Week of 4 Epiphany (variable) C

Week of 4 Epiphany (variable) C
January 31 - February 6, 2010

This is a Three-Year Lectionary based on the Lutheran Book of Worship 3-year Lectionary (for public worship), "Prayers of the Day..." (Propers), p. 13-41, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978. It is based, with only minor variations, on the Revised Common Lectionary, used by many denominations, including the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches:

http://www.commontexts.org/

and:

http://www.commontexts.org/rcl/usage.html

The daily readings are the Propers (Lections) for the following Sunday, so that the daily devotions can prepare us for worship. Additional Lections are from Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, "Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers," United Lutheran Church of America, General Rubrics VIII. Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers, p. 299 - 304, Philadelphia, 1918.

The previous 2- year Bible Study based on the Lutheran Book of Worship, Daily Lectionary for personal devotions p.179-192, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978, is available at:

http://shepboy.snow.prohosting.com (Please Bookmark)

Journalspace.com, my former 'blog host is being reorganized under new ownership. I no longer publish there. I have also lost mypodcast.com, my podcast host. This 'blog is mirrored at:

http://shepboy.multiply.com/

.mp3 Podcasts via Linux Festival Text-to-speech are available at:

Daily Walk 2 Year C Weekly Lectionary

Please Note: I will post weekly by Saturday, noon, (God willing), Pacific time (UTC-8:00) for the week of the Church Season which begins on Sunday. Please scroll down for the desired day, or save the week to your desktop/hard drive.


Podcast: Week of 4 Epiphany C

4 Epiphany - Sunday (variable) C
First Posted January 31, 2010
Podcast: 4 Epiphany Sunday C

Jeremiah 1:4-10 – Jeremiah's Call;
Psalm 71:1-6, 15-17 – Rock of Refuge;
1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13 – The Way of Love;
Luke 4:21-32 – Rejected in Nazareth;

Jeremiah:

The Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah; the Lord God knew Jeremiah before God formed him in his mother's womb, and consecrated Jeremiah before Jeremiah was born, and appointed him to be a prophet to the nations (Gentiles). Jeremiah replied that he was too young and not an orator. The Lord told Jeremiah that his youth didn't matter; God would show Jeremiah where to go and give him the message God wanted him to proclaim. Jeremiah was not to be afraid, because God promised to be with him and deliver him.

Then the Lord touched Jeremiah's mouth and told him, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See I have set you this day over nations, and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant” (Jeremiah 1:9b-10).

Psalm:

I take refuge in you O Lord; I will never be put to shame. You, in your righteousness, will rescue and save me. You, O Lord, are a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me; you are my rock and my fortress. O Lord, my God, rescue me from the power of the wicked; from those who are unjust and cruel.

O Lord, you have been my hope in whom I have trusted from my youth. I have depended on you from my birth. It is you who delivered me from my mother's womb. So I will always praise you!

I will declare your righteous acts, O Lord, your deeds of salvation all day long. They are numerous beyond counting. In your strength I will go and proclaim your righteousness, yours alone!

You have taught me from my youth, and I still proclaim your wonderful works.

1 Corinthians:

Paul used an analogy of the members of a human body to describe the relationship of members to the Church. Christians are individually members of Christ's body. God has appointed first apostles (messengers; of the Gospel), then prophets, teachers, miracle-workers, healers, helpers (deacons) and administrators (bishops), speakers of tongues. Not all are apostles, not all are prophets, or teachers, or miracle-workers, or healers. Not all speak in tongues, nor are all able to interpret tongues. But we should earnestly seek the higher gifts.

Paul was teaching them the more excellent way (of love). Without love, a speaker of tongues of human or spiritual language is no more useful than a gong or cymbal making noise. If one possesses all prophetic power, full insight into all mysteries, all knowledge and all faith that can move mountains, but lacks love, one gains nothing.

“Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it doesn't rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Love will never pass away. Prophecies will pass away, as will tongues and knowledge, because our knowledge and prophecies are imperfect. Perfect prophecy and knowledge will replace the imperfect. When we are children, we speak, think, and reason like children But when we grow up, we outgrow childish ways. Now we see imperfectly as in a mirror of polished metal, but in eternity we will see as face-to-face. Now our understanding is partial; in the age to come we will have perfect understanding, like the understanding God has of us now. Faith, hope and love are the only things which will remain in eternity, and love is the most important.

Luke:

Jesus had gone to the synagogue in Nazareth as was his custom, and was asked to read from the Book (scroll) of Isaiah. He read the passage in Isaiah 61:1-2 describing the Messiah, the Lord's anointed (Messiah and Christ each mean anointed in Hebrew and Greek respectively; Luke 4:18-19).

Jesus gave the scroll back to the attendant and sat back down, and every eye was focused on Jesus. Jesus declared that they had just witnessed the fulfillment of that passage. At first the people thought Jesus was a good speaker, whose words were gracious, and they wondered how the son of Joseph, whom they knew, had acquired his ability. Jesus said that they would recall the old proverb that the physician should heal himself. They expected him to do the miracles in his own hometown that he had done in Capernaum.

Jesus said that prophets are not accepted in their own country. Jesus pointed out that when there was a three and a half year drought and famine in Israel, there were many hungry widows in Israel, but God sent Elisha only to Zarepath in Sidon (in Phoenicia; north of Galilee; 1 Kings 17:1, 8-16; 1 Kings 18:1). There were many lepers in Israel, when Elisha was a prophet, but only Naaman, a Syrian (Gentile; non-Jew), was healed (2 Kings 5:1-14). At this statement, the everyone in the synagogue was enraged. They took Jesus out of the synagogue and to the cliff of the hill on which Nazareth was built, intending to through him off the cliff, but Jesus passed through the crowd and went away.

Commentary:

The Lord knows all about each one of us from conception, and there is a call upon us to be disciples of Jesus. Jesus came to make it possible for us to be spiritually cleansed, so that we could each be temples of the indwelling Holy Spirit within us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This lifetime is our opportunity to seek God and come to know and have fellowship with him (Acts 17:26-27) through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

This lifetime is our only opportunity to be “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) spiritually by the indwelling Holy Spirit so we can have eternal life in God's kingdom in Heaven. Only Jesus gives the “baptism” (“anointing;” “gift;” “infilling;” John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). The “baptism” of the indwelling Holy Spirit a personally discernible ongoing event. It is impossible to be “born-again” without being aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2).

The Lord wants us to be filled with his Holy Spirit so that we can know, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, the Word he wants us to teach, where he wants us to teach it, and the resources and supernatural empowerment to accomplish his call. The Holy Spirit gives his disciples what to say at the moment it is needed (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11-12). He teaches his disciples all things and recalls to our memory all Jesus' teachings (John 14:26).

The Gospel message is not going to be any more welcome by worldly people than it was to the people of Nazareth who knew Jesus from boyhood. It wasn't the way that he said it; Jesus spoke it gently and graciously in love. The Bible contains both wonderful promises and ominous warnings. The warnings are intended, in love, to help us avoid the consequences of failing to heed the warnings. It isn't loving to preach only the parts of the Bible that make us feel good.

Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) to go into the world and make disciples of Jesus Christ, teaching them to obey all Jesus' teachings. But note that they were to carry out this command only after they had been filled with the indwelling Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8), and Jesus promised to be with them, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, until the end of this age; the end of time. We can't accomplish the mission of Christ in our own human strength. "Not by (human) power, or by might, but by my Spirit, says the Lord" (Zechariah 4:6).

Through the indwelling Holy Spirit we experience the love of God, and we receive the gift of God's love to be spread through us to others (Romans 5:5). When we truly want to know God's will for us with the commitment of doing it, he will reveal it to us. Instead of trying to discern our spiritual gifts, we should seek his will and pray it back to make sure we've understood. Then the Lord will supply the gift, resources and empowerment we need to carry out his call. (Remember that God will never tell us to do anything contrary to God's Word, the Bible, or to do any harm to ourselves or others.) Discipleship is a spiritual growth process. As we begin to trust and obey the Lord on a daily basis, with Scripture, meditation and prayer, we will grow in faith over time as we learn that his Word is completely true and trustworthy.

Paul was discipling the Roman believers. There are two forms of speaking in tongues. The kind which was manifested on the Day of Pentecost is the reversal of the confusion of the language at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). It was the useful ability to declare the Gospel in the languages of the people who witnessed the event. The other kind is an ecstatic utterance.

Paul didn't want to forbid the ecstatic utterance if it were prompted by the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19), but Paul didn't want it disrupting orderly worship. He regarded the ecstatic gift of tongues at the bottom of the list of spiritual gifts, and wanted it accompanied by an interpreter. Paul also argued that the gift of ecstatic tongues was a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers (1 Corinthians 14:1-33; note vv. 21-22).

Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1-2. Lord's “anointed” prophet, priest and king. Prophecy is proclaiming God's Word by the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is not like foretelling the future. But God's Word is always fulfilled, and in fact is the test of prophecy (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Jesus is the fulfillment, embodiment, and example of God's Word, lived in human flesh in this world (John 1:1-5, 14). Jesus' word is the Word of God, (John 14:10, 24) with the creative force of God's Word (Mark 4:39-41; Genesis 1:9).

Jesus was speaking the truth in love to his fellow Nazarenes, when he characterized their problem as the same as that of a prophet in his own town. The Nazarene's couldn't accept Jesus as Messiah because they thought they knew that Jesus was the son of Joseph. The Nazarenes wanted Jesus to do miracles for his home town, but without faith (obedient trust) in Jesus (Matthew 13:54-58).

Jesus is the descendant of David the shepherd-king. The Jews were heirs of the promise of God but they didn't inherit them because of lack of faith. God had planned from the very beginning of Creation that salvation was not just for the Jews, but through them to come to all people who would receive Jesus by faith.

The widow of Zarepath was a Gentile (non-Jew), but she survived the drought and famine because she believed the Word of God spoken by Elisha (1 Kings 17:11-12). Naaman was a Gentile; but he believed the testimony of a Jewish slave-girl (2 Kings 5:2-3), and went to Elisha the prophet of the Northern Kingdom of the ten tribes of the divided monarchy at Samaria, the Capital.

The little Jewish slave-girl had known there was a prophet in Israel (2 Kings 5:3), although the king apparently didn't (2 Kings 5:6-9). Naaman almost missed his healing because he was told to wash in the Jordan seven times. Naaman had expected to speak to the prophet but Elisha sent his servant Gehazi with the message. Naaman thought he could have bathed in rivers in Syria with a lot less trouble, but his servants talked him into doing as the prophet had said. Not only had Naaman found a prophet in Israel, but the God who alone is God. As a result Naaman was healed, and converted to the God of Israel. (2 Kings 5:9-19).

The Nazarenes wanted to kill Jesus, but had no power over him because it was not God's will. Jesus was only crucified in God's perfect timing according to his eternal purpose.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Epiphany - Monday (variable) C
To be used only if there is a 5 Epiphany Sunday - Otherwise skip to 8 Epiphany


First Posted February 1, 2010
Podcast: 4 Epiphany Monday C

Psalm 85:8-13 – Oracle of Assurance;

Listen to what the Lord will speak; to his people, his saints (those who are consecrated to serve God; believers in Jesus Christ), to those who turn to the Lord with their whole hearts, the Lord will speak peace. For those who fear (have appropriate awe and respect for the power and authority of) God, their salvation is at hand, that glory (honor, dignity; the perfect righteousness of God) may fill our land.

“Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other; Faithfulness will spring up from the ground and righteousness will look down from the sky” (Psalm 85:10-11). The Lord will bless us with every good thing and our land will yield an abundant harvest. He will lead us in righteousness.

