Read Matthew 1:18-25
Before you race off with today’s reading, take a few moments to glance back over the week you’ve spent with Isaiah. What have you learnt? What have you discovered? What truths have come to light?
Now as you read about the birth of Christ I pray that the depth and breadth of the history of Isaiah comes to the fore and that you understand more passionately what the coming of the Christ is all about.
The Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God came into a world that was rebellious and rejecting God. He came to that which was His own but His own did not receive Him. This Baby born in a manger was no ordinary Baby. He was the Immanuel. He was God with us in a real and physical sense. God has come to us as a man.
And as Joseph is instructed to name the baby Jesus we see why Jesus, the God man, came into our world. In vs 21 we read:-
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."
Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua - a Hebrew name that means Yahweh saves! In and through Jesus Yahweh will save us from the condemnation that our sins deserve! The rebellion of the nation of Israel, the rebellion of the world, the rebellion of ‘me’ will be dealt with by a child coming into our world - a child who brings God to us, a child who brings the salvation of God to us, a child who will suffer the wrath and anger of God as He dies upon a cross. God is with us in the most amazing and gracious way.
Prayer:-
> Spend time praising God for the coming of Immanuel into our world.
> Pray that the bible college students we support in Myanmar will be growing and maturing in their learning. Pray that their knowledge will lead to outreach and discipleship. Pray that we’d see growth in the Lord’s kingdom in this country.
Saturday 27 November 2010
Friday 26 November 2010
Friday November 26, 2010
Read Isaiah 7
Most of us read the verse about the virgin being with child and jump immediately to the birth of Jesus. But it’s fascinating to look at the original context to see how and why the prophecy arose. It’s always a blessing to read back in the Old Testament as to the circumstance and context of the original prophesy. Such a discipline helps us to understand the Bible more fully and more deeply. Such a discipline helps us to have a well rounded and more complete understanding of the history and theology of salvation. Such an approach helps us to know God better and more intimately.
As you read Isaiah 7, what do you see happening in and around the nation? Take some time to jot down your thoughts.
Ahaz the evil king was ruling over Israel. He had no regard for the Lord and was worshipping false gods, effectively leading the people astray. Because of this rebellion, the nation was under attack. The city was under siege. The prophet Isaiah came to the king and offered him a word from the Lord, ‘Ask the Lord for a sight, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights’ to prove that the attack would not succeed. Ahaz puts on a false face of piety. He replies, ‘I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.’ It’s a false piety because when God offers you something it’s not a test to accept it. If God says ask for something, it’s arrogant and sinful not to ask for something! The sign of the virgin is a sign against Ahab and Israel refusing to believe, trust or even turn to God in the hour of need. God Himself will provide a sign that shows His faithfulness, even in the face of sin and unbelief.
The sign of the child is one of many child-signs that the king of the nation is given by the prophet Isaiah. In this sign, the name of the child is Immanuel which translates ‘God with us’. Even in unbelief, even with a facade of holiness, even in rejection God is with us because he is a faithful God who keeps his covenant with his people.
What can we do but cry out, ‘Hallelujah! Thank you Lord’?
Prayer:-
> Pray that you and all in your church would have open doors to preach the coming of God into the world to save sinners.
> Pray that many people would repent and believe in Christ this Christmas season.
> Pray that churches across the nation would be preparing to preach Jesus unashamedly. Pray that those churches that wish to hide the Christmas truth would be silenced.
Most of us read the verse about the virgin being with child and jump immediately to the birth of Jesus. But it’s fascinating to look at the original context to see how and why the prophecy arose. It’s always a blessing to read back in the Old Testament as to the circumstance and context of the original prophesy. Such a discipline helps us to understand the Bible more fully and more deeply. Such a discipline helps us to have a well rounded and more complete understanding of the history and theology of salvation. Such an approach helps us to know God better and more intimately.
As you read Isaiah 7, what do you see happening in and around the nation? Take some time to jot down your thoughts.
Ahaz the evil king was ruling over Israel. He had no regard for the Lord and was worshipping false gods, effectively leading the people astray. Because of this rebellion, the nation was under attack. The city was under siege. The prophet Isaiah came to the king and offered him a word from the Lord, ‘Ask the Lord for a sight, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights’ to prove that the attack would not succeed. Ahaz puts on a false face of piety. He replies, ‘I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.’ It’s a false piety because when God offers you something it’s not a test to accept it. If God says ask for something, it’s arrogant and sinful not to ask for something! The sign of the virgin is a sign against Ahab and Israel refusing to believe, trust or even turn to God in the hour of need. God Himself will provide a sign that shows His faithfulness, even in the face of sin and unbelief.
The sign of the child is one of many child-signs that the king of the nation is given by the prophet Isaiah. In this sign, the name of the child is Immanuel which translates ‘God with us’. Even in unbelief, even with a facade of holiness, even in rejection God is with us because he is a faithful God who keeps his covenant with his people.
What can we do but cry out, ‘Hallelujah! Thank you Lord’?
Prayer:-
> Pray that you and all in your church would have open doors to preach the coming of God into the world to save sinners.
> Pray that many people would repent and believe in Christ this Christmas season.
> Pray that churches across the nation would be preparing to preach Jesus unashamedly. Pray that those churches that wish to hide the Christmas truth would be silenced.
Thursday 25 November 2010
Thursday November 25, 2010
Read Isaiah 6
Having read Isaiah 6 and seen the prophet’s reaction, why do you think he reacted the way that he did? Jot down your thoughts.
Having read over Isaiah 1-6 this week, I pray that you are in a better position to really grasp the heart and mind of the prophet standing in the Lord’s presence. The big issue that we need to comprehend is sin and rebellion. The people of God have been sinful and rebellious from the very moment they entered the Promised Land. Indeed, they proved stiff necked and rebellious from the very day they left slavery in Egypt.
To understand why sin is a problem think of God as a blazing inferno - a bon fire so big that you cannot stand within 10 Km of the fire. That’s a huge understatement of God’s burning holiness! But think of your sin as excessively dry wood. As you draw near to God with your dry wood sin upon your back, you know you are in deep trouble. Get to close and your dry wood sin is going to burn up. As Isaiah draws near to God he is carrying on his back the dry wood sin of the entire nation. Isaiah cries out "Woe to me!" and "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty," because the the burning holiness of Yahweh, El Shaddai (the Lord God Almighty) is about to burn up the sin of the nation. You cannot stand in the presence of God with your sins undealt with. You cannot carry a national load of sin to the Lord and expect to be blessed. Isaiah rightly trembles in his sandals. He rightly fears for his life!!!
Isaiah is not blazé about his sin or the sin of his nation. He doesn’t brush it off as irrelevant and he doesn’t pretend it’s not there. He understands sin for what it is and, while standing before the Lord, knows exactly what that sin deserves. Today’s believers need to re-grasp the nature of sin and weight of sin when compared to the burning holiness of our Lord. We need to see the gravity of sin and the punishment it really deserves. Our generation of believers needs to capture a fear of the Lord so that we willingly, even joyously, walk in the ways of the Lord. We need to experience that fear of God so that we consciously work at putting sin out of our hearts and minds, out of lives and out of our congregations. Far too many believers are deluding themselves with notions that Jesus accepted all people and didn’t judge them. Some even quote the occasion where an adulterous woman was caught in sin and brought before Jesus. They proudly boast that Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you’. Having quoted Jesus, they affirm everyone, even those who are continuing in sin. What they conveniently forget is that Jesus immediately said to her, ‘Go now and leave your life of sin’.
James 1:13-15 makes it very clear that if you and I don’t kill sin in our lives, it will kill us.
Prayer:-
> Pray that you and everyone in your congregation has a proper understanding of sin and God’s holiness.
Pray that God would grant repentance and penitence to those who are wilfully engaging in sin in your congregation.
> Pray that more preachers across the nation would be ready and willing to preach of the Lord’s holiness and his hatred of sin, even though it’s not popular.
Having read Isaiah 6 and seen the prophet’s reaction, why do you think he reacted the way that he did? Jot down your thoughts.
Having read over Isaiah 1-6 this week, I pray that you are in a better position to really grasp the heart and mind of the prophet standing in the Lord’s presence. The big issue that we need to comprehend is sin and rebellion. The people of God have been sinful and rebellious from the very moment they entered the Promised Land. Indeed, they proved stiff necked and rebellious from the very day they left slavery in Egypt.
To understand why sin is a problem think of God as a blazing inferno - a bon fire so big that you cannot stand within 10 Km of the fire. That’s a huge understatement of God’s burning holiness! But think of your sin as excessively dry wood. As you draw near to God with your dry wood sin upon your back, you know you are in deep trouble. Get to close and your dry wood sin is going to burn up. As Isaiah draws near to God he is carrying on his back the dry wood sin of the entire nation. Isaiah cries out "Woe to me!" and "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty," because the the burning holiness of Yahweh, El Shaddai (the Lord God Almighty) is about to burn up the sin of the nation. You cannot stand in the presence of God with your sins undealt with. You cannot carry a national load of sin to the Lord and expect to be blessed. Isaiah rightly trembles in his sandals. He rightly fears for his life!!!
Isaiah is not blazé about his sin or the sin of his nation. He doesn’t brush it off as irrelevant and he doesn’t pretend it’s not there. He understands sin for what it is and, while standing before the Lord, knows exactly what that sin deserves. Today’s believers need to re-grasp the nature of sin and weight of sin when compared to the burning holiness of our Lord. We need to see the gravity of sin and the punishment it really deserves. Our generation of believers needs to capture a fear of the Lord so that we willingly, even joyously, walk in the ways of the Lord. We need to experience that fear of God so that we consciously work at putting sin out of our hearts and minds, out of lives and out of our congregations. Far too many believers are deluding themselves with notions that Jesus accepted all people and didn’t judge them. Some even quote the occasion where an adulterous woman was caught in sin and brought before Jesus. They proudly boast that Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you’. Having quoted Jesus, they affirm everyone, even those who are continuing in sin. What they conveniently forget is that Jesus immediately said to her, ‘Go now and leave your life of sin’.
James 1:13-15 makes it very clear that if you and I don’t kill sin in our lives, it will kill us.
Prayer:-
> Pray that you and everyone in your congregation has a proper understanding of sin and God’s holiness.
Pray that God would grant repentance and penitence to those who are wilfully engaging in sin in your congregation.
> Pray that more preachers across the nation would be ready and willing to preach of the Lord’s holiness and his hatred of sin, even though it’s not popular.
Wednesday 24 November 2010
Wednesday November 24, 2010
Read Isaiah 4:2-5:30
As I read chapter 5 I can’t help but picture the world we live in. The Lord is grieved because people replace good with evil and evil with good. What God deemed good in marriage is now deemed bad and vice versa. We see the world claiming to be wise in its own eyes, walking away from God and looking to its own wisdom to solve the world’s problems. We see that people who pour drinks and mix drinks as heroes, as people to emulate. The movie ‘Cocktail’ epitomises the love of the world for alcohol and bar tending.
We see justice denied again and again as murderers, child molesters, rapists etc are released early and sometimes not even punished because of diminished responsibility. They drank too much or sniffed too much and were not in control. Their parents didn’t love them enough or they were teased as a child and are therefore not responsible for their actions.
While I see the Lord grieving that mankind has become so rebellious, I know that He will come again to judge the world. Verse 26-30 show the impending judgement against Israel as the Assyrian army is called by the Lord. It reminds us that the final judgement is but a breath away. God will deal with the wicked. God will hold them accountable. No one will get away with their evil deeds, their deceit and their hiding of sin.
It’s both encouraging but very scary as well. For my part here and now I want to tell as many people about that coming judgement so that they can be prepared. I want them to know the full consequences of their actions and rebellions against God so that they can, God willingly, repent and believe in Christ before it’s too late. I want more and more people to turn to Christ now and walk in obedience. I know that God wants this too. I pray that it will be a grand desire on your heart as well.
Prayer:-
> Pray that David and Kristy Richards will have a powerful impact in their work in Dunedin Uni. Pray that many will come to the Lord through their witness and testimony.
> Pray the same for the work of Shiloh Church Ministries.
As I read chapter 5 I can’t help but picture the world we live in. The Lord is grieved because people replace good with evil and evil with good. What God deemed good in marriage is now deemed bad and vice versa. We see the world claiming to be wise in its own eyes, walking away from God and looking to its own wisdom to solve the world’s problems. We see that people who pour drinks and mix drinks as heroes, as people to emulate. The movie ‘Cocktail’ epitomises the love of the world for alcohol and bar tending.
We see justice denied again and again as murderers, child molesters, rapists etc are released early and sometimes not even punished because of diminished responsibility. They drank too much or sniffed too much and were not in control. Their parents didn’t love them enough or they were teased as a child and are therefore not responsible for their actions.
While I see the Lord grieving that mankind has become so rebellious, I know that He will come again to judge the world. Verse 26-30 show the impending judgement against Israel as the Assyrian army is called by the Lord. It reminds us that the final judgement is but a breath away. God will deal with the wicked. God will hold them accountable. No one will get away with their evil deeds, their deceit and their hiding of sin.
It’s both encouraging but very scary as well. For my part here and now I want to tell as many people about that coming judgement so that they can be prepared. I want them to know the full consequences of their actions and rebellions against God so that they can, God willingly, repent and believe in Christ before it’s too late. I want more and more people to turn to Christ now and walk in obedience. I know that God wants this too. I pray that it will be a grand desire on your heart as well.
Prayer:-
> Pray that David and Kristy Richards will have a powerful impact in their work in Dunedin Uni. Pray that many will come to the Lord through their witness and testimony.
> Pray the same for the work of Shiloh Church Ministries.
Tuesday 23 November 2010
Tuesday November 23, 2010
Read Isaiah 2
Two very distinct pictures are presented in Isaiah 2. Take a moment to jot down what you see as those two distinct pictures.
In one picture we see the blessedness of the Lord’s mountain. The temple is established and in peace the nations flock to it. People from every nation, tribe and tongue come to the holy city to worship and praise the Lord God Almighty. It’s a picture of light, of hope, of peace. It’s a picture of unity.
The other picture is a picture of judgement. As the Day of the Lord arrives it’s a terrible scene because the world has gone astray. Even God’s own nation is found to be idolatrous and engulfed in sin. As the Lord comes, people hide in the rocks and the caves, knowing that their pride, their adultery, their idolatry and their sinfulness is about to be judged and condemned. Just as germs can’t live in boiling water, neither can sin and evil live in the presence of the boiling majesty of the Lord Almighty. When He appears all sin will be seen for what it is. All evil will be revealed and the secrets of our hearts will be laid bare. Our motives will be seen for what they are. Our hidden sins will be revealed and all evil, all wickedness will be judged.
If you are indulging in wilful sin, or if when you are tempted to sin remember this terrible and fearful day of the Lord. Remember that it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Likewise remember that there is a land of peace, of love, of God’s gracious goodness for those who live in the love of the Lord. There is a blessedness for those who really love God and walk in obedience, for obedience is the ultimate sign or outworking of my love for God. Be encouraged. Be motivated. Be spurred on to love and good deeds by the great things that God has in store for you.
Prayer:-
> As the day of the Lord draws near, pray for those people you love that are about to see the wrath of the Lord. Pray that God would grant them repentance and faith in Christ. Pray that you would be the one to share the good news with them.
Two very distinct pictures are presented in Isaiah 2. Take a moment to jot down what you see as those two distinct pictures.
In one picture we see the blessedness of the Lord’s mountain. The temple is established and in peace the nations flock to it. People from every nation, tribe and tongue come to the holy city to worship and praise the Lord God Almighty. It’s a picture of light, of hope, of peace. It’s a picture of unity.
