In the English Standard Version there are 53 references to verses that contain reference to scripture in the New Testament. Other versions can have as many as 59. One of the most referred to and familiar to all of us is 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…..” We cannot overlook the fact that even in the Old Testament writings God wanted his people to keep His words close.

 

 

The Torah, or the Pentateuch, is the central reference of the religious Judaic tradition. The Torah consists of the foundational narrative of Jewish peoplehood: their call into being by God, their trials and tribulations, and their covenant with their God, which involves following a way of life embodied in a set of moral and religious obligations and civil laws. Just as we do today when we carry our bibles, the Jew in that day carried God’s word with him.

Phylacteries are a set of small black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah. They are worn by male observant Jews during weekday morning prayers. God’s word was the very center of Jewish life. Our world of communications today offers many choices of ways to read, study and obtain knowledge about most any subject and  increases the ways we get information to people and increase their knowledge of what we are about.

The church today is blessed that there are so many ways to reach the churched and un-churched. There many Christian writers and authors who now have access to a large market of readers and while I haven’t counted the many ways available to take the written word to the people, it exceeds anything we may have imagined just a few short years ago. This is all good and I do not seek to marginalize any method used to lift up the word of God and make it available to as many as possible. One thing we must do is to use every resource available to take the Good News to the world. I do have one concern to share with you in today’s blog. Because of the proliferation of reading and study material and commentaries, which I use often, I have noticed less reading and studying of the bible itself. We now have the bible on iPhones, iPads, computers and even computer disks. We have also developed a habit of using bible studies from books written by a favorite author and while these are a great learning tool they lack one thing. So what is that thing and what is my concern? Context, that is my concern. The Bible is best understood in its total context. Often scripture is used to prove a point or elevate a position of a person or group by pulling one or a few verses to serve their purpose. Context is important because of what it does….context is the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed.

I use Bible Gateway to look up scriptures and also the many tools they offer to help in studying the bible. When I chose this subject as this weeks blog I entered the word scripture in one of their search engines. In every verse of scripture listed per my request was three options. ” Context, Verse, Full Book.” What does “context” mean? One more time!

“The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed.”

Reading our bibles strengthens our relationship with the word as written and does these three things.

1. Scripture inspires: Luke 24:32 “They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
2. Scripture tells about Jesus and brings the good news of salvation: Acts 8:35 “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.”
3. Scripture can teach, lift us up and give us strength: Romans 15:4 “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

There are so many ways to study the bible and all are worthy of consideration but I encourage you to read “The Book”. Keep the written word of God close to your heart and ever in your mind.

Hope to see you here in the Pew next week,

jk

References: Wikipedia / Bible Gateway

 

Back in the day there was a radio personality that was very much respected and loved by a lot of people. His name was Paul Harvey and I actually got to meet him. I don’t know when it started but he had a series on his program called “ The Rest of the Story”. The story about the woman at the well is one most of us are familiar with. I like to use the term “beyond the words” but today I will invite you to come with me for “The Rest of the Story”. As we read in John 4 the encounter takes place at a well. We can imagine that Jesus is tired and of course having walked most of the morning he is thirsty and hungry. He had sent his disciples into the village to buy some food. So we find ourselves reading a rather ordinary story about a meeting of two people but if we seek the rest of the story we will find that few stories in the gospel record show us so much about the character of Jesus.

John shows us the reality of Jesus’ humanity. Jesus was tired and the journey so far had been difficult, he sat by the side of the well exhausted. John shows us a Jesus that struggles just as we do. John shows us someone who was tired and had to go on, just like we do in this earthly life.

