Week of 8 Pentecost - C
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:
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Podcast Download: Week of 8 Pentecost C
Sunday - 8 Pentecost - C
First Posted July 18, 2010;
Podcast: Sunday 8 Pentecost C
Deuteronomy 30:9-14 – Covenant Renewal;
Psalm 25:1-9 -- Deliverance from Enemies;
Colossians 1:1-14 -- Exhortations;
Luke 10:25-37 – The Good Samaritan;
Deuteronomy Background:
Deuteronomy is the renewal of the Covenant of Law, a rediscovery and reinterpretation of Exodus and the teachings of Moses in the light of later understanding.
Deuteronomy Paraphrase:
If God's people will turn to the Lord with all their heart and soul, and trust and obey God's Word (in Deuteronomy, and in the Bible as a whole), then God will prosper his people in their work, and in their possessions because he will again delight in them as he did in their forefathers.
The renewed Covenant is not too difficult or remote for God's people to do. It is not far off in heaven, or across the ocean, that they would have to make great effort to hear and do it. The Word of God is near us, in our hearts and mouths, so that we can do it.
Psalm Paraphrase:
The psalmist (David, the great human shepherd-king of Israel, and forerunner of Christ), commends his soul (his existence; life) to the Lord, in whom he trusts entirely, and prays that the Lord will not allow him to be put to shame or to allow the psalmist's enemies to have victory over him. May no one who waits for the Lord be put to shame; rather, let the wantonly treacherous be ashamed!
Help me to know your ways and teach me to live according to your precepts, Lord. Lead me to discover and learn your truths, for you are my God, my savior. I wait for you all day long.
Remember your mercy and steadfast love, Lord, for they have been your nature from of old. Don't remember the sins (specific acts of disobedience; general sinful nature) and rebellion of my youth; instead, please remember me according to your steadfast love, for the sake of your goodness.
Because the Lord is good and upright, he teaches sinners how to live according to his way. The Lord leads and teaches the humble how to live according to his way; to live by what is right [according to his Word].
Colossians Paraphrase:
In his letter to the Christians of the Church at Colossae in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), Paul greeted them as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God (rather than by appointment by men), and in the name of his protégé and fellow missionary, Timothy. He blessed them with the grace and peace which is only from God the Father.
Paul gave thanks to God for the Colossians because he had received reports of their faith in Jesus, and their love for all the saints (all who are consecrated to God; believers in Christ), because of their hope [in the Gospel; of eternal life] in heaven (by Epaphras; Colossians 1:7-8). They had heard this by the preaching of the truth, the Gospel, as they learned it from Epaphras (a Colossian convert sent by Paul to preach the Gospel to the Colossians), Paul's fellow missionary, and minister of Christ in Paul's behalf (since Paul was in prison for preaching the Gospel).
From the day of Epaphras' report to Paul, Paul had never ceased praying for the Colossian Church, praying that it (and its members) be filled with the spiritual wisdom and understanding of the knowledge of God's will, so that they could [individually and collectively] lead lives fully pleasing and worthy of the Lord, and bearing [spiritual] fruit in all sorts of good deeds, and thus increasing the [general] knowledge of God [among all people]. Paul prayed that the Colossian Christians would be strengthened by unlimited power, endurance and patience with joy, according to the Lord's glorious might, with thanksgiving to God who has qualified us to share in the saints (believers in Christ) of light (Jesus is the light of righteousness; John 1:4-5; 3:19-21; 8:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14). Through Jesus we are delivered from the domination of darkness into the kingdom of light; in Jesus we have forgiveness of sin and redemption from slavery to sin and eternal death.
Luke Paraphrase:
A lawyer (scribe; teacher of the Law of Moses), attempted to test Jesus by asking what one must do to inherit eternal life. In reply, Jesus asked him what the Law said. The lawyer quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, that one must love God with all their being, and their neighbor just as they love themselves (a summary of The Ten Commandments). Jesus said that the lawyer had answered correctly and that if he did as he had said, he would have eternal life.
