2 Corinthians Chapter 1 - June 30, 2008

Well, this should be an interesting next 13 blog days...I was going through 2 Corinthians while you guys were going through Hebrews, so I will be reading the Hebrews and blogging on the Corinthians...should be fun. Also, make sure you check out the post time of this blog...I'm still on Thailand time - I woke up at 1:30am this morning.

1:4 - We have the comfort of knowing there is more than just this earthly life. We have the comfort of knowing that Jesus has paid the price for all our sin. Through the strength that we gain from the comfort of God, we can in turn comfort others and turn them into the comforting arms of God...pretty cool cycle. Take strength in the promises that God has made to us and spread the message - Jesus is the only path to sanity in this fallen world.

1:9 - Pretty cool, huh? Occasionally it is healthy to feel like everything is falling apart. I must be one of the healthiest people on earth! When our plans are crashing in around us, we have nowhere to turn but God...that is a good thing.

1:11 - I saw the power of prayer in HD while we were in Thailand. I knew that we had hundreds of people praying for us and it made a hue difference. The trip was incredible. We could see God moving all around us. Steve Allen, the missionary who led the trip for us, said he had never sen a group come for 3 weeks and nobody get sick...it was a miracle. And because we were praying the entire time...all the glory goes to God. We weren't "lucky" on the trip...we didn't just catch some "good breaks" - we were covered n prayer. When we as Christians constantly pray, people will know who to give the credit to...God. They will praise Him because of our prayers. It is a beautiful thing.

1:12ff - What is the testimony of your life...can you look back with good conscience as you answer these questions? Did I live simply? Did I live sincerely? Did I live by the grace of God?

1:19 - Jesus is the answer, "Yes." He is the answer to all questions...all problems...all prophecies...he, not Allen Iverson, is the answer.

Hebrews 13 - June 27, 2008

2 - Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. This would just be a jaw dropping moment to later on find out that you had met an angel. What if you turned them away? This is why we need to demonstrate kindness to all.

9 - Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. How true for the world today. When people who grew up in Christian denomination and non-denomination churches start beleiving that Jesus is NOT the only way - something is way wrong.

We should remember the part in verse 17 about obeying our leaders so that their work is a joy and not a burden. Too often we put our leaders on a pedestal and hold them to a higher standard - one that is nearly impossible to obtain. Remember - they are human just like us - and they serve the same God we do - they have joys and pain - just like we do. Pray for them - test the things they say to make sure they are God's truth - serve with them - love them.

Brando should be back and pick it up Monday.

It has been fantastic blogging - with myself apparently - but hey - at least I got to read more of the Word - what it's all about.

Grace be with you all.

peace,
j

Hebrews 12 - June 26, 2008

We're talking about running the race and not stopping - 2 authors - same message.

Again - more OT references. I like the part where it says that we should not lose heart when God disciplines us. I know that many times I do - but at least the encouragement is there. Besides - it says that we all go through it - otherwise we are not really God's child.

NIV - 28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

The heavenly things we are pursing (or at least we should be) are unshakable - they cannot be moved. A lot of the stuff we go after here is just that - stuff - shakable things - things that will go away. We've got to turn a corner - we've got to realize that God does give us stuff while we are here - and we are supposed to use it for Him - car, TV, computer, skateboard, ipod, etc. Otherwise, God will discipline us - but it is only to get us to come back to Him. The Word says that God punishes us less than our sins deserve.

What if God amped it up to what we deserve? Ouch. Be thankful for what you have and try to use it for Him and His glory.

Peace,
james

Hebrews 11 - June 25, 2008

This has got to be one of my favorite chapters in the Word.

1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Growing up, people told me to have faith, just have faith - but no one could tell me what faith was - not one person (that I remember) ever quoted Heb 11:1 to me. Now I get it - my faith is being sure of the hope I have in Christ - that He alone saves me - and being certain that even though I do not see Him, I know He is there.

Enoch - only mentioned a few of times in the Bible (Gen, Heb, Jude) - the man who walked with God. Enoch pleased God so much that God just took Enoch to be with God. What kind of a man was this?! Two questions for him - what did you do here on earth and what was it like to just be taken? Unreal!

Rahab - almost always referred to as a prostitute any time she is mentioned - yet she is commended for her faith - faith that reached far beyond where she was in her life in Jericho.

Love the ending - God had planned something better for us - that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours. (Msg)

Be thankful God always had a better plan for us.

peace,
james

Hebrews 10 - June 24, 2008

Take verse 4 and the last part of verse 10 - because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
...we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Some try to work their way into heaven - as shown by the article yesterday, many "Christians" believe Jesus is not the only way to the Father. These two verses show that you can sacrifice your time, money, etc (our modern day animal sacrifices) but the only thing that made you holy is Jesus on the cross.

