Feel free to post any final thoughts on Acts...
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
August Reading - The Book of Acts
The Gospels were great, but I am really looking forward to moving on to Acts. Here is some context from my study bible*...
Purpose: To give an accurate account of the birth and growth of the Christian church.
Author: Luke (a Gentile physician & the writer of Luke)
Date Written: Between A.D. 63 and 70
Setting: Acts is the connecting link between Christ's life and the life of the church, between the Gospels and the Letters.
Key Verse: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (1:8)
Special Features: Acts is a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Because Acts ends so abruptly, Luke may have planned to write a third book, continuing the story.
The Blueprint:
Purpose: To give an accurate account of the birth and growth of the Christian church.
Author: Luke (a Gentile physician & the writer of Luke)
Date Written: Between A.D. 63 and 70
Setting: Acts is the connecting link between Christ's life and the life of the church, between the Gospels and the Letters.
Key Verse: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (1:8)
Special Features: Acts is a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Because Acts ends so abruptly, Luke may have planned to write a third book, continuing the story.
The Blueprint:
- Peter's Ministry (1:1-12:25) - establishment of the church & expansion of the church
- Paul's Ministry (13:1-28:31) - first missionary journey, council at Jerusalem, second missionary journey, third missionary journey & Paul on trial
* Life Application Study Bible.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Comments on John
I just wanted to start a post for anyone to leave any thoughts, comments, questions about the reading this month...
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
July Reading - The Book of John
July is here -- time for John! Here are some contextual notes from my study bible*...
Purpose: To prove conclusively that Jesus is the Son of God and that all who believe in him will have eternal life.
Author: John the apostle, son of Zebedee, brother of James, called a "Son of Thunder"
Original Audience: New Christians and searching non-Christians
Setting: Written after the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and before John's exile to the island of Patmos.
Key Verses: "Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (20:30-31)
Special Features: Of the eight miracles recorded, six are unique (among the Gospels) to John, as is the "upper Room Discourse" (chapters 14-17). Over 90% of John is unique to his Gospel -- John does not contain a genealogy or any record of Jesus' birth, childhood, temptation, transfiguration, appointment of the disciples, nor any account of Jesus' parables, ascension, or Great Commission.
* Life Application Study Bible, NIV.
Purpose: To prove conclusively that Jesus is the Son of God and that all who believe in him will have eternal life.
Author: John the apostle, son of Zebedee, brother of James, called a "Son of Thunder"
Original Audience: New Christians and searching non-Christians
Setting: Written after the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and before John's exile to the island of Patmos.
Key Verses: "Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (20:30-31)
Special Features: Of the eight miracles recorded, six are unique (among the Gospels) to John, as is the "upper Room Discourse" (chapters 14-17). Over 90% of John is unique to his Gospel -- John does not contain a genealogy or any record of Jesus' birth, childhood, temptation, transfiguration, appointment of the disciples, nor any account of Jesus' parables, ascension, or Great Commission.
* Life Application Study Bible, NIV.
Friday, June 27, 2008
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
Since so many people seemed to relate to me and poor Martha, I thought I would throw in another area that's no fun to face. The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is from Luke 18:9-14. Here are some excerpts from another Jesus Walks Bibel Study Series*
Self-Righteousness (18:9-10)
There's nothing wrong with rules. Each family has to have family rules. Each church needs to have family rules, too. It's a requirement of any human organization. We just need to keep our rules in perspective, and realize that they are not necessarily God's rules, but derivatives of God's rules.
A problem arises, however, when we are "confident in our own righteousness" or "trust in" our own righteousness to save us and justify us before God. When we move from righteous living -- which is right -- to trusting in that righteous living to give us a standing before God, then we commit a fatal error. In that case it becomes self-righteousness
Looking Down on Others (18:9-10)
When we begin to take pride in our own righteous behavior, it's very easy to look down on those who don't behave this way as morally inferior to us.
Stop to consider who we faithful, righteous Christians tend to look down on…
Side note...Here is a recent post from Beth Moore's blog, written by her daugter, Melissa, about her visit to a youth church service. The post reminded me of this parable. Here is an excerpt:
It was amazing what happened as I made my way to my seat. I began to shut down. Even though it was only seven or eight years ago that I would have easily found myself in their exact positions, I quickly became one of the dreaded frozen chosen. What a bizarre and devastating feeling. All of the sudden I was a spectator in this youth service rather than being a participant. I even began to critique all that I was surrounded by, surveying our younger generation’s heartbeat for Christ to discern whether it was authentic or not. I suppose the older we get, the more power we think we have to take our place in the judgment seat…I had to remind myself that I will never be old enough for that position, for that throne is reserved for none other than the Ancient of Days. In my shame, I thought to myself, “So this is how this happens…this is how one becomes one of the frozen and cynical chosen…and I’m only 25, I’m so doomed.”
