Stone 45 - 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians

In this post we will take a quick peek at 1 and 2 Thessalonians. These two relatively short books are actually two letters written by Paul to the church at Thessalonica.

1 Thessalonians
After a short introduction, Paul begins to recall the time when he was there with them. He states that their exhortation did not come from error, impurity, or an intent to deceive and that they were not there to please men but God (1Thess 2:3-4). It was also very clear that they had developed some very positive and close relationships (1 Thess 2:7-8). Paul makes an appeal to their conduct when they were there. He even tells them that they were going to suffer some persecution and that he wanted to find out about them because he was worried about whether or not their faith has held up (1Thess 3:4-5).

Paul then encourages them to remain sexually pure and to not worry about those who have died. Those who have died will also be with the Lord. Paul comforts them in regards to the Day of the Lord reminding them that Christians are 'of the day'.

One of my favorite verses is 1Thess 5:21 - but test all things. Hold on to what is good.

**This always brings me back to defining that which is good. How do you make that determination? What criteria do you use to decide if something is good or not? Is it a selfish or pragmatic examination? Is it one that simply says if it doesn't hurt someone it is not bad and therefore good? Something else? Jesus says that no one is good but One - God (Luke 18:19, Mark 10:18). What makes us think that we are good at all? We are all sinners in need of saving. I realize that is difficult to swallow. I believe it is difficult because we are all guilty of associating good with being nice to others, not getting into trouble with the law, and avoiding culturally set standards of morality. However, it is God that sets the moral standard and I know I, for one, fall miserably short of meeting it.

Test all things... Hold onto what is good. Compare to the standard.

Please enjoy the video from our friends at the Bible Project on 1 Thessalonians.

2 Thessalonians
In this second letter, Paul addresses some concerns that are still affecting the folks in Thessalonica. The first of which is the severe persecution that continues to plague the people. The concern here is that the persecution would drive the people away from Christ as a way to escape the persecution.

Don't give in, friends! There are some today that would walk away from Christ due to simple scare tactics or just common ridicule. This pales in comparison to the violence that the Thessalonians endured in the first century.

The second is about the second coming of Christ. The people are worried that they might have missed it. No, says Paul. It is gonna be way more obvious than that. We must first experience the revelation of the 'Man of Lawlessness'. This person is described as one who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship publicizing that he himself is God (2Thess 2:4).

The third is to work as to not be a burden to others. We ought to work hard, (3:8), and provide for ourselves (3:10, 12).

 Again, please enjoy the wonderful videos that the Bible Project has provided.

**Do not grow weary in doing good (2Thess 3:13)!

Until next time,

Stone 44 - Colossians

In this post we will take a look at Colossians, the letter which Paul wrote to the church at Colossae.

Paul wrote a lot of letters to different groups of people for a number of different reasons. In this case we have the church at Colossae which had been started by Epaphrus (Col 1:7) - my understanding is that Epaphrus  sought out Paul for help because he was not sure how to deal with the Colossians and the struggles they were facing there.

Paul reminds the Colossians that they were once apart from God because of their evil actions but the work of Jesus on the cross cleared that up (Col 1:21-22).

As I read verse 27, "...which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." I was reminded of the song 'Everything'.

Paul addresses the false teachings to which Colossae has been exposed. He does this through a warning not to be deceived by persuasive arguments, human tradition, and forces of the world (Col 2:4, 8).

*Indeed the world is ripe with false teachings and it is extremely difficult at times to parse out the truth. Paul brings it all back to Christ - Everything - it is in Him that we live, move, and have our being (Acts 17:28). Therefore, bring it all back to Him and test for that which is good.

Paul reminds them that they no longer belong to the world (Col 2:20) - or really questions why they still behave as if they did. Our focus should be on Him. Paul tells them to put to death all that which is worldly (Col 3:5).

*A tall order, no doubt. Even today our culture struggles with the compartmentalization of our people - labeling. Col 3:11 puts an end to that. We are one body in Christ. We are to accept and forgive one another just as Christ forgave us (Col 3:13).

Some good words at the end of this short letter.

Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should answer each person." (Col 4:6)

Easier said than done, right? Remember to keep Christ in everything and this becomes easier. He will be a natural outpouring when He permeates all you do.

Please enjoy this video about Colossians from our friends at the Bible Project.

Until next time,

Stone 43 - Ephesians and Philippians

Today we will take a look at two books which were both letters that Paul wrote to the churches in that area: Ephesians and Philippians. Let's start with the letter to the church at Ephesus.

