#1Corinthians15 - No More Sting

Click here to read 1 Corinthians 15:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

I once heard a story about a young boy who was allergic to bee stings, and he knew it. One day he was riding in the back of the car with his dad driving. As they were driving a bee flew in the window and was buzzing around the car. The boy became almost hysterical in fear, but suddenly the dad grabbed the bee out of the air and held onto it. He winced in pain as the bee stung him, and he let the bee go. The boy was still frightful until the dad explained that even though the bee is still alive, the stinger was gone - and he showed the boy his hand where the stinger was still embedded. "So you see, son," he said, "You don't have to be afraid of the bee anymore. It can't hurt you." That's the best example I've ever heard of this passage in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57. Death is still a part of life, but as believers we don't have to be afraid of death. The reason people are afraid of death is because they either don't know what happens next, or they know that we will be judged guilty and have not trusted in Jesus for forgiveness of their sins. Death no longer has any sting or power because through faith in Jesus, our sin is paid for and removed from us. He took the stinger for us. Now we can simply enjoy life to the fullest.

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

In verses 9-11, Paul humbly acknowledges that he does not even deserve to be called an apostle because of the life he used to live, but because of God's grace he was still chosen to believe and carry out the work of God. That is the very definition of God's grace - that even though we don't deserve it, God still chooses to bless us by giving us the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus, and furthermore he still chooses to use us to advance the gospel and His Kingdom. Paul shares something similar in 1 Timothy 1:12-17. He explains this same concept, even calling himself the worst of sinners. I don't believe he is being smug or sarcastic. I think he just truly feels the depth of God's love and grace.

3. What does this mean for my life?

If I had to choose one word to describe how this passage impacts me and my life, I would choose the word "hope." Paul talks about how if Jesus hasn't been raised from the dead, then none of us will be raised from the dead, and we have no hope but what we can muster up in this life. Yet he goes on to say that in fact, Jesus has been raised from the dead - according to the Scriptures which foretold it's coming and to many eyewitnesses who saw him. Because there is really not much hope to be found in this life, ALL of our hope lies in Jesus. This is good news, because we can count on God to fulfill his promises. So now I am able to life this life to the fullest without fear, and full of hope in the life to come. This is incredibly freeing and allows me to love others, serve others, give generously, and follow God to wherever, knowing who holds my future.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

This isn't a logical question, but rather a curious wondering. What will our heavenly bodies be like? Will I finally be able to dunk a basketball? Will my joints no longer crack and creak? Will I be able to eat whatever I want? I'm not sure any of this will even matter at all in heaven, but I just wonder what it will be like...

Those are my thoughts for this chapter. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

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#John18 #John19 - The darkest day in history

Click here to read John 18-19:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?


These two chapters flow seamlessly together to tell the story of Jesus' arrest, trial, crucifixion, death and burial. This is the fourth gospel I have now gone through, and this is the fourth account of this part of the story I have read recently. It's not fun. It's hard to read how cruel the leaders were to Jesus, how hard-hearted they were towards God, and how persistently they persecuted him. It was not a pretty picture. In fact, it's safe to say that it was the darkest day in history. There have been others, but putting the Son of God to death seems to top them all. Despite the fact that it was his plan to allow himself to be killed, it was still the sin of all people that he bore on the cross. It's easy to see the ugliness in the people who were plotting against him and shouting "Crucify," but it reminds me that there is an ugly part of me (my sinful nature) that I still need God to take away and transform.

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

Pilate wrote a sign above Jesus that said "The King of the Jews." The Jewish leaders didn't like it, because they wanted it to say, "This man claimed to be the king of the Jews." But Pilate refused to change it. While here on earth Jesus talked a lot about his kingdom and the Father's kingdom, but he doesn't directly claim to be the king. However, in Revelation 17:14 and 19:16, Jesus is given the title of King of Kings and Lord of Lords that he deserves.

3. What does this mean for my life?

On the night Jesus was betrayed by Judas and deserted by the other disciples, he was denied by Peter, one of his closest friends. I think about Peter a lot, how he made bold claims to follow Jesus to the end and fight for him at all costs. Still he ended up denying Christ three times. I feel like that sometimes. I am bold about my faith in Christ at times, and other times I may shy away from sharing it. I want to be not ashamed of the gospel, as Paul says in Romans 1:16, but I am thankful that Jesus even uses someone like Peter to grow the church.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

My biggest question is, "Did Pilate really believe in Jesus?" In this account, it seemed like he almost became a believer in who Jesus was, but felt powerless to do anything besides sentence him to death. Still, he was the one who had to make the decision, and he caved into the pressure of the crowds.

Those are my thoughts for this chapter. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Luke23 - Dead Set on his Mission

Click here to read Luke 23:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

As I read the account of Jesus trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus, what stood out to me most was the pure hatred and utter rejection of the religious leaders. In verse 10, it says they were "vehemently accusing him." In verse 23 it says that "with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed." They were dead set against Jesus, and they won...or so they thought. I don't know what I would have done if I were in their shoes, but I'm sure glad Jesus died so my hard heart could be made alive again. Even though they were dead set against Jesus, he was dead set on his mission to restore us to God through his death on the cross.

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

Someone today made an interesting observation about the thief on the right and the thief on the left being similar to how Jesus described the judgment being like separating sheep and goats. The righteous (those who believed, repented, and lived their life for Jesus) were on one side, and those who rejected Jesus were on the other. I had never made that connection before. I thought it was worth mentioning.

