I have wanted to share parts of this book with you. It is actually a collection of sermons of Moses prior to the crossing over Jordan. It is believed that someone else wrote the last chapter, some record that person being Joshua. Now time lines can be confusing but the best guess is that the year was 1406 B.C. . Sometimes we have to be reminded of the greatness of God and this book does just that and might even be a refresher course in the convent and Laws God gave to Moses to give to the people. If it were a school course it could be named Behavior 101. We have here a whole new generation of Israelites about to enter the Promised Land. The point here is that these folks were in reality a whole new group of had nots. They had not experienced the miracle of the Red Sea, or heard the law given at Sinai. Where they were going there were many dangers and temptations and the book of Deuteronomy was to first remind them of God’s law and the power of God.

We are so blessed to have those Saints before us that have left us a written account of times past in the beginning of God’s covenant with his chosen people and the eventual establishment of His Church through His Son Jesus Christ.

Deuteronomy 4:2

2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.

Deuteronomy 6:4-7

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children…

Deuteronomy 32:46-47

46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. 47 For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long

In the opening verses Moses reminds all the people that their tedious wanderings was the result of their own bad behavior. Hopefully they have reached an understanding of the value of obedience. When God brings us into trouble and all kinds of afflictions He knows when we have been tried enough, it was now time to move forward. Canaan lies just before them for their encouragement. How can we be not strengthened by the power and goodness of our God? Why or how could we ever believe that our fate rests only within our own person and goodness? The Israelites received God’s good laws and were given in turn good men to execute them and all were with the obedience and love of those God given instructions to Moses. The people at one time stood on solid ground. Why was there this distrust of God? What about faith…where had it gone and was there any cause to distrust this God, was an unbelieving heart at the bottom of all this?

The most likely culprit of this disobedience of God’s laws, and distrust of his power and goodness was disbelief of his Word and Power. We must remember obedience is faith driven. The people needed to come together, give thanks to God for the mercies we have received and to confess and seek the forgiveness of all the sins we can remember. Exercise of a strong faith will allow the people of God to triumph over all opposition, and to take firm hold upon the promised blessings. 

 Quick recap of this book. Verses 1-3 are a recap of their journey from Egypt to their current location, Moab. Chapter 4 is a call to obedience. God has been faithful to them…they must be faithful to Him in return. Chapters 5-26 are a repetition of the law, Ten Commandments, sacrifices and special days. Good will come to those who obey, but those who break the law will be judged and punished. That theme is continued in verses 27-30. In the final chapters Moses at 120 years of age is still a strong presence as God’s chosen leader. Chapter 34 relates to the death of Moses. It is a remarkable feat for a man of his age but he is able to climb MT Pisgah and before he climbs Moses encourages the people and commissions his replacement. God shows him the promised land but Moses is not allowed to enter it. He dies  there in God’s presence. The book of Deuteronomy ends with a short obituary on this great prophet. 

This is a book of great import because it also shows the continually of God’s plans for His people. We today live in a time of distress as the faith is attacked and the greatness of God in the lives of His people is marginalized. Today’s blog cries out to all….have faith, our God has a plan…

God is Good

jk

I have wanted to share parts of this book with you. It is actually a collection of sermons of Moses prior to the crossing over Jordan. It is believed that someone else wrote the last chapter, some record that person being Joshua. Now time lines can be confusing but the best guess is that the year was 1406 B.C. . Sometimes we have to be reminded of the greatness of God and this book does just that and might even be a refresher course in the convent and Laws God gave to Moses to give to the people. If it were a school course it could be named Behavior 101. We have here a whole new generation of Israelites about to enter the Promised Land. The point here is that these folks were in reality a whole new group of had nots. They had not experienced the miracle of the Red Sea, or heard the law given at Sinai. Where they were going there were many dangers and temptations and the book of Deuteronomy was to first remind them of God’s law and the power of God.

We are so blessed to have those Saints before us that have left us a written account of times past in the beginning of God’s covenant with his chosen people and the eventual establishment of His Church through His Son Jesus Christ.

Deuteronomy 4:2

2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.

Deuteronomy 6:4-7

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children…

Deuteronomy 32:46-47

46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. 47 For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long

In the opening verses Moses reminds all the people that their tedious wanderings was the result of their own bad behavior. Hopefully they have reached an understanding of the value of obedience. When God brings us into trouble and all kinds of afflictions He knows when we have been tried enough, it was now time to move forward. Canaan lies just before them for their encouragement. How can we be not strengthened by the power and goodness of our God? Why or how could we ever believe that our fate rests only within our own person and goodness? The Israelites received God’s good laws and were given in turn good men to execute them and all were with the obedience and love of those God given instructions to Moses. The people at one time stood on solid ground. Why was there this distrust of God? What about faith…where had it gone and was there any cause to distrust this God, was an unbelieving heart at the bottom of all this?