The other picture is a picture of judgement. As the Day of the Lord arrives it’s a terrible scene because the world has gone astray. Even God’s own nation is found to be idolatrous and engulfed in sin. As the Lord comes, people hide in the rocks and the caves, knowing that their pride, their adultery, their idolatry and their sinfulness is about to be judged and condemned. Just as germs can’t live in boiling water, neither can sin and evil live in the presence of the boiling majesty of the Lord Almighty. When He appears all sin will be seen for what it is. All evil will be revealed and the secrets of our hearts will be laid bare. Our motives will be seen for what they are. Our hidden sins will be revealed and all evil, all wickedness will be judged.
If you are indulging in wilful sin, or if when you are tempted to sin remember this terrible and fearful day of the Lord. Remember that it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Likewise remember that there is a land of peace, of love, of God’s gracious goodness for those who live in the love of the Lord. There is a blessedness for those who really love God and walk in obedience, for obedience is the ultimate sign or outworking of my love for God. Be encouraged. Be motivated. Be spurred on to love and good deeds by the great things that God has in store for you.
Prayer:-
> As the day of the Lord draws near, pray for those people you love that are about to see the wrath of the Lord. Pray that God would grant them repentance and faith in Christ. Pray that you would be the one to share the good news with them.
Monday 22 November 2010
Monday November 22 2010
Read Isaiah 1:1-31
What strikes you as amazing in reading Isaiah chapter 1? Take a few moments to jot down your thoughts.
God is talking to His own people, the nation He formed from the one man Abraham. The nation has turned its back on God and had fallen into religious trappings. They were going through the motions of ‘worship’ (by worship, I mean their whole of life dedication to God, not temple worship) but they were living a lie. They were rejecting God, rebelling against Him in their private lives, in their treatment of each other and in the way that they approached God through the temple worship system. That alone is amazing - a people, an entire nation reject their God.
But it’s also amazing that God responds the way that He does. Read over Isaiah 1:18-20 again. What’s God saying? Take a moment to jot down your thoughts.
God is moving towards the people in reconciliation. He’s drawing near to them in love and grace. How often, when we are wronged, do we belligerently seek to destroy the person that hurt us. We attack them and demand apologies. We demand justice and restitution. If God had that attitude He would have wiped Israel from the face of the earth. If God had that attitude towards me, I’d be in hell a million times over!!! But God chooses not to be angry. He chooses to move forward towards the nation in love and grace. He makes them a wonderful offer.
"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;
But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
How wonderful would it be if the Christian church learnt to approach each other with this kind of grace and love? Generally, we do approach each other with kindness and love—when things are going well. Remember Jesus’ words during the sermon on the mount? “Even sinners love those who love them”. Tax collectors, sinners and the ungodly all love each other when life is going well. That’s the easy part.
But it’s when something goes against my wishes or when I don’t get my way or when I’m hurt that the green monster comes out attacking, picking a fight and accusing anyone in my path. That’s exactly when I need to draw near to God and seek His grace in my own life. Man’s anger doesn’t produce the righteous life God requires. Attacking someone, and venting my anger and frustrations rarely produces a God honouring effect. Take a moment to think about how you react when you are wronged. Jot down the typical response you have when you are hurt or wronged by another believer. Please, be honest!
If you need to, take a moment to pray for forgiveness for your sinful way of reacting. Take a moment to ask God to change your heart so that you react to others (Yes, even when hurt or wronged) with the love and grace that are in Christ Jesus. Pray that God will allow you the grace to understand more of His love for you so that you can move in love towards others - especially when they hurt you or cause you pain.
When you have prayed read Isaiah 1:18-20 again and spend time in prayer, praising God.
Think of the people you’ve hurt over the last year with your words or your reactions. Write a list and over the rest of the week, write each one a letter/note asking for forgiveness.
Prayer:-
> Pray for the healing of forgiveness to wash over you and all those in your congregation.
> Pray that any broken relationships or strained relationships in your congregation would be healed and made whole as forgiveness is offered and received.
> Ask God to allow our brethren in China to preach powerfully the message of the cross, the forgiveness of God in Christ. Pray that many would listen and believe.
What strikes you as amazing in reading Isaiah chapter 1? Take a few moments to jot down your thoughts.
God is talking to His own people, the nation He formed from the one man Abraham. The nation has turned its back on God and had fallen into religious trappings. They were going through the motions of ‘worship’ (by worship, I mean their whole of life dedication to God, not temple worship) but they were living a lie. They were rejecting God, rebelling against Him in their private lives, in their treatment of each other and in the way that they approached God through the temple worship system. That alone is amazing - a people, an entire nation reject their God.
But it’s also amazing that God responds the way that He does. Read over Isaiah 1:18-20 again. What’s God saying? Take a moment to jot down your thoughts.
God is moving towards the people in reconciliation. He’s drawing near to them in love and grace. How often, when we are wronged, do we belligerently seek to destroy the person that hurt us. We attack them and demand apologies. We demand justice and restitution. If God had that attitude He would have wiped Israel from the face of the earth. If God had that attitude towards me, I’d be in hell a million times over!!! But God chooses not to be angry. He chooses to move forward towards the nation in love and grace. He makes them a wonderful offer.
"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;
But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
How wonderful would it be if the Christian church learnt to approach each other with this kind of grace and love? Generally, we do approach each other with kindness and love—when things are going well. Remember Jesus’ words during the sermon on the mount? “Even sinners love those who love them”. Tax collectors, sinners and the ungodly all love each other when life is going well. That’s the easy part.
But it’s when something goes against my wishes or when I don’t get my way or when I’m hurt that the green monster comes out attacking, picking a fight and accusing anyone in my path. That’s exactly when I need to draw near to God and seek His grace in my own life. Man’s anger doesn’t produce the righteous life God requires. Attacking someone, and venting my anger and frustrations rarely produces a God honouring effect. Take a moment to think about how you react when you are wronged. Jot down the typical response you have when you are hurt or wronged by another believer. Please, be honest!
If you need to, take a moment to pray for forgiveness for your sinful way of reacting. Take a moment to ask God to change your heart so that you react to others (Yes, even when hurt or wronged) with the love and grace that are in Christ Jesus. Pray that God will allow you the grace to understand more of His love for you so that you can move in love towards others - especially when they hurt you or cause you pain.
When you have prayed read Isaiah 1:18-20 again and spend time in prayer, praising God.
Think of the people you’ve hurt over the last year with your words or your reactions. Write a list and over the rest of the week, write each one a letter/note asking for forgiveness.
Prayer:-
> Pray for the healing of forgiveness to wash over you and all those in your congregation.
> Pray that any broken relationships or strained relationships in your congregation would be healed and made whole as forgiveness is offered and received.
> Ask God to allow our brethren in China to preach powerfully the message of the cross, the forgiveness of God in Christ. Pray that many would listen and believe.
Sunday 21 November 2010
Sonday November 21, 2010
Read Mark 15:1-39
We’ve studied the genealogies all week, hopefully exciting you a little about the coming of the Son of God into our world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst! The reaction of the gentile centurion sums up the whole week - ‘Surely this man was the Son of God.’
Think about that from God’s perspective. The holy and righteous God sent His one and only Son into our world to save us from our sins. WE rejected God and turned our back on Him. We spat in His face and abandoned Him. We rebelled against our true and rightful King and sought to rule ourselves! And God, in turn, chooses not to condemn us, not to strike us with His wrath and vengeance but chooses to send his own Son, Jesus, to die on the cross. God chooses to punish His own Son rather than punish you and I for our sinfulness and rebellion.
Think about it from Jesus’ perspective. The immortal one, the one who was and is and is to come, the one who cannot die chooses to willingly come into the world to suffer the wrath of God for you and I. The man who is God did not grasp at equality with God as Adam and Eve did. Rather, He humbled himself and was obedient, again, unlike our first parents. He was obedient even unto death - willingly suffering death on a cross to bring us back to the Father.
Where Adam and all humanity failed, Jesus succeeded. He did what no other man could do - He obeyed God perfectly and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins and rebellion.
The Son of God came into the world to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. He came to seek and to save the lost. He came to call the sick, sinners to repentance and life.
If you can understand anything of what has been said today, turn to God and praise Him.
Prayer:-
> Praise God, adore God for the coming of the Saviour into the world. Praise God for your salvation and thank him profusely for all that Jesus suffered on your behalf.
> Plead and petition God that more people would understand the coming of Christ this Christmas and that you personally would be a messenger of the Christmas good news.
We’ve studied the genealogies all week, hopefully exciting you a little about the coming of the Son of God into our world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst! The reaction of the gentile centurion sums up the whole week - ‘Surely this man was the Son of God.’
Think about that from God’s perspective. The holy and righteous God sent His one and only Son into our world to save us from our sins. WE rejected God and turned our back on Him. We spat in His face and abandoned Him. We rebelled against our true and rightful King and sought to rule ourselves! And God, in turn, chooses not to condemn us, not to strike us with His wrath and vengeance but chooses to send his own Son, Jesus, to die on the cross. God chooses to punish His own Son rather than punish you and I for our sinfulness and rebellion.
Think about it from Jesus’ perspective. The immortal one, the one who was and is and is to come, the one who cannot die chooses to willingly come into the world to suffer the wrath of God for you and I. The man who is God did not grasp at equality with God as Adam and Eve did. Rather, He humbled himself and was obedient, again, unlike our first parents. He was obedient even unto death - willingly suffering death on a cross to bring us back to the Father.
Where Adam and all humanity failed, Jesus succeeded. He did what no other man could do - He obeyed God perfectly and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins and rebellion.
The Son of God came into the world to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. He came to seek and to save the lost. He came to call the sick, sinners to repentance and life.
If you can understand anything of what has been said today, turn to God and praise Him.
Prayer:-
> Praise God, adore God for the coming of the Saviour into the world. Praise God for your salvation and thank him profusely for all that Jesus suffered on your behalf.
> Plead and petition God that more people would understand the coming of Christ this Christmas and that you personally would be a messenger of the Christmas good news.
Saturday 20 November 2010
Saturday November 20, 2010
Read Revelation 20-21
Can you think of a way to describe the colour blue to a man born blind? Can you think of a way to describe music to a woman who has been deaf all her life? How do you describe the joy of human touch to a leper who has no feeling or senses in their skin?
That’s the inherent problem with heaven. It’s so foreign to our world that it’s incredibly difficult to describe. Heaven is so far beyond our experience and comprehension that it’s difficult to talk about or to dream about. But on several occasions, heaven is described for us.
How would you describe heaven to a non believer? The traditional picture of an angel on a cloud playing a harp is, in the eyes of the world, relatively BORING. No wonder we see depictions or cartoons of parties, booze ups and bbqs in hell! No wonder the world is saying ‘Hey, I’d rather be in hell with my mates than sitting on a boring old cloud with a dull harp.’ Heaven is hard to describe.
How often do you find yourself day dreaming of heaven? How often do you find yourself talking about heaven and longing to be there. We long and dream of that annual vacation by the beach. We dream of bodily fulfilment. We daydream about the pleasures of the flesh but heaven is so hard to dream about because it’s so foreign to our experience.
How often do you encourage your brothers and sisters with talk of heaven? How often do you spur one another on with talk of our final destination? How often do we lift each other up out of the mud and mire of life by recalling the joys we’ll share in that perfect paradise?
How often do you praise God that He has opened the door way to heaven for you personally through the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus? How often do you sing adoration to Christ for taking your sins, the guilt and the shame, and nailing them to the cross? How often do you reflect that Jesus has perfected you for heaven, for God’s presence?
It’s time to refocus. It’s time to set our heart and mind on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. It’s time to get our head into the clouds and meditate on heaven so that we can be of great earthly use!
Prayer:-
> Spend time praising God for the hope you have in heaven.
> Spend time thanking God that Jesus has equipped your for heaven.
> Pray that this hope we have in heaven will spur our Sudanese brothers and sisters onwards as they struggle and seek to live in a hostile land. Pray that they would be courageously sharing their hope.
Can you think of a way to describe the colour blue to a man born blind? Can you think of a way to describe music to a woman who has been deaf all her life? How do you describe the joy of human touch to a leper who has no feeling or senses in their skin?
That’s the inherent problem with heaven. It’s so foreign to our world that it’s incredibly difficult to describe. Heaven is so far beyond our experience and comprehension that it’s difficult to talk about or to dream about. But on several occasions, heaven is described for us.
How would you describe heaven to a non believer? The traditional picture of an angel on a cloud playing a harp is, in the eyes of the world, relatively BORING. No wonder we see depictions or cartoons of parties, booze ups and bbqs in hell! No wonder the world is saying ‘Hey, I’d rather be in hell with my mates than sitting on a boring old cloud with a dull harp.’ Heaven is hard to describe.
How often do you find yourself day dreaming of heaven? How often do you find yourself talking about heaven and longing to be there. We long and dream of that annual vacation by the beach. We dream of bodily fulfilment. We daydream about the pleasures of the flesh but heaven is so hard to dream about because it’s so foreign to our experience.
How often do you encourage your brothers and sisters with talk of heaven? How often do you spur one another on with talk of our final destination? How often do we lift each other up out of the mud and mire of life by recalling the joys we’ll share in that perfect paradise?
How often do you praise God that He has opened the door way to heaven for you personally through the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus? How often do you sing adoration to Christ for taking your sins, the guilt and the shame, and nailing them to the cross? How often do you reflect that Jesus has perfected you for heaven, for God’s presence?
It’s time to refocus. It’s time to set our heart and mind on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. It’s time to get our head into the clouds and meditate on heaven so that we can be of great earthly use!
Prayer:-
> Spend time praising God for the hope you have in heaven.
> Spend time thanking God that Jesus has equipped your for heaven.
> Pray that this hope we have in heaven will spur our Sudanese brothers and sisters onwards as they struggle and seek to live in a hostile land. Pray that they would be courageously sharing their hope.
Friday 19 November 2010
Friday November 19, 2010
Read Luke 3:23-38, Read Matthew 1:1-17
Oh No! Not more genealogies! Yes more genealogies. But rather than be half hearted let’s look into these two genealogies and find out why and how they are different.
Just quickly glance at where the two genealogies occur in the respective gospels. Why does Matthew start his gospel with the genealogy while Luke puts it just before the commencement of ministry of Jesus? Maybe it’s because Matthew is writing to Jews and wants his gospel to be accepted as authoritative. Starting with Jesus’ link to Abraham would give great credibility to a group of people that saw Abraham as their founding Father. Luke on the other hand, is a Gentile, writing to a non Jewish audience. He wants them to see that Jesus, the Son of God is the one ministering grace to the world.
Why does Matthew take his genealogy from Abraham, effectively ignoring Genesis 1-11? Yet Luke, for his part, takes the genealogy back to Adam and then calls Adam the Son of God. Just note that if evolution were true this statement is ridiculously false and the entire history of Jesus is false which makes His claim to deity very sceptical. Rather than reading ‘...the Son of Adam, the Son of God’ at the end of Luke’s genealogy we should have ‘the son of Adam, the son of a monkey, the son of a... (lower life form and so on) ad nauseum until we get to ‘...son of lifeless protein, the son of God.’ Luke is very deliberately linking Adam with God at the creation because Jesus came to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). God loved the world so much that He sent His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Luke is showing that God cares for the whole world while Matthew is writing to Jews about the Messiah. Amazing what a genealogy can tell you isn’t it?
Did you also notice that Luke doesn’t make mention of the women that Matthew does? It must have been a shock to the Jews to see the women in the genealogy especially prostitute women and adulterous women! But for Luke, writing to non Jews the shock value simply isn’t there. There’s nothing to be gained by mentioning these women so he omits them. Luke wants to link Jesus to God through Adam so he gets there as quickly as he can.
