Acts 27:23-24 (New International Version)
23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'
Philippians 4:11 (New International Version)
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
2 Corinthians 11:24-26 (New International Version)
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.
2 Timothy 4:2 (New International Version)
2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Paul was an opportunist. He took advantage of every apparent opening to spread the Gospel, with no thought for his own well being or safety. Stoned, beaten, imprisoned, no matter. Paul was more than willing to put himself and his Jesus out there. What about us? In Paul’s time, Christianity was regarded as a sect. Paul preached the gospel in the face of unbelief, skepticism and overwhelming opposition. It’s plausible to think that in order for the church to be what it has become today, it took every bit of the sacrifice that Paul and believers of his day endured. What will the church of tomorrow be? How much are we willing to sacrifice in order to see the church of tomorrow flourish? Actually, I believe that when pressed, Christians will stand up. Christ will stand up in us and through us. I believe that. Historically, when the church is persecuted, it flourishes. Anything that drives us to our knees, that makes us call on the name of the Lord works to perfect us and to establish our witness in the earth. Trials refine our faith. With pressure, we become as resilient and as brilliant as diamonds. Glorious in his eyesight and in the eyes of the world. Bright and shining lights in a wicked time and place. Reservoirs of hope and healing to the lost and hopeless. Be encouraged this week my friends. Wherever you are on this journey, God’s not done with you yet. Paul had some New Testament to write from the solitude of prison. What does God have in store for you?
Blessings,
.wb
Friday, August 27, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Aug. 22, 2010: Growing in Joy and Peace (Philippians 4:1-14)
Philippians 3:20-21 (New International Version)
20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Joshua 1:8 (New Living Translation)
8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
Colossians 3:2-3 (New International Version)
2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Matthew 15:25 (Amplified Bible)
25But she came and, kneeling, worshiped Him and kept praying, Lord, help me!
The first word of this week’s lesson , Philippians 4:1, is the word ‘Therefore’. In order to determine what it is ‘there for’, we have to back up to the close of the previous chapter, Philippians 3:21-22.At the end of Chapter 3, Paul encourages the believers to follow the pattern of living that has been given to them. He reminds them that earth is no longer their home, Heaven is. As such, there are new rules, an alternate reality. They underwent a paradigm shift at the cross and down is now up, and up is down. Paul offers a couple of points of advice on how to find peace and contentment in this alternative reality, worship and meditation. As Christians, we emphasize the benefits of worship, but meditation, not so much. Yet, the Bible instructs us to meditate on God and His Holy Word. If I am to transcend the bounds of mortality and enter into the place of peace and joy that God has prepared for me, worship and meditation are key. I will rejoice, I will worship, I will set my mind on things above, I will meditate on the true, the noble, the right, the pure, the lovely, the admirable, the excellent, the praiseworthy. Meditation should not be a ‘clearing’ of the mind, but a filling of the mind with the things of Christ. I could go on and on. Set aside some time this week for meditation. A few minutes here, a few minutes there. A few minutes for worship directed to God. A few minutes of meditation and reflection guided by the Scriptures. What about it? Some one once said to me; ‘Don’t be so Heavenly minded, that you are no earthly good.” I would argue that exactly the opposite is true. Jesus would back me up saying ‘Ye are the salt of the earth, but if salt lost it’s saltiness, what good would it be?” Be Blessed this week. Enjoy the lesson.
.wb
20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Joshua 1:8 (New Living Translation)
8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
Colossians 3:2-3 (New International Version)
2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Matthew 15:25 (Amplified Bible)
25But she came and, kneeling, worshiped Him and kept praying, Lord, help me!
The first word of this week’s lesson , Philippians 4:1, is the word ‘Therefore’. In order to determine what it is ‘there for’, we have to back up to the close of the previous chapter, Philippians 3:21-22.At the end of Chapter 3, Paul encourages the believers to follow the pattern of living that has been given to them. He reminds them that earth is no longer their home, Heaven is. As such, there are new rules, an alternate reality. They underwent a paradigm shift at the cross and down is now up, and up is down. Paul offers a couple of points of advice on how to find peace and contentment in this alternative reality, worship and meditation. As Christians, we emphasize the benefits of worship, but meditation, not so much. Yet, the Bible instructs us to meditate on God and His Holy Word. If I am to transcend the bounds of mortality and enter into the place of peace and joy that God has prepared for me, worship and meditation are key. I will rejoice, I will worship, I will set my mind on things above, I will meditate on the true, the noble, the right, the pure, the lovely, the admirable, the excellent, the praiseworthy. Meditation should not be a ‘clearing’ of the mind, but a filling of the mind with the things of Christ. I could go on and on. Set aside some time this week for meditation. A few minutes here, a few minutes there. A few minutes for worship directed to God. A few minutes of meditation and reflection guided by the Scriptures. What about it? Some one once said to me; ‘Don’t be so Heavenly minded, that you are no earthly good.” I would argue that exactly the opposite is true. Jesus would back me up saying ‘Ye are the salt of the earth, but if salt lost it’s saltiness, what good would it be?” Be Blessed this week. Enjoy the lesson.