The most likely culprit of this disobedience of God’s laws, and distrust of his power and goodness was disbelief of his Word and Power. We must remember obedience is faith driven. The people needed to come together, give thanks to God for the mercies we have received and to confess and seek the forgiveness of all the sins we can remember. Exercise of a strong faith will allow the people of God to triumph over all opposition, and to take firm hold upon the promised blessings. 

 Quick recap of this book. Verses 1-3 are a recap of their journey from Egypt to their current location, Moab. Chapter 4 is a call to obedience. God has been faithful to them…they must be faithful to Him in return. Chapters 5-26 are a repetition of the law, Ten Commandments, sacrifices and special days. Good will come to those who obey, but those who break the law will be judged and punished. That theme is continued in verses 27-30. In the final chapters Moses at 120 years of age is still a strong presence as God’s chosen leader. Chapter 34 relates to the death of Moses. It is a remarkable feat for a man of his age but he is able to climb MT Pisgah and before he climbs Moses encourages the people and commissions his replacement. God shows him the promised land but Moses is not allowed to enter it. He dies  there in God’s presence. The book of Deuteronomy ends with a short obituary on this great prophet. 

This is a book of great import because it also shows the continually of God’s plans for His people. We today live in a time of distress as the faith is attacked and the greatness of God in the lives of His people is marginalized. Today’s blog cries out to all….have faith, our God has a plan…

God is Good

jk

Chapter 3 continues on with the letters to the seven churches and today we focus on the Church at Laodicea. Last week I said that these last verses (14-22) in chapter 3 made a lasting impression on me. They do so because they so mirror many of the churches today. Indifference is an attitude that Christ utterly detests. There was a place near Laodicea famous for its hot mineral springs. Often, hot mineral springs are nauseating in their taste and make the person who drinks them want to be physically sick. This is a good practical example, one the people of that day would have understood, about how the indifference of the church at Laodicea

affected the risen Christ. The biggest stumbling block to anything we do in life is indifference, neither cold or hot is not as bad as being tepid, which feeds the very soul of indifference. Christianity has the power to make our lives strong and productive. The church has lost its relevance in the world today. A more graphic picture might be painted by saying… we, the church have lost our place at the table. Of course there are pockets of resistance, some over the last few years have become violent in their actions against Christianity but for the most part there is a neutrality …better said… total indifference. I have always believed that Salvation is not a group activity. It is a one on one thing, a God thing which only occurs when a person seeks Christ and asks for salvation. Jesus Christ works through individuals. There is always an underlying passive resistance to the doctrine of Christianity. People like to do their own thing and people who will not submit to Christ have therefore resisted him. 

Romans 12:11-13… not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

The people of this church had become lazy and indifferent to keeping the fire in their hearts burning for Christ. 

The People at Laodicea had become distracted and at the same time comfortable in their own and their cities wealth. 

Revelation 3: 14-17

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither [k]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…

Speaking from a secular perspective It was a very prosperous town in Asia Minor but from a spirituality perspective it was  bankrupt. Laodicea prided itself on the magnificent garments it produces; but spiritually it is naked, and nakedness means shame. They were blind, even though they excelled in the manufacture of an eye salves. Laodicea had no wish to see itself as it was. I would add they were deaf to the sound of truth being spoken and they did not understand that the rebuke of God is not so much punishment as illumination. They remained blind by choice of an indifferent attitude. In verse 20 is a picture of Christ that has become a picture of great familiarity. 

Revelation 3:20 

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

A picture of Christ searching for sinful men and women, what greater love has any man, as great as Christ’s love for his creation?

No need to add a whole lot more, the simple truth is Laodicea valued the things of this world more than a relationship with the Living Christ. What about your church, what about you? Do you practice a religion that is deep in orthodoxy, devoid of passion that has only an ember of a once burning fire and find yourself slipping away from your call to serve Christ? A funny way to end this blog but a reminder to us all… Indifference… The Living Christ detests such behavior.

Life is Good 

jk 

This week we return to Revelations. Revelations is not read that much, the complexity and symbolism is often confusing to many readers. Yet because of its difficulty it is the starting point of many “End Time” theories. From my pew its direction is clear but sometimes we get the wrong end of the stick first. So…from my seat I see it as a record of what must happen first before the end time the final judgement. John is on the Island of Patmos, that is where his vision takes place. I will take a little literary liberty here and doing so I am open to any correction or opinion you might have from this point on. John is the author of the book of Revelation and as John writes “I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day, I heard a voice like a trumpet, saying to me….write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches.”

To set the scene John is having a vision and has been lifted up to heaven and finds himself in the throne room…the point here is…  not to miss that his guide and the voice he hears is that of the risen Christ. It is Christ that instructs him to “write this down” and in chapters two and three we are privy to the message God has for each of these seven churches. These are seven actual functional churches that John has connections to. These are by no means the only churches around at this time but they do fall within John’s ministry. As we go through this, focus on the message God is giving us through the seven churches. Let’s start with a list of the seven churches and scriptural references.