But the lawyer wanted to justify himself (make himself appear righteous), so he asked Jesus who the lawyer must consider his neighbor. In reply, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan: A person was going from Jerusalem to Jericho, was assaulted by robbers, and left for dead. A priest and a Levite (lay-associate of the priest; representing the most righteous of the Jews) were passing by. They saw the victim and crossed the road to avoid coming into contact with him. But a Samaritan* (a person considered by Jews to be of corrupt race and religion; not a true Jew racially or religiously), when he saw the victim, had compassion on him, gave him first aid, and carried him to an inn (the equivalent of a modern emergency room), where he arranged for the victim's care at the Samaritan's expense.
Jesus asked the lawyer which of the three demonstrated that he was the neighbor of the victim. The lawyer supposed that it was the Samaritan, who had compassion for the victim, and Jesus told the lawyer to do likewise.
Commentary:
God's Word contains both great promises and ominous warnings.
God's Word is eternal, and is always fulfilled, over and over, as the conditions for its fulfillment are met. We will either receive the promises by trusting and obeying God's Word, or we will receive the curses God's warnings were intended to help us avoid.
In the record of God's dealing with God's people in the Bible, when the people trusted and obeyed God they were blessed, and when they disobeyed they suffered. In this passage, God promises that the people, who had forgotten and neglected God's Word returned to obedient trust, God would bless and prosper them again, as he had their ancestors.
This Word applies to us, particularly in America, today. Do we think we are prospering and will continue to prosper without obedient trust in the Lord?
God promised a renewed Covenant that would not be impossible for them to fulfill. Deuteronomy is the renewal of the Old Covenant of Law, but which foreshadows the New Covenant (Testament) of Grace through faith in Jesus, initiated on the night of Jesus' betrayal and arrest (Matthew 26:26-28).
The Old Covenant of Law was impossible for God's people to keep all the time (James 2:10), and so continual sacrifices were necessary for the forgiveness of their sins (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus became the one and only sacrifice, once for all time and all people willing to receive it by faith, for the forgiveness of all our sins. If we believe (trust and obey) Jesus, all our sins are forgiven.
Jesus is the only one who “baptizes” with the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only those who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). By the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the Word of God (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) is in our hearts and on our lips (Acts 2:16-18; Joel 2:28-29).
Our ultimate enemies are spiritual: sin, eternal death, and Satan, who enslaves us in sin and death. Those who trust and obey Jesus Christ are freed from the slavery to Satan, sin and death. There is a Day of Judgment coming, when everyone will be accountable to the Lord for what they have done in this lifetime (John 5:28-29). Those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and have trusted and obeyed his teachings will receive eternal life in paradise restored in heaven with the Lord. Those who have rejected Jesus and have refused to trust and obey him will receive eternal destruction in hell with all evil (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
In the Day of Judgment, everyone will bow and confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11), but it will be too late to change our eternal destinies. In that day, many will be ashamed, even those who have professed to be “Christians” (Matthew 7:21-27).
The Lord wants to teach us the way to live the best possible life. That is only possible through his Word. But the Lord won't force us to learn and live according to his ways.
The Lord cannot teach the proud and arrogant. Only those who are humble can be taught by him. Jesus declared that he came not to heal those who [think they] are well, but those who [realize that they] are sick (Matthew 9:12). Someone once said that there are only two kinds of people in the world: sinners who think they're righteous, and the righteous who know that they are sinners.
Paul (Saul of Tarsus) is deliberately intended by God to be the prototype and example of a modern, post-resurrection, “born-again” disciple (student) and apostle (messenger; of the Gospel) of Jesus Christ, as all believers can become. Paul was called to apostleship by the Spirit of the risen Jesus (Acts 9:5). Paul was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians, and Jesus convicted him of spiritual blindness (Acts 9:1-4, 8). Paul repented, accepted Jesus as Lord (Acts 9:5-9), was discipled by a “born-again” disciple, Ananias (Acts 9:10-17), and was “baptized” with the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 9:18). Then, guided by the Holy Spirit, he began proclaiming the Gospel (Acts 9:20-22).
Jesus commanded his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (the Holy Trinity) and teaching them to obey all that Jesus taught (The Great Commission: Matthew 28:19-20). Paul immediately began fulfilling that command.
Paul is the example of disciple-making that the Church and individual born-again believers are to follow. We are to wait within the Church, being discipled by born-again disciples, until we have been filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8). It takes born-again disciples to make born-again disciples. If the unregenerate (un-born-again) knew what they were missing and how to get it, they wouldn't be unregenerate. Then we are to proclaim the Gospel and make other born-again disciples.
