pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Love = God

Reading: 1st John 4-5

1st John 4:7 – “Dear friends, let’s love each other, because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God.”

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1st John 4 begins with an invitation to test the spirits. If one confesses the incarnate Jesus as God’s son, it is from God. By holding to this spirit, God’s children can overcome the world because “the one in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” In verse 7 we shift to love – loving God and one another. Although a relatively short book, 1st John uses the word ‘love’ more than any other book in the New Testament.

John declares that love is from God and that all who love are born from God and know God. Love was truly revealed when God sent Jesus into the world as “the sacrifice that deals with our sin.” Because God loved us this way, John argues, we ought to love one another. When we love God and others, then God remains in us. We can live daily and look to eternity with confidence because there is no fear in love. Because of this truth, I believe it is good and right to err on the side of love. It is far better to love too much than to love too little.

Chapter 5 develops love into proof that we are born of God. Love, for John and many others, is the key indicator of being “born again.” Because we love God, we strive to keep God’s commands. Although the one who is in the world is strong, through faith we are able to defeat the world. John then offers testimony about Jesus. He is the one who came through water (baptism,) through the blood (cross,) and through the Spirit (God’s presence in our hearts.) Through him we find eternal life.

Chapter 5 closes with some great tidbits. I can’t help wondering if John was out of ink or out of room on his parchment. In short order, John says to ask in God’s will, then you’ll receive. Pray for a brother or sister who is sinning. Guard yourselves from evil. And, oh yes, avoid idols!

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to love, love, love. Through your Spirit within us, lead us to be people who love well. Doing so, we reflect Jesus to the world. In love, empower us to walk faithfully in your will and ways. Draw us closer to you, deeper into your love – this day and every day. Amen.


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Light and Love to the World

Reading: 1st John 1-3

1st John 3:9 – “Those born from God don’t practice sin because God’s DNA remains in them.”

The opening of 1st John echoes the words and feel of John’s gospel: from the beginning, life was revealed, fellowship with the Father and Son. There is also his firsthand testimony to Jesus’ life. “We” have seen him, heard him, touched him.

John then launches into “living in the light.” Jesus is the light and in him there is no darkness. Living in the light we have fellowship with Jesus and with one another. Living in the light we find forgiveness of sins. John adds, “The one who claims to remain in him ought to live like him.” We should strive to emulate Jesus’ example. As we read on, John equates living in the light to two things: loving God/others and keeping God’s commands. If we love our brothers and sisters, then we remain in the light. But if we hate our brothers and sisters, then we are living in darkness (or sin.) Similarly, if we love the things of this world instead, then we are of the world, living in darkness.

1st John briefly addresses the “antichrists” that have come from within the faith communities. These false teachers have distorted the good news, denying God. John reminds the believers of the Spirit’s anointing that keeps them in relationship with God. This relationship is rooted in love. It was love that makes us God’s children. It is love that keeps us from sinning. In 3:9 John connects these dots, writing, “Those born from God don’t practice sin because God’s DNA remains in them.” The Spirit of God, dwelling in our hearts, empowers us to live and to keep the commands. Echoing James’ words, John encourages us to lay self down for others, loving in action and truth. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, as you have loved us, making us part of your family, may we love others, drawing them into the family. Empower us to love well as you guard our hearts against loving the things of this world. May we be light to the darkness of this world, love to the hate. Amen.


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God Is… Patient

Reading: 2nd Peter 3

2nd Peter 3:9 – “The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promises… but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change hearts and lives.”

Chapter 3 begins with a reiteration of the encouragement to recall what the prophets and apostles have taught. Peter then tells them that scoffers will come, jeering, living in sin, questioning the second coming of the Lord. Peter writes, “they fail to notice…” This is another way of reminding his audience of these truths. The word that created the world now “holds in reserve” the ungodly for the coming Judgment Day. Yes, Peter agrees, the wait feels long. But don’t forget, God’s time is not our time – “a single day is like a thousand years…”

Peter continues this thought as he tells them that God isn’t slow, he’s patient: “The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promises… but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change hearts and lives.” As Christ said, the day will come like a thief – suddenly, unexpected. On that day, “all will be exposed.” So… be ready every moment by living holy and godly lives always. Wait for the new heaven and earth, making every effort to be found in Christ – at peace, pure and faultless. And as you wait, the apostle urges, be on guard against temptations as you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

In Peter’s day, when suffering was real and when voices and cultures spoke against a faithful walk of faith, holding onto and trusting into God’s promises was essential. Times have not changed. We live in a post-Christian world that teeters on anti-Christian at times. May we be on guard, striving to live holy and righteous lives, eagerly awaiting the day of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, your word and promises endure forever. Empower us to hold to these truths, especially when the world challenges our faith and our belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Strengthen us for this journey, O Lord. Amen.