1. Ephesus Revelation 2:1-7
2. Smyrna  Revelation 2:8-11
3. Pergamum Revelation 2:12-17
4. Thyatira Revelation 2:18-29
5. Sardis Revelation 3:1-6
6. Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13
7. Laodicea Revelation 3:14-22 

We will start in chapter two with the church at Ephesus.

Revelation 2:4… Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. There is the acknowledgement of some good  but there is also the charge stated in verse 4. The church in verses 2 and 3 is commended for its labour patience and intolerance of evil also for not growing weary…for perseverance in the faith. But that early passion for Christ has fallen to a mindset of cold orthodoxy. Even though they still have their zeal for moral standards, truth and faithful service, they had not yet learned that is no substitute for the love of Christ. 

Next we move to the church at Smyrna and we seek out these verses in chapter 2….Revelations 2:8-11…‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a [e]synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’

A little history,  Smyrna was intensely loyal to Rome and a large Jewish community in the city was hostile to the early church. God speaks to knowing their works, tribulations and poverty but chides them for having riches they do not acknowledge. Some had become allies of other pagan’s that put Christians to death attempting to stamp out the Christian faith. God tells them there will be a judgement but not to fear. They will be tested and will know ten days of tribulation but those who remain faithful will receive the crown of life. It is not an actual crown but one of a good life, lived well.

On to Pergamos…We can save a lot of space and use less words by simply saying that it was a church that needed to repent who over time had become the capital of Caesar worship. God also saw it as the place of Satan’s throne. Revelation 2:12-17…12 “And to the  angel of the church in Pergamos write,‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans,  which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. Simply put Pergamos had become a

Compromising Church.

In chapter two we are introduced to the church at Thyatira. Interesting to note the number of verses that the words of God require to describe this one. Of course we can just keep it simple and note that the church at Thyatira was just corrupt but then that led to all kinds of speculation. Revelation 2:18-29…‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 “I know your works, love,  service, faith, and your [j]patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have  a few things against you…” When we pick up here toward the end of verse 20, things start down hill, the specifics do great harm to the cause of Christianity. There is a women among you, calls herself a prophetess and is allowed to seduce those of your number to commit sexual immorality, eat things sacrificed to idols, all this God considers to be disruptive. God tells them he will deal with this and those that have not followed this woman and have repented of their sins will be judged and rewarded according to their works. 

The Dead Church

Revelation 3:1-2

 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.

God instructs them to be watchful and to remember those things they have been taught, ‘hold fast till I come’. God tells them some of you have done well, their names will be in the book,Christ will walk with them and confess their names before the father.

 Here is a powerful promise and a moment of celebration for those who overcome. This is a letter to the faithful church at Philadelphia… Revelation 3:10 “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”

The suggested read here would be verses 7-13. God recognizes they are a faithful church and has seen and welcomed their works of faith…then in verse 9… “ Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.”  So much,  so much the love of God overwhelms. In verse 12 we read the words that every Christian and Church would do well to hear… “12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.”

Quite a list up to this point, the very last one. The church at Laodicea, there are no good words for this church and as I pondered over this I thought it best to simply turn to the scripture as written… I start with the very last verse. “22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” In this case let your eyes read and your mind and heart absorb these verses.

The Lukewarm Church

14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

This has been a long read for a blog, I am grateful for those of you who stayed with it. Did you read anything among these churches that spoke to you of your church? I consider those last verses from Chapter 3 to be of great importance. So much so that next weeks blog will be about verses 14-22.

Join me in the Pew next week…

Life is Good

jk

“Without Paul there might have been no ministry to the Gentiles and without these people Paul’s call to go and tell the story for the risen Christ would have been even more difficult to achieve.” 

Who will go, who will tell the story? I chose this chapter and these verses because it tells us how important the Family of God is and the immense value of the Faith Community. Now more than ever those of the faith need to tell the story. To cover all those mentioned here in these 16 or so verses would be a bit much for a blog but stay here in the Pew a bit as we look into some of these saints of the faith in Paul’s day. 

The first name on our list will be one that we don’t hear about but this once. That would be Rufus. The New Testament makes the connection between Him, his mother and her knowing Paul. Rufus was a saintly man well respected in the Roman church. Don’t want to go down to many rabbit holes here and confuse readers. 

Mark 15:21

21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. The story of this man Simon is an interesting one also but for now we will just concentrate on Rufus and his Mother.

I have chosen this Excerpt from the Christian Courier, “Paul’s Mother” written by Wayne Jackson:

“It is widely believed, due to certain circumstantial evidence, that this “Rufus” was one of the sons of Simon of Cyrene, who assisted in carrying the Lord’s cross en route to Golgotha. In the Gospel account recorded by Mark, we find these words: “And they compel one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross” (15:21). While each of the synoptic writers (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) mention this incident regarding Simon, only Mark names his sons, one of whom was Rufus.”

If we take a bit of liberty here it would not be too far out of reason to think that Paul’s relationship with the church in Rome brought him into contact with Rufus and his mother because they were the first to welcome Paul to Rome.

Philippians 4:22

All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.

