My tweets have pushed out my posts but every once in a while I come back for a longer writing. Here is today's.
Paul writes to the Thessalonians that God's work in them was so amazing that people were talking about their faith. The description of that report shows the simplicity of the Christians' life and what I can rest in. 1 Thess 1:9-10 says, "You turned from idols to serve the living God and to wait for His Son from heaven, Jesus who will deliver us from the wrath to come." Aside from introducing us to the theme of the book, the Rapture, this tells us what characterized this explosive little church; turning, serving and waiting.
Paul had only spent two weeks there and the church was born. People put their faith in Jesus and were hungry for the Word of God. They "turned from idols" shows how radically saved they were. They "got it" and abandonded those dead statues and rituals. In it's place their life was now about "serving God."
As complicated as I can make life, this phrase, "serving God," simplifies everything. When I see things through this lens; 'serving God,' everything falls into perspective. It isn't just for ministers though. "Serving Godd" characterizes every Christian. It can come in many forms. I serve God in being a good dad, singing to the Lord, picking up the kids, praying, sewing a patch torn pants or sitting in the morning commute. The great thing is when I see it as being done for the Lord I get encouraged. Many times things seem to be mundane or boring. I feel like I am not getting anywhere or moving forward but then I realize if I am doing it unto the Lord it makes it all worthwhile. Even if its as simple as taking out the trash I am fulfilled if I'm doing it for Him.
Finally, these believers were "waiting for Jesus." That is a pretty simple life, "waiting for Jesus." If you are asked what you're doing in life you can answer "waiting for Jesus to come back." To the world this is naive and even crazy but for a Christian it is our hope. We have a home in heaven, an expectation of salvation. Jesus is alive and is coming again.
It is a simple wonderful life; turning from the old, serving God in newness and waiting for Jesus.
I don't know how political thinking shows up in my Bible study but it does sometimes. I am meditating on the rebellion of Korah from Numbers 16. God says one thing that He hates is the guy who stirs up strife among people (Pro 6). Rebellion is the result of discontent agitated until it overflows. Korah was that guy in the wilderness, stuirring up discontent in others hoping to gain power by it. He was a smooth operator, using the language of consensus (16:3 "all the congregation") and political stealth tactics. God ended the rebellion with a hungry earth swallowing the rebels and fire coming from the tabernacle roasting the wannabe priests (God's way of saying "you're fired").
Rebellion is so deeply seated in our beings. Sometimes overlooked and chuckled at when toddlers excercise it in Walmart, rebellion is likened to witchcraft ("Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft" -1 Sam 15:23). It was the proto-sin of Satan who wanted the throne of God. Pride led to rebellion and he was cast out of heaven to sow into the heart of man the temptation of rebellion.
We live in a culture of rebellion glorified. James Dean made the movie "Rebel without a cause." We read bumper stickers that say "Question Authority." Our prisons are full because our populace has been born and raised on rebellion. We are too unruly to discipline.
Even in the area of politics the arcitecture of rebellion is employed to gain power. By stirring up bloodless rebellion political agitators gain positions of authority like Korah. Saul Alinski (1909-1972) a Marxist and atheist, wrote a manual for grassroots political activism called "Rules for Radicals." He calls on "community organizers" to "rub raw the sores of discontent" in people and engage them in an uprising. Alinski's teachers have been instumental in many young poli-wonks over the years including one young Barack Obama who for years in Chicago studied and taught Alinski's methods. During the campaign Michelle Obama would frequently quote Alinski. One quote Alinski devotees don't want you to hear is the one Saul himself made in the beginning of his book. "Rules for Radicals" begins with an odd tribute to "the very first radical: From all our legends, mythology and history the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment...did it so effectively that he won his own kingdom --Lucifer." A little nod to the prince of darkness from our own president's major influence.
Now I don't want to wax political and rail on everything Washington but there is some concern that our whole culture is built and geared upon ideas of discontent, agitation, rebellion and radicalism. All of it without reference to the God who made our country great. Power isn't given by those hoping for good but granted by the agitated discontentment. It is looking backwards.
Ahh reading the news will do this. You have saber rattling nations aiming missles at us, rogue powers developing a nuclear arsenal, joblessness climbing toward 20% in some areas and our leaders are choking down an 1200 page unread (3am amended) "Global Warming" bill which will cause power bills to, in Obama's own words, "skyrocket." Is this the important thing right now to cut carbon based on the specious and hopelessly flawed 'global warming' scam? Are they kidding me? The pale fingers of government are wrapping around the throat of the nation's economy and every family who hopes for freedom. Whats the saying? If you're not angry, you aren't paying attention.
All that from my simple study of rebellion in Numbers 16. Whew, now you know how to pray for me =).
About a year ago I had a falling out with a guy in our church. Even though I truly believe I was in the right, the problem was with my temper. I blew up at him. It wasnt pretty. Because of the damage he had done to his family and other churches, and because of the strife, bitterness and turmoil he'd brought into my church and life I was so angry with him.
Thank the Lord I lost it over the phone. Otherwise I would have choked his neck. Seriously, I was that mad.
A few weeks ago I felt like the Lord wanted me to go back and apologize for my demeanor. Regardless of the details of the situation I had failed to keep my cool and be a good representative of God. I'd blown it, lost my temper and was a terrible example and witness. God had forgiven me but I needed this man's forgiveness. I needed to humble myself.
Today I did.
It was tough knocking on that door. I prayed through the whole thing, still battling my frustation over the past. The Lord helped me too. I said I was wrong, that I was sorry and I asked for forgiveness. Simple as that.
Funny thing though. He wanted to rehash the original event which was long past and out of both our hands. He started talking about the same things that drove me nuts in the first place. I felt the Lord remind me that I wasn't there to correct but repent. I said nothing. Then he said he meets alot of "angry pastors." "Hmmmmm," I thought, "I wonder why." He is getting the same response from every pastor he meets, but HE couldn't be the one in sin eh?
"Shhhhhh" the Lord whispered, "you're not here to instruct." I kept quiet just nodding my head trying to hear him out. I reminded him that I wasn't here to rehash things but to let him know I loved him and that I was wrong to blow up. I thanked him for his time, gave him a hug and left.
Whew, I felt relieved, glad to follow through with something the Lord told me too. I am excited too. God says if we humble ourselves He will exalt us. It is hard to humble myself but I know the Lord is pleased and will reward me. You know something? Pastors grow too. Just because God has called us to teach and lead His people doesnt mean we have it all together. Pastors need Grace, especially knuckleheads like me.
I also learned something in all this too. The man I mentioned had not moved one inch from his previous position. He is still blaming, accusing, stern and loveless. Miraculously as we spoke my anger turned toward pity. I am sad for him because he'd made no progress forward. He is exactly where I left him.
In our Numbers study we find Israel at Kadesh after 40 years of wandering. Kadesh is where they they refused to enter the promise land and here they were 40 years later. They had gone nowhere. A Christian can wander around and go nowhere fast if they refuse to enter by faith. A faithless life is one that makes no progress forward.
I want to make progress. I want the big fruit of Canaan in my life, the fruit of the Spirit. I am able to grow that in me as I enter by faith. That means trusting Him. It means humbling myself. It means rejecting a bad report when it comes. It means regular repentance and cleansing. The result of walking by faith is victory and forward progress. I want that and I want that for every person under my leadership at church. I was deeply saddened by the man I apologized too because he had gone nowhere and was making no progress, still living in the Kadesh of bitterness and blame. It deeply grieves me when believers wont grow because they wont let go.
Sunday in church we will cover the bad report and refusal to enter the promise land (Numbers 13-14). I want you to read ahead and really internalize what this means for you, your family, your job and your church. Will you embrace the promise of God and the fruitful victorious Christian life of Canaan? Will you shrink back at Kadesh and doubt God's promise?
My heartfelt and urgent prayer for you (esp my friends at SSCF) is that you march into GOd's promise with full confidence and take the fruit He has for you. Hebrews 10 says, "The righteous live by faith but I have no delight in the soul who shrinks back." The next chapter says "without faith it is impossible to please God."
How much does God have for you? In your personal life, family, job, ministry?? More than we can imagine. The only way to truly find out is to walk by faith and let Him add it into our lives.
"Darwin's Nightmare" is a documentary about the fishing industry surrounding Lake Victoria in Africa. The Nile Perch was introduced about 50 years ago causing radical damage to hundreds of other species of fish. Still, the only thing locals can do is work to fish and export this cash crop. Unfortunately, while the fillets are packed and flown out the the local people live on the bony carcasses of millions of dead fish. Surviving in appalling working conditions and living in abject poverty the people of Mwanza, Tanzania scrape by while being ravaged by drug use and prostitution.
Working for a dollar a day, one man describes rumors of a coming famine as an opportunity for war which many young men look forward to. War is an opportuinty to earn more and get a weapon. This is where another element of the film touches on, arms. The huge planes flying in for the perch are said to come empty, but there is an eerie sense that they are importing weapons for the hardest hit war torn areas of Africa. The film makers press the Russian exporters on this subject only to be dismissed until Dima, one of the crew confesses privately the way exporting works. Referring to previous flights selling grapes out of Johanesburg in December Dima says, "The children of Angola get guns for Christmas while the children of Europe get grapes."