Commentary:

God has given us his Word in the Bible, and in Jesus Christ, the “living Word,” the fulfillment, embodiment, and example of God's Word lived in this world in human flesh (John 1:1-5, 14). The Bible is intended to guide us to faith (obedient trust) in Jesus.

God has always intended to establish an eternal kingdom of his people who willingly choose to trust and obey God. This Creation and our lifetimes are our opportunity to seek and find God (Acts 17:26-27), and to learn to live according to his Word. This lifetime is our opportunity to be “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) to eternal life by the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Jesus has been designed into Creation from the very beginning. Jesus is God's one and only plan to give us peace and eternal life in God's heavenly kingdom. Jesus is the only way to know divine eternal truth, the only way to be forgiven and restored to fellowship with God which was broken by sin (disobedience of God's Word) and the only way to have true eternal life (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).

Those who are consecrated (dedicated to the Lord's service), by “baptism” of water and the Holy Spirit), have peace with God (Romans 5:1) and with our brethren in Christ, which cannot be taken from us (John 14:27). Jesus' resurrection has overcome our fear of physical death (Hebrews 2:14-15), so that we can have peace even in the midst of worldly turmoil (John 16:33).

The ultimate goal is God's eternal kingdom, the new Creation, filled with the righteousness, peace and faithfulness of God. The Lord will lead us in righteousness by the gift (“baptism”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Epiphany - Tuesday (variable) C
To be used only if there is a 5 Epiphany Sunday - Otherwise skip to 8 Epiphany


First Posted February 2, 2010
Podcast: 4 Epiphany Tuesday C

Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) – Isaiah's Call;

In 742 B.C., the year of the death of King Uzziah of the Southern Kingdom, Judah, of the Divided Monarchy, Isaiah had a vision of God on his throne in heaven. The throne was high above the floor, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Seraphim (“fiery ones;” angels in human form, except for their wings), each having six wings: two covered the eyes, two covered the feet, and they flew with two (compare Ezekiel 1:3-8; 1 Kings 22:19). One of the Seraphim called to another, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts (a large army); the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3).

The foundations were shaken at the voice of the Seraphim, and the palace was filled with smoke. Isaiah was frightened, and confessed that his lips were unclean, and that he came from people with unclean lips, because he realized that he had seen the King, the Lord of hosts.

One of the Seraphim flew to him bringing a burning coal taken with tongs from the altar. The Seraph touched Isaiah's mouth with the coal and declared that, with the touch of the coal on his lips, Isaiah's guilt had been taken away, and his sin forgiven. Then Isaiah heard the Lord asking whom should he send; who was willing to go for them? And Isaiah said, “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8b).

The Lord told Isaiah to tell God's people to hear without understanding. Might their hearts be fat (and lazy), their ears heavy and their eyes shut; otherwise their eyes might see, their ears might hear and their hearts might understand and turn to be healed.

Isaiah asked the Lord, “How long?” And the Lord said, “Until the cities are in ruins and uninhabited; the houses unoccupied, and the land utterly desolate. Until the Lord removes the inhabitants far away and the land be forsaken. “'And though a tenth remain in it, it will be burned again, like a terebinth or an oak, whose stump remains standing when it is felled.' The seed is its stump” (Isaiah 6:13).

Commentary:

The word “Seraphim” is used elsewhere (in Numbers 21:6, 8; Deuteronomy 8:15; compare Isaiah 14:29, 30:6) as fiery (winged) serpents (poisonous snakes) sent by God to execute God's judgment on sin (Matthew 13:39-41).

The train of the robe of God on his throne symbolizes his glory that fills the throne room. I have personally experienced times in worship, a few times, not nearly often enough, when the presence and glory of the Lord was manifested in radiant light and glory filling the sanctuary to the point that the windows seemed to rattle in their frames!

Isaiah realized his unrighteousness; without God's help we cannot stand in his presence. Only by the Holy Spirit, the “tongue of fire” (Acts 2:3), are we purified from sin and consecrated to God's use, so that we are able to serve the Lord.

The Lord has called us to carry on the mission of Christ to the world. This world is spiritually lost and dying. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can save us. Only by the grace (unmerited favor) of God can we hear and understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ, see that Jesus is God's one and only provision for our forgiveness and salvation, and accept in our hearts, Jesus as our Lord.

Isaiah asked, “How long?” Isaiah was the prophet to Jerusalem and Judah, the Southern Kingdom of the Divided Monarchy, between 742 and 687 B.C.. The Northern Kingdom, Israel, was conquered and effectively ceased to exist with the fall of Samaria to the Assyrians in 721 B.C.. The Southern Kingdom failed to learn the lesson of the Northern Kingdom and so was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar in 587 B.C and exiled to Babylon for seventy years, until 517 B.C., as prophesied by Jeremiah (25:11-12).

God's Word was fulfilled. The cities of Judah were in ruins and uninhabited, the land desolate. But a remnant (of Israel) remained and returned and became the stump of Jesse (the father of David) from whom Jesus came forth (Isaiah 11:10; 53:1-2; Matthew 1:1, 5-6, 20; 21:9, 15).

This world has been designed by God for a particular purpose. God has always intended to establish an eternal kingdom of his people who willingly choose to trust and obey God's Word. This world has been designed to allow us freedom to disobey God's Word, but God is not willing to allow rebellion and disobedience forever, or at all in his eternal kingdom, so this world and we ourselves are limited by time. This lifetime is our opportunity to seek and find God, to learn to trust and obey God's Word by trial and error, and to be spiritually “born-again” to eternal life by the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17).

We will choose for ourselves whether to pursue our own will or to live according to God's will. Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Epiphany - Wednesday (variable) C
To be used only if there is a 5 Epiphany Sunday - Otherwise skip to 8 Epiphany


First Posted February 3, 2010
Podcast: 4 Epiphany Wednesday C

I Corinthians 14:12b-20 – Up-building the Church;

New believers should seek spiritual gifts that up-build the Church. Those who speak in ecstatic tongues should seek the gift of interpretation. Unless the speaker can interpret the tongues, he may feel ecstatic, but his mind is unfruitful. Meaningful worship, prayer and singing, must engage the mind. If one gives thanks to God, others cannot affirm him if they are unable to understand what he is saying. His hearers are not up-built.

Paul said that he spoke in ecstatic tongues more than anyone, but he would rather speak five intelligible words, to instruct others than ten thousand words in ecstatic tongues which were unintelligible to anyone. Let us not be immature in our thinking. In evil, let us be as innocent as babies, but in our thinking, let us be mature.

Commentary:

The Lord wants us to worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). When we go to worship, it isn't spectator sport. We're not there to be “entertained.” The pastor or worship leader isn't there to be a “cheerleader” in the sense of coercing responses (1 Corinthians 12:2 RSV). Our responses should be spontaneous coming from our conscious participation. We should prepare our hearts to worship the Lord with prayer and meditation, recalling the events of the past week.

It is so easy to fall into a pattern of participation by rote. This is true in both liturgical (formal rites of worship) and non-liturgical Churches. It takes some conscious effort to focus on the the words we are saying or singing. That is why I feel that “saying the rosary” is particularly counter-productive.

I find that I can be easily distracted, so I try to keep my eyes focused on the projection screen, hymnal, or sermon notes. I try to use the time before the service begins to pray and meditate.

There are two different types of speaking in tongues. The one given the Church on the day of Pentecost was a reversal of the confusion of language at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:9). It was a useful gift which allowed the disciples to communicate the Gospel to people in the peoples' own language (Acts 2:1-13).

The other form of speaking in tongues is the ecstatic expression of unintelligible spiritual language. That form of “tongues” is not useful in up-building the Church; it is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:21-22).

Some want to make “tongues” the “litmus test” of spiritual rebirth. Paul did not want to quench the Holy Spirit by forbidding the speaking in tongues, but he didn't want it to disrupt worship.

Christians are “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26). The Church is the heir to the ministry of John the Baptizer, to call people to repent and be baptized with water for forgiveness and spiritual cleansing, to prepare us to receive Jesus Christ through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus did not baptize anyone with water; only his disciples did (John 4:2). Only Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

It takes “born-again” disciples to make “born-again” disciples. The Church is to disciple believers until they are “born-again.” Spiritual rebirth is not the end but the beginning of spiritual growth to spiritual maturity.

In many instances the nominal Church today is failing to make “born-again” disciples. In some denominations churches are not only not helping their members but are actually discouraging them from seeking baptism of the Holy Spirit, by teaching them that they have automatically received baptism of the Holy Spirit by water baptism (see False Teachings, “Spiritual Rebirth,” sidebar, top right.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Epiphany - Thursday (variable) C
To be used only if there is a 5 Epiphany Sunday - Otherwise skip to 8 Epiphany
First Posted February 4, 2010

Luke 5:1-11 - The Unexpected Catch

Podcast: 4 Epiphany Thursday C

Jesus was on the shore of the lake of Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee) and a great crowd had surrounded him. Two boats had been beached and the fishermen were cleaning their nets nearby. One of the boats was Simon's (who Jesus named Peter; Matthew 16:16-18). Jesus asked Peter to take him just offshore, and Jesus sat down and taught the crowd from the boat.

When he finished speaking, he asked Peter to take the boat into deep water and let down his net for a catch. Peter replied that they had fished all night and had caught nothing, but would do as Jesus had said. When the net was let out it enclosed a great shoal (school) of fish, so big that their nets began to break. They called their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and both boats were loaded so full with fish that they were at the point of sinking.

When Peter saw what was happening, he fell down before Jesus and acknowledged that he was a sinful person (unworthy to be in Jesus' presence). Peter and his fishing partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee and their crews, were amazed at the catch of fish. Jesus told them not to be afraid, and declared that from then on they would be catching people. When they landed the boats, Peter, James and John) left everything and followed Jesus.

Commentary:

Peter, James and John had spent their lives fishing in these waters. They had spent all night and had caught nothing. They were tired, but Peter was willing to do as Jesus told him, and he made the greatest catch these fishermen had ever seen. Instead of thinking of the money they could make selling these fish, they left everything, the boats, the nets, the catch, their father and families, and followed Jesus.

They recognized that Jesus, a carpenter, possessed supernatural knowledge and power. They didn't try to exploit Jesus' power so they could continue to have great catches. They chose to accept his call to learn to fish for and catch people.

We are all sinners unworthy of being in Jesus' presence. When we acknowledge our sin he will cleanse us by baptism with water for repentance and forgiveness, and give us the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit to empower us to live according to God's Word (Romans 8:1-16). My understanding of the Bible and my personal experience testify that the Church is the heir to the ministry of the water baptism of John, for repentance and spiritual cleansing, and that the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit is a personally discernible, daily, ongoing event, as we begin to live in obedient trust in Jesus' teaching.

Jesus described the kingdom of heaven as a process like fishing with a net. The Gospel of Jesus is the net. All sorts of fish are gathered by the net. When full the net is hauled ashore and the fishermen sort through the fish, saving the good, and throwing the bad away (Matthew 13:47-50).

This present, temporal world is like a net full of all kinds of fish. At the end of this age, Jesus is going to return to judge the the good from the bad, the “living (“quickened”) and dead” (in both the physical and spiritual senses; 1 Peter 4:5).

This lifetime is our opportunity to seek and find God and to be spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) by the “baptism” of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus is only way to come to know God (Matthew 11:27; John 14:6-7). Jesus is the only way to be restored to fellowship with God which was broken by sin (Acts 4:12; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). Jesus is the only way to be “born-again” to eternal life by the “baptism” of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17).

