December 26/27 Revelation 13-16

December 26/27, 2014

I hope you had a blessed Christmas.  Don’t forget, it’s still just the Second and Third Days of Christmas!  The final three readings from Revelation cover two days each. Therefore, this reading is for Friday and Saturday, December 26 and 27.

Revelation 13-16

Revelation 13 begins with the dragon standing on the shore of the sea. It’s almost as though he wills first one beast, and then another, into existence. The first comes out of the sea and has two devilish purposes: 1) to entice the whole world into worshipping the dragon, and 2) to exercise authority over all the earth, doing particular harm to the saints of God. The second beast comes out of the earth and has just one job: to force the world to worship the first beast. This is the chapter that gives us the puzzling “number of the beast:” 666. It’s fruitless to attempt to figure it out. Suffice it to say that as of Revelation 13, we have a trinity of evil: the dragon, the first beast and the second beast, which many see as the devil, the antichrist and the false prophet.

Revelation 14 shows us the Lamb standing on Mt. Zion. We hear a new song sung by the 144,000 redeemed before heaven’s throne. Three angels step forward with proclamations: 1) Worship God! 2) Babylon is fallen! And 3) do not worship the beast!

It is here that the Holy Spirit speaks a word of comfort: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest front her labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Rev. 14:13).

Revelation 14 ends with the harvesting of the earth. This is no “rapture,” no happy time, but that time when the “grapes of God’s wrath” will be trampled across the earth.

In Revelation 15, we pause for another great “Song of the Lamb;” this one is sung by “those who have been victorious over the beast.” This introduces the seven angels, who emerge from the heavenly temple with seven bowls of wrath!

Revelation 16 narrates those seven bowls of wrath and their hideous affects. As awful as these judgments are, the angel in charge says to God: “You are just in these judgments!” (Rev. 16:5) These bowls of wrath set up the final great battle where God overthrows evil!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 25 Revelation 10-12

December 25, 2014

The merriest and “blessedest” of Christmases to all! Happy birthday, Jesus!   And happy birthday, David Motta, as well!

Revelation 10-12

Before the seventh trumpet sounds, John is given two visions:

The first (Revelation 10) is of an angel holding a little scroll. John is told to eat the scroll, and when he does, it tastes sweet, but turns sour in his stomach. This happened to Ezekiel (chapters 2-3) as well. In both cases, God was inviting his prophets to “digest” His words, and—difficult as they were—proclaim them to God’s people!

The second (Revelation 11:1-13) is the vision of the two witnesses. These two witnesses may symbolize all testifying believers in the last days, but the plainer way to read it is that they are two powerful witnesses in the spirit of Moses and Elijah, who die for their testimony, are raised from the dead and whisked away to heaven right before their enemies’ eyes!

When the seventh trumpet blows (Revelation 11:15), we pause for another brief visit to the great worship room of heaven and a peek at the ark of God’s covenant!

Revelation 12:1—13:1 is a fantastical allegorical vision. There is a woman, clothed with the sun and about to give birth, and a dragon waiting and determined to devour the woman’s offspring, who is clearly identified as Jesus, the Messiah. The story unfolds in three sections:

The woman gives birth, and flees to God’s hiding place, while the child is whisked away before the dragon can get him. (This is as close as Revelation gets to the “Christmas” story!)

There is war in heaven between Michael and his angels, on the one hand, and the dragon and his, on the other. The result? The dragon, now clearly identified as Satan, is banished from heaven to earth, where he wreaks havoc. 

On earth, the dragon now turns his attention to “the woman who had given birth to the child.” This woman is not Mary any longer; so much as she is the Church! There is now a vast struggle between the dragon and the church. Revelation 12:11 is our prescription for how to fight against the dragon while he prowls the earth: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death!”

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 24 Revelation 7-9

December 24, 2014

Revelation 7-9

We’ve have entered into three waves of judgments upon the earth pictured by...

The Lamb breaking seven seals (Rev. 6-8),


Seven angels blowing seven trumpets (Rev. 8-11), and

Seven angels pouring out seven bowls of God’s wrath (Rev. 16)

By chapter seven, six of the seven seals are broken and, though people of the world cry out in fear, they do not turn back to the Lord. In Revelation 7, John is given a vision of a restored Israel of 144,000 (12,000 from each tribe) and a redeemed innumerable multitude, clothed in white and worshipping the Lamb. These are those “who have come out of the Great Tribulation” and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb!

In chapter 8, the Lamb opens the seventh seal and there is half an hour of silence. We wait for the next shoe to drop! When it does, we hear thunder, we see lightening, and the seven trumpets begin to sound!

By the end of chapter 9, six of the seven trumpets have sounded, with trumpets 5 and 6, described in horrifying detail in Revelation 9, the most intense thus far. Still, after all this, they did not repent of their sin (Revelation 9:21).

Tomorrow is Christmas, and, strangely enough, we will read the most unusual of all the Christmas passages in the Bible!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 23 Revelation 4-6

December 23, 2014

Revelation 4-6

Three critical things happen as we peer into the “throne room of heaven:’ 1) No one is found worthy to break the seals of the scroll of God’s immutable word, until 2) the Lamb is found worthy, and 3) opens the first seals of God’s judgments.

That’s what happens, strictly speaking, but what grabs my heart is the swell of praise and worship. When John is first escorted up to heaven, the four living creatures (like the Seraphim in Isaiah 6?) cry, “Holy, holy, holy!” This prompts the 24 elders (12 Hebrews tribes plus 12 disciples!) to sing God’s praise. After the Lamb that was slain steps forward to break the seals of the scroll, the four creatures and 24 elders sing a new song of praise to Lamb. Their song is echoed by the entire host of heaven, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain...!” And, finally, every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth joins in praise of God and the Lamb, who reign forever. Can you hear the swell of praise? Four creatures → 24 elders → the four creatures and the 24 elders → all the hosts of heaven → every creature in the universe!

When the seals are opened in Revelation 6, the distress and tribulation they represent might make us forget the worship of Revelation 4 and 5, but it shouldn’t. Imagine that you are among the martyrs under the altar of God (Revelation 6:9-11), who have been waiting for God to show up and for justice to be done. For them, even chapter 6 is music to their hearts.

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 22 Revelation 1-3

December 22, 2014

Revelation 1-3

These last ten days of 2014, as we read the Revelation to John... we might be tempted toward fear. What sort of fear, you ask? The fear of the tough stuff of judgment connected with the Second Coming! The tough stuff John saw in this vision! The tough stuff of tribulation!


Before we begin, think back to 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”  
The judgments and trials described in Revelation were not designed to cast Christians into a fearful state, but rather to encourage Christians who were already in a fearful state. The message of Revelation is simple:  God is sovereign; Jesus is on the throne; the battle is won; persevere through praise!

In chapter one, John is surprised by a powerful and symbolic vision of Jesus. Have fun trying to figure out what everything means before you look it up in a commentary. Jesus speaks and identifies Himself for John; look at the Names with which He does this (vv. 17-18), then introduces John’s first task: “John, take down some dictation!”

In chapters two and three, Jesus dictates seven letters to seven special churches, not the only churches in the world at that time, just seven, which held a particularly high place in John’s heart. They were, perhaps, seven churches he had helped grow and where he had held oversight. Some say that Jesus' description of these seven churches forms an outline of church history, with Ephesus as a picture of the earliest church, and Laodicea as a picture of the church today. This is possible. Regardless, Jesus’ words to these churches are applicable to any church of any age or place. 

It’s fun and easy to graph out these letters, for Jesus uses the same general format for each one. By doing this, you can see, for example, which two of the churches do not receive corrective words and which five are called to some sort of repentance!  Read each one with your church in mind.  Where does the shoe fit?  Wear it!

Tomorrow, we visit God’s throne room in heaven!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 20/21 Jude

December 20/21, 2014

Jude

Who was Jude? Jude is short for Judas. There was a disciple named Judas, other than the one who betrayed Jesus (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13). And Jesus had a half-brother named Judas (See Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). Most identify this letter with Jude, the brother of Jesus. At the beginning, he identifies himself as “a brother of James,” Jesus most famous brother, who was the leader of the Jerusalem church.

Jude wants to write about salvation (v. 3), but instead finds it necessary to write about a false teaching, probably the same false teaching John described in his letters. This brand of Gnosticism “exchanges the grace of God for a license for immorality and the denial of Christ as sovereign Lord” (v. 4). Jude has nothing nice to say about these heretics, but encourages his readers to persevere, to build themselves up in the most holy faith, and to pray in the Holy Spirit (v. 20).

The final two verses of this short letter form one of the most beautiful doxologies and benedictions in the Bible!

On Monday we begin the “home stretch,” the final book of the Bible: the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Apostle John!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 19 3 John

December 19, 2014

3 John

3 John, once again, was written about the same time as 1 and 2 John. This time, rather than warning a “chosen lady” not to welcome false teachers, John writes to commend a friend named Gaius, for “walking in the truth” (v. 3) and for offering hospitality to true teachers, namely John’s emissaries.

Not every church leader in Asia Minor has welcomed those John sent. He mentions Diotrephes, a particularly dictatorial church leader, who not only refused John’s people, but excommunicated anyone who did welcome them. Ouch!