Paul's “discipling” of Timothy is one of numerous examples of the principles of disciple-making. Paul discipled Timothy until Timothy received the baptism of the indwelling Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:5-7), and then Paul told Timothy to repeat the process (2 Timothy 2:2).
Unfortunately, in too many instances in the nominal Church, the Church has settled for making members and building buildings, instead of making disciples. Mainline denominations are teaching the false doctrine of Salvation by Grace (which is true), without the requirement of discipleship (which is false; see False Doctrines, sidebar, right). Discipleship is not optional; not only for “super-Christians!” Christians are by definition, born-again disciples of Jesus Christ, the only authentic Christians there are (Acts 11:26c).
Paul's apostleship was not by human appointment; Paul did not have to go to Church headquarters in Jerusalem to be licensed to be an apostle. Too often, the nominal Church today fails to make born-again disciples from whom to select born-again leaders, and then controls the leadership selection process, so that only those who will teach the denominational doctrines are licensed. The result is the self-replication of unregenerate leadership.
I think it is worth noting that in many instances the nominal Church today is in the same situation as Judaism at the time of Jesus' first coming. Judaism in the first century had forgotten their obligation to be shepherds of God's people, and were running the religion according to their own agenda and for their own benefit.
Since Paul was unable to come to the congregation himself, Paul had sent Epaphras, a fellow missionary, to found the Church at Colossae by the preaching of the Gospel, and was now discipling the congregation by letter from prison. Paul was teaching the principle of “Spiritual Growth.” Accepting Jesus as Lord is not the end of the process, but only the beginning.
Believers are given the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead them in discipleship through spiritual growth to Christian maturity. Only those who are committed to obedience to Jesus Christ are given the Holy Spirit. From then on the Holy Spirit will lead them, one day at a time, in spiritual growth, as newly born-again disciples read, meditate, and pray on God's Word daily.
The first thing new believers need to do, before they are born-again, is to read the entire Bible. There are numerous one-year Bible reading plans available (see Free Bible Study Tools, sidebar, right). One should set aside a specific time each day to read the Bible with meditation and prayer (“daily devotions”).
Once one has read the Bible and been born-again, the Holy Spirit will be able to continue discipling the believer through daily devotions. Various denominations publish booklets for daily devotions, but beware that not all are doctrinally sound. This Bible study, My Daily Walk, is an example of daily devotional material which I believe is Biblically sound.
W. C. Fields, a celebrity comedian and notorious atheist is reported to have been seen reading a Bible. When asked why, he said that he was just looking for loopholes.** The lawyer in the text of the Good Samaritan was also “just looking for loopholes.”
The point of the parable of the Good Samaritan is that everyone is our neighbor, but the question is, to whom are we willing to be neighbor? The lawyer wanted to be regarded as righteous. The priest and the Levite in the parable would have been regarded by Jews as righteous, but they were more concerned for their own appearance of righteousness than for the physical needs of the victim. If the victim were dead, they would become ceremonial unclean for a period of time. The Samaritan was regarded as impure in both race and religion, and yet it was the Samaritan who fulfilled the second great commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:35-40).
When we read God's Word in the Bible, are we willing to hear truth and accept correction, or are we looking for rationalizations to excuse ourselves? When Jesus said that anyone who loves his family more than Jesus is unworthy of him (Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26), are we willing to honestly examine ourselves, and accept correction? Family (along with money, career, possessions, power, success, etc) is one of the modern idolatries. An idolatry is anyone or thing that one loves as much as, or more than, the Lord. When one has to choose between what family and what the Lord wants them to do, and chooses to satisfy family, one has committed the sin of idolatry.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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)?
*Samaritans were the disabled and poor remnant of the Northern Kingdom of the divided monarchy of Israel not deported by the Assyrians at the defeat and destruction of the Northern Kingdom in 721 B.C. Because of the Assyrian policy of pacifying conquered territories by exporting natives and importing aliens from other conquered territories, the people intermarried and co-mingled religions, resulting in the Samaritans.