Ephesians
Paul begins the letter by pretty much laying out the gospel. As I read Eph 1:8 I was reminded of a song that I enjoy called "Hello My Name Is" by Matthew West. The connection was simply due to the word 'lavished'.

...that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding"

In the song, Matthew sings, "What love, the father has lavished, upon us, that we should be called his children."

Isn't it amazing?! The gospel story...! So much love that He would give His one and only perfect Son in an effort to reclaim sinners like us. What love the father has lavished upon us! To top it off, as 1:8 states, it was done with all wisdom and understanding! God knew what He was doing!

The word lavish is defined as bestowing something in generous or extravagant quantities. So much undeserved love He has lavished upon us that we might not perish but would have everlasting life. As with any gift, however, it must be accepted. It must be opened.

Paul reminds the Ephesians about this amazing gift.

In verse 18 Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts might be enlightened which made me think of another song called Open the Eyes of My Heart. Many people have sung this song but the one I remember and am fond of is the version by Michael W. Smith.

I also pray that our hearts might open up to the message of the gospel. I just think of sitting in a hot tub and imagine the warmth of the water surrounding me. In the same way, I desire that all of us might enjoy the warmth of God's love filling our hearts to overflowing. Lavish.

Chapter Two observes that we were dead in our flesh - children under wrath - and that we were made alive in Christ because of His great love for us (Eph 2:3-5). Lavish.

However, although we were once gentiles of the flesh (Eph 2:11), we now, through Him (Jesus *1*), have access by one Spirit (*2*) to the Father (*3*) - (Eph 2:18)

We are now called to live new lives in Christ according to the gifts we have been given to build up the church (Eph 4:11-12). We are to no longer walk as the gentiles walk (Eph 4:17). Lord, help us to walk in the light as Paul encourages (Eph 5:8-10).

**It is sort of funny, I think, that Ephesians 5:19 talks about music and I have multiple songs that I have thought about while reading this.

Paul then makes a comparison with Christ and the church to husbands and wives. Just as Christ gave His life for the church, husbands ought to give their lives to their wives in an effort to build her up. Wives ought to willingly allow their husbands to guide them they they may fulfill that responsibility.

**I know that I am in need of improvement in that area. Ironically, the battle against the flesh is a difficult, spiritual one (Eph 6:12). My flesh is a selfish sort. Each of us have our tendency towards sin. Mine is in the area of selfishness. While at times, I feel as though "progress" has been made - whatever that is - I know that really just fall flat on my face in this area. Paul describes the armor of God and admittedly, I have always enjoyed the imagery of this. You know, I am a guy that likes fighting and battle movies so picturing this some sort of futuristic version of Camelot makes me smile. Unfortunately, I feel as though sometimes when I want to suit up and go to war, that my suit doesn't fit right and my shield is too heavy making me look like just a kid in an adult uniform. Then I am crushed. The journey is long and no one ever said it was easy.

Please enjoy the video on Ephesians from our friends at the Bible Project.

Philippians
More thoughts on music... (Php 1:6) An old song by Steve Green - He Who Began A Good Work In You.

Have you started developing a relationship with Jesus? Regardless of where you are in that relationship - Jesus began a good work and will be faithful to complete it. Will you be faithful to Him as well?

Paul writes about how it would be better to die and live with Christ (Php 1:23) but acknowledges that to stick around is better for others (Php 1:24).

Verse 1:27 calls us to live our lives in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. That is a pretty tall order. Are we willing to live a life of suffering for the sake of the gospel (Php 1:29)? Will we remain steadfast despite the heat? The power of the flesh is strong.

In chapter two, Paul writes about Jesus and his death on the cross and encourages us to live like Christ (Php 2:5, 14-15). Paul warns us to beware of those who would mutilate the flesh and to not put any confidence in the flesh (Php 3:2-3).

The value of Christ is such that all things are filth and their loss is actually gain in comparison (Php 3:8-9).

It is for this reason that we rejoice! Of course, I could not miss mentioning the song based on Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always. This one is how I remember it from years ago but I enjoy this newer modernized version.

One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:8.

Finally Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable - if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise - dwell on these things.

Such a great encouragement, but remember that our battle is a spiritual one and the enemy is more than happy to make you think that morally evil things are good. This is why we must be grounded in scripture - in God's Word. He alone knows all about that which is good.

Enjoy the Philippians video from our friends at the Bible Project.

Keep fighting the Good Fight!

Until next time, 

Stone 42 - Galatians

This week we take a look at Paul's letter to the Galatians. Let's find out what he had to say.

False Gospels
Paul starts off quickly by addressing the people on the issue of turning to a different gospel (Gal 1:6). Even subtle differences from the message of Christ can be a false gospel and we must be diligent in our testing against scripture.

