9/12 - 1 Thessalonians 5, Part 2

Short post today. Just wanted to admonish you as Paul did the Thessalonians in this chapter,

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

There's a reason we need to be told these seemingly obvious things - they're not easy. Many mornings (this morning) I struggle to rejoice in spite of what I go through and offer a meaningful prayer. Sometimes I allow my mind to wander and lose focus.

I won't be discouraged & will continue to pray even though its hard to do at times. When I say hard to do, I suppose I should say its hard to want to pray. My flesh desires so many of life's other distractions over quiet time with the Lord. Man, that was even tough to admit just now...

Anyway, if anyone else feels this way let's pray for each other. If i'm alone, then just pray for me! I don't believe it will always be like this because I'm confident in the word of God to change me, that a greater desire for Him will develop in me and that this growth process will draw me nearer to Him. Verse 18 even says its the will of God for us to do these things.

Let's stay in prayer for each other. God bless u all

9/11 - 1 Thessalonians 5

Paul explained to the Thessalonians at the end of chapter 4 that those who had already died would be with Christ when He returned. Apparently there had been some confusion about this and having such a brand new religion, such theological clarification was vital. One thing Paul knew they did understand about the second coming was how unexpected it will be. Verses 1-3:

"Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."

Considering Paul's previous exhortation I believe that not only did this church know this fact, they internalized it. Its one thing to know information, but wisdom is properly responding to the information.

In elementary school, whenever our teachers would have to leave the class for any amount of time, it was like it was an automatic reaction to act a fool. Throwing paper balls, blurting out obscenities, drawing on the chalkboard, spitballs - it was a free for all. It was pretty much "how much can I get away with b4 teacher comes back" and thinking back, that was pretty fun. All the while, we knew the teacher would return. So once the lookout (yes we had a lookout) said the teacher was coming back, seats were straightened, paper thrown away and our best innocent faces were put on. We straightened ourselves up when the teacher returned so at the end of the day we'd have a good report.

How much more should we now "straighten ourselves up" knowing the Master is returning. Especially since we don't know when He's coming. We don't have a lookout this time. Most of us know He's coming back and doing so unexpectedly. But if we truly internalized it, we wouldn't do (or not do) the things we do. This truth is supposed to drive action, not just be a piece of useful Christian knowledge. If you knew Christ was coming back in 2 hours, how would you act? Think about that for a moment. It'd be a little different than the 2 hours you had planned wouldn't it? If you truly believed He was coming back like a thief in the night, should it be different?

9/2 - 1 Thessalonians 4, Part 2

Paul exhorts the Thessalonians early in the chapter for their faithfulness but here in chapter 4 addresses them on a matter where they needed more guidance. The Thessalonian culture, much like ours, had a perspective of sex that left God out. What made it worse for them was there was no Christian influence that had even suggested sexual purity. As new believers, they were expected to go from doing whatever they were doing to being sexual pure, cold turkey.

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit" (v. 4-8)

The opening to this passage, I believe, would be better understood as "for this is a will of God," meaning I don't think Paul is explaining the exhaustive will of God but just a portion, particularly, our sexual purity. As believers, our goal is to please God and the only way we can accomplish this is first understand what it is that pleases Him or, in other words, His will. The specific part of His will we must understand here is that we be sanctified.

The verse makes it clear that one's sexuality can't be separated from one's sanctification. If you are failing in this area, you consequently fail to be sanctified in God's sight. That word sanctification, in this instance, means to make holy, to separate or to devote or consecrate. The implication is separation from the world and devotion to God. In verse 4, we see the significance of that separation - that we possess our bodies with honor, not "like the Gentiles who do not now God." There's a clear distinction made here. Therefore if you have resolved to live a life that includes sex outside of marriage, then your sanctification - the process of being made holy & fit for the kingdom of God - is incomplete. I'm not ranking sins here. The same could be said for a variety of other sins, but we're on 1 Thessalonians 4 and this is the topic at hand. This is also an area God has devoted a lot of attention to in His word so it would behoove us to pay special attention to it.