Christians are “born-again” disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26). Disciples must be “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) before going into the world with the “net” of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:49, Acts 1, 4-5, 8). We cast the net, and then the angels of the Lord will haul it ashore and separate the good from the evil, the living from the dead, at the Day of Judgment at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

On the Day of Judgment everyone who has ever lived will be accountable to Jesus, the Righteous Judge, for what we have done in this lifetime with the Gospel of Jesus. Those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and have trusted and obeyed Jesus' teachings will have been spiritually “born-again.” The will have had a personal daily relationship with Jesus during this lifetime, and Jesus will acknowledge them as his disciples. They will enter God's eternal kingdom restored to paradise in heaven.

Those who have rejected Jesus as Lord, who have refused or failed to trust and obey Jesus, will be denied by Jesus. Jesus will declare that he never knew them (Matthew 7:21-23), and the angels will cast them into eternal destruction in hell with all evil Mathew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).

We all have a choice to make. We are all in boats, in darkness, fishing for meaning and purpose. Jesus is calling us to follow him and try a new kind of fishing. Will we continue to stay in darkness trying to accomplish what is ultimately unproductive, or will we trust and obey Jesus and find what is eternally precious?

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Epiphany - Friday (variable) C
To be used only if there is a 5 Epiphany Sunday - Otherwise skip to 8 Epiphany


First Posted February 5, 2010
Podcast: 4 Epiphany Friday C

Colossians 3:12-17 – Christian Life;

As holy and beloved chosen ones of God, practice kindness, compassion, lowliness, meekness and patience, forbearing and forgiving one another. We must forgive one another as the Lord has forgiven us. Above all these, we must be loving, because by love all things are bound together in perfect harmony. Let the peace of Christ Jesus reign in our hearts in the one body (the Church) to which we have been called. Remember to be thankful. Let us be filled with the word of Christ, so that we can teach and advise one another with wisdom, and as we sing to the Lord in thanksgiving. Let everything we do, in word or deed, be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, in thanksgiving to God the Father through him.

Commentary:

In love, God has chosen us in Christ, before the world was created (John 1:1-5, 14), so that we could be blameless and holy in God's judgment (Ephesians 1:4). This creation was designed by God in his love for us. God designed an eternal savior, Jesus Christ, into creation so that, through faith (obedient trust) in him, we could be blameless of sin (disobedience of God's Word), and holy (purified; consecrated to God's service). By the blood of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross we are forgiven and made holy, if we are willing to receive it by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus.

This Creation is designed by God for a specific purpose. God has always intended to establish an eternal kingdom of his people who willingly choose to trust and obey God's Word. This world has been designed to allow us freedom to choose whether to trust and obey God's Word or not, and to learn by trial-and-error that God's will is our best interest. Disobedience of God's Word is the definition of sin. God is not willing to tolerate rebellion and disobedience forever, or at all in his eternal heavenly kingdom, or it wouldn't be heaven!

This lifetime is our opportunity to seek and find God (Acts 17:26-27), to learn to trust and obey God's Word, and to be “reborn” (John 3:3, 5-8) to eternal life. These goals are only possible through Jesus Christ because Jesus is God's one and only provision for our forgiveness of sin and our salvation from eternal death and destruction in hell (Acts 4:12; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). Jesus is the only way to know divine eternal truth, to be restored to fellowship with God that was broken by sin, and the only way to have eternal life (John 14:6).

We are all born into this world physically alive but spiritually “unborn.” God offers us eternal life in paradise restored in heaven, if we are willing to receive it by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ. Only Jesus “baptizes” with (gives the gift of) the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). We are “reborn” to eternal life by the indwelling Holy Spirit within us. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

By the indwelling Holy Spirit we experience God's love for us personally, and we are enabled to live according to God's Word, as we allow the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, to reign in us and guide us (Romans 8:1-9). By the indwelling Holy Spirit we are able to advise and teach one another (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11-12). Only by the indwelling Holy Spirit are we able to truly sing in thanksgiving and praise to the Lord (Romans 8:15-16).

Jesus is the “living Word,” the Word of God fulfilled, embodied and exemplified in human flesh, in this world (John 1:1-5, 14). Christians are “born-again” disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26). We must be “born-again,” filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 6), before we can proclaim the Gospel, advise and teach others.

In this letter, Paul was making disciples of new believers at Colossae, in fulfillment of the “Great Commission” which Jesus gave to his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), teaching them to trust and obey all that Jesus teaches, so that they would be “born-again,” filled by the word of Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus' word is the Word of God with the creative force of God's Word (John 14:10, 24; Mark 4:39-41; Genesis 1:9).

I'm convinced that Paul is the disciple God intended to replace Judas Iscariot, Jesus' betrayer; not Matthias, as chosen by the original eleven by chance while they were supposed to be waiting for the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:15-26). Matthias is never mentioned again, but after Paul's conversion, most of the rest of the New Testament is written by or about Paul. Paul is the prototype “modern,” “post-resurrection,” “born-again” disciple (student) and apostle (messenger; of the Gospel) of Jesus Christ, and the example that all of us can and should be.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Epiphany - Saturday (variable) C
To be used only if there is a 5 Epiphany Sunday - Otherwise skip to 8 Epiphany


First Posted February 6, 2010
Podcast: 4 Epiphany Saturday C

Matthew 13:24-30 – Weeds Among Wheat;

Jesus used “parables,” stories of common earthly experiences, to teach spiritual truth. In one, Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is like a farmer who sowed good wheat seed in his field, but during the night while he and his servants were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weed seed in the field. When the wheat sprouted, so did the weeds. The servants reported this to the farmer, asking if the seed had been faulty. The farmer said that the weeds had been sown by his enemy. The servants asked if they should pull the weeds, but the farmer told them to wait until the harvest, so that the wheat would not be damaged. At harvest the reapers would pull the weeds first and burn them. Then the wheat could be gathered into the farmer's barn.

Commentary:

This Creation is God's “wheat field.” The purpose of this life is to create a harvest of “wheat” for God's “barn,” his kingdom in heaven. The Gospel is the good seed that will produce wheat. The wheat are those who trust and obey God's Word. Satan is the enemy who sows weeds among the wheat. The weeds are those who refuse or fail to trust and obey God's Word.

In the beginning we are all “weeds,” sinners (disobedient of God's Word) who fall short of God's righteousness (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10), and the penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). God loves us and doesn't want any of us to perish eternally (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-17). This lifetime is our opportunity to become “wheat” in God's harvest. The Gospel of faith (obedient trust) in Jesus is the only way (Acts 4:21; John 14:6; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).

God allows the weeds to grow among the wheat until the “harvest,” which is the Second Coming, the Day of Judgment at the end of this age. The end of the age will occur within our individual lifetimes at the moment of our death, and no one can be sure that we'll live until tomorrow.

At the moment of our physical death our eternal destiny will be fixed and unalterable. Those who have accepted Jesus as Lord, who have learned to trust and obey Jesus, will have been “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) during this lifetime, and will enter God's eternal kingdom in heaven. Those who have rejected Jesus, who have refused or failed to trust and obey Jesus, will be cast into eternal fire in hell with all evil. (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Week of 3 Epiphany C - January 24 - 30, 2010

Week of 3 Epiphany C - 1/24 - 1/30/2010

This is a Three-Year Lectionary based on the Lutheran Book of Worship 3-year Lectionary (for public worship), "Prayers of the Day..." (Propers), p. 13-41, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978. It is based, with only minor variations, on the Revised Common Lectionary, used by many denominations, including the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches:

http://www.commontexts.org/

and:

http://www.commontexts.org/rcl/usage.html

The daily readings are the Propers (Lections) for the following Sunday, so that the daily devotions can prepare us for worship. Additional Lections are from Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, "Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers," United Lutheran Church of America, General Rubrics VIII. Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers, p. 299 - 304, Philadelphia, 1918.

The previous 2- year Bible Study based on the Lutheran Book of Worship, Daily Lectionary for personal devotions p.179-192, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978, is available at:

http://shepboy.snow.prohosting.com

Journalspace.com, my former 'blog host is being reorganized under new ownership. I no longer publish there. I have also lost mypodcast.com, my podcast host. This 'blog is mirrored at:

http://shepboy.multiply.com/

.mp3 Podcasts via Linux Festival Text-to-speech are available at:

Daily Walk 2 Year C Weekly Lectionary

Please Note: I will post weekly by Saturday, noon, (God willing), Pacific time (UTC-8:00) for the week of the Church Season which begins on Sunday. Please scroll down for the desired day, or save the week to your desktop/hard drive.

This entry published late due to my health issues. I am sorry! The link to shepboy.snow.prohosting.com, above, will always provide the lections, if not the entries themselves, so that you can always do daily devotions, whenever I fail to publish on time

Podcast: Week of 3 Epiphany C

3 Epiphany - Sunday C
First posted January 24, 2010
Podcast: 3 Epiphany Sunday C

Isaiah 61:1-6 – The Spirit of the Lord;
Psalm 113 – Helper of the Humble;
I Corinthians 12:12-21, 26-27 – Body and Members;
Luke 4:14-21 – The Spirit of the Lord;

Isaiah:

God has anointed his servant with the Spirit of the Lord so that the servant can proclaim good news to the poor and afflicted. The Lord's servant has been sent to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives, to release those who are bound, to announce the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of God's vengeance. To those who mourn in Zion, he gives them a garland (of celebration) instead of ashes (of sorrow), the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the cloak of praise, instead of a faint spirit. They shall be called the planting of the Lord, oaks of righteousness, so that God will be glorified. They will rebuild ancient ruins and restore what had formerly been destroyed. The ruins of cities and devastations of many generations they will repair.

Foreigners will be the servants who feed Israel's flocks, plow their fields and dress their vines, But Israel will be priests of the Lord. People will acknowledge them as ministers of the Lord God. They will feast on the wealth of nations and will exalt in their riches.

Psalm:

Let us praise the Lord all his servants! Let us praise the name (the character and person) of the Lord!

From now on for all eternity may we bless his name! Let his name be praised from sunrise to sunset! The greatness of the Lord is above all nations, and his glory (honor; his goodness and righteousness) is higher than the heavens!

Who can compare to the Lord our God? He is enthroned on high above heaven, but he sees far down to earth. He lifts the poor and needy from the dust and from the ash heap and makes them sit among princes of the people. To the barren woman he gives a home and children, so that she can rejoice in them! Praise the Lord!

1 Corinthians:

Paul uses the analogy of the human body to describe the relationship of the Church and its members. Just as a human body, though composed of many members is one unified body. So it is with Christ. We are all baptized into Christ by one Spirit into one body, both Jew and Greek, slave and free, and we all participate in the one Spirit.

The body doesn't consist of a single member, but many. The members have different functions, but one member cannot deny its part in the body just because it doesn't have a certain gift. The body needs the participation of every member to function properly. As God has designed the various members of a physical body work together, so it is in the Church. Neither can the body decide that it has no need for a certain member. The suffering of one member is shared by all, and all rejoice when one is honored.

The Church is the body of Christ, and believers are individual members of it.

Luke:

After Jesus had been tempted in the wilderness, he returned to Galilee, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. He went throughout Galilee teaching in synagogues, and was held in honor by all.

In Nazareth, where he had grown up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath, as had been his custom. He stood up to read the Scripture, and the book (scroll) of Isaiah was given to him. He opened it to the passage in Isaiah 61:1-6, and read, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19).

Closing the book, Jesus sat back down, and every person in the synagogue was looking at him. Jesus began to speak, saying that they had just witnessed the fulfillment of this text.

Commentary:

This text in Isaiah is believed to have been written around 530-510 B.C. Babylon had been conquered in 539 B.C. by Cyrus of Persia, who allowed the Exiles to return to their Promised Land during the following generation. God had promised that the Exiles would return after seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11-12), which is counted from the destruction of the temple in 587 B.C. by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon until dedication of the rebuilt temple in 517 B.C..