Now, back to the bible study...
Priding Oneself (18:12)
The pharisee's entire prayer is about himself. He thanks God -- not for blessings -- but that he isn't a sinner like others. He first lists those who were known to be evil: robbers, evildoers, unrighteous people in general, and adulterers. Then he compares himself to the nearby tax collector.
He also reminds God of how pious he is -- fasting and tithing. Pharisees developed the practice of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays to intercede for the nation as a whole. Pharisees far exceeded the requirements of the law in this regard. They scrupulously tithed or gave one tenth on everything they acquired, even down to the herbs in their garden.
No Excuses (18:13)
Self-Righteousness (18:9-10)
There's nothing wrong with rules. Each family has to have family rules. Each church needs to have family rules, too. It's a requirement of any human organization. We just need to keep our rules in perspective, and realize that they are not necessarily God's rules, but derivatives of God's rules.
A problem arises, however, when we are "confident in our own righteousness" or "trust in" our own righteousness to save us and justify us before God. When we move from righteous living -- which is right -- to trusting in that righteous living to give us a standing before God, then we commit a fatal error. In that case it becomes self-righteousness
Looking Down on Others (18:9-10)
When we begin to take pride in our own righteous behavior, it's very easy to look down on those who don't behave this way as morally inferior to us.
Stop to consider who we faithful, righteous Christians tend to look down on…
Side note...Here is a recent post from Beth Moore's blog, written by her daugter, Melissa, about her visit to a youth church service. The post reminded me of this parable. Here is an excerpt:
It was amazing what happened as I made my way to my seat. I began to shut down. Even though it was only seven or eight years ago that I would have easily found myself in their exact positions, I quickly became one of the dreaded frozen chosen. What a bizarre and devastating feeling. All of the sudden I was a spectator in this youth service rather than being a participant. I even began to critique all that I was surrounded by, surveying our younger generation’s heartbeat for Christ to discern whether it was authentic or not. I suppose the older we get, the more power we think we have to take our place in the judgment seat…I had to remind myself that I will never be old enough for that position, for that throne is reserved for none other than the Ancient of Days. In my shame, I thought to myself, “So this is how this happens…this is how one becomes one of the frozen and cynical chosen…and I’m only 25, I’m so doomed.”
Now, back to the bible study...
Priding Oneself (18:12)
The pharisee's entire prayer is about himself. He thanks God -- not for blessings -- but that he isn't a sinner like others. He first lists those who were known to be evil: robbers, evildoers, unrighteous people in general, and adulterers. Then he compares himself to the nearby tax collector.
He also reminds God of how pious he is -- fasting and tithing. Pharisees developed the practice of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays to intercede for the nation as a whole. Pharisees far exceeded the requirements of the law in this regard. They scrupulously tithed or gave one tenth on everything they acquired, even down to the herbs in their garden.
No Excuses (18:13)
Contrast the pharisee with the tax collector. For the tax collector to ask for forgiveness and restoration of his relationship with God is a bold and faith-filled act for a man so despised by his society. He is obviously humble and repentant of his sins, but his faith has made him bold to ask for something that he has no right to expect -- forgiveness and restoration before God.
Exalting or Humbling Oneself (18:14b)
Jesus highlights a paradox of the spiritual life -- exalting oneself leads to humbling, while humbling leads to exaltation. Jesus' brother James carries on this theme when he says: "... But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' " (James 4:6) When we are proud, we make ourselves into God's opponent, his enemy.
The lessons for would-be disciples are obvious.
- We are saved by God's atonement and mercy, not by our righteous deeds.
- God abhors the haughty, but welcomes the humble. I can see myself here. I must guard against the sin of pride that is so repugnant to God. Instead, I must humble myself and be thankful for the grace of God.
- We cannot, we must not look down on others. While they may be sinners, they are certainly not beyond God's forgiveness. In the final analysis the only thing that saves either of us will be God's forgiveness, and not our pure lifestyle.
The Pharisee prays as one who needed no forgiveness, and got none. The tax collector prays as one needing forgiveness, and he received it.
Here's a Mac/PC parody related to this parable... Rules Guy vs. Relationship Guy
* Excerpts from: Jesus Walks Bible Study Series, #78-The Pharisee and the Tax Collector, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, http://www.jesuswalk.com/lessons/18_9-14.htm.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Punishment of the Man Who Never Notices
I found a commentary on the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) that I really liked and thought I would share (see* at the bottom for the reference)...
Jesus has been teaching about materialism and money -- the unjust steward, serving Mammon, and stewardship. His audience includes his disciples (16:1) as well as "the Pharisees who loved money" and ridiculed his stand on money (16:14). Jesus affirms the validity of the Law, rightly interpreted (16:16-18) -- important to the Pharisees. This parable condemns the Pharisees for their love of money and neglect of showing compassion for the poor.
