OBSERVE: In chapter 12; we observe great things appear in heaven: a cosmic, pregnant woman and a red dragon, which turns out to be Satan. War breaks out as Michael the archangel leads the heavenly forces to defeat Satan. Following in chapter 13; we observe on earth a series of beasts blaspheming God, oppressing the saints, and insisting on conformity to ways that are idolatrous.
Of particular focus in chapter 13; we read about the Lamb who was slain at the creation of the world and how all those in the Lamb’s book of life will be safe. Then we read about the beast who oppresses God’s faithful; who has a number of a person. INTERPRET: Chapter 13 tells us the beast who is oppressing God’s faithful has “the number of a person” and his number is 666 or, in some Greek manuscripts, 616. But what does this mean? Historical readings usually take the number as a reference to Nero, the Roman emperor famous for persecuting Christians. In Hebrew, letters of the alphabet also serve as numerals (a system called “gematria”), and when “Neron Caesar” is written in Hebrew, the letters have a numerical value equal to 666, while the Hebrew letters for “Nero Caesar” have a value of 616. Other scholars have noted an alternative connection to a different emperor, Domitian. Idealist readings usually take the number as a symbol for anyone supremely evil. Just as the number “seven” represents what is pure or perfect, the number “six” symbolizes impurity or imperfection. A threefold six is “triple bad” and anyone who repeatedly fails or opposes God may have earned this number. Futurist readings usually assume the number to be a code for an evil person who still is to come into the world at the end of times. APPLICATION: While scholars have gone back and forth attempting to discern the real meaning of 666; our focus needs to be on verse 13:8: “All habitants of the earth will worship the beast – all those names that have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.” There is an obvious progression in the Old Testament in terms of God’s provision of a sacrifice for sin. First God provided one lamb for one person – Abraham offered a ram in the place of his son Isaac. Next God provided one lamb for one household. This happened at the first Passover, when every family in the covenant community offered its own lamb to God. Then God provided one sacrifice for the whole nation on the Day of Atonement; a single animal for the sins of Israel. But all these lambs were just preparing us for the coming of the Christ. They were signs pointing to salvation in Christ’s sacrifice. Finally the day came when John the Baptist “saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1: 29). This was God’s plan for provision all along: one Lamb to die for one world. By his grace God has provided a lamb – “the Lamb who was slain”. This wonderful truth needs to be our focus. We are safe and in the Lamb’s book of life because we believe in the atoning sacrifice of THE Lamb of God. We need to live lives that focus on the victory of the Lamb and not allow ourselves to be disoriented by what already has been defeated. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people. PRAYER: Holy God; you always give to me what you ask from me. Again and again I see that your demands are not burdensome but that in Christ you provide for me everything you require of me. Help me to focus on you and your victory and not dwell on what you have already defeated. AMEN. SONG: REVELATION SONG Blog Post 45 – Revelation 4-6
Observe: Revelation 4 is describing the Throne of God in heaven, surrounded by a rainbow that appeared to be made of emerald, 24 smaller thrones atop which sat 24 elders robed in white and crowned with golden crowns; there was lightning flashing all around with peals of thunder, as well as seven torches. All of this was encompassed by a sea that looked like glass or crystal. There were mighty angelic creatures all around which never ceased to say: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.” John then describes the One who sits upon the throne as holding forth a scroll sealed with seven seals as an angel cried out “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” Nobody is able to come forth as worthy and John is overwhelmed with sadness. Then one of the elders assures him, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” They all watch on as a Lamb comes forth before the throne, looking as it if had been slain, taking the scroll to Himself. At this point, everyone present falls down and sings a new song, and saying “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” The following chapter goes on to describe in detail the opening of the seven seals. Interpret/Application/Question: If we thought there was too much in any given chapter in the bible to interpret in any one blog, that feeling is tripled for any point in the book of Revelation! It is a book that relies heavily on symbolism and imagery to convey