It is a heart rending look at the condition people live under and, for Christians, it is a clarion call to prayer. As I watched Eliza try to eek out a living as a 10$ prostitute and bar singer I couldn't help think that these were the people that Jesus so compasionately set free and loved. The object of Jesus love and deliverance were those just like these poor needy people. Later in the film Eliza has been killed, stabbed to death by an Australian "client." It is heartbreaking.
I would encourage you to watch "Darwin's Nightmare" via netflix (or ask me for it). It will enable you to see the real needs in the world around us and prompt you (as it has for me) to pray about how and where in the world we can make an impact for Jesus.
I was wondering if I should post how the Lord has been speaking to me while on this trip with the family. It has been 3 weeks, 4 states and over 2000 miles in a minivan. It has been a great trip and the Lord has been prompting me in a few areas.
Much of what I learn is in regard to ministry. How do I run the church? Where do I need to grow? One area is striving. The Lord has shown me that I strive in my service for Him. I try to hard, worry too much and fear failure too often.
Often we can work and serve out of fear. Deep down we are afraid to fail, to be humiliated, to go broke. Fear is a terrible place to live from. Fear permeates every descision and even subtly affects our mentality. My attitude, demeanor, disposition and whole being is tainted when I function with fear at the core. Fear eats at our core, telling us it could all collapse around us. This isn't true when were in the hands of God, but fear lies. Fear can steer our whole direction. It can steer your marriage, your business and it can taint my ministry. 2 Tim says that God has not given us a spirit of fear. We're also told that perfect love cast out all fear.
Without a regular growing and thriving in God's Spirit, a current of fear can push us off course. My life and family can be pulled if I function with an undercurrent of worry.
I need to let God's Spirit mark every descision, my mood, my attitude and the whole direction of my life. The Lord world would tell me to stop worrying about the church numbers, the money, the lights, the music the growth, the problems and so on and so on.
I have found that I worry about the stuff that God promises to deal with and I don't worry enough about my own responsibility. I am called culitivate my devotion to Jesus and let Him build the church. Too often I try to build His church and let Him culitvate my devotion. That is backward isn't it.
He is so gracious though, letting us run with the line till we tire of our own stiving and give up to let Him reel us back in. Seems like I run with the line too often. I work in the energy of the flesh trying to build His church. Oh but the Lord gently speaks to me to let go and give Him back the work. Spend more time in prayer and meditation. Quit worrying about how cool a church we are or if people come or go. Don't hope for more that God's gives. Be satisfied with what God is doing.
I know I said I would share how the Lord ministered to me but I think it can speak to you too. This stuff translates into every aspect of life. Don't live in fear, even subtle fear. It will dominate you. It will steer you even if it is tiny. Like a rudder in can change your course. Don't live and work and relate from the place of need.
How do you defeat fear and worry and anxiety? Seek Jesus. Pray for His Spirit to cast out the spirit of fear. Look to the Father, of Whom Jesus said, "knows you have need of these things." Build your prayer life and be diligent in Bible Study. Cast your cares on Him knowing He cares for you. Let God's love be poured into your heart and serve Him knowing He will meet every need and confront every problem that comes your way. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't lean on your own understanding. Consider Him in all your ways and He will direct your path.
Joshua 1:5-8 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God iswith you wherever you go."
Reading this morning I was struck my the hugeness of God's promises toward me. The Lord tells Joshua how to prosper, laying out the steps to grabbing all God's blessing. What was required but bravery and clinging to God's Word? To get what God wants to give me I have to be bold. God may lead me intow what seems like scary territory to bless me. I have to have courage to go. I might face giants. Only fear will keep me from His promise. God likes aggresiveness in me, a passion and boldness that is undaunted in the face of danger and risk.
What has God promised you? What has He spoken about your life and the work He will do in you? It could range from personal holiness to financial security or even to blessing in marriage. God promises to bless you and use you for His kingdom. He promises that you will be fruitful and fully experience His love. Be strong and courageous. Those promises will flow to you as you march in blodness. Be brave. Walk in boldness and confidence that "He who began a good work is able to complete it."
The Lord also tells Joshua that prosperity comes when God's Word is in his mouth and mind at all times. I prosper when I have His word always in the center of my life. This can be tough is our busy world. Keeping the Bible as my focus and meditation takes discipline. Media, news, entertainment, work and games can be distraction.
What are you focused on? WHat is your delight and joy? Let it be the pure milk of God's word and soon you will be reaping the fruit of His promise in your life. Your way will be so blessed you cannot contain it all. You will be filled with God's peace and overflowing with the richness of His benefits. Psalm 1 puts it this way, "You will be like a tree planted by rivers of water. Your leaves wont wither and you will bear fruit in time. You will prosper in all your ways."
The scenes of the desert are way cool. Were driving through New Mexico and Texas. We Left Carsbad this morning and stopped at the famous Carlsbad Caverns for a couple of hours. Cool stuff, those stalagtite n mites. Weve seen desert creatures and hilarious signs. I knew we were in the wilderness when I saw a buzzard (vulture or condor?) pulling parts off a carcas on the roadside. (Saw a taratula creeping across the road too.
Over all the kids have been great. Lots of walking and "boring" stuff for them. I have to admit though, as much as I purpose in my heart to be the fun cheery dad all day long....my kids drive me nuts as early as 10 am. We even did morning devos. Still by lunch it had seemed like an eternity of scolding. At the cafe after severely grrrr-ing at meme for shaking the table and spilling our precious coffee, gabby did the same thing and was given the same growling. She burst into tears and said, "Dad you want to spank everybody in the whole world." Funny stuff.
We did bowl last night. It was either bowling or me telling the kids to be quiet and quit runnin in the lanes. They like to scream. Meme can't hear too well so her volume knob is way up. I think I recall someone saying before we left; "Going on vacation with five kids is not a vacation." Hmmm, I just remembered that now? You'd think I was regretting taking my kids on this trip. Well you'd be right. Haha, just kidding. We are having a blast.
We hit AZ tonight and will stay in a (nicer) place there (La Quinta). Were gonna chill tomorrow and do some fun family stuff there in Tucson and head to Phoenix in the afternoon to catch a Calvary Chapel Sunday PM service. You can't go on vacation without hittin some Calvaries. Thats my theory anyway. Last Sunday we were sittin in CC Austin's service and Keren said, "This is my favorite...sitting in church WITH you." Usually I am doing the service.
Anyway we'll get to Grand Canyon in a couple of days and then onward to CA where we'll meet up with my parents and chillax for a few days. I will check in with y'all later.
There was a Greek myth about Procrustes who would make those who passed by lay down in his iron bed. If they were too tall, cruel Procrustes would chop off their legs. If too short he would stretch them on a rack to fit. We must never do this to scripture, chopping off what we don’t like and stretching parts to fit our iron bed opinions. Bible interpretation is not Bible manipulation. Robert Ingersoll that statesman from a century ago said, “The Bible is nothing to me except when it agrees with what I think or know.”
Not true. Peter said, “No scripture is of private interpretation.” In other words God said what He meant and meant what He said. We have no place to bend the Bible. Instead, our great joy is learning knowing and growing in His word for when we know the Word of God we know the mind of God and we can think the thoughts of God after Him. The Bible is not meant jus to inform our brains but to transform our minds. This comes through the study of His word.
Traditionally a seminary will give a student about two years of messages. That man will go to a church and deliver those sermons, maybe reworking them a little to make them personal, but after that time they have to move on to a new parish. They have run out of sermons.
Other churches will go through an endless cycle of series usually regarding money or relationships (that is what people are interested in). To grow a church they will do an edgy series on sex and put some ads in the paper that might raise some eyebrows. While all these things may be important to touch on I do not believe they should make up the regular diet of a Christian.
Jer 23:28-29 NLT - Let these false prophets tell their dreams, but let my true messengers faithfully proclaim my every word. There is a difference between chaff and wheat! Doesn’t my word burn like fire?" says the LORD. "Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes the rock to pieces?
God said that people are starving for the Word of God, that there is a famine for the Word of God. Even in America where there is so much Christian heritage the Christians are bloated with the empty calories of candied sermons, while hungry for the word. Sometimes sea birds will eat plastic bags and bottles thinking its food. They will starve to death feeling stuffed. Amos 8:11-12 The days are coming," says the Lord GOD, "That I will send a famine on the land, not of bread or water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. They’ll wander back and forth, looking to hear the word of the LORD, But they won’t find it.
Before we start I want to mention that I am not the originator of this method. I am indebted to many others (esp Dan Finfrock) who has produced lengthy materials on Inductive Bible Study. This is to summarize and encourage you to enjoy God’s word on your own.
