pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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A Choice to Make

Reading: Ephesians 1:3-10

Ephesians 1:7 – “We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.”

Paul opens his letter to the Ephesians with a beautiful and clear declaration of salvation by grace through faith. These are wonderful words to turn to as we are living in unsettling and uneasy times, giving us an actor to God’s unchanging and unmoving character and promises.

Today’s reading begins with a double blessing. Paul offers a blessing to God for the blessing that believers have received from Christ. Jesus set the example for holy and blameless living. Because God loves us all, we are all chosen to be adopted as God’s children, opening the door to living holy and blameless lives. This is God’s plan for all people. Whether or not people step into this destiny – that is a choice we each must make for ourselves.

From God’s perspective, there are no barriers. Grace is freely and generously given through Jesus Christ to one and all. In verse 7 we read of this: “We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.” Christ died for us all, “while we were still yet sinners.” His grace is poured out upon us while we are imperfect so that we can be made perfect. We experience this state of perfection momentarily in our lives. We are holy and blameless and then we stumble and fail again. But no matter how many times we repeat this cycle, God is always there offering love and grace.

In verse 10 Paul reveals the end game. At the climax of all time, God will bring all things together in Christ. Heaven and earth will be made new again. Holy and blameless in his presence, we will forever worship the Lord, our Savior. What a glorious day that will be!

Prayer: Lord God, your plan of salvation is intended for us all. You created each of us to live in relationship with you. You would choose us all if it were up to you. But because we are free to choose, some don’t choose to surrender to your plan, to your love and grace. Use us, O God, as living examples of your love and grace, of your mercy and forgiveness, drawing others towards a saving relationship with you. Amen.


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Stay Strong, Trust God

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:9-13

1st Thessalonians 2:13 – “When you accepted God’s word that you heard from us, you welcomed it for what it truly is.”

Paul rejoices in the work that God allowed him and his companions to do in Thessalonica. With great courage and deep love they shared the good news of Jesus Christ. Not only that, but they also shared life together. They lived in and amongst the people. As we turn to verse 9 Paul reminds them of how they worked, supporting themselves, so as not to be a burden to those that they shared Christ with.

Not only did Paul and companions share the words of Jesus with the people of Thessalonica but they also lived out the example set by Jesus. These missionaries were “holy, just, and blameless.” They treated the people as a father treats his very own children. Setting the example, Paul reminds them of how he and his fellow servants of Jesus Christ “appealed to… encouraged… pleaded” with the Thessalonians to “live lives worthy of the God who is calling you.”

Paul then reminds them of their initial response: “When you accepted God’s word that you heard from us, you welcomed it for what it truly is.” Paul is thankful for this acceptance and for how the life of faith then worked itself out in the lives of these new believers. These reminders, these words of encouragement, they are meant to help the Thessalonicans to stay strong in the faith and to continue to trust God. May these words of Paul remind and encourage us to as we reflect on our profession of faith and on our journey with Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we too once received the word and made the decision to follow Jesus. We too can think of those who were part of this decision and can think of others who have walked with us on our ongoing journey. This day, Lord, we ask you to keep the fire burning, to strengthen and encourage us to live lives that are holy, just, and blameless. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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Endure and Remain Faithful

Reading: Revelation 12-14

Revelation 12:12 – “But oh! The horror for the earth and sea! The devil has come down to you with great rage, for he knows that he only has a short time.”

Photo credit: Micah Tindell

In today’s chapters the story of God’s people is retold – this time from a cosmic perspective. It begins with a woman giving birth to a son. Her crown has 12 stars (tribes of Israel) and her child is saved from the dragon (evil), snatched up (resurrected) into heaven. A battle is waged in heaven. Michael and his angels defeat Satan and his angels, who are thrown down to earth. In 12:12 we read, “But oh! The horror for the earth and sea! The devil has come down to you with great rage, for he knows that he only has a short time.” Woe to the earth. Woe to us.

Satan chases the woman but cannot catch her. So Satan makes war on her children (the church.) Next a beast emerged from the sea. It is a parody of the Lamb. The head that was slain is healed, awing the whole earth, drawing followers. The beast then makes war on and defeats the saints. Verse 10 speaks into John’s readers’ present reality of arrest and martyrdom, calling on them to remain faithful and to endure.