Isaiah was a fulfillment of the Lord's servant, who by the Holy Spirit announced good tidings of release for the Exiles and the “year” of the Lord's favor, compared to the “day” of God's vengeance. He changed their mourning to gladness and praise. They would rebuild the ruins of Jerusalem and the temple.

Before the coming of Jesus Christ, only a few people at any time who were called by the Lord to be his prophets were “anointed” with the Holy Spirit. God had established a concept of “anointing” prophets, priests and kings with olive oil as a symbol of God's selection and approval. Anointing of kings was tantamount to coronation. Anointing with oil was also used for healing, and for a sign of hospitality and celebration. The “anointing” of the Holy Spirit is characterized as the “oil of gladness.”

Jesus came to make it possible for all of God's people to be “anointed” with the Holy Spirit (Numbers 11:25-29; John 7:37-39; 14:15-17). Jesus is the only one who “baptizes” (“anoints”) with the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

The Church is the heir to the ministry of John the Baptizer, to call people to repent and be baptized with water as spiritual cleansing, by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus, to prepare them to receive Jesus in the “anointing” of the indwelling Holy Spirit (the Spirit of God; the Spirit of Christ; Romans 8:9). The “anointing” with the Holy Spirit began to be fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, the “birthday” of the Church (Acts 2:1-13).

God's Word is eternally true, and is fulfilled over and over, as the conditions for its fulfillment are met. Christians are by definition disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26c) who have been “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) by the “anointing” of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and then are guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission which Jesus gave to his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), to be carried out only after they had received the “anointing” of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8). Each “born-again” Christian is a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy of the Lord's Spirit-filled servant. Each one is called to be a minister of the Lord.

Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Jesus is the Messiah, (Christ; both words mean “anointed” in Hebrew and Greek, respectively) The Gospels testify that Jesus was doing the things foretold of the Lord's servant by Isaiah. When John the baptizer had been imprisoned, he sent his disciples to Jesus, seeking reassurance that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus told them to report to John what they had seen Jesus doing that very hour: the blind, the deaf, the lame, and lepers are healed, and the poor hear good news, the Gospel of forgiveness of sin, salvation from eternal condemnation, and restoration of fellowship with God which was broken by sin, through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus (Matthew 11:2-5).

Jesus promises his disciples, his servants, that he will give them the “anointing” of the Holy Spirit if they will keep his commandments (John 14:15-17). But he wants to be sure that we're committed, before he does, because it is unrepeatable (Hebrews 6:4-6).

By the indwelling Holy Spirit we personally experience the love and joy of the Lord's presence. We become one body in Christ by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides and empowers each member individually so that together our work fulfills Christ's mission of forgiveness and salvation.

I attend a “mega-church,” where I only participate in worship, because my internet ministry requires my full time. I'm delighted to see how what I'm doing online and what my pastor preaches are so in agreement, but I realize that we are each led independently by the one and the same Holy Spirit.

John was given a visible sign to reveal who the Messiah was, and John testified that he had seen the sign of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descend and stay upon Jesus. So John was able to point people to Jesus as the Messiah, who “baptizes” with the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34).

Jesus was going from synagogue to synagogue in Galilee and his teaching was highly regarded by the people, except in Nazareth where Jesus grew up. They thought they knew so much about Jesus (Luke 4:22b) that they couldn't accept him as the Messiah. Jesus gently confronted them with their spiritual problem, but they got so angry they tried to throw Jesus off a cliff, since the town was built on a hill (Luke 4:23-30).

Jesus came to show us how to be servants of the Lord. That is what God's people are called to be. The people of Nazareth thought Jesus was making himself appear to be better than they. We are all born into this world physically alive but spiritually “unborn” and this lifetime is our only opportunity to be spiritually “reborn” to eternal life. Otherwise we will die eternally in hell with all evil.

Jesus was speaking the truth in love. The way he said it wasn't combative, but the Nazarenes weren't willing to be confronted with the truth. They rejected the only one who could heal their spiritual need and give them eternal life.

There is a day coming when we will all be accountable to Jesus for what we have done in this lifetime. In that day Jesus will command, and we will have no choice but to obey. Those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord will have been spiritually “born-again” in this lifetime and will enter God's eternal kingdom in heaven, a New Creation restored to paradise before the corruption of sin. Those who have rejected Jesus and have refused or simply failed to trust and obey Jesus will be condemned to eternal death and destruction in hell with all evil (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?


3 Epiphany - Monday (Variable) C
To be used only if there is a 4 Epiphany Sunday - Otherwise skip to 8 Epiphany


First Posted January 25, 2010
Podcast: 3 Epiphany - Monday (Variable) C

Psalm 71:1-6, 15-17 - Refuge;

I take refuge in the Lord; he will never let me be put to shame. He will rescue and deliver me because of his righteousness. He will hear my cry and save me. The Lord is my rock of refuge; a strong fortress to save me.

The Lord will rescue me from the wicked; from the grasp of the unjust and cruel he will save me. I have depended upon the Lord from my birth. It is the Lord who brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will praise him continually.

I will declare the Lord's righteous acts, his deeds of salvation all day long. They are more than I can count. By the power of the Lord I will declare his righteousness, his alone.

From my youth the Lord has taught me, and I will continue to proclaim his great deeds.

Commentary:

When I've had tribulations, I've turned to the Psalms. For new believers they are the testimonies of mature believers who have experienced God's help and faithfulness. The Lord wants us to claim the promises of his Word for ourselves so that we can learn by personal experience his power and faithfulness to save and deliver us from adversity. Then we can add our own testimony to that of the Psalmists.

The Lord wants us to seek him and his Word. When we do so with our whole heart, he will reveal himself to us (Deuteronomy 4:29 RSV). The Lord has given us his Word and his plan for Creation in the Bible and in Jesus Christ, the “living Word,” the fulfillment, embodiment and example of God's Word lived in human flesh in this world (John 1:1-5, 14).

Jesus is the “picture” of God's plan for Creation. Jesus came to show us what it is like to be in human flesh but filled, guided and empowered with the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to be the one and only sacrifice acceptable to God for forgiveness of our sin and cleansing so that we could be temples of the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to demonstrate that there is existence after physical death, and that he can raise us up from death to eternal life.

God has a plan for each of us, which he wants to reveal to us, but not if we're just “window-shopping.” We must be willing to trust and obey the Lord without reservation. The place to begin is to read the entire Bible. God reveals his plan for us in his Word, and he wants us to seek it one day at a time (Matthew 6:11, 34). We can't expect the Lord to hear and answer prayer if we're not willing to hear, trust and obey his Word.

The Lord brought us forth in physical birth into this world, whether we realize and acknowledge that or not. He intends for us to be “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) spiritually during our lifetime in this Creation.

We have all sinned (disobeyed God's Word; (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8-10), and the penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). God loves us and doesn't want any of us to perish eternally (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-17). Jesus is God's only provision for our salvation from eternal death, restoration to fellowship with God which was broken by sin, and rebirth to eternal life (Acts 4:12; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar top right).

Jesus is the only way to know divine eternal truth, the only way to come to know and have fellowship with God our Creator, and the only way to be reborn to eternal life by the “baptism” of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:6). Only Jesus “baptizes” with the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

The indwelling Holy Spirit will teach us all things, and recall all Jesus' teachings to us (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of (divine) truth (John 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit gives Jesus’ disciples what to say at the moment it is needed (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11-12). It is only by the indwelling Holy Spirit that we can praise the Lord and declare his righteousness. We cannot carry on Christ's mission to bring forgiveness and salvation to the world except by the power and guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

3 Epiphany - Tuesday (Variable) C
To be used only if there is a 4 Epiphany Sunday - Otherwise skip to 8 Epiphany


First Posted January 26, 2010
Podcast: 3 Epiphany - Tuesday (Variable) C

Jeremiah 1:4-10 – Jeremiah's Call;

The Lord spoke to Jeremiah saying that he had known Jeremiah before Jeremiah's conception and had consecrated Jeremiah before he was born. The Lord had appointed him to be a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah replied that he was just a youth and not a public speaker. But the Lord told Jeremiah not to let his youth bother him. Jeremiah was to go to wherever God would send him and say whatever God commanded. Jeremiah was not to fear those to whom he was sent, because God promised to be with Jeremiah to deliver him. Then God touched Jeremiah's mouth and said that he had put God's words in his mouth. God told Jeremiah that God had given him authority over nations and kingdoms, “to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant” (Jeremiah 1:10).

Commentary:

Prophecy is not like fortune-telling. Prophecy is declaring God's Word; the fact that it is God's Word is why it is always fulfilled (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). God's Word contains both great promises and ominous warnings. We can either trust and obey God's Word and receive the promises, or disregard it and receive the penalties the warnings were intended to help us avoid. Unlike fortune-telling, we determine the outcome ourselves by our response to God's Word.

Worldly fortune-tellers are demonic counterfeits. It is tempting to some to consult such sources because it is easy. There are astrology charts in every newspaper and many internet portals, but God forbids his people to consult “mediums” and astrologers and such (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). God wants us to be led by his Holy Spirit, not by those who are demonic.

Before Jesus came, only a few chosen people, called to be God's prophets, like Jeremiah, had a personal relationship with God. Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross made it possible for God's people to be cleansed and consecrated and filled with the indwelling Holy Spirit (Numbers 11:25-29), to be guided and empowered to declare God's Word to all the nations and peoples of the world. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) began the fulfillment of Numbers 11:29: “Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them.”

Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ who have been “born-again” by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 11:26; John 3:3, 5-8). Only Jesus gives the gift (“baptism;” “anointing”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only upon his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission, to go into the World to make disciples of Jesus Christ in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (note the Trinity), and teaching them to trust and obey all that Jesus teaches, and promising to be with them always to the close of the age (the end of time; this world). Note carefully that Jesus also commanded his disciples to wait in Jerusalem (the Church is the modern equivalent) until they had been “born-again” by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit before going into the world with the Gospel (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8).

Every truly “born-again” Christian is the heir to the call of Jeremiah. The Lord has promised to put his Word in our mouths by the indwelling Holy Spirit within us. We are to go wherever he leads us and say what he commands, because the Holy Spirit will speak through us (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11-12).

In many instances, the nominal Church is not following the Great Commission, and not teaching its members to wait for the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit. Some mainline denominations are teaching that the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit is automatically conferred with water baptism. This is not only not helping their members, but actually doing spiritual harm, because the teaching actually discourages and prevents the members from seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit (see False Teachings, Spiritual Rebirth, sidebar top right).

Many of these same nominal Churches also teach “Cheap Grace,”* the doctrine that salvation is by grace (unmerited favor; a free gift, which is true), without the obligation of discipleship and obedient trust (which is not true; see False Teachings, “Cheap Grace,”sidebar, top right).

The only way to protect oneself from false teachers and false teachings is to read the entire Bible for oneself. An average reader can easily read the entire Bible in one year. There are several 1-year Bible reading plans available. I prefer one that includes both Old Testament and New Testament readings each day (see Free Bible Study Tools, sidebar, top right).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

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*See: The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Collier Books, Macmillan Publishing Co., NY 1963 ISBN 0-02-083850-6

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3 Epiphany - Wednesday (Variable) C
To be used only if there is a 4 Epiphany Sunday - Otherwise skip to 8 Epiphany


First Posted January 27, 2010
Podcast: 3 Epiphany - Wednesday (Variable) C

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13 - Gifts of the Spirit

Paul had just described the Church in an analogy of a human body, a body composed of various members with different abilities that work together. He lists various examples of abilities (gifts given by the Holy Spirit) in descending order: First, apostles (messengers; of the Gospel); second, prophets; third, teachers; then miracle-workers, healers, helpers (like deacons), administrators (such as bishops), then speakers of various tongues. The members of the Church don't each possess all the spiritual abilities (including interpreters of various tongues). But we should all earnestly desire the higher gifts (like prophecy).