Galatians 1:10 asks, "For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God?"

**Such a powerful question! I know I am guilty of trying to please people. If we are honest, I think all of us are at some point. The question for me is where the line is drawn between people and God. What I mean is that it seems reasonable that pleasing God at some point could have the effect of pleasing some people as well. Is it not a heart issue? What is the motivation for pleasing people versus pleasing God? Is it for selfish reasons - for some personal benefit? What if these things collide?

In Galatians 1:11, Paul writes that the gospel he preaches is not based on a human point of view. Paul shares of his former life when he persecuted the Christians. Paul states rather plainly that his radical change of heart was not a result of hanging out with the Apostles but it was because God set him apart (Gal 1:15-17).

So, as I understand it, Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians because some Jewish Christians were insisting that the gentile Christians must be circumcised and begin to follow the laws of the Torah. Paul worked hard to debunk that by telling the people that circumcision is not a requirement.

**I like what is said in chapter two verse six - "...God does not show favoritism." The gospel message is for everyone! Then in verse 16 - "yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ."

Paul wants them to know that it is not by following the law that one is saved but by following Christ. Paul writes, "...if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing." (Gal 2:27). Wow! It seems clear that Paul recognizes the futility of people trying to follow the law. All of us are hopelessly lost in our sin and inability to follow the law. Now, in Christ, we can have hope.

Paul asks a great question - "After beginning with the Spirit, are you now going to be made complete by the flesh? Our flesh is not capable of doing what is necessary to gain everlasting life. This is why we are in need of a savior who is capable of making us complete.

Paul goes on to write that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of failing to live under the law. Jesus took on the curse in our stead that we may be free to live in Him. Paul talks about the law being a guardian until Christ came such that we would no longer be under a guardian but rather justified by faith (Gal 3:24).

The Pain of Truth
As I was reading through Galatians, I took note of Gal 4:16 where Paul asks, "Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?"

The truth can be quite painful, even when it is delivered with gentleness and respect. This is especially true when the truth speaks contrary to what our flesh wants to corrupt within our hearts. Paul speaks often to the Galatians about circumcision and that it is not a requirement any longer since it was under the law. Rather, we are called to circumcise our hearts (Deut 10:16, Jer 4:4, Rom 2:24-29, HCSB).

Do you seek the truth? If you do and are serious about it, be prepared for some shocks to the system, as it were, as truth does not care about your feelings. Truth stands independent of what anyone thinks.

Paul calls out the works of the flesh as obvious (Gal 5:19-21).
Isn't that interesting? These things run rampant in our society and there are many that would label these things as "normal". Do these things not have some sort of inherent dissonance within us? Do we not write off the dissonance for the sake of pleasing people rather than God? Peer pressure is a powerful force. I pray that we are given the strength and wisdom to stand up against those forces when faced with them.

On the flip side, Paul indicates what the fruits of the Spirit are as well (Gal 5:22-23). I think it is fair to say that these things are universally accepted as good and many would legitimately lay claim to evidence that demonstrates having exhibited any of them.

Cast away the works of the flesh and tire not of doing good as Paul encourages (Gal 6:9). Boast not of yourselves but of Christ, who makes you a new creation and through who all things are possible (Gal 6:14-15).

Please enjoy the video on Galatians from our friends at the Bible Project.

Until next time,

Stone 41 - 2 Corinthians

In this post we take a look at some random thoughts I had after spending time in the book of 2 Corinthians.

I found this to be a somewhat challenging piece to work through. Partially this was due to my inability to fully grasp the context of what was going on. I found myself reading and re-reading this book multiple times over along with utilizing some other resources.

I found it helpful to take a look at the video for 2 Corinthians and to try and see if I could find how some of the statements had been arrived at.

In the video, the writers point to chapter 2b and declare that true Christian leadership is not about status. What I found was 2Cor 2:17 which states "For we are not like the many who make a trade in God's message for profit, but as those with sincerity, we speak in Christ, as from God and before God."

**Just sit and ponder that for a moment. How often have you heard or even thought for yourself the disgust surrounding televangelist scams? I will not go so far as to claim that I know the motives of those folks but nonetheless, I admit that I also have some skepticism on that.

...we are not like the many who make a trade in God's message for profit...

Even at this early stage it appears as though there were those individuals who would seek to line their pockets with gold.

**Consider our own culture... who are the ones most often lifted on a pedestal and dare I say "idolized"? Is it not the wealthy ones? Rock stars, movie stars, professional athletes, etc. or is it simply those professions which have the breadth of reach which we pay excessive amounts of money? Is it envy of the wealth and success that they have which is the source of that idolization? Interesting thoughts, but Paul declares that they are not like that - they "speak in Christ, as from God and before God."