Portrayal of the Rich Man (16:19-20)…
First, Jesus paints a quick portrait of the rich man, a very, very rich man. Purple dye was extremely expensive, obtained from the shellfish murex. A purple wool mantle was costly. A finely-woven linen tunic was considered the height of luxury. The rich man doesn't need to work so he feasts like this every day. Jesus pictures a rich man living opulently. The rich man is not named.
Portrayal of the Poor Man (16:20-21)…
Jesus contrasts the rich man with a beggar, the poorest of the poor. The beggar's name is Lazarus, the only character in any of Jesus' parables who is given a name. Lazarus is short for Eleazar, which means "He (whom) God helps," perhaps hinting at the man's piety. He is lying at a suitable place for begging, next to the rich man's gate, probably placed there by friends. He is sick, as evidenced by his numerous ulcerated sores. And he is hungry, longing to eat the scraps from the rich man's table, usually reserved for the dogs. The dogs that lick his sores are not pets. In the First Century Middle East, dogs are considered unclean, wild street dogs that scavenge the garbage, and then nose around the poor man's sores. It is not a picture of comfort but of abject misery.
Abraham’s Side (16:22)…
So this puts Lazarus in the place of honor at the right hand of Abraham at the banquet in the next world. The poor man's fortunes are reversed.
The Rich Man in Torment (16:23-24)…
He is in torment. He is parched with thirst, his tongue is hot and dry, and he is suffering. The source of the suffering is fire.
The rich man asks Abraham to order Lazarus to relieve his suffering (16:24), and later to send a message to his brothers (16:27). He still views Lazarus as a slave who can be ordered around at his whim.
A Great Chasm (16:25-26)…
Abraham explains the situation and describes a great, impassable chasm that prevents anyone from passing from either side to the other. In other words, there is no hope of moving from torment to the blessings of Abraham's bosom, or of Lazarus helping the rich man. The die has been cast; the outcome is irreversible.
God’s Word is Sufficient Warning (16:27-31)…
Jesus concludes the parable in a curious way. The rich man wants Lazarus to warn his brothers of the dangers of hell. But Abraham says that if they won't heed the truth that they have -- Moses and the Prophets (i.e., the Old Testament revelation), then they wouldn't believe even if someone rises from the dead. In the context, the rich man proposes that Lazarus rise from the dead to warn his brothers. But Luke's readers will immediately think of Jesus, and how even his manifest resurrection was not enough to sway the Pharisees from their hardened opposition to the truth that was clearly before them.
As Marshall puts it, "The rich man knows from personal experience that his family do not take seriously what the law and the prophets say. Something more is needed."
Message to Us…
Jesus has been teaching about materialism and money -- the unjust steward, serving Mammon, and stewardship. His audience includes his disciples (16:1) as well as "the Pharisees who loved money" and ridiculed his stand on money (16:14). Jesus affirms the validity of the Law, rightly interpreted (16:16-18) -- important to the Pharisees. This parable condemns the Pharisees for their love of money and neglect of showing compassion for the poor.
Portrayal of the Rich Man (16:19-20)…
First, Jesus paints a quick portrait of the rich man, a very, very rich man. Purple dye was extremely expensive, obtained from the shellfish murex. A purple wool mantle was costly. A finely-woven linen tunic was considered the height of luxury. The rich man doesn't need to work so he feasts like this every day. Jesus pictures a rich man living opulently. The rich man is not named.
Portrayal of the Poor Man (16:20-21)…
Jesus contrasts the rich man with a beggar, the poorest of the poor. The beggar's name is Lazarus, the only character in any of Jesus' parables who is given a name. Lazarus is short for Eleazar, which means "He (whom) God helps," perhaps hinting at the man's piety. He is lying at a suitable place for begging, next to the rich man's gate, probably placed there by friends. He is sick, as evidenced by his numerous ulcerated sores. And he is hungry, longing to eat the scraps from the rich man's table, usually reserved for the dogs. The dogs that lick his sores are not pets. In the First Century Middle East, dogs are considered unclean, wild street dogs that scavenge the garbage, and then nose around the poor man's sores. It is not a picture of comfort but of abject misery.
Abraham’s Side (16:22)…
So this puts Lazarus in the place of honor at the right hand of Abraham at the banquet in the next world. The poor man's fortunes are reversed.
The Rich Man in Torment (16:23-24)…
He is in torment. He is parched with thirst, his tongue is hot and dry, and he is suffering. The source of the suffering is fire.
The rich man asks Abraham to order Lazarus to relieve his suffering (16:24), and later to send a message to his brothers (16:27). He still views Lazarus as a slave who can be ordered around at his whim.