But these gifts must be used with love, to be effective. If we have the ability to speak earthly or spiritual languages our ability is no more useful than the gongs and cymbals (that characterize pagan worship). If we have great prophetic powers, understand all mysteries, have all knowledge, and have great, mountain-moving faith (Matthew 17:20b), but without love, we are nothing. The greatest acts of charity and self-sacrifice are for nothing if not done in love.

“Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

The spiritual gifts we are given will not endure forever, because our knowledge and prophecy are imperfect. Our spiritual development is similar to our physical development. When we were children we talked, thought, and reasoned like children. But when we became adults no longer used childish ways because we had matured and learned adult ways. In this lifetime we see spiritual things dimly, as though reflected in a shiny metal surface. But in the world to come in eternity, we will see face to face. Now we only have partial knowledge but in the hereafter we will understand fully as God understands us now (better than we understand ourselves).

Commentary:

Spiritual rebirth is a growth process. New believers should be discipled by mature, “born-again” disciples until the new believers are “born-again.” Then the new disciples should be taught to set aside a time each day to read the Bible, meditate, and pray. First one should read the entire Bible, and I recommend that each daily reading should include Old Testament and New Testament portions. There are several One-Year Bible reading plans available (see Free Bible Study Tools, sidebar, top right.

When the new believer has been “born-again” he is discipled further by the Holy Spirit within him. After reading the entire Bible, the new believer should carry on the daily “quiet time” (personal devotions), using a devotional schedule, perhaps a quarterly booklet of devotions published by their church denomination, or some other devotional like this “My Daily Walk.”

New disciples need to learn to be led by the daily devotional text and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Lord will emphasize a portion of the text or commentary. When the disciple thinks the Lord is showing him something in the text, he should pray it back to see if he's understood. Remember that God will never tell us anything contrary to the Bible, nor anything which will harm ourselves or others.

The Lord wants us to seek and be guided by his will one day at a time (Matthew 6:11, 34). As we begin to be led by God's Word and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we will grow in faith (obedient trust) as we experience personally the truth and reliability of God's Word and the Holy Spirit.

Instead of trying to identify our spiritual gift after we have been “born-again” we need to learn to recognize the still, small inner voice of the Lord. We need to seek God's will, and God's will for us is going to change as we grow spiritually. When we know the will and call of God, we can be sure that he will provide the spiritual gifts we need to accomplish that call. As we begin to walk in obedience to that call he will reveal and supply the gifts we need.

Perhaps God's will for us is first as students in small group Bible Study and Adult Sunday School, as was my own experience. The Lord began showing me things in scripture as I prepared for weekly Bible Study and Adult Sunday School, so that I was able to make a spiritually useful contribution and I grew in faith.

As I grew spiritually, the Lord led me to chair the Social Ministry Committee, and later I chaired the Evangelism Committee. Through those calls, the Lord began to lead me outside of Church and into the world. I had numerous opportunities for spiritual growth. The latest example is my internet ministry, “My Daily Walk.”

In my growing devotional life, the Lord led me to the devotional lectionary (schedule of Bible readings) which became the first, two-year Bible study I published on “My Daily Walk.” I had been growing spiritually for about twenty-five years, and I was only then just ready to attempt it, and only by the help of the Lord which I relied upon and experienced daily.

Using the gifts of the Holy Spirit must be done in love, the love of God, not what the world falsely calls love, not carnal love or romantic love. We experience the love of God through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and because he first loved us, we love him, and want to please him by keeping his commandments (John 14:15)

It is important to note that what is done in love is not always perceived as love by others. Jesus loved the world so much that he gave is life on the cross as a sacrifice for our sin (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-17), so that we could receive forgiveness of our sin (disobedience of God's Word Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10), salvation from eternal death and condemnation (the penalty for sin; Romans 6:23), fellowship with God which was broken by sin, and eternal life in God's kingdom in Heaven (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). The response of worldly, ungodly people was to crucify him.

The preaching of John the Baptizer was done in love for God and for God's people, but the religious leaders refused to accept John's preaching (Matthew 3:7-9). Let us ask ourselves if we would be more willing to hear that message today. The Apostle Paul (Saul of Tarsus) prophesied that the time was coming when people would not endure sound teaching, and would get teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). That day has certainly come.

Paul is intended by God to be the prototype and example of a “modern, post-resurrection, born-again disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul loved his fellow Jews and mourned for them because they refused to listen to Paul's preaching of the Gospel and accept Jesus as their promised Messiah. Paul endured great suffering from persecution by the Jews (Acts 9:17-25; 13:45-47; 21:27-36; 2 Corinthians 11:24-25).

Worldly people persecuted Jesus and his disciples, including Paul. Worldly people hate the Gospel of Jesus Christ today and increasingly so in America.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

3 Epiphany - Thursday (Variable) C
To be used only if there is a 4 Epiphany Sunday - Otherwise skip to 8 Epiphany


First Posted January 28, 2010
Podcast: 3 Epiphany - Thursday (Variable) C

Luke 4:21-32 – Rejected in Nazareth;

Jesus attended the synagogue in Nazareth at the beginning of his public ministry, and was asked to read from the book (scroll) of Isaiah. He chose to read Isaiah 61:1-2; the prophecy of the Messiah, the Lord's servant, anointed with the Holy Spirit to preach the “good news” (the Gospel) to the poor, to free the imprisoned, to heal the blind, to restore the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.

Everyone in the synagogue waited for Jesus to say something, and Jesus began, saying that this prophecy of Isaiah had been filled that day in their hearing. Everyone thought that Jesus' words were gracious, and they said “is this not Joseph's son” (Luke 4:22b)? Jesus told them that they would probably quote the proverb “Physician, heal thyself” (Luke 4:23); that Jesus should do in his hometown the miracles he had done in Capernaum. Jesus said that “no prophet is acceptable in his own country” (Luke 4:24). Jesus said that in the time of Elijah, when there was a drought for three and a half years, and a severe famine, there were many widows in the land of Israel but Elijah was sent to none of them, but to a widow in Sidon, in Phoenicia (north of Galilee; 1 Kings 17 :1, 8-16; 18:1). So, also, there were many lepers in Israel when Elisha was a prophet, and only Naaman, the Syrian, was cleansed (2 Kings 5:1-14).

When the people of the synagogue heard what Jesus was saying, they were furious, and they seized Jesus, carried him outside the city and took him to the brow of the hill on which Nazareth was built, intending to throw Jesus over the cliff, but Jesus passed through them and went away.

Commentary:

The people of Nazareth could not accept Jesus because they had known him growing up among them. They knew his family, and they thought they knew that Joseph was his father. They knew that Jesus had no formal training (Mark 6:2b, 3a) At first they were willing to “indulge” him a little; they weren't expecting too much. It wasn't like he was a formally trained Biblical expert from Jerusalem. When they heard Jesus' message they grew furious.

The Jews regarded themselves as God's “chosen” people, and they regarded themselves as “righteous” (doing what was good, right and true) according to the Law of Moses. They didn't recognize their spiritual famine and sickness.

Leprosy was a disease which was visible and which marked the leper as a social and spiritual outcast, cut off from the religious community. We are all living in a time of spiritual famine. People are seeking spiritual fulfillment, but in all the wrong places. The Bible is the last place they are willing to look for spiritual sustenance. We are all spiritual lepers, because we are all sinners (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10). We are all cut off from God because of sin, and as sinners are all under condemnation of eternal death in God's judgment.

Jesus, the promised “Messiah” (“Christ;” God's “anointed”), the eternal Savior came to Israel, but they refused to acknowledge and accept him as their Messiah, their Savior and eternal King. Gentiles accepted and received Jesus and received spiritual feeding and healing, but the Jews did not.

No place in Israel was more in need of Jesus' message than Nazareth that day. Jesus' words were gracious (Luke 4:22) and loving, not angry and intentionally hurtful. The people reacted to Jesus' words in anger because they were unrepentant sinners. As a result, they lost the spiritual feeding and healing that Jesus did in other places in Israel, such as Capernaum, and for Gentiles.

The basis for receiving the forgiveness of sin and salvation from eternal destruction, which only Jesus can give (Acts 4:12), is by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus (Matthew 13:58; Mark 6:6). Salvation is not by being born into and attending church, nor by being a “good” person, nor by believing “hard enough” that when we die we will go to a “better place.”

There are many people in our world today, in our societies, and even in our (nominal) Churches, who get angry when the Gospel is proclaimed, and direct their anger upon the messenger. It is not loving to know the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and not share it in a loving way with people who are perishing.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

3 Epiphany - Friday (Variable) C
To be used only if there is a 4 Epiphany Sunday - Otherwise skip to 8 Epiphany


First Posted January 29, 2010
Podcast: 3 Epiphany - Friday (Variable) C

Romans 13:8-10 -- Commandment of Love;

Paul was “discipling” new believers, urging them to not become obligated to anyone except to love one another. If we truly love our neighbor we have fulfilled the obligations of the law (of Moses; the Ten Commandments). The Commandments to refrain from adultery, murder, stealing, and covetousness are fulfilled by loving our neighbor. So love is the fulfillment of the law.

Commentary:

Jesus taught his disciples that the entire law can be fulfilled by loving God and loving our neighbor (Mark 12:29-31).

Paul (Saul of Tarsus) was intended by God to be the prototype and illustration of a “modern,” “post-resurrection,” “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple (student) and apostle (messenger; of the Gospel) of Jesus Christ, as we can also be. Paul was as much a disciple and apostle as the original Twelve. In fact I believe that Paul was the one chosen by God to take the place of Judas, the betrayer.

Jesus told the Eleven remaining disciples to stay in Jerusalem (the modern equivalent is the Church) awaiting the fulfillment of the promised “baptism” (“anointing;” “infilling;” “gift”) of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8), before fulfilling the “Great Commission” which Jesus gave to his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20) to go into the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While the disciples were awaiting the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit, they decided to choose, from the wider followers of Jesus, someone to take the place of Judas, and they chose Matthias by lot (by chance). They didn't yet have the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide them. Matthias is never mentioned again, but from the time of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-22) most of the rest of the New Testament is written by or about Paul.

The Great Commission was Jesus' command to his disciples to go into the world to make “born-again” disciples, teaching them to trust and obey all that Jesus teaches. Paul is the intended demonstration of the fulfillment of that command. Paul was discipled by a “born-again” disciple, Ananias (note that Ananias had a personal relationship with the Lord; Acts 9:10), until Paul was “baptized” with the indwelling Holy Spirit. Then Paul immediately began to make disciples and teach them to trust and obey Jesus' teachings, as this text shows.

The only remarkable thing about Paul's conversion was its rapidity. But remember that Paul was already formally educated in Judaism. All he needed was to be pointed toward Jesus, the Messiah (Christ; both words mean “anointed” in Hebrew and Greek respectively). Remember that the other Eleven were with Jesus “twenty-four/seven” for about three years, and still were not ready to go into the world until they had been “baptized” with the indwelling Holy Spirit. We cannot expect to be ready in less time.

Paul's discipling is exemplified in Timothy. Timothy was already a believer (2 Timothy 1:5), but Paul discipled him until Timothy was “born-again” (2 Timothy 1:6-7). Paul told Timothy to repeat the process of discipling with other people who would be faithful in repeating the process (2 Timothy 2:2).