Imagine a lower standard for holiness. I suppose we don't have to imagine, we can just look around at the world's guidelines for sexual morality, but imagine if that standard was actually truth. Imagine if some of the things we convince ourselves of - "God understands," "A little of this won't hurt," "It's not like I'm hurting anybody," etc - imagine if that standard was actually true, if God was actually cool with it like we convince ourselves He is. That would also mean that God is also cool with the consequences - the heartache, unwanted pregnancies, disease, sexual addiction, perversion - all the things He actually guards us from when a proper perspective of marriage is attained and a correct attempt at it is made.

9/1 - 1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians 4

This morning brings me to a very familiar passage of scripture & one I think deserves a lot of attention and even more meditation. The passage is so familiar, in fact, I think I ought to spend even more time on it and avoid the urge to pass through it as if I fully understand. One author I've read warned that one of the dangers we face as believers who are dedicated to God's word is treating the word with familiarity. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that "the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." So I think I'll spend a little time here.

This issue of sexual immorality is one of the biggest issues facing the church. It's a fiery beast and has devoured so many in it's path. It's relentless and as our age becomes more "progressive" and our standards become even looser, the beast just grows that much more powerful. As it is such a powerful topic, you'll have to pardon me if I don't mince words on this one. We've become so deceived in this area that we deny how powerful it is and think we can play around with it and not fall. We live with our girlfriends/ boyfriends, think we can stop at just a look or just a kiss, watch any movie we want, listen to whatever music we want and put ourselves in compromising situations thinking its all good and we're strong enough to overcome it. A hint this morning, and this is from the Lord Himself: you are not. The Bible advises us to "flee sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:18). If we were strong enough it might have told us to stand & be steadfast, but the clear advice here is to run.

I think the battle of sexual immorality rages in all of us but is particularly more intense among the brothers. As we are more susceptible to visual imagery, this temptation becomes that much more strong for us. And look at what we're exposed to everyday - billboards, commercials, prime time television, radio ads, pop-ups, not to mention the women we actually see in real life! Pornography and masturbation are more common among men for these reasons, and are an epidemic in the church. In 2006, revenue for the porn industry was $13.3 billion in the U.S. with over 70% of men ages 18 to 34 visiting a pornographic site per month. Considering about 75% of Americans call themselves Christians, how much of that $13 billion came from the church? Also consider that with this high of revenue, as an industry, pornography would crack the Fortune Top 200.

Besides viewing sexual immorality, many of us are engaging in it. The culture has been resolute in reminding us about what we deserve sexually and if we don't get it what options we have, primarily having it outside of the context of marriage. Marital, or even relational, unfaithfulness is now more the rule rather than the exception. We now have this high standard around "love", "the right time" or "the right person" and have so skewed the proper intentions for sex that God's view has become a laughing stock. When G.W. Bush pushed abstinence in schools, the backlash wasn't even anger, it was ridicule and mockery at the very idea that we humans should attempt something as futile as abstinence.

I'll have to write more on this later, but I don't want to lose you just yet. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 - "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality." God is not in any way ignorant of the facts I've laid before you. He's not unmindful of the struggle we face in a sexually charged society. He's also not a God who changes or would lower His standard of holiness. The thing I hope we come to realize, and I'd like to study more on, is that the reason His standard is so high and why He wills that we live holy, is for our own good. It is the will of God - so not only must it be possible for us, He expects it of us. Yes it's difficult, but consider this today: is He worth it?

More tomorrow.

Good morning everyone. I noticed that yesterday's post didn't go out in an email for some reason, well it's here if you'd like to read it. Also I don't always put a link to the chapter I read so I'll start doing this today.

1 Thessalonians 3

As believers in Christ, as his children, as members of God's family, we ought to love one another. That's my prevailing thought after reading this chapter. Paul talks about his desire to be reunited with the church in Thessalonica to encourage them and also to "know their faith." His eagerness to see them was also driven by the fact that he knew how difficult this Christian walk would be. One lesson we should take from Paul is what he says here in verse 4, "for, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation..." When we share to gospel with people, we ought to let them in on this although it's not appealing. If we don't, and we only paint the rosy picture of you and Christ skipping and picking lilies for the rest of your life, we don't give the whole truth and we set people up for disappointment. The Thessalonians faith endured in spite of affliction because, as verse 3 states, they knew they were appointed for this.