Today, I will end with John’s opening wish for his reader: “Dear friend, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 18 2 John

December 18, 2014

2 John

Though 2 John is much shorter than 1 John, it was written with many of the same concerns. Read it carefully and make your best guess: what this letter written to an actual specific Christian woman, or is the “Chosen Lady” a figurative designation for the church? Both are possible. 

I lean toward the former, because John’s main concern (vv. 7-11) is about offering traditional hospitality to the false teachers, whose heresy is described in 1 John. He seems to be warning this chosen lady not to “welcome” these false teachers, that to do so is to share in their “wicked work” (v. 11).

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 17 1 John

December 17, 2014

1 John

The author of 4 of the last 5 books of the Bible is John, the disciple of Jesus, and the son of Zebedee. John probably wrote his letters later life (he did live longer than the other disciples) and his concerns reflect a certain twisted teaching that had begun to creep into the church. It’s called “Gnosticism,” after the Greek word for “knowledge,” and was marked by these beliefs: Spirit is good, but the body is evil. Salvation is escape from the body, achieved not by faith in Christ, but by special “knowledge.” This special knowledge denied the humanity of Jesus. God would be evil, they said, if he had become a human being. 

There were two strange brands of this false teaching: one taught that since the body is evil, it should be treated harshly and denied everything good, the other taught the opposite. If the body is evil, it doesn’t matter what you do with it; sin away!

If you understand this much about Gnosticism, it will help you navigate through John’s first letter. From the beginning, you can literally feel the weight of John’s arguments. Jesus, God’s Son, was a real, touchable, visible, audible human being (1:1-4)! We are neither to claim sinlessness nor grow satisfied in our sin (1:8f; 2:15-17). We are to believe that Jesus is both the Messiah of God (2:22-23; 4:15) and fully human (4:2-3). We are to live out the love that we have received (4:19-21).

Over all of this, I like to feel the weight of John’s repeated words. In defiance of “Gnostic knowledge,” John says “by this we know,” or “we know,” at least 13 times! John summarizes his reasons for writing in 1 John 5:13, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.”     

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 16 2 Peter

December 16, 2014

2 Peter “book-ends” well with 1 Peter.

If we imagine that in Peter’s two letters, he is attempting to fulfill the Lord’s re-commissioning in John 21:17 to “Feed Christ’s sheep,” then we can see how well he did. In his first letter he sought to help Christians deal with persecution from outside the church. In his second letter, he teaches them how to deal with false teachers and evildoers that have crept into the church.  

If one were to outline this letter, it would follow the chapter divisions: In chapter one, Peter seeks to encourage Christian growth. I love the emphasis Peter places on the scriptures (1:19-20) and his (Peter’s) place as an eyewitness of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (1:16-18). In chapter two, he deals with false teachers and their destructive heresies directly. This particular heresy, once again, seems to be some brand of licentiousness, that Christian are free to sin. In chapter three, Peter encourages us to be watchful for the coming of the Lord. He deals deftly with those who castigated Christians even then about the “delay” in Christ’s coming. His answer is summed up in v. 8: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” Our job is to remain watchful!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 15 1 Peter

December 15, 2014

1 Peter is a letter of God’s grace in the midst of suffering.

As you read it, try to see the how Peter differentiates between suffering for good and suffering for ill. Sometimes our sinful behavior sets us up for suffering; at other times, we suffer for “righteousness sake,” as Jesus mentioned in Matthew 5:10-12. When Peter encourages slaves to “bear up” under unjust suffering, he reminds us of Jesus’ suffering, and how we should walk “in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Later, he says that if we should suffer for doing what is right, we “are blessed” (1 Peter 3:14). And finally, Peter teaches not to “be surprised” at the painful trials we suffer, as though something strange were happening to us. Rather, we should rejoice at the privilege of sharing the sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:12-13). At the beginning, Peter tells us why these trials come! It is so that our faith may be “proved genuine” (1 Peter 1:7)!

But, to say that Peter’s letter is only about suffering would be wrong. In this letter, you can read about grace, the new birth, the call to holiness, and the place of the church. We learn about submission to authorities and the marriage relationship, the second coming and the gifts of the Spirit. Peter’s letter is glorious in power and encouragement!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 11, 2014 Hebrews 8-10

December 11, 2014

Jesus work is more effective than that of the Old Testament priests!!

I know I wrote this blog, but somehow, I didn’t save it, typed over it, and lost it. What I said in this blog was pretty simple: Hebrews 8-10 describes the limited nature of the atoning work of the Old Testament priests in first the tabernacle (the movable tent in the wilderness), then the temple (the building in Jerusalem). Priests offered animal sacrifices every day for the people, and for themselves, as well. Imagine all the blood! Jesus, on the other hand, was the perfect priest. He offered a once-for-all sacrifice of himself, shedding his own blood for the sins of the whole world!

You tell me which is better.

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 13/14 JAMES

December 13/14

James is my favorite book of the Bible!

It wasn’t Luther’s favorite; he called it a “right strawy epistle.” By this he meant that it lacked the clear message of justification by grace through faith that we find in Paul’s letters. This may be so, but I tell you this: I have found MUCH grace and faith and growth in this letter. It’s not theological in the sense of Paul’s letters; it’s hortatory! (“Hortatory” means “full of exhortation and encouragement”) It’s good coaching!

Though I was never—for good reason—on a competitive sports team, and though I never experienced an effective coach in that setting, I was privileged to have choir and drama directors, who filled that need for coaching in my life. James is like a wise coach or an effective director. He knows how to challenge, how to rebuke, how to encourage and how to make the Christian just want to grow and do better.

After the world’s shortest greeting (not really), he digs in. “Count it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2) And he doesn’t let up. He keeps pouring on the exhortation and encouragement until the last verse; “My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20). You see it? After a letter full of high-caliber coaching on topics ranging from temper to tongue, and from wisdom to works, he challenges us to coach others out of their sin and into the truth!

And by Christ’s love and grace, we can do it! Go James!!!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 11 Hebrews 8-10

December 11, 2014 

Hebrews 8-10 Jesus serves a better covenant!

The Old Covenant served its purpose. 

Through the tabernacle (the tent where priests offered sacrifices in the presence of the Lord), and later the temple (the building that took the place of the tabernacle), God’s people received a picture of sin and the atonement required to cover it. But there were problems with this. These atonements, these animal sacrifices, had to be offered repeatedly, for people kept sinning. And what’s more, the priest themselves were sinners, and were required to make offerings for their own repeated sins as well. 

The writer of Hebrews quotes a passage of hope from the Old Testament: The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a New Covenant with the house of Israel. (Hebrews 8:8 quoting Jeremiah 31:31) This New Covenant will be different from the old and will make possible a real change in people!

In Hebrews 9 and 10, we get the details of the new covenant. It includes a new temple (the temple of Jesus body), a more effective sacrifice (the blood of Jesus), a perfect priest (Jesus himself), and a real change in the people whose sins are being paid for, “cleansing our consciences from acts that lead to death!” (Hebrews 9:14). Where the Old Testament priests offered sacrifices every day, Jesus offered an effective sacrifice for sins once for all. Because of this, we need not sin any more (Hebrews 10:26); we need not be among those “who shrink back and are destroyed.” (Hebrews 10:39)

Praise the Lord of the New Covenant!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 10, 2014 Hebrews 5-7

December 10, 2014

Hebrews 5-7 Jesus is Better than High Priests!

Toward the end of Hebrews 4, the author states, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” (4:14)

Then, in today’s chapters, he takes time to explain how Jesus is the High Priest of a different order than the priests of the Old Testament Law; that Jesus both precedes and supersedes the priests descended from Aaron. Jesus, he says, was “designated a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” He mentions this in Hebrews 5 and explains this in depth in Hebrews 7. His explanation is based on Genesis 14:17-20 and Psalm 110. 

Who was this shadowy figure? Was this Jesus in a pre-incarnate form? Was he just a real priest/king who foreshadowed Jesus? Melchizedek’s name means “King of Righteousness.” He was King of a town named “Salem’ (the future Jerusalem?); Salem means “peace.” He was king, but also “a high priest of God.” He spoke for God, and, without complaint, allowed Abraham to tithe to him, as God’s representative. Now, see what the writer of Hebrews has to say about him. 

In Hebrews 5:11—6:12, the writer goes off on a bit of a tangent concerning his readers’ need for deeper teaching and his desire that they “show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end.” (6:11) May God grant us the grace and strength to do just that!

Tomorrow, we read that Jesus serves a better covenant that that which the Old Testament priests served.

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

DECEMBER 9 HEBREWS 3-4

December 9, 2014

Hebrews 3-4 Jesus is Better than Moses!

Moses, even more than Abraham, was greatest, most revered man in Hebrew history. Abraham was the “father” of the Jews; Moses was their savior, their liberator, their law-giver, their leader. It would be almost natural for them to sink the Messiah to some lower plane, some lesser stature, in the face of Moses’ greatness.

The author states it plainly: “Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses” (3:3). As the owner of a house is greater than the faithful servant, so Jesus is greater than Moses. The author finds support for this Psalm 95, which warned—years after Moses disappeared from the scene—that hardened hearts would not enter the Lord’s “rest.” This “rest” cannot refer to the Promised Land to which Moses led them. It must refer to a “spiritual rest,” accessible only by faith in the Messiah, Jesus. Neither Moses nor Joshua provided permanent “rest” (4:8), only Jesus makes that possible. 