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Living as Immigrants and Strangers

Reading: 1st Peter 1-2

1st Peter 1:3 – “On account of his vast mercy, he has given us a new birth… born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Written by the apostle Peter, 1st Peter was originally written to house churches scattered across the Roman empire. They were experiencing conflict and persecution because their faith often ran counter to the norms of the culture. Peter encourages the believers to persevere, even in their suffering. Luke Christ, through this they too will accomplish their mission to witness to God’s love and mercy.

Peter begins his letter with a wonderful statement of faith: “On account of his vast mercy, he has given us a new birth… born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” This living hope is our inheritance, “kept safe in heaven.” He calls these in diaspora to rejoice in this hope, even if distressed now by these trials. Their “genuine faith” in the one they’ve never seen yet love and trust will result in their “praise, glory, and honor” one day. Instead of being conformed to their former desires, Peter declares, “You must be Holy in every aspect of your lives, just as the one who called you is holy.” Be like Jesus, the one who liberated you by his blood.

Peter calls the faithful to “set yourselves apart” because they’ve been given this new birth. According to John Wesley, this new birth was “the commitment to a daily journey of intentional, painful, and sacrificial work of character formation.” This echoes Christ’s call to die to self – again and again and again… This results in believers becoming “living stones… a royal priesthood.” Built upon the capstone that others stumble over, believers have become “God’s possession.” As such, living as “immigrants and strangers,” Peter urges them to avoid worldly desires and to live faithfully, even in suffering. Endure in faith, just like Christ. Be healed by his wounds and walk with “the shepherd and guardian of your lives.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your love and mercy, that which calls us to your living hope, Jesus Christ. In the highs and lows, in the trials and in the joys, build up in us a genuine faith and an endurance that yields fruit for your kingdom. Empower us to be conformed into the image and example of Christ. Equip us to walk faithfully, inviting others to join us on the journey to salvation. Amen.


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A Steadfast, Patient Resolve

Reading: James 3-5

James 4:7-8 – “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Chapters 3-5 deal with living as a friend or enemy of God. To be a friend of the world is to be an enemy of God. James first addresses speech: taming the tongue. Though small, like the rudder of a ship or a spark, the tongue is powerful: “a world of evil at work in us.” With the tongue we both bless God and curse one another. “It just shouldn’t be this way!”

A better way is suggested: “wisdom from above.” Contrasted with the jealousy and selfish ambition of the world, the better way is “pure… peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good actions, fair, and genuine.” The ways of the world lead to murder, fighting, theft… Instead, James says, pray to the Lord, go to God: “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” When we cry out to God, humbly seeking the Lord, God will “lift you up.”

James encourages us to live in the present, not looking too far ahead, not relying on our wealth or other things of this earth. Soberly, we are reminded, “You are a mist.” We are but a tiny blip on God’s eternal timeline. All we do and say and think should be done with God’s will, plan, and purposes in mind. Accordingly, we are to pray for one another, confess our sins to each other, and hold one another accountable. And as we live this life, looking forward to the day of the Lord, we should do so with patient resolve. Like the prophets and like Job, may we be steadfast in our walk of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, the battle is real, the war wages on. We are helpless and weak; you are strong and mighty. Come alongside us in Spirit, fight for us and with us. Give us a patient resolve and a sure faith. Guide us moment by moment. Amen.


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Faithful Activity

Reading: James 1-2

James 2:14 – “My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it?”

Today we begin the book of James. James advocates an active, world-engaging, lived out faith. To live this way, while “scattered” to the world, is indeed a great challenge. These words from James that we read today and tomorrow very much apply to our lives and world right now. As “resident aliens” it is easier to write a check than it is to show up. It eases one’s conscience to say, “It’s the pastor’s job.” Yes, a time comes in life when it is not possible to physically show up. And, yes, some “jobs” are the pastor’s. But to shelter one’s faith from the world and vice versa, well, better read and study James.

Chapter 1 from James deals with standing firm in our faith. James begins by encouraging us to think of moments of testing as “occasions for joy.” These moments produce endurance, which yields a mature faith. In times of trial, we are invited to turn to God for wisdom. Trusting in God, we will receive. This is because God is good and faithful. Such a God will not tempt us. No, James says, that comes from within ourselves. God only gives good things. The pinnacle of this is the word of God. The word has the power to make us slow to anger, slow to speak, and quick to listen. It gives us power over our tongues. (More on that in chapter 3.)

In chapter 2 James encourages us to show faith, not favoritism. Favoritism is “evil-minded.” It is judgmental. It denies mercy. Instead, James advises, put your faith into action, like Abraham and Rahab. James asks, “My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it?” That is a great question. Yes, belief in God is good. But, we are reminded, “Even the demons believe this.” To wish well for a brother or sister who is naked or hungry without actually meeting their needs? James: “Faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.”

Prayer: Lord God, it is so much easier to just fly under the radar, to just think someone else will do it. It is so much harder to stand firm, to stand up, to show up. Faith isn’t supposed to be easy or convenient, is it God? Empower, equip, and encourage us, O Lord, to be doers of the word and not merely hearers. 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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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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Heirs in the Spirit

Reading: Galatians 3-4

Galatians 3:3 – “After you started with the Spirit, are you now finishing up with your own effort?”

Chapters 3 and 4 focus on the works of the Law versus the Spirit and on slaves versus heirs. Paul begins chapter 3 with a great line: “You irrational Galatians!” Paul is clearly frustrated. But it is a frustrated with a laugh involved. Their choice is so hard to believe, it makes one chuckle. After receiving the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ, the Galatians have changed courses. Paul asks, “After you started with the Spirit, are you now finishing up with your own effort?” Perhaps we too smile because we’ve done something similar again and again – tackling a problem or an issue on our own instead of first turning to the Lord.

Paul reminds the Galatians that Abraham was credited as righteous because of his faith. He then reminds them that they were redeemed by Jesus Christ so that they too could receive Abraham’s promise. Through Jesus they’ve been made family: brothers and sisters with Christ. Baptized into Christ, now clothed in Christ, the Galatians are now part of the family of God. Moving on, Paul clarifies.

Paul reminds the Galatians that prior to knowing Christ, they were enslaved by the things (or gods) of this world. Now freed, Paul wonders how they can go back to that. He longs to be with them. He is “at a loss about you.” Paul then turns to another analogy: Abraham’s two sons. One was conceived and born “the normal way” to a slave woman. This “son” remains enslaved to the Law. The other son was born to a free woman, conceived through the promise. This is the line that the Galatians stand in: born into Christ, freed from the Law, living under the Spirit. This is the line that we stand in as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for our adoption into your family. Born outside the biological line, we are incorporated in by the Spirit. We’ve been made one in Christ, one with each other. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.


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The Foundation: Jesus Christ

Reading: 1st Corinthians 1-3

1st Corinthians 1:18 – “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are being destroyed. But it is the power of God for those of us who are being saved.”

Paul writes this letter to the church in Corinth to address problems and misunderstandings in the church. Paul begins by giving thanks for their knowledge of Christ and for the spiritual gifts evident in the church. He reminds them that they are in partnership with Jesus Christ.

Paul then turns to the first issue: division in the church. Little subgroups are following different voices: Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ. He reminds the church that they were baptized and came to faith in Jesus Christ. To forget this would empty the cross of its meaning and its message. In 1:18 Paul writes, “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are being destroyed. But it is the power of God for those of us who are being saved.” The idea of Christ crucified is “a scandal to Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles” (to the world.) To believers, though, it is salvation.

Paul then lifts up God’s wisdom, which was disclosed in Christ’s crucifixion. God chose and chooses “what the world considers low-class and low-life” to reduce what is important to the world to “nothing.” God did this so that faith would depend not on “human wisdom” but on “the power of God.”

God’s wisdom and power are revealed through the Spirit. Once a believer receives the Spirit they can interpret and understand “spiritual things.” But this is a learning and growing process. These Corinthian believers are yet “babies in Christ.” They are still “drinking milk” instead of eating “solid food.” For Paul, this is evident because of the division and infighting in the church. Paul points them to their true foundation: Jesus Christ. He reminds them, “You belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” May this be our foundational truth as well.

Prayer: Lord God, open our minds and hearts to your wisdom and to your will and way. By the power of the Holy Spirit, give us guidance and direction as well as understanding. In all things, may all that we are belong to you alone. Amen.