A Great Chasm (16:25-26)…
Abraham explains the situation and describes a great, impassable chasm that prevents anyone from passing from either side to the other. In other words, there is no hope of moving from torment to the blessings of Abraham's bosom, or of Lazarus helping the rich man. The die has been cast; the outcome is irreversible.
God’s Word is Sufficient Warning (16:27-31)…
Jesus concludes the parable in a curious way. The rich man wants Lazarus to warn his brothers of the dangers of hell. But Abraham says that if they won't heed the truth that they have -- Moses and the Prophets (i.e., the Old Testament revelation), then they wouldn't believe even if someone rises from the dead. In the context, the rich man proposes that Lazarus rise from the dead to warn his brothers. But Luke's readers will immediately think of Jesus, and how even his manifest resurrection was not enough to sway the Pharisees from their hardened opposition to the truth that was clearly before them.
As Marshall puts it, "The rich man knows from personal experience that his family do not take seriously what the law and the prophets say. Something more is needed."
Message to Us…
Of course, Jesus is saying that riches don't count for anything after we die, but that isn't the thrust of this parable. It seems he is making two points:
- Wealth without active mercy for the poor is great wickedness.
- If we close our eyes to the truth we are given, then we are doomed.
In the context, Jesus is condemning the Pharisees for their love of money but lack of mercy for the poor. Remember his comment about their scrupulous tithing? "Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone" (Luke 11:42). It isn't their piety that he is condemning, but what they AREN'T doing -- showing mercy to the poor, seeking justice for the downtrodden. It is ironic that the Pharisees who prided themselves on being such Bible scholars largely missed the spirit of the Old Testament -- mercy and justice.
William Barclay titles this passage, "The Punishment of the Man Who Never Noticed." Lazarus was at his door and he didn't notice. Who is at our door that we don't notice?
Wealth is not bad. After all, Abraham was wealthy. But wealth brings with it certain responsibilities, a certain stewardship. We will give an accounting for how we handle the wealth God has given us. Of course, in the USA, even the poorest enjoys a lifestyle far above a huge slice of the world's population. We have relative wealth. Perhaps not relative to our own culture, but relative to the global village that we can affect with our giving.
We have the benefit of the Old Testament AND the New. If we don't notice and minister to the poor, what excuse will we have? In the final analysis, the rich man's punishment is not for riches, but for neglect of the scriptures and what they teach.
* All above notes taken from: Jesus Walk Bible Study Series, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, http://www.jesuswalk.com/lessons/16_19-31.htm
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Martha, Martha, Martha
OK - I had to include a post about this story, since I know I am such a Martha! This post is based on Luke 10:38-42. I'm beginning to think listening is important:)
Look at the Message version of how Jesus rebukes Martha...
The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her."
Mary Listens While Martha Labors (see study guide source & link at the bottom*)
Even though it cuts across the grain of societal expectations, even though it means neglecting her regular duties, Mary has correctly discerned that listening to Jesus and learning his ways is more important than anything -- anything else she can choose. And no one can rip this precious spiritual food away from her.
Two lessons to be learned could be:
Look at the Message version of how Jesus rebukes Martha...
The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her."
Mary Listens While Martha Labors (see study guide source & link at the bottom*)
Even though it cuts across the grain of societal expectations, even though it means neglecting her regular duties, Mary has correctly discerned that listening to Jesus and learning his ways is more important than anything -- anything else she can choose. And no one can rip this precious spiritual food away from her.
Two lessons to be learned could be:
- Listening to what Jesus is teaching is the highest way to show him honor, and preferable to any human way we seek to honor him.
- The good is the enemy of the best. We must be willing to shift our priorities in order to follow Jesus.
The study guide goes to another pair of siblings who sought to honor God -- Cain and Abel.
"Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast." (Genesis 4:2-5)
Apparently, God has preferences on the way people respond to him and worship him. All forms of worship are NOT equal in God's eyes. In the case of Jesus, putting on a great dinner for the Master doesn't compare to listening to him and obeying him.
Jesus certainly wasn't too hard on Martha. But he tried very gently to explain how Mary's choice was better, and that she shouldn't be deprived of it by having to be marched off to the kitchen by her older sister.
What is it that you are trying to offer Jesus? Your talents and abilities? The open doors and opportunities afforded by your position in the community? Faithful service as a Sunday school teacher even though you might prefer to do something else? All these can be good. And I am sure that Jesus wants each of these from you in their own time.
But the one thing that Jesus seeks above all else is time that you spend time listening to him, "sitting at his feet," as it were. That needs to come first, before all these other things. That is where peace is found. That is the only place of spiritual rest.
"Martha, why don't you take off your apron and sit down for a few minutes. Dinner can wait. There's something very dear to my heart that I'd like to share with you -- you personally. Do you have some time right now?"
* Source: “Mary Listens While Martha Labors,” Jesus Walk Bible Study Series, Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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