Of the twenty-four names, thirteen occur in inscriptions or documents which have to do with the emperor’s palace in Rome. Consider that this would infer that there were saints in Caesar’s household. They would mostly be slaves but the possibility of such is amazing that at this early a stage of the development of Christianity they have penetrated into the imperial palace. It is important that I make note of the fact some of the information I share with you today has been found in old records of that time by biblical archeologists and scholars. It is through their study and interpretation of the things that we have this extraordinary window into those early days of the church. So…is it fair to say in some things we may be dealing with speculation and possibilities? My answer would be yes but with a warning…over and over through the years such research has proven to be right. Now with that said let’s move on to Andronicus and Junias. Scholars believe that Junias is a female name. Was it possible that in the early church a woman could be classed as an apostle? At that time apostles were considered to be those who went out to tell the story of Jesus. Paul also said that they were Christians before he was. This suggestive time clue could mean that they were a direct link to the earliest church at Jerusalem. They would go back as far as Stephen who was martyred because of his faith by the Jews. In Rome a household would include not only family and relatives but also servants and slaves. So I hope you do read these verses and in some way see the power of the word and pick up on the family thing. There are a lot of if’s to some of these stories but they do allow us to see the tremendous growth of the church at all levels of life. 

I could continue on with the names we have in these verses but that would overwhelm the point I wish to make. It seems that there were very few if any social barriers in the early church. Faith and a desire to tell the story were the measures of value. Chapter 16 leaves me with these thoughts. We are family, we are a community, we are children of God. Our history is one of hope,  perseverance  of faith and salvation through our savior Jesus Christ. 

Life is Good

jk

Sometimes we can wander into a field of abundant fruit, so it is that I see this chapter in Romans to be exactly that. Paul opens the chapter with a letter of commendation for Phoebe, a sister in Christ. Phoebe came to Rome from the city of  Cenchreae which was the port of Corinth. Note here Paul gives instructions to welcome her in the Lord’s way. God’s people are family but we don’t always act the way we should toward each other.Phoebe is an interesting person who sometimes is referred to as a deaconess but at that early stage of the church it is not likely that she held an official position in the church. What we learn about Phoebe brings into focus the value of women in the early days of the church. It was not so within the secular world. In the early church the service of women was invaluable to the function of meeting the needs of the church to visit the sick and the distribution of food to the poor and other various needs of the ministry which were vital to the life and work of the early church. Paul was taking no chances where Phoebe was concerned, when he instructed that she be welcomed as an apostle of Christ. In this day our churches and even church organizations can become a mess of closed societies, not truly welcoming strangers…Paul’s advice to the church which should apply  for us today….Welcome them as God’s dedicated people ought to welcome each other.

These verses in chapter 16: 3-16 present some hidden stories. There are 26 names, if I counted right, that have a story to tell about the early church. These are people Paul considered to be important to the early struggles of the faith, enough so that he took time and space to note before or after every name a commendation. While we might guess at some of these stories, of which few are known, we can be sure that they came to serve the Lord first in all things. Consider that twenty-four are individual names of which six are women. This blows away the stories of Paul belittling the status of women in the Church. Paul’s attitude was one of appreciation of the work that women were doing in the Church. I could go even  further reminding us that the women were present at the cross while many of Jesus’ closest disciples were no where to be found. The morning of the resurrection it was the women who left the safety of the room to go to the tomb. Thirteen of those names had ties to the emperor’s palace in Rome.  Paul said that Tryphaena and Tryphosa were in the habit of doing; and the point is that Tryphaena and Tryphosa mean respectively dainty and delicate! In a way Paul was saying: (‘You two may be called dainty and delicate; but you belie your names by working like Trojans for the sake of Christ.’ …DBS / William Barclay)

There is so much to share in these few verses so I will keep this week’s blog short. Join me in The Pew  next week as we look at some of the facts within the scripture that tells a story about some of these people. Without Paul there might have been no ministry to the Gentiles and without these people Paul’s call to go and tell the story for the risen Christ would have been even more difficult to achieve.

Life is Good

jk 

 

I think the last time he was here was March of 2015. The following is an excerpt from that Blog, of 2015:

“Experience has taught me that the act of avoidance is akin to blissful ignorance. Wake up! This elephant is not going to go away. There is a debate that encompasses the whole of the United Methodist Church, is divisive at its very utterance and is quietly destroying the faith. It is particularly disturbing because the leadership of our denomination is itself spinning in the wind in hopes that enough dust will cover a subject that draws lines quicker than a room full of architects with pencils and drawing tables.” Here is the link to that blog if you wish to read it.

https://fromthepewblog.com/2015/03/22/the-elephant-in-the-pew/

The usual path to such issues that impact the doctrine and the Discipline of the United Methodist Church follow a set pattern of procedures that allows opinions from those in the pew, on committees, church councils and others sources of input and hopefully prayer…lots of it. I left the “church” shortly thereafter because I found the issue so compelling that it interfered with good judgement but most of all with a Christian attitude of love and tolerance. Covid a few years later put the issue on hold…or you might say exasperated all sides involved in this. There was one thing that I found odd…the almost total silence from the pew concerning this issue. What was the issue that caused me to leave? From the past blog:

“The subject of discussion is Homosexuality, Same Sex Marriage and what the church believes to be the correct path forward. Like the Israelites we too have been wandering in the wilderness, for at least forty years, and having our faith questioned. For us there seems to be no Mosses and the Promised Land is hidden from view behind trees of words.”