I like how the Message says that because of the blood of Jesus, we can - without hesitation - walk right up to God because Jesus is there for us. vs22 - So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out.

I admit - believing that I am presentable to God - very difficult. But He says that I am. End of discussion.

For someone without Christ - vs31 is just downright scary - It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Think about it - no hope because you did not put your trust in the Son.

A lot of the last verses repeat things that were said in other books - stand firm - see it through to the end. Get the hint that God is trying to tell us something?

peace,
james

Hebrews 9 - June 23, 2008

Here is a comparison of how worship used to be - a step by step process - and how Christ turned it all around. At first, only one priest could enter the tabernacle. Now, because of Christ, we all can enter.

The priest entered by earthly sacrificial means. Jesus entered by His own blood and as it says "he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence."

And because Christ's sacrifice was perfect, He (Jesus) does not have to sacrifice Himself again and again.

On a personal note - these last few days have not been fun for me. I have been hurting and found out others that I care about have been hurting - physically, mentally, spiritually.

So - try to remember to pray to the One who is there for us in the Father's presence. And after reading this article on Time.com - Christians: No One Path to Salvation - we need to be praying to Jesus - the only way - that people will realize the He is only way.
Check it out...
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1817217,00.html?xid=rss-topstories

Peace through Him,
james

Hebrews 8 - June 20, 2008

The tie in with chp7 is great and I like how the Message says that "Jesus' priestly work far surpasses what these other priests do, since he's working from a far better plan" - God's salvation plan.

This isn't some 12 step program or promotion plan - this is the God of the seen and unseen everything (universe just won't quite cover it) and His plan to save me - and you - and everyone that you meet today.

There is a lot of quoting here from the OT - Exodus 25 and Jer. 31. I know that some of this might deal with future events, but I also think that it could deal with the here and now - "I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts" - to me, God's Spirit starts to do that from the moment you accept the Son as the Way.

I find that I remember more of God's Word because I want to and the Spirit gives me the ability to do just that. Keep asking for wisdom with God's Word, believe that receive that wisdom and you will. Don't believe me - look it up.

Peace,
james

Hebrews 7 - June 19, 2008

I really like how the Hebrews writer breaks it all down. The explanation that Mel (shortened) was without record of family, no account of beginning or end - you can already see the parallels to Jesus.

The book talks about Abraham giving Mel one tenth.

And then the writer poses the question - if perfection could have been obtained through the Levi priests, then why was another needed? The question is answered by Jesus, described as a better hope, one by which we draw near to God.

24-25 - And because this priest, Jesus, lives forever, He is our permanent priest. Therefore he is able to save completely [us] who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede (pray to the Father) for [us].

And since Jesus is blameless, sinless, He does not need to offer any more sacrifices for sins - He offered Himself and that is enough.

The explanation, the logic, the tie-ins to Old and New Testaments - so much evidence to point to Jesus saying - here He is, this is what you have been looking for all your life.

Just another reason why this is one of my favorite books.

Peace,
james

Hebrews 6 - June 18, 2008

It is kinda of interesting to me how when Hebrews was divided into chapters, major themes carry over from the previous chapter.

We are told to move on from basic teaching - i.e. Sunday School answers - and go on to advanced things. Advanced teachings mean that we have to read the Word, meditate on it, wrestle with it, try to understand what God wants us to - not just reading it - but relating to it and telling others about it.

The writer goes on to say that there are those who we have shared with who have rejected the Word. I like what the Message says - "if then they turn their backs on it, washing their hands of the whole thing, well, they can't start over as if nothing happened." It is one thing to question God's Word - to try and understand it better, to compare it to other religions (even false ones) to see how they stack up to God's Word (they don't) - but there are consequences for outright rejection.

Vs12 (and following) - "We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."

We must demonstrate patience by wanting God's timing - not ours. Easier said than done. But the writer continues on to tell us to grab hold of the hope promised to us and never let go. Because Jesus has gone before us and - here's the tie in back to chp4 - has taken His permanent post as our High Priest to the Father. (a lot of this I got from the Message)

We are given a lot of encouragement here - we have someone who speaks for us - the only one capable of doing so. How cool is that...

Peace,
james

Hebrews 5 - June 17, 2008

The writer continues with the explaination of why Jesus is our high priest, what qualifies Him, and how "he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him" vs9.

