And in conclusion...

VeggieTales episodes always end with the “What have we learned?” song. It doesn’t really matter if you’ve heard a wonderful story, a beautiful Psalm, or read the entire Bible in one year if you don’t have anything to take home with you.

So.

What have we learned?

God loves us immensely. He is Holy, oh so holy, and because of His holiness and His great love for us, He demands that we are holy too. He promises joy and abundance to those who will follow and obey. It seems like the logical choice! But we can’t do this, because we are fallen (thanks a lot, Eve!), the covenant is broken, and there must be a sacrifice. However, it is the sacrifice of Jesus who makes us holy, not the sacrifices of bulls and goats. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost--we have the job of sharing this story. How? By living out the love that He has for us. Why? Because He first loved us. With a holy, demanding love. 

Is it easy? Of course not. If it was, everyone would do it. And it wouldn’t be a sacrifice. So we wake up every morning and choose. The wide gate or the narrow? The crooked path or the straight? The right or the easy?

Whatever you choose, may the grace and peace of God our Father and Jesus Christ His son be with you, both now and always!

Laura :-)

Week 52--Revelation

Well, here it is, the last book in the Bible. The Revelation of Jesus Christ, given to John while he was in prison on the island of Patmos (off the coast of Turkey). There’s a lot of weird imagery in this book that I’m not going to even TRY to explain. Let’s get started.

John begins with a description of Jesus. John sees him standing with seven lampstands and holding seven stars. These represent churches throughout Asia; He tells John to write letters to the churches. Each letter has the words, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Are we listening?

Ephesus: You do good works, but you have lost your first love.

Smyrna: You are persecuted, you will continue to be persecuted; keep the faith.

Pergamum: You have followed false teachers: repent (or else!).

Thyatira: You do good deeds, but tolerate immoral women. Hold to the truth you have.

Sardis: You have a good reputation, but you are dead. Wake up!

Philadelphia: You have kept my word; hold on to your faith.

Laodicea: You are lukewarm, not hot or cold. Repent--I stand at the door and knock.

John’s end-of-the-world visions begin with a view of a glorious Jesus on a throne surrounded by 24 elders and 4 creatures, holding a scroll with seven seals; a Lamb appears to break the seals.

First seal: White horse, rider has a bow and a crown, represents War or Victory

Second seal: Red horse, rider has a sword, represents Violence

Third seal: Black horse, rider has a pair of scales, represents Famine

Fourth seal: Pale horse, rider named Death, followed by Hades, represents Pestilence

Fifth seal: Martyrs under the altar cry out, told to wait a while for the rest of their number

Sixth seal: Earthquake, eclipses, stars fell from the sky, everyone hid in the caves. Also, 144,000 Jews are sealed, or marked, as belonging to God. 

Seventh seal: Silence in heaven. And then the seven trumpets.

First trumpet: One third of the earth, trees, plants destroyed.

Second trumpet: One third of the seas, fish, ships destroyed.

Third trumpet: One third of the rivers, springs destroyed by a falling star (Wormwood).

Fourth trumpet: One third of the sun, moon, stars destroyed.

Fifth trumpet: Locusts. Sort of. They look like horses, sting like scorpions, and have armor. And they fly. Their ruler is Abaddon/Apollyon.

Sixth trumpet: Four angels released, to kill 1/3 of all people. An angel comes with a book, but does not allow John to write what he says. Two witnesses come who preach for 3 1/2 years, then are killed, rise again after 3 1/2 days, and are taken up to heaven.

Seventh trumpet: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; And He will reign forever and ever” (11:15). 

There are also signs in heaven, of a woman giving birth and a dragon. The dragon fights with Michael. (Guess who wins?) The dragon pursues the woman, but she flees. 

There is a beast from the sea who works with the dragon to blaspheme the Name of God; another beast comes from the land and tells people to worship the beast from the sea. The beasts will mark their followers as God has already done, and no one will be able to buy or sell without the mark of the beast. The number of the beast? 666 (13:18). 

The Lamb appears again with his 144,000 followers. Three angels come to command people to fear God and not to worship the beast or receive his mark. Hmm...worship God, don’t follow false prophets...this bears repeating once again! There is a great harvest of wheat and of grapes; when the grapes are pressed, blood floods the earth.

Another set of seven judgments is introduced: seven angels with bowls, with plagues resembling those poured out on Egypt.