meaning, the exploration of which is far too great an undertaking. I’ve decided to focus on the main picture here of Lamb who is Worthy. The Gospel of John (I know, different John) goes to great lengths to emphasize Jesus as the Passover Lamb. Just as Paul calls Jesus the second Adam who takes sin, or Jesus as the better Moses by whom we walked in a fulfilled law through faith, Jesus is also the better Passover lamb under whose blood anyone can take refuge from death. As a perfect spotless lamb was sacrificed, whose blood was smeared on the rough wooden lintels (horizontal piece of wood that spans the top of a door frame) of the Israelites in Egypt, to save them from death, so Jesus whom John the Baptist called “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” (John 1:29) was sacrificed on our behalf. It was His blood smeared on the rough lintel of the cross under which, between two hands pierced and open to the world, we all find refuge from death and the forgiveness of sin. We have all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God and are relegated from His presence. However, Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin on your behalf and on mine. He underwent the worst form of torture and death, even though He had done no wrong and committed no sin, so that by His precious blood we may be saved, purified, justified, sanctified, and eventually glorified. This Son of God emptied Himself and became nothing, identifying Himself with sinful humanity, and in an act of incredible grace and love died in our stead. He was raised from the dead as proof of who and what He is. It is this Lamb who is worthy to do what we see in Revelation. He is God’s own Son, the second person of the Trinity, and the only one worthy to initiate that which must take place in the book of Revelation, for He has been exalted to His original place of glory, seated at the right hand of God the Father, interceding on our behalf and welcoming to the fold any who call upon His name. He offers free comfort, forgiveness of sin, grace unmeasured, joy, peace, salvation, and everlasting life to anyone who calls upon His name! The Lamb of God in Revelation is the same one whose birth we mark around this time of year. Don’t let December come and go without dwelling on the fact that we all owe our very life to Christ in the most intimate ways and by the most obvious ways. Have you taken time to truly reflect on the miracle of Christmas? If it stirs nothing in your soul or mind after much thought, I pray that you take even more time and clear away that which has clouded your spirit. This life is too short to live only halfway for Christ. If there be found idolatry or pride or selfishness in any of us, let it be rooted out at its foundation to make way for the coming Saviour. Amen! Prayer: Father God, thank you for sending your Son that we might be forgiven and know the true joy of being right with you. We pray for an increase of joy and knowledge of exactly who you are and what you’ve done for us. Let us never take our eyes off you as we navigate these treacherous times and give us new hope that each day you bear us up on your shoulders. Amen! Song: Build My Life (Pat Barrett) Text Rev. 1-3 (Ps 40)
Observe An angelic being (angelos = messenger, watcher) reveals a series of visions to the exiled apostle John, which he must record. (1:1) With beatitudes for those who hear and keep what is written (1:3), John greets the churches, speaking of him who was and is and is to come (1:5), Jesus, loving His church, made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father (1:6). John, in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day (1:10) tries to describe his vision of Jesus glorified. John falls as dead, but Jesus, the messenger, revives him. Jesus holds the keys to Death and Hades (18b). John must write to the angels of seven churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey[LM1] ) We read his letters to the angel of the church in (city). God has appointed an angel (seven stars) to guard each church. (1:20; 2,3) Interpret “Squeeze John and you get the Old Testament,” says a writer. Revelation is full of hyperlinks and John often repurposes Hebrew Bible references. Numbers are significant in apocalyptic writing: seven symbolizes perfection or completion (watch for it!). Other symbols in these chapters: Lampstands (1:12,20) with seven branches, (recalling the constantly burning menorahs in the Temple), are the seven Asian churches, lights in the surrounding darkness. John sees Christ walking among the churches. Daniel 7 speaks of the ‘son of man’; here, One like a son of man (1:13) moves in the midst of the lampstands (2:1); Christ is the centre of worship in His church. Sash (1:13): worn around the waist, a priest readies for battle; around the chest, a king reigns on His throne. Priest, King… and Ancient of Days. Stars (1:16, 20): the angels of the seven churches[LM2] . Jesus holds