A second beast emerged from the land. It deceives many and forces them to worship the first beast. People are made to wear the number of the beast. Without this they cannot buy or sell. This beast is a parody of the Spirit. The Lamb then appears in heaven with the 144,000. They are pure and blameless. A series of angels comes next. They announce the “eternal good news” and the downfall of Babylon (evil.) The earth is harvested – first the righteous and then those who end up in “the great winepress of God’s anger.” The end is drawing near.

Prayer: Lord God, as the story unfolds from the heavenly perspective, the choice to live for you or for the world becomes clear. Evil continues to tell lies in attempts to deceive and draw us away from you. By the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to endure and to remain faithful. Amen.


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Faithful Witnesses

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 1-3

1st Thessalonians 2:2 – “We had the courage through God to speak God’s good news in spite of a lot of opposition.”

1st Thessalonians is written to encourage a church that is remaining faithful to God in spite of the persecution that they are facing. Paul encourages them to continue living grace-filled, loving lives of faith. The letter begins with thanksgiving. The church is demonstrating works, effort, and perseverance that comes through faith, hope, and love. The good news that Paul, Timothy, and Salvanus shared with them has been empowered by the Holy Spirit. Because of this, the church in Thessalonica has become an example to other churches and believers.

In chapter 2 Paul recalls their ministry in Thessalonica. He begins, “We had the courage through God to speak God’s good news in spite of a lot of opposition.” Perhaps this example has given strength to this church in their own suffering. Paul recalls their ministry as gentle. It was a joy to preach to and to live alongside them. The church saw how “holy, just, and blameless” Paul and companions were when amongst them. Paul remembers how they appealed to, encouraged, and pleaded with them to “live lives worthy of the God who is calling you.”

Paul then rejoices that the believers in Thessalonica are doing just that. He sees how they are imitators of the churches back in Judea – staying faithful even in their suffering. Paul expresses a longing to visit them again. But “Satan stopped us.” So he sent Timothy, who came back greatly encouraged by the faith of the Thessalonican church. This increases Paul’s desire to visit and it also increases his prayers for this church. Paul prays for strengthened hearts and for them to be “blameless in holiness.” Thus they will be ready when the Lord Jesus returns. May we be ready too!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for this witness to faithful living. As we read of their faith, love, and hope in you, may these grow in our hearts. As we read of their good works and courageous endurance, may our faith be strengthened and encouraged. Build us up, O God, to be who and what you call us to be as witnesses to the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen.


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Rooted and Built Up

Reading: Colossians 1-2

Colossians 2:7 – “Be rooted and built up in him [Christ], be established in the faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.”

Colossians, as a whole, presents a beautiful picture of Christ as the fullness of God, as the agent of creation and redemption, and as the one who empowers the church to faithful living. In the face of rival, more worldly teaching, Paul presents a Christ fully capable of changing and transforming hearts and lives into a new, holy, and blameless way of living.

Colossians begins with thanksgiving and a prayer. Paul offers thanks for their faith in Christ and for their love of all of God’s people – both outcomes of Epaphras’ teaching. The message of hope has been growing and producing fruit in all of their good works. Paul prays that they will be strengthened and will grow in their knowledge of God’s will. He prays that they will endure hardships with patience so that they “can take part in the inheritance” – eternal life.

A hymn about Christ’s work comes next, in verses 15-20. This hymn celebrates Christ as the creator of all things and as the glue that holds all things together. Christ is the one who reconciles all to God – including those in the Colosse church. Paul encourages them to stay rooted in their faith. He warns against this “philosophy and foolish deception,” these human rules. Paul encourages them to live in and with Christ: “Be rooted and built up in him [Christ], be established in the faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.” Being baptized into Christ’s death, Paul says, now live alive in Christ. Stay connected to Christ, Paul implores. May it be so for us as well.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us in our walk of faith. Open our hearts and minds to the fullness of Jesus Christ. Help us to truly be reconciled to you, living as light and love in this world. Guard us from the false teachings of the world and of the evil one. Root us deeply in Christ. Establish our faith on the rock. Empower us to faithful living through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.