.wb
Sunday School Lesson for Aug. 15, 2010: Living into the Future (Philippians 3:4b-16)
Matthew 25:21 (Amplified Bible)
21His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, [a]admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the [b]blessedness) which your master enjoys.
Acts 7:55-56 (The Message)
54-56At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, "Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God's side!"
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (The Message)
6-8You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
Hebrews 12:1 (New International Version)
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Usain Bolt is arguably the fastest man in the world right now. For those who don’t know, he is a Jamaican sprinter who currently holds the World and Olympic records in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 4 x 100 meter events. He’s so fast, that near the end of his races, he often mugs for the cameras, runs sideways, or taunts his competitors and tantalizes the rest of us with what might have been possible had he pressed through the finish. As far as I know, he hasn’t lost a race ‘looking back’. However, Bolt’s example is not to be emulated by Christian. No, we are to stay focused until the end. Let me encourage you this week. For those of you who are in this race in earnest.. all of Heaven is cheering you on., waiting for you at the finish line. Listen, you can hear Heaven calling you, can’t you? I can. For those of you who may grow tired along the way. Cheer up! Be encouraged. Don’t lose hope. I can see the hand of the Father waving in the distance. I can see the hosts of Heaven rejoicing as you get closer. Hang in there. The rewards that await us far out weigh the challenges we endure along the way.
Blessings,
wb
21His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, [a]admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the [b]blessedness) which your master enjoys.
Acts 7:55-56 (The Message)
54-56At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, "Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God's side!"
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (The Message)
6-8You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
Hebrews 12:1 (New International Version)
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Usain Bolt is arguably the fastest man in the world right now. For those who don’t know, he is a Jamaican sprinter who currently holds the World and Olympic records in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 4 x 100 meter events. He’s so fast, that near the end of his races, he often mugs for the cameras, runs sideways, or taunts his competitors and tantalizes the rest of us with what might have been possible had he pressed through the finish. As far as I know, he hasn’t lost a race ‘looking back’. However, Bolt’s example is not to be emulated by Christian. No, we are to stay focused until the end. Let me encourage you this week. For those of you who are in this race in earnest.. all of Heaven is cheering you on., waiting for you at the finish line. Listen, you can hear Heaven calling you, can’t you? I can. For those of you who may grow tired along the way. Cheer up! Be encouraged. Don’t lose hope. I can see the hand of the Father waving in the distance. I can see the hosts of Heaven rejoicing as you get closer. Hang in there. The rewards that await us far out weigh the challenges we endure along the way.
Blessings,
wb
Sunday School Lesson for Aug. 8, 2010: Giving of Oneself (Philippians 2:1-18)
Pay close attention to the passage from Hosea below… It’s OK to shout…
Hosea 1:8-11 (New International Version)
8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. 9 Then the LORD said, "Call him Lo-Ammi, [a] for you are not my people, and I am not your God.
10 "Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' 11 The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel.
Footnotes:
Hosea 1:9 Lo-Ammi means not my people .
Romans 9:26 Hosea 1:10 ( lookup this verse… wb)
Hosea 1:9-11 (The Message)
8-9 After Gomer had weaned No-Mercy, she got pregnant yet again and had a son. God said:
"Name him Nobody. You've become nobodies to me,
and I, God, am a nobody to you.
10-11 "But down the road the population of Israel is going to explode past counting, like sand on the ocean beaches. In the very place where they were once named Nobody, they will be named God's Somebody. Everybody in Judah and everybody in Israel will be assembled as one people. They'll choose a single leader. There'll be no stopping them—a great day in Jezreel!"