Note that Jesus never baptized anyone with water; only his disciples did (John 4:2). Only Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

The Church is the heir to the ministry of John the Baptizer. John's ministry was to call people to repent and be baptized with water for the forgiveness and remission of sin (disobedience of God's Word) in preparation to receive the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit. The “baptism” of the Holy Spirit is a personally discernible, ongoing event, as Paul says (Acts 19:2).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

3 Epiphany - Saturday (Variable) C
To be used only if there is a 4 Epiphany Sunday - Otherwise skip to 8 Epiphany


First Posted January 30, 2010
Podcast: 3 Epiphany - Saturday (Variable) C

Matthew 8:23-27 – Jesus Calms the Storm;

Jesus and his disciples were crossing to the east side of the Sea of Galilee to avoid crowds of people seeking healing (Matthew 8:16-18). During the crossing, a storm arose, and the boat was being swamped by waves, but Jesus was asleep. His disciples awoke him, asking him to save them from perishing. Jesus asked them why they were afraid, having so little faith. Then Jesus rebuked the wind and waves and there was a great calm. His disciples were amazed and questioned among themselves who Jesus must be, having power to command even wind and waves, and they obey him.

Commentary:

Some of the disciples had been professional fishermen and were familiar with the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18-22), so from a human standpoint they were not exaggerating the danger. Jesus was able to sleep because he knew that God would not allow the storm to thwart God's eternal purpose for Jesus.

Jesus commanded the wind and waves to be still and they were calmed. Jesus' word is the Word of God (John 14:10, 24) with the creative force of God's Word. In creation, God spoke and the watery chaos was divided and separated by dry land (Genesis 1:9). Jesus is the “living Word,” the fulfillment, embodiment and example of God's Word lived in this world in human flesh (John 1:1-5, 14).

Jesus can also calm the emotional and spiritual storms of life, if we allow him to come with us. Jesus' presence within us calms our fear of physical death and assures us that we are not going to perish eternally (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Jesus could command us and we would have no choice but to obey. Jesus has promised to return on the Day of Judgment to judge the living and the dead (1 Peter 4:5), in both the physical and spiritual senses. In that day he will command, and we will obey. In that day everyone who ever lived on this earth will bow before him and acknowledge that he is Lord of all (Philippians 2:10-11).

The meaning and purpose of life is to seek and find God our Creator (Acts 17:26-27), and this is only possible through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). This lifetime is our only opportunity to be spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) to eternal life by the “baptism” (“anointing;” “gift”) of the Holy Spirit. Only Jesus gives the “baptism” of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a discernible ongoing event. It is not possible to be “born-again” and not be aware of the Holy Spirit (see False Teachings, Spiritual Rebirth, sidebar, top right).

The Day of Judgment is not far off. It will occur for each one of us within our lifetimes, at the moment of our physical death, and no one can be certain of tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2), the only day we can count on. At the moment of death our eternal destiny is fixed and unalterable.

On the Day of Judgment, Jesus will be the judge and the standard of judgment by which all will be judged. Those who have have accepted Jesus as Lord and have trusted and obeyed Jesus will have been spiritually reborn to eternal life in this lifetime, and will enter God's eternal kingdom in heaven. Those who have rejected Jesus as Lord, who have refused or failed to trust and obey Jesus will be condemned to eternal death in hell with all evil (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14).

Week of 2 Epiphany C

Week of 2 Epiphany C January 17 - 22, 2010

This is a Three-Year Lectionary based on the Lutheran Book of Worship 3-year Lectionary (for public worship), "Prayers of the Day..." (Propers), p. 13-41, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978. It is based, with only minor variations, on the Revised Common Lectionary, used by many denominations, including the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches:

http://www.commontexts.org/

and:

http://www.commontexts.org/rcl/usage.html

The daily readings are the Propers (Lections) for the following Sunday, so that the daily devotions can prepare us for worship. Additional Lections are from Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, "Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers," United Lutheran Church of America, General Rubrics VIII. Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers, p. 299 - 304, Philadelphia, 1918.

The previous 2- year Bible Study based on the Lutheran Book of Worship, Daily Lectionary for personal devotions p.179-192, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978, is available at:

http://shepboy.snow.prohosting.com

Journalspace.com, my former 'blog host is being reorganized under new ownership. I no longer publish there. I have also lost mypodcast.com, my podcast host. This 'blog is mirrored at:

http://shepboy.multiply.com/

.mp3 Podcasts via Linux Festival Text-to-speech are available at:

Daily Walk 2 Year C Weekly Lectionary

Please Note: I will post weekly by Saturday, noon, (God willing), Pacific time (UTC-8:00) for the week of the Church Season which begins on Sunday. Please scroll down for the desired day, or save the week to your desktop/hard drive.


Podcast: Week of 2 Epiphany C

2 Epiphany - Sunday C
First posted January 17, 2010
Podcast: 2 Epiphany Sunday C

Isaiah 62:1-5 – Vindication of Zion;
Psalm 36:5-10 – The Lord's Steadfast Love;
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 – Spiritual Gifts;
John 2:1-11 – Wedding at Cana;

Isaiah:

The prophet will continue to proclaim Zion's (Jerusalem; Israel; the Church) vindication without rest or silence until her vindication is seen as brightness, like a blazing torch. All kings and nations of the earth will see her vindication and glory (honor; distinction). Israel will be given a new name by the Lord, by which she will be known. She will be a crown of beauty, a royal diadem (crown) in the hand of the Lord her God. No more will she be called Forsaken and her land Desolate. Instead she will be knows as Hephzibah (my delight is in her) and her land called Beulah (“married”).

Israel's sons will be committed to the land as a young man who has married a virgin. And God will rejoice over Israel as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.

Psalm:

The steadfast love of the Lord is as high as the heavens; as high as the clouds is his faithfulness. His righteousness looms above us like the mountain of God. His judgments are deeper than the sea. The Lord saves man and beast.

The steadfast love of God is most precious. Our earthly children find refuge in the shade of his wings. On the abundance of his house they feast, and he provides drink from the river of his delights. The fountain of life is with him, and we see light by his light.

May his steadfast love continue for those who know him, and to those who are upright in heart may they continue in his salvation. Let not the arrogant wipe their feet on me, nor let the hand of the wicked drive me away. May evildoers be struck down and unable to arise.

1 Corinthians:

New believers need to know that the anointing of the Holy Spirit is not simply an emotional response. People can respond emotionally to pagan worship. The test of the motivation of the Holy Spirit is the result it produces. No one motivated by the Holy Spirit will ever curse Jesus, and no one can truly praise Jesus except by the Spirit.

The one Holy Spirit apportions diverse spiritual gifts. There are various ways of serving, but the same Lord. The one God works in various ways. Each believer uses his gift for the good of the Church. One speaks wisdom by the Holy Spirit, another uses knowledge by the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit gives some faith; to others, gifts of healing; the working of miracles. Some are given the gift of prophecy; others, the ability to distinguish true prophecy and doctrine from false. Some may be given “speaking in tongues,” and to others, the ability to interpret “tongues.” All these are various gifts given by the motivation of the one Holy Spirit, who gives them to each, according to God's purpose.

John:

On the third day (after Nathanael came to Jesus) Jesus and his disciples were in Cana in Galilee, to attend a wedding, and Jesus' mother, Mary, was also invited. When the host ran out of wine, Mary told Jesus. Jesus replied (“O woman;” which was a respectful form to address in that culture), asking her why she was telling Jesus; Jesus' hour (of self-revelation) had not yet come. Mary told the servants to get ready to do whatever Jesus would say to them. Six stone jars, each holding twenty or thirty gallons were standing nearby for the Jewish ritual purification. Jesus told the servants to fill the jars to the brim, and they did as Jesus had said. Then Jesus told them to take a sample to the steward (supervisor of the banquet).

When the steward tasted the water, which had become wine, he didn't know the source of the wine, although the servants did. He called the bridegroom and said that normally hosts serve the best wine first, and then the lesser wine, after the guests had drunk freely, but apparently the host had kept the best wine until then. This was the first “sign” (miracle showing who Jesus is) Jesus did, revealing his glory (his supernatural power; his divine origin), “and his disciples believed in him” (John 2:11b).

Commentary:

This text from Isaiah is thought to have originated right before the fall of Babylon to Cyrus of Persia, in 539 B.C., and the generation following, during which Judah, the remnant of Israel exiled in Babylon, was permitted to return to their Promised Land and rebuilt their temple and walls of Jerusalem. This fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah 25:11-12, in which God promised, before the fall of Jerusalem and the exile, to bring the exiles home after seventy years, calculated from exile in 587 B.C., to the dedication of the rebuilt temple in 517 B.C.. Isaiah kept prophesying vindication and restoration to keep the exiles holding on to the promise of God until they were restored to their Promised Land.

God's Word is eternal and eternally true, and is fulfilled over and over as the conditions for its fulfillment are met. Isaiah's prophecy of vindication applied to the restoration of the exiles to their Promised Land. It ultimately applies to the restoration and vindication of the Church, which is New Israel, the New People of God, the New Jerusalem to the New Promised Land of God's eternal kingdom in heaven.

Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is like a wedding feast (Matthew 22:2-14). Jesus is the bridegroom and the Church is his bride (Israel 62:5b). We are all invited to the wedding, but we must wear the garment of salvation which the host provides. The Holy Spirit is the wedding garment we must have to enter the marriage feast. Jesus purchased the wedding garments by his blood shed for us on the cross. Only Jesus “anoints” (“baptizes”) with the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 15:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

The Lord's Supper (Holy Communion; Eucharist) is the foretaste of the wedding feast to come in the eternal kingdom in heaven (Matthew 26:29). The Lord's Supper is a spiritual feast. The portions of the elements of bread and wine, the body and blood of Jesus Christ, are small but the spiritual feast is great. Jesus is the source of the fountain of life, the Holy Spirit (Psalm 36:9a; John 4:10-14; 7:37-39).

Paul was discipling new believers. He was teaching them about the “baptism” and gifts of the Holy Spirit. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is not just “enthusiasm” as some would say. People can work themselves up into a frenzy, even to hysterics. We can discern between “enthusiasm” and true “anointing” by the results produced. Does it truly glorify God, or is it used to enhance the person's appearance of spirituality?

I knew a pastor, who had come from a sports background, who thought his job was to be like a “cheerleader,” to coerce his congregation to “enthusiasm.” An “anointed” preacher who is preaching by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit won't have to resort to histrionics (exaggeration; dramatics). Anyone in the congregation who is spiritually alive will respond to simple statements of spiritual truth). I have personally experienced that “anointed” preaching, but not nearly often enough.

I don't believe that one need take some sort of personality test to seek one's spiritual gifts, although I've known people who wanted to approach it that way. I think that all one needs to do is seek God's will through daily personal Bible reading, with mediation and prayer. In my experience it is a discipleship process to learn to hear the “still, small voice.” The Lord wants us to learn how to be led by his Word and his Holy Spirit, one day at a time.

In my experience I've found that God's will changes according to my level of spiritual growth, and the opportunities for ministry according to my circumstances. I started out as a student in congregational weekly Bible study and adult Sunday School. I was learning the Bible and to hear and be guided by the Holy Spirit.

I was led into Social Ministry (organizing and providing care and assistance for the poor and needy in the community) in my congregation. When that door closed I went into Evangelism in my local congregation. At each step, the Lord was teaching me, and he was also providing the empowerment and resources I needed to do his will with the opportunity I had at the time.

Jesus' public ministry began with a wedding. He was ready and waiting for God's call to begin. He didn't look to his mother for guidance. Jesus had already established a relationship with God and God's Word, and he waited for it.