Interpretation: In this step we ask “What does this text mean?” What were the authors trying to communicate? If we don’t understand the Bible as God meant it we haven’t understood it at all.
Proverbs 1:5-6 -“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning: and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: to understand a proverb, and the interpretation.
Five Rules (guidelines or boundaries) for Interpretation (CHAMP): 1. Context We understand words in light of their setting. What comes before and after it? Many passages are misinterpreted or not interpreted at all if we miss the context. Kermit the frog goes into a fortune teller. She’s covered in a shawl with a bandana and gold hooped earrings, hunched over her crystal ball. “You will soon meet someone who will be immediately fascinated by you. She is interested in knowing everything about you.; she can’t take her eyes off of you.” “Where am I” Kermit asks “at a nightclub?” “No” says the woman, “Biology class.”
We can get the wrong idea if we just string verses together. “Judas went out and hung himself…Go and do likewise.” “Greet one another with a Holy Kiss…do not forbid the use of tongues.”
In college a new age seminar woman used the Bible to sling her garbage and said, “Jesus said, ‘The kingdom of God is inside you.’” She was trying to tell ppl that they were their own god. I confronted her and said the Bible doesn’t say that. Luke 17:21 says “The kingdom of God is within you” but the context is Jesus speaking about Himself being in their midst. He was the king and God their within their (plural) presence. Another example is in John 10. Jesus quotes Ps 86 “you are gods.” Mormons will take that and say, “see we all get to populate our own planet with celestial wives and become God.” The context shows that Jesus was actually telling them to judge (Psalm 86) if He was truly the Son of God. They tried to stone Him.
2. History (historical context) Spiritual principles are timeless but history tells us what the writer had in mind when he wrote. So many books (esp. in the OT) become very simple to understand once they are under the bright light of history. The OT had to do with National Israel and God’s plan to bring a savior to the world through them. By the time you’ve finished Genesis you have covered ½ of the 4000 years that the OT covers. You have 400 years in Egypt and 400 years of silence before the NT so really it is 1200 years of the nation’s history and the prophets who called them back to God.
The NT is only about 40 years of history and not of a nation but the church and how it is spreading to reach a lost world for Jesus Christ. It takes place under the Empire of Rome. Much of the NT history was the defense against legalism and Gnosticism. Understanding these things helps to understand the epistles.
3. Audience This refers to the language and culture the original writing was for. What kind of culture, history and understanding did they have? How would they have understood the text? Modern cultural biases or pre-conceived ideas can hinder proper interpretation.
Example: Slavery in the Bible was because of debt, not ethnicity. It was temporary and not infused with hatred. People look down on the Bible today because it reports slavery. The Bible condemned the kind of slavery we think of by punishing kidnapping with death.
4. Meaning. What do the words mean? Definitions are important. The Bible was written in Hebrew and Greek. It is good to look at those words in their original. I use Blue Letter Bible as one of my main helps. Did you know there are four Greek words that we translate ‘love?”
Gal 1:6-7 (KJV) “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” The Greek words "allos" and "heteros" are usually translated "another" in English - yet "allos" literally means "another of the same type" and "heteros" means "another of a different type." The newer versions have helped by translating “heteros” as different.
5. Precedent Precedent means that the Bible is cohesive. It comes together to form a single message so we allow scripture to interpret scripture. This means we will do cross referencing. There is consistency and patterns established in the Bible. For example, leaven is always used in a negative sense. From Exodus to Jesus to Paul it is used as a type of sin and hypocrisy. Therefore when Jesus tells a parable about the kingdom of God being like leaven put into dough and spreading throughout, is He talking about how we go through all the world or that evil finds a place within the kingdom? Let the Bible interpret the Bible. S omuch is understood when we approach the whole counsel of God.
Remember that the NT interprets the Old. What is in the Old contained is in the New explained.
The final part of inductive Bible study is Application. This is where we ask, “How does this apply to me? What action should I take? Do I have to change?” This is not about information but transformation. We aren’t just interested in filling the mind but changing the heart.
This can be the hardest part. To make God’s Word practical for your life you ask; Are there good examples to follow? Are there bad examples to avoid? Is there sin to forsake? Errors to avoid? Are there promises here that I need to trust in? Is there a command that I am to obey? What action is the Bible telling me to take right now?
There can be a danger of just plain Bible study. Jesus told the Pharisees, “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me and you are unwilling to come to Me, that you may have life.”
Mark Twain put it well when he said, “Most people are bothered by the Scriptures they can’t understand; but not me. I am most troubled by the scriptures I do understand."
WC Fields was caught reading a Bible when he was sick in the hospital. His friend said, “Why you reading that? You don’t believe any of it.” Fields looked up and said, “Looking for loopholes.”
Psalm 1 -Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Vs 1 teaches me about the “Blessed man” (1-3). Lets break down what he doesn’t do (vs 1), what he does do (vs 2) and the simile in verse 3. I observe that he doesn’t do 3 things (walk stand sit). I observe the progression in the poetry. I interpret “blessed” as happy or prosperous. I look at the definition (advancing, happiness) and I apply it to me by saying “I want to be happy, prosperous, advancing. Here is my key.” Lets interpret “Walks not in the counsel of the ungodly.” The blessed person avoids the advice, guidance of the ungodly. Where is that? Friends, family, TV, Movies, radio. Lets apply that to our lives. I will be careful to not follow ungodly ideas. How about “stands in the path of sinners.” A path is a “way” isn’t it. Sinners have a way about them. Blessed people don’t go on that way. They don’t take that road. This is compromise. I apply that by saying I will avoid compromise to be a happy man. “Sits in the seat of the scornful.” Have you ever seen a mocker happy? No. Highly critical scorners (unbelievers) are not happy. Their seat (place…moshav) is not a place for me to settle. I apply by saying, “I will not settle in the place of mockers.”
Verse 2 says two things a blessed person does. Verse 3 gives a simile of a blessed person.
Verses 4-6 show a contrast don’t they (Hebrew poetry). What do we know about the ungodly? Take the opposite of 1-3. There is almost a reflection here isn’t there. We see the words stand and way (path). There are three things about the ungodly. Now we can apply this to our lives.
One of the most dramatic examples of the Bible's divine ability to transform men and women involved the famous mutiny on the "Bounty." Following their rebellion against the notorious Captain Bligh, nine mutineers, along with the Tahatian men and women who accompanied them, found their way to Pitcairn Island, a tiny dot in the South Pacific only two miles long and a mile wide. Ten years later, drink and fighting had left only one man alive--John Adams. Eleven women and 23 children made up the rest of the Island's population. So far this is the familiar story made famous in the book and motion picture. But the rest of the story is even more remarkable. About this time, Adams came across the "Bounty's" Bible in the bottom of an old chest. He began to read it, and the divine power of God's Word reached into the heart of that hardened murderer on a tiny volcanic speck in the vast Pacific Ocean--and changed his life forever. The peace and love that Adams found in the Bible entirely replaced the old life of quarreling, brawling, and liquor. He began to teach the children from the Bible until every person on the island had experienced the same amazing change that he had found. Today, with a population of slightly less than 100, nearly every person on Pitcairn Island is a Christian.
A candidate for church membership was asked, “What part of the Bible do you like best?” He said: “I like the New Testament best. Then he was asked, “What Book in the New Testament is your favorite?” He answered, the Book of the Parables, Sir.” They then asked him to tell them one of the parables to the membership committee. He was a little hesitant but he started…“
Once upon a time a man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves; and the thorns grew up and choked the man. And he went on and met the Queen of Sheba, and she gave him a thousand talents of gold and silver, and a hundred changes of rainment.So he got in his chariot and drove furiously, until he went under a big tree and his hair got caught in a limb and left him hanging there! He hung there many days and many nights, and ravens brought him food to eat and drink. Finally his wife Delilah came and cut off his hair and he fell upon the stony ground. And then it rained forty days and forty nights so he hid himself in a cave. Then he came to Jerusalem, and saw Queen Jezebel sitting high and lifted up in a window. When she saw him she laughed, so he said, “Throw her down from there,” and they threw her down. And he said “Throw her down again,” and they threw her down seventy-times-seven. And the fragments which they picked up filled twelve baskets full! NOW, whose wife will she be in the day of the Judgment?”
Then the board agreed that this guy really knew his Bible and made him a member.
My job is to train missionaries. You are those missionaries. You are on the mission field every day at work, and school and play. You are witnesses for the Lord in deed and in word. Your ministry, wherever you go, is to lead people to Jesus and help them grow.
The greatest tool I can give you for this job is to teach you how to study the Bible. If you give a man a fish you feed him a meal but if you teach him to fish you feed him for his life. I want to feed you the Word of God but I want you to feed yourself too.
The Bible is worth studying for maturity, the food we need to grow.
1 Pet 2:2 Like newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the Word, so that by it you can grow by it.
The Bible is worth studying for usefulness, the equipment we need to serve God.
2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a worker who won’t be ashamed, handling the word of truth correctly.”
The Bible is worth studying for safety, the armor we need for protection.