Hebrews 2:10 (New International Version)
10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
Philippians 2:15 (King James Version)
15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
“Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh my!” You remember this line from the ‘Wizard of Oz’ don’t you? That can be our attitude too, if we’re not careful. Most of the time, we get the ‘crooked and perverse’ message. We see the crooked and perverse all around us. And if we’re not careful, we’ll find ourselves ‘hiding out’ in plain sight. Shrinking violets, wall flowers, whatever you want to call it. ‘Christians’ only when someone calls us on it. Beloved that’s not Paul’s vision, nor our Father’s intent. We are God’s sons and daughters. Bright, healing, life bearing, Jesus sharing, Holy Ghost filled lights left here as beacons to guide the lost and the hopeless to peace and hope and love in the Beloved. Completely engaged. Walking in victory. Loving because we are loved. Caring because we are cared for. Over comers in every circumstance. Mountain movers. Dignitaries in the Kingdom. Ambassadors here on Earth. Super-Conquerors. Eagerly awaiting His appearing. Heralding His impending return. Bold as Lions, but as meek as lambs. Unafraid and unashamed. Are you getting this? Sons (and Daughters of God!). Amen and Amen!! J Rome was pretty ‘crooked and perverse’ in Paul’s day, yet the Church thrived and grew. In these last days, we might be in for an outpouring of God’s Spirit like nothing we’ve seen. May that outpouring start… in you! (I’m getting goose bumps J).
Enjoy the lesson.. Click the link below and enjoy the song…
‘I will change your name’ by written by D.J. Butler
Hosea 1:8-11 (New International Version)
8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. 9 Then the LORD said, "Call him Lo-Ammi, [a] for you are not my people, and I am not your God.
10 "Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' 11 The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel.
Footnotes:
Hosea 1:9 Lo-Ammi means not my people .
Romans 9:26 Hosea 1:10 ( lookup this verse… wb)
Hosea 1:9-11 (The Message)
8-9 After Gomer had weaned No-Mercy, she got pregnant yet again and had a son. God said:
"Name him Nobody. You've become nobodies to me,
and I, God, am a nobody to you.
10-11 "But down the road the population of Israel is going to explode past counting, like sand on the ocean beaches. In the very place where they were once named Nobody, they will be named God's Somebody. Everybody in Judah and everybody in Israel will be assembled as one people. They'll choose a single leader. There'll be no stopping them—a great day in Jezreel!"
Hebrews 2:10 (New International Version)
10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
Philippians 2:15 (King James Version)
15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
“Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh my!” You remember this line from the ‘Wizard of Oz’ don’t you? That can be our attitude too, if we’re not careful. Most of the time, we get the ‘crooked and perverse’ message. We see the crooked and perverse all around us. And if we’re not careful, we’ll find ourselves ‘hiding out’ in plain sight. Shrinking violets, wall flowers, whatever you want to call it. ‘Christians’ only when someone calls us on it. Beloved that’s not Paul’s vision, nor our Father’s intent. We are God’s sons and daughters. Bright, healing, life bearing, Jesus sharing, Holy Ghost filled lights left here as beacons to guide the lost and the hopeless to peace and hope and love in the Beloved. Completely engaged. Walking in victory. Loving because we are loved. Caring because we are cared for. Over comers in every circumstance. Mountain movers. Dignitaries in the Kingdom. Ambassadors here on Earth. Super-Conquerors. Eagerly awaiting His appearing. Heralding His impending return. Bold as Lions, but as meek as lambs. Unafraid and unashamed. Are you getting this? Sons (and Daughters of God!). Amen and Amen!! J Rome was pretty ‘crooked and perverse’ in Paul’s day, yet the Church thrived and grew. In these last days, we might be in for an outpouring of God’s Spirit like nothing we’ve seen. May that outpouring start… in you! (I’m getting goose bumps J).
Enjoy the lesson.. Click the link below and enjoy the song…
‘I will change your name’ by written by D.J. Butler
Sunday School Lesson for Aug. 1, 2010: Sharing God’s Grace (Philippians 1:15-29)
Zechariah 13:6 (New International Version)
6 If someone asks him, 'What are these wounds on your body [a] ?' he will answer, 'The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.'
Philippians 1:18 (New International Version)
18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
I have two beautiful teenagers. They never fight or disagree… Yeah! Right! They fight like cats and dogs. Sometimes they fight in front of me and their mother. Then, we’re left trying to sort the whole mess out. Any other parents out there relate to this? Let me continue. Invariably, discipline is required. One of my children, or the other was responsible and should get what’s coming to them. The other child, the one who was wronged, wants justice, sometimes rightfully so. But, I have determined that in most circumstances I won’t discipline one child for the satisfaction of the other child. This infuriates the wronged child, but my job is to parent. Any discipline meted out would lose it’s effectiveness if the child receiving discipline thought the other child was somehow ‘winning’.