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A Life in Christ

Reading: Philippians 3-4

Philippians 4:13 – “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.”

Chapter 3 begins with a focus on pursuing Christ. Paul first warns the believers in Philippi to be wary of those who do evil and who try to force circumcision upon them. He encourages them not to put confidence in the outer self but to do as he did: write off all the worldly titles and accolades. Lose them all, like Paul, “so that I [like Paul] might gain Christ and be found in him.” In Christ, Paul receives a righteousness that is not his own. It comes through faith in Christ alone.

Paul connects knowing Christ to bring conformed to his suffering and death. In this way, Paul hopes that he “may perhaps” attain the goal of resurrection. Paul pursues this goal – not because he is perfect but because Christ “grabbed hold of me.” Leaving all else behind, this goal has become Paul’s focus.“The upward call” of God in and through Jesus Christ is the goal that Paul pursues. This pursuit involves living a holy and blameless life, a life, like Paul’s, that is worthy of imitation.

In chapter 4 Paul encourages those in the church in Philippi to “stand firm” in the Lord. He urges unity within and gentleness in their interactions with all people. Rather than worry, bring your prayers to God. Then the peace “that exceeds all understanding” will fill their hearts and minds. He invites them to focus their thoughts on all that is “true… holy… just… pure… lovely… and worthy of praise.” Living a life in Christ, Paul encourages, will bring contentment in any and all circumstances. This is because “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.” Walking daily in Jesus Christ’s strength, may we “give off a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice that pleases God.”

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us, strengthen and empower us today in our pursuit of you. Help us to lay aside the things that matter to this world so that we can focus on your will and way. Show us how to turn all our worries and fears and doubts over to you in prayer, receiving instead your peace and love. Amen.


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One in Christ

Reading: Philippians 1-2

Philippians 2:3 – “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As is his custom, Paul begins his letter to the Philippians with thanksgiving and prayer. He is “full of joy” because of the ministry in Philippi. Paul is sure that God will complete the work begun by these “partners in God’s grace.” Paul prays for their love and for their knowledge of Christ to grow. Then they will truly “filled with the fruit of righteousness.”

Paul then acknowledges that his hardships and imprisonment have actually advanced the gospel. Those in Rome are learning about Christ and others have become bolder in their proclamation of the gospel. Paul then expressed a longing to be with Christ. Yet, for their sake, he recognizes that it is more important for him to “stay in the world.” He can help them to joyfully grow in the faith. He challenges those in the church in Philippi to “live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.” This will require them to stand firm, both in the face of hardship and suffering.

In chapter 2 Paul invites the church to imitate Christ. He invites them to be unified with Christ and with one another. He encourages them, saying, “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.” Paul then unpacks what this all looks like. Jesus “emptied himself” and he humbled himself by “becoming obedient to death.” Because of Jesus’ living faith, at his name one day all will bow and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Therefore, Paul says, be blameless and pure, trusting in God’s power to live out their own faith, shining “like stars” in this “crooked and corrupt” world. All of this is possible when they “hold onto the word of life,” Jesus Christ. May it be so for us this day and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, encourage our walk of faith and fill us with all joy. Lead and guide us to yield the fruit of righteousness as we share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. Make us one in Christ, one body created to humbly serve in love. Amen.


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What Hope. What Good News.

Reading: Ephesians 1-2

Ephesians 1:7 – “We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.”

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians begins with a beautiful pronouncement that we are saved by grace alone. He first declares that we have been chosen in Christ to be holy and blameless. We are able to do this because of two things. First, we have been adopted as God’s children. Second, imperfect though we are, “We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.” This grace is unending. It is what allows us to return to our walk with Christ again and again. We have the hope of salvation in our hearts. We are marked for an inheritance, sealed with the Holy Spirit. In Paul’s day a seal authenticated and protected a document. The Holy Spirit authenticates and protects us as the children of God.

Paul then offers a prayer of thanksgiving and petition. He is thankful for the faith evident in the Ephesian church. He prays that God will further open their eyes and hearts to the hope of God’s call, to the richness of their inheritance, and to the greatness of God’s power at work in them.