John shows us the warmth of Jesus’ sympathy. Had it been an ordinary religious teacher, or one of the orthodox religious leaders of the day, the Samaritan woman would have fled in embarrassment. She did not perhaps because she had at last met someone who was not a critic but a friend, one who did not condemn but who understood. His very countenance put her at ease. It shows us Jesus as the breaker-down of barriers. The quarrel between the Jews and the Samaritans was an old, old story. Way back about 720 BC, the Assyrians had invaded the northern kingdom of Samaria and had captured and subjugated it. There are many barriers but we won’t go into that detail at this point. The simple fact was that Jews and Samaritans avoided each other at all costs.  But there was still another way in which Jesus was taking down the barriers. The Samaritan was a woman. The strict Rabbis forbade a Rabbi to greet a woman in public. A Rabbi might not even speak to his own wife or daughter or sister in public. Not only was she a woman; she was also a woman of notorious character. No decent man, let alone a Rabbi, would have been seen in her company, or even exchanging a word with her – and yet Jesus spoke to her.

There is one more interesting “rest of the story.” Troubled by the attention from the Pharisees, which by the way was not in any way good, Jesus sets out to leave Judaea and return to Galilee, the quickest way being through Samaria. He finds himself at a town in Samaria called Sychar around noon time, tired from walking all morning, the heat and thirst was taking a toll on him and the disciples. Sending the disciples to get food from the nearby town, he had set down to rest when the woman came to the well. William Barclay sums these verses up best as to why this is “the rest of the story.”

“To a Jew, this was an amazing story. Here was the Son of God, tired and weary and thirsty. Here was the holiest of men, listening with understanding to a sorry story. Here was Jesus breaking through the barriers of nationality and orthodox Jewish custom. Here is the beginning of the universality of the gospel; here is God so loving the world, not in theory, but in action.” (William Barclay Commentaries)

Overwhelmed by what Jesus had told her up to this point and no way of really understanding what he has said, verses 26-30 are explained by this commentary from William Barclay.

Do we as Christians, even when weary and thirsty, follow the example of Christ? Do our actions show God’s love for the world and all its people and will we recognize the truth when it comes among us? Or will we too be bewildered and without understanding. 

Hope to see you in the pew next week. jk

References: William Barclay’s Commentaries

 

 

The Democrat and Republican conventions are over for this election year…..can I get an Amen For that? Presidential elections are always an interesting time so first let’s look at Politics. What I always thought was a religion thing was in reality a political thing. All of us have heard the phrase “don’t discuss politics in church”. Politics is all about influence, getting and keeping power, people who are part of the government, and what it should do and a person’s political thoughts and opinions.

*In 1954 when Lyndon Johnson was a U.S. senator the then Democratic minority leader, introduced an amendment to Section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code dealing with tax-exempt charitable organizations, including groups organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literacy and educational purposes, or to prevent cruelty to children or animals. It said, in effect, that if you want to be absolved from paying taxes, you couldn’t be involved in partisan politics. The law says all such organizations “are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office.” That includes contributions to political campaigns and any form of public statement for or against a candidate or group of candidates. Just a quick thought, it hasn’t worked to well on the “obey” the law side. First observation:  Politics are most often a divider of people.”

Saw a sign in front of a church that has stayed with me for years. “Have you tried Religion?  Now come in and try Jesus.” I thought there was message there, I thought it was a clever play on words. Never gained any traction among the folks. I’m sure some of us have heard or even said “ole (you use whatever name you like) got religion the other day and is going to church now.” Religion according to Webster is: the belief in a god or in a group of gods, an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods, an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group.  A few years ago I quit asking people what religion are you. Let’s look at that definition again.  “an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods, an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group.” Everyone has a different approach to this thing called religion. Second observation: Religion can be a divider of people.

Hebrews 11:1King James Version (KJV)

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 I find no fault in turning to others to express a certain point or helping me to acquire knowledge to share and pass on to others. While commentaries are interpretations or analyses of scripture by educated scholars, they can also be the result of prayer and seeking of the Holy Spirit. Mathew Henry is one of my favorites. Read what he has to say about faith.