So I was gone for awhile but not out of church. First lesson I learned is that my haste to act was wrong and I in a way had abandon my faith just as John Mark abruptly left Paul and Barnabas after they had arrived at Perga on that first mission trip. I also learned that there was a need for fellowship, it is a big part of the christian community, which I have now come to refer to as the community of faith. Denominations and doctrine do not sustain faith and I might add convenience should not be a factor in our response to God’s call in our life. 

After returning to the Methodist Church a few years ago and having time being away from the doctrine, committees and the uncertainty of direction the church would go, I now view this Elephant In The Pew differently. As United Methodists we must not abandon our church that is no longer a valid action. When I look back and reassess, I discover I had as the saying goes “the wrong end of the stick”. The first problem I had to find peace with was my lack of biblical understanding. Notice I said understanding, not knowledge.You see as confusing as this might be I needed wisdom… and that comes only from God. You work hard you can acquire knowledge but lady wisdom is found only in God…it is a divine gift. These next twelve words have encouraged a million words or more.

Leviticus 18:22 – Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. 

The next thing I have learned is that the lack of leadership from those in positions of influence and power in the Methodist Church were busy pretending that there was no elephant in the Church and it was my opinion that they preferred to keep it out of the “pew”. Most Pastors do not like unhappy folks in the pew…that type of atmosphere tends to encourage divisions among the congregation, upsets the DS and draws the attention of the Conference, not in a good way. I am just a Layman, I have served over the years on various committees, did chair the Church Council at one time and taught Sunday School. I mention this only as a point of reference that I at one time felt I knew the views in the pew of these hot button topics. The other reason being that I was looking in the wrong places…pointing with the wrong end of the stick. This headline caught my attention…. Methodist Leaders say ‘rebellion and dysfunction’ over LGBT issues splitting the denomination. (Jon Brown June 9, 2022 Fox News) Still no news from the “The Pew” the leadership act as if we know nothing. 

Now about that stick… everyone likes to play with numbers so here is what I believe. This is not a numbers game, this is about those who would pervert the scripture to advance their own Ungodly agenda. Gay Rights, LGBT and all the baggage that comes with it is squandering the ability of the faithful to share the word…Jesus Christ is the Son of The Living God…in whom, through whom, there is Forgiveness and Salvation…Life Everlasting. We of the faith are overlooking one important command…

Matthew 22:37-40 

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 

So my final words to you on this subject would be to understand these points of thought. Consider not leaving the Methodist Church over the “rebellion and dysfunction” that keeps us from being Christ Like in our behavior. The God we serve is a God of Restoration, not Condemnation. Let’s get on telling the good news and never fall back from our responsibility of speaking out about those things and behaviors that separate us from our God, welcoming all to His Table. Would like to hear an AMEN from the Pew.

Life is Good

jk

The Oxford Dictionaries’ 2016 “word of the year” shortlist was heavy on neologisms that one wishes didn’t have to exist: “alt-right,” “Brexiteer,” and this year’s winning term, “post-truth.” Among the finalists, though, there was one bit of solace: “hygge,” a Danish term defined as “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Pronounced “hoo-guh,” the word is said to have no direct translation in English, though “cozy” comes close. It derives from a sixteenth-century Norwegian term, hugga, meaning “to comfort” or “to console,” which is related to the English word “hug.” Associated with relaxation, indulgence, and gratitude, hygge has long been considered a part of the Danish national character. (New Yorker)

Twenty-one Years ago this Sunday will mark over two decades of remembering that day simply known as 9/11. The enduring legacy of that day is remembered best for those of us over 30 years of age as a day planes struck the towers in New York.  We all can remember where we were on that day and at that time. The immediate reaction was one of uncertainty, confusion, fear, vulnerability and anger, followed soon by that question that was on everyone’s mind…who and how could that happen to us…The United States?  Many of the above results were pretty much universal and the question of how could that happen… Who and how they did it was laid out over the next few years…but the core of the question has never really been answered….how could that happen to us? 

 We could use a little Hygge, interesting word with an even more deeper and contextual meaning. I like that in the Danish language it means to give courage, comfort and joy. The world could use a bit of that…and I know here in the USA we could use a boat load of that. Let’s throw out the politics and look at this a different way…God’s Way. If that makes you uncomfortable we will call it The Good Way. To add a little more I will share with you this from Wikipedia:

The noun hygge includes something nice, cozy, safe and known, referring to a psychological state.