First bowl: Sores on those with the mark of the beast

Second bowl: Sea turns to blood; all sea creatures die

Third bowl: Fresh water (springs, rivers) also turned to blood

Fourth bowl: Sun scorches the unrepentant

Fifth bowl: Darkness over the earth

Sixth bowl: The Euphrates river dries up; armies gather at Har-Magedon (Armageddon)

Seventh bowl: World-wide earthquake and hundred-pound hailstones

John then sees a vision of a woman robed in purple and scarlet (idolatry), and a beast with seven heads (seven kings) and ten horns (ten future kings). These two together will gain great power over the earth. An angel comes down speaking of the fall of Babylon (also sin and idolatry) and the world mourns the destruction of this “great” city.

Heaven rejoices at the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Christ returns, victorious, on a white horse. Satan is bound and thrown into an abyss for 1,000 years. Many martyrs are resurrected and reign with Christ. Satan is let loose, wrecks havoc and causes war, then is defeated again. Satan, Death, and Hades are thrown in the lake of fire. Forever. 

Finally, “the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven” (21:2). No more tears, death, or pain. Jesus makes all things new. The city is enormous; the streets are gold, clear as glass. No temple is needed--God is there. No sun is needed--the city is light. Only those whose names are in the Lamb’s book of life are to enter.

Does that sound exclusive? Like it’s leaving people out? Sure it does. But that’s what has been happening over the course of THE WHOLE BIBLE. God offers wonderful joy to people who will love and obey him, and He promises utter destruction for those who will not. Time and time again, people choose the “will not” option. The Holy City, reserved only for God’s people, is the eternal fulfillment of both of those promises.

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus” (22:20).

I couldn’t agree more.

Week 51e--Jude

Wow. The last letter. We’ve come a long way this year. There were times I didn’t think we were going to make it (genealogies, anyone?). I had to hang a note on my wall to remind myself that “prophecy” was a noun and “prophesy” was a verb. And now we have flown through the New Testament. One more letter and then...Revelation (dun dun dun...)

Yes, I’m stalling. Revelation looms large in the not-at-all distant future. And it scares me.

Ok, enough...on to the epistle from Jude, which was written by another half-brother of Jesus. It’s a very short letter, but it focuses on a great many negative examples from the scriptures. It could be subtitled: “How not to act as a believer.” The believers have been infected by (get ready for a shock) false teachers who “revile things they do not understand” (v 10).

Jude lists unbelievers through the ages and their fates: Egyptians, fallen angels, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, Cain, Balaam, Korah. God has sent prophets since the early days (Jude quotes the book of Enoch, which is neither in the Bible nor the Apocrypha) to warn these unbelievers and false teachers of their fate. We have read this countless times. The apostles also warned Jude’s generation of believers about false teachers who would come.

So what are the believers supposed to do in the face of this opposition? The same thing true believers have always done: “Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v 22).

I will use Jude’s final words to close, since they are the best benediction in all of the letters, Jude 24-25:

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever.

Amen.”

Week 51d--1, 2, 3 John

These are letters written by the apostle John. There is no internal proof, no direct “This is from John,” but there are many words and phrases in the letters that are used in the gospel of John; these give us a hint that the letters were written by the gospel writer. He also wrote the book of Revelation (which we will attack...next week).

Like the gospel of John, the letters of John are written in abstract language. God is first presented as light, and Jesus is referred to as the Word. Believers are to live in the light, for that is where God is. We are to abide in the light. This is not a new commandment, but the same old commandment that the faithful have had since the days of Abraham--obey, be faithful, love God and love others.

Speaking of love...the word “love” occurs 36 times in the 105 verses that make up the book of 1 John. That’s an average of once every 3 verses! I think it qualifies as a key word. God is Love. If we love God, we are to show our love for Him by showing our love for one another. God has shown us tremendous love by making us His children. Over and over John repeats that we should live out our love in deed and not just in words. This, again, is a theme we have heard before.

1 John 4 has many familiar verses about love. “Beloved, let us love one another...” (4:7). “The Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (4:14). “We love, because He first loved us” (4:19). “This commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also” (4:21).

The final chapter of 1 John speaks of “a sin leading to death,” which could actually be any unconfessed sin or a pattern of sin. Can one repent of such a sin? The problem is that a sin that leads to death is a sin that one refuses to repent of, a habitual pattern of sin that the believer just won’t quit. Any time that someone recognizes sin, says, “Gee, that was really stupid, with God’s help I’m never going to do that again,” that person is forgiven. Make sense? Ok. Moving on. 