Finally look again at the names in the genealogy from Jesus onwards or downwards. Matthew says that Jacob was the father of Joseph who was the legal father of Jesus. Luke says it was Heli and the two names go off in different directions. Now before you go and throw your Bible in the bin declaring, “It’s totally full of contradictions and can’t be trusted” think about this! In Bible times the family unit was far wider than our small enclave of dad, mum and the 2.3 kids. Fathers often considered their son-in-law as their own sons. They were literally adopted into the family. Luke is sharing the genealogy from Mary’s side! And low and behold, you’ll see that they converge at the great King David. Jesus is the descendant of David (from both sides of the family line) who will sit for all eternity on the throne of God! There has been no compromise from God’s point of view.
Who’d have thought that a list of names could be so fascinating !
Prayer:-
> Spend time praising God for His salvation through the sending his son to die on the cross for the sins of the world.
> Pray that you will have opportunities to share the good news with people in your world that don’t yet have Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
> Pray for our brothers and sisters in Vietnam as they celebrate the birth of Jesus. Pray for courage & for open doors to share their faith.
Oh No! Not more genealogies! Yes more genealogies. But rather than be half hearted let’s look into these two genealogies and find out why and how they are different.
Just quickly glance at where the two genealogies occur in the respective gospels. Why does Matthew start his gospel with the genealogy while Luke puts it just before the commencement of ministry of Jesus? Maybe it’s because Matthew is writing to Jews and wants his gospel to be accepted as authoritative. Starting with Jesus’ link to Abraham would give great credibility to a group of people that saw Abraham as their founding Father. Luke on the other hand, is a Gentile, writing to a non Jewish audience. He wants them to see that Jesus, the Son of God is the one ministering grace to the world.
Why does Matthew take his genealogy from Abraham, effectively ignoring Genesis 1-11? Yet Luke, for his part, takes the genealogy back to Adam and then calls Adam the Son of God. Just note that if evolution were true this statement is ridiculously false and the entire history of Jesus is false which makes His claim to deity very sceptical. Rather than reading ‘...the Son of Adam, the Son of God’ at the end of Luke’s genealogy we should have ‘the son of Adam, the son of a monkey, the son of a... (lower life form and so on) ad nauseum until we get to ‘...son of lifeless protein, the son of God.’ Luke is very deliberately linking Adam with God at the creation because Jesus came to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). God loved the world so much that He sent His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Luke is showing that God cares for the whole world while Matthew is writing to Jews about the Messiah. Amazing what a genealogy can tell you isn’t it?
Did you also notice that Luke doesn’t make mention of the women that Matthew does? It must have been a shock to the Jews to see the women in the genealogy especially prostitute women and adulterous women! But for Luke, writing to non Jews the shock value simply isn’t there. There’s nothing to be gained by mentioning these women so he omits them. Luke wants to link Jesus to God through Adam so he gets there as quickly as he can.
Finally look again at the names in the genealogy from Jesus onwards or downwards. Matthew says that Jacob was the father of Joseph who was the legal father of Jesus. Luke says it was Heli and the two names go off in different directions. Now before you go and throw your Bible in the bin declaring, “It’s totally full of contradictions and can’t be trusted” think about this! In Bible times the family unit was far wider than our small enclave of dad, mum and the 2.3 kids. Fathers often considered their son-in-law as their own sons. They were literally adopted into the family. Luke is sharing the genealogy from Mary’s side! And low and behold, you’ll see that they converge at the great King David. Jesus is the descendant of David (from both sides of the family line) who will sit for all eternity on the throne of God! There has been no compromise from God’s point of view.
Who’d have thought that a list of names could be so fascinating !
Prayer:-
> Spend time praising God for His salvation through the sending his son to die on the cross for the sins of the world.
> Pray that you will have opportunities to share the good news with people in your world that don’t yet have Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
> Pray for our brothers and sisters in Vietnam as they celebrate the birth of Jesus. Pray for courage & for open doors to share their faith.
Thursday 18 November 2010
Thursday November 18, 2010
Read Matthew 1:1-17
Genealogies (the long lists of names about who begat who and on and on they go) are often said by believers to be the most boring parts of the Bible. While I agree that they may be the hardest parts to read (try 1 Chronicles 1-9 for size) I don’t agree that they are boring. They are filled with intriguing facts and interesting bits that God has put there to titillate us. They really are amazing. Today, I hope to show you how amazing some of these genealogies can really be.
Let’s start with tradition. Traditionally, only men were put into begetting part of the genealogies. Daughters were regularly mentioned but mothers were not. This ensured that a record of the lineage was kept ‘pure’. But read the genealogy again in vv1-17 and note the women that are put into the genealogy. What do you know about these women? What did they do in the Scriptures? What role did they play? It’s becoming a bit of a detective story! And now ask yourself, why did God put these women into the genealogy of Christ Jesus? He could have left them out. He could have caused the writer to forget all about them. Why were these women included in a record of the birth of our Saviour? You can think through that one.
Secondly notice how the genealogy is summed up in vs 1. Two key Old Testament players are named.
A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham:
Why are they named? What role do they have? Why are they significant? The answer for Abraham is obvious. He is the patriarchal father of the nation. He is the one who started it all. He is the one through whom all blessings shall flow to the families of the earth. The very deliberate link from Abraham to Jesus shows us that Jesus is the one through whom families will be blessed. It’s no accident. It’s no genetic accident or natural selection wonder. It’s God bringing His Saviour into the world to bless family units - not just individuals as we are always tempted to think.
But what about King David? Why is he mentioned? Why is he listed in the summary verse with Abraham. If you read from 2 Samuel 7 onwards you’ll see that God promised David some pretty amazing things as well. God promised that a descendant of David would rule on the throne for all eternity. That’s right! One of King David’s descendants would have a never ending rule! And here in Matthew 1 we have a direct link to David. If the writer is telling us that all the promises to Abraham will be fulfilled in Christ, then he’s telling us that all the promises to David will be fulfilled in this Christ as well. Jesus is the one who rules for all eternity on God’s throne! He is the one that will bless the families of the earth.
It’s all summed up in one neat little sentence that starts off a genealogy. Who said they were boring?
Prayer:-
> Pray for Shiloh Church ministries as they serve in India. Pray that God would provide all their needs in Christ. Pray for funds, food and shelter to be made available. Pray that God would use this team to grow the kingdom tremendously.
> Pray that as we approach Christmas people will be asking you about the meaning of Christmas and that doors of gospel sharing will open up. Pray for growth in your local church.
Genealogies (the long lists of names about who begat who and on and on they go) are often said by believers to be the most boring parts of the Bible. While I agree that they may be the hardest parts to read (try 1 Chronicles 1-9 for size) I don’t agree that they are boring. They are filled with intriguing facts and interesting bits that God has put there to titillate us. They really are amazing. Today, I hope to show you how amazing some of these genealogies can really be.
Let’s start with tradition. Traditionally, only men were put into begetting part of the genealogies. Daughters were regularly mentioned but mothers were not. This ensured that a record of the lineage was kept ‘pure’. But read the genealogy again in vv1-17 and note the women that are put into the genealogy. What do you know about these women? What did they do in the Scriptures? What role did they play? It’s becoming a bit of a detective story! And now ask yourself, why did God put these women into the genealogy of Christ Jesus? He could have left them out. He could have caused the writer to forget all about them. Why were these women included in a record of the birth of our Saviour? You can think through that one.
Secondly notice how the genealogy is summed up in vs 1. Two key Old Testament players are named.
A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham:
Why are they named? What role do they have? Why are they significant? The answer for Abraham is obvious. He is the patriarchal father of the nation. He is the one who started it all. He is the one through whom all blessings shall flow to the families of the earth. The very deliberate link from Abraham to Jesus shows us that Jesus is the one through whom families will be blessed. It’s no accident. It’s no genetic accident or natural selection wonder. It’s God bringing His Saviour into the world to bless family units - not just individuals as we are always tempted to think.
But what about King David? Why is he mentioned? Why is he listed in the summary verse with Abraham. If you read from 2 Samuel 7 onwards you’ll see that God promised David some pretty amazing things as well. God promised that a descendant of David would rule on the throne for all eternity. That’s right! One of King David’s descendants would have a never ending rule! And here in Matthew 1 we have a direct link to David. If the writer is telling us that all the promises to Abraham will be fulfilled in Christ, then he’s telling us that all the promises to David will be fulfilled in this Christ as well. Jesus is the one who rules for all eternity on God’s throne! He is the one that will bless the families of the earth.
It’s all summed up in one neat little sentence that starts off a genealogy. Who said they were boring?
Prayer:-
> Pray for Shiloh Church ministries as they serve in India. Pray that God would provide all their needs in Christ. Pray for funds, food and shelter to be made available. Pray that God would use this team to grow the kingdom tremendously.
> Pray that as we approach Christmas people will be asking you about the meaning of Christmas and that doors of gospel sharing will open up. Pray for growth in your local church.
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Wednesday November 17, 2010
Read Genesis 12:1-3
When God called Abram He made great promises to the man. He promised to make Abraham into a great nation. He would have descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky or as numerous as the grains of sand along the beach. God had commanded both Adam/Eve and Noah to populate the earth and to fill it. Neither one was willing to do that. So now God takes the initiative upon Himself and will fill the world with people that love and serve Him as God.
Abram will have a great land. The land of Eden was lost, closed off after the fall. Through Abraham and his descendants the Promised Land would be inhabited. God Himself would do what mankind had failed to do.
Others will be blessed and cursed in their attitude towards Abram. Those who bless Abram will be blessed and those who curse him will be cursed. God will treat others according to the way they treat His own people.
And finally God will bless all the families of the earth through Abram and his descendants. Unfortunately the NIV translates this verse as ’and all the people’s of the earth will be blessed through you’. The word ‘peoples’ fits nicely into our western individualistic culture. The Hebrew original more correctly reads, ‘and in you shall all the families of the earth be blessed’. We simply cannot escape the fact that God has always dealt with family units. Noah was a righteous man and was called to build the ark. Who entered the ark with Noah? His wife and his children - even though there’s no mention of their righteousness! He called Abram and later commanded that his children be circumcised when they reach 8 days of age. They would still be far too young to believe in God or affirm their status as Israelites!!! The nation of Israel, when it celebrated the Pass Over and other celebrations would expressly involve children in the ceremonies and festivals.
After the coming of Jesus we continue to see this blessing to entire families. Read Acts 16 and note what is said about whole households.
God will deal with the sin and rebellion of mankind. He’ll do it through one of Abram’s descendants. He’ll work through Abram to bring blessing to all the families of the earth.
Christmas time is rightly a time of blessing. It’s rightly a time of family. It’s rightly a time to share together but not because a red suited, reindeer riding jolly old man comes along. The real man, the God-man has come and has opened the door way of blessing to all families. When we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s not forget Jesus - the reason for the season.
Prayer:-
> Pray that each one in your congregation would fully understand the meaning of Christmas.
> Pray that each family would have opportunity to bring many to church over Christmas to hear about Christ.
> Pray for growth in your congregation.
When God called Abram He made great promises to the man. He promised to make Abraham into a great nation. He would have descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky or as numerous as the grains of sand along the beach. God had commanded both Adam/Eve and Noah to populate the earth and to fill it. Neither one was willing to do that. So now God takes the initiative upon Himself and will fill the world with people that love and serve Him as God.
Abram will have a great land. The land of Eden was lost, closed off after the fall. Through Abraham and his descendants the Promised Land would be inhabited. God Himself would do what mankind had failed to do.
Others will be blessed and cursed in their attitude towards Abram. Those who bless Abram will be blessed and those who curse him will be cursed. God will treat others according to the way they treat His own people.
And finally God will bless all the families of the earth through Abram and his descendants. Unfortunately the NIV translates this verse as ’and all the people’s of the earth will be blessed through you’. The word ‘peoples’ fits nicely into our western individualistic culture. The Hebrew original more correctly reads, ‘and in you shall all the families of the earth be blessed’. We simply cannot escape the fact that God has always dealt with family units. Noah was a righteous man and was called to build the ark. Who entered the ark with Noah? His wife and his children - even though there’s no mention of their righteousness! He called Abram and later commanded that his children be circumcised when they reach 8 days of age. They would still be far too young to believe in God or affirm their status as Israelites!!! The nation of Israel, when it celebrated the Pass Over and other celebrations would expressly involve children in the ceremonies and festivals.
After the coming of Jesus we continue to see this blessing to entire families. Read Acts 16 and note what is said about whole households.
God will deal with the sin and rebellion of mankind. He’ll do it through one of Abram’s descendants. He’ll work through Abram to bring blessing to all the families of the earth.
Christmas time is rightly a time of blessing. It’s rightly a time of family. It’s rightly a time to share together but not because a red suited, reindeer riding jolly old man comes along. The real man, the God-man has come and has opened the door way of blessing to all families. When we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s not forget Jesus - the reason for the season.
Prayer:-
> Pray that each one in your congregation would fully understand the meaning of Christmas.
> Pray that each family would have opportunity to bring many to church over Christmas to hear about Christ.
> Pray for growth in your congregation.
Tuesday 16 November 2010
Tuesday November 16, 2010
Read Genesis 1-12
(actually just glance over them to make sure you understand the history up to chapter 12).
Read Genesis 12:1-3
The world didn’t really get off to a great start did it? After God created the perfect world and gave mankind every possible blessing, even the blessing of being with Him in the Garden, our first parents decided to disobey God. The world has been spiralling downwards ever since. Evolution tells us that the world is getting better and working its way upwards by chance and natural selection. God tells us we are spiralling downwards in sin and depravity.
As Adam and Eve come out of the Garden they have many children. Read Genesis 5:1-5 to pick up what I mean. The history of the first two sons (Cain and Able) is recorded but the rest are not, except for that brief mention in Genesis 5. (BTW - that’s where Cain got his wife from, if anyone asks you!!). And it’s not a particularly bright record. Cain is jealous and kills his brother! Shortly after this, Lamech takes excessive revenge upon a man who injured him. By chapter 6 God is grieved at the sinfulness of mankind. By the end of the flood as human numbers are rising again, you would think that humanity would stay close to God and seek to obey Him. Yet what we see is the exact opposite. As chapter 11 starts we see that mankind have decided to congregate together rather than spread out and fill the earth - as commanded to Adam and Noah! They decide to build a monument to their own great name, effectively leaving God out of the picture. They decide to stand apart from God, united together under their own great name! God is grieved and spreads mankind over the face of the earth. He confuses their languages and makes communication all but impossible. The half-completed tower is left unattended as each new ethnic group struggles to make it on its own.
It’s in this rebellious world that the narrative of Abraham starts. The genealogy of Shem links us to Terah and then to Abram. He’s called by God to leave his family and to go to an as yet-unknown land. God makes great promises to Abram.
Let’s stop there and think in big picture images for a moment. God has called Abram after years of rebellion and sin. He’s made great promises to Abram. Why? What’s going on? What has all this to do with
Christmas? What God is effectively doing is calling Abram as a means of turning around the rebellion of humanity. What God is planning is a blessing to all the families of the earth through Abram and his descendants. What God is doing is blessing mankind amid the rejection and betrayal.
The birth of our Saviour on the first Christmas is not the start of that blessing. It’s the continuation of what began way back in Genesis. It’s the signal that God’s undeserved and totally gracious blessing is about to be poured out upon the earth. The first Christmas is God’s signal, God’s siren, telling the world that He is about to deal with mankind’s rebellion and rejection and open the way back to Eden that was closed off in Genesis 3.
Take time out today with your family to talk about the real meaning of Christmas.
Prayer:-
> Pray that this Christmas will see many people at church to hear about the salvation of Christ Jesus.
> Pray that you will have opportunities to talk of Christ’s birth with friends and relatives and neighbours.
> Pray that our brothers and sisters in Myanmar will have open doors to evangelise, to share their faith and to make disciples of nations.
(actually just glance over them to make sure you understand the history up to chapter 12).