them in His right hand as they guard the churches. Keys: denoting authority. Jesus’ possession of ‘keys to death and Hades’ shows his authority over these fearful things. Hades/Sheol were not places but Structure of the letters (2, 3): Each begins with, “To the angel…”; includes an image/symbol taken from chapter one; “I know your works…”, a commendation or criticism; what God will do; His promised reward to the faithful; each ends with, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Lord says to the churches.” These churches were not the only ones in Asia, but characterize the church in the named city. (the words “Church” or “churches” occur 19 times in chapters 1-3, but not after chapter 4-end.) Ephesus: the mega-church. Rich, comfortable -- spiritually cold. No repentance? Their lampstand will be removed. (There is no church there today.) But the victorious will eat of the tree of life in paradise. Smyrna: the persecuted church. No rebuke. Poor, slandered, but loved and encouraged by Jesus as He tells them they will suffer. Faithfulness will win them the crown of life, the ‘second death’ will not touch them. (Modern Izmir, Turkey, with an estimated 70,000 Christians.) Pergamum: the impure church. The ‘Nicolaitans’ (nikos = victory; laos = people), a pagan sect, promoted idolatry and immorality; many in the church fell for this. God will use His double-edged sword if there is no repentance, but for the few faithful, a white stone gives them entry into God’s life. Thyatira: the compromised church. Longest letter. Noted for textile and purple dye industries (Phoebe in Acts 16, from Thyatira, dealt in these). ‘Jezebel’, a false prophetess, blended worship of Baal and Yahweh, encouraged sexual immorality. To those struggling to flee the deep things of Satan with its attractions of power and occult knowledge, Jesus says, Hold fast what you have until I come. The morning star, bright light emerging from darkness, is theirs. Sardis: the dying church. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead, a horrifying indictment of the institutional church. Unless they wake up, Jesus will come like a thief in the night (Mt ). The few faithful will wear white garments, their names etched in the book of life. Philadelphia: the steadfast church. No rebuke for this small church; the rewards for its faithfulness are many. The open door recalls Jesus as Good Shepherd, His sheep free to go in and out while He keeps them safe from predators (Roman empire). He has the key of David and gives them this sign of His power and authority. Laodicea: the self-deceived church. (laos = people; diké = justice) Lukewarm, robbed of their love, passion, zeal for God by the culture. If no repentance, He will spit them out of his mouth. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, wanting to be let in, as if He has lost His authority! Because they don’t need Him, ironically, they’ve switched positions; Jesus is outside, they’re in. Their self-sufficiency (and lack of self-knowledge) is historically true: a massive earthquake in 60 AD destroyed the city but Laodicea refused help even from the Emperor. Jesus warns for conviction, not condemnation. He loves them! Apply A challenge: Removing 21st century blinders while thinking 1st century! The many symbols are rich, dazzling, puzzling, codes for early Christians under state/Satanic persecution. So we ask: Who was this letter for? Why? What was their understanding at the time? How does this relate to the Hebrew Bible? Instead of speculation, let’s look, look, look until we see that Revelation (and the entire Bible) unveils Jesus, faithful Witness, Redeemer and Saviour. The struggle is ongoing: divisions, self-centredness, complacency, resisting authority, immorality, syncretism, apathy, hard hearts, indifference, pride, coldness/lukewarmness … has anything changed? In our humbly accepting correction, holding fast to what God has given, repenting (often!), hearing and heeding His commands, Christ of the lampstands and the two-edged sword walks among us. Centred in His light and truth, we love Him above all else, love one another. We look forward with joy to His return, taking His promises, rebukes and affirmations to heart. He loves us! Ask Which church do we resemble? Suffering Smyrna/Izmir? Steadfast Philadelphia? Lord, would You help us read, hear, and take to heart this word? So we don’t become complacent or lukewarm, would You strengthen us to hold fast to You? Pray: Jesus, give us ears to hear what You say to our church, obedience to carry out Your commands, and Philadelphian steadfastness to resist this noisy culture. Come, Lord Jesus! Sing Guy Penrod Revelation Song https://youtu.be/A3IUqz10ARE Ps. 40: Steve Angrisano Here am I Lord https://youtu.be/p1EI3hojkYY Ps. 40: Choir of Liverpool Cathedral https://youtu.be/wmfAyXG_eVk Ps. 40 (A New Song): New Hope Oahu https://youtu.be/oDXMZEgDhNo “Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion……….