In chapter 2 Paul steps back to remember what they used to be like. This is a good practice for us to undertake periodically. They used to be dead in their sin, living like people of the world. They did whatever felt good. They were like children headed for punishment. Sound familiar?

But, Paul says, God is rich in mercy. God saved them (and us) through grace. Salvation is God’s gift. And again, he calls them to remember. You were aliens and strangers to God. You had no hope. Once far away, you’ve now been “brought near by the blood of Christ.” The barriers have been broken down. You’ve been reconciled to God and to one another. You belong in God’s household. All has been joined together in Christ. We are called to be a place – a church – “where God lives by the Spirit.” What hope. What good news. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you are indeed rich in mercy and grace. You are great in power and mighty in your forgiveness. Again and again you draw us back into right relationship with you and with one another. What amazing love you have for each of us, your adopted sons and daughters. All the praise and glory are yours! Amen.


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Seek Wisdom Like Silver

Readings: Proverbs 1 and 2

‭Proverbs 2:10-11 – “Wisdom will enter your mind, and knowledge will fill you with delight. Discretion will guard you; understanding will protect you.”

As we delve into Proverbs we begin with the “why.” The purpose of Proverbs is to teach us wisdom and discipline. The advice contained herein can make the naive mature, the young knowledgeable. Ultimately wisdom leads to the fear of the Lord. This isn’t a fear of spiders or heights. It is a holy reverence for God, a deep respect and awareness of God’s might.

Lady wisdom begins speaking in 1:20. She is a personification of God’s wisdom, an old-school version of the Holy Spirit perhaps. Lady wisdom calls out to the naive, to the mockers, to the fools. But they reject and ignore her. They will not receive her spirit. So she’ll laugh at them when disaster and distress and oppression come. Tis, after all, “the fruit of their way.” But those who do listen and who do obey, they “will dwell securely.”

In chapter 2 Solomon speaks to his son. This could be to an actual son, it might just be to all “sons.” Solomon’s wisdom along with lady wisdom’s – these are to be sought like silver. This is because if one lives with integrity, God will bless you with “ability.” If one is blameless, God will be your shield. In verses 10-11 we read, “Wisdom will enter your mind, and knowledge will fill you with delight. Discretion will guard you; understanding will protect you.” Wisdom will rescue one from evil. It will rescue one from the “mysterious woman” too – the woman who has forgotten her covenants with God and with her husband. Her path leads to death. Those who walk with integrity, they will “dwell in the land.”

Prayer: Lord God, pour out your wisdom upon us. Open our hearts and minds as we delve into your word. Guide us to store away those nuggets that will lead us to walk your path. Guard us from evil. Keep the tempter far away. Amen!


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Revelations of Christ

Reading: 1st Corinthians 1:3-9

Verse 7: “You are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

As we return to 1st Corinthians today we look at how God’s grace is worked out in our lives. God’s grace guides us into relationships. The first relationship is with God. This comes as God’s graces woos us and draws us towards God’s love. As this prevenient grace brings us into a personal relationship, God’s grace then justifies us, making us right with God. This justifying grace enables imperfect us to continue to be in a relationship with our perfect God. Our relationship with God is then reflected outward by Christ’s Spirit, which resides in us, giving us grace and strength and guidance. It is the Holy Spirit that gives us these “spiritual gifts” and that prompts us to use these gifts to live in community with one another.

As we “eagerly wait” for Jesus to be revealed, we do so in a two-fold manner. In Paul’s context he is expressing the common hope and belief of his day that Jesus’ return (or revelation) was imminent. This is true for us too. So we also seek to live “blameless” lives before our God. While we wait, however, we are also the revelation of Christ in the world. As we live into and respond to God’s love we begin to sense a call to “live in fellowship” with Jesus and with those Jesus loves. Our response is to share and to witness to Christ’s love, grace, forgiveness, and hope in the world, making Jesus real to that world. Trusting that God “will keep you strong to the end,” may we live daily as Christ’s hands, feet, heart, and words.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us into a deep, personal, intimate relationship with you. It is so close and so important that you send the Holy Spirit to live within each of our hearts. Lead and guide us, use us each day as we seek to live out all that you are for the world. Amen.