Read Genesis 12:1-3
The world didn’t really get off to a great start did it? After God created the perfect world and gave mankind every possible blessing, even the blessing of being with Him in the Garden, our first parents decided to disobey God. The world has been spiralling downwards ever since. Evolution tells us that the world is getting better and working its way upwards by chance and natural selection. God tells us we are spiralling downwards in sin and depravity.
As Adam and Eve come out of the Garden they have many children. Read Genesis 5:1-5 to pick up what I mean. The history of the first two sons (Cain and Able) is recorded but the rest are not, except for that brief mention in Genesis 5. (BTW - that’s where Cain got his wife from, if anyone asks you!!). And it’s not a particularly bright record. Cain is jealous and kills his brother! Shortly after this, Lamech takes excessive revenge upon a man who injured him. By chapter 6 God is grieved at the sinfulness of mankind. By the end of the flood as human numbers are rising again, you would think that humanity would stay close to God and seek to obey Him. Yet what we see is the exact opposite. As chapter 11 starts we see that mankind have decided to congregate together rather than spread out and fill the earth - as commanded to Adam and Noah! They decide to build a monument to their own great name, effectively leaving God out of the picture. They decide to stand apart from God, united together under their own great name! God is grieved and spreads mankind over the face of the earth. He confuses their languages and makes communication all but impossible. The half-completed tower is left unattended as each new ethnic group struggles to make it on its own.
It’s in this rebellious world that the narrative of Abraham starts. The genealogy of Shem links us to Terah and then to Abram. He’s called by God to leave his family and to go to an as yet-unknown land. God makes great promises to Abram.
Let’s stop there and think in big picture images for a moment. God has called Abram after years of rebellion and sin. He’s made great promises to Abram. Why? What’s going on? What has all this to do with
Christmas? What God is effectively doing is calling Abram as a means of turning around the rebellion of humanity. What God is planning is a blessing to all the families of the earth through Abram and his descendants. What God is doing is blessing mankind amid the rejection and betrayal.
The birth of our Saviour on the first Christmas is not the start of that blessing. It’s the continuation of what began way back in Genesis. It’s the signal that God’s undeserved and totally gracious blessing is about to be poured out upon the earth. The first Christmas is God’s signal, God’s siren, telling the world that He is about to deal with mankind’s rebellion and rejection and open the way back to Eden that was closed off in Genesis 3.
Take time out today with your family to talk about the real meaning of Christmas.
Prayer:-
> Pray that this Christmas will see many people at church to hear about the salvation of Christ Jesus.
> Pray that you will have opportunities to talk of Christ’s birth with friends and relatives and neighbours.
> Pray that our brothers and sisters in Myanmar will have open doors to evangelise, to share their faith and to make disciples of nations.
Monday 15 November 2010
Monday November 15
Read Ephesians 1:1-6. 1 Peter 1:18-21
As we move foreword rapidly to Christmas let me encourage you to slow down and to take time regularly (would daily be pushing my luck???) to think deeply about the meaning and the history of Christmas - it really is more than an old fat-man wearing a ridiculously red suit climbing down your non-existent chimney and leaving presents for you and the children.
Have you ever really taken time to think through the wonder of Christmas? Have you ever thought about where Christmas began and why it began?
Obviously, the first Christmas began with the birth of our Saviour - Jesus of Nazareth but the idea of Christmas began well before that. Read Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Peter 1:20. Christ was chosen from before the world’s creation to be our Saviour. Even more so, you and I were chosen to come to Christ for salvation before the creation of the world. The mind boggles as to the supreme wisdom of God who can choose us in Christ and still allow us to come freely to Christ by our own volition!
But let’s focus on Christ and not ourselves (that’s always a good idea, isn’t it??). Jesus was chosen from before the creation of the world to be our Saviour. That means the whole Old Testament is a preparation for his coming. That means we should be able to read through the former covenant and find traces and glimpses that point forward to His coming. That is exactly what we find in the Old Testament. Those who knew God and were close to God were watching intently, waiting for the true Saviour to be revealed.
And on the first Christmas, some 2,000 years ago our Saviour was born - not with trumpet blast and fanfare but humbly, in a stable with lowly shepherds and Eastern Star gazers giving Him glory. Such a small, seemingly insignificant event would grow to change the very fabric of society, the nature of the world and bring light and hope to millions upon millions of lost souls.
Daily Diary
Often our prayers reflect our immediate concerns and issues. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with praying through these issues. It’s even commanded in Scripture. However, we can have a more fulfilling, more rewarding time with God as we add a depth to our prayers and a quality to our time with God. Let me suggest that you journal for the duration of this sermon series and then re-evaluate your prayer time/ quiet time with our Lord. For journaling, you can use a note pad, an exercise book or even an electronic device like a phone or pda. I prefer to use my phone as it has music on it, a Bible and a place to take notes but use whatever suit your situation and level.
The following structure of prayer takes about an hour to work through and adds depth of prayer and biblical input into your life. The headings are listed with a short description what each entails.
Today: Use today’s Date as a heading for future reference.
Take a few minutes to think about the day you’ve had and jot down the pertinent points. Include feelings, reflections, leadings by God, good points, bad points etc.
This will help clear your mind and get you ready to focus on God. It will help you get a better perspective on what to pray about.
Forgiveness
Jot down what you’ve done today that displeased God. Ask for forgiveness and meditate upon some forgiveness passages.
Keep short accounts with God. Don’t let sin build up. Honestly seek His forgiveness each day.
Today’s Passage: Hezekiah 15:32
Read a passage of Scripture and jot down what happened or what is said. Note what you learn and what strikes you as amazing. Make a note of other relevant passages and the relationships you observe.
The more you do this, the easier it gets. Don’t worry if you can’t write a commentary the first time around!
Praise:
Given the passage you’ve just read, how can you praise God. Think about the day you’ve had and the passage you’ve read and spend time praising God.
Include only heart felt praises here not stuff you think you have to praise God for. Focus on what you’ve witnessed God doing.
Supplication:
This is where we pray the normal type of prayers asking God to intervene in our lives and others’ lives.
If you keep a mental list through the day you can jot them down here.
Keep space for answers.
Adoration:
This is where we thank God and declare God to be amazing. Focus on God and His characteristics, not on what He’s done. Read Psalm 29 to see an example or Romans 11:33-36. Here you can play a “worship” song and sing to God. You can sing your own favourite song to God in adoration.
By adoring God we grow in love for God. Don’t leave this out, even though it’s hard at first.
What’s God Saying to me?
Briefly read over all you’ve written today and think about What God is saying to you. Think about how today’s time with God will change your life and what God wants you to be doing.
What God is saying will never contradict Scripture. Think about your life and your own situation.
As you begin to diarise or journal with God, make sure that you are comfortable and free from interruption for about an hour. Make sure that you have everything you need at your fingertips - pens, paper, bible, CD for music if necessary.
Each day when you begin your time with God, spend a few moments to look back over where you and God have been so far. Take time to jot down answers to your prayers. Re-reading them will greatly encourage you. Don’t forget to share the answers with others.
Finally try to meet with God in the same place each and every day. It builds momentum, expectation and allows you to get into a routine that is helpful, beneficial and comfortable.
As we move foreword rapidly to Christmas let me encourage you to slow down and to take time regularly (would daily be pushing my luck???) to think deeply about the meaning and the history of Christmas - it really is more than an old fat-man wearing a ridiculously red suit climbing down your non-existent chimney and leaving presents for you and the children.
Have you ever really taken time to think through the wonder of Christmas? Have you ever thought about where Christmas began and why it began?
Obviously, the first Christmas began with the birth of our Saviour - Jesus of Nazareth but the idea of Christmas began well before that. Read Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Peter 1:20. Christ was chosen from before the world’s creation to be our Saviour. Even more so, you and I were chosen to come to Christ for salvation before the creation of the world. The mind boggles as to the supreme wisdom of God who can choose us in Christ and still allow us to come freely to Christ by our own volition!
But let’s focus on Christ and not ourselves (that’s always a good idea, isn’t it??). Jesus was chosen from before the creation of the world to be our Saviour. That means the whole Old Testament is a preparation for his coming. That means we should be able to read through the former covenant and find traces and glimpses that point forward to His coming. That is exactly what we find in the Old Testament. Those who knew God and were close to God were watching intently, waiting for the true Saviour to be revealed.
And on the first Christmas, some 2,000 years ago our Saviour was born - not with trumpet blast and fanfare but humbly, in a stable with lowly shepherds and Eastern Star gazers giving Him glory. Such a small, seemingly insignificant event would grow to change the very fabric of society, the nature of the world and bring light and hope to millions upon millions of lost souls.
Daily Diary
Often our prayers reflect our immediate concerns and issues. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with praying through these issues. It’s even commanded in Scripture. However, we can have a more fulfilling, more rewarding time with God as we add a depth to our prayers and a quality to our time with God. Let me suggest that you journal for the duration of this sermon series and then re-evaluate your prayer time/ quiet time with our Lord. For journaling, you can use a note pad, an exercise book or even an electronic device like a phone or pda. I prefer to use my phone as it has music on it, a Bible and a place to take notes but use whatever suit your situation and level.
The following structure of prayer takes about an hour to work through and adds depth of prayer and biblical input into your life. The headings are listed with a short description what each entails.
Today: Use today’s Date as a heading for future reference.
Take a few minutes to think about the day you’ve had and jot down the pertinent points. Include feelings, reflections, leadings by God, good points, bad points etc.
This will help clear your mind and get you ready to focus on God. It will help you get a better perspective on what to pray about.
Forgiveness
Jot down what you’ve done today that displeased God. Ask for forgiveness and meditate upon some forgiveness passages.
Keep short accounts with God. Don’t let sin build up. Honestly seek His forgiveness each day.
Today’s Passage: Hezekiah 15:32
Read a passage of Scripture and jot down what happened or what is said. Note what you learn and what strikes you as amazing. Make a note of other relevant passages and the relationships you observe.
The more you do this, the easier it gets. Don’t worry if you can’t write a commentary the first time around!
Praise:
Given the passage you’ve just read, how can you praise God. Think about the day you’ve had and the passage you’ve read and spend time praising God.
Include only heart felt praises here not stuff you think you have to praise God for. Focus on what you’ve witnessed God doing.
Supplication:
This is where we pray the normal type of prayers asking God to intervene in our lives and others’ lives.
If you keep a mental list through the day you can jot them down here.
Keep space for answers.
Adoration:
This is where we thank God and declare God to be amazing. Focus on God and His characteristics, not on what He’s done. Read Psalm 29 to see an example or Romans 11:33-36. Here you can play a “worship” song and sing to God. You can sing your own favourite song to God in adoration.
By adoring God we grow in love for God. Don’t leave this out, even though it’s hard at first.
What’s God Saying to me?
Briefly read over all you’ve written today and think about What God is saying to you. Think about how today’s time with God will change your life and what God wants you to be doing.
What God is saying will never contradict Scripture. Think about your life and your own situation.
As you begin to diarise or journal with God, make sure that you are comfortable and free from interruption for about an hour. Make sure that you have everything you need at your fingertips - pens, paper, bible, CD for music if necessary.
Each day when you begin your time with God, spend a few moments to look back over where you and God have been so far. Take time to jot down answers to your prayers. Re-reading them will greatly encourage you. Don’t forget to share the answers with others.
Finally try to meet with God in the same place each and every day. It builds momentum, expectation and allows you to get into a routine that is helpful, beneficial and comfortable.
Saturday 13 November 2010
Saturday: 13 November
Read Colossians 4:14b
Demas is mentioned only three times in Paul’s letters, and these three references tell a sad story. First he is called “Demas... my fellow labourer” and is linked with three good men—Mark, Aristarchus, and Luke (Phile. 24). Then he is simply called “Demas,” and there is no special word of identification or commendation (Col. 4:14). But the third reference tells what became of Demas: “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10).
At one point in his life, John Mark had forsaken Paul; but he was reclaimed and restored. Demas forsook Paul and apparently was never reclaimed. His sin was that he loved this present world. The word world refers to the whole system of things that runs this world, or “society without God.” In the first of his epistles, John the Apostle pointed out that the world entices the believer with “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15–17). Which of these traps caught Demas, we do not know; perhaps he fell into all three.
But we do know that Christians today can succumb to the world just as Demas did. How easy it is to maintain a religious veneer, while all the time we are living for the things of this world. Demas thought that he could serve two masters, but eventually he had to make a decision; unfortunately, he made the wrong decision.
It must have hurt Paul greatly when Demas forsook him. It also hurt the work of the Lord, for there never has been a time when the laborers were many. This decision hurt Demas most of all, for he wasted his life in that which could never last. “He that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (1 John 2:17).
After conveying greetings from his friends and fellow servants, Paul himself sent greetings to the sister churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis. These people had never seen Paul (Col. 2:1), yet he was interested in them and concerned about their spiritual welfare.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray for those who are preaching and teaching tomorrow. Pray that God would use them powerfully and that His Word would be powerful and active in our lives. Pray that the entire congregation would be present and would submit to the authority of the Word.
ÿ Pray that God would be powerfully among us tomorrow - healing the sick, freeing captives from prison, releasing those burdened with sin and habitual sin, making people whole and renewing people and saving them in the gospel of our Lord.
Demas is mentioned only three times in Paul’s letters, and these three references tell a sad story. First he is called “Demas... my fellow labourer” and is linked with three good men—Mark, Aristarchus, and Luke (Phile. 24). Then he is simply called “Demas,” and there is no special word of identification or commendation (Col. 4:14). But the third reference tells what became of Demas: “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10).
At one point in his life, John Mark had forsaken Paul; but he was reclaimed and restored. Demas forsook Paul and apparently was never reclaimed. His sin was that he loved this present world. The word world refers to the whole system of things that runs this world, or “society without God.” In the first of his epistles, John the Apostle pointed out that the world entices the believer with “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15–17). Which of these traps caught Demas, we do not know; perhaps he fell into all three.
But we do know that Christians today can succumb to the world just as Demas did. How easy it is to maintain a religious veneer, while all the time we are living for the things of this world. Demas thought that he could serve two masters, but eventually he had to make a decision; unfortunately, he made the wrong decision.
It must have hurt Paul greatly when Demas forsook him. It also hurt the work of the Lord, for there never has been a time when the laborers were many. This decision hurt Demas most of all, for he wasted his life in that which could never last. “He that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (1 John 2:17).
After conveying greetings from his friends and fellow servants, Paul himself sent greetings to the sister churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis. These people had never seen Paul (Col. 2:1), yet he was interested in them and concerned about their spiritual welfare.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray for those who are preaching and teaching tomorrow. Pray that God would use them powerfully and that His Word would be powerful and active in our lives. Pray that the entire congregation would be present and would submit to the authority of the Word.
ÿ Pray that God would be powerfully among us tomorrow - healing the sick, freeing captives from prison, releasing those burdened with sin and habitual sin, making people whole and renewing people and saving them in the gospel of our Lord.
Friday 12 November 2010
Friday November 12, 2010
Read Colossians 4:8-13
We first met Epaphras at the beginning of this letter to Colossae. He was the man who founded the church there (Col. 1:7–8). He had been led to Christ through Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, and had returned home to share the Good News of salvation. It seems likely that Epaphras also founded the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col. 4:13). In our modern terms, Epaphras became a “home missionary.”
What motivated Epaphras to share the Gospel? He was “a servant of Christ” (Col. 4:12). Paul called him “our dear fellow servant... a faithful minister of Christ” (Col. 1:7). Epaphras loved Jesus Christ and wanted to serve Him and share His message of salvation. But he did not do it alone. Epaphras also believed in the ministry of the local church, and in working with other saints. He was not just a “servant”; he was a “fellow servant.”
One of the secrets of the ministry of Epaphras was his prayer life. Paul knew about this because Epaphras and Paul shared the same room, and when Epaphras prayed, Paul knew about it. What were the characteristics of this man’s prayer life?