2 Pet 3:17-18 Be on your guard so that you don’t fall away, rather grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Bible is worth studying because it helps us live a holy life, pleasing to God.
Ps 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
John 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
It has been said that sin will keep you from this book and this book will keep you from sin.
Over the next two weeks I want to teach you how to study your Bible. It is the way I study and the way I prepare messages for our services. It is very simple and systematic way to study the Bible called inductive Bible Study. It is easy to use but incredibly effective.
There are different ways to study the Bible; Inductive, Deductive and (what I call) Launchpad.
Inductive –Inductive Bible study is when you gather information, pulling from the text to come to a conclusion. Detectives work inductively, roping off the area, observing the scene, looking for evidence. From there they interpret their clues and draw conclusions. Hopefully they get their guy.
Deductive – Most common. Deductive Bible Study is when you start with a conclusion and look for information to back it up. Starts with premise uses Bible to prove it. It can lead to error. (Ps 14:1) -“There is no God”, College guy - Gen 1:29 (“herb dude herb”, 1800’s -“Top knot come down” (Matt 24).Tend to isolate verses without context.
Springboard/ Launching Pad – Use a verse to launch into an opinion or theory. I heard a guy read on verse and then talk about me giving him money for 30 minutes.We don’t want to do that.Paul said in 2 Cor 4:2 –“We have rejected craftiness and deceitful ways, and we don’t distort the word of God. On the contrary we set forth the truth plainly.”Peter warns (2 Pet 3:16) about those who twist the scripture to their own destruction.
I try to model inductive Bible study in our messages (occasionally I do Deductive studies – like this one).I use a verse by verse approach to the scripture partly so you will get the whole counsel of God and partly so that you, knowing where we are, will read ahead and even study through the Bible on your own. I am teaching you how to teach yourself.
It has been said that many Christians read the Bibles but few Christians really study the Bible. Why don’t Christians study their Bibles?
1. Some never thought they could. They think it’s only for seminary student or preachers. They think its too hard to understand. No. God gave his Word so everyone could read it and simply understand it. He didn’t make it too complicated. After all He calls us the sheep of His pasture (dumb) not the dolphins of His pod.
2 Some think it’s boring. Maybe they tried but didn’t get much out because they didn’t know how. I had a friend tell me he started with Ezekiel because of the t-shirt company (he’d seen it written). Before long he was lost and didn’t get anything out of it. Maybe they aren’t truly born again, alive spiritually. Every Christian can testify how God’s word came alive once they received Jesus into their hearts. These people have never heard the voice of the Lord in His Word. There is nothing more exciting than that.
3. Another reason is that they have never been shown how. They aren’t sure where to start or what to do.Tips on starting out: Pick an easy book (narrative). Don’t start with prophecy. I had a friend start reading the Bible with Ezekiel because of the clothing company. He quit after a couple of days because it was tough to understand. Pick an easy version. Some people like the OKJ because its poetic but it is very hard to read. If thou art one of these, thou wouldst be advised…get something easier. I would suggest the NKJ or even the NIV. Be consistent. Don’t skip around but go through a book. It helps to know you’re getting somewhere.Better to do a little every day then 10 chapters once a month. Get the right tools. A notebook, a pencil highlighter and a pen are great to mark what the Lord is showing you. I have found when I make an investment in something I usually follow through.
Inductive Bible Study is three steps; observation, interpretation and application.Observation is looking; looking at what the text says. Interpretation is learning; learning what the text means. Application is living; how do I live this text practically?
This week we will look at the first part, observation, and practice on a text. Next week we’ll focus on interpretation and application.
Observation is the first step in Bible study. It can be the hardest step but it’s the most important.
To be a good student of the Bible we have to learn to look more carefully at things. (When I read the news I just scan. I browse to get the basic facts. When I read the Bible I slow down. Every word is inspired by God.
Prov 30:5 Every word of Godispure; Heisa shield to those who put their trust in Him.
Jesus said (Luke 4:4), “Man will not live by bread alone but by every Word of God.”
So in this step we just read carefully, examining the verses, picking them apart. Be like a Berean. The Bible says they were noble minded because they examined the scriptures every day (Acts 17:11). Read the text over a few times (in my message prep I will read a passage a dozen times). Just find out what it says. Be detailed and exact. Observation is taking the many parts and assembling them into the whole.
Pray the prayer of Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”Dig through the words like you’re looking for treasure. If it is a narrative put yourself in the characters’ shoes. Collect the facts about the text, asking questions like who, what, when, where, how?Rehearse the story again in your mind.
Epistles – These are letters. Consider the author, the audience, and themes
Parables – These are figurative stories. They use metaphor to teach a lesson.
Poetry – Look for repetition and patterns in the verse (not rhymes).
Prophecy – Look for symbolic language repeated themes.
You only want the facts. What does it say? It will be hard not to jump to conclusions (what it means) and applications at first but you will be happy if you can develop strong observation. Paraphrasing –putting it in your own word – can be helpful.
Once you have gotten the main point of a passage, you know what it says, now you move to what it means and then applying it.
Mark 2:1-12
Observations
Who is in the story? Jesus, Crowd, The paralytic, Four men, Scribes.
Where did this happen? In a house in Capernaum
What happened? -Jesus came to Capernaum again. –A crowd gathered in the house. -There was no room even at the door. -Jesus was preaching the word. –They brought four men carrying a paralytic. –They couldn’t enter so they went on the roof. –They broke a hole and lowered the man down. –Jesus saw their faith and forgave the man’s sins. –The scribes reason in their hearts that Jesus was blaspheming (only God can forgive sins). – Jesus perceived their thoughts and asks two questions. –“Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?” –“What is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven or rise and walk?’” –Then Jesus tells them they can know He has power to forgive sins by telling the man to rise take his bed and walk. –The man gets up takes his bed and walks out in front of everybody. –The crowd was amazed and the glorified God. –They said they’d never seen anything like it.
What are the paralytic’s problems?-Can’t walk. –Muscle atrophy –This man is helpless
How can this man get to Jesus? –Impossible without help
What kind of men were these 4? – Men of action. –They were persistent. –Men of faith. –Jesus saw their faith.
Why did Jesus say, “Your sins are forgiven?” –The man must have been guilty –Jesus sees a deeper need that physical healing. –Jesus heals him spiritually before physically
What are the scribes questioning? –Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. –Challenging the position Jesus took (God’s place to forgive sin)
When did Jesus answer their question? –Immediately while they were thinking it. -Jesus can read the hearts of men.
What did Jesus ask? –Why do you reason? –What is easier to say?
What does Jesus do? -Heals the man. –Proves that He can forgive
The point of the text is that Jesus can forgive sin.
Now I can move to interpretation in this text by asking:
13. What parallels are there between sin and paralysis? –Sin paralyzes you, hinders you.
14. Does this scene look like anything else? –A dead man being lowered by four pallbearers in a grave Jesus raises Him up and he comes out alive. -The Bible teaches we are dead in our sin but Jesus forgives us and makes us alive again.
15. Before Jesus you were bound and dead in sin. You couldn’t do anything. You needed to be forgiven and set free.
16. Do you see how important those men of faith are? They bring their friends to Jesus. It is a picture of the church carrying others to be healed and set free by Jesus.
17. Do you see how we need persistence and strength to bring people to Jesus? We might want to give up. We could be discouraged. We have to find a way.
Then we can apply this story by asking questions. Have you been forgiven like this man? Does your walk, like this man, cause others to glorify God? Do you have the faith to carry someone to Jesus?How would you do it? What kind of obstacles do you experience? How can you overcome them?
I want to challenge you to approach the Word this way every day this coming week. Do a chapter at a time or just the verses between the bold numerals. Get a notepad or journal and write down what it says and how God begins to speak to you. This is Biblical meditation (not emptying the mind but filling it).The “chewing of the cud” that God’s sheep do.Taste and see the Lord is good.
Menelik II was one of the greatest rulers in African history and the creator of modern Ethiopia. Born in 1844, he was captured during an enemy raid and held prisoner for 10 years. Escaping, he declared himself head of the province of Shewa. Menelik began conquering neighboring kingdoms and developed them into modern Ethiopia with himself as emperor. When Italy tried to take over Ethiopia Menekil's army met and crushed the Italians at the Battle of Aduwa. This victory, as well as his efforts to modernize Ethiopia (schools, telephones, railroads), make Menekil world-famous. The emperor had one little known eccentricity. Whenever he was feeling ill, he would eat a few pages of the Bible, insisting that this always restored his health. One day in December, 1913, recovering from a stroke and feeling extremely ill, he had the entire book of Kings torn from an Egyptian edition of the Bible, ate every page of it--and died.
2 Tim 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Isaiah 55 My Word which goes forth from my mouth will not return unto me void it will accomplish what I please and prosper where I send it.