Matthew Henry Commentary

11:1-3 Faith always has been the mark of God’s servants, from the beginning of the world. Where the principle is planted by the regenerating Spirit of God, it will cause the truth to be received, concerning justification by the sufferings and merits of Christ. And the same things that are the object of our hope, are the object of our faith. It is a firm persuasion and expectation, that God will perform all he has promised to us in Christ. This persuasion gives the soul to enjoy those things now; it gives them a subsistence or reality in the soul, by the first-fruits and foretastes of them. Faith proves to the mind, the reality of things that cannot be seen by the bodily eye. It is a full approval of all God has revealed, as holy, just, and good. This view of faith is explained by many examples of persons in former times, who obtained a good report, or an honorable character in the word of God. Faith was the principle of their holy obedience, remarkable services, and patient sufferings. The Bible gives the most true and exact account of the origin of all things, and we are to believe it, and not to wrest the Scripture account of the creation, because it does not suit with the differing fancies of men. All that we see of the works of creation, were brought into being by the command of God.

Hebrews 11:1 Commentaries

 I see no divider within this statement about faith. Pay attention to the last section in bold print. We are to believe and not take away the account of creation because it does not fit our agenda. I believe that applies to all scripture, especially those instructions given to the Patriarchs of the faith by God. Faith is a unifier. Faith brings us together, faith helps us to endure those things, people or situations, we face in this life. We will see and hear much in the weeks to come. Politics will divide us, doctrines and procedural differences within the Religious community will divide us. Like in the Athens of old we will gather in different groups to debate those things that divide us and in some instances become even more divided. What if we just stepped  back, acknowledge that God is in control and follow this advice written long ago:

Philippians 4: 8,9

8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

 See you next week and keep the Faith,

jkc

References: Matthew Henry Commentaries / Webster Dictionary / Panorama Bible / Wikipedia / biblehub.com

 In the book of Philemon we are introduced to Onesimus who is the servant of Philemon or plainly said his slave. There is much conjecture and debate over the exact meaning here as to slave or servant. I will leave that up to you and deal with the facts as we know them. Onesimus had probably done some wrong to Philemon either by taking his property, or by the fact that he had escaped from him. We know he is a servant because old testament writings use a word that designate his condition as such. Philemon 1:16 ( δοῦλος,  doulos). We know that he was bound to Philemon, either by his parents or guardians, or that he had bound himself to render voluntary service. Hidden within this book are some interesting little pointers that speak to Christian character.

Onesimus , has left his master Philemon, and is in Rome at the same time that Paul is in prison there. Paul was confined for a lack of a better term, to house arrest. He could receive guests but was not allowed to wander in the city. How we do not know, he knew where Paul was being held and went there to see Paul. It is pretty certain that Paul would have known him from staying at Philemon’s home on occasion. Of course Onesimus would have known him from the time he served Philemon. As things go he finds Paul and over some time he is converted and stays to work with Paul. Why Onesimus came to the apostle, is not known. It may have been because he was in need and Paul was the only one in Rome whom he had ever seen or knew. Here now is the first little nugget in this story. He had perhaps come to realize on his own that leaving Philemon was wrong, or maybe there were other sins and he sought him out to obtain spiritual counsel. Sin or wrong doing is felt by all people, whether they are Christian or not, it is part of our earthly being. Onesimus knew he needed help and he saw something in Paul and his God that he needed. How about us? Do we live a Christ like life that would draw others to God?

Some commentaries point to slavery, which was prevalent in biblical times as part of this story. I will not dwell on that but rather pick up on Ablert Barnes’ commentary on this book. For hidden in this book is to me the undisputable power of the Christian faith. “Christianity, in its highest influences, interferes with nothing that is good, and would annihilate nothing which is not wrong. That which is true, and best for the welfare of man.”(AB)

Christianity will destroy intemperance, and idolatry, and superstition, and war. Stepping back and looking at our lives and realizing that sin separates us from God, what a powerful message lies among the words of this story. We also are given the example of the courtesy and politeness which the Christian ought to practice at all times, as well as furnishing many valuable lessons on Christian duty that will inspire others to want the same things in their lives. I love to go beyond the words as written and seek the little things that are hidden there. Remember “seek and ye shall find”.