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 11, 20-21 Jude (Psalm 39) Observe
I encourage you to watch the Bible Project Video (click here). Jude is a brother of Jesus who came to see Him as the Christ after His resurrection. Jude now calls himself a servant of that same Jesus. He is writing, it would seem, to Jewish believers as he refers in detail to Jewish history and writings. Essentially his message is a call for the Church to persevere and remain true to the faith. He warns against godless men and teachers who pervert the truth, calling others into rebellion against God and sexual immorality. He details their end by describing the eternal separation from God and punishment that awaits. To link to our ‘application’ section, (see below), let me briefly focus on Cain, Balaam and Korah. Cain did not worship God in truth, sin crouched at the door to his heart; it mastered him and he murdered his brother (Genesis 4: 1-8). Balaam had a covetous heart (Numbers 22-24) and he led God’s people into sin (Numbers 25: 8, 16). Korah rebelled against Moses’ guidance when the sons of Aaron and the tribe of Levi were made the priests of the nation; he wished to exercise a role he had no right to (Numbers 16: 1-35). The first gave his heart to sin, the second with a covetous heart led others into sin and the third had a heart of pride rejecting the authority God had put in place. All rebelled against God. Instead God’s people are to humbly submit to God through faith. This keeps them in God’s love and enables them to watch over their brothers and sisters in Christ. Their reward is eternal life. Application As the Bible project video states, God’s Grace demands a whole life response. Following Jesus means full obedience. This is how we show our love for God and remain in Him (John 15:10). We may go the way of Cain and not fully worship God in truth, rejecting His Kingship. This means we will worship other things which will eventually master us and potentially destroy us (Jude 10). We may go the way of Balaam and covet what we haven’t got. With a dissatisfied heart we may lead others into sin. Or, like Korah, we may reject the authority God has established in His Church and cause division as our pride demands another route. Instead let us work to build others and ourselves up in the faith, praying in the Holy Spirit and remaining in God’s love through full obedience. May God be the true King of our hearts. The Question of Application What do we hear and see in our world that may draw us away from God? How might we build ourselves or another up in the faith and in God’s love? Prayer In God’s strength, and in His Spirit though Jesus Christ, may we build others and ourselves up in the faith. May we give glory to Him who is able to keep us from stumbling and to present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy. To the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and for evermore! Amen Amen From Jude Praise King of Kings sung by St. Aidan’s The King of my Heart by Bethel Music December 12th – Les Kovacs 2 John 1, 3 John 1
Observe: In the 2nd letter of John, the Elder writes to a church that he is filled with joy to hear that they are walking in truth as the Father commanded. He encourages them to continue in one command that they were told in the beginning, which was to love one another. If they walk in love, they will obey the Fathers commands. He reminds them of this because there had reports of false teachers travelling the region who do not acknowledge Jesus coming into the world. These people are deceivers and the church must nothing to do with them. Listening to them would only implicate the church in their wicked works. In the 3rd letter of John, the Elder writes to a friend named Gaius. He is overjoyed to hear of his faithfulness to the truth and asks him to welcome other brother and sisters who are spreading the true Gospel, even if he doesn’t know them, and so work together with them for the truth. However, there is a leader in Gaius’ church that is not to be trusted. Diotrephes opposes John and spreads lies about him. He also refuses welcome the missionaries, and anyone who supports them in their work, Diotrephes throws out of the church. John will set matters right when he comes to visit them later. He recommends Gaius emulate a man named Demetrius who does what is good. Interpret: John warns the church about false teaching. Right from the beginnings of the early church, deceivers have been trying to distort the true Gospel for their own gain. They have spread distorted truths, partial truths, and outright lies about the salvation message Jesus taught. The church must constantly be on guard against such false teachings and not get caught up in the deceptions. Not only does John warn about false teaching, but he also points out that even some of those who claim to adhere to the truth, and even be leaders in the church, can succumb to the sin of pride and abuse their position of power. We are to imitate only those whose lives truly reflect