NOTE: In these first four chapters of Hebrews, we find subtle support for the divine inspiration of Scripture. Look at the Old Testament quotes contained in Hebrews 1-4. The Old Testament scriptures were written by human beings, prophets, teachers, historians, and the like. Yet notice who it is that the author of Hebrews cites when he quotes the Old Testament. In chapter one, he cites “God the Father” as the speaker of David’s psalms. In chapter 2, he cites God the Son, “Jesus,” as the speaker of David’s and Isaiah’s words. In chapter 3, he cites God the “Holy Spirit” as the speaker of the psalmist’s words! The Old Testament is the Word of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Tomorrow, we read that Jesus is better than the priests of Israel!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

DECEMBER 8 HEBREWS 1-2

December 8, 2014

Hebrews 1-2

Hebrews is a fascinating and complicated letter. It was addressed primarily to Jewish Christians, who would be very conversant with the Old Testament, but were also being tempting to revert to Judaism or, at least, to Judaize the gospel. It was necessary for the author (Was he Barnabas? Was he Apollos?) to convince them of the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. 

Not too long ago, we did a sermon series on the book of Hebrews entitled, “Jesus Is Better...”

The first two chapters say: “Jesus is better than the angels!” Several heresies of the early church made angels out to be something more than divine messengers. The writer gets right to work, extolling the glories of Christ in the very first verses, then systematically, from the scriptures themselves, just how Jesus is better.

Jesus is the Son of God, angels are created servants! Jesus became the Son of Man in order to save humanity; angels are “ministering spirits,” sent by God to serve those who are being saved (1:14)! In telling us that “Jesus is better than angels,” the writer is not putting angels down, but rather, lifting Jesus up!

Tomorrow we discover that Jesus is better than Moses and the law!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 6/7, 2014 Philemon

December 6/7, 2014

Philemon

Of all Paul’s letters, the letter to Philemon is nearest and dearest to my heart. 

About thirty-five years ago, I began work on a musical based on Philemon. I entitled it, “Onesimus: A Slave in Search of a Master,” and first performed it with youth and adults from Grace United Methodist church in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Six or so years later, after finishing seminary, we produced it again with a cast of predominantly clergy-types and their spouses. This production we had the privilege of presenting at Annual Conference around 1988. The last time we did “Onesimus” was as a dinner theater production at Niedringhaus United Methodist Church in Granite City, Illinois. By this time, the musical had gone through a couple of re-writes, with added songs, and our sons and one (future) daughter-in-law were both old enough to be in the cast.

Why do I love the story behind Philemon so much? Why did I think it worthy of the stage? 

Just imagine. A runaway slave, having escaped his master in Asia Minor, finds his way to Rome, where he meets the Apostle Paul, hears the gospel and accepts Christ as his Savior. Somehow, Paul discovers that Onesimus is a “runaway,” and what’s more, a runaway from a master that Paul himself had also led to faith in Christ! Paul takes the dangerous step of sending Onesimus back to his master, Philemon. Most slave owners would put a runaway to death, or punish him severely. What would Philemon do? Paul wrote the letter that bears his name to re-introduce the runaway slave to his master, in the hopes that Philemon would receive him back as a brother, rather than a slave.

Read Philemon. How do you think the story ends?

Monday, we begin the book of Hebrews!



Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,



Pastor Gary

December 5, 2014 Titus

December 5, 2014

Titus

Paul’s letter to Titus is a letter to a man who was a considerable help to Paul in the ministry of the gospel in Jerusalem, Ephesus, Corinth, and, according to this letter, Crete. Paul writes to Titus to encourage Titus’ pastoral ministry in that difficult setting. After all, Paul quotes an old saying, “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, and lazy gluttons.” (Titus 1:12)

Paul gives Titus specific directions on what must be taught to various groups of people within the church. By the end of this short letter, he has provided Titus with one of the grandest statements of the good news in Scripture. Here it is:

“When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying!” (Titus 3:4-8a)

This weekend is Philemon!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

DECEMBER 4 2 TIMOTHY

December 4, 2014

2 Timothy

Many years ago, a dear friend of mine found and performed a one-man, two-act play based on Second Timothy, the last letter (perhaps) that Paul ever wrote. Both acts were set in a dungeon, the Mamertine prison in ancient Rome where Paul awaited his trial and execution. In the first act, Paul is communicating through a grate in the ceiling of his cell with Dr. Luke, his physician, friend and fellow laborer in the gospel. The second act simply consists of Paul dictating Second Timothy to Luke through that same small opening. 

We say that Paul “wrote” his letters, but that is not precisely true. He dictated his letters to an amanuensis (a secretary), and only rarely took “pen in hand” himself. 

Read Second Timothy with the prison and Paul’s imminent death in mind, and not only does it make more sense, it adds drama to your reading. There is poignancy in Paul’s remembrances of Timothy in chapter 1, and urgency in Paul’s exhortations in chapter 2 and his warnings in chapter 3, and true victory in his statements in chapter 4, especially, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!” (4:7).

Tomorrow is Titus!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 3, 2014 1 Timothy

December 3, 2014

1 Timothy

Sometimes, we think of Paul’s letters to Timothy with the warm and fuzzy vision of a mentor (Paul) writing to his dear son in the Lord (Timothy), and this would be accurate, especially in 2 Timothy. 

But 1 Timothy is primarily an instructional letter designed to give clear and specific guidance to the pastor of the church in Ephesus, who just happens to be Paul’s protégé whom Paul had placed (See 1:3). So, we can read nearly everything Paul says in light of his desire that Timothy find success in this ministry. 

Paul prepares Timothy to combat false teachers (1:3-11), quotes many axioms of the early the church (such as those quoted in 1:15; 4:9; 5:17-18; 6:6, etc.), provides guidelines for public worship (2), gives instructions for the offices of elder and deacon (3), lends advice for certain special groups within the church (5), and a special word about handling money (6). This is the stuff pastors need to know.

Filtered through the letter, however, we find some memorable personal encouragements to Timothy, as well. Here are a few of them:

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (4:12)

“Be diligent in these matters...; watch your life and doctrine closely.” (4:15)

“Fight the good fight of the faith.” (5:12)

Tomorrow we read Paul’s second letter to Timothy, which was, perhaps, the last letter he ever wrote!


Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

December 2, 2014 2 Thessalonians

December 2, 2014

2 Thessalonians

Paul’s second letter to the Church in Thessalonica followed relatively closely on the heels of his first, both in time (as little as six months later), and purpose. Like the first letter, Paul writes to encourage the believers, to exhort them to obedience, and to correct a misunderstanding concerning the Lord’s return.

Right here, it might be a good thing to correct that same misunderstanding. Paul says, “We ask you...not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come” (2 Thess. 2:2). Paul corrects this but reminding us that “the lawless one (often associated with the “antichrist”) must rise to power first, then be overthrown “by the breath” of Jesus’ mouth when he comes in his glory (1 Thess. 2:8). In other words, there will be no mistaking the Second Coming of Christ. The whole world will know it, especially the “lawless one.” The Second Coming will get the attention of everyone!

In the light of Jesus return, Paul calls the Christians in Macedonia to stand firm with regard to what they have been taught (2:15) and to keep busy in the the work of the gospel (3:15). Lord, help us never to tire of doing right!

Tomorrow is Paul’s first letter to Timothy!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

DECEMBER 1 1 Thessalonians

December 1, 2014

1 Thessalonians

This is, most likely, the earliest of Paul’s letters. He wrote it from Corinth around AD 51. It’s good to remember that Thessalonica was a city Paul had to flee from. He wrote this letter, in part, to encourage and instruct a relatively young congregation, most of whom were converts from paganism. His encouragement takes the form of...

• Thanksgiving for their faith and works (1:2-10),
• A defense of Paul’s ministry in their midst (2),
• A ministry update (2:17-3:13),
• Affirmation in the midst of trials (3:1-5),
• Exhortations to live a holy life (4:1-12), and
• Teaching concerning the Second Coming of Christ (4:13-5:11).

But nowhere does the letter encourage readers more powerfully than in the three famous verses of chapter 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Tomorrow is Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 30 Colossians

November 30, 2014

Colossians

Of all Paul’s letters, none so clearly heralds the divinity and supremacy of Jesus Christ as his letter to the Christians in Colossae. Colossians 1:9-23 is an unrelentingly powerful passage that makes a sensitive reader want to fall on his/her knees in worship!

Paul is concerned about some heretical tendencies he has heard about, such as Judaism (2:11; 3:11), asceticism (2:21f), angel worship (2:18), secret knowledge (2:18), and the reliance on human wisdom and tradition (2:4, 8). These are distractions from Jesus Christ. And so, Paul exalts the Lord Jesus in this letter, as in no other!

Tomorrow, we enter December and Paul’s two letters to the Thessalonian Christians!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 29 Philippians

November 29, 2014

Philippians

This is my mother’s favorite book of the Bible.

I think it has something to do the “joy” this letter exudes. Why is that? We can tell that Paul is writing from a prison cell, that other Christian preachers fell like they’re in competition with him, that he is still combatting the “Judaizer” heresy (chapter 3:1-11), and that the Philippians themselves have been experiencing some division and dissension (2:1-5; 4:2-3). Despite all this, joy attends every section of this letter.

Think back as to how this church was founded. Paul and Silas were whipped and put in jail for the night, yet even so, they sang praises to God. When the earthquake shook their prison doors open, neither they nor their fellow prisoners attempted to escape. This so impressed the jailor (who’d have been executed if they did escape), that he came to faith in Christ that very night, he and his whole household!