John’s first letter ends with a reminder to keep away from idols. Seems that is ALWAYS a problem.

The second and third letters written by John are similar in theme. The second is written to “the chosen lady and her children,” making it unique in the New Testament in being addressed to a woman. John’s third letter is written to his friend Gaius. Both of these letters speak of the importance of loving God and showing our love toward others. John warns both the chosen lady and Gaius of false prophets--yep, them again--reminding his readers that truth is found in God.

Both 2 and 3 John end with John hoping to come to his friends, and with blessings of peace.

Week 51c--2 Peter

Peter again writes to believers all over the known world. He reminds them right off the bat that everything good in their life has come from Jesus and from God. Therefore, we are to possess a growing string of positive qualities: moral excellence > knowledge > self-control > perseverance > godliness > brotherly kindness > love. For in having these qualities we love out the character of Christ.

Peter also seems to know that he is to die soon, for Jesus has brought him this knowledge.

Like Paul, Peter has to warn his readers about false prophets that will rise up, telling the believers false doctrine and leading them astray. 

Peter then tells the believers that there is hope despite all this. There has been judgement on the wicked since the days of creation; he mentions angels cast into hell, the flood, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. However, in every situation there has been salvation for the righteous: the obedient angels, Noah and his family, Lot. 

There has always been this duality in scripture: blessings for the faithful, destruction for the disobedient. You would think the choice would be easy. Duh, pick the path that leads to blessing. But the Bible shows us, history shows us, the daily news shows us that human nature again and again chooses the path that leads to destruction. It is only by God’s incomprehensible grace that we can choose to follow the path of righteousness.

Peter moves on from this topic to a discussion of Jesus’ return. It hasn’t happened yet, and there are people in Peter’s day that are hassling the believers over it. But God doesn’t count time in the same way as we count time. No one knows when Jesus will return. Well, God does. But He isn’t telling. God is waiting for his children to live righteous lives, and for those among his children who are disobedient to repent and turn from their sin. Again, grace saves you, but you are to live a righteous life. I think we’ve got it. I hope.

Peter’s last instruction is as pertinent today as it was when he wrote it: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (3:18). 

Keep at it, my friends. God be with you.

Week 51b--1 Peter

This letter, and the next 5 we will read, are named for the author, not for the recipient. So this is the first letter FROM Peter. (James was like that, too.) His letter, like the one from James, is to Jewish Christians who are living abroad.

Peter begins with his main theme, which is the importance of Jesus’ resurrection. It is by the power of the resurrection that believers have any hope in the future, in salvation, in eternal life. Also like James, Peter encourages his readers to persevere in trials, because by this their faith is tested and proven. He reminds them that God has called them to be holy, to do good works, and that they are redeemed and saved by the blood of Jesus.

Peter quotes several Old Testament verses referring to Jesus--He was the stone the builders (the Pharisees) rejected, but He has become the Cornerstone of our faith. Peter also, like the writer of Hebrews, calls the believers a royal priesthood. Hebrews established that Jesus was the Great High Priest, but Peter reminds us that we can go directly to God with our requests and repentance without having to go through a priest.

Next, Peter speaks to the women of the church, as Paul had in letters to Titus and Timothy. Our beauty comes from knowing God, and our gentle quiet spirits, Peter writes. I admit, I am still working on that gentle, quiet spirit bit! Then Peter speaks to the husbands, reminding them that their wives are “a weaker vessel” (3:7, KJV). For a long time, this phrase got on my nerves. Weaker vessel! Bah! I can pray, I can study the Bible, I’m not weaker than my husband. But, really, I am. He can lift my bicycle up and put it in the car, and I can’t. He walks faster than I do. Sometimes I even have to get him to open jars. Sigh--I am the weaker vessel. But that does not make me less valuable. I know that. He knows that. And Peter knew that. He was married, remember? Jesus healed his mother-in-law, and if he had one of those he must have had a wife. Notice what Peter says in the REST of that verse: a wife is “a fellow heir of the grace of life.” Fellow. Equal. Just not able to open pickle jars.

All in all, Peter says that we are to life righteously, doing good and obeying God, “always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (3:15). This is the same as “speaking the truth in love” from Ephesians 4:15. We are to live this way even in the face of persecution and insults, for this is what Jesus did. (Very Important Note: This refers to persecution because of our faith, not abusive relationships.)