Kind of a weird intro, but it kind of points to the way we think generally. We have an innate sense about justice that says everyone should get what they deserve and we want to watch. Paul’s imprisonment brought out preachers who preached just that about him. ‘Paul is getting what he deserves’ they preached. ‘If Paul was right, why is God punishing him with jail’ they preached. Welcome to the letter to the Philippians. The beauty of this letter, especially this part of it, is that Paul could have used this passage to strike back at his detractors, but he doesn’t. Instead Paul celebrates the fact that as long as they (his detractors) are preaching Christ, he can rejoice. The Philippians were concerned about Paul’s imprisonment. Why? Why? Why? Paul recognizes that a wrong response can cause a rift in the burgeoning Christian movement spreading across the Middle East and Asia. One church is Paul’s vision and God’s heart. One church united. Enjoy this letter to the Philippian church. Keep your eyes on Christ. God will deliver us and He will deliver justice, when it is time. Until then, forward motion…
Blessings,
6 If someone asks him, 'What are these wounds on your body [a] ?' he will answer, 'The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.'
Philippians 1:18 (New International Version)
18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
I have two beautiful teenagers. They never fight or disagree… Yeah! Right! They fight like cats and dogs. Sometimes they fight in front of me and their mother. Then, we’re left trying to sort the whole mess out. Any other parents out there relate to this? Let me continue. Invariably, discipline is required. One of my children, or the other was responsible and should get what’s coming to them. The other child, the one who was wronged, wants justice, sometimes rightfully so. But, I have determined that in most circumstances I won’t discipline one child for the satisfaction of the other child. This infuriates the wronged child, but my job is to parent. Any discipline meted out would lose it’s effectiveness if the child receiving discipline thought the other child was somehow ‘winning’.
Kind of a weird intro, but it kind of points to the way we think generally. We have an innate sense about justice that says everyone should get what they deserve and we want to watch. Paul’s imprisonment brought out preachers who preached just that about him. ‘Paul is getting what he deserves’ they preached. ‘If Paul was right, why is God punishing him with jail’ they preached. Welcome to the letter to the Philippians. The beauty of this letter, especially this part of it, is that Paul could have used this passage to strike back at his detractors, but he doesn’t. Instead Paul celebrates the fact that as long as they (his detractors) are preaching Christ, he can rejoice. The Philippians were concerned about Paul’s imprisonment. Why? Why? Why? Paul recognizes that a wrong response can cause a rift in the burgeoning Christian movement spreading across the Middle East and Asia. One church is Paul’s vision and God’s heart. One church united. Enjoy this letter to the Philippian church. Keep your eyes on Christ. God will deliver us and He will deliver justice, when it is time. Until then, forward motion…
Blessings,
Sunday School Lesson for July 25, 2010: God’s Own Faithfulness (2 Thessalonians 3:1-15)
Deuteronomy 28:12 (New International Version)
12 The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.
Isaiah 40:30-31 (New International Version)
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
♫ ‘I am going to watch fight and pray… til I die, til I die…’ ♫
Some of you may know the lyrics from the hymn above, some of you may not.. It sums up Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonians well. Fight the good fight. Stay the course. Keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t get distracted. Don’t get discouraged. Keep the Faith. God is in control. Jesus is still on the right hand of the Father. We are precious, beloved and accepted in him. We will be victorious. Sometimes it may be hard to get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes, you may not want to go out of your front door. Whatever the issue, whatever the problem, you can’t just quit. No, quite the opposite is true. You have to persevere, to overcome and in fact you will. Good News! You’ve already overcome by the Word of your testimony and by the Blood of the Lamb.
In sports there is a term called ‘the second wind’. Most athletes know it and have experienced it. Most look for it during the game or match they are involved in. Pushing themselves to the point of complete exhaustion, then somehow summoning up the strength to not only continue, but to excel when that second wind comes. We as believers have the ‘Helper’, the ‘Paraclete’, The Holy Spirit. We have God’s ‘Holy Wind’ at our backs, in our sails, working in us and through us. Our ‘Second Wind’. Find encouragement in that fact. You’re never alone. You’re never forgotten. You’re never forsaken. God knows your name.
Blessings,
.wb
12 The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.
Isaiah 40:30-31 (New International Version)
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
♫ ‘I am going to watch fight and pray… til I die, til I die…’ ♫
Some of you may know the lyrics from the hymn above, some of you may not.. It sums up Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonians well. Fight the good fight. Stay the course. Keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t get distracted. Don’t get discouraged. Keep the Faith. God is in control. Jesus is still on the right hand of the Father. We are precious, beloved and accepted in him. We will be victorious. Sometimes it may be hard to get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes, you may not want to go out of your front door. Whatever the issue, whatever the problem, you can’t just quit. No, quite the opposite is true. You have to persevere, to overcome and in fact you will. Good News! You’ve already overcome by the Word of your testimony and by the Blood of the Lamb.
