun, I had a lot more fun watching "Hancock."
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Post a Comment, Please
If you have been reading this blog, please post a comment. If you can not think of anything to say, just "I heave been reading this blog" will do. I am not sure if the comment portion of the software is dialed in correctly, or if no one has commented.
Comments, please.....
Comments, please.....
My 2008 Olympics Rant
I am a huge fan of the Olympics (some might comment that whatever I am a fan of, I am always huge) and for the last two Olympic have enjoyed great coverage of the games. In 2004 and 2000, our cable TV provider has offered 5 channels of coverage. We have been able to watch not just the most popular events, but if we wanted to, we could see the most obscure (anyone out there a fan of the modern pentathlon?).
In the lead up to this years games, we have been teased with the promise that our cable company was going to give us great coverage of the games, along with CNN. The games are on and we have nothing. The "great" coverage we were promised was a matter of a few pre-Olympic background stories and the occasional update. The local station that has the Olympic coverage is blocked out from or cable! The cable station was too cheap to make whatever deal it needed to carry the "over the air" coverage on cable.
Cable TV is a competitive business. New people and new technologies are being launched every day. As soon as I can, i will b switching to a new provider for my TV. The cable system I am now using seems to think that once they have you as a customer you will just accept what they offer and have no place else to go.
I am going....
In the lead up to this years games, we have been teased with the promise that our cable company was going to give us great coverage of the games, along with CNN. The games are on and we have nothing. The "great" coverage we were promised was a matter of a few pre-Olympic background stories and the occasional update. The local station that has the Olympic coverage is blocked out from or cable! The cable station was too cheap to make whatever deal it needed to carry the "over the air" coverage on cable.
Cable TV is a competitive business. New people and new technologies are being launched every day. As soon as I can, i will b switching to a new provider for my TV. The cable system I am now using seems to think that once they have you as a customer you will just accept what they offer and have no place else to go.
I am going....
SOAK Galatians 2:17-21
The second half of verse 20 in chapter 2 is one of the most beautiful statements in the English language. Paul said "The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
There are a lot of us who spend at least part of our lives, if not the whole, forgetting this great sentence.
Many of us forget the "live by faith" part, and go through our whole lives trying to be "good enough" to please God, trying somehow to earn His love and favor. Any such effort is doomed to failure. None of us will ever be good enough to please God.
Secondly, we forget the "loved me and gave himself for me" part. All we have in God and Christ comes form God's great love, and Christ's amazing willingness to give himself up for us. If you have ever felt that no on loves you or cares for you or understands you, be assured that God the Father and God the Son loved you so much that they made the ultimate sacrifice for you, and this makes you very special.
However you are and where ever you are, God loves you. That is incredible.
There are a lot of us who spend at least part of our lives, if not the whole, forgetting this great sentence.
Many of us forget the "live by faith" part, and go through our whole lives trying to be "good enough" to please God, trying somehow to earn His love and favor. Any such effort is doomed to failure. None of us will ever be good enough to please God.
Secondly, we forget the "loved me and gave himself for me" part. All we have in God and Christ comes form God's great love, and Christ's amazing willingness to give himself up for us. If you have ever felt that no on loves you or cares for you or understands you, be assured that God the Father and God the Son loved you so much that they made the ultimate sacrifice for you, and this makes you very special.
However you are and where ever you are, God loves you. That is incredible.
Friday, August 8, 2008
SOAK Galatians 2:11-16
This is one of the most interesting passages in scripture to me. What really impresses me is not the open conflict between Paul and Peter, but so many things left unsaid and so many little questions that are unanswered.
First, who are these men who “come from James.” The wording here seems to imply that the group of Christians who believe that a “Jewish Christian” is at least slightly more spiritual than a Christian who does not follow Jewish laws were under the leadership or inspiration of James, the brother of Jesus, who is clearly a pillar of the Jerusalem church.
It is easy to see how being the brother of Jesus would help one be a leader, and it is also easy to see that living in Jerusalem and being based there would keep someone like James from encountering a lot of non-Jewish Christians, so he had no occasion to adjust his theology to include Christians who did not obey Jewish laws in his immediate circle. Easy to look down on those you hardly ever encounter.