Finally, Peter reminds his friends, and us, to cast “all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (5:7). Peter has spent an entire chapter to the topic of believer’s behavior under persecution, so he finishes his letter by reminding his readers that “after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (5:10).

He ends, as do so many letters, with a blessing of peace. God be with you.

Week 51a--Hebrews

Hmmm...13 chapters of power and I can only write one post...better get cracking.

Hebrews--author unknown--begins by establishing God’s supremacy over all, Jesus’ equality with God, and Jesus’ supremacy over the angels. The writer begins a pattern of quoting many Old Testament verses. While the book does not immediately begin with a greeting, as Paul’s letters do, it is written for a Hebrew audience familiar with the Scriptures.

The letter explains that while Jesus was indeed far superior to all creation, for a time he was made “lower than the angels,” (2:7) or made human, for this was the only way to bring salvation. Jesus had to experience life, stare down temptation, experience and defeat death in order to purchase our freedom. My freedom.

Next, the same double-edged promise is repeated, the one God has been giving since the Exodus: “If you obey, if you believe, if you are joined with us, you will enter into His rest. If not, there is no rest or peace for you.” How will God fulfill this promise? Through the work of the Great High Priest, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice.

Hebrews next describes the priesthood of Christ. He couldn’t be a priest according to the law, since he was not of the tribe of Levi; he is a priest “of the order of Melchizedek” (5:6).

Who?

Way back in Genesis 14, just after God called Abraham, he met with Melchizedek, who was the king of Salem and also a priest of God Most High; he was also the first person mentioned who received a tithe.

There isn’t a specific order of Melchiedekian priests today (that I could find in 5 minutes of Googling). Hebrews does, though, point out several similarities between Melchizedek and Jesus. Both served God directly. Neither was of the tribe of Levi (there was no tribe of Levi in Genesis 14...). Both, according to Hebrews 7, remain priests forever. There is no record of Melchizedek’s death; some scholars say that he didn’t die, but rather walked with God as Enoch had done.

Why does the writer of Hebrews spend 3 whole chapters on the priesthood of Jesus? Otherwise, the Jews would not accept a priest who was not a Levite. Jesus was fulfilling prophecy from Psalm 110 when God declared Him a priest. Hebrews 5-7 is the elaborate proof of this fulfillment. Also, priests no longer need to make sacrifices because Jesus has made the final perfect sacrifice--and it’s a good thing, too, because the temple was destroyed in 70 AD and there is no longer any place to make sacrifices, even today.

So, how does Jesus function as a priest? First, he “lives to make intercession for” us (7:25). He also fulfills the new covenant, for a new time, in which God will write His name on His children’s hearts. The earthly temple is described, which its room, furnishings, and necessary sacrifices. But Jesus serves in a heavenly sanctuary, one not built by human hands, again, having served as the final sacrifice “once for all” (7:27). It is here that we learn that without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (9:22).

Hebrews also confirms what was said in Leviticus--the law cannot make you perfect. It is the LORD who sanctifies you. The blood of all the bulls and sheep on the planet is not enough to cleanse us. It took one Lamb--the Lamb of God.

So now what? We are still fallen, still sinners. We still screw up. But God forgives. We cannot--no, we MUST not--trample on the sacrifice of Jesus by continuing to sin intentionally. We must love God and serve him with all our hearts ad have faith in our salvation.

For after all, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (11:1). Hebrews 11 is known by some as the “Hall of Faith” for it lists 19 people who stepped out in faith to obey God. These 19 and many more “men of who the world was not worthy” (11:38) make up the “great cloud of witnesses” mentioned in 12:1. For our sake, Jesus endured the cross and “sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2).

I must say, when I read this phrase, I do not see a solemn procession with robes and crowns. Rather, I see Jesus walking back in, giving God a double high-five and a great big hug, and both of them sitting down and settling down into their thrones. Jesus puts his foot up on his knee--they are both laughing.

We are to work together to strengthen each other, the writer of Hebrews tells us, preparing for our own glorious reunion with the Father. We, too, shall “receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken” (12:28).

Hebrews ends with many short instructions on how to live. The letter ends with a blessing of grace, similar to Paul’s letters, with personal notes about Timothy and the author wanting to come visit the Hebrews.

As I finish reading this letter, I am left with a great understanding of my faith, a great hope for my future in Christ, and a great determination to live my life to honor and serve my King.