So to wrap this up, what are some of the things that you find you are a slave to? Maybe I am being too simplistic but I believe in this little book are some big things that help us in our Christian walk.  Would you like to lose some things and gain your freedom? If so it is worth repeating…..

“Christianity, in its highest influences, interferes with nothing that is good, and would annihilate nothing which is not wrong. That which is true, and best for the welfare of man.”(AB)

You have nothing good to lose.  jk

Reference Materials: Albert Barnes Commenteries / Panorama Bible

As I write these blogs I often turn to commentaries and other writings encountered as I research the topic for the week. I will always share with you the source and author at all times. The lesson I hope you pick up on here is that we live in a world of information no father away than a keyboard a computer and internet supplier. I hope you will be encouraged to do as the scripture says “seek and ye shall find” adding to that prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit to build your faith and service to God.

Back in the day many young boys dreamed of riding the plains doing good and rescuing the young girls from evil. Mounting the trusty broom and riding the backyard range in search of stray cattle or damsels in distress and even hoping to come across a bad guy or two. Sporting a set of Gene Autry pistols and a new hat and cowboy boots from Sears or the local Western Auto store, we were the picture of young justice and any number of Saturday cowboy shows on the old black and white TV. Sneaking a bit of small rope from dad’s work bench for a lasso, even the dog and cat feared our pass through the backyard range. They were examples of what we admired or wanted to be in our adolescent dreams and wishes. Today we look at a different time and a different type of hero, the ones back in the day that set an example of faith and called to mind in the 11th chapter of Hebrews through the writings of Paul.

**Great Examples of Faith

Paul writes that the bones of faith are based on substance and evidence. Whether they were eternal or invisible they were true because they were from God. God’s creation of the world from nothing is understood by faith in the word of Almighty God, who, by definition, could do what He chose to do. Paul then states that those such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah, are all taken as evidences of God’s blessing on even weak people who put their trust in Him. Faith is always rewarded when it is put in God. The Old Testament saints were simple people who lived what they believed to be true. Simple faith makes an uncomplicated confession of trust in, and following of the Lord. Their eyes where on heaven. God is not ashamed of them and has prepared heaven for them!

Paul uses as an example of faith the Israel’s Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is further demonstrated by Israel’s first human savior, Joseph. Moses is the next. He had to make many choices using only his uncompromising faith in God, as he lead the children of Israel out of Egypt through the Red Sea, also keeping the Passover by faith. Many other believers are commended for their faith although the testimony of these faithful followers was good, the fact is clear that the promise that was to be given in the New Testament gospels was not known to them at that time. Many others suffered greatly but remained steadfast in the faith. They are to be commended for their faith which enabled them to stay faithful to God in the face of such cruel opposition and persecution. Under God, these people—and others who followed in their footsteps—should be our real heroes, not today’s passing celebrities of stage, screen, music, sport and politics. Verses 39-40 provides us with as the author wrote the unbeatable climax. Although the testimony of these faithful followers was good, we are privileged to have received ‘something better’, namely the clear gospel promise that was unavailable to them in such clarity. For this reason, one day we will be perfected with these people whose faith was in God.

I have relied heavily on the Bible Panorama in the above two paragraphs. I acknowledge that to give proper credit and to also make a point. As I wrote earlier the commentaries and bible study resources are in abundance in the world wide web. We can as laymen share with each other and lead others to this rich resource, allowing us to grow in faith and service to our Lord. As we read in Romans 10: 14-15

14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

 I pray that we might be those feet and bring the good news!

Thanks for joining me “In The Pew”. Hope you come back next week. jkc

 

Resources:  **Bible Panorama / NLT Hebrews 11

 

 

John 20

8 Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed— 9 for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. 10 Then they went home.