Fighting is tough. Over the past couple of days I have visited a firend's gym where they train in mixed martial arts (mma). Though I have a solid wrestling base I am unfamiliar with striking and submission moves. Yesterday I went some rounds with a black belt in Jiujitsu, a 360 lb Somongan bear and a top notch boxer. Different skill sets altogether. For me, it has been a blast to grapple with these guys. I am able to learn from their strengths and give tips on wrestling moves. There is a mutual respect and comraderie that is unique to what I call "full contact ballet."
All this training reminds me that Jude says that we ought to "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 1:3). The word for "contend" is the word for wrestling or combat.
Paul told Timothy (2 TIm 3:16), "All Scripture is inpired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." He also told him (1 Tim 4:8), "Physical training has some value but godliness has value in all things."
Our charge is to strive against anything that comes against the orthodox teachings of the Christian Faith. We don't do it with punches or arm bars, but with a wielding of the truth. Our own lives and minds become the training ground for the faith.
We experience, spiritually, the windedness and aches that go with physical excercise too. Our enemy, the devil, wants to subdue us with discouragement or heartache. He wants us to tap out because of temptation. Sometimes we just get tired. The Lord says, "Don't grow weary in well doing, knowing that you will reap a reward." There is a prize at the end of all this fighting, a glorious reward in heaven.
I leave some things undone here at the blog. Maybe I should follow up with some details.
Things with the neighbors are great. After a few run ins I went over for a little pow-wow with the guys who were yelling at our kids to be quiet. Now I have no problem telling the kids to mellow out but their 9 year old was saying stuff like, "were gonna hurt you if you don't shut up." I talked with the dad and things are smooth. They still like to have big groups over for parties but they're good neighbors anyway. Oh, the guy on the other side with the the parking space stealing girlfriend? Haven't seen her car in a while. Maybe they broke up or sensed the vibe coming from our house. Who knows, they could read this blog. All in all things on our street are peaceable.
Things have developed with the kids hearing too. Meme is scheduled for the surgery we'd hoped to get. Remember the run in I had with the ENT (ear nose throat) Doctor? Turns out I was right all along. There is a flurry of details that I won't bother to write here. Nonetheless, my frustration was justified, my diagnosis was spot on, and we are moving toward surgery to remove the fluid from her middle ear. Ah, vindicated. It is good to get to this point, though I still wish I could have avoided that day's emotion.
Easter week was amazing. We had over 100 people celebrate Passover with us at the church. I was amazed with Dean's set up of the place (we put tarps on the carpet) and even more amazed when it was all vacuumed and replaced before 9 am the next day. Dean and Bob had come in around 7 and banged out the whole thing. It is a blessing to have deacons like that around.
The sunrise service was well attended. Close to three hundred people were there. We had made 250 bulletins and ran out. I think we may just do this spot every year. I am sure it will grow.
Our stage lights came in and were installed. Brandon and the guys put them up this week. Now we're tinkering with what colors look the best. Hopefully we can get our ducks in a row with audio, video, lights and our webpage so we can live stream our services.
If you have picked up a copy of the Star Bulletin this week you may have seen our ads. We have started to put spots in the papers to let the community know who we are and where we meet. I hope we will see more visitors come in to hear the Word. Pray for me that I teach the Word clearly to those newcomers and pray for them that they feel welcomed into our church family.
"I believe in Crystal Light cuz I believe in me." So says the commercials for Cyrstal Light iced tea (and other deliciously flavored drinks). Keren and I love the stuff, but I'll never get that theme song out of my head.
Too bad the words of that song are true. I do believe in me. In ministry and life this has been my greatest obstacle; self reliance. That's right, I have found that "believing in me" hinders true faith.
One thing God has revealed to me over the past four years pastoring South Shore is that I have less true faith than I thought and an over abundance of self faith. What do I mean?
I think God takes us seriously when we ask Him to do great things with our lives. Who wants mediocrity? Raise your hands...halfway.
No. We want to see God's hand move in our church, our job and our family don't we? When God begins to answer that prayer He has to take us places we wouldn't and couldn't go on our own, beyond our own abilities and resources.
When I can operate within the realm of current resources like personal gifting or money, ministry is easy. Then God begins to answer that prayer. Things change. I can't meet the budget anymore, my talent is failing to meet the challenges, I begin to feel in danger. All the things I have been doing in the comfort zone are in jeopardy because, unseen by me, God is doing a greater work. My faith is being tested. My belief in myself is still there straining under the weight of new challenges. My own ability cries out, "I can still do it. I can make ends meet." Like the disciples I am "straining at the oars." My faith in me has to fail so my faith in Him can grow. And this is how I know I have believed in myself, I get stressed out. My eyes aren't on the Lord. They are on the smallness of my abilities and the largeness of the circumstances. I panic. I worry. I fret.
Then God comes through.
I look back and wonder why I was stiving. Why did I put my family through my mood swings and my own body under such stress? Why did I burn the candle at both ends? Why did I doubt the Lord? Oh, it was because I was relying on my own strength while hoping to see God's hand.
Peter's few steps on the stormy sea are a good picture of this. While his eyes were on the Lord he did the impossible. When he focused on the waves he started to sink. Me too.
Now, my work is ministry but you face the same challenges. How will you look at life? Through the lens of your resources or through the lens of faith? Work, family, school...piling up to where you can't cope anymore? Focus on Jesus. What is He doing in your situation. He is answering your prayers to do a work in you greater than your own abilities. Refuse to stress out. Choose to rest in Him. He'll come through. You'll see.
Maybe we can change the words to that theme song and hum a different tune. "I believe in Jesus Christ, I don't believe in me." Whaddya think? OK, I'll keep my day job.
I let my last post stew for a whole day before I got to writing this out. What a great day it was on Sunday. You guys who helped out really made things run smoothly. The Ushers did excellent, the sound team and worship band worked extra hard (and long) to get things perfect, and the kids teachers were so great. What a start to what the Lord is doing in us and through us. I can hardly wait to see how He will be using us in the future.
One thing I am excited about is the Interest to go to Israel this year. We just got our itinerary with some details about payment. Some have asked if they can invite friends who don't come to our church. This is absolutely OK and encouraged. Here is SSCF's 2009 Israel Trip Itinerary
Passover is Wednesday night. Check this out. We'd thought of trying to put together the food on our own but the task became more daunting as the interest grew to close to 100 people. I called my friend Keith who run's Keneke's just to see if he could help us with the chicken. Turns out he has catered Seder's before and can prepare lamb too. I asked him to cater the whole thing. Now we can relax and enjoy everything without stressing. We do have quite a bit of setup though, but were going to have a blast. Please come celebrate with us.
The Sonrise service looks to be shaping up well. I think we might have more people that we initially expected. The response has been great. We have placed ads in the paper and our signs are on the road (you see them?). A number of folks have spoken with me about being baptized including a few kids. I am always glad to see the kids make a declaration of faith. Remember Jesus told us to be like kids to enter the kingdom of heaven. A childlike faith is the purest and well recieved in heaven. I think we may even be setting up and easter egg hunt after church. We can hang out on the beach drinking coffee while the kids wear themselves out egg searching.
Lights arrived this week. We are looking to install a pretty sweet lighting system. Our aim is to record our services for production. We will stream online and put the messages on local broadcasting. Brandon and I were excited to get them up but today I decided we'd better not try to do too much this week only to expirement on Sunday. We postponed installation till next week.
We have some great musical guests coming up in the next few months. Shai Linne will be back in April to bless us with some Hip Hop. Listen up yo, this rapper preaches theology with rhyme. Not possible you say? Check this out.Or this. Then we have our friend Moi who is just so great to worship with. Learn some somes here or here. My kids love to rock to his CD's. Buy them at iTunes. Then we also have Rodrigo Rodriguez. His classical guitar will bring you tears as it has for me on many occasions. Here is a sample.
Needless to say we have an exciting summer coming up. I believe the Lord is growing us into the next level for our church. It is amazing to watch what He is doing by His awesome power.
NOV. 24 – TUESDAY - DAY 1: We leave the States for a journey to the land where the Bible will unfold before our eyes. We will walk, see, feel and touch the roots of our faith, encounter the divine and sense His presence.
NOV. 25 – WEDNESDAY - DAY 2: Flying over the Atlantic Ocean and over Europe, we reach the shores of God’s land. Upon our arrival to the Ben Gurion airport we will be met by our guide and transferred to our hotel on the coast of the Mediterranean, for a wonderful buffet dinner and a good night rest.
NOV. 26 – THURSDAY - DAY 3: COASTAL PLAIN
After a rich Israeli breakfast we will begin our tour of Israel at Caesarea, city of Cornelius the Centurion, the first Gentile to convert (Acts 10). We will visit the Roman theatre, walk on the pier used by the apostle Paul on his way to Rome and see the impressive water aqueduct built by Herod the Great. Leaving the Mediterranean, we will travel north to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah held the contest with 450 prophets of Baal (I Kings 18). At noon, a memorable experience is awaiting for us, as we stop for a typical Falafel Meal at the Druze village of Daliat El-Carmel. The afternoon will be dedicated to a trip through the Valley of Jezreel. At Megido we will view the excavations of 21 superimposed cities, the remains from Solomon's days (I Kings 9). At the end of the day we will drive through Nazareth, where Jesus spent most of His life. We will make a stop at Mt. of Precipice (Luke 4) for a wondrous view of Nazareth and the Valley of Armageddon. We will drive by Cana of Galilee where Jesus performed His first miracle at the wedding feast (John 2) and continue to our hotel in the beautiful region of Galilee.