I think this is an important point. When we first begin in discipleship, we're used to instant answers in our digital world today. We can just dial our cellphone and ask our mother, or our pastor or other spiritual mentor what they think, but, although they mean well, they are blessed if they know God's will for themselves; they have no idea what God's specific individual will is for us.

Alternatively, we pray to the Lord for guidance and then go ahead and do what we think the Lord would want us to do. We must learn to wait on the Lord and listen. When we think we hear him we must pray it back to make sure we've understood.

Jesus began his public ministry at a wedding feast in Cana, and he ended it at a wedding feast in the upper room in Jerusalem on the eve of his betrayal and arrest. It was the celebration of the Passover Feast, commemorating the great saving act of God, delivering Israel from the final plague of the death of the firstborn of the Egyptians. The perfect unblemished lamb was sacrificed for the main course of the feast, and the blood of the lamb marked the doors of the Israelites, to protect them from the destroying angel.

During the feast, Jesus instituted the New Passover feast, the Lord's Supper, securing the New Covenant of Salvation from eternal death by grace (undeserved favor) to be received by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus. Jesus became the sacrificial lamb of the New Covenant. His blood shed on the cross marks his disciples to be “passed over” by eternal death, by faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. The Lord's Supper is the foretaste of the wedding feast of the Lamb which his disciples will share with Jesus in heaven.

Jesus' miracle of changing the water to wine at the wedding in Cana is metaphor for the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the fountain of eternal life. Alcohol in wine makes it an apt metaphor for the Holy Spirit. Jesus can take our “plain water” physical life, and transform it into spirit-filled eternal life. The host at Cana had provided the best wine he could afford, but it couldn't compare with the New Wine of the Holy Spirit which Jesus provides. Worldly people who reject Jesus, who think that this life all there is, are settling for only what they have now, and are missing the joy Christians will have for all eternity in paradise restored in the kingdom of heaven.

It isn't true that no one can know for certain until we die; only those who are perishing spiritually don't know where they will spend eternity. Those who are “born-again” have the Holy Spirit who is the foretaste of the life to come.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

2 Epiphany - Monday C
first posted January 18, 2010
Podcast: 2 Epiphany Monday C

Psalm 113 -- Helper of the Humble;

Let us praise the Lord! Let all his servants praise the name (character and person) of the Lord!

May the name of the Lord be blessed now and forever! Let us praise the name of the Lord from sunrise to sunset! The Lord is great above all nations and his glory is higher than the heavens.

Who can compare to the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high, but sees far down upon the heaven and the earth? He lifts up the poor and needy from dust and ashes, and makes them sit with the princes of his people. He gives the barren woman a family, making her a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord!

Commentary:

The Lord defends, protects, and provides for those who are humble, the poor, weak, and needy. The world, in contrast protects and rewards the rich and powerful.

The Lord designed Creation to be shared by all. There are enough resources for all; the reason for the great inequities in the distribution of those resources is sin (disobedience of God's Word). Worldly people do not know and trust God, and think they can and must hoard resources for hard times. The problem is that if we seek to provide our own security by material resources, we will never achieve real security. We may feel secure, until trouble strikes, but ultimately, security takes just a little bit more than what we have.

Worldly people not only seek security in material possessions, but also seek comfort and luxury. Children go hungry while the rich and powerful indulge themselves. Worldly people believe that this lifetime is all there is, and want to live lavishly now while they can. God's Word tells us that there is existence after physical death (Hebrews 9:27), and Jesus' resurrection demonstrates that truth.

God has always intended to establish an eternal kingdom of his people who willingly choose to trust and obey God. This lifetime is our opportunity to seek and learn to trust and obey God (Acts 17:26-27). We have been born physically into this world, but we are spiritually “unborn.” This lifetime is our opportunity to be spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8).

Jesus is the only way to know divine, eternal truth, the only way to be restored to fellowship with God which was broken by sin, and the only way to have eternal life (John 14:6). To have eternal life, we must be spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8), and this is only possible through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ. Only Jesus gives the gift of (“baptizes;” “anoints” with) the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

God has designed Creation to allow us the freedom to choose whether to trust and obey God or not, and the opportunity to learn by trial and error that obedient trust in God's Word is our best interest. God knew that in giving us freedom, we would choose to do our will instead of God's. But God is not willing to allow rebellion and disobedience forever, or at all in his heavenly kingdom, or it wouldn't be heaven. So God has limited this Creation and we ourselves by time.

We are all sinners who fall short of God's righteousness (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10). The penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). God loves us and doesn't want anyone to perish eternally (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-17). Jesus Christ is God's one and only provision for the forgiveness of our sins and salvation from eternal condemnation (Acts 4:12).

Every truly “born-again” Christian has daily personal fellowship with Jesus Christ and God the Father through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and personally testifies that Jesus lives; that he is risen from physical death to eternal life!

Jesus warns us to seek first God's eternal kingdom and his righteousness, ahead of material things (Matthew 6:33). Otherwise we'll never get around to seeking God's kingdom. Jesus warns that those who pursue wealth, comfort, and luxury now in this lifetime, are trading eternal life in paradise for it (Luke 16:19-31).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

2 Epiphany - Tuesday C
First posted January 19, 2010
Podcast: 2 Epiphany Tuesday C

Isaiah 61:1-6 – The Spirit of the Lord;

The Lord has anointed his servant with the Spirit of the Lord so that his servant can bring good news to those who are afflicted (or “poor”), to mend the brokenhearted, to free the captives, to release the imprisoned. The Lord's servant proclaims the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of God's vengeance. The Lord's servant comforts those who mourn and gives them “a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit” (Isaiah 61:3). They will be called oaks of righteousness that the Lord has planted, to his glory. They will rebuild what was formerly devastated; they will repair the cities that were in ruins for many generations.

Aliens and foreigners will be their laborers, to feed their flocks, plow their fields, and be their vinedressers. The Lord's people will be priests of the Lord, ministers of God. They will feast on the finest foods of the nations and will delight in their wealth.

Commentary:

This text is believed to have been written before the fall of Babylon to Cyrus of Persia, in 539 B.C., and in the generation following, when Cyrus allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their Promised Land. Before the exile of Judah to Babylon, God had promised that the exiles would be restored to Palestine after seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11-12). This prophecy was fulfilled. The seventy years is generally counted from the destruction of the temple in 587 B.C. to the dedication of the restored temple in 517 B.C..

God's Word is eternal, and eternally true; it is fulfilled over and over as the conditions for its fulfillment are met.

Isaiah was the servant of the Lord who was “anointed” with the Spirit of the Lord to proclaim good news to the afflicted exiles of Judah, the remnant of Israel, in Babylon. The Lord freed the exiles from captivity.

Cyrus of Persia not only released the exiles; he returned the sacred vessels of gold, silver and bronze which had been looted from the temple by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Cyrus also gave money and provincial assistance in rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple.

The Lord had taught the Israelites to “anoint” prophets, priests and kings with olive oil as a sign of God's approval. God had promised to raise up the Messiah (Christ; both words mean “anointed,” in Hebrew and Greek, respectively), the eternal Savior (from God's eternal condemnation) and King of God's eternal kingdom. Anointing with perfumed olive oil was also a sign of celebration and hospitality. “The oil of gladness” became a symbol for the “anointing” of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 61:1, 3).

Isaiah was a fulfillment of the prophecy of the Lord's Servant, but Israel was also intended to fulfill the prophecy. Israel turned away from the call of God to be his servant, by rejecting Jesus as the Messiah. At the crucifixion of Jesus, Jesus was the last faithful servant of the Lord in Israel.

The Church is the New Israel, the New People of God, the New Jerusalem, the New Promised Land on earth. The Church and its “born-again” members are called to be the New Servants of the Lord. Christians are disciples of Jesus (Acts 11:26) who have been “born-again” by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Disciples of Jesus are to remain within the Church (the New Jerusalem) until they have been filled with the indwelling Holy Spirit, before going into the world with the Gospel, to make disciples of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5iphany - Thurs, 8).

Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of the Lord's servant (Luke 4:16-21). Jesus fulfilled God's mission to bring the Gospel (meaning “good news”) to the poor and afflicted. Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross frees the captives of sin and death from the power of Satan (Hebrews 2:14-15), by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus.

Jesus is the only one through whom we can be spiritually “born-again” John 3:3, 5-8) by the “anointing” (“gift;” “baptism”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Only Jesus “anoints” with the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

We are living in the “year” of the Lord's favor (grace: unmerited favor). Now is the “day” of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). We've been given a relatively long time in our lifetime to seek God and learn to trust and obey him. But today is the only day of which we can be sure; yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may never come.

The “year” of God's favor will suddenly end, on the Day of Judgment when Christ returns. In that day, everyone who has ever lived will be accountable to the Lord for what we have done in this lifetime. Those who have accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord (King), who have trusted and obeyed Jesus, will have been “born-again” by the indwelling Holy Spirit, and will enter eternal life in God's heavenly kingdom. Those who have rejected Jesus, who have refused or failed to trust and obey Jesus, will be condemned to eternal death and destruction in hell with all evil (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

2 Epiphany - Wednesday C
First posted January 20, 2010
Podcast: 2 Epiphany Wednesday C

I Corinthians 12:12-21, 26-27 – The Body and Members;

Paul used the analogy of a physical body to describe the Church, which is the “body” of Christ. Just as the physical body has many different members all the members are one body, so also is Christ. We are all baptized by the one Spirit into one body, Jews and Greeks, slaves and free, and all share in the one Spirit.

The body does not consist of one member but many. Each member is part of the body, even though various members have different functions. Each member's function makes him no more or less important than another. God designed the members of the body to function together as he chose. Each member is necessary to the function of the whole body. Any missing member diminishes the function of the body.

The members of the Church are connected to one another, so that all share the suffering of any individual member, and all rejoice if an individual member is honored. So the Church is the body of Christ and each member is an organ of the body.

Commentary:

A Christian is by definition a “born-again” (John 3:3, 6-8) disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26). The Church is to be a “disciple-making” organization (Matthew 28:19-20). The Church has inherited the role of John the Baptizer, to call people to repent and be baptized with water for spiritual cleansing, to prepare them to receive Jesus Christ. The Church is to “disciple” new believers by “born-again” disciples until the new believers have been spiritually “reborn” by the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit. Only Jesus “baptizes” with the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Unfortunately, this is not happening in the nominal Church today. Instead of making disciples and building up the body of Christ, many “Churches” have settled for building buildings and making “members,” “fair-weather Christians” who will participate if it suits them.

Some mainline denominations are teaching that the baptism with the Holy Spirit is automatically conferred by water baptism, or “affirmation” of (infant) baptism. The reason is that the leaders are not “born-again,” themselves, and don't know better. Unregenerate (unreborn) leaders cannot make “born-again” disciples; they don't know how, or they wouldn't be unregenerate.

This teaching is not just not helpful to its members, but actually causes spiritual harm, by discouraging them from seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit (see False Teachings: Spiritual Rebirth, sidebar, top right). This situation reminds me of the folktale, “The Emperor's New Clothes” by Hans Christian Anderson. Not only are the leaders strutting around naked, supposing themselves well-clad, but have also misled their members to do the same.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an ongoing personally discernible event (Acts 19:2); anyone who isn't certain from personal experience, or has to rely on the word of a religious authority hasn't been “reborn.”

I attend a large congregation, and because of my online ministry I haven't had time to be involved in any other activity except worship. I'm following the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and so is my Pastor. I'm so delighted to see how much our independent efforts coincide. This is the way the Church should be working; each member independently guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit to work together to accomplish the mission of the Church.