I have always thought that for our Lord to be resurrected and escape the tomb it would not depend on the stone being rolled away. Just as Thomas had to see the hands and side of Jesus to believe, the visual conformation of the empty tomb was necessary. They were then as we are now “…oh Ye of little faith”. Without the Resurrection and the empty tomb there would be no story here except that of a great prophet, a story teller and man who became a problem for those of power, the Roman Government and the leaders of the Jewish faith. The rest of this story is the beautiful truth about the significance of that empty tomb. The tomb was empty but in the mist of nothing was a promise kept and to this day we struggle to understand it.

 Resurrection is the concept of a living being coming back to life after death. In a number of ancient religions, a dying-and-rising god is a deity which dies and resurrects. The death and resurrection of Jesus, an example of resurrection, is the central focus of Christianity.Resurrection – Wikipedia, the free encyclopediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ResurrectionWikipedia

Read over once more the Wikipedia statement above. I may be on the wrong train here but that’s a solid definition…..in the secular world.  First a couple of thoughts. There is only one God that has the power to restore life. Jesus is not an example of resurrection, he is the resurrection; also as it is written …”the first of a great harvest of all who have died…” (1st Corinthians 15:20) I wish to simply state the beautiful truth about the resurrection relying on what I refer to as the resurrection chapter, 1st Corinthians 15. So let’s get right to it.

As we read 1 Corinthians 15:19-20 we see Paul finds little comfort in that there is lacking a triumphant and joyful assurance that Christ “had in fact risen.” Paul does not seek to argue but rather in verses 21 through 34 sets out his reasoning that the resurrection is real and justifies all we as Christians endure. As a layman I have missed the other side of the resurrection story. The question asked in verse, 35 “But someone will ask, How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” The answer Paul gives provides the most glorious prospect which can be exhibited to dying, yet immortal man.

In verses 36 – 41 Paul addresses the nature of those bodies and in verse 39 the fact that there are different kinds of flesh. He speaks of celestial bodies and earthly bodies in verse 40 and closes out in verse 41 pointing out that there is a difference between the sun, and moon, and stars.  Paul continues in these next verses 42 – 50 and makes a direct statement for which the mind is prepared by the illustrations of the previous verses, of the important changes which the body of man must undergo, and of the nature of that body which he will have in heaven.

It will be a body that is Incorruptible, Glorious, Powerful, A spiritual body and finally, it is like the body of the second man, the Lord from heaven. Yes, amen, is that not worth dying for! Oh the power of the written word, Paul’s explanation of the greatest promise ever made.

How extraordinary is this? Well for those of us in the pew that grew up hearing about the streets paved with gold, all our family and friends meeting us there and the beautiful unceasing music and praise to God, it is a picture painted in words that hold a reality we understand. Sitting in the pew requires that we listen but to hear and understand we must read, study and pray. Mark this book and chapter down and when you are faced with death remember these verses also.

1st Corinthians 15

53 For this perishable nature must put on the imperishable, and this mortal nature must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “O death, where is thy victory?

O death, where is thy sting?”

 Thanks for coming back and hope to see you in the pew next week.

jkc

Reference Material – Albert Barnes Notes – 1st Corinthians 11: 1 – 58

 

 

5/5/16

As believers, church attendance is of high importance. It is a place we can all come together to worship, be encouraged, and learn from God’s words for spiritual growth.  I know we all don’t all share the same view of church but I would like to share my thoughts with you, some of you may disagree with me and that is all right. In many ways the church today has become a numbers game, a service industry, involved in social issues and an entertainment venue with a Christian message. What about you? What troubles you and what do you believe the church’s role is in today’s world.

 Colossians 3:16 NIV

16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 

 Matthew 18:20 NIV

20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Do we? According to scripture it only takes two or three.

 

Leviticus 19: 1,2

19 The Lord said to Moses, 2 Say to the whole community of the Israelites: You must be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy.

We find here the introductory verses of the “Holy Code,” which describes the vocation of God’s people as to “be holy” because God is “holy”. What does that mean for a way of life and being in the world. Mention Leviticus and you can hear moans of despair and even occasionally an under the breath “why Leviticus?”. I am at a loss as to why the Old Testament is shoved to the side so often. The Old Testament speaks to how we came to be, the relationship God sought with his people through the Prophets and Patriarchs and God’s plan for his people.