NOV. 27 – FRIDAY - DAY 4: AREA OF THE TRIBE OF DAN
Today is dedicated to the spectacular northern part of Israel. Following the accounts described in the Gospel of Luke chapter 9, we will drive through the Hula Valley to reach Mt. Hermon, where the miracle of Transfiguration occurred. We will visit the Banias, one of the headwaters of the Jordan River and site of Caesarea Philippi, where Peter confessed Christ's divinity. From there, we will continue to the Dan Nature Reserve. After a refreshing walk through the beautiful reserve and a taste from the cool water, we will discover the Jeroboam's Altar (I Kings 12). We will also see a city gate from the time of Abraham the Patriarch and learn about the importance of the gate in the social life of the city in the Old Testament times.
NOV. 28 – SATURDAY - DAY 5: AROUND THE SEA OF GALILEE
Today we will be visiting the places where Jesus spent most of his public life and the sites you have read about all of your life. Using a replica of the wooden fishing boat from the disciples’ time, we will sail on the Sea of Galilee and recall Jesus’ experiences with the fishermen. Our first stop will be at Capernaum, where Jesus taught in the synagogue and spent much of His ministry (Matthew 4). Then we will continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Christ preached the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Driving around the lake we will visit Tabgha place of the feeding of the 5000 (Matthew 14). In the afternoon we will stop by the Jordan River for a Baptism service in the same water Jesus was baptized in.
NOV. 29 – SUNDAY - DAY 6: JORDAN VALLEY - JERICHO - DEAD SEA
We will leave the beautiful Galilee and head down south to Beth Shean (I Samuel 31), a Decapolis Capital mentioned in the Gospels. We will stop here to walk on the ancient streets, view the steam Roman baths, the theatre, coliseum, market and temples. We will continue down the Jordan Valley to Jericho, the oldest city in the world and a beautiful oasis, (Joshua 3). At the end of the day we will visit Qumran, site of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery. A nice ride along the Dead Sea will bring us to our hotel, located in the lowest place in the world, 1300 ft. below sea level!
NOV. 30 – MONDAY - DAY 7: DEAD SEA AREA
We will start our day by visiting the astonishing ruins of Massada. Using a cable car we will reach Herod's magnificent fortress, site of Zealots' stand against Rome. Well preserved storehouses, cisterns and palaces will be among the features to visit. Our next stop will be at Ein Gedi, where David wrote some of his beautiful psalms. After a short hike we will reach the waterfall where David cut off Saul's skirt (I Samuel 24). Before returning to our hotel, we will visit the area of Sodom and Gomorrah and see its salt mines. We will enjoy the rest of the day swimming in the Dead Sea. Those who wish will be able to enjoy the hotel’s SPA as well.
DEC. 1 – TUESDAY - DAY 8: BEERSHEBA - PHILISTINE COUNTRY
We will begin the day crossing part of the Wilderness of Judea, where we will become acquainted with the Bedouin life. Our first destination will be Beersheba, where Abraham made the covenant with Abimelek and stop his wonderings (Genesis 21). We will visit the ancient city gate, some of the houses, the water system and the well dug by Abraham. Using the Gaza Road, which Philip rode with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8) we will reach Tel Maresha. The site was recently opened to the public, holding outstanding remains from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine days. We will also visit the Bells’ Caves, ancient quarries from which material was extracted for the production of cement 2000 years ago!!! At the Elah Valley you will be able to pick up your own stone from the brook where David slew Goliath (I Samuel 17). Towards the end of the day we will start ascending to the Golden City of the Mighty King: JERUSALEM.
DEC. 2 – WEDNESDAY - DAY 9: MT. OF OLIVES - NEW JERUSALEM
We begin the day at the Mt. of Olives with a magnificent overview of Jerusalem and an explanation of its history. Then, walk down the Palm Sunday road to the Garden of Gethsemane, site of Jesus' betrayal (Luke 22). We will continue to visit the City of David, Hezekiah's Tunnel and the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed the blind man, (John 9). In the afternoon we will leave the Old City and visit the modern part of Jerusalem. We will spend most of the afternoon at the Israel Museum. Here we will have a chance to visit the Model of Jerusalem during Jesus’ time to obtain an excellent perspective of the city at His time. We will visit the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed, and view the ossuary of Caiphas and Pontious Pilatus stone. Finally, at Yad Vashem, the museum of the Holocaust, we will better understand the miracle of Israel’s revival and return to the Land, as promised by God.
DEC. 3 – THURSDAY - DAY 10: OLD CITY - JEWISH QUARTER – SHEPHERDS’ FIELDS
We will begin our visit to the Old City with a quiet moment of prayer at the Wailing Wall. Then, we will visit the Temple Mount and the impressive Dome of the Rock. At the Ofel digs we will walk on the First century Street, used by pilgrims for centuries, while viewing the remains of the Temple and the steps that led to it. We will continue to the Jewish Quarter, to visit the extensive area uncovered by archaeologists, including the Burnt House and the Herodian Quarter, where we will see the interior of houses from Jesus’ time with ashes indicating Jerusalem’s destruction. We will walk through the Cardo and Hezekiahs Wall, towards the ArabMarket and bazaar and leave the Old City through the Jaffa Gate. We will end the day at the pastoral Shepherds’ Fields, where David raised his sheep and where the Good News about Jesus’ birth was received (Luke 2).
DEC. 4 – FRIDAY – DAY 11: FREE DAY
Throughout our Journey in the Holy Land we have come to see a variety of sites and experience profound emotions. This day will allow us to rest and absorb in much of the information e have come to obtain. You may want to use this day to re-visit a certain site, to stroll on your own or to do some shopping. Our tour bus will function as a shuttle bus and different activities will be suggested.
DEC. 5 – SATURDAY - DAY 12: JERUSALEM’S CHRISTIAN SITES
We will begin our last tour day in the city by retracing Jesus’ last steps in Jerusalem. After a visit to the Upper Room we will enter St. Stephen's Gate and come to the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the lame man (John 5). After a time of singing in St. Anne's Church, we will view the remains of the Antonia Fortress, site of Jesus' trial (Mathew 27). We then will follow the Way of the Cross out of the Damascus Gate to the Garden Tomb, the site of the crucifixion and culminate our tour with a communion at Calvary.
DEC. 6 – SUNDAY - DAY 13: Early departure for home, after fulfilling a lifetime dream of seeing, touching and breathing the very places we have only read about until now. Arriving home our Bible will never be the same, for it will be alive in front of our eyes and in our hearts forever.
The itinerary is as described but is subject to local conditions at the time of the tour. Itinerary may change at the discretion of the tour director(s) or land operators.
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INCLUDES: R/T Airfare from Los Angeles, R/T transfers between Airport & Hotels, Hotel Accommodations, 9-Day Tour of Israel with Guide, One Free Day with Bus, Breakfast & Dinner Daily, Three Lunches, All Entrance Fees, All Hotel Taxes, Current Airport Taxes (subject to change until ticketed), All Gratuities, Medical Insurance while in Israel (This medical insurance is not covered for travelers 75 or older and does notcover while in Bethlehem.), Personalized Name Badge, Document Case w/Luggage Tags, Int’l Phone Card.
HOTELS: 1 nt. Dan Caesarea, 4 nts. Nof Ginosar Tiberias, 2 nts. Daniel Dead Sea, 6 nts. Royal Jerusalem
PRICES: $3,200.00 per person, based on double occupancy from Los Angeles. Based on a minimum of 30 passengers per bus. Single supplement is an additional $525.00 and are limited. (Please note: Price is based on current airline taxes, which are subject to change until ticketed.)
PAYMENT: Deposit of $500.00 per person is due immediately to hold your space. Second payment of $500.00 per person due by June 15, 2009. Final payment due on or before September 15, 2009.
CANCELLATION INSURANCE: Cancellation insurance is highly recommended, as there are cancellation penalties that will apply. Please note that insurance must be taken out within 21 days of deposit to waive the pre-existing condition clause. Applications have been provided to the church. This insurance, besides trip cancellation insurance and other items, will also cover medical for travelers 75 years + and travelers inBethlehem (which is not covered above).
Tour is subject to all terms and conditions as listed in attached brochure.
Make checks payable to: Journeys Unlimited
Mail registration and payments to: Maria Lopez, South Shore Christian Fellowship, 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy. #E123A, Honolulu, HI 96825
Ok, here's the deal. I am going to post this account of my outrageously frustrating day. But I am doing it first because I want it to appear beneath the more important topic of Yesterday and my incredible gratitude for all the amazing help from you on our first 'two service' Sunday.