So, Paul writes a letter that overflows with joy to the church that was birthed in joyful praise. “Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again: Rejoice!” (4:4).

Tomorrow, it’s Colossians!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 28 Ephesians

November 28, 2014

Ephesians

Ephesians is sometimes seen as the most esoteric and mysterious of Paul’s letters. He wrote it to the church where he had labored for 1½ years, where he had introduced the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19), and where he did such an effective work that the local idol-makes union rose “en masse” to protest their loss of business. 

But, though Paul uses the word “mystery” several times in this letter, it is far from secretive. Paul is speaking of a mystery solved, a secret disclosed: that we can be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (2:8-9). 

Three words help us to outline this letter: Sit, Walk and Stand. 

SIT. By faith, we are “seated with Christ” in heavenly places, reigning with him (Ephesians 1:20; 2:6-7). Our special identification with Jesus is nowhere more clearly seen than in the church, the “body of Christ” (4:1-16).


WALK. By faith, we walk as “new people” (4:24), in truth (4:25), in forgiveness (4:32), and in love (5:2), being filled with the Spirit (5:18) of Christ.

STAND. By faith, we stand with Christ, clothed in His armor, against the rulers and authorities of this present darkness, and all the forces of evil (6:10f).

We walk, sit and stand in complete “solidarity” with Jesus Christ!

Tomorrow is Philippians.



Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,



Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 27 Galatians

November 27, 2014

Galatians

This is Paul’s toughest letter to the churches in the central region of Asia Minor, the very area where Jews had once (or more than once) stoned Paul and left him for dead. Here is where Judaism would attempt to reign in Christianity from the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and make it little more than a Jewish sect. To put it simply, the “Judaizers,” as they have been called, were demanding that Gentiles be circumcised and become Jews BEFORE they became Christians. This, in essence, would have created a salvation by works, rather than by grace through faith. Paul wrote to combat this.

He begins by saying, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.” (1:6) Paul affirms “justification by faith,” not by works (2:15f), then asks, “After beginning by the Spirit, are you now trying to achieve your goal by human effort?” (3:3). 

He reviews some of the same points he made in Romans, quoting Habakkuk 2:4, “The righteous shall live by faith.” He confesses his fear that he has labored in vain (4:11). And encourages them to “walk in the Spirit,” rather than the flesh (5:19-24). Only then are we able to “bear one another’s’ burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (6:2).

Tomorrow is Ephesians.

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 26 2 Corinthians 10-13

November 26, 2014

2 Corinthians 10-13

Today, Paul speaks from the fire of his own experiences. He defends his ministry and his ways, but he refuses to “compare” himself with others (10:12f). He warns the Corinthians about false teachers, who declare a “different Jesus” that the one he had preached (11:4). He lists his many sufferings for the sake of the gospel (11:23f). He admits his many visions and revelations (12:1), but describes the “thorn in his flesh,” which God allowed him for the purpose of keeping him humble. But no matter how low, how weak, he got, he knew, “Christ’s grace was sufficient for him” (12:9). The weaker he grows, the stronger he becomes!

After all this, Paul turns his attention back to his readers. He speaks of visits; he gives them warnings. He encourages them to examine themselves. And he professes his desire to build them up (13:10).

Tomorrow is Galatians.

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 25 2 Corinthians 6-9

November 25, 2014

 

2 Corinthians 6-9

 

Yesterday, I said that 2 Corinthians is the most autobiographical of all Paul’s letters. We’ve already read something of his situation as he was writing this letter (2 Cor. 1:12-2:4), and we read more about the setting of this letter in today’s reading (2 Cor. 7:2-16). And also today, we read a passage in which Paul summarizes the hardships he has experienced in the work of the gospel (2 Cor. 6:3-13), and another, where he indirectly describes his ministry while asking the Corinthian church to collect a free-will offering for the distressed Christians in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8-9). But the most autobiographical passage awaits us in tomorrow’s reading (2 Cor. 10-12).

 

Amidst all the references to his own life and ministry, Paul gives us these important words about:

 

• Salvation: “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (6:2b)
• Holiness: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” (6:14)
• Giving: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (9:6-7)

Tomorrow, we finish 2 Corinthians!

 

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

 

 

NOVEMBER 24 2 Corinthians 1-5

November 24, 2014

First of all: Happy, blessed birthday to my wonderful wife! I love you, Becky!

2 Corinthians 1-5

This is the most autobiographical of all Paul’s letters. In other words, we learn more about Paul from this letter, than nearly all of his others put together!

The evidence suggests (and the church has traditionally accepted) that 2 Corinthians is the second letter Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, and that Paul is referring to 1 Corinthians when he says, “I wrote as I did (so strongly) so that when I came I should not be distressed by those who ought to make me rejoice” in 2 Corinthians 2:3.

So Paul, probably less than a year after 1 Corinthians writes in a more conciliatory tone. He begins with a great statement on “the God of all comfort,” how it is God’s will work His good in all our sufferings (1:3-7). Paul discusses his own motives for writing 1 Corinthians; he urges forgiveness for a repentant sinner (possibly the sinner described in 1 Corinthians 5); and catches them up on his travels (2: 12-13).

In the rest of today’s reading Paul covers a great deal of material. He exhorts the Corinthian Christians...

To be “the aroma of Christ among those who are perishing” (2:15)


To know that “the Spirit gives life” (3:3:6)


To remember that God’s goal is to “transform us into [Christ’s] likeness with ever increasing glory” (3:18)

Not to lose heart (4:1, 16-18; these last three verses were my theme throughout my knee surgery this last Spring!)

To remember that “if our earthly tent (body) is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven” (5:1)

And to carry “the message of reconciliation” to the entire world (5:19f).

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 22/23 1 Corinthians 15-16

November 22/23, 2014

1 Corinthians 15-16

How could it be, we wonder, that church, built on suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, could wander so far afield that they deny the resurrection of individual believers. As Paul rightly says in 1 Corinthians 15, “if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised,” (15:13) and “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (15:17). 

Read chapter 15 carefully; it’s long, but invaluable. In it, Paul defends the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, the resurrection of the body, and the nature of that resurrection. He even addresses the issue of what happens to our bodies, should be alive at the time of the Lord’s return! Paul’s summation is high and holy: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (15:54-57)

In chapter 16, Paul asks the church to take a special offering. Incidentally, he gives credence to the beginning of the Christian shift from Saturday Sabbath worship to Sunday, for he refers to the “first day of the week” as their gathering day! The rest of this last chapter consists of personal remarks and greetings!

Is Paul finished writing the church in Corinth? No. Tomorrow, we begin his second letter to them!



Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 21 November 21, 2014

November 21, 2014

1 Corinthians 11-14

Here is Paul’s most extensive treatise on the “Gifts of the Holy Spirit” as they relate to public worship. It might be better to say: Here is Paul’s most extensive treatise on “Public Worship,” with a special look at “Spiritual Gifts.”

Women in Leadership. Chapter 11 begins by dealing with the participation of women in public worship. It’s most famous as the reason some church require women to wear “head coverings,” but if you read closely, you see that Paul is simply giving proper guidance to women who “pray or prophesy” in the assembly!

The Lord’s Supper. Chapter 11 addresses the need for propriety and self-examination when coming to the Lord’s Table. Not of this, however, should be used to turn the Eucharist (thanksgiving!) into a dry, unfeeling, somber affair. In Communion, we celebrate Jesus work on our behalf!

Spiritual Gifts. Chapters 12-14 address the issue of Spiritual Gifts. Chapter 12 seems to be addressing gifts from a wider vantage. All the gifts are needed for building up the church; therefore each member of the body is important and must use their gift, but never as a badge of honor or a source of pride. Chapter 13 places the Fruit of the Spirit above the Gifts of the Spirit; if we practice the greatest of the gifts without the fruit of love, it is nothing. Finally, in chapter 14, Paul deals with the use of Spiritual Gifts in public worship, where words that are understood are much more important than words that are not understood. Paul is not dismissing “speaking in tongues,” but he is limiting its use in public worship and giving us valuable principles for orderly worship, all at the same time.

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 20 1 Corinthians 7-10

November 20, 2014

1 Corinthians 7-10

In these four chapters, Paul deals with some of the specific issues the Corinthians leadership had him to address (7:1):

Is celibacy better than marriage? Or is marriage better than being single? What principles govern Christian marriage and Christian singleness? (Chapter 7)

Is it all right to eat food offered to idols? If so, what are the dangers to other believers? (Chapter 8)

Is Paul an apostle? If so, what are the rights and duties of apostles? What are the rewards and passions of an apostle? (Chapter 9)

Is idolatry still a stumbling block to Christians? Are we committing idolatry by eating food offered to idols? Are we causing others to commit idolatry by so eating? (Chapter 10)

Paul’s summation of Chapter 10 and, possibly, all four of these chapters (7-10) is this: 

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”              

(1 Corinthians 10:31)

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 19 I CORINTHIANS 1-6

November 19, 2014

1 Corinthians 1-6

Today we switch from the letter Paul wrote to the church he had not yet visited, the Church in Rome, to a letter Paul wrote to a church he had planted! We can tell from his writing that he knew the church in Corinth very well, and that he had kept tabs on them. We can also see that the Church in Corinth is a church in turmoil.