Exodus 19: 5-6

 5 So now, if you faithfully obey me and stay true to my covenant, you will be my most precious possession out of all the peoples, since the whole earth belongs to me. 6 You will be a kingdom of priests for me and a holy nation…..

God has set the standards for the church from the very first. We have been adopted into the family of God through the birth, ministry, crucifixion, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Some time ago I was in a meeting at work and the subject was Authority, Accountability and Responsibility. For some reason and through all the years I have never forgotten that meeting.

-We were told that Authority was granted.

–Accountability on the other hand was imposed and was one of the burdens of being in a position of authority.

–Responsibility on the other hand was an inherent trait. 

If we stretch this a bit for use as an example we might say, that God has granted us through the commandment to go forth with the word, a reasonable sense of Authority, for which we will be held Accountable. Then there is this thing of Responsibility .  Most of us accept the Responsibility of living a Christian life as best we can.  The Responsibility of family, community and job is something we all take seriously. But wait a minute…..

“What does the Lord require?”

 

Micah 6: 6-8

6  With what should I approach the Lord   and bow down before God on high? Should I come before him with entirely burned offerings, with year-old calves?

7  Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with many torrents of oil? Should I give my oldest child for my crime; the fruit of my body for the sin of my spirit?

Perhaps in that day and time this would have been a perfectly reasonable question! Now for those who think the Old Testament is outdated or old hat so to speak, hear the words of Micah in verse 8.

 8  He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.

I believe that these words written over 2000 years ago can be applied to the world we live in today.  Let’s take a moment here……

WHAT WAS THE EARLY CHURCH L I K E?

The three distinguishing marks of the early church were: separation from the world, unconditional love, and childlike obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

S E P A R A T I O N   F R O M   T H E   W O R L D

“No one can serve two masters,” declared Jesus to his disciples (Matt. 6:24). However, Christians have spent the greater portion of the past two millenniums apparently trying to prove Jesus wrong. We have told ourselves that we can indeed have both-the things of God and the things of this world. Many of us live our lives no differently than do conservative non-Christians, except for the fact that we attend church regularly each week. We watch the same entertainment. We share the same concerns about the problems of this world. And we are frequently just as involved in the world’s commercial and materialistic pursuits. Often, our being “not of this world” exists in theory more than in practice. But the church was not originally like that. The first Christians lived under a completely different set of principles and values than the rest of mankind. They rejected the world’s entertainment, honors, and riches. They were already citizens of another kingdom, and they listened to the voice of a different Master. This was as true of the second century church as it was of the first.

WHAT WERE THE EARLY CHRISTIAN PEOPLE LIKE?

The Letter to Diognetus, the work of an unknown author, written in about 130, describes Christians to the Romans as follows:

“They dwell in their own countries simply as sojourners…. They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven.  They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time, they surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men but are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned. They are put to death, but [will be] restored to life. They are poor, yet they make many rich. They possess few things; yet, they abound in all. They are dishonored, but in their very dishonor are glorified…. And those who hate them are unable to give any reason for their hatred.” The Letter to Diognetus can be found in the Ante-Nicene Fathers.

And what about:

A   L O V E   W I T H O U T   C O N D I T I O N

At no other time in the history of Christianity did love so characterize the entire church as it did in the first three centuries. And Roman society took note. Tertullian reported that the Romans would exclaim, See how they love one another! Justin Martyr sketched Christian love this way:  We who used to value the acquisition of wealth and possessions more than anything else now bring what we have into a common fund and share it with anyone who needs it. We used to hate and destroy one another and refused to associate with people of another race or country. Now, because of Christ, we live together with such people and pray for our enemies.

http://www.earlychurch.com/unconditional-love.php 

Church is much different today. These times we live in now place a heavy burden on the church to be everything to everybody and bear the brunt of societies failures while trying to adapt to the demands of the day. We are constantly being told that we must change and in some instances those things that have in the past been been a part of Christian teachings are now considered to hamper membership and often are blamed for declining membership. There is always something to blame, the music, the preaching, lack of programing that meets the needs of families or seniors, not enough money and the building is old and to small. What church is about becomes a confusing mix of well-meant suggestions and can even result in what I like to call the program of the month. For many of us we wonder where all this uncertainty leaves us. Here is the good news! Why church? Because church is simple. This thing called religion has made it difficult.