Sundays are long, usually 4am-10pm nonstop. Except last night I had to move our Easter sign b/c somebody complained that it was in the park (imagine that, complaining to the parks department about an invitation to church). No problem. It just meant today I was extra tired when we had to take our girls to the ear doctor. My girls have hearing problems (Chooch #1 and Meme #4) so we have been trying to address it over the past two months. It was our fifth visit to Kailua for various doctors. We had Chooch sized up for hearing aid. The price? 3000...per ear. Oh yeah, you laugh but I felt like crying...literally. After her $3000 braces this was an emotionally crushing price tag. OK, I swallowed hard, "Let's do it." Next was Meme. Her hearing is more complicated. She has what is called "glue ear" and is treatable with a relatively simple surgery, so says one doctor (he has practiced for about 50 years and is a little too old to do the procedure). He referred us to a colleague who could do the surgery.
Today was our second time with her and where my day went wrong. This new doctor is giving us the standard run around. Nobody want to do surgery apparently. I suppose the liability is too costly and insurance doesn't want to pay for it. On top of that the service was poor (previously my wife waited 1.5 hrs before being seen, having an appointment no less). This time they hadn't even bothered to get my daughter's medical charts from our family doctor (????).
Then the doc came in and said, "It looks like the problem is clearing up." When I disagreed our dialogue degraded. Then it got worse. Our conversation became combative. I can't even describe the whole scene. I am getting angry thinking about it. We had been there an hour and a half. We were told she was getting better, that she shouldn't have gone to the beach (she hadn't), that she wasn't supposed to be congested (oh now I was getting mad).
Did I mention "combative?" I grew so frustrated and angry that, and knowing my own blood's boiling point, I excused myself to my wife and left the office with our other children. Breathing heavy, I walked the kids over to McDonald's to play on their indoor slides. I was still livid though. Now I was thinking about what had gone wrong and it was making things worse.
Oh wait, In Mickey D's they had a TV on playing CNN. Argh!!!! First "global warming" and how we have to buy green to save the economy, then it was a piece on Sarah Palin's daughter's boyfriend who broke off their relationship. Are you even serious? This is news? It is more like a soap opera rerun (it drives me nuts the way these people cannot let go of their character assasination fearing this godly woman ever runs for office again). After that it was Obama talking about how much he appreciates Islam and how important his own Muslim heritage has meant to him. Whaaaaaa???? Man, the campaign must be over. All that "I'm a Christian, I'm a Christian, I AM A CHRISTIAN!!" has changed to "We have been enriched by Muslims...I know because I am one of them." Whoa Nelly, I try to avoid politics, having had my fair share of six years in office. But this guys is the most energizing force for conservatives....ever. Slow down with the New World Order, the foreign abortion funding, the bank takeovers, the backbreaking debt to my children bailout package, the firing of GM's CEO (now "Government Motors), the "China says dump the dollar and my main man Geitner agrees that we should talk about it," this man is nuts, an idealogue too popular, too naive to even know how ridiculous loberal policies are and too ignorant to even know the difference. I stay away from talking about these things in church because I want to reach even liberal with the gospel but c'mon "Islam is a great religion. I beleive that all the world, muslim christian or any other religion prays to the same God...We convey our deep appreciation for the Islamic faith which has done so much to shape the world for better." Uhm, like what Mr. President? Like what? How has Islam shaped the world for better? I like baklava as much as the next guy but "shaped the world for better?" I think not. Seriously, can somebody be so ignorant to even try to say this with a straight face? He can't be that insane can he?
OK, needless to say, CNN didn't make my morning any better.
I can write all this now with a cool head but I was near losing it then. All these things put together (and others which I fail to mention) piled on me nearly breaking my sanity. Headlines flashed across my mind; "Fundamentaist Pastor goes Nuts. Destroys McDonalds in Rampage." Words that I didn't think were still in my vocab were coming to mind. I was in a near freefall.
Then things settled down and it turned out to be a pretty good day after all. Maybe I'll post that in another column and we can just flush this one away as "one of those days."
I have been thinking about the characters around the cross. Surrounding the crucifixion is an interesting mix of people. They all respond to Jesus in different ways but not much differently than people do today. We havent changed much really. After all these years we still have the same weaknesses and strengths. Mark 15 begins with the delivery of Jesus to Pontius Pilate.
Pilate was a politician and was torn about Jesus. He knew Jesus was innocent but couldn't go against the crowd and jeopardize his popularity. Like all bureaucrats he eventually deflected responsibilty and washed his hands of guilt. People are like this. We have a tendancy to follow the crowd and avoid tough choises that cost us. We all fall to peer pressure don't we? We've followed trends and done silly things. Remember the 80's? MC Hammer pants. Need I say more? We can't do this with God. We will all stand before the Lord and answer for what we did with Him. We need to be able to say with the chorus, "The cross before me the world behind me, no turning back....though none go with me still I will follow, no turning back, no turning back." Jesus was being tried but Pilate was the one on trial. What will you do with Jesus.
Then we read about Barabbas. He was slated for crucifixion that day. In its iron control Rome killed thousands. Barabbas was next. He was a patriot and a terrorist, probably a killer. He deserved to die. That day Jesus would be the one pinned to the cross and not Barabbas. He would get off and be freed but Jesus would die in his place. If anyone could say those words, Barabbas could; "Jesus died for me." We don't know anything more about this man but the scene shows us something about substitution. Jesus takes our place under God's judgment so we can go free. He died so we could live.
Then there is Simon of Cyrene. This man was from north Africa and coming to Jerusalem for a visit he was chosen to carry the cross for Jesus. Roman soldiers could place the flat of the sword on your shoulder and say "Carry this stuff." You had to for a mile, it was the law. Jesus, totally exhausted, collapses under the weight of the cross. The soldier, trained to avoid riots, chooses the foreigner to carry the crossbeam. Of all names, God has a Simon, another Simon in place of the one who denied, to follow Jesus to Calvary. This man represents what we all have to do, follow Jesus, carrying the cross. "If anyone would come after me let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me." Simon did that, literally and the NT seems to indicate that it was so profound that it affected and saved him and his whole family.
Finally there is the Roman centurion who confessed, "Surely this man was the Son of God." He watched the whole scene just as he had presided over hundreds, even thousands, of executions. He'd heard criminals curse and spit and plead for help. But Jesus was different. No venom on His lips, no pleading, just love, forgivenenss and grace until He dismissed His own spirit. The impact of it, along witht he darkness and earthquake of that day, cause this hardened soldier to understand that Jesus was the Son of God. You can learn that from watching His life or watching His death. Jesus is the Son of God.
Sitting at my Americano browsing the posts I get infrequently. I thought I'd post some appreciation for what you've had to say. As far as a blog goes, we don't banter and debate here. So when it comes to posting comments some of you might think they don't get seen. In fact all posts come to me email right away (sometimes spam is posted that I have to remove). I read and assimilate everything that is mentioned and put it in the brain tank for consideration. So thanks. Keep the ideas coming. I love what you have to say.
For about a year now we have had a vacant house next door to us. Prior to that one older Japanese man named Larry lived there. He was a sweet guy and a great nieghbor, but he sold the house and moved away. Well some new people moved in. No this isn't the kid on the other side whose girlfriend likes to take my parking spot. These are other parking pirhanna, but they are a whole family. Sounds nice right? Wrong. I didn't realize how spoiled we were with the peace and quiet we had. Now we've got smokers right outside our kitchen and parties in the driveway (it's like an endless tailgate party out there). Now, as I sit in bed, I have come to realize they have parakeets. How do I know? They are chirping into my bedroom. Hmmm what a joy. Oh, earlier their ten year old yelled at my kids, "Hey, how come you're so loud. Are you crazy? Be quiet!!" Whoa-ho-ho. This is gonna be exciting. Anyone got a farm they'd like to sell?
I, like many Pastors, like to take Monday off. Unfortunately the world doesn't stop just because I am tired. Mondays are busy and today is no acception.
We had the back windows of the church tinted today. It will keep it cooler and allow us to moderate our lighting.
I had to clean off the pen drawings someone had etched into the fabric of the chairs. (????) I don't get people sometimes. Maybe it is one of the kids.
I am having signs made for the Sunrise Service at Sandy Beach as well as signs for the new service times. I have found that many people are just hearing that we are there.
A newspaper guy came in to sell some ad space. We have something in the Midweek once a month but are considering expanding.
Last week Rick painted the soundbooth. It looks so much nicer. This week Johann is painting fish and turtles in the kids classrooms. It is gonna look super cool.
Passover is coming quick. I hope we can get some help with the setup and clean up. We'll be eating but I don't know how many will come. Can you help with the drinks, covering the carpet, setting up tables, preparing a traditional Jewish Passover dish? We could use your help.
Visited Owen today, whose wife went to be with the Lord a couple of weeks ago. Sometimes the greatest need in ministry is to be a friend to people. You can do that. Hmmm, I wish we had a team of people who went into care homes.