He prayed constantly (vs 12—“always”). He was a good example of Paul’s admonition: “Continue in prayer” (Col. 4:2). Epaphras did not pray only when he felt like it, as do many Christians today. Nor did he pray when he was told to pray, or when the other believers prayed. He was constantly in prayer, seeking God’s blessing.
He prayed fervently (vs 12—“labouring fervently”). The word used here means “agonizing.” It is the same word used for our Lord’s praying in the Garden (Luke 22:44). We get the impression that prayer was serious business with Epaphras! This Greek word was used to describe the athletes as they gave themselves fully to their sports. If church members today put as much concern and enthusiasm into their praying as they did into their baseball games or bowling, we would have revival!
He prayed personally (vs 12—“for you”). Epaphras did not pray around the world for everybody in general and nobody in particular. He centered his intercession on the saints in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. No doubt he mentioned some of them by name. Prayer for Epaphras was not an impersonal religious exercise, for he carried these people in his heart and prayed for them personally.
He prayed definitely. If you had asked Epaphras, “What are you praying for?, he could have told you. His great desire was that the believers in those three assemblies might mature in their Christian faith. Paul used four significant words to summarize the prayer of Epaphras, and these four words also summarize the message of the Book of Colossians: “perfect—complete—all—will.”
Epaphras was concerned that these Christians know and do the will of God. But he wanted them to be involved in all of the will of God, not just in part of it. (All is a key word in Colossians, used over thirty times.) He also wanted them to stand perfect and complete in God’s will. The gnostic teachers offered these Christians “perfection and maturity,” but they could not deliver the goods. Only in Jesus Christ can we have these blessings. “And ye are complete in Him,” for only in Christ does the fullness of God dwell (Col. 2:9–10).
This request carries the thought of being mature and perfectly assured in the will of God, and parallels Paul’s prayer burden (Col. 2:2). “Full assurance in the will of God” is a tremendous blessing! It is not necessary for the believer to drift in life. He can know God’s will and enjoy it. As he learns God’s will and lives it, he matures in the faith and experiences God’s fullness.
He prayed sacrificially (vs 13—“great zeal” or “much distress”). Real prayer is difficult. When Jesus prayed in the Garden, He sweat great drops of blood. Paul had “great conflict” (agony) as he prayed for the Colossians (2:1), and Epaphras also experienced “much distress.” This does not mean that we must wrestle with God in order to get Him to answer. But it does mean that we must throw ourselves into our praying with zeal and concern. If there is no burden, there can be no blessing. To rephrase what John H. Jowett said about preaching: “Praying that costs nothing accomplishes nothing.”
All of the men with Paul were named and commended in one way or another, but Epaphras was the only one commended for his prayer ministry. This does not mean that the other men did not pray; but it does suggest that prayer was his major interest and ministry. Epaphras was
Paul’s fellow prisoner (Phile. 23)—but even confinement could not keep him from entering the courts of heaven and praying for his brothers and sisters in the churches.
E.M. Bounds was a prayer-warrior of the last generation. He would often rise early in the morning and pray for many hours before he began the work of the day. His many books on prayer testify to the fact that Bounds, like Epaphras, knew how to agonize in prayer before God. If you have never read Power in Prayer [Baker] by E.M. Bounds, by all means do so.
Open up your church phone directory and start praying for the people there.
We first met Epaphras at the beginning of this letter to Colossae. He was the man who founded the church there (Col. 1:7–8). He had been led to Christ through Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, and had returned home to share the Good News of salvation. It seems likely that Epaphras also founded the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col. 4:13). In our modern terms, Epaphras became a “home missionary.”
What motivated Epaphras to share the Gospel? He was “a servant of Christ” (Col. 4:12). Paul called him “our dear fellow servant... a faithful minister of Christ” (Col. 1:7). Epaphras loved Jesus Christ and wanted to serve Him and share His message of salvation. But he did not do it alone. Epaphras also believed in the ministry of the local church, and in working with other saints. He was not just a “servant”; he was a “fellow servant.”
One of the secrets of the ministry of Epaphras was his prayer life. Paul knew about this because Epaphras and Paul shared the same room, and when Epaphras prayed, Paul knew about it. What were the characteristics of this man’s prayer life?
He prayed constantly (vs 12—“always”). He was a good example of Paul’s admonition: “Continue in prayer” (Col. 4:2). Epaphras did not pray only when he felt like it, as do many Christians today. Nor did he pray when he was told to pray, or when the other believers prayed. He was constantly in prayer, seeking God’s blessing.
He prayed fervently (vs 12—“labouring fervently”). The word used here means “agonizing.” It is the same word used for our Lord’s praying in the Garden (Luke 22:44). We get the impression that prayer was serious business with Epaphras! This Greek word was used to describe the athletes as they gave themselves fully to their sports. If church members today put as much concern and enthusiasm into their praying as they did into their baseball games or bowling, we would have revival!
He prayed personally (vs 12—“for you”). Epaphras did not pray around the world for everybody in general and nobody in particular. He centered his intercession on the saints in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. No doubt he mentioned some of them by name. Prayer for Epaphras was not an impersonal religious exercise, for he carried these people in his heart and prayed for them personally.
He prayed definitely. If you had asked Epaphras, “What are you praying for?, he could have told you. His great desire was that the believers in those three assemblies might mature in their Christian faith. Paul used four significant words to summarize the prayer of Epaphras, and these four words also summarize the message of the Book of Colossians: “perfect—complete—all—will.”
Epaphras was concerned that these Christians know and do the will of God. But he wanted them to be involved in all of the will of God, not just in part of it. (All is a key word in Colossians, used over thirty times.) He also wanted them to stand perfect and complete in God’s will. The gnostic teachers offered these Christians “perfection and maturity,” but they could not deliver the goods. Only in Jesus Christ can we have these blessings. “And ye are complete in Him,” for only in Christ does the fullness of God dwell (Col. 2:9–10).
This request carries the thought of being mature and perfectly assured in the will of God, and parallels Paul’s prayer burden (Col. 2:2). “Full assurance in the will of God” is a tremendous blessing! It is not necessary for the believer to drift in life. He can know God’s will and enjoy it. As he learns God’s will and lives it, he matures in the faith and experiences God’s fullness.
He prayed sacrificially (vs 13—“great zeal” or “much distress”). Real prayer is difficult. When Jesus prayed in the Garden, He sweat great drops of blood. Paul had “great conflict” (agony) as he prayed for the Colossians (2:1), and Epaphras also experienced “much distress.” This does not mean that we must wrestle with God in order to get Him to answer. But it does mean that we must throw ourselves into our praying with zeal and concern. If there is no burden, there can be no blessing. To rephrase what John H. Jowett said about preaching: “Praying that costs nothing accomplishes nothing.”
All of the men with Paul were named and commended in one way or another, but Epaphras was the only one commended for his prayer ministry. This does not mean that the other men did not pray; but it does suggest that prayer was his major interest and ministry. Epaphras was
Paul’s fellow prisoner (Phile. 23)—but even confinement could not keep him from entering the courts of heaven and praying for his brothers and sisters in the churches.
E.M. Bounds was a prayer-warrior of the last generation. He would often rise early in the morning and pray for many hours before he began the work of the day. His many books on prayer testify to the fact that Bounds, like Epaphras, knew how to agonize in prayer before God. If you have never read Power in Prayer [Baker] by E.M. Bounds, by all means do so.
Open up your church phone directory and start praying for the people there.
Thursday 11 November 2010
Thursday November 11, 2010
Read Colossians 4:7-9
Paul did not spell out the details of his personal situation in this letter. He left it to his two spiritual brothers, Tychicus and Onesimus, to share the burdens with the church in Colossae. This is another wonderful ministry of speech: we can share our needs and burdens with others; then they can encourage and assist us.
When Paul left Ephesus, he was accompanied by seven other believers—among them, Tychicus (Acts 20:4). These men were helping Paul deliver the love offering from the Gentile churches to the poor saints in Judea (1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8–9). It is possible that Tychicus and Trophimus were the two brethren Paul referred to in his Second Letter to the Corinthians (see 2 Cor. 8:19–24). Tychicus shared Paul’s Roman imprisonment and no doubt was helpful to him in many ways. Paul chose Tychicus and Onesimus to deliver the Ephesian letter (Eph. 6:21) and the Colossian letter (Col. 4:7–9). Of course, they also took the personal letter to Philemon. Paul instructed Tychicus to share with the Colossian Christians all the details of his situation there in Rome.
Paul’s description of Tychicus reveals what a splendid Christian Tychicus really was. He was a beloved brother, willing to stay with Paul even though the situation was difficult. How encouraging it is to have a Christian at your side when everything seems to be against you!
Tychicus was also a faithful minister. His love revealed itself in action. He ministered to Paul, and he also ministered for Paul to assist him in his many obligations. Someone has said that the greatest ability in the world is dependability, and this is true. Paul could depend on Tychicus to get the job done.
Tychicus was also Paul’s fellow servant. Though he was not an apostle himself, he was assisting Paul in his apostolic ministry. Paul and Tychicus worked together in the service of the Lord. Later, Paul was able to send Tychicus to Crete (Titus 3:12), and then to Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:12).
It was not easy for Tychicus to be associated with Paul, the prisoner; for Paul had many enemies. Nor was it easy for Tychicus to travel as he did, assisting Paul in his various tasks. Tychicus did not take the easy way, but rather the right way. Our churches today could use more members like Tychicus!
Paul also mentioned Onesimus (“one of you”) who himself came from Colossae. He was the runaway slave who belonged to Philemon and who had been won to Christ through Paul’s ministry in Rome. Paul sent Onesimus back to his master with a letter asking Philemon to receive him and forgive him. It is interesting to note that Paul also called Onesimus faithful and beloved. Onesimus had been a believer only a short time, and yet he had already proved himself to Paul.
These two men had a dual ministry to perform: to encourage the Colossian Christians and to inform them about Paul’s situation. Is it wrong for God’s people to share information in this way? Of course not! Paul was not begging for money or asking for sympathy. He wanted the Colossian saints to know his situation so they could pray for him. While it is true that some Christian workers “use” circumstances selfishly to enlist support, this was not true of Paul. He simply wanted his friends in Colossae to know the facts and to support him in prayer.
Praying, proclaiming the Word, witnessing, and sharing burdens—these are four wonderful ministries of speech. How much better it is to be involved in these ministries than to be using our tongues for gossip, malicious criticism, and other sinful purposes.
Let’s make David’s prayer our prayer: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3).
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that God would raise up many servants, fellow workers in this Kingdom work that our congregation is engaged in. Ask God to raise up many labourers and to show you personally where and what He would want you to be doing.
Get together with another Christian and talk about the ways in which you can allow or encourage the Word of God to dwell richly in you.
Write down some ideas.
1/.
2/.
3/.
4/.
5/.
6/.
Paul did not spell out the details of his personal situation in this letter. He left it to his two spiritual brothers, Tychicus and Onesimus, to share the burdens with the church in Colossae. This is another wonderful ministry of speech: we can share our needs and burdens with others; then they can encourage and assist us.
When Paul left Ephesus, he was accompanied by seven other believers—among them, Tychicus (Acts 20:4). These men were helping Paul deliver the love offering from the Gentile churches to the poor saints in Judea (1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8–9). It is possible that Tychicus and Trophimus were the two brethren Paul referred to in his Second Letter to the Corinthians (see 2 Cor. 8:19–24). Tychicus shared Paul’s Roman imprisonment and no doubt was helpful to him in many ways. Paul chose Tychicus and Onesimus to deliver the Ephesian letter (Eph. 6:21) and the Colossian letter (Col. 4:7–9). Of course, they also took the personal letter to Philemon. Paul instructed Tychicus to share with the Colossian Christians all the details of his situation there in Rome.
Paul’s description of Tychicus reveals what a splendid Christian Tychicus really was. He was a beloved brother, willing to stay with Paul even though the situation was difficult. How encouraging it is to have a Christian at your side when everything seems to be against you!
Tychicus was also a faithful minister. His love revealed itself in action. He ministered to Paul, and he also ministered for Paul to assist him in his many obligations. Someone has said that the greatest ability in the world is dependability, and this is true. Paul could depend on Tychicus to get the job done.
Tychicus was also Paul’s fellow servant. Though he was not an apostle himself, he was assisting Paul in his apostolic ministry. Paul and Tychicus worked together in the service of the Lord. Later, Paul was able to send Tychicus to Crete (Titus 3:12), and then to Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:12).
It was not easy for Tychicus to be associated with Paul, the prisoner; for Paul had many enemies. Nor was it easy for Tychicus to travel as he did, assisting Paul in his various tasks. Tychicus did not take the easy way, but rather the right way. Our churches today could use more members like Tychicus!
Paul also mentioned Onesimus (“one of you”) who himself came from Colossae. He was the runaway slave who belonged to Philemon and who had been won to Christ through Paul’s ministry in Rome. Paul sent Onesimus back to his master with a letter asking Philemon to receive him and forgive him. It is interesting to note that Paul also called Onesimus faithful and beloved. Onesimus had been a believer only a short time, and yet he had already proved himself to Paul.
These two men had a dual ministry to perform: to encourage the Colossian Christians and to inform them about Paul’s situation. Is it wrong for God’s people to share information in this way? Of course not! Paul was not begging for money or asking for sympathy. He wanted the Colossian saints to know his situation so they could pray for him. While it is true that some Christian workers “use” circumstances selfishly to enlist support, this was not true of Paul. He simply wanted his friends in Colossae to know the facts and to support him in prayer.
Praying, proclaiming the Word, witnessing, and sharing burdens—these are four wonderful ministries of speech. How much better it is to be involved in these ministries than to be using our tongues for gossip, malicious criticism, and other sinful purposes.
Let’s make David’s prayer our prayer: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3).
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that God would raise up many servants, fellow workers in this Kingdom work that our congregation is engaged in. Ask God to raise up many labourers and to show you personally where and what He would want you to be doing.
Get together with another Christian and talk about the ways in which you can allow or encourage the Word of God to dwell richly in you.
Write down some ideas.
1/.
2/.
3/.
4/.
5/.
6/.
Wednesday 10 November 2010
Wednesday November 10, 2010
Read Colossians 4:5-6
“Outsiders” refers to those who are outside the family of God. Jesus made a distinction between His disciples and those who were outside (Mark 4:11). Paul also made this same distinction (1 Cor. 5:12–13). Those of us who are born again are the “spiritual insiders”, because we belong to God’s family and share His life.
However, as Christians, we must never have a sanctified superiority complex. We have a responsibility to witness to the lost around us and to seek to bring them into God’s family. To begin with, we have the responsibility to walk wisely (Col. 4:5). Walk refers, of course, to our conduct in daily life. The unsaved outsiders watch us Christians and are very critical of us. There must be nothing in our lives that would jeopardize our testimony.
This story has often been told about Dr. Will H. Houghton, who pastored the Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. When Dr. Houghton became pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle in Atlanta, a man in that city hired a private detective to follow Dr. Houghton and report on his conduct. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghton’s life matched his preaching. As a result, that man became a Christian.
What does it mean to “walk in”. “Redeeming the time” means buying up
the opportunity (Eph. 5:16). This is a commercial term and pictures the Christian as a faithful steward who knows an opportunity when he sees one. Just as a merchant seizes a bargain when he finds one, so a Christian seizes the opportunity to win a soul to Christ.
Walking in wisdom also includes doing our work, paying our bills, and keeping our promises. We must “walk honestly toward them that are outside” (1 Thes. 4:12).Christians in general and Christian leaders in particular must have “a good report of them which are outside” (1 Tim. 3:7). When members of a church are calling a new pastor, they ought to investigate his testimony among his neighbours and the businessmen who know him. Even though unsaved people are in the dark spiritually (2 Cor. 4:3–4), they have a great deal of discernment when it comes to the things of this life (Luke 16:8). It is unfortunate when members of a church call a pastor who has not paid his bills and has left behind a bad witness to unsaved people.