Matthew 5: 13-16

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven. 

God is not ready for you to be thrown away and trampled under the rush to supposed better things. He wants your light to shine. Do you? Are you willing to shine? It’s not hard to do. It is good to be simple people who through their daily lives bring God’s love to his people in simple everyday life.

 Matthew 28: 16-20  Commissioning of the disciples

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20  teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Disciple- a personal follower of Jesus during his life……  one of a group of 12 men who were sent out to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ…… someone who accepts and helps to spread the teachings of Christ

But wait, let’s make it even simpler….YOU, have you not accepted the teachings of Jesus Christ? You see God is not done with you, you have responsibilities.

 Galatians 6: 2

2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

You have been adopted into the Family of God, YOU are part of the body of Christ and one of your responsibilities is to bear one another’s burdens. A few simple things as found in scripture, things that make church easy.

 

Ephesians 4: 1

To the church at Ephesus Paul writes, “I beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling.”

We fail as a church to be worthy and broaden the path we walk when we value the ways of this world more than those things we as followers of Christ have been taught.

Mark 12: 30,31

30 “and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 The second is this, you will love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” 

Here Jesus summarizes the heart of the Law, love of God and love of neighbor. To teach and to live these commandments as a way of life – could that be at the heart of the church’s mission. It should be.

Join me next week here in the pew as we look at the rest of the story concerning the resurrection.  jkc

We are all looking for “The Good Way”, we all want to feel good about ourselves, our families, jobs and in general about life itself. For Christians this can be a problem. Why a problem? I think the answer to that question can be found in Jeremiah 6: 16-19.

16 This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’

I have rewritten this blog several times, really I have. This same gender issue and related issues that come with it has in my opinion become so divisive that many like myself look elsewhere as we allow our emotions to interfere with our ability to worship, study, fellowship and most of all find peace in our faith. It has driven me from my pew and soon will split the Methodist Church. Re-read what I have just written. The fault lies not with the church but with me. I have lost my focus and taken my eyes off the cross so to speak. God’s will cannot to be found in committees, position papers or endless debates or voting until the outcome turns out your way. It most certainly is not contained in endless commentaries or intellectual interpretation of the gospel to fit the changing moral climate of the world today. I have written other blogs that state why I believe this gender thing is a social issue and not a church thing. No need to rehash them here. You may go back and read them if you like.

I will be making an effort to do just what the scripture says, seeking the “Good Way” through study and prayer. God’s written word, his instructions if you will, passed down by the patriarchs and passed to the apostles to whom God made his will known. When we read the next three verses it is plain that there will be judgement and all of us will be held accountable.

17 I posted watchmen over you who said, ‘Listen for the sound of the alarm.’ But you replied, ‘No! We won’t pay attention!’18 “Therefore, listen to this, all you nations. Take note of my people’s situation.19 Listen, all the earth! I will bring disaster on my people. It is the fruit of their own schemes, because they refuse to listen to me. They have rejected my word.

My word counter tells me I have written 417 words at this point. I read a comment by a Methodist Pastor today that says it all in very few words. We are told that General Conference was a success and nothing was changed. Well that is not true. WE have a “Book of Discipline” which has now in this pastor words become a “Book of Suggestions”. jkc

After the fall of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., the Romans turned their attention to stamping out the last of the rebels holding out at the fortresses of Herodium and Machaerus as well as in the “Forest of Jardes” (which has not yet been identified). The last remaining site occupied by the Jewish rebels was at Herod’s desert fortress-palace on the cliff-top of Masada. Led by Roman general Flavius Silva, the Legio X Fretensis—a veteran military unit—began the siege operation against the rebels in 72 or 73 C.E.