Week 50f--2 Timothy

In college, I had to read all the letters of Paul for New Testament Survey. When we got to 2 Timothy and I realized that Paul had died after writing this letter (ok, duh, he lived 2,000 years ago, of course he died, but you know what I mean) I actually cried. So now here I am, 18 years later, looking at Paul’s last letter, teary eyed. Ok, let’s read it. There’s good stuff in here.

Paul begins by thanking God for his “son” Timothy, and reminding him that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (1:7, KJV). Paul is in jail--again. He is going to die--soon. But he is not ashamed of the gospel, nor is he afraid, for he knows God, and he is secure in his salvation.

Again, Paul urges Timothy to be strong in his faith, keep his eyes on Christ, and to continue sharing the gospel. Paul, probably because he is staring death in the face, says this: “For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him...” (2:11-12).

The AWANA name comes from this letter, from 2 Timothy 2:15, for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. Once again, Paul warns Timothy agains those who speak empty words. Timothy knows the truth; he must continue to speak it in the face of opposition. Paul pretty much guarantees that Timothy will face hard times (he echoes what Jesus said in John 16:33). But the importance of knowing the scripture well comes into play here: the Scriptures will give Timothy wisdom, for “all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (3:16-17). Again, Paul charges Timothy to speak the truth about Jesus.

Paul knows the end is near. He has “fought the good fight,” he has “kept the faith” (4:7). He begs for Timothy to come to him, for everyone else, except for the good doctor Luke, has left him. Whatever happens, Paul knows that God is with him; the Lord “will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom (4:18).

One last time, Paul ends a letter with a blessing of “Grace be with you.” I walk away from 2 Timothy in search of tissues, feeling a little silly but knowing that Paul has laid a mighty challenge as my feet as well. Will I fight the good fight? Will I keep the faith? How well will I finish the course?

The challenge of a new year lies ahead, my friends. How will we begin?

Grace be with you.

Week 50e--Titus

This letter is written by Paul to Titus, who had been mentioned several times in the letter 2 Corinthians; he is another one of Paul’s children in the faith.

Paul speaks of “God, who cannot lie” (1:2). Not only does not, but cannot. Because God is truth.

Titus is stationed is Crete, finishing what Paul had started, appointing overseers and deacons. Paul outlines similar qualifications to those we saw in 1 Timothy; respectable, not addicted to wine, in control of his household.

Of course, Titus is also dealing with those who have a false message that many people in Crete are following. These are commands of men, not commands of God. Paul says these false teachers “profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him...” (1:16).

Paul gives more advice on Christian living: How are men and women to behave? In a manner that glorifies Christ. Once more, not to gain salvation, but because our actions show our faith.

Titus is told that the believers in Crete still must follow the rules of the land. Paul again reminds Titus--and us--of the great work that God does, saving us, not because of our works, but because of His unending mercy. Paul says this over and over again, telling Titus to insist on these things, and then to insist that the believers do good works. This goes hand in hand with what James wrote, confirming once again that it is faith and God’s mercy that saves us, but it is our good works that demonstrate our faith to the world.

I’m not sure where Paul was exactly when he wrote this letter. He is on his way back to Rome, back to prison, and then to death. Still, he ends this letter telling Titus to greet all his friends in the faith, and with the common “Grace be with you all.”

Week 50d--1 Timothy

This small letter is from Paul to Timothy, his “true child in the faith” (1:2). Timothy is no longer with Paul. The two of them have left Rome, gone back to Macedonia, even perhaps visiting Ephesus despite Paul’s certainty that he would get back. Timothy is now in Ephesus, again dealing with that whole false doctrine thing. Oy. In fact, he is engaged in battle with these false prophets--spiritual battle. Fortunately, Paul wrote to the Ephesians about the armor of God.

Paul asks for prayer on behalf of people who are in authority, from pastors to kings. He then gives instructions on proper behavior for men and women in the church. Again, we aren’t saved by our works, but rather out works demonstrate our faith. Next, Paul gives qualifications of overseers/bishops and deacons. Both must be respected, not addicted to wine, and must be able to manage their own households.

Paul hopes to visit Timothy soon. Until then, he and the Ephesians are to continue to live a righteous life. Again, Paul warns of false prophets to come, who will “forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from food which God has created” (4:3). Paul reminds Timothy to remind the Ephesians that all food is acceptable, and not to be drawn into these small arguments, but to promote the cause of Christ, for this is why we live.