**http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001211/bio ("Personal Quotes" #6)
Monday - 8 Pentecost - C
First Posted July 19, 2010;
Podcast: Monday 8 Pentecost C
Psalm 15 – Admission to God's Temple;
A psalm of David, the great human shepherd-king of Israel and forerunner and ancestor of Christ.
Paraphrase
Who can abide in your house, O Lord? Who can live on your holy hill?
Whoever does what is right, according to God's Word, and is blameless in God's judgment shall never be cast out. One shall not slander or do evil to another, nor reproach a neighbor. One shall not approve those who are impure, but shall honor those who fear (have the appropriate awe and respect for the power and authority of) the Lord. One shall not renege on (deny; revoke) his promise when it proves to be difficult or costly for him to fulfill. One shall not lend money at interest or accept bribes against those who are innocent.
Commentary:
The psalm refers to the Lord's tent, the tabernacle (the portable temple used during the wilderness wandering; (Exodus 25:8-9; 29:42; Hebrews 8:5). By extension it refers to the temple on the temple mount in Jerusalem, and ultimately to the Lord's house in heaven.
The answer to the question of who will dwell in the Lord's House is that it is only those who trust and obey God's Word revealed in the Bible and in Jesus Christ, the “living Word,” fulfilled, embodied, and exemplified in human flesh in this world (John 1:1-5, 14). The standards of righteousness listed in the psalm are true under both the Old Covenant (Testament) of Law and under the New Covenant of Grace through Faith (Matthew 26:26-29; Ephesians 2:8-9).
The differences between the two covenants is our motivation and ability to fulfill them. Fear of eternal condemnation was the motivation of the Old Covenant of Law, and it was impossible for God's people to fulfill all the requirements of the law all the time (James 2:10; Galatians 2:16). Under the Old Covenant, animal sacrifices had to be offered continually for forgiveness of sin. The Old Covenant temple sacrificial system came to an end at the cross of Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:51). The motivation of the New Covenant is love for the Lord for what he has done for us as the one and only sacrifice acceptable to God, on the cross, once for all time and all people willing to receive it by faith in Jesus. By living in obedience to the indwelling Holy Spirit we are freed from the obligation and condemnation of the Law (Romans 8:1-13). We are enabled to fulfill the requirements of the law by the power of the Holy Spirit within us.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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)?
Tuesday - 8 Pentecost - C
First Posted July 20, 2010;
Podcast: Tuesday 8 Pentecost C
Genesis 18:1-10a (10b-14) – The Promise of a Son;
Paraphrase:
The Lord appeared to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre (slightly north of Hebron in Southern Israel; an ancient sacred place. Ancient worship took place under oak trees). Abraham was sitting in the doorway of his tent during the noontime siesta. He opened his eyes and three men were standing before him. When he saw them he ran to greet them and bowed before them, addressing them as Lord. He begged them not to pass him by. He offered water to wash their feet, a rest under the tree, and bread to refresh them, and then they would be free to go (the Middle Eastern standard of hospitality of the time). They accepted his offer, and so Abraham hastened to his tent and told his wife, Sarah, to make cakes of bread, and he went to his herd and selected a tender and good calf to be prepared by his servant. Then he presented the food, with curds and milk to the three visitors under the tree, where they ate. (Abraham prepared a more generous spread than he implied in his offer.)
Then they asked for Sarah, Abraham's wife, by name. Abraham told them she was in his tent, and they told Abraham that the Lord would return in the spring and Sarah will have borne a son. Sarah was eavesdropping from inside the tent. Both Abraham and Sarah were beyond childbearing age, and so Sarah laughed, wondering how she and her husband could produce children after they had grown too old.
The Lord asked Abraham why Sarah had laughed and thought it impossible for her to have a child after she had passed the age of childbearing. He asked Abraham if there was anything too difficult for the Lord. The Lord said that he would return in the spring and that Sarah would have a son.
Commentary:
This is a little difficult to understand. The Lord apparently visited Abraham in three persons. I choose to see this as a foreshadowing of the Trinity: God in three persons (or expressions), Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; but I realize that my view is controversial. There is no doubt, however, that the Doctrine of the Trinity is Biblically accurate (for example: Matthew 28:19-20; John 14:8-11, 15-18, 23).