the goodness of God. Application: When John encourages us to walk in the truth, he is means we are to follow the teachings of Christ. When we follow His teachings, we live in a lifestyle were we “love one another” (1:5), a clear reference to the commandment of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of Christ according to John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” In this letter John connected this love with walking “according to His commandments” This echoes the teaching of Christ the gospel, where the He told His followers, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Therefore, as people who walk in the truth, we must, as a consequence, also be people who love others and love God. Our love is driven by our obedience to Him. Furthermore, if we sincerely follow His commands, we will avoid being ensnared by false teachings. In his first letter to the church, 1 John 4:1, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Having a good grasp of scripture and trustworthy, mature Christian friends and pastors will help us to test new ideas, to determine if they of God or not. John used the words love and truth to describe a life of obedience, and he used the example of Diotrephes to illustrate the dangers of going down the wrong path. As Christians, we have a responsibility to live according to the truth we find in the life and ministry of Jesus. This includes caring for those who serve God’s people. Jesus was surrounded by people who took care of Him. Supporting church leaders requires a level of trust and acceptance that is not necessarily required in other areas our everyday lives. It forces us to step out of our comfort zones and into a territory where we must place our trust in God. Questions: How often have we heard something from our cultural environment and just accepted it at face value without critically thinking whether it actually lines up with the truth of scripture? Have you ever tested anything against scripture? Would you be willing to challenge it if scripture said it was wrong? Prayer: Heavenly Father, we ask you to guide us to walk in your truth by obedience to your will for us. Help us to love one another as you have loved us. Give us wisdom to discern those things that are of you and those that are of the world, and the strength to choose correctly. And help us support Christian leaders in the good work they do for your children. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Song: Until the Whole World Hears – Casting Crowns youtu.be/s4ekZ8lGflU TEXT: 1 John (Chapter 3-4)
OBSERVE: Chapter three begins with an encouragement to the readers to fix their hope on the coming Jesus. A clear delineation is then made between children of God and children of the devil and between people who hate fellow believers and people who have God’s love in them. The author proposes two tests for identifying false prophets: they do not confess that Jesus came in the flesh, and they do not heed the tradition preserved from the beginning. Then the author returns to his main point: love is the sign and source of a true relationship with God. INTERPRET: The previous two chapters of this letter introduced the stark differences between those who truly have fellowship with Christ, as opposed to those who are “in darkness”. Chapter 3 then continues this theme with an emphasis on love. This serves as a bridge between John’s descriptions of lives lived abiding either in darkness or light, to an explanation of how Gods faithfulness gives us confidence as Christian believers. Chapter 4 emphasizes the way God’s love removes the natural human fear of rejection. Fear is a punishment of its own, and John makes it clear that those who do not believe have every reason to fear judgment. However, believers can have confidence that not only has Christ forgiven their sins but he gives them God’s love. Following in this Godly love leads to acceptance, which leads to confidence, driving out fear. This passage is a vital part of this letter, explaining how confidence in the life of a believer ought to be accomplished. APPLICATION: Followers of Christ believe that Jesus came in the flesh and died on the cross for their sins. When we are truly transformed by these truths that John is stressing; we come to understand that God’s love is epitomized at the cross. The love that God extended to us should not only have us believe in him but should give us an overwhelming desire to love like him. God’s love is unconditional and unending. God’s love transforms those who believe and it will transform others whom we extend this love to. We need to love like God loved; a Godly love. God’s love will also help us live a life of acceptance and confidence. God’s reckless love for us should drive out all fear of sin and darkness. Jesus has made a way for us and we are to live lives that reflect the acceptance and confidence we have in Christ. Belief should always be reflected in how we are responding to God’s love for us. REFLECTION: Have you been transformed by God’s reckless love for you? Are you extending this Godly love to others? Have you put conditions or limits on the love you share with others? PRAYER: JESUS, I love you because you first loved me and drew me to yourself in acceptance. I have confidence that you will hold me safe and secure in your love so that nothing can come between us. I ask that you empower me with your love so that I may extend this love to others. AMEN. SONG: RECKLESS LOVE 1 Peter 3-5