The spiritual heart of the Jewish nation was being destroyed and many of their leaders were dead. Those Jews left in positions of authority or leadership were either appointed by the Romans or influenced by the need to comply in order to survive. Only  five survived and they were women and children. The Jews at Masada had chosen to kill themselves rather than surrender to Roman Rule. You can read more about this at www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/masada.html.

Those outside the Christian community seldom mention the persecution of Christians throughout the world. The sad fact is that this is not all that new but seems to have become more prevalent in recent years and of course the rapid sharing of information in this world of global communication has increased the level of awareness within the faith. We Christians here in the USA enjoy a religious freedom that we have become comfortable with and take for granted. We are like those frogs dumped into a pot of  water, which is then slowly brought up to a boil, by the time they realize they are in trouble it is to late. The Jewish nation was no match for the military might of the Roman Empire but I would suggest a much more serious problem that I am sure led to their demise. They had turned from God and sin and disobedience to Gods commands had become commonplace among the Jewish Leaders and the people. They had preverted God’s will and no longer sought to live a holy life, setting aside that which was written for those things and practices they coveted.

Masada was the last stand so to speak of Jews who would not yield to Roman Law and subjugation which leads me to an explanation of this blog title. We Christians are facing our “Masada” and like those frogs we contently lie in the water unaware that it will soon contribute to a crisis of faith. The issues facing Christianity today do not belong to just one denomination, for we all are part of the family of God, and we all are guilty. The issues are many but have one common thread. It is the willingness to interpret the word of God to meet the ever-changing morals of today’s society. Think about this. The only difference between a Christian and a non-believer is we go to church and they don’t. We go to many of the same places, watch the same movies, like to accumulate stuff and in most ways there is very little difference between us. We have been called out, we are to live Holy lives, we are to be different. I encourage each of you who read this to take the time to read and study God’s word and Law. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer and study and the only thing I will say in the way of instruction is simply this. When you study, study and read both Old and New Testament. We must stop yielding to the Ceaser’s of this day in order to increase membership, marginalizing our Christian values because they make others uncomfortable and allowing ourselves to feel uncomfortable because our faith calls us to be different. jkc

 

That should rise some eyebrows but before you read too much into that, let’s define who “them is”. We could say “them” is the failure of leadership to adequately defend and enforce the discipline. We could say that “them” is all those that for years have kicked the can down the road. We could say “them” are all those who over the years relied on slogans and special programs and valued inclusiveness and social issues over preaching and teaching God’s word. We could say that “them” are those with an agenda that conflicts with the teachings of the church.

We could say that “them” are those whose relentless pursuit to achieve their goal of acceptance at any cost with no regard or respect for others rights or beliefs are the cause of this mess we are in. Well I am not going to drag this out. “THEM” is best described, and I take a line from the old comic strip Pogo…. “we have found the enemy and them is us.” Them is us, you and I sitting in the pew week after week and letting this go this far. The issue here is about the word, about that which is God’s command to live a Holy Life because he, Our God is Holy and he desires we be Holy.

I wrote a blog in December of 2015, “A Journey To Stay In The Pew” .
My journey took me to different pews where I experienced different doctrines and denominational practices. I have moved on now and sit in a different pew. It has not been easy to leave my church family of over thirty years but in the process I have learned a valuable lesson. We are all God’s children, adopted into the family of God through the ministry, crucifixion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who believe and try to live a holy life sit in many different pews. I thought of all kinds of scripture to make my point, but the simple fact is this. “I believe the Bible to be given by divine inspiration, inherently revealing the will of God concerning us in all things necessary to our salvation.”

Thus changing the meaning or intent of God’s word through debate or any means to meet changing moral standards is not what I believe God would have me do. The words in quotes above are not mine, figure out where they came from and you will know what pew I am sitting in.
jk