I am a “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) Christian, having been filled with the indwelling Holy Spirit. I have a personal relationship with God the Father, and God the Son (John 20:28) through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9). It is not necessary to understand how this can be, in order to believe it, anymore than it is necessary to understand from whence the wind comes or where it goes, as Jesus points out according to John 8:3.
God had promised to give Abraham a descendant, “the son of the promise,” through whom God's promise to Abraham (Abram) would be fulfilled (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:2-4). Now both Sarah (Sarai) and Abraham were past childbearing age and the Lord promised that they would have the son of promise next year.
The son of God's promise to Abraham foreshadows Jesus Christ, the Son of the promise of the Messiah (Christ). It was a long time before that promise was fulfilled, also. The account of Abraham's offering of Isaac, the son of the promise, as a sacrifice is deliberately intended by God to foreshadow God's own sacrifice of his Son of the promise, Jesus, on the cross.
God tested Abraham's faith (obedient trust), but didn't allow Abraham to complete his sacrifice. Instead, the Lord “provided himself the lamb for the sacrifice” (Genesis 22:8 RSV). God did provide an alternative, so that Isaac was not sacrificed (Genesis 22:1-14). And God literally fulfilled that promise in Jesus Christ. Jesus is fully God (Colossians 2:8-9; John 20:28; compare Acts 14:8-18), and Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1:35-36), the perfect unblemished lamb of the New Passover, whose flesh provides the feast in Holy Communion (Eucharist; the Lord's Supper), and whose blood marks the people of God to be “passed over” by the destroying angel (Matthew 26:26-28; compare Exodus 12:1-13). Jesus is the substitutionary sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins, so that we don't have to die for them ourselves (see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, right).
Sometimes it takes a long time for the Lord's promises to be fulfilled. Waiting on the Lord is a discipline we need to learn. As we do, we will grow in faith as the fulfillment reveals God's faithfulness and power to do what seems impossible to us.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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)?
Wednesday - 8 Pentecost - C
First Posted July 21, 2010;
Podcast: Wednesday 8 Pentecost C
Colossians 1:21-28 – Christian Maturity;
Paraphrase:
We were all once estranged and hostile to God, doing what was evil. But now [Jesus] has reconciled us in his body of flesh by his death, so that we are holy, blameless and irreproachable in his Day of Judgment, provided that we continue in faith (obedient trust), not wavering in faith, but stable and steadfast, in the hope created in the Gospel, of which Paul is a minister, which the Colossian believers heard, and which has been proclaimed to everyone on earth.
Paul is able to rejoice in his sufferings for the sake of believers, and he regards his sufferings as completing Christ's afflictions on behalf of the Church. Paul became a minister of the Church by divine appointment given to him on behalf of believers, to make fully known God's Word, the mystery hidden for ages but now revealed to his saints (believers in Christ; those consecrated to God's service). God chose to make known to them the great riches available to the Gentiles by the glory of this mystery, which is the presence of Christ within us, the hope of [sharing in God's] glory. “Him (Christ Jesus) we proclaim, warning every man [person] and teaching every man [person] in all wisdom, that we may present every man [person] mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28 RSV). Paul has been working to accomplish this with all the energy which the Lord inspires within him.
Commentary:
We are all sinners who have disobeyed God's Word and fallen short of God's standard of righteousness (Romans 3:23; in the Bible and in Jesus Christ, the “living Word,” fulfilled, embodied and exemplified in human flesh in this world (John 1:1-5, 14). The penalty for sin (disobedience of God's Word) is [eternal] death (Romans 6:23).
We were estranged from God by sin, as Adam and Eve were ejected from God's presence and eternal life in paradise in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-24). But Jesus became the one and only sacrifice acceptable to God for the forgiveness of our sins. Through his death on the cross, all who believe (trust and obey) Jesus are judged holy, blameless and irreproachable at the Day of Judgment, provided that we do not waver in faith and hope of the Gospel (see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, right).
Most people have heard the Gospel of Jesus, but there are many who have not believed to the extent of applying Jesus' teachings in their daily lives. Paul (Saul of Tarsus) became a minister of the Gospel by divine call. He was himself converted on the road to Damascus, where he intended to persecute Christians (Acts 9:1-22). Once Paul had been “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) 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), he was able to make fully known the mystery of God's purpose, which had been unknown to mankind for ages.