I add this, you won’t need a psychiatrist to understand the importance of something nice, cozy, safe and known being a part of your life. That my friends is where today’s blog is going. The best way to find these things in life is God’s Way. Best way to find the good way Is the Bible, God’s word as spoken to the prophets throughout the life of his creation. Many people today are not comfortable with their lives…they know things could be better. There are many reasons we get into a state of discomfort. Loss of a loved one, overwhelmed by things happening around us, a tendency to feel as if we have lost control. There is a whole list of  ordinary things that can make life difficult. The road along God’s Way is paved with promises that will give you hope. Being honest though…it is not an easy road to travel, there are certain expectations for those who travel this road. While everyone’s troubles are different, all of us at one time or another are overwhelmed and feel no one cares…even to the point that we may come to believe that God has turned from us; why else would this trouble visit us? You must not go down that road. God cares and hears…

Psalm 22:24

For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; and he has not hid his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him. 

Psalm 9:9

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,a stronghold in times of trouble.

 I was planning to re-post my blog from some years back, following  9/11. I have done that a number of times over the years.

https://fromthepewblog.com/2016/09/11/looking-back-the-day-we-were-one/

This year I have opted to share and interesting word, we all could use a little of.

After 9/11 Americans were hit with many different emotions and twenty-one years later, I can still see those people jumping from the towers, it remains firmly on my mind. For many of us the darkness of those days so long ago never seem that far away. One other thought…we Americans sometimes forget that other nations also lost people on that day. There were a lot of changes made that to this day effect the way we travel, live and adjust to the fact that the world somehow got a lot smaller on that day.  I came across this word the other day… Hygge… it is an old Norwegian word which meant something like “well-being”. Danish winters are known to be long and dark, and so the Danes fight the darkness with their best weapon: hygge. In both Danish and Norwegian, hygge refers to “a form of everyday togetherness,” “a pleasant and highly valued everyday experience of safety, equality, personal wholeness and a spontaneous social flow”. (Wikipedia)

To a Christian that could be translated to mean…Fellowship. So… you could say I am advocating a Christian Hygge, which is unusual because the Danes are considered more of a secular people except at Christmas. If you take all of the attributes listed so far concerning Hygge you will find them all in a relationship with God. Referring to the earlier statement that in the Danish language it means to give courage, comfort and joy, of which all can be found along the “Good Way.”

The simple definition of courage is to be able to do those things in life that frighten us. It can be as simple as speaking in public or racing into a fire to help someone. The possibilities are endless. What about standing at the foot of the cross as Jesus was crucified and his followers hiding in a room for fear of being recognized as one of HIS. Our God gives courage to those who persevere.

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yea, wait for the Lord!

Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.

Travel the good way and God will give you the courage to meet the challenges of this earthly world.

I know of no one who would not accept the idea of being comfortable in their life. We all would like to be free of pain the constraints that limit our freedom to be at ease with our life. We all welcome the easing or alleviation of our feelings of grief or distress, in our lives as well as the lives of those we love. God’s way can do that!

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou dost preserve my life; thou dost stretch out thy hand against the wrath of my enemies, and thy right hand delivers me.

Whatever distress comes into our life there is comfort when we follow the good way.There is joy in the Lord and those whose paths follow God’s Way will find happiness and joy.  “This is a day the Lord hath made, let’s rejoice and be glad”. What gives you joy and brings to you a feeling of pleasure and happiness? The list of attributes of Hygge are many and cover a multitude of things that move a person to this condition, some have even suggested it is no more than a state of mind. In closing out this blog in my opinion it is more than that. It is a matter of the heart. God knows your heart and your heart often rules your mind. I suggest the Christian version  of Hygge. Live life God’s Way, because it is The Good Way…. 

Psalm 89:15-16 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. 16 In Your name they rejoice all day long, And in Your righteousness they are exalted. 

 Philippians 4:4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. 6 Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

As I was writing this the news came that Queen Elizabeth ll has passed. From the least to the greatest…from the weakest to the strongest…death has the finial say….

Think on that awhile…………

Life is Good

jk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this case it is not about packing clothes or toiletries or even maps and checking reservations…Moses must take to Pharaoh God’s command to “let my people go”. It will be a dangerous task, filled with frustrations but with Arron at his side Moses sets out to convince the Pharaoh and prepare him for the eventual outcome of this battle of words and signs. To cover chapters six through twelve in full would challenge even the most avid blog reader. I do recommend that you take the time to read these chapters  to gain a thorough understanding of the story. I have listed below a brief scripture guide for each chapter…These are from William Henry’s commentary, Study Light.org. I will also include a short summary of each chapter.