This stood out to me as possibly having a dual meaning. One to simply declare that they were sent from God and therefore before God in terms of recognizing that their actions will be reviewed by God. Two is the flip side of that in implying that those who are seeking to profit from the message are neither from God nor do they recognize that their actions shall also be under scrutiny.

What I have been reading is that Paul, since he did not fit the wealthy, successful profile, was viewed as less credible than those who did. (Why is that?)

Then in chapter three, we read about Paul addressing the idea of letters of recommendation and/or statements of credentials. As Paul does, so do I find this to be absurd. It seems to me to be somewhat akin to me getting a job and being successful at it for several years and then being asked to provide a list of my qualifications to do the job. Should not the work performed already be evidence enough of my skills and experience? So it seems an odd request that Paul should provide this to the people he helped to bring to a saving knowledge of Christ.

**I have often said that the degrees do not have the value that our culture places on them. Consider the high school graduate with eight years of experience working as a successful technician and a man with eight years of schooling and a Master's degree in the same field? I find these to be two very different profiles but while I understand the effort that goes into obtaining a Master's degree, I feel it pales in comparison to the effort of actually doing the work.

One of my favorite passages comes in Chapter 5, Verse 20.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ; certain that God is appealing through us, we plead on Christ's behalf; "Be reconciled to God."

In the next couple chapters, Paul moves on to talk about the aspect of giving. I have often heard others sort of complain about the giving, (or lack thereof), habits of other people. I usually hear this in judgment of defending a position but not giving financially to the cause. All this as if to say that your argument means nothing unless you put your money where your mouth is. Of course, as finite beings with finite resources, one can only give so much. (And... since when did the amount of money spent or given become a reliable way of determining the truth?) I struggle with this as a person who does not have a great deal of money to share while limping along from check to check. We do try to help as both opportunities arise and as God leads us to participate.I enjoyed reading 2Cor 8:13 in light of that which says, "It is not that there may be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality." To share each other's burdens.

Paul talks about the false apostles and warns the Corinthians about believing in a false gospel. Paul points out that these "super-apostles" (2Cor 11:5) were not superior because of their skill in public speaking (v. 6). So again we have this idea that the more eloquent speaker is the more qualified speaker. How does eloquence determine truth...?

**We must all be diligent to test what is being said or written against the biblical narrative to distinguish that which is good. We must question our own motivations for why we believe what we believe. We must then hold on to what is good. (1Thess 5:21)

Please enjoy the explanation of 2 Corinthians in this video from our friends over at the Bible Project.

Until next time,

Stone 40 - 1 Corinthians

In this post we will take a look at the first of two letters that Paul wrote to the Corinthians. Let's see what kind of message was in that letter.

At the beginning of the letter, Paul addresses the division within the church. Turns out that the people of Corinth were forming loyalties, if you would, to different leaders (1Cor 1:12). Paul urged that there should not be this type of division within the church since Jesus is the one they should follow as opposed to the church leaders.

Paul then moves into addressing some matters of sexual immorality. It would appear that relations were taking place between a man and his stepmother (1Cor 5:1) eww. To compound the issue, it appears that they are even proud of this (1Cor 5:2).

Paul then writes in 1Cor 5:12 "What is it for me to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are inside?"
**It seems reasonable to me that this is a way of saying that we ought to judge those who are in Christ as a means of helping them get back on track. However, for those who do not know Christ, we ought not do that. I believe the idea is that, as non-Christians, they are not bound by Christian rules so to speak. Our focus then should be to lead them to the cross that they might discover Christ and accept His gift.

Paul then gets after the Corinthians for going to court with each other all the time rather than taking care of matters within the church (1Cor 6:5-6).

**1Cor 6:12 states that everything is permissible but not everything is helpful. It also makes a claim about not being brought under the control of anything. Addictive behaviors. The text goes on to say that the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord.

Next, we move into some discussion about food. There has often been controversy over the types of food that Christians should or should not eat - bacon being a hot contender. The idea that is presented here is that all of it is OK - however - if the food has been offered up to some other god - it should not be consumed by the Christian. If eating the food should cause my brother to fall, I should not eat it (1Cor 8:13)- otherwise it is fine to do so.

The words of 1 Corinthians 9:24 ask if we know that all the runners in a stadium all race but only one receive the prize and then encourage us to run in such a way that we might win. Paul makes a connection here with our following of Christ. We should live it in such a way that we excel, or as Paul puts it, he "does not run aimlessly or box like one who beats the air." He performs as one with purpose.