Vs14 - But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

This last verse is for all of us - constant use of God's Word trains us to be able to know what is good and what is evil. Constant use - not just occasional or every Sunday - but all the time.

Read God's Word when you get the chance - make time to read the message - strength comes from reading it over and over.

peace,
james

Hebrews 4 - June 16, 2008

The first section about rest is a difficult one - at least to me. I looked at about 5 translations to see if there was a better way to read it - something that would give me the - oh, now I get it.

I think 1-11 drives home the point of don't give up - have faith until the end - whatever end that may be. Today is the time - God's words, not mine.

Vs12 - For the word of God is living and active. Ever wondered if God's Word is relevant for today - here's your answer. Not only is the Word alive, the Word is active. See John 1:1-3, 14 for more on the Word.

And why do people not want to hear God's Word - because it is "Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Swords hurt - the Word is sharper - and people generally don't like pain. This is one of the many reasons why there is so much rejection of God's Word.

Worried He might miss something that happens to you - vs13 says that "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight."

I love 14-16. We have Jesus. We should hold on to our faith in Him - why? Because he's been there and got the t-shirt to prove it - and yet He never once messed up - no sin. That's who I want as my representation before God. He is my confidence - He gives me undeserving mercy - He gives me grace to see it through in times of trouble and need.

And after the weekend I had, His love, grace, and the lovely wife given to me are the only things keeping me going.

Peace,
james

Hebrews 3 - June 13, 2008

The first comparison - Jesus and the angels. This comparison - Jesus and Moses. Notice how he/she writes in verse 5 that "Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house" and in 6 "But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house." The difference between "in" and "over" - massive.

Lastly, it is stated how "we are his house". It wraps back around to Christians being the Body and Jesus being over us.

The last section is a major warning. God is always giving us subtle little hints usually about the size of Texas saying that if you hear the Spirit Today - listen - don't turn away (vs 7). The warnings continue in 12 and they are repeated in 15. Think God is trying to get something across to us?

I really like 13 - sort of thrown in the middle for good measure - But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Again - the reference to Today. The writer knows that time here in this existence is short - 20 years has blown by since I graduated high school - how did that happen?! That's why Today is the day for whatever it is that God has planned for you. Make it so...

peace
james

ps - keep everyone across the seas in your prayers that they are bringing the message of Jesus and His love for all of us.

Hebrews 2 - June 12, 2008

The writer does not let up - vs 1 - look real close at the words - more careful attention - not just attention or even careful attention. Repetition - aka - this could be really important. If what angels say is binding, how much more binding are those things said by the Son?

It is a struggle in my life to "pay more careful attention" - too many distractions - a challenge I think that we all share.

I like how the Message puts vs11 - Since the One who saves and those who are saved have a common origin, Jesus doesn't hesitate to treat them as family.

The cross is always God's way of telling us that He can relate to us, that He does understand, that He gets us and who we are. Vs18 continues the thought by stating - Because he himself [Jesus] suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

I had a whole bunch of examples that seemed to fit the last verse, but none of my words were coming out right - so - you write about it or anything else that got you about chp2...

peace,
james

Hebrews 1 - June 11, 2008

Wanted to put something out here - thought we would skip 2 Cor. for now and start reading Hebrews - great book.

I will have something out there later. So in the meantime - got thoughts? - Post 'em.

peace,
james

Ok - so a little later turned out to be a day later...

The thing I find most interesting about chp 1 - the writer does some major referencing back to OT scriptures - caused me to open another Explorer so I could flip back and forth between the passages.

God gave some great insight to the writer of Hebrews as to how the Father views the Son. If you ever had any doubt about Jesus, the Son, being God - check out vs 8 - But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.

The Father point blank calls the Son God. There are those who say the Son was created or is the highest angel - but here it is - Jesus is God.

Read all the ties-ins - really cool stuff.
peace,
j

1 Corinthians 16 - June 10, 2008

I quote Brandon - "Blogging in Thailand - I won't be". Keep everyone on the trip in your prayers.

Brando asked Tim and James (that's me) to sit in on the commentary for the next few days.

So - here we go.

NIV – 13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.

Or as the Message says – Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping.

God’s commands always get back to basics – don’t stop loving – God first with everything you’ve got and then everyone else.

I also always liked Paul’s encouragement to other believers – something we can always improve upon here and now.

Peace,
james

I Corinthians Chapter 14 and 15 - June 5, 2008

Guess who's back! Sorry about yesterday...crazy week.