It is not enough simply to walk wisely and carefully before unbelievers. We must also talk with them and share the Gospel message with them. But we must take care that our speech is controlled by grace, so that it points to Christ and glorifies the Lord. This means we must have grace in our hearts (Col. 3:16), because it is from the heart that the mouth speaks. With grace in our hearts and on our lips, we will be faithful witnesses and not judges or prosecuting attorneys!
The Lord Jesus Christ spoke with grace on His lips. “And all... wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 4:22). Among the many statements about Jesus Christ in Psalm 45 (a messianic psalm) is this: “Grace is poured into Thy lips” (Ps. 45:2). Even when our Lord was dealing with sin, He spoke words of grace.
Our speech is supposed to “minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). But it cannot do that unless we have grace in our hearts and in our words. “Speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15) is God’s ideal for our conversation.
Why did Paul add “seasoned with salt”? (Col. 4:6) In that day, salt was used as a preservative as well as a seasoner. We should never say to anyone, “Now, take this with a grain of salt.” We must put the salt into our speech to make sure it is pure and properly seasoned. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth” (Eph. 4:29). Our speech must be pure.
Salt was also added to the sacrifices (Lev. 2:13). Perhaps Paul was suggesting that we look on our words as sacrifices offered to God, just as our words of praise are spiritual sacrifices (Heb. 13:15). It would no doubt help us to say the right things in the right manner, if we remembered that our words are looked on as sacrifices to God.
It is unfortunate when a Christian speaks in a rude or coarse manner, particularly when the unsaved are listening. “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Meekness is the opposite of harshness, and fear is the opposite of arrogance. There is no place in a Christian’s conversation for a know-it-all attitude. While we need to have convictions and not compromise, we must also cultivate a gracious spirit of love.
The Christian’s walk and talk must be in harmony with each other. Nothing will silence the lips like a careless life. When character, conduct, and conversation are all working together, it makes for a powerful witness.
Prayer:-
ÿ Today you will have many opportunities. Pray that you will be able to make the most of them by sharing the gospel. Pray that your hearers will respond and come to Christ in faith and repentance. Pray that you will be courageous to speak out the gospel.
Write down 5 ways that you can draw near to God today.
1/
2/
3/
4/
5/
“Outsiders” refers to those who are outside the family of God. Jesus made a distinction between His disciples and those who were outside (Mark 4:11). Paul also made this same distinction (1 Cor. 5:12–13). Those of us who are born again are the “spiritual insiders”, because we belong to God’s family and share His life.
However, as Christians, we must never have a sanctified superiority complex. We have a responsibility to witness to the lost around us and to seek to bring them into God’s family. To begin with, we have the responsibility to walk wisely (Col. 4:5). Walk refers, of course, to our conduct in daily life. The unsaved outsiders watch us Christians and are very critical of us. There must be nothing in our lives that would jeopardize our testimony.
This story has often been told about Dr. Will H. Houghton, who pastored the Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. When Dr. Houghton became pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle in Atlanta, a man in that city hired a private detective to follow Dr. Houghton and report on his conduct. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghton’s life matched his preaching. As a result, that man became a Christian.
What does it mean to “walk in”. “Redeeming the time” means buying up
the opportunity (Eph. 5:16). This is a commercial term and pictures the Christian as a faithful steward who knows an opportunity when he sees one. Just as a merchant seizes a bargain when he finds one, so a Christian seizes the opportunity to win a soul to Christ.
Walking in wisdom also includes doing our work, paying our bills, and keeping our promises. We must “walk honestly toward them that are outside” (1 Thes. 4:12).Christians in general and Christian leaders in particular must have “a good report of them which are outside” (1 Tim. 3:7). When members of a church are calling a new pastor, they ought to investigate his testimony among his neighbours and the businessmen who know him. Even though unsaved people are in the dark spiritually (2 Cor. 4:3–4), they have a great deal of discernment when it comes to the things of this life (Luke 16:8). It is unfortunate when members of a church call a pastor who has not paid his bills and has left behind a bad witness to unsaved people.
It is not enough simply to walk wisely and carefully before unbelievers. We must also talk with them and share the Gospel message with them. But we must take care that our speech is controlled by grace, so that it points to Christ and glorifies the Lord. This means we must have grace in our hearts (Col. 3:16), because it is from the heart that the mouth speaks. With grace in our hearts and on our lips, we will be faithful witnesses and not judges or prosecuting attorneys!
The Lord Jesus Christ spoke with grace on His lips. “And all... wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 4:22). Among the many statements about Jesus Christ in Psalm 45 (a messianic psalm) is this: “Grace is poured into Thy lips” (Ps. 45:2). Even when our Lord was dealing with sin, He spoke words of grace.
Our speech is supposed to “minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). But it cannot do that unless we have grace in our hearts and in our words. “Speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15) is God’s ideal for our conversation.
Why did Paul add “seasoned with salt”? (Col. 4:6) In that day, salt was used as a preservative as well as a seasoner. We should never say to anyone, “Now, take this with a grain of salt.” We must put the salt into our speech to make sure it is pure and properly seasoned. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth” (Eph. 4:29). Our speech must be pure.
Salt was also added to the sacrifices (Lev. 2:13). Perhaps Paul was suggesting that we look on our words as sacrifices offered to God, just as our words of praise are spiritual sacrifices (Heb. 13:15). It would no doubt help us to say the right things in the right manner, if we remembered that our words are looked on as sacrifices to God.
It is unfortunate when a Christian speaks in a rude or coarse manner, particularly when the unsaved are listening. “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Meekness is the opposite of harshness, and fear is the opposite of arrogance. There is no place in a Christian’s conversation for a know-it-all attitude. While we need to have convictions and not compromise, we must also cultivate a gracious spirit of love.
The Christian’s walk and talk must be in harmony with each other. Nothing will silence the lips like a careless life. When character, conduct, and conversation are all working together, it makes for a powerful witness.
Prayer:-
ÿ Today you will have many opportunities. Pray that you will be able to make the most of them by sharing the gospel. Pray that your hearers will respond and come to Christ in faith and repentance. Pray that you will be courageous to speak out the gospel.
Write down 5 ways that you can draw near to God today.
1/
2/
3/
4/
5/
Tuesday 9 November 2010
Tuesday November 9, 2010
Read Colossians 4:3-4
Paul did not ask for the prison doors to be opened, but that doors of ministry might be opened (1 Cor. 16:9; Acts 14:27). It was more important to Paul that he be a faithful minister than a free man. It is worth noting that in all of Paul’s prison prayers, his concern was not for personal safety or material help, but for spiritual character and blessing.
Paul was in prison because of the “mystery of Christ” which related to the Gentiles (see Eph. 3:1–13). The mystery involved God’s purpose for the Gentiles in relation to Israel; for in the church, Jews and Gentiles are one (Eph. 2:11–22). Read the account of Paul’s arrest in the Jewish temple (Acts 21:18–22:30). Note that the Jews listened to Paul till he spoke the word Gentiles (Acts 22:21–22). It was Paul’s concern for the Gentiles and his ministry to them that put him into prison.
Even among some believing Jews, there was a kind of bigotry that wanted to force the Gentiles into a lower position (Acts 15:1ff). This extreme legalistic party wanted the Gentiles to become Jews ceremonially before they could become Christians! Paul and Barnabas met this threat to the Gospel of grace head-on and the council decided in their favor. But the legalistic party continued to oppose Paul and his ministry. They did not want the Good News of the mystery of Christ to get to the Gentiles. They wanted to maintain their air of Jewish superiority.
How strange that Paul would want God to help him do the very thing that had caused his arrest! He had no intention of giving up his ministry
or of changing his message. When John Bunyan was arrested for preaching illegally and put into prison, he was told that he would be released if he promised to stop preaching. “If I am out of prison today,” he replied, “I will preach the Gospel again tomorrow, by the help of God.”
How could Paul share the mystery of Christ when he was a prisoner? Paul’s case was discussed by many people; Paul was also able to witness to the guards to whom he was chained (Phil. 1:12–18). Imagine being chained to the Apostle Paul! Through this witness, the Gospel was carried into parts of Rome that would have been inaccessible to Paul had he been a free man. There were even “saints in Caesar’s household”! (Phil. 4:22)
The proclamation of the Gospel is empowered by prayer. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God as we come to the throne of grace and ask God for His blessing. We must never separate the Word of God from prayer because God has joined them together (Acts 6:4).
A visitor at Spurgeon’s Tabernacle in London was being shown around the building by the pastor, Charles Spurgeon. “Would you like to see the powerhouse of this ministry?” Spurgeon asked, as he showed the man into a lower auditorium. “It is here that we get our power, for while I am preaching upstairs, hundreds of my people are in this room praying.” Is it any wonder that God blessed Spurgeon’s preaching of the Word?
You, as a church member, can assist your pastor in the preaching of the Word by praying for him. Never say to your pastor, “Well, the least I can do is to pray for you.” The most you can do is to pray! Pray for your pastor as he prepares the Word, studies, and meditates. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give deeper insights into the truths of the Word. Pray too that your pastor will practice the Word that he preaches so that it will be real in his own life. As he preaches the message, pray that the Spirit will give him freedom of utterance, and that the Word will reach into hearts and minds in a powerful way. (It wouldn’t hurt to pray for other church leaders too.)
The proclaiming of the Word of God is a great privilege and a tremendous responsibility. You do not have to be an ordained preacher or a missionary to share God’s Word. Even in your daily conversation you can drop the seed of the Word into hearts, and then pray that God will water that seed and bring forth fruit..
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that the Word of God would bear much fruit in your congregation. Pray that you and all the members would have opportunities to share the Word and bear fruit for the Kingdom.
Paul did not ask for the prison doors to be opened, but that doors of ministry might be opened (1 Cor. 16:9; Acts 14:27). It was more important to Paul that he be a faithful minister than a free man. It is worth noting that in all of Paul’s prison prayers, his concern was not for personal safety or material help, but for spiritual character and blessing.
Paul was in prison because of the “mystery of Christ” which related to the Gentiles (see Eph. 3:1–13). The mystery involved God’s purpose for the Gentiles in relation to Israel; for in the church, Jews and Gentiles are one (Eph. 2:11–22). Read the account of Paul’s arrest in the Jewish temple (Acts 21:18–22:30). Note that the Jews listened to Paul till he spoke the word Gentiles (Acts 22:21–22). It was Paul’s concern for the Gentiles and his ministry to them that put him into prison.
Even among some believing Jews, there was a kind of bigotry that wanted to force the Gentiles into a lower position (Acts 15:1ff). This extreme legalistic party wanted the Gentiles to become Jews ceremonially before they could become Christians! Paul and Barnabas met this threat to the Gospel of grace head-on and the council decided in their favor. But the legalistic party continued to oppose Paul and his ministry. They did not want the Good News of the mystery of Christ to get to the Gentiles. They wanted to maintain their air of Jewish superiority.
How strange that Paul would want God to help him do the very thing that had caused his arrest! He had no intention of giving up his ministry
or of changing his message. When John Bunyan was arrested for preaching illegally and put into prison, he was told that he would be released if he promised to stop preaching. “If I am out of prison today,” he replied, “I will preach the Gospel again tomorrow, by the help of God.”
How could Paul share the mystery of Christ when he was a prisoner? Paul’s case was discussed by many people; Paul was also able to witness to the guards to whom he was chained (Phil. 1:12–18). Imagine being chained to the Apostle Paul! Through this witness, the Gospel was carried into parts of Rome that would have been inaccessible to Paul had he been a free man. There were even “saints in Caesar’s household”! (Phil. 4:22)
The proclamation of the Gospel is empowered by prayer. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God as we come to the throne of grace and ask God for His blessing. We must never separate the Word of God from prayer because God has joined them together (Acts 6:4).
A visitor at Spurgeon’s Tabernacle in London was being shown around the building by the pastor, Charles Spurgeon. “Would you like to see the powerhouse of this ministry?” Spurgeon asked, as he showed the man into a lower auditorium. “It is here that we get our power, for while I am preaching upstairs, hundreds of my people are in this room praying.” Is it any wonder that God blessed Spurgeon’s preaching of the Word?
You, as a church member, can assist your pastor in the preaching of the Word by praying for him. Never say to your pastor, “Well, the least I can do is to pray for you.” The most you can do is to pray! Pray for your pastor as he prepares the Word, studies, and meditates. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give deeper insights into the truths of the Word. Pray too that your pastor will practice the Word that he preaches so that it will be real in his own life. As he preaches the message, pray that the Spirit will give him freedom of utterance, and that the Word will reach into hearts and minds in a powerful way. (It wouldn’t hurt to pray for other church leaders too.)
The proclaiming of the Word of God is a great privilege and a tremendous responsibility. You do not have to be an ordained preacher or a missionary to share God’s Word. Even in your daily conversation you can drop the seed of the Word into hearts, and then pray that God will water that seed and bring forth fruit..
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that the Word of God would bear much fruit in your congregation. Pray that you and all the members would have opportunities to share the Word and bear fruit for the Kingdom.
Monday 8 November 2010
Monday November 8, 2010
Read Colossians 4:2, 1 Cor 5:7, 1 Thess 3:10, 1 Thess 5:17, 1 Tim 5:5, James 5:13-16, 1 Peter 4:7
Prayer and worship are perhaps the highest uses of the gift of speech. Paul was not ashamed to ask his friends to pray for him. Even though he was an apostle, he needed prayer support for himself and his ministry. If a great Christian like Paul felt the need for prayer support, how much more do you and I need this kind of spiritual help! In these few words, Paul described the characteristics of a satisfying and spiritual prayer life.
First, our praying must be faithful. “Continue in prayer” (Col. 4:2). This means, “Be steadfast in your prayer life; be devoted; don’t quit.” This is the way the early church prayed (Acts 1:14; 2:46). Too many of us pray only occasionally—when we feel like it, or when there is a crisis. “Pray without ceasing” is God’s command to us (1 Thes. 5:17). This does not mean that we should walk around muttering prayers under our breath. Rather, it means we should be constantly in fellowship with God so that prayer is as normal to us as breathing. This is not to suggest that God is reluctant to answer prayer and that we must “wear Him out” by our praying. Quite the opposite is true: God enjoys answering our prayers. But He sometimes delays the answer to increase our faith and devotion and to accomplish His purposes at the right time. God’s delays are not always God’s denials. As we continue in prayer, our own hearts are
prepared for the answer God will give. We find ourselves growing in grace even before His answer comes.
Our praying must also be watchful. We must be awake and alert as we pray. The phrase “Watch and pray!” is used often in the Bible. It had its beginning in Bible history when Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem: “Nevertheless, we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them [the enemy] day and night” (Neh. 4:9). Jesus used the phrase (Mark 13:33; 14:38); Paul used it too (Eph. 6:18).
There is no power in dull, listless praying. If there is no fire on the altar, the incense will not rise to God (Ps. 141:2). Real praying demands spiritual energy and alertness, and this can come only from the Holy Spirit of God. Routine prayers are unanswered prayers.
Our praying should also be thankful: “Watch in the same with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2). Thanksgiving is an important ingredient in successful praying (Phil. 4:6). If all we do is ask, and never thank God for His gifts, we are selfish. Sincere gratitude to God is one of the best ways to put fervour into our praying. There is always so much to be thankful for! We have already noted the emphasis in Paul’s Letter to the Colossians on thanksgiving (Col. 1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:15, 17; 4:2). When we recall that Paul was a prisoner when he wrote this letter, it makes this emphasis even more wonderful.
