pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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“Preach” Always

Reading: 2nd Timothy 3:14-4:5

2nd Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.”

Paul’s encouragement to Timothy begins with an invitation to stay focused on the word of God. Timothy began learning the word as a young child and has grown in his understanding of the scriptures. Paul reminds him that all scripture is useful – sometimes for teaching, other times for correcting, sometimes for training, other times for showing mistakes. As our guide to faith, scripture will equip the faithful “to do everything that is good.”

Shifting to chapter 4, Paul commissions Timothy “in the presence of God and if Jesus Christ.” The heart of his commission falls mostly in verse 3, where we read, “Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.” While the formal preaching most often happens on Sunday morning, the most impactful sharing of the good news occurs outside of that 15-20 minutes. The bold and powerful witness, the sure and steady faith – this is how we “preach” our faith. Putting heart, voice, hands, and feet to service in the kingdom of God is the best possible way to preach the good news.

Paul warns Timothy that there will be challenges and suffering. He speaks of a time when people will “collect teachers who say what they want to hear.” Truth will be sacrificed for personal comfort and personal gain. In the midst of this, Paul emphasizes the importance of Timothy’s choices, advising him to “keep control of yourself in all circumstances.” Don’t engage in the ugly, don’t get caught up in the division. Prudent advice for our day too!

The apostle’s closing advice to Timothy is complete: endure suffering, do the work of sharing the good news, serve fully. Give God all that you are and all that you have. May this be our daily goal.

Prayer: Lord God, you ask for all of us – our energy, our resources, our time, our gifts and talents, our prayers, our love – given in witness to the good news of salvation found in Jesus Christ. Guide us, Lord, to preach always. Strengthen us when we’re weak. Encourage us when we’re challenged. Comfort us when we’re suffering. In all ways and at all times, use us to build the kingdom of God. Amen.


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A Spirit Within

Reading: 2nd Timothy 1:1-7

2nd Timothy 1:7 – “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.”

In the greeting of his second letter to Timothy, Paul drops in a reminder of one of the core teachings of the faith: “the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.” Paul subtly reminds Timothy of a truth that he knows and claims but maybe doesn’t live out all of the time. This can happen to us too. In the difficult times and even in times when the daily routine gets rut-like, we can temporarily lose or drift from our faith. This happens most often for me when I bypass God – when I don’t stop and pray about something and when I just try to do whatever on my own.

Timothy is a gifted young pastor who is also too timid and too easily intimidated. Paul spent time with him, modeling what it looked like to preach the gospel with power and authority. Paul expresses gratitude for this time. He also celebrates the family legacy of faith that Timothy received from Lois and Eunice. Paul is “sure that this faith lives in you [Timothy].” Timothy is also reminded that Paul prays “day and night” for him and that he and his ministry was blessed by Paul’s “laying in of my hands.” Timothy has all he needs to faithfully serve the Lord.

The same is true for us. While we might not have had a Paul or Lois or Eunice in our lives and while preaching might not be our gift, we all have what we need to faithfully serve God. Paul writes of it in verse 7: “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.” When we claim the love, power, and self-control available through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence in us, then we can serve God and neighbor faithfully. Doing so, we do “preach” the good news of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, fill us with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Through that presence make us aware of both the gifts that you’ve given us and of the call that you’ve placed on in our lives. With the Spirit’s presence, lead us out in bold service to your kingdom. Through this service and through the power of the Spirit at work in and through us, may others come to know, claim, and live into the promise of eternal life found in Jesus Christ. Amen.


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Grace, Blessing, and Presence

Reading: Psalm 67

Psalm 67:1-2 – “Let God grant us grace and bless us… so that your salvation becomes known among the nations.”

This week we focus on God’s blessings – some physical and some spiritual. Our readings will culminate in Revelation with the tree of life that provides food and healing for the nations. Ezekiel 47 will also connect to this gift of God. Other readings this week focus on the peace, grace, and salvation offered by the Lord. We begin today with Psalm 67.

In the opening verses of Psalm 67 the writer invites God’s grace, blessing, and presence to be upon Israel. This is not just a request for Israel. These gifts from God will draw other nations to Israel so that they too can know the salvation that God offers. Our faith and our churches should function the same way. A quote often attributed to Francis of Assissi encourage us to preach the good news always, using words when necessary. God’s presence and love should be revealed in and through our lives, drawing others towards Christ and salvation.