Observe: Chapter 3 begins with Peter instructing how women ought to relate to their husbands and how husbands should relate to their wives (there is SO much I would like to dive into on this section alone, however the scope of these blogs isn’t geared towards such a volume of commentary!). Peter goes on to dictate that all those who are of the brotherhood of believers ought live with unity of mind, not repaying evil with evil but to bless instead. He adds encouragement here to those who are undergoing persecution on behalf of Christ, telling them not to fear for God cares for and blesses specially those who are suffering for the sake of His Son. He points out that Christ suffered, the righteous for the unrighteous, indicating that those who do the same are in the best company. Going on to the fourth chapter, Peter continues in teaching and encouraging them to stop living according to earthly passions but for God; for the time of living in sensuality, drunkenness, and lawless idolatry is gone. They are to be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of their prayers, not grumbling whilst showing hospitality to one another, but to be cheerful stewards of God’s grace. He goes on to say that no Christian ought be surprised when they suffer for the Gospel, for such things are happening to their brothers and sisters all over the world. Rather, they should glorify God in and through their suffering. The final chapter exhorts the shepherds of the flock to do their jobs willingly and cheerfully and with proper motives. It wraps up with one of my favourite verses: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” Interpret/Application: 1 Peter is easily the most underlined and circled book in my own Bible. There’s just something about the way Peter speaks that is clear, no-nonsense, and cuts to the core of our hearts as we read. He is obviously writing to an ancient audience in and around Asia Minor, however we know that these words carry with them truth unbounded by time and space. This entire book is meant to be encouragement for suffering and flagging Christians, bolstering them with the good news of Christs mission and how suffering engages them with it. My question today is simple – have you ever suffered for the sake of Christ? This may not actually be the simplest question to answer. Suffering doesn’t just mean having tomatoes thrown at you as you proclaim the Gospel on a street corner or being let go from your job because of your Christian beliefs. Though it very well may mean that for some, we generally don’t see that kind of reaction in our mild-mannered, lukewarm 21st century North American town of Winnipeg. But we can still suffer in other ways. For instance, when it comes to identifying sin in your life and taking action against it, that is a type of suffering. True, it isn’t exactly what Peter is talking about in this book, but we should start there today. Do you have any desire to seek sinful pride and action out in your own heart and mind and go to war with it? Have you owned up to a particular sin committed against a loved one? Have you had enough of secrets and lies and finally decided to drag them out into the light no matter the cost? Or does sin sit quietly in the corner, unbothered by any true conviction on your part? I mentioned our time and place these days as lukewarm and I level that warning at Christians in particular. How on fire for God are you really? I’m not talking so much an active feeling right this very second, rather I’m referencing the overall direction of your life and conviction of heart. Do you care for the things He cares about, or do little things get you twisted out of shape? Do you seek one more fight against that one sin, or have you given sin the keys to your heart and never fought to get them back? Does God’s word have any bearing on your life at all? My point is this – if you haven’t suffered in the fight against our own sinful nature, how could you ever expect to stand up to the sins of the time in which you live? The Gospel of Jesus Christ changes hearts and minds. It liberates the soul from the power of sin and death, dousing us in the Holy Spirit who works in us until the end of our days. Those who don’t stand upon the foundation of Christ, those who don’t put roots down in rich soil will only be swept away, and greater will be their fall. The fight against sin starts in our own hearts as we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit. It can’t come about any other way. In order to be of use in the world around us, in order to aid our