Why did these men influence Peter? Did he accept their premise (“better not eat those unclean things or dine with those who do”), was he just trying to keep the peace with the James faction, or did he figure it didn’t make much difference.
Paul rightly saw this as an offense against the gospel, but was he also upset because Peter had influenced Barnabas, who was his partner. To influence Barnabas must have been adding insult to injury.
What is the big lesson for us in this account? Remember that only by grace are we saved and acceptable to God. We can never look down on other believers because their behavior is different than ours, because there is nothing about our behavior that made us right with God.
By the same token, we can never look down on non-believers in Christ, because it was certainly not any action or activity of our own that brought peace with God. Our sins were just as bad as theirs.
First, who are these men who “come from James.” The wording here seems to imply that the group of Christians who believe that a “Jewish Christian” is at least slightly more spiritual than a Christian who does not follow Jewish laws were under the leadership or inspiration of James, the brother of Jesus, who is clearly a pillar of the Jerusalem church.
It is easy to see how being the brother of Jesus would help one be a leader, and it is also easy to see that living in Jerusalem and being based there would keep someone like James from encountering a lot of non-Jewish Christians, so he had no occasion to adjust his theology to include Christians who did not obey Jewish laws in his immediate circle. Easy to look down on those you hardly ever encounter.
Why did these men influence Peter? Did he accept their premise (“better not eat those unclean things or dine with those who do”), was he just trying to keep the peace with the James faction, or did he figure it didn’t make much difference.
Paul rightly saw this as an offense against the gospel, but was he also upset because Peter had influenced Barnabas, who was his partner. To influence Barnabas must have been adding insult to injury.
What is the big lesson for us in this account? Remember that only by grace are we saved and acceptable to God. We can never look down on other believers because their behavior is different than ours, because there is nothing about our behavior that made us right with God.
By the same token, we can never look down on non-believers in Christ, because it was certainly not any action or activity of our own that brought peace with God. Our sins were just as bad as theirs.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
SOAK Galatians 2:6-10
There are a lot of interesting things in the this passage. One of the things you should be able to read in it is Paul's confidence that he is in fact doing what God has clearly told him to do, and that the gospel he preaches is true and from God.
In verse 2:1-5 (yesterday's reading) we learned that Paul waited 14 years to go and check with those "who seemed to be leaders." That is a pretty long wait and suggests that there was much question in Paul's mind on the issue. He only went because of the problems that came up.
The thing that really struck my mind in 6-10 actually comes from verse 10, where Paul says the only thing that he was asked to do was to continue to remember the poor, which he was eager to do anyway.
It is important to note that Paul and the Jerusalem-centric leaders who continued to focus on reachign out to Jews and still lived very much like Jews in comparison to Paul all agreed. Christians should care for the poor.
Just a simple glance makes it clear that throughout the history of the church, that has often been remarkably true (Salvation Army, Mark Buntain, Mother Therasa and others being obvious modern days examples) and other times and other places the church has neglected the poor.
The history of evangelization of the world might be much different if the church had always remembered to care for the poor.
It is worth asking ourselves what we do in our churches and private lives to remember the needs of the poor.
On a slightly cynical note, it is interesting to remember that the Roman province of Palestine was in economic depression during this time, and when the leaders asked Paul to remember the poor, they were the poor... Was this a subtile request for a few more love offerings to be sent to Jerusalem?
Let's ask when we get to heaven.
The SOAK reading for August 7, 2008 is Galatians 2:11-16.
Would you like to join the people of the International English Service in Jakarta in SOAKing in Galatians for a few days.....
In verse 2:1-5 (yesterday's reading) we learned that Paul waited 14 years to go and check with those "who seemed to be leaders." That is a pretty long wait and suggests that there was much question in Paul's mind on the issue. He only went because of the problems that came up.
The thing that really struck my mind in 6-10 actually comes from verse 10, where Paul says the only thing that he was asked to do was to continue to remember the poor, which he was eager to do anyway.
It is important to note that Paul and the Jerusalem-centric leaders who continued to focus on reachign out to Jews and still lived very much like Jews in comparison to Paul all agreed. Christians should care for the poor.