Israel’s response and the response of those who receive salvation should be thanksgiving, celebration, and joy. God is just and fair and will guide all people to receive abundant life here and one day in the life to come. The physical joins these spiritual blessings in verse 6, where the psalmist acknowledges God’s hand at work. Here he or she writes, “The earth has yielded its harvest.” This too is a blessing from our creator God. It is how God designed and created this world. While this is yet to be realized, we pray for a time when all people experience the abundance that God intends for all the earth. This is God’s plan and design. With hope we join our voices with those in the far ends of the earth as we rejoice and say, thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you today for the many ways in which you bless our lives. Here you are our provider and guide, our encourager and sustainer, our hope and our light. You call us to abundantly and graciously share these blessings with others, opening their hearts to receive from you. This is just the beginning though. You also offer eternity in your glorious presence through the salvation of our souls. For all of this, O God, we too thank you. Amen.


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The Long Walk of Faith

Reading: 2nd Timothy 3-4

2nd Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

As I read Paul’s words to Timothy today, they seem very relevant to our current time. Many are selfish and love money, power, status. They “collect” or tune into only those who tell them what they want to hear. Many slander others, being critical and conceited. Others are reckless and seek only pleasure. When it suits them, “they will look religious.” But does the relevance end here? In verse 9 we read, “They won’t get very far. Their foolishness will become obvious.” While absolutely true in God’s kingdom, is it so here on earth?

Paul then presents his example, standing in sharp contrast to this earthly example. He invites Timothy and us to pay attention to his “teaching, conduct, purpose, faithfulness, patience, love, and endurance.” He makes us all aware of the cost of discipleship: “Anyone who wants to lead a holy life will be harassed.” Because of this reality, Paul encourages Timothy and us to stay rooted in the scriptures – what we’ve learned and been taught. Scripture is useful for “teaching… showing mistakes… correcting… training character.” Scripture equips the faithful to “do everything that is good.” What a sharp contrast to the way of the world!

In chapter 4 Paul commissions Timothy. This commission applies to us too. Paul charges Timothy with preaching the word always – whether convenient or inconvenient – and with correcting, confronting, and encouraging with patience and instruction. Paul encourages self-control, an essential for the long walk of faith. Giving his own example, Paul writes, “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” Paul knows heaven awaits. Yet he walks forward, trusting that the God who has stood by him will continue to do so until he wears that “champion’s wreath.” May this too be our walk of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, the walk is not always easy or smooth. It can be tempting to just look religious instead of being truly faithful. The outside voices can be loud and the coming suffering is scary. In those moments, remind us of your truths and promises in scripture and help us to feel your Spirit presence in our hearts. With these, lead and guide us to “preach the word” always, using words when needed. Amen.


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The True Gospel

Reading: Galatians 1-2

Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

Paul writes to the church in Galatia to assure them that they are saved by following the “law of love” not by adhering to the Law of Moses. False teachers have tried to push circumcision and other tenants of the Law upon these mostly Gentile Christians.

Paul’s introduction and blessing is much shorter than normal. He seems to want to get right to the point. He tells the church that he is “amazed” at how quickly they have deserted the gospel that he taught. Paul reminds them that what he taught them came through a revelation from Jesus himself. After a brief review of his years preaching salvation through faith in Christ alone, Paul recounts his meeting in Jerusalem with James, Peter, and John.

The church leaders approved “the gospel I preach to the Gentiles.” They recognized that Paul was sent to the Gentiles by God’s grace. Soon thereafter Paul encountered Peter (or Cephas) in Antioch. Peter has separated himself from the Gentile believers and appeared to be siding with the pro-circumcision crowd.

Paul called Peter (and Barnabas) out for hypocrisy. They said one thing in Jerusalem and now were acting another way in Antioch. Paul reminded Peter and Barnabas that they were made righteous by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ and not by the Law. He reminds them, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Paul closes by reminding Peter and Barnabas that faith comes through God’s Son, “who loved me and gave himself up for me.” Paul recounts this confrontation and these truths in his letter to remind the Galatian church of the true gospel. Paul is reminding us too. May we live and believe in the law of love, in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we are called to live by faith alone. Through faith we receive love, grace, mercy, forgiveness… We cannot follow any Law or rules, we cannot check off any required number of boxes to earn our salvation. It comes through faith in your Son. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.


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Unhindered

Reading: Acts 27 and 28

Acts 28:31 – “Unhindered and with complete confidence, he [Paul] continued to preach God’s kingdom and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Today we conclude the book of Acts. Paul sails to Rome and then settles into two years of evangelism there. The journey to Rome begins well. Paul is treated kindly by Julius, the centurion in charge. Soon the going becomes difficult and slow. The voyage becomes potentially dangerous because it is now fall. Against Paul’s advice, they sail on. A violent storm begins. The ship is wrapped in cables as they drift along. Cargo then the ship’s gear gets tossed overboard. All hope faded.