Paul gives Timothy an important piece of encouragement in 4:12: “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” He is young, this is his first post, but he is faithful and God will grow him.

Next Paul reminds Timothy to take care of widows who are left with no support; Timothy  is also instructed on how to treat and care for other elders.

In chapter 6 we find an often-misquoted verse: “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil...” The love of money, not money itself. Having said this, Paul instructs Timothy to pursue righteousness and godliness, to “fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the the eternal life to which you were called” (6:12).

Paul has only two more letters to write, and I think he knows it. He seems to be pouring everything he hasn’t already said into these last few letters. 

Paul ends this epistle with a short blessing: Grace be with you.

Week 50c--James

Hey look! A letter NOT from Paul!

When I was in 6th grade, I memorized the 1st chapter of James for Bible class. I still remember most of it. There are powerful words and themes in this letter. Check it out...

James was written by one of the disciples (not the James killed by Herod, but the other James.) This letter is also different from Paul’s in that it is not directed at a specific person or church, but rather “the twelve tribes which are dispersed abroad” (1:1).

The entire book of James is full of instructions on how to live a godly life. He begins by telling the Jewish Christians to find joy in times of trial and temptation, for only by this fire are we perfected.

James also instructs believers to act on their faith--do the word, don’t just hear it (1:22). What does this look like? Well, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (1:27).

James writes on the importance on treating people equally, then moves on to an important discussion of faith and works. Faith is important. We cannot be saved without faith. That is abundantly clear. But how does the world know we have faith? By our fruit. By our actions. By our works. Jesus said this, in the parable of sheep and goats. James asks, “If someone is cold and hungry, and you pat them on the back and say ‘God bless you!’ what good is that? Tell them ‘God bless you’ and give them a blanket and a sandwich!” Again, works do not save you. I don’t write to earn my way into heaven. But we must live a life of obedience. That has also always been clear. James sums it up this way: “Faith, without works, is dead” (2:26).

Another important theme in the letter from James is the tongue, which he calls “a restless evil and full of deadly poison” (3:8). There is sadly no solution to this--it seems “no one can tame the tongue.” We must watch what comes from our mouth, so carefully. But oh, it is so hard...

James next speaks of attitude--are you proud or humble? Are you a friend of God or a friend of the world? You must choose sides--and then bend your will constantly, even daily, to the will of God.

James wraps his letter up with words on the power of prayer. He gives the example of Elijah praying for drought and then for rain (3 1/2 years later) showing that “the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (5:16). I’m sure James meant women too--some of the most powerful pray-ers I know are women.

Unlike Paul, James does not end with a blessing of grace and peace. Still, there is a lot to think on--and act on--in this short letter.

Week 50b--Philippians

Paul writes another very quotable letter, this one to the church in Philippi. I think I have memorized about half of this book at one time or another. There is a wealth of wisdom to be found in these four short chapters.

This letter is from Paul and Timothy, who are again described as slaves of Christ Jesus. Paul is again in jail, whether or not he was out of prison when he wrote the letter to Philemon. Paul give thanks always, with much joy! for their partnership in the spreading of the gospel. They have been partners in his imprisonment, and Paul prays their love will continue.

He says his continuing imprisonment has advanced the gospel, because he has shared with all the guards in the court. He just wants Christ glorified, whether through his life or in his death. Living is Christ, dying is gain (1:21). He prefers life, of course, because that will help the Philippians. But death will bring him to heaven, with Christ.

Paul speaks of joy--they “make my joy complete” (2:2). He wants them to look out for each other as well. Then Paul gives a famous description of Jesus’ redemptive work. Jesus “did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself...humbled Himself...to death on a cross.” But “God exalted Him, and...at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (2:6-11).

Paul plans to send Timothy to Philippi so that he can help them grow--and Paul is stuck in jail. Epaphroditus is also coming to Philippi; he had been gravely ill and the Philippians have been worried about him (perhaps it is thanks to Luke, the doctor, that he recovered).

He tells them over and over again to rejoice. In fact, he uses the word “rejoice” 8 times, and the word “joy” 7 times in four short chapters.

Paul again lists all the things he could brag about, but then says he counts all these things as lost compared to knowing Christ. He finally says one of the most quotable verses in the book: “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14).

Paul also tells them that “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (4:7).