Finally, our praying ought to be purposeful: “Praying also for us” (Col. 4:3). Too often our prayers are vague and general. “Lord, bless the missionaries!” How much better it would be if we would pray for specific needs. By doing so, we would know when God answered and we could praise Him for it. Perhaps it is our lack of faith that causes us to pray generally instead of specifically.
It has well been said that the purpose of prayer is not to get man’s will done in heaven, but to get God’s will done on earth. Prayer is not telling God what to do or what to give. Prayer is asking God for that which He wants to do and give, according to His will (1 John 5:14–15). As we read the Word and fellowship with our Father, we discover His will and then boldly ask Him to do what He has planned. Richard Trench (1807–1886), archbishop of Dublin, said it perfectly: “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of His willingness.”
Of course, it is possible to pray in our hearts and never use the gift of speech (1 Sam. 1:13); but we are using words even if we don’t say them audibly. True prayer must first come from the heart, whether the words are spoken or not.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that every single person in your congregation sees the need and value of prayer. Pray that we will all be prayerful each and every single day.
Grab a blank A4 page of paper;
think about your week. and write down the times you set aside to pray.
If your page is relatively blank, think through your typical week and plan to pray daily. Set aside some time each day to be praying.
Without prayer you’ll lead a powerless life.
Prayer and worship are perhaps the highest uses of the gift of speech. Paul was not ashamed to ask his friends to pray for him. Even though he was an apostle, he needed prayer support for himself and his ministry. If a great Christian like Paul felt the need for prayer support, how much more do you and I need this kind of spiritual help! In these few words, Paul described the characteristics of a satisfying and spiritual prayer life.
First, our praying must be faithful. “Continue in prayer” (Col. 4:2). This means, “Be steadfast in your prayer life; be devoted; don’t quit.” This is the way the early church prayed (Acts 1:14; 2:46). Too many of us pray only occasionally—when we feel like it, or when there is a crisis. “Pray without ceasing” is God’s command to us (1 Thes. 5:17). This does not mean that we should walk around muttering prayers under our breath. Rather, it means we should be constantly in fellowship with God so that prayer is as normal to us as breathing. This is not to suggest that God is reluctant to answer prayer and that we must “wear Him out” by our praying. Quite the opposite is true: God enjoys answering our prayers. But He sometimes delays the answer to increase our faith and devotion and to accomplish His purposes at the right time. God’s delays are not always God’s denials. As we continue in prayer, our own hearts are
prepared for the answer God will give. We find ourselves growing in grace even before His answer comes.
Our praying must also be watchful. We must be awake and alert as we pray. The phrase “Watch and pray!” is used often in the Bible. It had its beginning in Bible history when Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem: “Nevertheless, we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them [the enemy] day and night” (Neh. 4:9). Jesus used the phrase (Mark 13:33; 14:38); Paul used it too (Eph. 6:18).
There is no power in dull, listless praying. If there is no fire on the altar, the incense will not rise to God (Ps. 141:2). Real praying demands spiritual energy and alertness, and this can come only from the Holy Spirit of God. Routine prayers are unanswered prayers.
Our praying should also be thankful: “Watch in the same with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2). Thanksgiving is an important ingredient in successful praying (Phil. 4:6). If all we do is ask, and never thank God for His gifts, we are selfish. Sincere gratitude to God is one of the best ways to put fervour into our praying. There is always so much to be thankful for! We have already noted the emphasis in Paul’s Letter to the Colossians on thanksgiving (Col. 1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:15, 17; 4:2). When we recall that Paul was a prisoner when he wrote this letter, it makes this emphasis even more wonderful.
Finally, our praying ought to be purposeful: “Praying also for us” (Col. 4:3). Too often our prayers are vague and general. “Lord, bless the missionaries!” How much better it would be if we would pray for specific needs. By doing so, we would know when God answered and we could praise Him for it. Perhaps it is our lack of faith that causes us to pray generally instead of specifically.
It has well been said that the purpose of prayer is not to get man’s will done in heaven, but to get God’s will done on earth. Prayer is not telling God what to do or what to give. Prayer is asking God for that which He wants to do and give, according to His will (1 John 5:14–15). As we read the Word and fellowship with our Father, we discover His will and then boldly ask Him to do what He has planned. Richard Trench (1807–1886), archbishop of Dublin, said it perfectly: “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of His willingness.”
Of course, it is possible to pray in our hearts and never use the gift of speech (1 Sam. 1:13); but we are using words even if we don’t say them audibly. True prayer must first come from the heart, whether the words are spoken or not.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that every single person in your congregation sees the need and value of prayer. Pray that we will all be prayerful each and every single day.
Grab a blank A4 page of paper;
think about your week. and write down the times you set aside to pray.
If your page is relatively blank, think through your typical week and plan to pray daily. Set aside some time each day to be praying.
Without prayer you’ll lead a powerless life.
Saturday 6 November 2010
Saturday November 6, 2010
Read Colossians 3:20-21, Ephesians 6:1-4
Child rearing is mostly left to women today. Husbands are often viewed as the bread winner and the one who steps in only when a heavy hand is needed. They are by and large left out of the child rearing picture. But that’s not the way that God intended families to work.
The passages on raising children in the New Testament focus on the role of the Father for very specific reasons. The modern trend of neutralising the Bible to non sexist terms (such as parents) at this point needs to be resisted. While it is true that both mothers and fathers are not to discourage their children, God has a particular concern to talk to fathers.
Fathers are to be intimately involved in the raising of his children. He is a disciplinarian but also a model of the love that God the Father has for His children. Fathers are not to embitter or discourage children with their heavy handedness, or black and white approach to life. It’s not always as simple, as ‘You did something wrong so you will be punished’. Fathers are called to be fair, involved and dedicated with their children. Fathers are called to be gracious, loving and wise with their children. That wisdom and love will grow as the father grows in his own relationship with the Lord. Personally, I’ve found that my children teach me a lot about me and God in the way they treat me. As I analyse and reflect on my treatment of them, I look at God’s treatment of me and learn volumes about grace, mercy and goodness. That learning then flows though, I hope, into my relationship with my children.
Here’s a few tips to help each of us grow in our fathering :-
Remember: Strongly loving fathers create confident, loving children.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that the fathers in your congregation would be men of the Word who deeply and passionately love their children. Pray that they would effectively communicate that love to their children and model the love of Christ to them.
ÿ Pray that our children would be given a desire and the ability to obey their parents. Pray that our family units would communicate Christ to a world of broken families and fractured relationships.
Child rearing is mostly left to women today. Husbands are often viewed as the bread winner and the one who steps in only when a heavy hand is needed. They are by and large left out of the child rearing picture. But that’s not the way that God intended families to work.
The passages on raising children in the New Testament focus on the role of the Father for very specific reasons. The modern trend of neutralising the Bible to non sexist terms (such as parents) at this point needs to be resisted. While it is true that both mothers and fathers are not to discourage their children, God has a particular concern to talk to fathers.
Fathers are to be intimately involved in the raising of his children. He is a disciplinarian but also a model of the love that God the Father has for His children. Fathers are not to embitter or discourage children with their heavy handedness, or black and white approach to life. It’s not always as simple, as ‘You did something wrong so you will be punished’. Fathers are called to be fair, involved and dedicated with their children. Fathers are called to be gracious, loving and wise with their children. That wisdom and love will grow as the father grows in his own relationship with the Lord. Personally, I’ve found that my children teach me a lot about me and God in the way they treat me. As I analyse and reflect on my treatment of them, I look at God’s treatment of me and learn volumes about grace, mercy and goodness. That learning then flows though, I hope, into my relationship with my children.
Here’s a few tips to help each of us grow in our fathering :-
- Pray regularly, asking God for guidance and wisdom specifically about your fathering and relationship to each child.
- Pray for each child regularly and individually.
- Hang out with other fathers and their children to see what things they are doing. Spend father – child time together with other fathers and their children.
- Make time to talk to mature Christian fathers about the issues that are of concern to you.
- Read books on Christian parenting regularly.
Remember: Strongly loving fathers create confident, loving children.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that the fathers in your congregation would be men of the Word who deeply and passionately love their children. Pray that they would effectively communicate that love to their children and model the love of Christ to them.
ÿ Pray that our children would be given a desire and the ability to obey their parents. Pray that our family units would communicate Christ to a world of broken families and fractured relationships.
Friday 5 November 2010
Friday November 5, 2010
Read John 13:34-35
Husbands and wives are called to love one another. But what begins as passionate love quickly deteriorates into burden, bane and bitterness. Many spouses, in their determination to be loved, seek to manipulate their spouses. Some husbands use intimidation and force to get what they need in the marriage. Some wives use guerrilla tactics and deny their husbands physical love until they get what they want. Part of the key to a successful marriage is to stop taking and to give. When this happens you have two people together seeking to serve the other and meet each other’s needs. What results is a powerful force of love where both parties have their needs met and are assured that love and dedication are the other’s motives. Suspicion is reduced. Anger is annulled. Trust is grown and harvested.
To help you meet your spouse’s needs, consider the five languages of love. Most people have a greater need in one of these areas and they ‘feel’ loved when this particular language is ‘spoken’ by their spouse. The five love languages are:-
1/. Words of Affirmation.
Words of affirmation are positive words spoken about the other person whether it be about them, or their performance in some area. Comments about how nice the house looks, or how professionally mowed the yard looks, or how well the car is running after hubby’s service, are words of affirmation. To those who have Words of Affirmation as their key love language criticism and negative words communicate something like, ‘You’re hopeless’, or ‘I hate you’ are destructive for the marriage relationship. Take note that even if Words of Affirmation are not the key language for your spouse, negative and critical words are still destructive.
2/. Quality Time.
Quality time is time spent together without an agenda or goal to reach. It’s not about leading up to sex or just sitting together so that something may happen later tonight. Quality time together is spending deliberate time together with the intention of getting to know each other better, talking, falling in love again and just being together. If quality time is your spouse’s love language then not spending time together communicates, ‘You’re not important enough for me to spend time with you’, or ‘I don’t value you enough to spend time with you’.
3/. Receiving Gifts.
Some spouses feel particularly loved when gifts are received. It’s not about the size or value of the gift but the knowledge that one’s spouse has gone to the effort to buy or make a special gift. A small gift will often communicate as much as a large expensive gift. A flower placed on the bed in the morning or a special note in the lunch box are special gifts. If your spouses love language is receiving gifts and you don’t buy him/her gifts then you are communicating that you don’t value your spouse and that money is more important than he/she is.
4/. Acts of Service.
Acts of service are only limited by your imagination. Some people feel very special when the other partner goes out of his or her way to serve or help them. Doing the dishes or cleaning up after dinner is a way that a husband can serve his wife. Taking the children out so mum can enjoy quality time alone is another. Cooking a special meal or making an effort to help in the garage (for example) are ways that a wife can serve her husband.
5/. Physical Touch:
When we talk of physical touch men will often think of something sexual. But physical touch is the hugs and kisses, the hand holding and so on that occurs throughout the day without reference to sex. For the spouse that has this love language, lounging together in each other’s arms, holding hands over a meal, a regular hug throughout the day says, ‘I love you’ in the most powerful way. If physical contact is your mate’s love language then an absence of physical touch communicates something like, ‘You’re embarrassing’, or ‘You’re ugly’, or ‘I don’t really love you’.
Let me encourage you to seek to find out your mate’s particular love language. How do you do that? Ask him or ask her! Go out for coffee and cake and spend time talking through the five languages. When you have found it out, speak that language to your spouse each and every single day. But don’t forget to use the words ‘I love you’ regularly as well.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that the families in your congregation would be bound together in love and unity. Pray that both husbands and wives would be sacrificially loving one another and serving each other under the headship of Christ.
ÿ Pray that both husbands and wives would be willing and able to serve in the ways and in the roles that God has ordained for them.
Plan a date with your spouse. While you are on a date, talk about the 5 languages of love and which one you and your spouse predominately need. It will probably differ for each of you. Talk about ways that these needs can be met by each other.
Husbands and wives are called to love one another. But what begins as passionate love quickly deteriorates into burden, bane and bitterness. Many spouses, in their determination to be loved, seek to manipulate their spouses. Some husbands use intimidation and force to get what they need in the marriage. Some wives use guerrilla tactics and deny their husbands physical love until they get what they want. Part of the key to a successful marriage is to stop taking and to give. When this happens you have two people together seeking to serve the other and meet each other’s needs. What results is a powerful force of love where both parties have their needs met and are assured that love and dedication are the other’s motives. Suspicion is reduced. Anger is annulled. Trust is grown and harvested.
To help you meet your spouse’s needs, consider the five languages of love. Most people have a greater need in one of these areas and they ‘feel’ loved when this particular language is ‘spoken’ by their spouse. The five love languages are:-
1/. Words of Affirmation.
Words of affirmation are positive words spoken about the other person whether it be about them, or their performance in some area. Comments about how nice the house looks, or how professionally mowed the yard looks, or how well the car is running after hubby’s service, are words of affirmation. To those who have Words of Affirmation as their key love language criticism and negative words communicate something like, ‘You’re hopeless’, or ‘I hate you’ are destructive for the marriage relationship. Take note that even if Words of Affirmation are not the key language for your spouse, negative and critical words are still destructive.
2/. Quality Time.
Quality time is time spent together without an agenda or goal to reach. It’s not about leading up to sex or just sitting together so that something may happen later tonight. Quality time together is spending deliberate time together with the intention of getting to know each other better, talking, falling in love again and just being together. If quality time is your spouse’s love language then not spending time together communicates, ‘You’re not important enough for me to spend time with you’, or ‘I don’t value you enough to spend time with you’.
3/. Receiving Gifts.
Some spouses feel particularly loved when gifts are received. It’s not about the size or value of the gift but the knowledge that one’s spouse has gone to the effort to buy or make a special gift. A small gift will often communicate as much as a large expensive gift. A flower placed on the bed in the morning or a special note in the lunch box are special gifts. If your spouses love language is receiving gifts and you don’t buy him/her gifts then you are communicating that you don’t value your spouse and that money is more important than he/she is.
4/. Acts of Service.
Acts of service are only limited by your imagination. Some people feel very special when the other partner goes out of his or her way to serve or help them. Doing the dishes or cleaning up after dinner is a way that a husband can serve his wife. Taking the children out so mum can enjoy quality time alone is another. Cooking a special meal or making an effort to help in the garage (for example) are ways that a wife can serve her husband.
5/. Physical Touch:
When we talk of physical touch men will often think of something sexual. But physical touch is the hugs and kisses, the hand holding and so on that occurs throughout the day without reference to sex. For the spouse that has this love language, lounging together in each other’s arms, holding hands over a meal, a regular hug throughout the day says, ‘I love you’ in the most powerful way. If physical contact is your mate’s love language then an absence of physical touch communicates something like, ‘You’re embarrassing’, or ‘You’re ugly’, or ‘I don’t really love you’.
Let me encourage you to seek to find out your mate’s particular love language. How do you do that? Ask him or ask her! Go out for coffee and cake and spend time talking through the five languages. When you have found it out, speak that language to your spouse each and every single day. But don’t forget to use the words ‘I love you’ regularly as well.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that the families in your congregation would be bound together in love and unity. Pray that both husbands and wives would be sacrificially loving one another and serving each other under the headship of Christ.
ÿ Pray that both husbands and wives would be willing and able to serve in the ways and in the roles that God has ordained for them.
Plan a date with your spouse. While you are on a date, talk about the 5 languages of love and which one you and your spouse predominately need. It will probably differ for each of you. Talk about ways that these needs can be met by each other.
Thursday 4 November 2010
Thursday November 4, 2010
Read Colossians Ephesians 5:25-33, Colossians 3:19, 1 Peter 3:7
Read Proverbs 31:10-31
In Ephesians 5:21, we are called to submit to each other out of reverence for Christ. The husband submits by loving his wife as Christ loved the church. This is a profound love that is completely sacrificial and other centred. This is the kind of love that is completely and utterly self denying and giving to the other person - what did Jesus demand for Himself in the last few days of His life???