In sports there is a term called ‘the second wind’. Most athletes know it and have experienced it. Most look for it during the game or match they are involved in. Pushing themselves to the point of complete exhaustion, then somehow summoning up the strength to not only continue, but to excel when that second wind comes. We as believers have the ‘Helper’, the ‘Paraclete’, The Holy Spirit. We have God’s ‘Holy Wind’ at our backs, in our sails, working in us and through us. Our ‘Second Wind’. Find encouragement in that fact. You’re never alone. You’re never forgotten. You’re never forsaken. God knows your name.
Blessings,
.wb
Sunday School Lesson for July 18, 2010: Chosen and Called (2 Thessalonians 2:7-17)
It seems lately that I’m always apologizing. I’ve been busy prepping for the audit last week. The lesson last week was too important to ignore however, so I’m submitting it late for your consideration. Again, my apologies…
Hebrews 2:5 (New International Version)
Jesus Made Like His Brothers
5It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come
Daniel 7:21-22 (New International Version)
21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.
Daniel 12:10 (New International Version)
10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked.
‘The Long View’
There’s a reason for seasoned, mature leadership in the Body of Christ. Paul is the example here. As much as the Church at Thessalonica was enduring persecution, Paul had endured more. Paul was clear in his thinking, clear in his knowledge, clear in his mission. He lived every day as if Christ’s return was imminent, yet he evangelized most of Asia and is responsible for two thirds of the New Testament. He was able to take the long view. Make no mistake. At some level, Paul understood the order of events that would precede the Lord’s return, yet his attitude and demeanor was such that he was driven to continue preaching the Gospel, building up the Saints and making new disciples. Is the ‘long view necessary today? Most definitely! The spirit of lawlessness is alive and well in the world today. I’ve been surprised by some discoveries I’ve made recently. There are a number of well known entertainers who openly worship Satan. Really! These people are antichrists. I won’t spend a lot of time here on this, but suffice it to say that a number of our politicians and entertainers (people we tend to look up to) are involved in occult practices. Why is any of this important? Because you, we cannot lose our perspective. A Biblical perspective. A perspective that says that you, we are Blessed and Highly Favored of God. That you, we are loved deeply by our Father. That you, we are Kings and Priests in our Fathers Kingdom. The thing that we must be assured of is that Jesus will come back. The dead in Christ will rise. We will reign with our Lord in Glory forward. Amen.
Psalm 73:2-4 (The Message)
An Asaph Psalm
1-5 No doubt about it! God is good— good to good people, good to the good-hearted.
But I nearly missed it,
missed seeing his goodness.
I was looking the other way,
looking up to the people
At the top,
envying the wicked who have it made,
Who have nothing to worry about,
not a care in the whole wide world.
Hebrews 2:5 (New International Version)
Jesus Made Like His Brothers
5It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come
Daniel 7:21-22 (New International Version)
21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.
Daniel 12:10 (New International Version)
10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked.
‘The Long View’
There’s a reason for seasoned, mature leadership in the Body of Christ. Paul is the example here. As much as the Church at Thessalonica was enduring persecution, Paul had endured more. Paul was clear in his thinking, clear in his knowledge, clear in his mission. He lived every day as if Christ’s return was imminent, yet he evangelized most of Asia and is responsible for two thirds of the New Testament. He was able to take the long view. Make no mistake. At some level, Paul understood the order of events that would precede the Lord’s return, yet his attitude and demeanor was such that he was driven to continue preaching the Gospel, building up the Saints and making new disciples. Is the ‘long view necessary today? Most definitely! The spirit of lawlessness is alive and well in the world today. I’ve been surprised by some discoveries I’ve made recently. There are a number of well known entertainers who openly worship Satan. Really! These people are antichrists. I won’t spend a lot of time here on this, but suffice it to say that a number of our politicians and entertainers (people we tend to look up to) are involved in occult practices. Why is any of this important? Because you, we cannot lose our perspective. A Biblical perspective. A perspective that says that you, we are Blessed and Highly Favored of God. That you, we are loved deeply by our Father. That you, we are Kings and Priests in our Fathers Kingdom. The thing that we must be assured of is that Jesus will come back. The dead in Christ will rise. We will reign with our Lord in Glory forward. Amen.
Psalm 73:2-4 (The Message)
An Asaph Psalm
1-5 No doubt about it! God is good— good to good people, good to the good-hearted.
But I nearly missed it,
missed seeing his goodness.
I was looking the other way,
looking up to the people
At the top,
envying the wicked who have it made,
Who have nothing to worry about,
not a care in the whole wide world.
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