brothers and sisters as government policy and cultural sentiment steadily becomes more hostile to the truth of God, we need to clear out our own houses first and now! We need to truly bend our knee to God Almighty and train up in His Word every single day, take action against our sin, and learn to fight the good fight in the armor of God. Prayer: Father God, teach us to wage war on the sin which runs rampant throughout our world. Teach us to care about the things that matter to you and break our hearts for the unsaved. Thank you for walking with us forever, for going first in our place and providing not only an example but eternal life after anything we face in this life. Make us uncomfortable with remaining comfortable and teach us to need you more. Amen! Song: His Mercy is More (Matt Boswell) 1 Peter 1-2 (Ps 33) Lynne McCarthy 12/9/21 Observe Peter’s letter offers hope for the church suffering under persecution. They will enjoy salvation in the end times, for God’s promise through Christ’s death and resurrection is a reality for them. The ‘elect exiles’ (1:1) are Gentile believers, God’s new chosen people, the Church scattered through the known world, known by God from the beginning. Peter acknowledges the Trinity and the atoning work of Jesus (2). Painful various trials test their love and faith, shot through with joy, salvation the outcome (1:6-8). Their faith-fiplled lives will end in praise and glory when Christ is revealed. As He suffered, so will his followers; as Christ sits enthroned in the heavens, so will his elect -- incentive to holy living as they set their minds on His grace. (13-16) God is Father, but on the last day He is also Judge (17). ‘Fear’ is not ‘terror’ but that reaction of sheer awe at His holiness. Taking His displeasure seriously, they will avoid sin. Peter urges a stop to hidden sins that spring from the heart (2:1; Mt 12:34). The Lord’s goodness sets up a longing for Him. They are becoming God’s house, stone by stone, priests in a life of sacrifice; the passage from Isa. 28:16 is a reminder of their source of strength. (5,9) But unbelievers stumble by their disobedience. For those who defy authority, Peter has crisp words: Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution… (13). Peter reminds his readers that they are free; in choosing to submit to authority, from emperor down, they serve the Lord and one another. They counter opposition by being mindful of God (19) while enduring injustice. (Being authors of their own suffering is also possible; there, punishment is just (20a).) Suffering without retaliation is a part of new life because Jesus suffered and died for His humanity (21-24) enabling a return to Christ, gracious Shepherd. (25) Interpret At this time there were sporadic, localized bursts of persecution by Rome against Christians, as they would not bow to the emperor as god. In this, there were opportunities for believers to articulate reasons for their faith, to practise what Peter was preaching. The priesthood of all believers is exactly that: all who submit to God’s authority and accept the Lordship of Christ in His sacrifice have access to Jesus, the great High Priest, humbly living under the constraints of this present life to witness to Christ’s Lordship . Peter references Isaiah 53:5c when he speaks of healing -- not physical (24), but Christ’s complete repair of all brokenness, His punishment enabling a confident return to the gracious Shepherd. (24-25). Apply We’re not under Rome, but the culture we live in bears much resemblance, ‘bread and circuses’ as distractions from resolutely remaining in Jesus, our model and true Centre. We as a believing church are counter-cultural, but we can’t stay the course without His grace, corporate worship and prayer in His Spirit who is our Advocate. We are meant to be witnesses, not just to our church enclave but to those far from faith. The way we live out our love for God and others will speak, as will gentle, persevering persuasion of the truth of the gospel. It takes grace and love, both abundantly supplied when we ask. Ask How should I then live among unbelieving family members, neighbours or friends who may be indifferent, offended, or hostile to the Gospel? As I consider what Jesus has done for me, what steps will I take towards holiness? Do I want to be holy, set apart, different? Pray Lord Jesus, in my short exile in this world, in the life You have bought for me by Your death and resurrection, You alone enable me to live Your life. I look to You as my High Priest, my Saviour, my King. Help me to humbly submit to human authority, however difficult, by grace submitting to Your authority. I entrust my life to You, with deep thanks. Sing Ps 33 Unfailing Love - Jason Silver youtu.be/hbuqv1z3SZA 1 Peter 1 I Want to be Holy - Matt Papa youtu.be/xiMeELH7fgA 1 Peter 1:1:9 (spoken) Shift Worship youtu.be/QL7D7Uv62PY 1 Peter 2:24 By His Wounds youtu.be/XVePxkoCsUs “Come near to God and He will come near to you……..Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up.”