6-God renews his promise. (1-9) Moses and Aaron again sent to Pharaoh. (10-13) The parentage of Moses and Aaron. (14-30)

7-Moses and Aaron encouraged. (1-7) The rods turned into serpents, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. (8-13) The river is turned into blood, The distress of the Egyptians. (14-25)

8-The plague of frogs. (1-15) The plague of lice. (16-19) The plague of flies. (20-32)

9-The murrain of beasts. (1-7) The plague of boils and blains. (8-12) The plague of hail threatened. (13-21) The plague of hail inflicted. (22-35)

10-The plague of locusts threatened, Pharaoh, moved by his servants, inclines to let the Israelites go. (1-11) The plague of locusts. (12-20) The plague of thick darkness. (21-29)

11-God’s last instructions to Moses respecting Pharaoh and the Egyptians. (1-3) The death of the first-born threatened. (4-10)

12-The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted. (1-20) The people instructed how to observe the passover. (21-28) The death of the first-born of the Egyptians The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt. (29-36) The Israelites’ first journey to Succoth. (37-42) Ordinance respecting the passover. (43-51)

In chapter six God tells Moses and Aaron that he will lead the Israelites out of Egypt to a promised land. Both of these men were from the tribe of Levi. Moses had augured that they would need a sign of some kind to impress the Pharaoh and in chapter 7 they have it in Aaron’s staff which turned into a snake. Impressive…but the Pharaoh’s  folks did the same with their staffs. Here again God wins out…While each of the Pharaoh’s folks staffs did turn into snakes …Aaron’s snake swallowed each of theirs. Still the Pharaoh was unmoved. God then told Moses and Aaron to meet the Pharaoh as he went down to the water in the morning. Pharaoh was told again to let the people go…Arron then struck the water of the Nile with his staff and it turned to blood. Because the Nile was a main tributary all the rivers, creeks and streams do likewise. There were eight plagues yet to come as God had harden the Pharaohs heart. While all of this may seem redundant it is in this manner that I wish to impress upon you the steadfast faith of Moses and Arron, along with the indisputable fact, that God was unrelenting in his desire to free his people. Remember also that the Jews there at that time also suffered with these plagues. Pharaoh continued to be hard hearted and turned a deaf ear to the commands of God as told to him by Moses and Aaron. God was unrelenting and continued those plagues. A plague of frogs was next and Pharaoh begged for relief but then hardened his heart. The LORD sent gnats and then flies. The LORD sent a plague of locusts and this time Pharaoh begged for relief but then his heart was hardened. The LORD sent darkness for three days. The LORD said that he would send one more plague, and then Pharaoh would let the Israelites go: all the firstborn Egyptians would die. 

Of course the book of Exodus doesn’t end at chapter 12, like all road trips it is just the beginning. There are a few points in chapter 12 that are worth noting. When the God becomes involved all things are made new. As God moves to take his people from Pharaoh to a promise of a better place and life, it was on this night the Feast of The Passover would be instituted. God appointed that, on the night wherein they were to go out of Egypt, each family should kill a lamb, or that two or three families, if small, should kill one lamb. This lamb was to be eaten in the manner here directed, and the blood to be sprinkled on the door-posts, to mark the houses of the Israelites from those of the Egyptians. We know that as the Angel passed over the people of Israel were spared from this last act of God. This Passover celebration was to be kept every year, both as a remembrance of Israel’s preservation and deliverance out of Egypt their safety and deliverance were not a reward of their own righteousness, but the gift of mercy. We seem to forget that it is best that we come to God’s terms, for he will never come to ours. It is best we stop here and look forward to another day to revisit this  book of Exodus. It is at this point that Pharaoh tells them to leave and the yoke of the Pharaoh is broken from their necks. They now began their long road trip. It will be a long and perilous journey….but remember this and I wish I had said it first…. It is not so much the journey but rather what happens along the way. This ragged bunch of people who had been demonized, abused and used for the Pharaohs labour needs will become a nation and will with God’s blessings cross over to the promised land. After all these years much of their faith and Jewish customs that defined them as God’s people being suppressed they will learn again as God instructs Moses and Aaron to prepare his people that they might be worthy of the blessings to come. Thus begins their forty year journey.

Thank you and God bless you for staying through this series. 

Life is Good

jk

The first twelve chapters of Exodus set the up the Road Trip. The Pharaoh was an evil, stubborn man who had no fear of God…Truth was the Pharaoh did not know God. It is through the mercy, grace, and love of our Father that we learn and have mercy, compassion and love for people, the gods of Egypt and the Pharaoh and his people knew none of that.  

Here is a quick review of the first three chapters as God prepared His people for a Great Road Trip.In the first chapter of Exodus we are made aware of the history of these people before they became a nation. Moving on to chapter 2 we read of God preparing for the salvation of his people… God always is in charge and has a plan. “Moses is born, and exposed on the river. (1-4) He is found, and brought up by Pharaoh’s daughter. (5-10) Moses slays an Egyptian, and flees to Midian. (11-15) Moses marries the daughter of Jethro. (16-22) God hears the Israelites. (23-25) In chapter 3 God makes known his presence and plan to Moses. “God appears to Moses in a burning bush. (1-6) God sends Moses to deliver Israel. (7-10) The name Jehovah. (11-15) The deliverance of the Israelites promised. (16-22)