He thanks the Philippians for their support of him, but reminds them that God supplies all their needs (4:13). Once again, the letter ends with a blessing of grace and peace. 

Week 50a--Philemon

This tiny book is a letter from Paul and Timothy to Philemon--one person (and his friends and his home church). As to how to say his name--I’ve always said it Fie-LEE-mun, but I have a friend who calls him FILL-ee-mahn; I don’t know which is right.

Paul opens with joy again. Philemon has refreshed the hearts of the saints, as Paul has heard; this is a noble goal, yes?

It’s not long before Paul gets to the point. He talks about a man named Onesimus (Oh-NESS-uh-muss) who was mentioned by name in the letter to the Colossians and is now being sent back to Philemon. Onesimus used to live with Philemon, but he left (or was taken--the letter is not entirely clear) and he is now returning.

Paul speaks boldly, asking Philemon to take Onesimus back and offering to pay any debt he owes. 

There are words in this letter that hint that Paul may no longer be in prison. He calls himself “a prisoner of Christ Jesus” (v 9) and says he had fathered or “begotten” Onesimus (brought him to know the Lord) “in my imprisonment” (v 12). In the end he refers to a “fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus” and also to his “fellow workers” (v 24); there are four of them. Paul also writes as though he expects to visit Philemon soon.

Regardless of his physical state, Paul’s heart is chained to Christ.

Again, Paul ends even this short letter with a message of grace.

Week 49c--Colossians

Here we read another letter from Paul, “to the saints at Colossae,” written from prison in Rome.

Colossians 1:3 reads that “we” give thanks when the authors remember the Colossians. We know this refers to Timothy; we guess it means Luke as well.

Paul talks about Jesus a great deal in this letter--how important He is, how He is God Incarnate, creator of all things, from the beginning, firstborn of the dead (and many other descriptions, 1:15-20). 

Now that Paul has established the supremacy of Christ, he warns the Colossians of false prophets (another recurring theme in Paul’s letters). Paul tells the Colossians that they are dead to sin, having received the circumcision of the heart, and are now alive in Christ. Unfortunately, the false teachers have often come to scold the Colossians for their eating drinking habits (as if that matters!).

Paul tells them to simply “set your mind on the things above” (3:2). Okay, maybe it’s not exactly simple. As to their actions, they are to set aside worldly sinful behaviors and walk in obedience to Christ. Hmm, I think we’ve heard this one before. How do we do this? With “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,” acceptance, forgiveness, and “beyond all these things put on love” (3:12, 14). All this is to be done in the name of Jesus.

Paul repeats what he told the Ephesians, about wives submitting, husbands loving, and children obeying, all for the sake of unity in the home. Finally, they are to devote themselves to prayer for Paul and each other. Paul sends personal messages to specific friends--these books of the Bible are letters, remember. Paul then confirms that Luke is with him.

He ends, as always, with a blessing: Grace be with you.

Week 49b--Ephesians

I have always enjoyed the book of Ephesians, But now, having read Ephesians in context and chronologically, this letter has a new special place in my heart.

We read in Acts 20:17 that while on his 3rd missionary journey, Paul met with the Elders of Ephesus while in Miletus. He told them, “Guys, I had a great time in Ephesus, and I love you and the church you’ve started. But I’m not gonna made it back to Ephesus. I’m headed to Jerusalem and things are gonna get ugly.” He spent three days with the elders, speaking and praying. They left with heavy hearts. Paul went on to Jerusalem and eventually to Rome. You can read more details here. You can find Ephesus on a map, by the way. It’s in the country of Turkey; it’s called Ismir today.

So what’s so powerful about the book of Ephesians? Let’s take a look. Paul begins by speaking of the blessings of God, “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (1:3) to be exact. Then Paul, instead of using the terms “I and “you” like in his other letters, says “we” and “us.” “God chose us” “We have redemption.” 

He speaks of the Ephesians’ general acceptance of the gospel. He speaks of the division that once existed between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians are Gentiles). But Christ has erased the dividing line. This is what God had been working towards since the days of Abraham. God has brought Gentiles into the fold form the beginning, whether it’s Rahab and Ruth, the Egyptians mentioned in the prophets, or the Roman centurion who was baptized with his household. We are all one, inified in Christ. Paul has mentioned this before, saying again in Ephesians that Gentiles are “fellow heirs ... fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus ... the gospel” (3:6)

Ephesians 4:5 is the key to the book, though it consists of 6 little words. “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” You could write a whole book about those six words. But that is Paul’s meaning--the God of the Jews is the God of the Gentiles. The faith which sanctified the Levites in the days of Moses is the faith that sanctifies us today. Baptism is trickier...I don’t think Paul is referring to water, but rather the Holy Spirit coming and moving in the people, as He has done throughout history.