Another lesson we can take is that we ought to check in on each other every once in a while, as it concerns our faith. In our conversations with other believers, we ought to sometimes let our conversations go beyond the surface level stuff and find out how our brothers & sisters walk is going. It can be, as it was for Paul, an encouragement to know that other believers are enduring and remaining faithful. But it also might be an occasion for you to encourage someone to do better, be more faithful. On the flip side, it could also be a time for you to reflect on how faithful your own walk is. When we don't discuss these things and assume everything is alright, we cheat ourselves of an opportunity to grow. So today, that' my goal - to get all up in somebody's business and see how their spiritual walk is going. Maybe I'll encourage them, maybe they'll point me in the right direction. Either way, the body will be edified and Satan won't be happy.

8/30 - 1 Thessalonians 2, Part 2

Congrats to my friends Nate & Stacey! They had their first child yesterday - a baby girl named Madison. I can't imagine what that must feel like to finally have the baby, get to hold it & actually have them let you walk out of the hospital with it. Now there's this new life your responsible for. It's an awesome thing & I suppose I won't have to imagine much longer. T-minus 14 weeks and counting...On with today's scripture.

"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. For you, brothers, became imitators of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews, who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out." (v. 13-15)

This morning I'm brought back to a topic that has always amazed me as it concerns the Bible. Of all the controversial parts of the Bible one indisputable fact is that, shortly after Christ died, Christianity spread. It's not so much that it spread (because obviously all religions have done this) but how it spread. The central character of this sect of believers had actually died which, one would think, is an uncommon beginning to such a popular movement. The Message went against the norms of the day. In a time where tradition was greatly valued, the message was new, fresh & unconventional; a time when Jewish beliefs ruled, the message strayed away from it; a time where paganism was rampant, the message taught against it's ways.

I'm probably not giving you much new information here but what I'm trying to get to is the awesomeness of the power of the Holy Spirit. I'm convinced that He's the main culprit in the spread of this gospel. Why else would the new believers of this time turn from their old lives & follow this Man they had only heard about? Why would they sacrifice their lives and the lives of their families for this cause? They had to be convicnced that what they heard & what they believed was absolutely true because the cost was so high. And how else could they know it was true unless revealed by revelation of the Holy Spirit? These believers didn't have the same resources we have today. Most couldn't read & if they could, the New Testament wasn't even a book yet. They didn't have the archaeological & historical evidence of the truth of the Bible. They didn't have the droves of Christian bookstores to get information from.

I understand why Paul was so thankful that they had even received the Word & accepted it as the word of God. He knew the challenges of the times & had to be aware of how silly his gospel message sounded (1 Cor 1:21). They even showed their acceptance by enduring persecution. It's a blessing to see the fruit in the lives of those you've shared the gospel with. That's a long way down the road, however, if we're not at first even sharing the gospel.

So I'm thankful today, for the power in God's word, in His Holy Spirit. The power to convince people of truth, to endure hardships & live holy. I'm thankful for the access we have to this power through His holy word. Thankful that this power resides in me (John 14:16).

8/27 - 1 Thessalonians 2

Wow, it's been quite a few days since I've blogged. I could run down plenty of excuses but instead I'll ask for your prayers that I remain diligent in study & I'll pray the same for you. Our own personal study is an expression of our love for the Savior. Taking the time to get to know Him & to know what pleases Him so we can then go forth and actually do it. I've been studying in the morning but haven't been able to get up in time to blog also. Kinda falling back into this love affair with the snooze button & not getting to bed at a decent hour, so please keep me in prayer on that.

This chapter spoke the same thing to me this morning I felt was revealed to me last night in Bible study, something for which God has placed a serious conviction on my heart. We looked at Isaiah 9:2 and talked about Jesus as a Light. As we began to share & discuss this passage and what it means for us beyond the surface-level understanding that Jesus was a light to the Jews and Gentiles, we concluded that this same spirit that was in Jesus was also in us and that we ought to reflect a light as well. The obvious question, then, became "are you a light?" I tried my best to take an honest, introspective look at myself and I think that in some situations I am a light, but also that I have some blind spots. I call them blind spots because unless you look at them carefully & intentionally, you might not even notice they are there.