New believers should begin discipleship training by reading the Bible in entirety. I recommend a “Bible in one year” study plan with daily portions from both Old and New Testaments (see Free Bible Study Tools, sidebar, top right). One should set aside a specific time each day for Bible reading, meditation and prayer.

After reading the entire Bible one should continue the daily habit of Bible reading, using some Bible reading schedule (lectionary). Most denominations publish quarterly booklets for personal devotions which may be a good place to start. One based on the Revised Common Lectionary* would be helpful for denominations which use it for corporate worship, such as the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist Churches. It is also of benefit for any believer, because it follows the seasons of the Church calendar (see Bible Study Tools, and Thoughts on Bible Study, sidebar, top right).

There is a Day of Judgment coming, when everyone who has ever lived in this world will be accountable to the Lord for what we have done in this lifetime. Those who have accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, who have trusted and obeyed Jesus, will have been spiritually “born-again” by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit and will enter eternal life in God's kingdom in heaven. Those who have rejected Jesus, who have refused or failed to trust and obey Jesus will be condemned to eternal death and destruction in hell with all evil. The Day of Judgment is not far off; it will come for each one of us within our lifespan, and no one can be sure of tomorrow. At the moment of physical death our eternal destinies are fixed and unalterable. Today is the Day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

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*http://www.commontexts.org/
and:
http://www.commontexts.org/rcl/usage.html

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2 Epiphany - Thursday C
First posted January 21, 2010
Podcast: 2 Epiphany Thursday C

Luke 4:14-21 -- Teaching in Nazareth;

After his temptation in the wilderness, Jesus returned to Galilee, in the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the region. Jesus taught in the synagogues throughout Galilee, and the people glorified (gave him honor) him.

Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been raised, and on the sabbath he went to the synagogue, as he was accustomed to do. He stood up to read the Scriptures, and was given the book (scroll) of Isaiah. Jesus opened the book to Isaiah 61:1-2, and read, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Jesus closed the book and sat down. Everyone in the synagogue was looking at him. And Jesus began by telling them that they had witnessed the fulfillment of that passage that very day.

Commentary:

One of many reasons Jesus came was to show us what living in the fullness of the Holy Spirit in obedience to God's Word is like (John 1:1-5, 14), and to make it possible, by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, for us to follow his example. The fact that as we follow Jesus' example we will encounter the same persecution is daunting, but Jesus' crucifixion is the example of the very worst way to die. His resurrection demonstrates that there is existence after physical death, and through Jesus' death we no longer need to fear physical death (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Jesus came to his hometown synagogue and declared to them that he was the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy of the Lord's servant (Messiah; Christ; both mean “anointed” in Hebrew and Greek, respectively). Jesus had been “anointed” with the Holy Spirit at his baptism by John the Baptizer (John 1:31-34). Jesus had begun his public ministry, and his activities demonstrated his fulfillment. He was preaching the Gospel (meaning “good news”) of forgiveness of sin (disobedience of God's Word), restoration to fellowship with God which was broken by sin, and salvation from eternal death which is the penalty for sin (Romans 6:23; John 14:6 see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).

Jesus' mission was to proclaim release to captives of sin and Satan, restoration of sight to the spiritually blind, freedom to those who are oppressed, “and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:19). His miracles of physical feeding, healing and resurrection, were intended to show that Jesus could also and more importantly feed, heal and resurrect spiritually.

We are eternal people (John 5:28-29) living in physical bodies in a physical world. We understand things which are physical, but can't understand what we cannot see or feel. Jesus is trying to teach us about the spiritual realm, but in worldly experiences with which we're familiar (John 3:12). That was part of the reason Jesus taught in parables, which are common earthly experiences used to teach spiritual truth. The miracles he did were physical, but were also intended to reveal spiritual truth.

Miracles of spiritual feeding, healing and resurrection can be seen by the effect they have on the people who experience them, but they are open to interpretation of the observer. Likewise the hearer of a parable is free to not understand if he chooses.

We are living in the acceptable year of the Lord. Now is the acceptable time, now is the Day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). The Lord has given us a relatively long period of grace (unmerited favor) while he withholds judgment. He gives us a relatively long time to learn by trial-and-error to know, trust and obey his Word, in the Bible, and in the “living Word,” Jesus Christ, the fulfillment, embodiment and example of God's Word, lived in human flesh in this world (John 1:1-5, 14).

There is a Day of Judgment coming when Christ returns. Everyone who has ever lived in this world will be accountable to the Lord for what they have done in this lifetime. Jesus is the standard of judgment, and the righteous judge. He will judge the living (“quickened”) and dead, in both the physical and spiritual senses (1 Peter 4:5).

Those who have rejected Jesus as Lord, who have refused or failed to trust and obey Jesus, will be condemned to eternal death in hell with all evil. Those who have accepted Jesus as Lord, who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will have been spiritually “born-again” by the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit, whom only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

The past is gone and tomorrow may never come. Today is the only day of which we can be sure. The Day of Judgment will come for each of us at the moment of death, unless Jesus returns first. At that moment our eternal destiny will be fixed and unalterable.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

2 Epiphany - Friday C
First posted January 22, 2010
Podcast: 2 Epiphany Friday C

Romans 12:16-21 – Christian Duties;

Christians are to live in harmony with one another; we are not to be conceited or haughty, but to associate with those who are lowly. We must not return evil for evil, but instead do what is noble in everyone's judgment. Let us live peaceably with all, as far as it depends upon us. We must never avenge ourselves, but leave it to the Lord, because God has said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35). Instead, let us give our enemy food if he is hungry, and something to drink if he is thirsty. That way he will feel guilty for his evil against us. So we will overcome evil with good, rather than being overcome by evil.

Commentary:

Evil can be defeated and overcome by not returning it. Otherwise it is a never-ending cycle of evil.

God designed this Creation to be very good, and that's the way it started (Genesis 1:31), but God also designed it to allow for evil (sin; what is contrary to God's Word), so that we could have the freedom to choose whether to do God's will or not. But God is not willing to allow rebellion and disobedience forever, or at all in his eternal kingdom, so he has limited this Creation and we ourselves by time.

God has always intended to establish an eternal kingdom of his people who willingly choose to trust and obey God. This lifetime is a training ground to give us the opportunity to seek, find and have fellowship with God, our Creator (Acts 17:26-27). This lifetime is our opportunity to learn to trust and obey God; to discover that his Word is good, possible for us to do, and our very best interest (Romans 12:2). This lifetime is our opportunity to be spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) to eternal life.

All those goals are fulfilled only through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the “living Word,” God's Word fulfilled, embodied and exemplified in human flesh in this world (John 1:1-5, 14). Jesus is the only way to know divine, eternal truth, the only way to be restored to fellowship with God which was broken by sin, the only way to be saved from eternal death which is the penalty for sin, and to be spiritually reborn to eternal life (John 14:6).

God designed this Creation knowing that by giving us freedom to choose whether to trust and obey his Word, we would choose to do our will rather than God's. We have all sinned and fall short of God's righteousness (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10). God consigned all to sin so that he could give forgiveness and salvation as a free gift to all who believe in (trust and obey) Jesus. (Galatians 3:22).

The penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). God loves us and doesn't want anyone to perish eternally (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-17). Jesus is God's only provision for forgiveness of our sins and our salvation from eternal condemnation (Acts 4:12). Jesus has been designed into Creation from the very beginning (John 1:1-5, 14; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).

Jesus warns that we must be “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) to see the kingdom of God that is all around us now, and to see and enter it ultimately in eternity. We have all been born physically into this world but we are “unborn” spiritually. Spiritual “rebirth” is only possible by the gift (“baptism”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Only Jesus “baptizes” with the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ (Romans 11:26) who have been “born-again” (Romans 8:9b). By the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit within us, we can live in peace and harmony with others, so far as it depends on us. The Holy Spirit is our comforter to comfort and reassure us when we're assailed by evil. We can leave vengeance to the Lord, knowing that we will ultimately be vindicated. We can overcome evil with good.

God is merciful. He doesn't strike an evildoer dead immediately. He is willing to allow the evildoer a lifetime in which to learn to refrain from doing evil, which human vengeance would not allow. But ultimately God will punish evildoers who have not repented of evil.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

2 Epiphany - Saturday C
First posted January 23, 2010
Podcast: 2 Epiphany Saturday C

Matthew 8:1-13 – Jesus' Ministry in Galilee;

Great crowds were following Jesus. A leper came and knelt down before him, and addressing him as “Lord,” declared his faith that Jesus could heal him if Jesus chose. Jesus stretched out his hand and touched the leper, saying that he would, and commanding him to be healed. The man was immediately healed, and Jesus told him not to tell anyone, but to show himself to the priest and give the offering Moses commanded as proof to the people (see Leviticus 14:2-32).

As Jesus was entering Capernaum, a Roman Centurion came to Jesus and said that the Centurion's servant was paralyzed and in great distress at the Centurion's home. Jesus said he would come with the Centurion to his servant, but the Centurion said that he was unworthy to have Jesus as a guest in his home. But the Centurion believed that Jesus only needed to say the word, and the servant would be healed. The Centurion was familiar with authority, being under authority himself, with men under his command. When the Centurion commanded, those under him did as he commanded.

Jesus was amazed and said to those around him that he had not found such faith even in Israel. Jesus declared that many people would come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into outer darkness where people will weep and gnash their teeth. Jesus told the Centurion to go; what the Centurion had believed had been done for him; and the Centurion's servant was healed at that moment.

Commentary:

Jesus' mission was not physical healing. Physical healing was intended to show that Jesus is able to heal spiritually. We have to be aware that we need spiritual healing, and we need to believe that Jesus is the only one who is able to heal us spiritually.

Jews wouldn't even walk on the same side of the street as a leper, much less touch one. A leper was an outcast who was not allowed to participate in temple worship or in synagogue. The leper asked Jesus to heal him physically, but also to restore him to spiritual community activities.

The leper accepted Jesus as Lord and declared his faith that Jesus could heal him, if Jesus chose to do so. Jesus is always ready to heal us, if we recognize that we need spiritual healing that only he can provide, and if we are willing to accept him as our Lord and trust and obey him.

Great crowds were following Jesus because of the miracles of physical healing that he did. Jesus usually told the individuals that he healed physically not to tell anyone about Jesus' healing. Jesus was not trying to attract crowds of people seeking physical healing. People who came to Jesus seeking only physical healing received only that. Physical healing only lasts until the next illness. Ultimately physical death will claim us all.

This lifetime is not about living physically. The meaning and purpose of this life is to seek and find God, our Creator (Acts 17:26-27). We are all born into this world physically alive, but spiritually “unborn.” This lifetime is our opportunity to be spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) to eternal life.

Jesus is God's only provision for spiritual healing, spiritual rebirth, and eternal life. Jesus is the only way to know divine, eternal truth; the only way to be restored to fellowship with God which was broken by sin; the only way to have true, eternal life (John 14:6). Jesus has been designed into Creation from the very beginning (John 1:1-5, 14; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).

A Roman Centurion is about as far from God's “chosen people” as one can be. The Centurion's servant was healed because of the Centurion's faith in Jesus. The Centurion didn't need to see confirmation of the servant's healing. The Centurion recognized Jesus' authority.

Jesus is the Messiah (Christ; God's “anointed” eternal Savior, Priest, and King), which God promised to provide for Israel. The Jews are heirs of the promise of God's Word; they are the sons and daughters of the eternal kingdom, but they will not inherit that kingdom unless and until they acknowledge that Jesus is the Messiah (Matthew 23:37-39; Luke 13:34-35). Spiritual healing is available, in an instant, to those who claim it by faith.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?