That’s not to say, it wouldn’t have been an exciting eye-opening church to be a part of. The Corinthian Church was “enriched in Christ in all speech and knowledge,” (1:5) Paul says, and was “not lacking in any spiritual gift.” (1:7) I would compare a visit to this church to a particularly vibrant and demonstrative Pentecostal church. But their fire and enthusiasm is not their problem; division, sectarianism and pride are at the heart of their turmoil.

As you read chapters 1-6, listen for all the ways Paul calls them to unity and to keeping the main thing the main thing. If we “knew nothing...but Jesus Christ and him crucified,” (2:2), we’d all be on the same page. If we had “the mind of Christ” (2:16), we’d have oneness. If we understood that we Christians, together and as individuals, are temples of God’s Spirit (3:16; 6:19), we’d pull together.

But there is more amiss in Corinth than disunity; there is serious moral failing. Read chapter 5 and weep! Read chapter 6 and weep even more. When Christians use their saving relationship with Jesus as a license to sin, the Church stumbles. Remember, Paul says, that your “bodies are members of Christ” (6:15) and should not be united with another in sexual sin!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 18 ROMANS 12-16

November 18, 2014

Romans 12-16

Today, we have five chapters of some of the most important reading in Romans! 

In Romans 1-8, we read a summary of what we believe about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Human sin and salvation in one of the most complete theological treatises in the New Testament.

In Romans 9-11, we read of God’s heart for both His chosen people and all people, how we Gentiles have been grafted into Israel, and how God intends to “save all Israel.” This section concluded with a song to God’s unfathomable greatness.

But here in Romans 12, the rubber meets the road!

Read Romans 12-15 prayerfully, and with this question in mind: What does God want me to do about this? Here’s a brief outline of what Paul will cover:

Spiritual Gifts (12:3-8)

The Marks of a True Christian (12:9-21)
Submission to Authorities (13:1-7)
Fulfilling the Law through Love (13:8-14)
Not Passing Judgment on a Fellow Christian on Disputable Matters (14:1-12)
Not Misusing Our Freedoms (14:13-23) and Jesus’ example (15:1-7).

After re-iterating God’s heart for all people, Jews and Gentiles, Paul speaks of his own ministry and his desire to come to Rome.  Romans16 is NOT to be skipped.  Read this chapter of “greetings” carefully, and see what you learn!

This entire section begins with two crucial verses, if we are to live the words of these chapters: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 17 ROMANS 9-11

November 17, 2014

Romans 9-11

These are three of the trickier chapters in Romans and, indeed, the entire Bible. Paul has detailed the good news (gospel) of Justification by faith and walking in the Spirit, but now he must deal with the issue of Israel. Does this “good news” mean bad news for the Jews? In choosing the people of faith in Jesus Christ, has God unchosen the Chosen People?

Read these three chapters carefully. In Romans 9, Paul defends the sovereignty of God to choose whomever he wants. God is God and we are simply human beings; “who are we to talk back to God?” (9:20) In Romans 10, Paul clearly sets forth, from several Old Testament passages, that it was God’s will to reach out to everyone—not just the Chosen People. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!” Paul quotes the prophet Joel (Joel 2:32; Rom. 10:13). And in chapter 11, Paul warns Gentile Christians NOT to think too highly of themselves for finding a faith relationship with God through Jesus Christ. At the same time, he promises that “all Israel will be saved.” (11:26) Just what this means has been debated for two thousand years! Will all Jews be saved? Will all faithful, believing Jews be saved? Or is Paul referring to the new Israel made up of Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus Christ? It’s too deep, too much for us to understand!

Therefore, Paul concludes this section with one of the grandest, most humble descriptions of God’s wisdom in the Bible: Romans 11:33-36!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 15/16 ROMANS 6-8

November 15/16, 2014

Romans 6-8

There are some who compare Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians as the Himalayas of the Bible. They also cite Romans 8 as the Scripture’s Mt. Everest. What could be higher or more glorious than, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus!” (Romans 8:38-39)

Having said that, I know several Christians who were unable to draw near to Jesus until they read Romans 7 and, with their own eyes, saw the Apostle Paul’s own admission that he struggles with sin: “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate, I do.” (Romans 7:15) They told me, “I thought you had to be perfect to be a Christian. Knowing that even the Apostle Paul struggled with sin allowed me to receive the grace of Jesus.”

Having said that, what Paul teaches about baptism in Romans 6 opened my heart to the power of the gospel. In baptism, especially adult baptism by immersion, we are witnessing a replay of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And what’s more, we understand that in baptism we IDENTIFY with Jesus, that, in a sense, we die with Him to sin, that the old us is buried with Him, and that we are raised with Him to new life and a new righteousness!

How can I choose among these three glorious chapters; I love ‘em all. In Romans 6, I learn that I must die to sin and become a “slave to righteousness.” In Romans 7, I learn that the struggle with sin continues, but that there is hope in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 7:25)! In Romans 8, I learn about walking in the Spirit, instead of walking in the flesh, and that God’s goal is for me to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, Jesus (Romans 8:29). 

No, there’s nothing higher.

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 14 ROMANS 4-5

November 14, 2014

Romans 4-5

Paul takes great pains to explain how a person is made right with God through faith. So, he goes back to the first Jew, Abraham, for his lesson. Some said that Abraham was made right with God by the obedience of circumcision. God had appeared to Abram, gave him the covenant name, Abraham (father of nations), and outlined how he was to keep the covenant: “Every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised.” (Genesis 17:12)

But circumcision is NOT how Abraham, or anyone else for that matter, is made right with God. Two chapters and some years earlier, God had appeared to Abram. Abram asked God about God’s promise to give him descendants. God took him outside, showed him the stars and said, “If you could count them, so shall your offspring be.” (Genesis 15:5) And Abram’s response is described in the next verse: “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness!”

Paul reminds us in Romans 4 that Abraham believed God BEFORE he was circumcised (Rom. 4:10), therefore he was justified (counted righteous) by faith. And so Abraham is the father of all who believe!

In Romans 5, Paul celebrates this justification through faith, and the peace and hope and joy that flow from it. This salvation is the free gift that came to us in Jesus Christ, while we were still powerless (5:6), while we were yet sinners (5:8), and while we were yet his enemies (5:10). Jesus died to reconcile us to God! Spiritual death came through Adam, spiritual life came through Jesus!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 13 ROMANS 1-3

November 13, 2014

Romans 1-3

For five days, we read Romans. I pray we read it slowly and thoughtfully. Of all Paul’s letters, it is his most complete and powerful description of the good news (gospel). And what is this good news? Sinners though we are, we can be made right with God (we can be justified) through faith in Jesus Christ, and we can live the life of love through the power of the Holy Spirit!

Now, these first three chapters don’t sound much like good news. They are somewhat depressing. Chapter 1 warns us of God’s wrath against all wickedness, and how God “gave folks over” to unrighteousness because of their futile thinking and foolish hearts. Chapter 2 reminds us that, because of the law, we sinners are without excuse! Chapter 3 gathers together the Old Testament testimonies that “there is no one righteous, not even one;” and that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” 

These first chapters set the stage for Paul to describe the gospel in in fuller detail. But even here, we read two brief summaries of the good news:

“I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:17-18)

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 12 ACTS 27-28

November 12, 2014

Acts 27-28

These two chapters form one of the most exciting stretches in Scripture. 

Storm at Sea

Paul, still a prisoner, accompanied by Aristarchus and Luke (note the “we”), is put in the custody of a Centurion named Julius, and off they go, on board a ship heading west. After several stops, they arrive at Fair Havens along the south coast of Crete.

Then the adventure begins. Against Paul’s advice, and the portent of rocky weather, the ship-owner decides to head for Rome. As they sail away from Crete, a gentle south wind turns into a violent “northeaster.” Days and days they sail in the dark and are at the mercy of the storm. They give up all hope, until Paul assures them of God’s watch-care: “Only the ship will be destroyed; you will survive.” 

Shipwreck

On the fourteenth day of their distress, the sailors sense they were nearing land, and some of them sought to abandon ship. Paul told Julius, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” And his soldiers cut the ropes that held the life-boats.

Then Paul urges them to eat. When they do, they throw the rest of their grain into the sea. The next morning, they see land and a sand bar, where they think they might run aground. They did, and the ship begins to break apart.

Even then, they might not have survived, for the soldiers thought they should kill all the prisoners to prevent them from escaping. That would have been the end of Paul. But their leader, Julius, prevents them. The swimmers swim ashore and the non-swimmers hold onto pieces of the ship. Everyone makes it!

Snakebite

The islanders welcome them by building a fire. While Paul is gathering wood, he disturbs a viper that attaches itself to his hand. The people think he’s cursed, done for, but when he shows no ill effects, they change their minds and say: he’s a god. The island is Malta, and while they are there, Paul praysd for the chief official’s father, and he is healed!

On to Rome

Three months later, they sail to Rome in a ship called “Castor and Pollux.” They are welcomed by the church, but Paul must remain under house arrest until his trial. But he certainly makes good use of the time, preaching and encouraging all who come. With these two chapters, we come to the abrupt end of Acts. We want to know what happens next. And many a Bible teacher has said: the book doesn’t really end, for the “acts” of the Holy Spirit continue through us!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 11 ACTS 24-26

November 11, 2014

This day has double significance for me. First, it is Veteran’s Day. Thank you to veterans of all our armed conflicts; we honor your service! Second, it is/was my mom and dad’s anniversary. They were married on November 11, 1951, in Dwight, Illinois, at the Zion Evangelical United Brethren Church, and—if Dad were alive, would have been married 63 years today!