14:1-3 - I think we shy away from the word prophecy because is sounds so presumptuous...if we seek to be able to prophecy, does that mean that we expect that God will show us the future. That isn't the kind of prophecy that Paul holds up here in this passage. Even the OT prophets spent most of their time dealing with their present time and present people. Prophets call people back to God and there is definitely a need and a call for that in our churches. Paul describes prophecy as building up, encouraging, consoling...all necessary things within a church. I can see why Paul is calling for the Corinthians to be prophets. Maybe we need to look at ourselves more like prophets - building people up around us and calling people back to God.


14 - Well, I hope you all know where to go from now if anybody wants to have a discussion about the pros and cons of speaking in tongues. Churches that expect people who have God's Spirit to speak in tongues every week...probably don't spend too much time in I Corinthians 14. The tongues are not for the believers...they are miraculous events for unbelievers. Believers should be speaking their own language and calling one another back to God.

14:34ff - Again, I will not pansy here. I believe that Paul writes this because he has been talking about interpretation...interpretation of tongues and prophecy...and in this time period (Not by any stretch of the imagination saying this is good) women were largely uneducated. They did not go to the Torah schools...they did not learn the scriptures like the men did, so there was a gap in their ability to interpret some of the deeper theological things. Not that they were not intelligent enough, but that this society had stunted their theological growth. I believe that Paul is telling these women in this time to be quiet because they were bogging the discussions down with immature questions...so he instructs them to ask their questions to their husbands when they get home instead of holding the entire congregation back. I DO NOT believe that we can use this scripture today as a means of holding women down in church...that does not ring true with the life of Jesus Christ who constantly treated women with more respect than anyone in the Jewish world was giving them. I said my piece...do with it what you will.

15:34 - Awesome! Wake up from the drunken stupor of your lame worldly driven zombie life - stop sinning and tell people about the incredible, life-changing way of Jesus Christ. In your face!

15:49 - Great imagery. We are caught in this titanic struggle between the image of dust and death brought by Adam and the image of light and life brought by Christ. We are sinful and holy at the same time. Earth and heaven rolled up into one.

I Corinthians Chapter 13 - June 3, 2008

The love chapter. I LOVE this one!

13:1-3 - You can be an incredible speaker, a prophet, a bible scholar, a giver, a servant, but if you do not have love it means nothing. Paul describes a teacher without love as a clanging cymbal...the words keep ringing and ringing but they carry no meaning because they do not carry love. Words and actions are meaningless without love. I think it is interesting that Paul says you can have faith that could move mountains and still be loveless and useless. It seems that you can have a saving faith and still not completely get it...Paul implies that you can have a real faith yet still not truly walk in the kingdom of heaven, i.e. still not live out the higher way that Christ has called us to. I believe that the people with great faith and no love will be last in God's kingdom even though they may have been held up as great examples here on earth...love is what matters to God.

13:11 - In this world love is seen as the weaker way. To show mercy...to walk away from a fight...to put others ahead of yourself...these things are seen as signs of weakness. In reality, the path of love is the path of strength. When we were infants, we were selfish and self-centered and reacted in violence...as we leave our immature ways to follow Christ our actions should reflect that way. 

13:12 - In the here and now, when we live out love, we can just start to see a dim reflection of the reality of the kingdom of God. The awesomeness of these brief and dim encounters with love makes me long for the time when I can bask daily in the presence of the God of love. 

I Corinthians Chapter 12 - June 2, 2008

12:3 - The Romans Caesars believed themselves to be deities and the people of Rome would proclaim, "Caesar is Lord" to pledge their lives to their peace giving savior Caesar. There is no one who is going to have the guts to stand against a culture that encourages self worship, and claim that Jesus is the lord of their life without the Holy Spirit involved. We cannot do that alone. 

12:12ff - This is always a good passage for me to read and take to heart, because I (And I believe this applies to most people) am constantly falling into a cycle of coveting the gifts and talents of other believers. I need to be reminded that God has doled out the gifts and He has placed the gifts exactly where He wants them. I need to constantly be reminded that when I covet the gifts of others and forsake my own gifts, I am telling God He messed up. His plan wasn't good enough...He didn't give out the gifts in the way the I think He should have...I don't appreciate what He freely gave to me. That is dangerous ground to tread on!

12:22 - Great example of this - quiet, faithful, loving servants of God in a church. These type of people are often overlooked because they may not have the flashy gifts of communication or musical talent or whatever...but there is not a church on earth that would survive without a backbone of selfless, humble, loving Christ-followers. Sometimes the gifts that seem weaker are really the most important.

12:26 - Confession Time - There have been times when I secretly rejoiced in the failures of other Christians who I looked upon with jealousy...and that is just sick. We are one body and we should rejoice in the victories of our brothers and be broken hearted in the failures of our brothers.