Just a simple glance makes it clear that throughout the history of the church, that has often been remarkably true (Salvation Army, Mark Buntain, Mother Therasa and others being obvious modern days examples) and other times and other places the church has neglected the poor.
The history of evangelization of the world might be much different if the church had always remembered to care for the poor.
It is worth asking ourselves what we do in our churches and private lives to remember the needs of the poor.
On a slightly cynical note, it is interesting to remember that the Roman province of Palestine was in economic depression during this time, and when the leaders asked Paul to remember the poor, they were the poor... Was this a subtile request for a few more love offerings to be sent to Jerusalem?
Let's ask when we get to heaven.
The SOAK reading for August 7, 2008 is Galatians 2:11-16.
Would you like to join the people of the International English Service in Jakarta in SOAKing in Galatians for a few days.....
Monday, August 4, 2008
SOAK Galatians
I am going to be posting some of my thoughts on different passages in Galatians as we SOAK our way through the book in the coming days. Although I think I have a pretty good idea of what is going on in Galatians, my comments will not be exegetical in nature, but will rather be my notes on what the content of that days reading speaks to my heart. At certain times it will be about the main theme of the short text. At other times it will relate to a sub theme, or perhaps to something that impacts our modern world in a way that Paul would have never dreamed.
For any non-IESers seeing this blog, we SOAK a passage of scripture together as a church under a reading plan shared by the church. Currently we are in Galatian and we will follow in Romans. We have already done all four Gospels, all of John's other writings, Acts, James, 1 and 2 Timothy and 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
We got the idea for SOAK from Pastor Wayne Cordeiro and the New Hope Church in Hawaii. We added a few IES touches and have challanged the whole congregation to participate.
SOAK stands for:
S is for Scripture. Read the text....
O is for Observation. What do you think this passage meant when the author wrote it?
A is for Application. How do I apply this timeless truth to my life?
K is for Kneel (as in Kneel in prayer). You don't really need to kneel to pray about the meaning and text and it's possible application in your life, but prayer is critical, whether kneeling, standing, sitting... eyes open or shut.
Many in IES have prayer partners, and when we have read our text for the day we pray for each other and share by sms (text message) the thoughts we have on the text.
I'll catch up on my SOAKing in Galatians in a few days, and post the texts for you to SOAK if you want to join.
For any non-IESers seeing this blog, we SOAK a passage of scripture together as a church under a reading plan shared by the church. Currently we are in Galatian and we will follow in Romans. We have already done all four Gospels, all of John's other writings, Acts, James, 1 and 2 Timothy and 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
We got the idea for SOAK from Pastor Wayne Cordeiro and the New Hope Church in Hawaii. We added a few IES touches and have challanged the whole congregation to participate.
SOAK stands for:
S is for Scripture. Read the text....
O is for Observation. What do you think this passage meant when the author wrote it?
A is for Application. How do I apply this timeless truth to my life?
K is for Kneel (as in Kneel in prayer). You don't really need to kneel to pray about the meaning and text and it's possible application in your life, but prayer is critical, whether kneeling, standing, sitting... eyes open or shut.
Many in IES have prayer partners, and when we have read our text for the day we pray for each other and share by sms (text message) the thoughts we have on the text.
I'll catch up on my SOAKing in Galatians in a few days, and post the texts for you to SOAK if you want to join.
"Serious About Our Faith, Serious About Our Fun"
I am going to be blogging for a number of reasons.
One of the main reasons is that as we SOAK through the word of God together, I have found a number of very interesting thoughts and insights that I would like to share with the community in International English Service.
I am also looking for more ways to touch base with people in IES on a daily basis. Facebook has been a good start.
Finally, I want to have a place where I can share some of the things that happen in daily life and in church life, and some of the things that make it fun to be a part of the church together.
Remember, In IES we are serious about our faith, serious about our fun, and serious about our food.
One of the main reasons is that as we SOAK through the word of God together, I have found a number of very interesting thoughts and insights that I would like to share with the community in International English Service.
I am also looking for more ways to touch base with people in IES on a daily basis. Facebook has been a good start.
Finally, I want to have a place where I can share some of the things that happen in daily life and in church life, and some of the things that make it fun to be a part of the church together.
Remember, In IES we are serious about our faith, serious about our fun, and serious about our food.
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