Acts 24-26

These chapters outline Paul’s two years in custody before finally being sent to Rome to stand before Caesar. 

(Acts 24) After being moved from Jerusalem to Caesarea, Paul appeared before Governor Felix after the accusing Jews had had their say. Though Felix and his wife were both curious about faith in Christ, they did not do anything to speed Paul’s case along. Two years, he languished in prison, because Felix wanted to appease the Jews.

(Acts 25) When Festus succeeded Felix, Paul’s case came up again, and he appealed to Caesar. Festus had no choice but to send him. While awaiting departure, King Herod Agrippa and his wife came to greet Festus. Upon hearing about Paul, they asked to hear him.

(Acts 26) Here, Paul makes his famous defense and testimony before Agrippa. He feels that Agrippa is interested in “these things” and tells him so. Agrippa balks at Paul’s efforts to “make him a Christian” in so short a time. And Paul freely admits that he would like nothing better than to see Agrippa come to faith in Christ! As Agrippa leaves, he says off-handedly to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Too bad, we think. But going to Caesar and to Rome is just what Paul had been praying for!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 10 ACTS 21-23

November 10, 2014

Acts 21-23

All along the final leg of Paul’s Third Mission Trip, people were warning him NOT to go up to Jerusalem as he had planned. One prophet, named Agabus, tied himself up with Paul’s belt and said, “This is what will happen to the owner of this belt, if he goes to Jerusalem.” Paul replied, “Do you think I’m not ready, not only to be imprisoned, but to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus?” (21:13) 


And he almost did.

After consulting with James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem, Paul submitted to a seven-day purification rite. But this did little to appease the strict Jews of Jerusalem, who thought that Paul was undermining the law and the temple. He was accused of bringing Gentiles into the temple; he was seized, dragged out of the temple and beaten. The only thing that saved Paul’s life was getting arrested. Even then, he tried to address the mob. Paul made it through his testimony, but when he told them how God had sent him to the Gentiles, they shouted him down! When the soldiers had stretched Paul out for a whipping, he revealed his Roman Citizenship, and they desisted.

The next day, he appeared before the Sanhedrin, where he wisely played the Pharisees against Sadducees by siding with the Pharisees on the issue of the Resurrection of the dead. Finally, he was sent back to jail, where the Lord Jesus Himself came to Paul at night and encouraged him, saying that Paul would indeed testify about Him in Rome!

While in custody, Paul survived a Jewish assassination plot. When his nephew overheard the plans, Paul sent him to the Roman authorities, who moved Paul to safety in Caesarea in the middle of the night. There, Felix, the governor, received him. Paul was inching his way closer to Rome, and the fulfillment of Christ’s encouraging words!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 8/9 ACTS 19-20

November 8/9, 2014

Acts 19-20

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey begins in Antioch like the others, but it does not end there. Once again, Paul journeys through Asia (Turkey) “through the inland.” We assume he checked again on the churches, but hear nothing until he arrives in Ephesus on the other (western) side. He helps 12 disciples of John the Baptist find the power of the Holy Spirit, does “extraordinary miracles,” and frees many people from occult addictions. So effective was Paul’s two years of preaching there that it caused a severe drop in idol sales, and the local idol-makers union rioted. After all that, Paul left to cross over into Europe and check on the churches he had planted there.

When finished, he set out on his return trip. All along, Paul senses that he may not pass this way again. First stop: Troas. He preaches late into the night, until a young man named Eutychus falls out of a window and, apparently, dies. Paul goes outside, prays, raises him, brings him back inside, and then continues to preach on through the night! Let’s not have any more complaints about long sermons!

He continues on to Miletus and sends for the elders of the Ephesian Church in order to say goodbye. His words are poignant and powerful, and are recorded for us in Acts 20:18-35. After a tearful farewell, he sets off…not to Antioch, but to Jerusalem. 

Monday, we’ll see why.

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 7 ACTS 16-18

November 7, 2014

Acts 16-18

These chapters recount for us Paul’s Second Missionary Journey! This one actually begins at the end of Acts 15, and not very happily. Paul and Barnabas split up after arguing over John Mark who had left them during the last trip. Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance, Paul didn’t. In the end, Barnabas took John Mark back to Cyprus, and Paul found Silas and traveled the inland route from Antioch through Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). 

After checking on the churches he and Barnabas had planted on their first trip, Paul and Silas (and Luke, too, apparently, for he beings to use the word “we” in Acts 16:10) are called to Macedonia through a vision. This means leaving Asia (Turkey) and crossing over into Europe (Macedonia).

The amazing account of the birth of the Philippian Church fills the rest of Acts 16. Don’t miss it! Lydia, the first convert on European soil welcomes the opportunity to host Paul and Silas. But they soon find themselves in trouble and in prison for delivering a young woman from demonic possession. What happens next never ceases to grab my heart. These two beaten, shackled prisoners begin to sing songs of praise to God! An earthquake opens the doors of the prison and sets in motion an incredible evening that ends with the jailor and his entire household coming to faith in Jesus! Read it; it’s glorious.

In Acts 17, our intrepid missionaries travel south through Macedonia and Greece, visiting Thessalonica, Berea (where people famously “received the word with all eagerness”), Athens (where Paul spoke to secular philosophers on Mars Hill), and Corinth. Near the end of Acts 18, Paul and Silas have returned to Antioch, yet again. 

Anyone for a Third Missionary Journey?

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 6 ACTS 13-15

November 6, 2014

Acts 13-15

Saul the Persecutor! Paul, the Apostle! This is the chapter when Luke switches names, probably because Paul switched names. In Acts 13:2, Luke reports the Holy Spirit’s directions to the Christians in Antioch: “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” They fast and pray and send them off. But while telling us of the first stop on their mission trip, Cyprus, Luke refers to “Saul, who was also called Paul”—then never speaks of Saul again.

Acts 13-14 describe the entirety of what has been called Paul’s First Missionary Journey. After preaching on Cyprus, they cross over to Asia Minor and work their way inland. In this account we read excerpts from Paul’s preaching, Gentiles coming to faith, some Jews mounting violent opposition, and new churches in nearly every town. Read the account of their stop in Lystra (Acts 14:-23) and see how quickly tides can turn against the servants of the Lord! By the end of Acts 14, however, they are safely back in Antioch reporting on the journey to the Church there.

Acts 15 gives us a clear picture of a tension that arose in the church as a result of Gentiles coming to Jesus. Some Jewish Christians felt that Gentiles should, in essence, become Jews first (and be circumcised), before being accepted into the Christian church. Peter, Paul and others felt that God had opened a way for the Gentiles to come to Christ by faith alone. The First Council of the Church in Jerusalem sided with the latter, affirming salvation by grace through faith for all, Jews or Gentiles!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 5 ACTS 10-12

November 5, 2014

Acts 10-12

Yesterday we read of the conversion of a Samaritan Magician, an Ethiopian Eunuch, and a persecutor of Christians. But each of these was Jewish or, in the case of Simon, partly so. Both Saul and the Eunuch were Jews of the dispersion, meaning Jews from places in the Roman Empire other than Judah. 

I can still remember the pride I felt, as an American of Italian descent, when I realized that the first true Gentile converted to faith in Jesus Christ was an Italian! At least we can assume he was, for Acts 10:1 says that Cornelius was a centurion of “the Italian Regiment.”

When you read of Cornelius’ conversion, notice all the participants God gathered together for the work: Simon the Tanner, Peter, messengers from Cornelius, and finally Cornelius and his household. Then take note of all the supernatural events: Cornelius vision of an angel, Peter’s vision of the sheet and the gift of the Holy Spirit at the end. Then, at the last, notice this: Without the obedience of Cornelius to his vision in sending messengers to Peter, without the obedience of Peter to his vision and to the call of Jesus to preach to gospel, Cornelius would never have had the opportunity to be the first Gentile Convert to Christianity! Even with miracles abounding, God relies on someone to share the good news. By the end of Acts 11, we hear how Antioch became the hub for reaching Gentiles with the good news.

In Acts 12, the bell tolls for second recognizable martyr of the early church. In Acts 7, it was Stephen, one of the first six Deacons of the church. Here, it’s James, the brother of John, one of the 12 disciples. Herod had him killed, and then arrested Peter, too. Read the account of Peter’s miraculous escape, but read, too, of the guards Herod put to death because of it! By the end of Acts 12, Luke describes Herod’s come-uppance. It is always a dangerous thing to lift a hand against the Lord’s anointed!

Tomorrow, we begin our travels with the Apostle Paul!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 4 ACTS 8-9

November 4, 2014

Acts 8-9

Three incredible conversions! Three very different conversions are described in these two chapters: Two came through Philip the evangelist (Acts 8); one came directly through God (Acts 9), although God used Ananias of Damascus to complete it. 

The Conversion of Simon the Magician. Simon was converted un Philip’s preaching in Samaria. Though Acts 8:13 reports that Simon himself believed and was baptized, he found it difficult to shake his desire to wield supernatural power; he offered to pay Peter for the power to lay hands on people and fill them with the Holy Spirit. Peter had to talk sternly with Simon.