We finish Leviticus this coming Sunday night. I have been thinking about doing some End Times perspective stuff. Everyday I look at the news it seems the things in the Bible are coming to pass. There is an acceleration like I haven't seen in years, especially with our current administration, where we are racing toward the precipice. Maybe we could do a weekly update summarizing the news and giving a biblical worldview on it. My friend JD Farag does that for his midweek and says there is a great response from the people. Appearantly other churches aren't covering end times so they come to hear from him.
Thats what they say after service. I wonder if they heard a different message than the one I gave. I am so grateful that all I do is read the Bible and comment on it. I always have enough material and if anything good comes from it we all know it is the Lord's doing. Tonight we cover Leviticus 21-24. It is funny to meet people who think we do the same service three times a week. When I tell them we are covering 3 books of the Bible they are surprized. I think I do it because I need to go through that much Bible just to keep be sharp. Well, the eyelids are getting heavy. Sunday afternoon nap approaches.
This morning we continue our look at Peter's fall and denial. We all stumble, Peter's errors will guarantee it. Lets avoid these pre-cursors to trupping up.
1. Peter argued with Jesus. Once you begin to debate issues with the Son of God you are on shaky ground. This holds true with the scripture too. "Though they all stumble I will not," was Peters version of "that verse doesn't apply to me." Be careful when you areue with the Word of God.
2. Boast in your own strength. You are above other followers and not suceptable to falling like those weaklings. That is what Peter felt anyway. "Let no man think more highly of himself than he ought."
3. Prayerlessness. "Simon, are you sleeping? You could not watch with me one hour." Put a low priority on prayer and you're bound to stumble. Leonard Ravenhill said that pastors who didn't spend 2 hours a day in prayer arent worth a dime a dozen. Wow, Lord help me pray.
(these are what we'll get to today)
4. Swinging the wrong sword. Peter weilded his own blade instead of the sword of the Spirit. In other words, he trusted in the strength of the flesh instead of the power of the Spirit. Jesus can knock down the crowd with a gentle "I am" but Peter's wild blows only cut off ears. Be careful what you rely on.
5. Peter followed at a distance. To avoid being identified as a genuine follower of Jesus some like to keep a safe distance in their walk. This is a set up for failure. Get close, be ID'd, be marked as a Christian at work and play. It is the safest place to be. The wolf is not afraid of a wayward sheep, only the shepherd. Get close to Him.
6. He warmed himself at the fire of the enemy. It's cold out there in the world if you're not close to Jesus. In His passion, He sweat in the garden, but at a distance Peter needed warmth. The world has it's comforts, in this cold dark world. Avoid them. The booze, sex, parties, entertainment, and drama in this life is no substitute for Jesus. Once it takes the center it drains and leave you temptable like never before.
7. Not in Mark 14 but true nonetheless, don't let Jesus wash your feet. Peter fought the Lord over His service to him.
8. Don't take the Lord's warnings seriously. "Satan asked about you...wants to sift you like wheat" said Jesus. Scary stuff, but Peter had forgotten that there was a spiritual was going on.
Oh boy, I hope I can orgaize some of these things for the church's edification.
Dazzling lights dance across a dark stage and land on a beardless young man sitting in the hot seat. The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire theme song revs up as the young man answers his first multiple choice question in the smash-hit movie,Slumdog Millionaire.
Last month, fans of the Indian movie cheered as Slumdog breezed its way across the red carpet of the Academy Awards ceremony, grabbing eight Oscars, including best picture.
I should tell you that the film is rated R for its gritty subject matter and its intense (but not graphic) portrayal of child abuse, forced prostitution, torture, and gang violence. And I do not recommend it for young children.
Slumdog tells the story of 18-year-old Jamal Malik, who wins India’s version ofWho Wants to Be a Millionaire. He triumphs, not because he is a genius, but because the events of his tragic life feed him the answers to every question.
As Jamal sits in the hot seat, his mind flashes back to his childhood in the slums, the death of his mother in a Hindu raid of his Muslim compound, the months he spent as a child slave, the dozens of odd jobs he took to make ends meet, and the heartbreak of watching his brother whisked up into gang violence.
Throughout the harrowing events of Jamal’s life, his heart remains true to Latika, the girl he loves. Despite years of separation, Jamal continues to search for her, eventually appearing on Millionaire, hoping that Latika might see him on TV and try to find him. Jamal and Latika’s relationship brims with youthful purity and faithful love, which stands in stark contrast to many typical silver-screen romances defined by sexual immorality and infidelity.
But that’s not the only element that makes Slumdog’s Oscar recognition so notable. The film also confronts the typically postmodern and nihilistic themes that run through many Academy Award-winning films. Instead of bowing to an existential worldview that claims that it’s up to everyone to create his own destiny, Slumdog asserts that there is an overarching narrative that governs our lives. While calling the film “Christian” would be going way too far, the plot brims with a sense of transcendence.
Even Danny Boyle, the director, who as far as I know does not espouse Christianity, can’t deny that his films recognize the presence of something beyond the physical realm. As he told Christianity Today, “there is something out there,” which is “bigger, wider than we can accommodate at the moment.”
But maybe the most remarkable thing about Slumdog is its happy ending. Like the story of our redemption through Christ, Slumdog is filled with plenty of tragedy, but it doesn’t end on a dark note. Perhaps we’ve grown so accustomed to tragic endings, that we’ve forgotten that we’re hardwired for joyous conclusions.
But don’t take my word for it. If you didn’t get a chance to see this exquisitely artful and exceptionally optimistic film, don’t worry. It comes out on DVD March 31st.
A film as hopeful and redeeming as this one is definitely worth watching.
I've got Mark on the mind. We are in chapter 14 and covering Peter's denial tomorrow. There is so much here about failures of faith. Jesus announces the betrayal of Judas and warns Peter of his coming denial and then tells all the disciples that they will abandon Him.
I have been thinking about that problem we all face from time to time; weak faith. But what is the difference between stumbling, denial and betrayal? Stumbling is to experience faltering faith, denial is a temporary suspension of faith and betrayal is utterly abandoning faith.
Stumbling is our most common failure of faith. James says (3:2), "we all stumble in various ways." The disciples stumbled when they ran away from the Lord in the garden. It is to doubt the Lord, to be ashamed to be identified as a Christian. We stumble when we fail in time of trial or conflict. When the going gets tough, the stumblers hit the road. They bail out for the time being.
Denial is more serious. It is a public rejection of Jesus. Peter disavowed a relationship with Jesus saying, "I don't know the man." We are called to deny ourselves. It is possible to deny the Lord. The temptation in the world is to fit in, to be accepted and praised as 'one of the crowd.' I have done this. When I was in 6th grade I thought it would be uncool to know about Jesus around Easter. I said to my firends "its about that Jesus guy." Aside from not getting the affirmation I'd hoped for, I was overcome with guilt, knowing immediately what I had done. Oh, the shame. 2 Tim 2:12 says "If we deny Him, He will deny us" but goes on to say "If we are faithless He remains faithful for He cannot deny Himself." Peter denied the Lord but would be forgiven (as would I), but imagine the catastrophe of being denied by Jesus. To some Jesus will say, "Depart from me I never knew you." That is reserved for the last group; betrayers.
Betrayal is a complete rejection of Jesus. It is abandoning faith altogether and becoming Jesus' enemy. Judas did this. I have known some to do this too. It is tragic and sad. Stumbling and denial are recoverable but betrayal is not. Jesus said it would better for Judas to not even be born. But how do I know the difference between denial and betrayal? They can look the same for a while can't they? Judas and Peter both felt remorse. Both wept. So what is the difference? It is the same difference between conviction and condemnation; the direction you are driven. Conviction draws me to Jesus but condemnation drives me away. Judas did not come for forgiveness. Peter did. Judas ran to the noose but Peter ran tot the tomb. That is the difference, if a person comes to the Lord or not.
Someone might be in a gross state of denial, totally faithless and wiped out spiritually. It looks like they have utterly betrayed the Lord. Maybe. Maybe not. How do I know? Galatians 6 says, "if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." Can they be restored? If so, it was suspended faith, a season of disbelief. Praise the Lord they were brought back. If they die in a state of unbelief, never confessing the Lord again, they died in their sins and it would have better to not have been born.
This is why fellowship is so important. We need to be encouraged by each other. We need to stay close to other Christians lest our faith grow cold and weak. I recently started working out again after a long time off. One of my fellow wrestling coaches meets me at the gym to hit the weights. I have found that having a partner dramatically increases my will and stamina in the gym. If it were not for that appointment I might not even show up. Church is like that. The more involved you are the more likely you will be to show up...on time. To avoid stumbling, be so involved that you can't flake out. Maybe that's why God has called me to be a pastor. He knows that if I wasn't I might not show up.
Born and raised in Hawaii. I am the Pastor of South Shore Christian Fellowship (a Calvary Chapel). Married to Keren with four daughters (Rachel, Yael, Gabrielle, and Carmel) and a son (WDS IV "the dude")