God has been progressively revealing his plan for Creation from the very beginning, first through the goodness of Creation itself; then, through the history of God's dealing with God's People, Israel, recorded in the Bible, beginning with the call of Abraham (Abram; Genesis 12:1-4). Jesus is the ultimate revelation to the world, of God's purpose, in human form. The “baptism” of the indwelling Holy Spirit is the ultimate revelation of God and his purpose for Creation to believers individually and personally.
That ultimate revelation and empowerment by the indwelling Holy Spirit makes it possible for Paul, and for all born-again Christian disciples to proclaim and make fully known the mystery of the Gospel, and to teach every person to grow spiritually to Christian maturity at the day of Christ's return.
It takes a born-again disciple to make born-again disciples. If the “unregenerate” (un-born-again) knew what they were missing and how to get it, they wouldn't be unregenerate. Unfortunately, in too many instances, the nominal Church has failed to make “born-again” disciples and has settled for making “members” and building “buildings.” Since there is no pool of born-again disciples to select from, there are no born-again leaders in those nominal Churches.
Christians are by definition, disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26c) who have been born-again by the baptism of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The mission of the Church is to make born-again disciples of Jesus Christ, teaching them to obey all that Jesus teaches (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-5, 8).
Christian disciples are students of Jesus Christ. We first learn about Jesus through the Bible and the discipling of born-again Christians. Once we are born-again the process is not complete; it's just beginning! From then on, we are discipled by the indwelling Holy Spirit, one day at a time, as we read, meditate and pray daily on God's Word. During Jesus' physical ministry on earth, his Twelve original disciples spent three years practically day and night with Jesus, but they weren't ready to go into the world with the Gospel until they were “baptized” with the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13). We cannot expect ourselves to be ready in less time, can we? We cannot accomplish God's mission in our own human strength (Zechariah 4:6); only by the guidance and empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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)?
Thursday - 8 Pentecost - C
First Posted July 22, 2010;
Podcast: Thursday 8 Pentecost C
Luke 10:38-42 – Mary and Martha;
Paraphrase:
Jesus entered a village (Bethany, just outside Jerusalem) and well-known women, Martha and her sister Mary, welcomed him into their home. Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listen to his teaching, but Martha was busy preparing and serving an elaborate meal. Frustrated, she asked Jesus if he didn't care that Martha's sister was not helping her. But Jesus told Martha that she was anxious and troubled by many things, whereas only one thing is necessary. “Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42b).
Commentary:
According to Middle Eastern hospitality at the time, a host needed only to provide one simple dish. Martha thought she was showing her love for the Lord and serving him by preparing a more elaborate meal, but it was actually Mary who was showing her love for the Lord and serving him by listening to his teaching.
Jesus corrected Martha gently out of love for her. It is unloving to let someone go uncorrected because we don't want to risk hurting their feelings or making them angry.
We also need to be receptive to criticism so that we can change and grow to spiritual maturity. Proverbs 9:8 teaches us that wise people appreciate correction, but foolish people (scorners) hate it.
There is a lesson for all of us here. Sometimes we get caught up in “busyness,” even in church-related activities, but the most important thing we can do and the best way to show our love for the Lord and serve him is by listening to the Lord on a daily basis, and doing what he teaches (John 14:15).
It is important to set aside a specific time each day to read a portion scripture, meditate and pray on it, listening to what the Lord wants you to hear and learn. If one has not read the entire Bible yet, that is the place to start. There are various Bible-in-one-year reading plans (see Free Bible Study Tools, sidebar, right). Then one should continue the habit, using devotional booklets published by their denomination, or by online resources such as My Daily Walk (and see http://shepherdboy.byethost12.com/ for additional lectionary and church year calendar resources).
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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)?
Friday - 8 Pentecost - C
First Posted July 23, 2010;
Podcast: Friday 8 Pentecost C
Romans 8:12-17 – The Spirit and Adoption;
Paraphrase:
Fellow believers, we are obligated to live not according to our fleshly desires, but in obedience to the indwelling Holy Spirit. If we live according to the flesh, we will die (eternally) in our flesh, but if we live according to the Spirit, we will live (eternally). It is those who are led by the Spirit who are sons (and daughters) of God. We have not received the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but rather the spirit of adoption as sons and daughters of God. The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirits that we are children of God, when we cry “Abba, Father” [Abba means “Father” in Aramaic; Jesus used it in his prayers, and it passed into the liturgy (formal worship ritual) of the first-century Church]. And if we know that we are God's children, we can be sure that we are his heirs, and fellow heirs with Christ. But in order to be glorified with him we must be willing to also suffer with him.