The sticky verses in Ephesians, about wives submitting and husbands loving, take on a whole new meaning when viewed through the lenses of unity. A husband and wife are a team--one. He is to love and she is to submit so that together they can show the love of God to the world.

Paul ends the book of Ephesians with the armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. It’s the only weapon you have; it’s the only one you need.

Again, Paul ends a letter with a message of peace and love. May this grace, peace, and love go with you as well.

Week 49a--Acts 20-28

In which we read of Paul’s 3rd missionary journey and eventual trip to Rome. (The post is long, but a LOT of stuff happens...)

Much of Acts 20 reads like a travelogue with Paul going to Assos, Mitylene, Samos, Miletus, Rhodes, Patara, Tyre, Ptolemais, Caesarea, and finally home to Jerusalem. In 20:5 the terms chance from “them” to “us” again--Luke has joined them in Philippi. While in Miletus, Paul calls a meeting with the elders from Ephesus. He knows he won’t be going back there, and he wants to warn them one more time about the false prophets.

When Paul etc. arrive in Caesarea, his friends warn him not to go to Jerusalem--there are rumors of evil plots. Paul is, however, ready to die for the cause of Christ; he cannot be dissuaded. Besides, he has been collecting money for the believers in Jerusalem and he has to deliver it.

One week later, Paul is arrested in the Temple. Chaos ensues. Paul then gives his personal testimony, telling of his history persecuting Christians and his conversion on the Damascus road. When the soldiers find out the Paul is a Roman citizen, they panic and take off his chains.

Paul is then brought before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish high council) and declares that he is “on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead” (23:6). More chaos ensues--the Pharisees and Saducees who make up the Sanhedrin cannot agree on the reality of the resurrection. Paul is secretly taken to the Roman barracks.

Yet another evil plot is launched to kill Paul; his nephew gets wind of the plot and reports to the Roman commander and 200 horsemen are gathered in the dark of night to deliver Paul to Felix the governor in Caesarea. (Why has no one made a movie of this? It’s a great story!)

The high priest, Ananias, comes to Caesarea to bring the case against Paul, who speaks in his own defense with the governor Felix as the judge. Felix and Paul privately discuss matters of faith and righteousness; as Felix is not a righteous person, and he wanted to keep the Jews happy, he stalls on making a decision. For two years.

Festus, the new governor, visits Jerusalem to find out what the deal is with this prisoner. He returns to Caesarea accompanied by Jews who wish to accuse Paul; all Paul wants is for this nonsense to stop so he can get back to preaching. He asks to be brought before Caesar (whose name was Nero; yes, that one). In Rome.

Herod Agrippa (before he was eaten by worms) comes to Caesarea to discuss the Paul situation. He and Festus agree that Paul really hasn’t done anything wrong except annoy the Sanhedrin. Paul gives another eloquent speech. The rulers agree--if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar, he could go free.

But Paul WANTS to go to Rome. God has promised he could go.

Paul and Luke (for it says “we” in 27:1) along with other prisoners set sail toward Rome, ending up in a port city called Fair Havens. Luke drops hints letting us know that by now it is fall, the time of year we would call October. Paul recommends that they stay where they are, but since Fair Havens is (ironically) not a good place to spend the winter, they aim for Cyprus.

A very great storm blows up, blowing the ship WAY off course and lasting for more than two weeks. Finally, after 14 days of not eating or most likely sleeping, Paul speaks to the men (I have paraphrased) “I told you we should have stayed back there. But now, just stay in the boat, and eat some bread, for God has promised that we will all survive the storm.” And they do.

They wash up on the shore of Malta, where Paul survives a snakebite and prays for the healing of a chief’s father. In the spring Paul, Luke, and the others sailed to Italy. 

Once they get to Rome, Paul is placed under guard, but he is allowed to preach and live in his own quarters. During this time he is also able to write the letters known as Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Philippians, 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus. The book of Acts ends with Paul living happily in Rome, sharing the gospel, "unhindered" (28:31).

It’s hard to end this post, so I’ll just end it as Paul always ends his letters. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Amen.