Husbands are not to be harsh with their wives. They are to live considerately with them, knowing and understanding that they are the weaker partner. They are to be filled with understanding and compassion, seeking to remove any obstacle, any impediment to the prayers they share together! Husbands are to set the spiritual tenor of the household!
Husbands are to be willing to die for the purity and sanctity of their wives. They are to treat their wives as a young sapling, fertilising it, watering it and nurturing it so that it grows into the beautiful flowering tree that God created it to be. Husbands are to bring out the purity and reverence, the holiness and inner beauty in their wife.
Read Proverbs 31:10-31 again and notice what the godly wife is like. But then think about what the husband is like that allows this woman, noble woman to develop into her beautiful self. He loves her. He supports her. He opens the door of opportunity for her. He allows her to use her talents. He nurtures her. The ‘typical’ husband who comes home and demands that dinner is on the table and then expects the wife to clean the house and tend to the kids and then to put out in the bedroom, is as far from the Biblical picture of husbandry as you could possibly get. This is a model of selfishness and self gratification.
Let the Word of God describe and convict you of what a husband’s love is to be like.
Read Colossian 3:18. 1 Peter 3:1-6. Ephesians 5:21-24
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that our congregation will be filled with godly men who set the spiritual tenor of the home and lead their wives and families deeper into relationship with Christ. Since this is naturally a battle, pray that wives and families will be willing to be led by their husbands and fathers.
ÿ Pray that we will see all men in our congregation grow in Jesus - like manhood, taking on the qualities and characteristics of men that are Biblical and honouring to God. Pray this in particular for our teenagers.
Read Proverbs 31:10-31
In Ephesians 5:21, we are called to submit to each other out of reverence for Christ. The husband submits by loving his wife as Christ loved the church. This is a profound love that is completely sacrificial and other centred. This is the kind of love that is completely and utterly self denying and giving to the other person - what did Jesus demand for Himself in the last few days of His life???
Husbands are not to be harsh with their wives. They are to live considerately with them, knowing and understanding that they are the weaker partner. They are to be filled with understanding and compassion, seeking to remove any obstacle, any impediment to the prayers they share together! Husbands are to set the spiritual tenor of the household!
Husbands are to be willing to die for the purity and sanctity of their wives. They are to treat their wives as a young sapling, fertilising it, watering it and nurturing it so that it grows into the beautiful flowering tree that God created it to be. Husbands are to bring out the purity and reverence, the holiness and inner beauty in their wife.
Read Proverbs 31:10-31 again and notice what the godly wife is like. But then think about what the husband is like that allows this woman, noble woman to develop into her beautiful self. He loves her. He supports her. He opens the door of opportunity for her. He allows her to use her talents. He nurtures her. The ‘typical’ husband who comes home and demands that dinner is on the table and then expects the wife to clean the house and tend to the kids and then to put out in the bedroom, is as far from the Biblical picture of husbandry as you could possibly get. This is a model of selfishness and self gratification.
Let the Word of God describe and convict you of what a husband’s love is to be like.
Read Colossian 3:18. 1 Peter 3:1-6. Ephesians 5:21-24
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that our congregation will be filled with godly men who set the spiritual tenor of the home and lead their wives and families deeper into relationship with Christ. Since this is naturally a battle, pray that wives and families will be willing to be led by their husbands and fathers.
ÿ Pray that we will see all men in our congregation grow in Jesus - like manhood, taking on the qualities and characteristics of men that are Biblical and honouring to God. Pray this in particular for our teenagers.
Wednesday 3 November 2010
Wednesday November 3, 2010
Read Colossians 3:18. Ephesians 5:21-24, 1 Peter 3:1-6
God has rules and functions for marriage, just as He does for every area of our life. But before we move forward, we need to be absolutely clear about how these passages are and are NOT to be used. These passages should be read and applied first and foremost to myself. I need to let God’s Spirit convict me and change me so that I am a more Jesus-like spouse. At no point should I read the passage and demand that my spouse act like this, or that, or do this, or do that. These are not passages with which we can domineer or lord it over our spouse.
Wives are called to submit to their husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Wives are called to be submissive in a way that glorifies our Lord or Saviour. Wives are never called to disobey or bring dishonour to God when the Lord is disobeyed, or His standards are called into question, or when sin is desired by the husband! Wives are to submit to their husbands as the head as Christ is the Head of the Church. Given what we’ve already learned in Genesis 3, that statement may cause hackles to rise up on the necks of women, to incite incense and a deep desire to argue the point. If that’s the case for you, read Ephesians 5:21-24 again and again, if necessary.
Wives are called to live such pure and reverent lives that unbelieving husbands are drawn to worship Christ. They are not to ‘nag’ their husbands into believing (this is the more probable meaning of ’without words’ in 1 Peter), but are to adorn themselves with the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. They are to be attractive from the inside out.
Wives are not called to be submissive only when it suits them, or when they are happy to submit. They are not to manipulate their husbands to get their own way, or badger them after what they feel is a wrong decision.
What God wants is for two people to live in harmony together, helping and supporting one another and going out of their way to serve Him and serve the other. Marriage is about service sacrifice and bringing joy to the other person.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that the wives in our congregation will be women with a quiet and gentle spirit that make themselves attractive by loving God wholeheartedly and by adorning good deeds that are appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
ÿ Pray that husbands will not be abusing their position or using Scripture manipulate their wives.
God has rules and functions for marriage, just as He does for every area of our life. But before we move forward, we need to be absolutely clear about how these passages are and are NOT to be used. These passages should be read and applied first and foremost to myself. I need to let God’s Spirit convict me and change me so that I am a more Jesus-like spouse. At no point should I read the passage and demand that my spouse act like this, or that, or do this, or do that. These are not passages with which we can domineer or lord it over our spouse.
Wives are called to submit to their husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Wives are called to be submissive in a way that glorifies our Lord or Saviour. Wives are never called to disobey or bring dishonour to God when the Lord is disobeyed, or His standards are called into question, or when sin is desired by the husband! Wives are to submit to their husbands as the head as Christ is the Head of the Church. Given what we’ve already learned in Genesis 3, that statement may cause hackles to rise up on the necks of women, to incite incense and a deep desire to argue the point. If that’s the case for you, read Ephesians 5:21-24 again and again, if necessary.
Wives are called to live such pure and reverent lives that unbelieving husbands are drawn to worship Christ. They are not to ‘nag’ their husbands into believing (this is the more probable meaning of ’without words’ in 1 Peter), but are to adorn themselves with the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. They are to be attractive from the inside out.
Wives are not called to be submissive only when it suits them, or when they are happy to submit. They are not to manipulate their husbands to get their own way, or badger them after what they feel is a wrong decision.
What God wants is for two people to live in harmony together, helping and supporting one another and going out of their way to serve Him and serve the other. Marriage is about service sacrifice and bringing joy to the other person.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that the wives in our congregation will be women with a quiet and gentle spirit that make themselves attractive by loving God wholeheartedly and by adorning good deeds that are appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
ÿ Pray that husbands will not be abusing their position or using Scripture manipulate their wives.
Tuesday 2 November 2010
Tuesday November 2, 2010
Read Genesis 3
The statistics on marriage aren’t good. Divorce rates in Australia have increased from 28% in 1987 to 33% in 2002. That means 1 in 3 marriages ended in divorce. Even worse, the numbers of people existing in a marriage that is burdened with unhappiness, hurt and bitterness is particularly high. The rates of extra marital affairs is ridiculously high. What went wrong? Why such extremes? Why is there a battle of the sexes being fought out within the institution of marriage?
Genesis 3 has the answers. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, chose to disobey God. They chose, albeit at the temptation of the evil one, to eat from the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil, to do what God had said expressly not to do. The result affected every area of our lives. The woman, through her disobedience, engaged all womanhood in a battle with the serpent and through that battle would come the Saviour who, though bruised, would crush the serpent’s head. Addedly, the woman would suffer greatly increased birth pains and would have a desire for her husband. This word desire has a history of abuse and conflict. It’s been debated ever since Adam and Eve heard the words from the mouth of the Lord. Read Genesis 4:7 and you begin to see the sphere of meaning of this word desire. It means something like, to have mastery over, or to rule harshly over. The woman’s desire will be to have mastery or dominion over the man. In return, out of suspicion and fear, he will ruler over the woman with harshness and self interest! The battle of the sexes was born by our first parent’s disobedience!
For Adam’s part, he listened to his wife and caused the ground to be cursed. We see natural disasters and eco systems collapsing because of this very disobedience. We see weeds and thorns and small harvests (food shortages etc) because Adam sinned. This verse too, has been abused. Many a husband has ignored his wife and refused to listen to her counsel because of this verse. How perverted! We are not to listen to our spouse when they tempt us to move away from God or to disobey God. At all other times we are to include and consider their counsel!
The implications of Genesis 3 for marriages today is paramount to understand.
û Women will find it hard to submit to their husbands because of that inbuilt desire to dominate.
û Husbands will have a natural instinct to rule harshly over their wives.
û There is a natural tendency to be suspicious and self protecting in a marriage.
û Men will find it hard to communicate and open up to their wives because of this suspicion and desire, or perceived need to rule harshly over them.
û Conflict is built into the marriage because of the first rejection of God’s rule.
But it’s not all bad news. In Christ Jesus we can find a marriage that is both God honouring and joyous. We can move towards the Biblical picture of marriage. That’s the focus of this week’s passage.
In what ways can you see these sins in your side of the marriage. It’s all too easy to point the finger but take time to look at yourself. Take time to think and pray about where you need to repent and change.
The statistics on marriage aren’t good. Divorce rates in Australia have increased from 28% in 1987 to 33% in 2002. That means 1 in 3 marriages ended in divorce. Even worse, the numbers of people existing in a marriage that is burdened with unhappiness, hurt and bitterness is particularly high. The rates of extra marital affairs is ridiculously high. What went wrong? Why such extremes? Why is there a battle of the sexes being fought out within the institution of marriage?
Genesis 3 has the answers. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, chose to disobey God. They chose, albeit at the temptation of the evil one, to eat from the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil, to do what God had said expressly not to do. The result affected every area of our lives. The woman, through her disobedience, engaged all womanhood in a battle with the serpent and through that battle would come the Saviour who, though bruised, would crush the serpent’s head. Addedly, the woman would suffer greatly increased birth pains and would have a desire for her husband. This word desire has a history of abuse and conflict. It’s been debated ever since Adam and Eve heard the words from the mouth of the Lord. Read Genesis 4:7 and you begin to see the sphere of meaning of this word desire. It means something like, to have mastery over, or to rule harshly over. The woman’s desire will be to have mastery or dominion over the man. In return, out of suspicion and fear, he will ruler over the woman with harshness and self interest! The battle of the sexes was born by our first parent’s disobedience!
For Adam’s part, he listened to his wife and caused the ground to be cursed. We see natural disasters and eco systems collapsing because of this very disobedience. We see weeds and thorns and small harvests (food shortages etc) because Adam sinned. This verse too, has been abused. Many a husband has ignored his wife and refused to listen to her counsel because of this verse. How perverted! We are not to listen to our spouse when they tempt us to move away from God or to disobey God. At all other times we are to include and consider their counsel!
The implications of Genesis 3 for marriages today is paramount to understand.
û Women will find it hard to submit to their husbands because of that inbuilt desire to dominate.
û Husbands will have a natural instinct to rule harshly over their wives.
û There is a natural tendency to be suspicious and self protecting in a marriage.
û Men will find it hard to communicate and open up to their wives because of this suspicion and desire, or perceived need to rule harshly over them.
û Conflict is built into the marriage because of the first rejection of God’s rule.
But it’s not all bad news. In Christ Jesus we can find a marriage that is both God honouring and joyous. We can move towards the Biblical picture of marriage. That’s the focus of this week’s passage.
In what ways can you see these sins in your side of the marriage. It’s all too easy to point the finger but take time to look at yourself. Take time to think and pray about where you need to repent and change.
Monday November 1, 2010
Genesis 2
As we begin to think about the Biblical concept
of a family, we need to go back to the very start of the Bible, where God first created the family. Picture the action with me. God makes the man from the dust of the ground. He breathes life into the nostrils of this clay lump and mankind becomes a living being. Man and God converse and relate. God gives Adam (the Hebrew means ‘red’ like the colour of the dust he was created from) a command, and Adam seeks to keep it. God has a job for Adam to do as part of his leadership of all creation - name all the animals. Can you picture Adam pointing to the wondrous creatures of creation and naming them accordingly? Crocodiles, birds, bats, dolphins and so on.
But notice vs 20. It ends in a very strange way.
So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.
God had created all the animals in their pairs so that they could reproduce and fill the world. As Adam worked his way through the creatures it would have dawned on him that he was alone. He was unique, different to the animals, but unlike the creatures, he was alone. What God knew from the very beginning slowly dawned on Adam - there was no suitable helper for this man. And with that realisation, God causes Adam to fall into a deep sleep and out of his own flesh makes him a suitable helper - the woman!
As Adam awakes God presents the woman to him and he bursts forth in excited jubilation and sings the world’s first love song!
God’s original intention was that one man and one woman would live together as one flesh in a mutual relationship of love and trust and respect. There were different roles in this ‘marriage’ but before God both the man and woman (see Genesis 1:27-29) were intrinsically equal. God loved them both and they were to love each other with this God-like love.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that God would bless the marriages in your congregation with a deep, God-like love that is sacrificial, loving.
ÿ Pray for the singles in the congregation as they struggle with specific issues and temptations. Pray that strong bonds of friendship and love will be formed and that there will be a depth of godliness and holiness.
Are you married?
If ‘yes’ do something today that will bless and bring joy to your spouse. Do something that says ‘I Love You’ to your spouse.
If ‘No’ do something to bless and bring joy to another believer of the same sex as you, for obvious reasons
As we begin to think about the Biblical concept
of a family, we need to go back to the very start of the Bible, where God first created the family. Picture the action with me. God makes the man from the dust of the ground. He breathes life into the nostrils of this clay lump and mankind becomes a living being. Man and God converse and relate. God gives Adam (the Hebrew means ‘red’ like the colour of the dust he was created from) a command, and Adam seeks to keep it. God has a job for Adam to do as part of his leadership of all creation - name all the animals. Can you picture Adam pointing to the wondrous creatures of creation and naming them accordingly? Crocodiles, birds, bats, dolphins and so on.
But notice vs 20. It ends in a very strange way.
So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.
God had created all the animals in their pairs so that they could reproduce and fill the world. As Adam worked his way through the creatures it would have dawned on him that he was alone. He was unique, different to the animals, but unlike the creatures, he was alone. What God knew from the very beginning slowly dawned on Adam - there was no suitable helper for this man. And with that realisation, God causes Adam to fall into a deep sleep and out of his own flesh makes him a suitable helper - the woman!
As Adam awakes God presents the woman to him and he bursts forth in excited jubilation and sings the world’s first love song!
God’s original intention was that one man and one woman would live together as one flesh in a mutual relationship of love and trust and respect. There were different roles in this ‘marriage’ but before God both the man and woman (see Genesis 1:27-29) were intrinsically equal. God loved them both and they were to love each other with this God-like love.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that God would bless the marriages in your congregation with a deep, God-like love that is sacrificial, loving.
ÿ Pray for the singles in the congregation as they struggle with specific issues and temptations. Pray that strong bonds of friendship and love will be formed and that there will be a depth of godliness and holiness.
Are you married?
If ‘yes’ do something today that will bless and bring joy to your spouse. Do something that says ‘I Love You’ to your spouse.
If ‘No’ do something to bless and bring joy to another believer of the same sex as you, for obvious reasons
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