Commentary:
Those who are in Christ [The “baptism,” (anointing, gift of) the indwelling 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)], have been freed from slavery to sin and death, provided that they live in obedience to the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-8). The Lord does not give the indwelling Holy Spirit to people who are not committed to obedient trust in him (John 14:15-17).
One is spiritually “reborn” by the baptism of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 3:3, 5-8). It is a personally discernible ongoing event (Acts 19:2). It is the personal assurance that we are in Christ and have eternal life (see “seal and guarantee,” above). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit we have a personal relationship with the Lord: God the Father and Jesus Christ (John 14:23). When we worship or have personal devotions, the “touch” of the indwelling Holy Spirit assures us that we are children of God. So we can be sure that we have eternal life in God's heavenly kingdom; paradise restored.
The Lord doesn't want to enslave us by his indwelling Holy Spirit but to free us from slavery to sin, eternal death and Satan. The whole point of this Creation is to allow us the freedom to choose whether to trust and obey God, and the opportunity to learn by trial-and-error that God's way is our best interest. God's purpose has always been to establish an eternal kingdom of his people who willingly choose to trust and obey him.
The world hated and tried to destroy Jesus, but failed because that was not God's will. His disciples can expect no better treatment from the world, but can rely on God to also bring us through whatever suffering we encounter for Jesus' sake, to eternal life in glory with Jesus.
One can personally experience a taste of the glory of the Lord's presence that is to come, but it is only a foretaste. It is not intended to satisfy us, nor can or should it. I have heard of people who experienced that foretaste, felt satisfied, and walked away.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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)?
Saturday - 8 Pentecost - C
First Posted July 24, 2010;
Podcast: Saturday 8 Pentecost C
Matthew 7:15-23 – False Prophets;
Paraphrase:
Beware of false prophets: they disguise themselves as sheep, but are really ravening wolves. They are distinguishable by their “fruit” (deeds). Thorns do not produce grapes, and thistles do not produce figs. Likewise sound plants produce good fruit, and bad plants produce evil fruit. Good plants cannot produce evil fruit and bad plants cannot produce good fruit. Every plant which does not produce good fruit will be cut down and burned, and by what they produce they will be judged.
It is not those who call Jesus, “Lord,” who will be saved but those who do (trust and obey) God's Word (in the Bible and in Jesus, the “living Word;” John 1:1-5, 14) who will enter the kingdom of heaven. On the Day of Judgment, many will claim that they had prophesied, cast out demons, and done great miracles in Jesus name, and Jesus will tell them to depart, because he had never known them.
Commentary:
There were false prophets in the first-century Church and there are many in the Church and in the world today. The only way we can protect ourselves against false prophets and false teachings is to read and know the Bible. One doesn't have to labor over the study of the Bible. Simply reading it entirely is sufficient, and there are numerous Bible-in-one-year reading plans available (see Free Bible Study Tools, sidebar, right). Without having read the entire Bible, one has no standard by which to judge good and evil “fruit.”
How can a person call Jesus “Lord” and not do what he says (Luke 6:46)? Do we understand our relationship to our Lord? Our relationship is voluntary on our behalf, now, but it is ultimately involuntary; in the Day of Judgment, Jesus will be Lord, whether we like it or not. In that Day, Jesus will command and we will have no choice but to obey (Philippians 2:10-11).
There are many “church members” who think they are doing the works of God. But they are unregenerate (not “born-again; John 3:3, 5-8). They have not been “baptized” with 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). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a personally discernible, ongoing, daily event (Acts 19:2).
It is only by the baptism of the indwelling Holy Spirit that we have a daily personal relationship with Jesus. It is only by this baptism that we are personally known by Jesus. A person may think they are doing the Lord's ministry, but unless they are born-again, they don't know the Lord's will, and the Lord doesn't know them.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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)?