An angel comes to Paul and assures him that he will get to Rome and that all on board have been “graciously given to you.” Nearing land, the sailors try to abandon ship. Following Paul’s advice, Julius stops them. Paul encourages all to eat and all 263 eat. The next day they see and make for a beach. The ship hits a sandbar and begins to break apart. Because of Paul, Julius intervenes and saves the prisoners. All reach shore safely.

On Malta now, they are received kindly. Paul is unaffected by a bite from a poisonous snake. He heals Publius’ father, then all who were sick on the island. After three months they set sail. Arriving in Rome, Paul is welcomed and encouraged by the brothers and sisters there. He then gathers the Jewish leaders. After explaining why he is in Rome, Paul teaches and preaches Jesus from the Law and Prophets. Some believe and others refuse to believe. Paul declares that salvation will come to the Gentiles because they will listen.

Paul lives in Rome, under house arrest, for two years. He welcomes all who visit. Acts closes with this: “Unhindered and with complete confidence, he [Paul] continued to preach God’s kingdom and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ.” May it be so for you and for me too!

Prayer: Lord God, maybe be unhindered, undignified, and unafraid as we proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. May we teach and preach in word and deed so that some may be saved. Amen.


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Why Jesus Came

Reading: Acts 13:1-15:21

Acts 15:10 – “Why then are you now challenging God by placing a burden on the shoulders of these disciples that neither we or our ancestors could bear?”

Photo credit: Frank McKenna

Beginning in chapter 13 we see the spread of the church past the first Gentile city out into the Gentile world. Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark are sent out from Antioch as missionaries. There is great success overall but the growth of the church is not without persecution and controversy.

The missionaries begin in Cyprus, proclaiming the word of God. Paul confronts a false prophet, demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit. Moving on to Pisidian Antioch, John Mark deserts Paul and Barnabas, returning to Jerusalem. Paul accepts the invitation to preach on the Sabbath. His powerful sermon on Jewish history and Jesus’ ministry yields an invitation to preach again. A large crowd gathers on the next Sabbath, stirring up jealousy amongst the Jews. Their rejection of the message leads Paul and Barnabas to focus on the Gentiles. Moving on to Iconium, Luke reports that “the same thing happened” – some believe but others are opposed to their message.

Paul and Barnabas move on to Lystra. Here Paul heals a man who believed that he could be healed. The locals mistake Paul and Barnabas for Greek gods. They head off the sacrifice of bulls to them, but Jews arrive from Antioch and Iconium, stirring up the crowd. Paul is stoned and left for dead. He gets up and they travel to Derbe the next day. After making disciples there, Paul and Barnabas work their way back to Antioch. Along the way they encourage the believers and they appoint elders to lead these new churches.

Jews from Jerusalem arrive in Antioch and stir up some tension. They tell the Gentile believers that they must first be circumcised in order to be saved. The idea of “you’ve got to be just like us” is not an invention of the modern church. Paul, Barnabas, Peter, and James all argue against placing Jewish requirements on Gentile believers. Peter asks the pertinent question: “Why then are you now challenging God by placing a burden on the shoulders of these disciples that neither we or our ancestors could bear?” No one has been able to keep the Law. This is why Jesus came – to do for us what we could not do on our own. By his life, he gave us what we cannot earn and what we do not deserve: the forgiveness of sins that leads to life eternal. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, how wide and deep is your love. It flows from your heart, out in all directions. It does not avoid certain places or people. It carries the power to wash away sins, barriers, and presumptions. May your love wash over us, filling us to overflowing with your love. Amen.


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Strengthen the Church

Reading: Acts 8 and 9

Acts 9:15 – “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites.”

Following Stephen’s stoning persecution ramps up. Saul began to “wreak havoc” against the early church. Many fled Jerusalem, spreading out, preaching the good news “along the way.” Philip was one of these. He went to Samaria. His preaching and the signs and healings he offered led to belief and baptisms. News of his ministry leads the church in Jerusalem to send Peter and John to Samaria. They prayed for the gift of the Spirit, laid hands on the new believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. As Peter and John return to Jerusalem, they too preach “along the way.” In the early church the practice of sharing the faith was a 24/7 kind of thing. It was just something you did naturally. This should be how we live each day too!