Most Christians have a heightened level of spirituality in certain environments, whether it be Sunday morning, bible study or any gathering of believers. In these environments we find it easy and very comfortable to be a strong representation of Christ. But what about at home - are we displaying Christ to our family? Or at work - do we shy away from mentioning Christ? Or amongst old friends - do we avoid uncomfortable conversation in hopes of avoiding being considered "lame"? Well, these are my blind spots. I could show my wife more of that light that resides in me and do more to lover her as Christ loved the church (that might be an understatement...). I struggle with the corporate culture which says faith is never to be discussed. I also often pass on opportunities to share Christ with friends because it may be uncomfortable. In these few areas I see an opportunity for vast improvement so that in all situations I might be able to say, as did Paul, that I walked worthy of God who called me (v.10-12)

So none of this has actually been about 1 Thessalonians 2 yet. Sorry, sometimes I have no idea where the keystrokes will lead....Verse 2 of this chapter actually brought all this back to the forefront of my mind.

"You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition"

Paul suffered real persecution, yet in spite of this he still carried out the purpose God called him for. He didn't let it deter him one bit. I thought back to those blind spots and realized that, for me, this is my "strong opposition." For Paul it was external but for me, and maybe even some of you, my opposition comes from within. In spite of these internal fears & trepidation, I can "dare to tell the gospel" and in doing so, fulfill my call. That same Spirit that was in Christ and was in Paul, abides in me (1 John 2:27, John 14:16). Consider today what your 'blind spots' are. Where do you not allow your light to shine? And if you find yourself to be consistent, glory be to God. Pray for God to sustain that spirit within you and pray for those of us who struggle & sincerely wish to be an accurate reflection of God to the world.

8/21 - 1 Thessalonians 1

I was encouraged today in reading this chapter. I read it yesterday morning and really didn't get much from it except that it was another of Paul's intros to his letters. Reading it again this morning gave me a new perspective. Thank God for this book which is alive & that there's always something new to be revealed to us.

The example of the Thessalonian church is pretty extraordinary considering their background. We know from Acts 17:1-10 (check it out real quick b4 we move on) that there was a strong Jewish influence in the city. It would remain that way in this city for centuries as the Jewish population peaked around 1943, making over half the city Jewish. This would take a dramatic turn shortly thereafter when 96% of the Jews in the city would perish at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust. Also notable about the city was it's strong Greek influence (well...it's located in Greece). Greek mythology has its roots some 1000 years before Christs arrival. Greek gods & idols were just as common in this place as cheeseburgers & apple pie in America.

So all this background became significant to me when Paul commends the Thessalonians: "your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God" (v.3-4). In the strong climate of Greek and Jewish religious influence, the gospel had penetrated the hearts of these Thessalonians in such a way that their lives bore fruit and they even established a reputation. Had to be the Holy Spirit working. Well it's not just my assumption, it kinda says it in the next verse:

"For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake" (v. 5)

This verse also becomes significant because of the deliverers of that gospel message. It implies that not only did they preach the gospel but they lived the gospel which could have only been another testament to the power of the Holy Spirit. I think this shows us that no matter how spiritually bankrupt we may deem our society to be, no matter how low the moral climate of our workplaces, no matter what the situation, the Holy Spirit can never be outmatched and can use us to be positive influences that can change lives.

Of course this isn't easy, it wasn't for Paul either. Verse 6 says that the Thessalonians became followers of Paul "in much affliction." Going back to Acts 17:1-10, the Jews became envious when the gospel message had been received, responded violently and accused the men of "turning the world upside down." Even in a "free" society of the Greeks, there was still persecution of Christians, just as there is today. I mean, just saying you're a Christian today is pretty cool & no one would care much. We only truly experience this persecution when we're bold enough to stand out, stand on God's word, preach His gospel & separate ourselves from the world.

Main point I got from this - let's turn the world upside down. With the Holy Spirit as our strength, we can be witnesses for our Lord and like the Thessalonians, cause the word of the Lord to "sound forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place." (v. 8)