**I find it interesting that the words from 1Cor 6:12 are repeated in 10:23 - Everything is permissible but not everything is helpful. We are encouraged to seek the building up of the other person. We also go back to the whole meat idea here as well with verse 25 stating rather clearly that we can eat everything that is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience sake. Verse 31 then tells us that whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we should do it to the glory of the Lord.

Moving forward to chapter 13. This is probably one of the more well known passages of the New Testament. The Love Chapter. We have very likely heard these words spoken at multiple weddings. You know the words... "Love is patient, love is kind..." Love is the greatest of the gifts. God is Love. He is the embodiment of all these attributes assigned to love in this chapter. I was reminded of a song (surely one of many) that is built around this passage - Love by Petra - here is a link to it.

Love must be viewed in light of the gospel message, otherwise the original intended meaning is distorted to become what each individual thinks that love is.

Then we come to the issue of the resurrection. Some were still against this idea of a resurrection. However, we need to recognize that all of Christianity rests on the resurrection of Jesus. 1Cor 15:17 speaks plainly in stating that our faith is worthless without the resurrection. The beauty of this sort of thing is that the death and resurrection of Christ on the cross is a historical event that can be investigated. It is a truth claim that can be validated. I encourage each and every one of you to investigate for yourselves and determine if it really is reasonable to believe that Christ died and rose again.

As per usual, I will close this by sharing the video from our friends at the Bible Project.

Until next time.

Stone 39 - Romans

This week we will take a look at Paul's letter to the Romans.

So much going on here. Getting started, Paul addresses his audience and lets them know that he is eager to come and visit (Rom 1:10-11) just before he dives in and declares that he is not ashamed of the gospel (Rom 1:16).

**This 2017. Depending upon the culture or community that you are in, there is a subtle and not so subtle attitude that is held towards the Christian that dare I say would cause many who believe to want to hide the fact that they are followers of Jesus. I am brought back to the post on the book of Esther. Remember Mordecai and Esther? One of the arguments is that Mordecai chose only to reveal that he was a Jew when there was a recognition of something "in it for him".

Romans 1:18-19 talks about people who suppress the truth despite the evidence while verse 22 declares that they became fools by claiming to be wise. As a result, God delivered them over to the cravings of their hearts (Rom 1:24).

**God will not force us to love Him or to follow Him. God gave us the freedom to choose whether or not to follow Him. I have often considered my own military experience. I served to help support the many freedoms that we enjoy here in the United States even when some of those choices are not good for those who make those choices. Although, as of this post, we have not looked at Corinthians yet, I am reminded of 1 Cor 10:23 that says everything is permissible but not everything is helpful.

**Just because the choice is available, the law does not prohibit it, and culture encourages it does not make it a good choice.

Romans 2:15 talks about the law being written on our hearts. The idea being that a person does not need to be a believer in God in order to do something that is right. People have an intrinsic sense of what is right and wrong already. The question is that if you do not believe in God - how do you ground that sense of morality?

Then we have Rom 2:24...! "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." Ouch!
Referring to those who follow in word but not in deed. I have often said to friends that as Christians, we are our own worst enemy and have done more to hurt than help. And here it is folks.

Such a convicting chapter as I reflect on my own heart. 2:29 talks about circumcision of the heart. Cut away and discard the evil flesh - Thinking back to Joel 2:13 that encourages us to tear our hearts and return to the Lord. I like the ESV translation on this one that says to rend our hearts. Break it open. How well do I do that? I must do better. So much cleansing yet to do.

Romans has some very popular verses, and rightfully so! One such verse is Romans 3:23 which states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

All.

Another is 6:23 which states that the wages of sin is death.

So I recognize that I have sinned and deserve to die. Don't mistake that statement. I am not contemplating suicide. However, as I originally wrote this thought down about mistaking the statement as some sort of announcement that I am in a downward spiral that requires intervention. I realized that it is exactly that. The human fleshly condition has fallen and intervention is required. It is a recognition and affirmation that what I need is a savior. Fortunately, Jesus has already come to intervene and rescue us from that fate. He presents us with the gift of life.

We have but to accept that gift.

Is that it...?
I think not.
Open it!
Note that this gift does not give license to sin (Rom 6:1-2).
Flee from sin! Let the Spirit reign in your heart and make it new.

Again we see this charge to love our neighbor as ourselves in Rom 13:9 and in verse 14 we are called to put on Christ and to make not plans for satisfying our fleshly desires.

Easier said than done, isn't it?
May we join together in support of one another.

Please enjoy these videos on Romans from our friends at the Bible Project.

Until next time,