This week we move to chapter 4. We will break it down into four sets of verses, as follows. God gives Moses power to work miracles. (1-9) Moses is reluctant  to go, Aaron is to assist him. (10-17) Moses leaves Midian, God’s message to Pharaoh. (18-23) God’s displeasure against Moses, Aaron meets him, The people believe them. (24-31) In the first nine verses Moses objects that the people will not believe or accept his word alone. As in the NT to come, Moses cited a need for a sign. God gave him power to work miracles. I had a bit of a problem here but further research got me over the hump. I asked myself, but what of us today? What power do we as messengers of God’s word have…what or where is our power? Our Power lies in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Remember that old saying and Hymn… “there’s power in the blood”?  The word of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit can and will cast out the sins of man. When we accept Christ as Lord and savior, our power lies in our faith. Not to be to hard on Moses but to state the situation as it was, In verses 10-17, William Henry leaves little to ponder… “ We must not judge of men by the readiness of their discourse.” Moses wasn’t quick with his tongue, he was not a great orator but God often choses those that seem to be unlikely, so that His Glory and Power may be seen in their actions. We must not blame Moses from shrinking from the task. Moses knew the heart of the Pharaoh and the danger to him and his family as he undertook to do God’s calling. Step back and wonder at the wisdom of God as he gave Arron to assist Moses to take on the mission to free his people. The tongue of Aaron, with the head and heart of Moses, would make one complete team fit for this errand. God’s constant teaching and help along with God’s Divine grace, assured their success. God spoke to Moses often after the burning bush. The Pharaoh had harden his hearts against the cries and moans of despair of the oppressed Israelites and in righteous judgement God hardens His heart to the terror of the plagues and other judgements being put upon the Pharaoh and his people. Will Pharaoh respond? God commands Moses to tell him…   Thus saith the Lord. He must demand a discharge for Israel, Let my son go; not only my servant, whom thou hast no right to detain, but my son. It is my son that serves me, and therefore must be spared, must be pleaded for. In case of refusal I will slay thy son, even thy first-born. As men deal with God’s people, let them expect so to be dealt with.

Over time nations and people over all the world have put aside the teachings of God, Christ and the council of the Holy Spirit, blind to the need of salvation, forging ahead in a rush for power and putting self first. Pharaoh does just that and does not heed God’s command. One interesting thing in these last verses (24-31) that stand out to me is the need to make ourselves right with God. When things are wrong in our lives we would be wise to correct them quickly. These things that are amiss in our lives are calling out to us to return to God and his precepts. God sent Arron to Moses and the elders of Israel met with them and believed. Then Israel welcomed the tidings of their deliverance, and worshipped the Lord, how should we welcome the glad tidings of redemption?…Embrace it in faith, and adore the Redeemer! When through faith, prayer and Divine intervention we too should worship the Lord and stand strong in the faith.

There are always consequences when we follow God…In the NT Jesus on several occasions made it very plain that to follow Him would not be easy, it would be a perilous path not without personal cost. The Israelites here in chapter 5, OT, are about to pay a price for their faith and obedience to God’s call. 

Bricks without straw…Pharaoh treated all he had heard with contempt. He did not know God and he did not fear Him; he refused to obey Him. Can you remember a time in your life that you refused to obey? Did your pride, ambition, covetousness, and lack of knowledge, hardened your heart which in turn led to a bad time? What Moses and Aaron ask is very reasonable, they wished only to go three days’ journey into the desert, where they would sacrifice unto the Lord our God. Pharaoh had no intention of that happening. In our lives today we often experience the rejections of a good thing on the basis of those opposed misrepresenting our intent. This can be read in different ways but the first thing that bothered the Pharaoh was the fact that the people would not be doing his work. This is my other thought and is my opinion. We know that he had no knowledge of God and certainty no understanding of the Jews and their beliefs. When he was told they wanted to go into the wilderness to worship and sacrifice unto the Lord our God, he immediately took that to mean people would die. He said no and used this as a pretense to add to their burdens. This added to the burden of Moses and Arron by causing physical distress and hardship on the very people they were sent to free. The quota of bricks per day was not reduced and to maintain that they would have to get their own straw. To do all this would be a physical strain that would break many of the men. In the closing verses 10-23 we know the task mangers of the Jews were very severe in their treatment of those who failed to meet the quota that had been set for the bricks due per day. The head workman with just cause complained to Pharaoh but received only his destain and taunts. There were many who worked harder to meet the quotas and their previous complaining to Moses and Arron brought home to them their previous sins and left them in shame. Mosses, I am sure was shaken by this turn of events that brought more misery on the people. But being diligent in faith Moses returned to the Lord. He knew that what he had said and done, was by God’s direction; and therefore appeals to him. The key here is Moses returned to the Lord. In life today we are often left disappointed in a task that becomes difficult. We must not let that drive us from the direction God has given us. We may well be confused as to why something has happen but faith in God will overcome when we to go to God, and lay open our case before him by fervent prayer.

Thank you for staying with this series from Exodus. Next week we will close out this series but not the book of Exodus. We will have traveled through the first 12 chapters and there are 38 chapters in the book. That gives us the chance to return to this important book in the future.

Life is Good

jk