Philip is then sent down a desert road (what?!) where he meets an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah. The eunuch has been in Jerusalem to worship God, but his physical condition would’ve limited his participation. Philip rides along with him, interpreting the passage, using it to teach him about Jesus. Coming to some water, the eunuch asks about baptism. Philip welcomes the opportunity to fully include him, baptizing the eunuch. The Spirit then takes Philip to Azotus where he… preaches the good news of Jesus Christ!

Chapter 9 begins with Saul’s “Damascus road” experience. Confronted and struck blind by the risen Jesus, Saul is then healed by Ananias. He had protested going to Saul, but the Lord told him, “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites.” As the chapter unfolds, Saul preaches the good news. This leads to the persecutor becoming the persecuted.

Our reading closes with Peter’s continuing ministry. He heals Aeneas in Lydda and then Tabitha in Joppa. Both of these signs are in Gentile areas and many come to put their faith in the Lord. There is a time of peace for the church and God continues to strengthen the church. May it continue to be so in our time.

Prayer: Lord God, in ways big and small, in ways loud and quiet, you continue to work to change hearts and lives. Your Spirit ever leads and guides. Help us to draw upon the same Holy Spirit power to continue your work in the world. Amen.


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One in Christ

Reading: Mark 1-3

Mark 2:17 – “I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

Mark’s gospel moves along quickly, often presenting what feels like shortened versions of lots of the stories we read in Matthew. Although written after and based upon Mark’s gospel, I think Matthew’s is placed first in the New Testament because it gives details that inform our reading of Mark.

John the Baptist begins the story. Jesus is an adult. John calls people to a baptism that shows they are changing their hearts and lives. He tells of Jesus, “one stronger than I,” of one who will baptize not with water but “with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus is then baptized by John, hears God’s words of love and affirmation, and it tempted in the wilderness. John is arrested and Jesus gets to work, declaring that God’s kingdom is here, so change your hearts and lives. Jesus then calls the first disciples, heals a demoniac and Simon’s mother-in-law, preaches, and heals a leper. That’s all in chapter 1!

We slow down slightly in chapters 2 and 3. Jesus begins to interact with the religious leaders. Jesus forgives a paralyzed man’s sins, prompting muttering from the religious leaders. He heals the man next, showing he has authority over sin. He eats with tax collectors and other sinners after calling Levi (also known as Matthew.) In response to the religious leaders grumbling about this, Jesus tells them, “I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.” Then the religious leaders question Jesus’ about his disciples not fasting. Jesus tells them the disciples will when he is gone. For now, though, Jesus is here to do a new thing, to offer a new understanding of how to live a holy and righteous life.

Then there is conflict around the Sabbath. Jesus declares that the Sabbath is about doing good and drawing closer to God. The religious leaders begin to plan how to kill Jesus. Jesus then calls the 12 and appoints them to be with him, to preach, and to cast out demons. After clearing up which side he is on (it’s not Satan’s), Jesus claims that his followers are his true family, his one community. One in Christ, we too are one with each other. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we are rooted and bound together in your love. That love leads, guides, flavors, influences our relationships with one another. As we seek to build your kingdom here on earth, draw us deeper and deeper into your love. Amen.


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Living Together with Christ

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 5:6-11

Verse 10: “Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.”

Photo credit: Sophie Walker

Thessalonica was a city under Roman control. The political leaders and many of the religious leaders were trying to curry favor with the Romans. This upstart church refused to play this game. The tension created by this eventually sept into the church, creating division there too. They began looking at one another, questioning the other’s faith. The polarization of the world was beginning to creep into the church. The “us” and “them” mentality was negatively affecting the church and its witness, both from the outside and from the inside.

Paul begins to address this by encouraging the church to not be like those who are asleep – those without faith in Jesus Christ. Instead, he encourages them to “be alert and self-controlled.” Notice when the world is creeping in, keep the focus on Jesus. Make the choice to control your tongues and your bodies. To help these efforts, Paul invites them to put on “faith… love… and the hope of salvation.” Putting on and living out faith, hope, and love will allow them to be light in the dark world and peace in a world of division. These actions, of course, must begin within and then spread outside the church. We must first practice and model what we believe before we can preach or share these things with the world.

Paul closes with a reminder and then with an encouragement. First, in verse 10, he writes, “Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.” Christ died for all – for those inside the church and for those still outside the church. The mission remains to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Second, Paul invites the church to “encourage one another and to build each other up.” Support and love one another, lift each other up. Being hope, love, and faith in the world is not often easy. We need one another. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, draw us together. Make us one in you and one with each other. Let love and hope and faith guide all that we do and say, especially within the family of God. After we’ve learned to do this well, send us out to share these blessings with the world. Amen.