James 4: 8a, 10 James 4-5 (Psalm 32) Observe
Interpret Conflict is a natural part of life and actually growth; some fear it, some relish it, most would rather not face it unless absolutely necessary. Conflict is unhealthy if it results in division, harm and regression. If handled correctly it leads to maturity, deepening relationships and a greater trust in God. James shows us the root cause of inappropriate conflict: selfish motives; judgement of others; infighting; slander; wrong desires; and inappropriate prayers. The solution and encouragement is to resist our old nature, Satan and pride. Instead we are to draw close to God and humble ourselves before Him. Fear can often be at the root of conflict. James warns of a tendency to counter this by having ill placed confidence in ourselves and what we will do; instead we are to simply trust God for His provision and all our tomorrows. Another source for false confidence is worldly riches. James condemns these rich unbelievers for their abuse of the poor and tendency towards injustice. Please note he is not addressing those within the Church who are wealthy. Rather this piece of advice is there to encourage all believers not to envy the rich or seek wealth as a solution. Instead we are to persevere and live in harmony with one another as Christ will return and judge accordingly; the long view is essential. James concludes with the encouragement for prayer, especially for the sick. The prayer of a believer who is right with God, through Christ, accomplishes much! Application With my first car I purchased a Haines Manual; it was the ‘how to’ book for vehicle maintenance that, if followed, led to trouble free motoring. Well that was the theory! The manual had to be read closely and applied properly and fully to achieve its goals. This beautiful letter from James is the ‘how to’ manual for Christian living within the Church. Yes you got it, for it to work it has to be read properly and applied fully. In today’s chapters James essentially identifies our hearts as being at the heart of most problems and conflicts. Wrong motives lead to wrong desires and damaging conflict. Conflict where we slander, judge and quarrel with our fellow believers. The antidote is a close, trusting relationship with God wherein we humble ourselves before Him. This leads to a healthy prayer life that bears fruit. Positive guidance and encouragement that will bless in these times of challenge if followed. The Question of Application Think of any fear or conflict that you are experiencing. What is at the heart of this fear or conflict? How might you submit to God, what might you pray and then what action could you take? Prayer Keep us, O Lord, while we tarry on this earth, in a serious seeking after you, and in affectionate walking with you, every day of our lives; that when you come, we may be found not hiding our talent, nor serving the flesh, nor yet asleep with our lamp unfurnished, but waiting and longing for our Lord, our glorious God for ever. Amen Richard Baxter (1691) Praise God of Grace and God of Glory sung by Megan Parks Gracefully Broken by Matt Redman December 7th – Les Kovacs James 1 - 3
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Preachers BlogIn 2024, each week's blog is a follow-up reflection written by the preceding Sunday’s preacher to dig deeper into the sermon topic and explore engaging discussion questions. Archives
June 2024
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