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch. Following the nudges of the Holy Spirit, Philip found an official of the Court of Queen Candace of Ethiopia parked along the road to Gaza reading from the prophet Isaiah in his chariot. The Spirit nudged again, and Philip went over to him and asked he understood what he was reading. It was Isaiah 53. The Eunuch said he needed some explanation and invited Philip to come up into the chariot and help him. It was not difficult for Philip to point the Eunuch to Jesus from Isaiah 53, and soon, the Eunuch was ready to believe and be baptized. Imagine this, as they were coming up out of the water, Philip was whisked away by the Holy Spirit!

The Conversion of Saul. No evangelist was needed for Saul’s conversion, Jesus arrested (stopped) him Himself. He blinded him, spoke to him, and told him to go into the city and wait. Three days, he waited, until God spoke to one of the Christians in Damascus to go to where Saul was and pray for him. Though reluctant, he went and prayed for “Brother Saul.” (Imagine the faith of Ananias to call Saul—the chief persecutor of Christians—“brother!”) When Ananias prayed, Saul’s eyes were opened. He arose, was baptized and began to proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ!

Tomorrow, we’ll read of yet one more awesome conversion!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 3 ACTS 5-7

November 3, 2014

Acts 5-7

Have you ever ridden a roller coaster?

I have, on occasion, if only to appease my sons—or, most recently, my daughter-in-law, Marlie. It was “Expedition Everest” at the Animal Kingdom in Disney World. When we got on, no one told me that, at one point, we would come face-to-face with Bigfoot, and then ride most of the rest of it BACKWARDS! Up and down, back and forth, thrills and chills, great fear, and exuberant joy...at least when it was finally over.

The opening chapters of Acts are a roller coaster ride in and of themselves. Chapter 1 is the slow ascent, waiting for the Spirit to “drop.” In chapter 2, the Spirit falls; the thrill of the ride begins; God’s people overflow into the crowded streets of Jerusalem. They open up their mouths, and the crowds hear the gospel in their own languages. 3000 come to faith in Christ. People gather to hear the disciples’ teach. They share their possessions, they meet in homes, eat together, pray together, study the word, and have Holy Communion. Miracles happen, more come to faith, and the Spirit continues to fall! 

And then, in chapter 5, the roller coaster comes face to face with Bigfoot. A well-meaning couple conspires to look better than they are. They saw the accolades that Barnabas had received from selling a field he owned and giving the money to the Apostles for the poor, so they decided to follow suit. EXCEPT, they kept some of the money from their sales for themselves, and let everyone think they had given it all to the Apostles. First the husband, then the wife are stricken dead. “Great fear seized the whole church” (5:11), and the coaster rolls backwards. Then persecution begins; the apostles are arrested, but released by an angel the next day. Ups and downs! They go back to the temple to preach, are arrested, threatened and flogged! Around and around! There’s consternation in the church because some of the poor Greek Jewish widows are being overlooked in the daily food distribution. The church organizes to meet that need by electing more leaders. One of them, Stephen, is arrested and tried for the sake of the gospel. Up and down! He stands tall to witness to his faith in Jesus before the Jewish ruling counsel. But by the end of Chapter 7, Stephen is dead, stoned by the leaders of Israel. And Stephen died with Jesus in his eyes and forgiveness on his lips.

Have you ever ridden a roller coaster?

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

NOVEMBER 1-2 ACTS 1-4

November 1 & 2

Acts 1-4

With Acts, we return to our favorite researcher, Dr. Luke! Acts appears to be Book 2 in his two-volume work, Luke-Acts! Both the gospel and the history of the early church are written either to a man named Theophilus or to the general reader, whom Luke kindly refers to as: “Lover of God,” which, of course, is what “Theophilus” means! The difference here in Acts is that, with this material, Luke is much closer to home! For some of it, he was an eye-witness!

Nevertheless, these first four chapters required some research on Luke’s part. How else would he have learned the details of Jesus’ ascension, the disciples’ waiting, and the great gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost? Where did Paul get the text of Peter’s sermon in Acts 2? From an interview with Peter, perhaps, or with others who were there! For the miracle healing of the crippled beggar in Acts 3-4 and Peter’s powerful words to the gathered crowd and to the authorities, Luke could have interviewed John or Peter. Both of them were there. 

But the point is: as we read, we must make the attempt to enter into the text and make the Bible account come alive!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

OCTOBER 31, 2014

October 31, 2014

John 18-21

The arrangers of our Bible Read-thru have times the end of the Gospels with the end of October. John’s final four chapters are not unlike his entire gospel: filled with material we didn’t hear from the others. Nevertheless, the picture we see of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection is NOT inconsistent with Matthew, Mark and Luke.

It’s only John that recounts how the arresting mob fell to the ground when Jesus identified himself, “I am he.” (Another great “I AM!”) Only John tells us the name of Peter’s ear-cutting victim: Malchus. Only John gives us the extended version of Jesus conversations with Pilate. Only John tells us specifically that Jesus “carried his own cross” for a while. Only John tells us of Pilate’s odd refusal to change the sign over Jesus’ head. Only John describes his tender conversation with John and his mother from the cross. Only John records his thirst and the statement, “It is finished.” Only John tells us that Nicodemus assisted Joseph of Arimathea in Jesus burial.

When it comes to the resurrection, it is a bit difficult to reconcile the four accounts of what precisely happened and who was there, but they all agree on the most important details. Only John, however, tells us of Jesus self-revealing conversation with Mary Magdalene in the garden near the tomb. Only John relates Thomas absence from the secured room on Easter evening and his encounter with Jesus the next week. And finally, only John tells us of the Jesus resurrection appearance to seven of the disciples along the shores of Galilee. There Jesus reinstated Peter in the most creative and powerful way. 

Like Peter, we can hear Jesus ask us: “Do you love me more than these?” As we say, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you,” he quickly adds, “Then feed my sheep!” 

Tomorrow is All Saints Day (and today is All Hallow’s Eve!), the day we celebrate the lives of Jesus’ sheep!

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

OCTOBER 30 JOHN 13-17

October 30, 2014

John 13-17

This is a big chunk of material, but it makes sense to read these five chapters in one sitting. Why? Because they give us the most detailed description of Jesus’ teaching on one particular night: Maundy Thursday. He does not, however, mention the institution of the Lord’s Supper, but this was well documented in the other gospels. What he does describe unveils the fullness of God’s love for us (13:1).

First, he gives them an object lesson, involving water, a basin, a towel and the disciples’ feet. Jesus performs a common servant’s task for each of them, including the reluctant Peter, to show them how they must serve one another. After identifying his betrayer and his denier, he reveals his “new” command: Love one another (13:34). 

Then John records an extensive account of Jesus’ follow up teaching that evening, some of which was taught in the upper room, the rest of which may have been shared “along the way” to the garden of Gethsemane. Note, “Come now, let us leave,” at the end of chapter 14.

The major themes of this eleventh hour teaching include the promise of Jesus’ eternal presence with them, first through the Holy Spirit (Whom John names: the Comforter or Counselor, reflecting the Greek word: Paraclete—One called alongside us!), and finally through the “place” that Jesus will prepare for them (and us). Jesus speaks extensively about the marriage of love and obedience, how the two go hand in hand. He warns them of persecution, promises not to leave them as orphans and to give them ultimate joy.

These five chapters conclude with Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer.” In this great intercession, Jesus prays to the Father for himself, for the disciples, and finally, for all who will believe in His Name. These words, at the end of the prayer allow us to hear all of Jesus’ Maundy Thursday words as though he were speaking to us, as well as to the Twelve. His specific prayer for us, however, is that we might be one, even as He is One with the Father. 

What if you read these five chapters one more time, as if you were there to receive Jesus’ words for yourself?

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

OCTOBER 29 JOHN 9 - 12

October 29, 2014

John 9-12

I have a half-written musical somewhere in my files based on the John 9: the story of the Man Born Blind. I started and never finished it. Someday, I’d like to get it done and present it. I imagine the drama of a man receiving such a miraculous healing, then being threatened, questioned by the authorities and eventually kicked out of the synagogue. As awesome as his healing was, it is even more awesome when Jesus finds the young man and asks if he believes in the Son of Man (a code phrase for Messiah). The young man says, “Who is he, sir? Tell me so that I may believe in him!” Jesus responds like this: “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking to you!” Isn’t that wonderful?

In chapter 10, Jesus speaks to his disciples in the mode of a Good Shepherd caring for his sheep. We find two more “I am’s” here: “I am the gate (or door) for the sheep” and “I am the good shepherd.” By the end of the chapter, the Jews are trying to kill Jesus, once again.

John 11, found nowhere else in the gospels, is the account of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. During the course of this story, Jesus says very clearly to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life. He, who believes in me, though he dies, yet will he live.” (v. 25). One might wonder why Jesus weeps at Lazarus’ tomb; surely he knows what he is about to do. But let’s not forget that we weep, too, even though we know our loved ones live with Christ. Jesus was entering into our grief. This miracle only worsens Jesus’ rift with the Jewish leaders.

John 12 introduces us to the week of the passion. Jesus is anointed by a grateful Mary, Lazarus’ sister, then rides into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (John is the only gospel writer to mention “palms”), and then Jesus is introduced to some Greeks! This flips a switch in our Savior. He says, “The hour has come...”, meaning, the hour of his suffering. It’s almost as though, the Gentiles’ interest in him was a sign: It’s time to give my life as a ransom for many!

Tomorrow, we enter Jesus’ final 24 hours.

Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

OCTOBER 28 JOHN 6-8

October 28, 2014

John 6-8

The powerful testimony to the authority and identity of Jesus Christ of these three chapters for today is nearly unmatched in the Bible.

In John 6, Jesus first feeds the 5000 (more like 12,000—for they had only counted the men!), then walks on water, then announces to the crowd that had followed them, in so many words, “You want more bread? I am the bread of life (v. 35).

In John 7, Jesus’ brothers needle him to go up to feast, but Jesus says, “Not yet.” Have way through the seven day Feast of Booths, he shows up. On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink!” (v. 37). 

In John 8, Jesus shows divine wisdom in the handling of the “woman caught in the act of adultery.” He declares: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (v. 12). The Pharisees bristle at this, and enter into a chapter long argument that ends in their attempt to stone Jesus then and there. What begins with Jesus saying, “I am the light of the world,” ends with Jesus saying, “Before Abraham was, I am” (v. 58). What does Jesus mean?

GREEK GRAMMAR LESSON: In many of the ancient languages, pronouns are not necessary, because they are built-in to the verb. Maybe you remember Julius Caesar’s famous Latin phrase: “Veni, Vidi, Vici; I came, I saw, I conquered.” Caesar didn’t need the pronouns. The same would have been true for Jesus. He didn’t need the pronoun, “I” for any of his “I am” statements. Nevertheless, every time, he uses it. Why? For emphasis! When Jesus said “I am...” he was identifying himself as the LORD, Yahweh, who told Moses at the burning bush, “I AM WHO I AM.”

Jesus is our all in all!


Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

OCTOBER 27 JOHN 3-5

October 27, 2014

John 3-5

As you read through John, remember that he is not worried about chronology. Rather, he is piling up testimony after testimony to the truth of Who Jesus is! You can see this if you begin today’s reading at the end. Read John 5:30-47 for a picture of what John is doing. Some of the “witnesses to Jesus” include: Jesus own words, John the Baptist’s words, Jesus’ “works” (which could include his teaching, his miracles and his loving acts!), the Father’s words, and, finally, the words of the Scriptures (especially those of Moses).

Now, as you return to John 3, we read Jesus’ words of witness to Nicodemus concerning himself, including a reference to the bronze snake God told Moses to put on a stick for those who had been poisoned to look to for healing. Jesus is saying that Moses’ healing snake is a picture of himself! 


Then John the gospel writer records more words from John the Baptist concerning Jesus. “He [Jesus] must increase!”

In John 4 we hear Jesus’ incredible self-revelation to the Samaritan woman at the well. When she says, “I know that Messiah is coming...”, Jesus says, “I who speak to you am he.” She, in turn, tells the whole town! 

At the end of John 4, we read of a “second sign,” the healing of an official’s son. Even Jesus’ works bear witness to who he is!

John 5 begins with yet another sign, the healing of a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. 

Then, in John 5:19-29, Jesus says more about himself: “The Son gives life to whom he wills!” 

This brings us back to the end of John 5, where Jesus lists out all the witnesses concerning Who He is!

Your fellow pilgrim through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

OCTOBER 25/26 JOHN 1-2

October 25/26, 2014

John 1-2

Now we begin the most unique of the four gospels. Without John, the title “most unique” would apply to Luke. Yet, even with all the wonderful material we only find there, Luke holds hands with Mark and Matthew; they are called the “Synoptic Gospels,” because they each give a “synopsis” or a comprehensive outline of Jesus’ ministry. 


John, however, breaks this pattern. He selects from the many events we’ve read about in the synoptic gospels a comparative few. He omits, almost entirely, the parables. And John himself teaches, and recounts much of Jesus’ own teaching that we find nowhere else, especially Jesus’ claims to divinity. In John, we see most clearly, that Jesus is the God/man, one with the Father and one with us!

We see this from chapter 1, verse 1; John says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” That’s divinity! A little later in the prolog, John says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) That’s humanity! We see this juxtaposition al through the gospel. But perhaps the most vivid picture of it comes at the end of John 1, in verse 51. Jesus tells Nathaniel, who was impressed at Jesus’ foreknowledge, that there would be even more impressing things to come: “You will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Here Jesus is recalling Jacob’s dream of a ladder that sits on earth and reaches up into heaven with angels ascending and descending upon it. Jesus is saying, in essence, “I am Jacob’s ladder; I connect earth to heaven and God to human beings; I am the God/man.”

John the Baptist saw it. He pointed at Jesus and used another Old Testament image: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” (John 1:29) As we will learn, only a God/man could accomplish that!


In John 2, the God/man goes to work. First, at the urging of his mother, Jesus turns the water into wedding wine. There’s a miracle and a message. Jesus’ first sign occurs at a wedding. When he returns, he will come as a Groom for His Bride! Then, Jesus clears the temple. Commentators argue about whether Jesus cleared the temple once or twice, but because John places it so near the beginning of his ministry, and the other gospel writers place it at the end, I believe he did this daring thing twice! 

Already, in just the first two chapters, we are seeing what the God/man can do!

Your fellow pilgrim through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

OCTOBER 24 LUKE 22-24

October 24, 2014


Luke 22-24

As with much of the gospel of Luke, we’d be very much poorer without Luke’s account of Jesus’ passion. Though Luke does not seem to be concerned for strict chronology at the Lord’s Supper, all the important elements are there. Though Luke’s account of Gethsemane is not as long as Mark’s or Matthew’s, the critical moment is there: “Not my will, but yours be done.” (22:43)

At the arrest, only Luke tells us that Jesus’ healed the man (Malchus) whose ear Peter cut off. During the night of trials, only Luke tells us of Jesus’ audience before King Herod (23:6-12). On the way to the cross, only Luke quotes Jesus’ words to the weeping women (23:28-31). At the cross, only Luke relates Jesus’ words of forgiveness for his tormenters (23:34), of assurance for the repentant thief (23:42), and of commitment to His Father (23:46).

On Easter, only Luke recounts the story of two weary and saddened disciples along the road to Emmaus, who are joined by Jesus. They do not recognize the Lord, but Jesus listens to their grief, instructs them in the all that the scriptures say about Him, and accompanies them to their destination. As Jesus breaks the bread, He disappears, and the disciples finally realize who He was, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?” (24:32).

Luke ends his gospel with Jesus’ promise to “clothe” His followers with power from on high! Then, He ascends into heaven. What will this “clothing with power” look like? We’ll have to wait until Luke second book: the book of Acts!

Your fellow pilgrim through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

OCTOBER 23 LUKE 19-21

October 23, 2014

Luke 19-21

On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus healed a blind beggar, whose name was Bartimaeus Mark tells us. Matthew, too, reports this healing. But only Luke tells us of the diminutive Jericho tax collector name Zacchaeus, who climbed a sycamore tree to get a better look at Jesus, and who was joyfully surprised by the Lord’s attention. How much poorer our Bibles would be without this account! Zacchaeus’ house is the setting for Jesus parable of the Ten Minas (very much like the parable of the Ten Talents), which contains this punchline: “To everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.” (Luke 19:26) Is this another way of saying: “Use it or lose it?”

Midway through Luke 19, Jesus enters Jerusalem, but not before he pauses to weep over her: “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” (Luke 19:42) 

Luke then recounts many of the same events as Mark and Matthew during Holy Week: the cleansing of the temple (Luke 19:45-46), the trick questions of the Jewish leaders, and some wonderful posers from Jesus back at them (Luke 20:3, 41-44). But Jesus’ most devastating words come in the form of the parable of the Wicked Tenants. It didn’t take the ruling Jews long to figure out who those wicked tenants represented! Finally, Jesus withdrew from the fray and played one of my favorite games in any busy place: people-watching. He watched them give their temple offerings, but complimented only one: the widow who gave all she had (Luke 21:1-4). 

The rest of Luke 21 contains much of part we have come to know as the Mt. Olivet Discourse from Matthew 23-24; Jesus’ words about the destruction of Jerusalem and the events of the end times. Knowing what was coming may have triggered Jesus’ laments over the city in Luke 13:34-35 and Luke 19:41-44.

If Jesus wept so for faithlessness of lost people and cities, shouldn’t we?

Your fellow pilgrim through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary

OCTOBER 22 LUKE 16-18

October 22, 2014

Luke 16-18

Many people scratch their heads over the parable of the Shrewd Manager. How can Jesus use such a cheat as a positive example? But I love the punchline: “Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves (like the crafty manager did), so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” Read this closely; it’s the Lord telling us to use our money to win souls. They are the friends we win; they are the ones who will welcome us, one day, into heaven. If you haven’t read it in a while, find Vachel Lindsey’s poem, “General William Booth Enters heaven.” It’s a great example of the truth of this parable.

I also love the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Isn’t it great that the rich man is nameless, and the no-account poor man has the name of one of Jesus’ best friends? What a powerful story!

Early in Luke 17, we read the account of the ten lepers who were healed. Is it true that only one in ten people would return to say thanks for such a gift?

Luke 18 begins with two more wonderful parables not found elsewhere. The parable of the Persistent Widow teaches us to keep on praying, even when we don’t see the answer. The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector teaches us that God gives grace and mercy to the humble, not the prideful! Luke 18 ends with material we’ve read in the first two gospels: the Rich Young Ruler, Jesus’ predictions of his death, and the healing of a blind beggar.

Your fellow pilgrim through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary