#Romans14 - Eat bacon for God!

Image from http://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/
2012/10/12/six-pack-bacon-bacon-bacon/

Romans 14: 

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

I like to eat. I'm not a glutton, nor am I even overweight, but I do like to eat. Paul talks a lot about eating in this chapter, so a lot of it stood out to me. :) It was interesting to me that Paul was less concerned about the technicalities of what you eat, and more concerned about how it affected others. We are FREE in Christ to do as we please, so let's use our freedom to help others feel welcomed in Christ. If I do something or say something that I don't necessarily think is wrong in God's eyes, but someone else is convinced it is, I SHOULDN'T DO IT AROUND THEM. The goal is not to be right, but unity in the body of Christ. I do have some questions about this, though (see #4). So that is why Paul says, "Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God." So I say, "Let's eat bacon for God!" :)

Oh, and also, my name is "Daniel" which means "God is my judge." So the fact that this chapter is all about remembering that we will all have to give an account to God, who is the judge, is pretty cool.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

I think to start to understand Paul's logic here, you have to know a little about the Jewish customs he is using as illustrations. One is food. In the old covenant law, God commanded the Israelites to abstain from certain foods, including shellfish, pork, and Colossians 2 for some references to these "holy days."
d others. Some of these can be found in Leviticus 11. Under the new covenant, God himself declared many of these things clean. See Peter's vision about eating clean and unclean food in Acts 10. Another example Paul uses here is if someone "regards one day as special..." This could refer either to the Sabbath day, or to many other festivals and special days that God initiated in the old covenant, that were sort of unnecessary in the new. See Isaiah 1 and

3. So what does this mean for my life?

I was pretty convicted while reading this chapter. It's pretty easy for me to fall more into the "Pharisee" camp and almost add rules to God's rules. Although I have questions about how far to take this (see #4), I have to be careful not to be judgmental of others, especially unbelievers or new believers. For them, some behaviors might not be a really big deal which for me might be off limits. But I have to be careful not to play judge and just call out their behaviors like a tennis match referee. I need to let God be the judge in order to help them come closer to God. I have to trust more that God will convict people as the Holy Spirit begins to grow into all areas of their lives.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

I have several. When are we supposed to "judge" the behaviors of others, and help them see that it is not God's desire? I'm not talking about condemning them to hell, I'm talking about things that God clearly outlines as destructive or sinful (i.e. filthy language, sexual immorality, gossiping, etc.). I don't think we're supposed to just plug our ears and close our eyes and hum a merry tune and think, "It's okay if they keep behaving that way. God will judge them in the end." So that's one question.

The second is this: how does this apply to things that aren't explicitly forbidden in the Bible, or at least in the new testament? Like should Christians watch rated R movies, listen to music with sexually immoral lyrics, smoke, get tattoos, etc.? I think this is more what Paul has in mind, but I just don't know.

Those are my thoughts. Again, a short chapter, but some really important life questions. I'd love to hear anyone else's thoughts.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans13 - Submit to Earthly Authorities

Romans 13: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

The chapter starts out on a note that I think many young people would find challenging. I think in part it's because of that difficult 6-letter word: "submit." Part of gaining independence is to "break free" from rules and those in authority: parents, teachers, city officials and officers, etc. But God's word here is especially striking if you look at the culture to which it was written. Many Jews, and later Christians, saw the Roman government as the enemy - even the Antichrist. Still, God encourages us to submit to the governing authorities, spelling out that God is the one who has allowed people and nations to be in power. So paying taxes, abiding by traffic rules, and following legal business practices are all ways to ultimately submit to God.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

In verses 8-10, Paul talks about love as being the fulfillment of the law. Immediately, and probably obviously, I thought of Jesus' own teaching about love being the summary of the law in Matthew 22. The teachers of the law tried to trick Jesus once again (you'd think they'd get tired of being in the wrong) by asking him which of the commandments is the greatest. Whichever one Jesus picked they would find some fault in his answer. However, Jesus says that loving God and loving neighbors are the two greatest commandments and that all of the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. (In a side note, Jesus also talks about paying taxes to Caesar earlier in the same chapter.) It's almost as if Paul was taking his cues from Jesus. :)

3. So what does this mean for my life?

I have always been a rules follower (almost to a fault), but I really connected with verse 3 about not fearing authorities if you do what is right. I think of speeding as an example. Whenever I pass a cop car, I never get worried. I never check in my rear view mirror for lights. It's because I am not speeding. On the other hand, for those who are speeding there is that moment of tense anxiety when they see a police officer on the road. So I'll keep doing that. :)

However, another thing that came to mind was that I don't believe this chapter is talking about blind obedience to every rule no matter what. In fact, the Bible has examples where Jews did not follow the ruling laws that were in direct contradiction to God's (i.e. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Daniel, etc.). I believe that we are able to and called to be a part of political process to protect our freedoms to worship. We are blessed to live in a country where we can speak up, vote, and contact our officials and government leaders in order to bring about justice and protect our freedoms and rights. So many people feel helpless to the government's "control," but refuse or neglect to participate in the processes which can affect change.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Two major questions really arise for me from this chapter. First, regarding the submission to authorities, when is it appropriate for Christians to directly disobey the law (i.e. other countries where it is illegal to be a Christian, own a Bible, share your faith, or assemble for worship)? I'm not talking about normal civil laws, but specific laws that prevent people around the world from obeying God's word.

The second question is about verses 11-12. The writers of the new testament all seemed to think the end of the world was near. Why did they think that? 2,000 years later, how do we take these verses? Is it referring to the order of events (i.e. the next event will be Jesus return) or time in years?

There are my thoughts and questions. I was actually surprised how much this little chapter prompted in me. I thought this would be a really quick blog entry, but there's some good stuff. I'd love to hear your thoughts or questions.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans12 - Caterpillars in the Bible? Well, sort of...

Romans 12: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

Romans 12:2 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Recently I paid close attention to the verb tenses in the verse and realized something very important. It says "Do not CONFORM...but BE TRANSFORMED..." Conforming is something we do to ourselves. We try to make ourselves "fit in" and look like everyone else around us. Like in the books of Judges and Samuel, the Israelites wanted a king so they could be like all the other nations around them. God warned them what would happen, but they still wanted one. But in the end, it is something we do to ourselves. On the other hand, the next verb says BE TRANSFORMED. Notice it doesn't say "conform yourselves" or "try harder to look like Jesus" or "transform yourselves." It says, "BE TRANSFORMED." That is a passive verb. Actually the Greek word that is translated "transformed" is "metamorphoo," which is where we get our word for metamorphosis. A caterpillar goes through a transformation, but it's not something that's done on it's own. It simply submits to the process God has created so it can "be transformed" into a new creation. In the same way, we ought to simply "be transformed" by God's word and God's processes to let him shape us into the image of his Son.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know.

One of my favorite illustrations for what the church is supposed to be is found in verses 3-8, namely that the church is like one body with many parts. Each part performs different tasks and has different gifts, but is important to the function of the whole body. One of the longest passages where Paul talks about the body is in 1 Corinthians 12, and he also illustrates the church in this way in Ephesians 4. Each of these three passages provides insight into this illustration, as well as the different gifts found in the body of Christ. If you struggle with what your place is, look in each of these three places and see if any of the gifts describe you.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

I was struck by the end of this passage where Paul talks about loving your enemies. Especially striking was the final verse, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." We use this verse with our children to talk about not "getting revenge" or hitting back, but rather showing love even to those who are being mean to us. It is an simple concept, but not an easy one for anyone to put into practice. I would have a really hard time actually thinking of anyone in my life right now as an "enemy," but there are plenty of times where even the people I love rub me the wrong way for a moment. My reaction is a good indicator of how I'm letting God transform me in this way.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

This is a pretty big question, but how are we as Christians supposed to apply these types of verses to war and terrorism? Or even to self-defense on a personal level? At what point do we still bear arms and defend ourselves in the world, and how far is too far? I find myself having a hard time justifying 100% pacifism and 100% war mentality with a biblical backing. Yet everything in between is gray. That's hard.

Some big thoughts from a very practical chapter. I'd love to hear thoughts from others.

In Christ,
Dan

#Psalm100 - A great word for Thanksgiving

I'm taking a break from the chapter a day for Thanksgiving. Here is a great Psalm about giving thanks and praising God.

Psalm 100: 

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

#Romans11 - Paul's Spiritual Botany Lesson

Romans 11: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

I am a very visual person. I tend to do well with charts, diagrams, and visual illustration. Paul's use of grafting branches into a tree really helps me understand what God is doing/has done here. Paul has already used language of being adopted as children into God's family, which is already an image that implies our helplessness and God's love. This image of grafting in branches is another one that really reveals how we are powerless to give life to ourselves. Paul also makes it very clear that the ingrafted branches were grafted in because of faith [in Christ], and the branches that God cut off were because of unbelief (although he even says that if they turn back and believe in Christ they will be grafted in again "to their own olive tree."). I especially love Paul's warning to those who are grafted in (namely the Gentiles, which includes anyone who isn't of Jewish descent) not to become arrogant, as if they deserved it. That's a reminder to all of us to be thankful for God's gift of grace.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

One phrase caught my attention that made me think of some other verses. In Romans 11:25, he refers to the gospel message and the inclusion of Gentiles as a mystery. This also occurs in Ephesians 3 and Colossians 1 and 2. Paul talks about the mystery of the gospel that has been kept hidden but is now revealed in Christ. It reminds me that as cliche' and sometimes misused as this saying is, "God often works in mysterious ways."

3. So what does this mean for my life?

For this question, I turn to the end of the chapter - the Doxology. I am very eager to study the Bible, very excited to discuss truth, very enthusiastic about discovering more of God's character and plan for the world. Yet I was convicted tonight that I don't often enough just pause and praise God, regardless of what I understand or don't understand at the moment. I'm glad this chapter and this section came the day before Thanksgiving so I can be reminded to just pause and thank God for all he has done.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

In Paul's conversation about the grafted branches, he says that those branches who are cut off can be grafted back in again. He also says that the grafted in branches can also be cut off again. My question is this: "Is it possible to be 'saved' and then forfeit your salvation? Or is it 'once saved always saved' no matter what?" I tend to think that we don't just keep hopping in and out of salvation because of mistakes or doubts, but I do wonder if someone totally walks away from faith and rejects God and lives in sin if they won't "be cut off again."

Those are my thoughts. Time for bed. I'll need my energy so I can gorge myself tomorrow. Just kidding.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans10 - Righteousness For Everyone Who Believes

Romans 10: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

Well, as if to answer my questions from yesterday, Paul gives a clarifying chapter which contains many repetitions of several words: Righteousness, saved, everyone, and believes/faith. Paul starts the chapter clarifying that he desires the Israelites to be saved, but they are missing the one who is able to make them righteous. While he generalizes Israel as a whole group, we know that there are many (but not a majority) who have put their faith in Christ. He states that the Israelites are still holding on to the law as the means to righteousness, as if they could somehow earn salvation. But Paul couldn't be any clearer in this passage. Multiple times he reminds us that God's love and offer of salvation is for EVERYONE, but it is those who believe and accept the good news who actually receive eternal life. "Everyone who believes," "Anyone who believes," "all who call on him," "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord." These are the phrases Paul uses throughout this chapter, and this is what compels him to preach, to teach, to equip, to send, to go.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture you know?

One of the most well known verses in the Bible (arguably the most quoted), is John 3:16. Coming from a different author quoting Jesus, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life." That sounds a lot like Paul in this passage, right? Also, in verse 16, Paul states "Not all the Israelites accepted the good news." This isn't some theological philosophical argument. He is speaking from his personal experience. Prior to reading Romans I read the book of Acts. In it we see all kinds of cases where Paul's preaching and miracles turn many to believe in the faith, but still many harden their hearts and reject Paul and the gospel of Jesus.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

The first thing I thought of also happens to be from the first verse of the chapter. Even though Paul had been rejected, resisted, persecuted, ridiculed, and put on trial by the Jews, his heart remain unchanged. His deepest desire was for them to know the deep love of God through faith in Jesus Christ, that they may enter into the new covenant God was putting in place and receive the Holy Spirit to live out the life God has prepared for us. When Jesus said "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you," I believe this is a big part of it. I've seen it in missionaries who go to places where they may be killed. Their biggest prayer is not safety, but that the people they see would come to know Jesus is a mighty way. That's the heart I want.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

It's not so much the actual passage that I have a question about, but rather a second level question. In the previous chapter Paul says, "Not all Israel is Israel, and not all of God's children are descendants of Abraham." I understand that he is also referring to Gentiles coming to faith in Christ and being adopted as God's children. But what is God's relationship with the nation of Israel (or the Jewish people) now? Is there still a special covenant with Israel, or has that "dissolved" so to speak and been "replaced" with the new covenant for all who believe in Jesus? Do we take on the promises God made to Israel and apply them now to Christians? Or do they still apply to Jews who believe in God, but not Jesus as Messiah? Please don't read anything political into this question. It's a very honest question about the Bible that stems from this and the previous chapter.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans9 - Paul's Puzzling Predestination Passage

Romans 9: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

This chapter is one of the hardest chapters in the whole New Testament for me to understand (outside of Revelation it is the hardest). This passage talks about God's sovereign choice, and it sounds like God just chooses ahead of time who will go to heaven and who is destined for destruction. Paul's answer to that in verse 20 is just, "who are you...to talk back to God?" If this was the first chapter I read in the Bible I might be done reading the Bible for awhile. If this was a conversation with Paul, I would say something like, "Well that's great for you, who seem to be sure that you have been chosen as an object of mercy, but what about someone who you claim to be destined as an object of God's wrath?" This is why the straight-laced argument for only predestination doesn't work logically for me, nor does it line up with much of the rest of the Bible. If everyone is already predestined for heaven or hell, and nothing anyone does or says can change that, what's the point of anything? Why don't we just blow up the world and end it all then? Why do we do church? Why do we evangelize? Why do we help other people? Why don't we just pillage and plunder and do whatever we want? If our destiny is determined and there is nothing anyone can do about it, then all of Christianity really has lost its purpose.

Needless to say, I don't believe any of those statements, but that's where the logic of full-out predestination lands. The rest of the Scripture, especially the rest of Romans, is full of language that talks about receiving righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. That receiving brings eternal life and rejecting brings condemnation. Just flip to the next chapter if you don't believe me. That's why this chapter is so puzzling to me.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture you know?

The language of predestination is still a part of the Bible. I'm not one to dismiss a passage because it's challenging. Another passage that uses similar language is Ephesians 1:3-14 which says, "...For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will...In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will..." So I know that God is Sovereign, and I believe that he does work out his will in the world.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

There is more in this chapter than just the language about predestination, but it does take some wrestling through. So today's application question is more of a resolve than an action. I have resolved to trust in God, that he knows what he is doing even when I don't understand. For nerdy theologians like myself, talking about "Predestination vs. Free Will" is a great debate topic, especially if the goal is just debate. People will often throw out there, "So do you believe in Predestination or Free Will?" I will often answer, "Yes." I can't deny either language in the Bible. We are given an opportunity to respond to the gospel, but God also has to know the outcome of that decision or he wouldn't be God. So I just resolved to not fully understanding how these two happen simultaneously.

4. Do you have any questions about this passage?

Hundreds. Probably starting with the Pharaoh part and working out towards others. Did God harden Pharaoh's heart so that he would not have even had the opportunity to repent? That God would doom someone to hell without opportunity to respond seems against God's character. Or does it just mean that God's actions just solidified Pharaoh's already determined rejection of God? Yes. I have lots of questions.

I'm sure some readers have at least some thoughts about this. Feel free to leave questions or comments below. I'll keep trucking through Romans.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans8 - I In Christ, and Christ in Me

Romans 8: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

As the title indicates, I was really blown away by the promises of God that appear in this chapter. Yet each of them is linked to the phrase, "in Christ" or "Christ in me." Paul reminds us here that as Christians we find our identity no longer in ourselves or in the world but "in Christ." He also reminds us that the Holy Spirit of God lives in us who trust in Him. It is that Spirit at work in us to transform us and make us more and more like Jesus everyday (that we let it). I just thought that dichotomy was really neat.

2. How does this relate to any other passage I know?

I know I referenced Galatians yesterday too, but there is so much in here that is similar to Galatians as well. For instance, verse 14 says, "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God." Galatians 4:6 says, "Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" These two strongly link being children of God with the Holy Spirit filling us and guiding us.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

Verse 28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." I need to always keep this in mind. This doesn't mean, "Everything will work out great," but it does mean that God will always work for our good, even in the middle of the hard times. I think especially of Joseph, who was beaten up by his brothers, sold as a slave, wrongly imprisoned, and forgotten. Yet he still said at the end of the story, "God brought me to Egypt. What you intended for harm, God intended for good." I need to have that perspective in life.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

It seems very clear after reading this chapter again that Paul is addressing Christians. How would this message change if he was addressing unbelievers? I think most of it would change. But I think verse 38-39 would remain the same. Nothing could separate anyone from God's love, but that doesn't mean someone couldn't still reject him and be separated from God himself. Is that a right way to think about it?

I welcome your thoughts, questions and comments. Read with me.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans 7 - The Do Do Verses

Romans 7: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

Paul makes some very interesting logical loops in this chapter. It's a little confusing. In fact, as I read it I couldn't help but think about the scene from the Princess Bride where Wesley is arguing with Fizzini in the "Battle of Wits." If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here to watch. Yet in the middle of Paul's "dizzying intellect," he gets his point across in reminding us that the law is good, the law makes us aware of our sin, our sinful nature sways us away from God's desires, and that Jesus Christ alone can deliver us. I have come to lovingly call this passage, the do-do verses.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

This reminds me a lot of Galatians 5 in the "Fruit of the Spirit" section. There Paul talks about how the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit and vice versa. "They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want." (Galatians 5:17, NIV). He emphasizes that there is a battle going on every moment for your desires and actions. Even if our heart desires what is good, our sinful nature or "flesh" will fight for pleasing itself. It's not a matter of who's to blame; we still choose one way or another. But we have to recognize the battle happening within us.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

Actually, these verses in Romans 7 are some of the most comforting verses I know. To know that Paul, who I consider a giant in the faith, struggled with temptation to sin helps me realize that he was human. More often than I'd like, the sinful nature ends up winning the battle and I just do or think what is good in the moment. But I know that, like Paul, I too have the ability and freedom in Christ to choose what is right every time. If I mess up, there is forgiveness and a second chance when we repent and confess to God. Praise God for his mercy, grace, and Holy Spirit.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

In this chapter, Paul says that when the commandment came, sin sprang to life. Is he even including God's first commandment not to eat from the one tree in the garden? Because in Genesis 6, long before the law was given, Scripture is clear that "every intention of the human heart was only evil all the time." Just curious.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans6 - Wanted: Dead AND Alive

Romans 6: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

There are two very strong images Paul uses in this chapter to describe a Christian's life. The first is life and death. Baptism is a symbol of how we have died to sin. The sinful nature in us is not our source of life anymore. Instead, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too have been raised to a new life that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live. I think that immersion baptism really illustrates this perfectly, in that when the person goes under the water they are "drowning" the old, sinful self. When they come back up they are rising up to live a holy life, having had their sins washed away.

The second image is one of slavery. We are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Naturally we let our master be our own desires. Whatever we want and whatever pleases us - that is our master. That master is sin. However when we are made new, washed clean, and born again into the new life, we offer ourselves as slaves to righteousness.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Well the language of death and life is used in other key passages as well. Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Colossians 3:5 commands us to "Put to death...whatever belongs to your earthly nature..." and then lists a whole bunch of destructive and sinful behaviors. This is obviously a pretty serious warning to not even let those desires and behaviors get even the smallest foothold in our lives.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

First, there is a verse in this chapter that every Christian should memorize. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." It's a powerful verse, similar to John 3:16, that shares the whole gospel in one verse. I need to have this in my "hip pocket" to help me be ready.

Secondly, there's the very personal and practical commands to offer the parts of our body for righteousness. I need to make sure my hands are engaged in Godly work, my words are building others up, and my whole body is not engaging in immoral behaviors.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Because Paul talks about Baptism in this passage, I would like to know, "What would Paul say about Baptism today? Would he take a side in the "believers baptism" vs. "infant baptism" debate? Would he favor young or old to be baptized? Would he tolerate our practices and teachings about it? It would be cool and crazy to have him here today explaining all he meant.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans5 - Peace The World Desperately Needs

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

As I read the first verse of chapter 5, I could not help but be swept away by the word "peace." Maybe it's because of the unrest (a gross understatement) in the Middle East. Maybe it's because of terrorism. Maybe it's because I just watched "Mockingjay Part 1," following the other Hunger Games movies, where PEACE is arguably the most desired and unattainable goal for Catniss. Since the creation of the world, people have been at war with God. Deep down, we want to be the "captain of our own soul, master of our own fate" to reference William Ernest Henley. Because of our inherited sinful condition we are enemies of God, not because God is at war with us but because we are stubborn children wanting independence from the rules of a "strict" but loving father.

Personally, I can't think of any greater thing than finding peace with God. The creator of the universe, the perfect and righteous judge, the loving and merciful father, the groom who pursues his cherished bride daily is calling out to us for peace. He invites us to come as we are, to put our faith in Jesus Christ, be washed of our sins, and let his love CHANGE us, TRANSFORM us, and SHAPE us into people who reflect Him more and more everyday. A cheesy Christian bumper sticker says, "No Jesus, No Peace - Know Jesus, Know Peace. I'm neither a fan of cute Christianese sayings nor bumper stickers in general, but this one has it right.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Philippians is another letter written by the Apostle Paul. Not surprisingly, there are some striking similarities in content. So Philippians 4 is one of the most quoted verses about peace, and in light of what we read here in Romans 5 it has a little more meaning. Philippians 4:6-7 say, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Another great verse that describes how Christ brings was actually written about him 700 years before Jesus was even born. Isaiah 53:5-6 says, "the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each us has turned to our own way..." Doesn't that sound like Romans 5? "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Wow!

3. So what does this mean for my life?

I am almost hesitant to write about suffering for Christ, because compared to so many of my Christian brothers and sisters around the world I know NOTHING of suffering. Many face mocking, harassment, being cut off from friends and family, being killed, or worse - being kept alive and tortured because they refuse to renounce their faith in Christ. There are many organizations seeking to make their stories known. One I personally have come to love and respect is Voice of the Martyrs (click here to visit their website). Our prayer tends to be for peace and an end to violence, while many of them ask us to pray instead that their enemies would find peace with God! I am convicted by them to not only offer myself for the sake of Christ, but to expect and endure and glory in suffering for Jesus's sake.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Some of Paul's wording gets a little confusing. I'm sure it was standard arguments in his time, but in our time it almost seems backward (not in the end result, just in the way it is presented). V.6-7 is one place, and some of the language in verses 12-21 make it hard to tell if Paul is comparing or contrasting Adam and Jesus. It's very possible he is doing both. Though the concepts seem pretty clear, the language gets a little tricky. That's not a real question, but it was confusing for me upon first reading it.

Funny how my longest post yet also happens to be the latest post, leaking into the "next day." Anyway, lots of good stuff.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans4 - Jewish Apologetics

Romans 4: 

1. What stuck out to you from this passage?

Paul strikes some really key, basic Jewish understandings here and uses them to promote the gospel of Jesus. Two of the most fundamental Jewish bases for their faith are circumcision and the law of Moses. To understand this chapter, you need to know a couple things about these two pillars of the Jewish religion. God made a covenant with Abraham that all of his male descendants should be circumcised (yes, it still has the same meaning as it did then) when they were 8 days old. This would be a sign that they belonged to God, that they were holy (which means "set apart"). So it was a big deal, and rightly so because God commanded it. About 400-500 years later, after the Israelites are freed from slavery in Egypt, God gave the Ten Commandments (and a whole bunch of other commandments, collectively called "The Law") to the Israelites to show them how to live. This was also a very big deal, and rightly so.

So Paul's argument here is brilliant, and it's right there in the Bible and in the Jewish Scripture as well. Paul is saying that God declared Abraham righteous because Abraham believed God (See Genesis 15). But that was even before the covenant of circumcision, and way before the covenant of the Law of Moses. Paul is basically saying (and I paraphrase), "Neither circumcision nor the Law was ever God's way of making people righteous. Rather from the very beginning until now, God has always counted people righteous because of their faith. Then it was faith in God, now it is faith in Jesus Christ that justifies a person. BAM! That is rock-solid Jewish apologetics. Sorry I kind of geek out about it. I'm weird, I know.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Colossians 2:9-14 also talks about circumcision, but in a way that also shares how it's not the circumcision done by people that matters. Instead it compares circumcision to baptism, in the cutting off the sinful deeds of the flesh, dying to ourselves and being raised in Christ. Galatians 6:15 says, "Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation."

3. What does this mean for my life?

If I were to transpose this chapter into modern day Christian culture, it might be comparable to baptism, or confirmation, or some other Christian ritual that IS important, but not a means by which we are made righteous. I need to remember not to place my assurance of salvation in any of my rituals or traditions or religious behaviors, but only in the work and person of Jesus Christ who died and rose to give eternal life graciously to all who believe.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

The language of "boasting" appears a lot in these chapters in Romans and other places in Paul's writing. What really was the "boasting" that he was trying to address? Was it a common practice among the teachers? Apostles? Everyone? What was the point?

Glad to have anyone join me in the conversation.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans3 - Best Gospel Explanation

Romans 3: 

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

In my opinion, verses 19-26 hold one of the most concise, clear, compelling explanation of God's plan of salvation, the gospel of Jesus Christ. It begins with knowing that we will all be held accountable to God someday, and that we will all be found guilty. In fact, verse 20 says that the law actually guides us to realize our sinfulness. This passage basically says there are two ways to be found righteous - 1. By being perfect according to the law (which nobody except Jesus is able to do), and 2. By putting our faith in Jesus Christ and believing in him. It declares redemption and atonement through Christ, to be received by faith. It describes God as a just judge, and as the merciful provider for our penalty through Christ. I think this is a passage every Christian should read thoroughly to understand that we are not justified by works, that we are never found righteous through doing enough good things, that we will never earn our way to heaven. Rather we are forgiven of our sins and given eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, no matter what our background is.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Ephesians 2 has another similar explanation of the gospel, clarifying that "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...not by works, so that no one can boast." Galatians 2 also contains a passage very similar, especially in emphasizing that Jews and Gentiles are both justified by faith in Jesus Christ.

3. So what does this mean for my life?

Passages like this don't necessary have direct action applications, but sometimes the application of Scripture is not just in right "doing" but in right "thinking." For me, this passage really has been instrumental in helping me to understand the basic gospel message. It has also been very helpful to share that message with others using Biblical truth rather than just my own "analogies". If ever there was a passage to memorize, this would be right up there in my book. It is so central to our own faith, as well as being a powerful truth to equip us in sharing our faith with others.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

The first 8 verses are a little confusing. I think Paul is basically saying that the fact that our sin makes God's holiness even more obvious isn't an excuse to keep on sinning. My question is, "Is that a fair summarization? Am I missing something?"

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans2 - Tolerance, Repentance, and Eternal Life

Romans 2:

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

Like most of the world, Christian and non-Christian, I tend to cringe a little when I hear the phrases "Turn or Burn," "Repent or Perish," or "Judgement Day is Coming!" It doesn't seem like a winsome preaching or evangelism style. But today's reading from Romans 2 sounds like Paul's version of a "turn or burn" sermon. The word that really caught my attention was "repentance." Paul says that God is richly kind and patient with people and their sin. He tolerates a lot. But God's tolerance is intended to lead us to repentance (v.4). God does not tolerate sin forever, nor does he condone sin while being patient. There will be a day when all of us will be judged according to our works, and we will all be found guilty according to the law. But this passage says that for all who repent, turn to God, and follow him, He will give eternal life (v.6-7). But to those who are unrepentant and reject the truth, there will be wrath and anger (v.8). So Paul's title for this brief passage might be "Repent (which literally means to turn around) or Remain Under God's Wrath (which might be even more harsh than "burn")." So next time I hear a Christian preaching that, I'll cut them a bit more slack (although I might still suggest an alternative approach). Also, lest anyone thinks that Paul's message here is related to being saved by doing good works, please read very carefully the next 6 chapters of Romans in which he very strongly argues against that idea.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture you know?

Continuing with the theme of "repentance," Paul wasn't the first one to preach repentance. In fact, the first sermons by John the Baptist and Jesus both were, "REPENT, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." (Matthew 3:2, 4:17) Repentance was also a major theme in the old testament. Examples that come to mind are Job (Job 36:9-11), the whole nation of Israel through the prophets (Isaiah 59:20, Jeremiah 15:19, Ezekiel 14:6), and the story of Jonah and Ninevah. This is another really good reminder that the God of the old testament is the same as the God of the new testament.

3. So what does this passage mean for my life?

The whole second half of this chapter is really, really, REALLY, convicting. Though it was written originally to Jews and teachers of the law, it can easily be applied to Christian leaders and teachers. The first chapter and a half were really easy to get caught up about judgment and wrath, but this part of the chapter (v.17-29) reminded me that apart from Jesus I would find myself square in the path of God's wrath. I need to daily repent of my sin and strive for what is right, to live a life of integrity so that my life would reflect God's character more and more. Plus, I can't even do that on my own. I need God's Holy Spirit to fill me and empower me to suppress the flesh and embrace the fruit of the Spirit. This chapter was very convicting both as a reminder of God's righteous judgment and my need to be grateful for all God has done by living my life in a way that honors him.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

This question is related to yesterday's question. In chapter 1, Paul writes about how God's invisible attributes are made known through creation so that no one is without excuse. Today, in chapter 2, Paul says that whoever hasn't heard the law will be judged according to the law. I'm not even sure how to phrase the question, but here's the simplest way to ask: "How does God judge people who have never heard about Jesus? Do they automatically go to hell? Do they automatically go to heaven? Are they judged according to their heart and how they obeyed their "conscience"? I'm just not super clear on this.

I'd love to hear some responses.

In Christ,
Dan

#Romans1 - Danger and Salvation

As I finished reading the book of Acts, I decided to go to the next book of the bible and continue my journey of reading a chapter a day. Romans is a letter, written by Paul to the believers in Rome. Rome is where Paul's journey ended in the book of Acts, and according to traditional understanding is also where his life ended. Romans is also one of the key books of the Bible that inspired Martin Luther some 500 years ago to post his 95 theses on the door of the Catholic church which ultimately inspired the Reformation and led to people reading the Bible for themselves. So I am very excited to dig in. HERE WE GO!

Romans 1

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

After his greetings and personal statements, Paul gets into some theological statements pretty quickly, but they aren't pretty at all. He begins with the wrath of God. It's a topic most people would just rather ignore, erase out of the Bible, or close their eyes and plug their ears and hum a merry tune while it's being read. We say God is loving, we say God is perfect, and we say God is holy. How can God be a loving, holy, perfect God and let the guilty go unpunished. I recently heard a sermon that rightly pointed out that if we are the ones who are wronged or hurt, we cry out to God for punishment and judgement. But when we are guilty, we like to just cling to the mercy and grace of God. So the fact that Paul starts out speaking about God's wrath makes me think we need to stop and realize that it's a big deal. There is a danger of living in our sin without repenting. God will not force us to change our destructive, disobedient behavior, but he will not let us "off the hook" forever. God's wrath is real and we need a way to escape it.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture you know?

This chapter contains a list of behaviors God clearly calls sinful. At a retreat recently, I shared about these kinds of lists not as a overly-strict fun-hating God, but as a map through a mine field. Wouldn't you appreciate someone telling you where the mines were so you could avoid them and the destruction that comes with them? That's what God does in Scripture. This list includes behaviors and attitudes like not being thankful to God, worshipping idols, homosexual behavior, greed, envy, murder, gossip, arrogant, boastful, disobedient to parents, etc. There are other lists that are very similar in Scripture. Some are found in Galatians 5, Colossians 3, 1 Corinthians 6, and Ephesians 4. It would be really easy to think that these lists are for other people, the "really bad ones." But the truth is, I bet it would be rare for anyone to look at all of these lists and not find themselves having done some of these things. It just really reminds me that we need God.

3. What does this mean for my life?

In Romans 1:16, Paul says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes..." I want to live my life unashamed of the gospel, not being afraid to share of God's love, God's judgment, God's mercy and grace in providing Jesus, and God's promise of eternal life to all who believe in Jesus. Ironically, this verse in Romans is the theme verse for the Recharge youth retreats at Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camps in the spring.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I have heard verses 18-20 used as a way of saying something like, "Everyone in the world sees creation and therefore is expected to worship God, or what they know of God through creation. Therefore everyone who does not believe in this way is guilty (people are without excuse)." My question is whether or not this is a valid approach to understanding this verse. My struggle is that I just don't think people would naturally make the leap from, "Wow, what a pretty sunset" to "I need to trust Jesus for the forgiveness of my sins and salvation of my soul right now." So I'm just not exactly sure how to take this part.

Hope you're able to join me in reading through Romans. Please feel free to leave a comment. It can be a response to any or all of the four questions, or to something I wrote. Either way I hope you read the chapter and use this to keep digging deeper into God's word.

In Christ,

Dan

#Acts28 - End of Acts...Or Is It?

1. What stuck out to you from this passage?

I was again amazed that no matter what situation Paul found himself in, he loved and served others and preached boldly  about Jesus. In this chapter he prayed for the islanders, healed their sick, and preached to anyone who visited him while on house arrest. 

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

In Colossians 4:2-6, Paul asks the believers to pray for him that he would declare the mystery of Christ, "for which I  in chains." He goes on to say, "make the most of every opportunity..." Acts 28 helps me realize he is not just writing Christian pleasantries to the church in Colosse, he has lived it out, literally.

3. What does this mean for my life?

This book actually ends abruptly. We don't know the end of the story. But what it makes me realize is that the book of Acts is in many ways still being written. I'm not talking about adding things to the Bible, I'm simply saying that the story of God's work in the church is still being written. My life is a part of God's Kingdom work just like Peter, and Stephen, and Philip, and Ananias, and Paul. It's not that they were extraordinary men, but they all had faith in an extraordinary God. 

4. What questions do you have about this passage?

What happened next? What happened to Paul? Which letters were written in jail and which were written before that?

That is it for Acts. We made it through our first whole book of the Bible. Only 64 to go. Tomorrow I will start reading Romans 1. Join me and feel free to leave comments. 

In Christ, Dan

#Acts27 - Castaway: Bible Edition

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

When I think of Paul in this story, I can't get Tom Hanks out of my head. This is a cool story. It's a little comical that Paul suggested they stay in port, but the "experts" and soldiers didn't heed his wisdom. If anyone ever deserves to say "I told you so," it's Paul in this story. But nowhere does he turn that to be prideful. 

2. How does this relate to other Scripture I know?

I first thought of Jonah, where God caused the storm to reroute Jonah back to Nineveh. It's a little different scenario here but it reminded me of that regardless. 

3. What does this mean for me?

I was struck by the confidence Paul had. It's not like he knew anything about sailing that the others didn't, he just trusted God's promise that they would all be safe. Even when it was looking really bleak Paul kept assuring the others that God would be faithful. His encouragement calmed the overall stress and brought order to chaos. I want to exhibit that same kind of trust in God that those around me would be calmed. 

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Well, nothing theological. I just wondered what types of boats they had that would hold 250ish people. It seemed like they just threw tons of stuff overboard and still made a mess of the ship. What did they look like?

#Acts26 - I Am Not Insane...True and Reasonable

Acts 26 -

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

As the blog title indicates, I was struck by by Paul's rationality and calmness throughout this whole trial. It served him well. He was patient with the whole system. He did not shout (even though Festus did), he spoke with honor and due respect for "most excellent Festus" and "King Agrippa," and he started over from the beginning. None of his language is overly accusatory either. I just think I might have acted otherwise, and I think that is really admirable.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

I have already mentioned that this whole process of Paul's journey to Jerusalem, arrest, and trial remind me of Jesus and his own reaction during the process. Also, during this chapter, Paul recounts his own journey to Damascus in Acts 9. But one of the things that caught my attention was when Paul said that they know from the prophets "that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles." I don't know where it says that Christ would be the first to rise from the dead in the Prophets, but there are three other places in the New Testament that say the same thing. Two are letters from Paul, and one is a vision given to John. 1 Corinthians 15:20, Colossians 1:18, and Revelation 1:5 all talk about Christ being the firstborn from among the dead. I know in Corinthians that whole chapter reminds us that our hope of rising from the dead is based entirely on Christ's resurrection from the dead.

3. What does this mean for my life?

At the end of Acts 26, King Agrippa asks is Paul thinks he can convince him to become a Christian in such a short time. Paul says, "Short time or long - I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am..." In previous chapters, we saw clearly Paul's integrity. In this chapter, we get a wide-open glimpse into his heart. His heart is not proud, it is not self-seeking. It is full of love, compassion, and a desire for all to come to know Jesus by faith and be sanctified through Him. He does not apologize nor is he is not out to offend anyone, but he speaks freely, reasonably, truthfully, and boldly about his faith. Lord, may you give me even more of your heart for people that I would also speak in the same way with the same energy about You, so that more people would know you and make you known to all.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

We never really find out here, but did King Agrippa ever come to believe in Christ? Paul seemed to have good reason that he believed the prophets. I know King Herod in the Christmas story believed the prophets enough to send detachments of troops to Bethlehem looking for Messiah to kill him.

I'd love to hear any responses or thoughts from others about the chapter.

In Christ,
Dan

#Acts25 - Life or death? It's a win-win for Christians.

Acts 25 -

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

In this saga of Paul being put on trial time and time again, it seems like everyone is walking on eggshells...except for Paul. The Jews are trying to use just the right words to get Festus to hand Paul over to them without sounding like criminals themselves. Festus is trying to do the Jews a favor but knows he can't convict an innocent Roman citizen. The only person who is speaking boldly is Paul. He knows he is innocent, and he knows he speaks the truth about Jesus. Because of this he is assertive in protecting himself from wrongful accusation and wrongful processes of the law. 

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

As I read this, I was struck by Paul's statement, "If, however, I am guilty of anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die." He is not trying to weasel out of anything. In fact, he is not afraid to die at all. It reminds me of what Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 15:55-56. "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." It's also reminiscent of what he says in Colossians 1:20-21 about how to live is Christ and to die is gain. Paul is certain of his salvation, not by his own works, but by the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. He is not afraid to die, but he is not looking for death either because he knows that as long as he is alive it will mean fruitful ministry to God. Life or death? It's a win-win for Christians. :)

3. What does this mean for my life?

Because this chapter is mostly a "transcript" from the court proceedings, it's harder to pull a life application from this. However, and I risk sounding redundant from yesterday's blog, it is clear that Paul lived a life of integrity. Even before he entered the temple, he ceremonially washed himself and did not break the Jewish customs or laws. He went beyond God's requirements (which allowed him to eat "unclean" foods and associate with Gentiles) and even submitted to the religious authorities. In my life, I want to win people over by my actions and my words. If that means going beyond what God requires to appeal to a group of people, by all means I'll do it. Dress code in church is a good example. Can I worship God in blue jeans and a hoodie sweatshirt? Absolutely. But if wearing dressier clothes when visiting certain congregations will cause fewer people to stumble and earn more respect from people, I'll gladly do it. That's a big part of what freedom in Christ is all about. I am free to raise my hands in worship or free to keep them down. I am free to sing hymns while leading worship or free to sing newer songs. Whichever will lead more people into praising God rather than bringing attention to myself is what I am compelled to choose.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

In this passage we see that Paul's case is going to move on to Caesar. This was from one province in the Roman Empire. I wonder how many cases Caesar had to officiate in a year. Were there other officials who presided over cases, like a lower court to deal with "smaller stuff?" 

There are definitely times like today, when I would actually just love to keep reading more than just the one chapter. But I know this journey through the Bible will be a marathon, not a sprint. So I'm just gonna thank God for His word for me today, and trust that he will have another feast for me tomorrow. :)

In Christ,

Dan

Acts 24 - Follower of the Way

Acts 24 - The trial saga continues... :)

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

In verse 15, Paul states a deeply held belief that was apparently around even before Jesus, that there will be a resurrection for both the righteous and the wicked. Jesus alluded to this as well by saying that the wicked "will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." (Matt. 25:45-46, NIV) I didn't realize this was a belief for the Jews apart from Jesus. But the hope Paul talks about is that his righteousness is certain through Christ, and eternal life is his destination.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

When Paul called himself a follower of the Way, I had to stop and think about this. I had heard that this is one of the "names" the early Christians were given. Maybe it's a name they gave themselves. At first I thought maybe it meant a certain way of life, but then I noticed that the "W" in "Way" was capitalized. I then thought of John 14:6 when Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the father except through me." This was an answer to one of the disciple's question, "How will we know the way to where you are going?" Jesus answer was basically, "You already know the Way." In Acts, Paul seems to be identifying himself as a follower of the "Way", or Jesus.

3. What does this mean for my life?

In verses 24-27 we found out that Felix kept Paul as a prisoner for 2 YEARS! He called for Paul often to discuss "faith," but he was secretly hoping Paul would offer him a bribe. Being that Paul was there for two years, I'm assuming that Paul never offered a bribe. To me, that is impressive. That is a two year test of Paul's character, integrity, and obedience to God's laws, and he passed with flying colors. This little side note of the story caught my attention and inspired me to continue with great fervor to live a life of integrity before God and others.

4. What questions do I have about this verse?

I'm sure I could find this out with some reading and research, but here is my question. What was the authority structure of the Roman world, and how did that fit with the Jews leadership? Like what was King Herod? What was Pontius Pilate? What was Ananias? What was Felix? What was Festus? What was King Agrippa? And how did they all relate to each other and to Caesar? The answer probably wouldn't change any meaning of the story, but would just help it make more sense as to why they went to certain people.

God's blessings.

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 21-23 - The Trial That Never Ends

So I hit an incredibly busy spell and am now catching up. But these three chapters were all really connected, telling the story of Paul's journey to Jerusalem. On accident, I came up with a Blog title that has an interesting double meaning. The final chapters of Acts all recount Paul who is being put on trial before the Jews, the Romans, the governors, etc. He gets brought from one place to the next, and he is spared by one and then another. But throughout his life and missionary work, he faces trials that never end. It is almost always by the Jewish leaders, but must have gotten old after awhile. So here are my thoughts on these three chapters.

Acts 21, 22, and 23

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

In Acts 22, Paul starts speaking the language of the people: Aramaic. Verse 2 states, "When they heard him speak in Aramaic, they became very quiet." I think that all of a sudden this trial got very personal and hit close to home. It's not just about some religious zeal parade, but it became about a guy who is from them. It reminds me how powerful speaking in someone's language is and no matter how fluent you are, the attempt means a lot.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

As Paul came back to Jerusalem, the apostles there urged him to go through a ritualistic cleansing ceremony, to help the Jewish believers not stumble over details of the law. Even though Paul knew this was not required for salvation or by salvation, he didn't want others to become alienated on his account. It reminded me of a verse from Romans 12:17-18 which says, "Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." We shouldn't compromise God's commands for our life, but if we can live in a way that helps others see Jesus rather than turn them off from Jesus we should do it.

3. What does this mean for my life?

I'll share the first thing that I thought of for this question, and it came from the very first verse I read in Acts 21. I had to re-read the last part of chapter 20 to remember the context. Paul was saying goodbye to some of the church leaders who visited him and with whom he had spent significant time teaching and training. The first sentence of chapter 21 is a telltale sign that Paul didn't just do ministry. Everything was about investing in others, and it involved relationships. I need to remember that there is more to ministry than good songs, good skits, increasing numbers, decreasing expenses, good food, good social media, etc. It has always been about people, and as soon as it stops being about people, it stops meaning much.

4. What questions do I have from this chapter?

In verse 38, the commander asks Paul if he was an Egyptian who led a revolt. Who was that? I've heard of Maccabes. Is that it? Maybe someone from history we don't know about. But that's an interesting detail. Also, we see Paul speak in at least a couple different languages. I wonder how many different languages he knew and what languages were common for people to speak.

That's it. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 20 - Finish the Race

Acts 20

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

One of the most recent memorial services I have attended was that of an old friend. He had lived a long and full life, so while this service came with tears of farewell it was primarily filled with joy and celebration. One of the people who spoke shared one of this man's favorite verses in the Bible: Acts 20:24, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace." Up until that funeral, I don't think I had ever really noticed this powerful verse. I'm sure I had read it, but I must have just read right through it. As I read it again today, I was reminded of how powerful that verse is as a life verse or a mission statement. As Paul is heading toward Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit had already warned him that he was headed for trouble. He knew this would be one of the last legs of his journey as a missionary. That's why he uses the language of finishing the race and completing the task. What a great example, both in Paul and in my old friend, Gordon.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Paul wasn't the only one in the New Testament who had a sense of when his life was nearing it's end, nor was he the only one who was heading to Jerusalem for the final leg of the journey. Jesus was keenly aware of his mission, to suffer and die in the place of the people. Several times he predicted his death and resurrection, and that he would suffer. Matthew 20:17-19 is one of those places. On their way to Jerusalem, Jesus pulled his disciples aside, drew them close and shared about the coming suffering and glory. It reminds me of the way that Paul pulled the elders (his disciples from Ephesus) aside and did the same.

3. What does this mean for my life?

When preaching late at night, don't let people sit in open third story windows. :) Just kidding. I think the verse I shared in question number one is probably the thing I'll take home most from this chapter. Whatever desires I have for my life, I consider worth nothing if they don't line up with what God has asked me to do. They are all secondary to whatever God has put before me. To get real practical, my wife and I have always been interested in international missions, but right now we have been called to invest in a ministry that impacts thousands of youth, adults, and families each year. So we have put those desires (which may very well be from God, and may be used in the future sometime in some way) on the back burner to give ourselves fully to finishing the task God has called us to now.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I would like to know when Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This chapter attributes that saying to Jesus. As recorded in the gospels we have several teachings similar to this, like when Jesus said, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many," and "Whoever wants to be first must first be your slave". But I don't know where Jesus says this. I also know that not every word that Jesus spoke made it into these four gospels (or Acts). I wonder if there are any other verifiable, legitimate teachings or sayings of Jesus like the one Paul recorded here.

I hope this enhances your reading of the chapter, and I hope you feel blessed by God's Word just as I feel blessed by reading it. It's life giving.

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 19 - Power in Jesus' Name

Acts 19

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

Besides the continued persecution Paul faced motivated by malice and greed, the story of the powerful evil Spirit really captured my attention in this chapter. Number one, it was a good reminder of the reality that evil spirits do exist and do possess people. Secondly, it was a good reminder that there is great power in Jesus' name. Third, word of this incident got out and it sparked a revival and repentance from sorcery. It is unclear to me if these "seven sons of Sceva" were actually believers, or if they were Jews who were "trying out" Jesus' power. It almost seems like the latter, where it would have been like, "I know a guy who has met Jesus and does cool things in His name, and I want to do that too." Maybe the story would have ended differently if they actually had the Holy Spirit in them and knew Jesus personally.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

In James, we are taught that faith without works is dead. It's not just about a head-knowledge type of belief that Jesus is the Son of God. James makes a very good point that "Even the demons believe that [there is only one God] - and shudder." I love that statement, and the accounts of this story and others in the gospels confirm that demons know exactly who Jesus is, but do not submit to him as Lord. The evil spirit in Acts 19 not only knows about Jesus, but is also very familiar with Paul. It's like Paul got on the demons' most wanted list or something. :)

3. What does this mean for my life?

Even with all of the persecution that Paul and the other disciples faced, they never come out in retaliation. The worst it gets was in the last chapter when Paul had enough hard-hearted rejection from the Jews and declared that he would go to the Gentiles instead. For me, I have to be careful to maintain a life of integrity, even in the face of disagreement. It's easy to get passionate about social issues, doctrinal issues, or practical ministry philosophy issues, but it's never okay to go out of your way to degrade another person. I think of Philippians 3 when Paul says, "I want to know Christ, the power of his resurrection...and share with him in his sufferings." He would rather let himself be persecuted than somehow tarnish the name of Jesus. That's what I want for my life. I wish more of our politicians would embody that.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I'm not a church expert, but I know there are many Pentecostal and other Charismatic churches that insist that every true Christian must be able to speak in tongues. It seems like this passage would be a pretty good illustration of that point. I understand that speaking in tongues is one of many Spiritual gifts named in the Bible, and even Paul said, "I desire that all of you would speak in tongues like me." That implies to me that not every believer spoke in tongues. Was that just because they didn't have enough faith (I ask that sort of tongue-in-cheek)? But ultimately, what is the relationship between being a believer, receiving the Holy Spirit, and speaking in tongues?

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 18 - Intentional Discipleship

Acts 18

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

One quick funny thing from verse 18 - Paul cut his hair "because of a vow he had taken." What? Did he lose a bet or something? "Hey Silas, betcha my hair that Priscilla and Aquila won't come with me to Syria..." :)

On a more serious note, at the risk of sounding redundant, I really noticed again in this chapter that wherever Paul went, he went regularly, "religiously," obediently to the synagogues to reason with the Jews and Gentiles from the Scriptures to convince them that Jesus is the Messiah. There's a definite pattern: Relocate - Preach Jesus - Experience Persecution - Relocate. :)

2. How does this relate to any other scripture I know?

As I read these last few chapters in Acts, especially those of Paul availing himself to the Jews, pleading and reasoning with them, I get a sense of his heart. He clearly has a heart for the Jewish people (his own people) and even upon persecution goes back to them time and time again. But in Acts 18, we get this sense that his patience has run out and at the same time he is deeply saddened by the Jews' persistent rejection of the gospel. This insight really reminded me of Paul's letter to the Romans. In chapters 9-11, he talks about God's love, God's grace, God's favor upon the Jews, but the rejection by many of the Jews that leads to their destruction. Romans 10 especially shares the big picture thoughts: "My heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved...But not all the Israelites accepted the good news." I love that the book of Acts gives us insight into the New Testament books of the Bible written as letters by Paul, Peter, James, and Jude. Acts is the story, the letters are the doctrine, and both reinforce each other. 

3. What does this mean for my life?

Despite the insights into this chapter from the first two questions, the most profound "take-home" lesson for me comes from the end of Acts 18. Beginning in verse 18, we see how Paul remained very close with Priscilla and Aquila, a husband and wife team of close friends and supporters during his ministry. That much is not uncommon, but what stood out to me is that after Paul had left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus and Apollos shows up. He is a learned man, speaking boldly in the synagogues, but not really knowing the full message of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. So Paul's two friends took him in and gently encouraged him and "explained to him the way of God more adequately." It was an act of discipleship, of training and equipping and encouraging, that must have happened from Paul to them. So indirectly, it was Paul's investment in Priscilla and Aquila, that was "payed forward", which helped shape Apollos into a powerful preacher. By the way, Apollos is referred to in 1 Corinthians 1-3 as one who came after Paul to teach the Corinthians. So for me, I need to keep my eyes open for opportunities to intentionally disciple younger believers (which may not be a matter of age either). It might be a one time encounter like in this passage, or it may be for a season or my whole life.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

I don't really know how to phrase this question. But when God told Paul in a vision, "Keep preaching, don't be afraid, I have many people in this city," that was nice. Paul knew he was in the right place at the right time. Why does God sometimes say those things and sometimes leave us questioning and wondering, "Am I supposed to be here? Is this still valuable? Should I be investing my time and money somewhere else?" I think most people would like a vision telling them to stay where they are or go to a new place. But I guess that question came to my mind.

I'd love to hear from others. Whether you're able to join me for a day or for the duration of this project, I hope you take time to read the appropriate chapter (the book and chapter reference are linked to a site where you can read the chapter online.) I'd also really love to hear your own answers to any or all of these questions, and/or to my own thoughts. God's blessings.

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 17 - All Greek to Me

Acts 17

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

In verse 2, the phrase, "as was his custom..." stuck out to me. It was like an automatic for Paul to preach and reason in the synagogues trying to win people over to Christ. This phrase stood out to me because it was always predictably followed by jealousy, persecution , and near death experiences. Many people today may have urged him to get a new hobby. :) Yet Paul really couldn't help himself. He felt the urge to preach JESUS as Messiah no matter what the consequences would be. 

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

Acts 17:26-27 talk about people seeking God and finding him. Jeremiah 29:11 is probably one of the most quoted Bible verses, but right after that we get these verses, "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. "(Jeremiah 29:12-13 NIV) right after that God says, "I will be found by you." I love that God is like a Dad playing hide and seek. He doesn't really hide, and he is not far from anyone. 

3. What does this mean for me. 

I'm always impressed by the Bereans in this chapter. They didn't immediately receive it but they didn't immediately reject it either. They diligently studied the Scriptures to see if Paul's teaching lined up with the Bible. I feel like sometimes I am quick to either accept or reject certain teachings. I need to be more like the Bereans, examining the Bible for accuracy. 

4. Do I have any questions about this chapter?

I think my only real question comes from verse 26 where it says got appointed our times. What does that mean?

Anyway, those are my thoughts. God bless you this day. 

In Christ,

Dan 

Acts 16 - Singing in Prison

Acts 16

1. What stood out to you from this chapter?

In verses 6-10, I love that Paul and his companions didn't just sit in a room twiddling their thumbs waiting for a burning bush to tell them where to go. They got up and moved. There were several places they tried to go and preach but the Spirit prevented them. But that didn't stop them from trying other spots. Finally Paul received the vision of the man from Macedonia and it was clear what God was doing. I just love that we don't just discern God's will by sitting around and meditating or anything. A lot of times God's will is revealed as we are moving forward in life and ministry and as doors open and close we can see God's hand guiding us.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know.

The jailer's question is a basic fundamental question about Christianity, "What must I do to be saved?" Paul's response echoes the previous chapter's emphasis that we are not saved by anything we do. Rather we are saved simply by believing in who Jesus is and what Jesus has done. The word "believe" is used in several other key NT passages that describe this same concept. John 1:12 ("Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name..."), John 3:16, Romans 3:22 ("righteousness is given by faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe"). James 2 also echoes this sentiment about belief, but adds that "believing" in this sense is not just a mental acknowledgement, but a life-shaping heartfelt belief that reveals itself in our actions.

3. What does this mean for me?

This may seem like a funny application for those of us who live in the U.S. where we are blessed to have a great deal of religious freedom. But I believe that there have already been some compromises to that freedom and that legally and/or culturally Christians have been targeted to be quiet. But Paul and Silas were not afraid to assert their rights as citizens. They weren't flaunting it, but they weren't about to be pushed around and silenced "just because." I think it's really important for us to know our rights to practice faith - to know what's appropriate and allowed. Then we need to be bold in asserting our rights to these things.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

I have a few legitimate questions, but none that are super important. First, what were the circumstances that led Paul and his companions to conclude, "The Holy Spirit is keeping us from entering these place?" Or was it just a hindsight revelation? Also, why did they rebuke the slave girl who was telling everyone that Paul and Silas were godly men leading people to salvation? Doesn't that seem like free publicity? That was a little weird.

God bless. Sorry this came so late in the day. I'm glad for Daylight Savings and the extra hour of sleep. :)

In Christ,
Dan