3. What does this mean for my life?

When Jesus was on the cross, he forgave those who mocked and tortured him, and they didn't ever ask for it. They never sat down and confessed their sin. Jesus still pleaded with the Father to forgive them. It's easy to think that we shouldn't forgive someone unless they admit their wrong first, but that only builds up resentment and bitterness inside. I need to remember to be quick to forgive.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

On the way to Golgotha, Jesus gave a mini speech, in which he told the women not to weep for him, because times are gonna get worse. In fact, he said there will be a time when it would be better for women not to have children. What time was he talking about? Or was this just a way to say, there will always be evil, and it will only get worse?

Those are my thoughts for this chapter. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark15 - It's To Die For!!!

Click here to read Mark 15:

In this chapter describing the trial, mocking, and death of Jesus, the story speaks for itself. I have a few quick thoughts. Hebrews 12:2 says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God." It took me awhile to figure out what joy would possibly drive him to endure what we see in Mark 15. It could be the glory of the resurrection and the thought of rising back into heaven, but I think the joy is something different. I think the joy is us. I believe the thought of you and me being able to be forgiven of our sins and truly restored in a relationship with our heavenly father is the joy that was set before Jesus.

So the famous line from The Lion King that made the title of today's blog begs the question, "What is to die for?" or rather "Who is to die for?" For God, the answer was obviously the possibility that we could be in a relationship with him. We were worth dying for to God. Is God worth dying for to us? Or even more importantly, is God worth living for to us?

A sobering Scripture passage for the day. Those are my thoughts. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you, and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Matthew27 - THE KING OF THE JEWS

Click here to read Matthew 27:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

Pontius Pilate is a fascinating part of this story. He questions Jesus, finds no fault in him. He is caught between a rock (or more aptly THE ROCK) and a hard place. Should he sentence an innocent man to death to please the people and prevent an uprising, or should he release Jesus? He in turn does the most diplomatic thing to do - please the people, kill Jesus, but wash his hands of the guilt and place the guilt of it on the Jews who were demanding it. One detail that is really intriguing about his actions is how he places the sign above Jesus that reads THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. In the Gospel of John, chapter 19, he shares that the leaders of the Jews actually objected to this sign. They wanted it to read, "He claimed to be the king of the Jews," but Pilate left the sign as it was. This little tidbit almost leads me to believe that Pilate had some level of faith in Christ. We will never truly know.

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

Well, this part of Jesus's life, death and resurrection are recorded by all four of the gospel writers. Each account varies slightly in that different details are included. This makes total sense though since the four writers would have had four different perspectives of the events in the chapter - whether witnessing them firsthand or recording down what they heard from firsthand witnesses. It is really interesting to read this account in each of the four gospels. The others can be found in Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, and John 18-20,

3. What does this mean for my life?

It's always easy for me to read this story and get really angry with the Jews and the soldiers for betraying and killing Jesus. But when I take a closer look and try to imagine myself in the crowd, I wonder if I might also be one to yell, "Crucify Him!" It would have been easy to be self-righteous and go along with the crowd in doing so. One thing I know for sure, even if it wouldn't have been my voice that led to his crucifixion, it would have surely been my sin. One of the lines in a favorite modern hymn, "How Deep the Father's Love For Us," reads like this, "It was my sin that held him there, until it was accomplished. His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished."

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

So the Jewish leaders, the chief priests and Pharisees, convinced Pilate to seal the tomb and secure it by posting a guard. This makes the resurrection story even more believable, because if it didn't happen the way the Bible says, there would have been plenty of witnesses. I mean, it would have been obvious if the disciples had overcome this troop of soldier guards, out smarted the Pharisees, and stolen Jesus's body. Besides, the Bible itself basically says the disciples were gathered together in hiding - mostly because of fear. My question is, even after all this and after the resurrection happens, "WHY DIDN'T THE JEWISH LEADERS BELIEVE?" That is crazy.

Looking forward to finishing up the gospel of Matthew tomorrow. I'll be moving on to the gospel of Mark after that. I hope you'll join me. God bless, and keep digging in.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Philippians 1 - A Matter Of Life And Death

Philippians 1: 

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

Two words appeared a couple times, and though they seemed to be contrasting each other, Paul encourages us that both are part of living the Christian life. The two words? Rejoice and suffer. Paul is writing this letter to the church in Philippi from jail in Rome. He has already been on his missionary journeys, and he knows about suffering and being rejected. Regardless of the suffering he has endured, and the Philippians may endure for the sake of Christ being preached, he says, "..because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice..." I wouldn't necessarily think about rejoicing in my sufferings, but Paul does. That stood out to me.

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

The first book I tackled with this blog was the book of Acts. It was the account of Paul's journeys on his missions. His long trial and imprisonment in Rome took place in Acts 21-28. It gives a little background to his statement in this chapter about being "in chains" for the sake of Christ. But there is another key verse that talks about rejoicing in suffering from the book of James. James 1:2-3 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

3. So what does this mean for my life?

The number 2 fear people have in the world (right behind Public Speaking, which is number 1) is dying. I think for many there is so much doubt about what comes next, or fear of judgment, that they are afraid to die. Paul gives us insight into his own approach to this in verses 20-26 by saying that in life, he can have fruitful ministry and advance the gospel message in the world. On the other hand, he even says that he desires "to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far." Paul is not afraid to die, rather he is looking forward to it. However he does not rush death. Instead he has a really healthy desire to make the most of every opportunity he has here on earth to share the gospel, with a confidence that if death should find him early he will rejoice in the presence of Jesus forever. This verse has really helped shaped my own view on life and death.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

Paul was saying that some were preaching Christ out of selfish ambition. What would have motivated them to preach Christ other than advancing the gospel? Money? Fame? Paul says they were trying to stir up trouble for him, but I don't know how that would happen through their preaching of Christ.

Well, that's it. Tomorrow we get a lesson in humility from Jesus himself in Philippians chapter 2.

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