Rethinking The Church & Its Relationship to the Community

THROUGH THE BIBLE - Exodus

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:33:47 -0800

JOCOBED AND MIRIAM

[18]

Read Exodus 1:1–2:10

When she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.Exodus 2:3–4 NIV

* * *

The rescue of baby Moses is a remarkable story of faith and deliverance. Many babies lost their lives in this terrible purge by Pharaoh, and yet God had a plan for one little baby boy and his family. Jocobed trusted God as she lowered the basket into the water and prayed for compassion from Pharaoh's daughter. Miriam, in obedience to her mother, stood watch over the baby and spoke wisely to the princess. The result of their faith was that Jocobed was allowed to continue nursing her own baby, and one day Miriam would join her brother Moses as a leader in Israel.(Exodus 2:7–10; Micah 6:4)

* * *

Lord, only You know what the future holds for our children. We commit them to Your providential plan, trusting that You will bring about Your will in their lives. Help us to move confidently into the future, believing in Your love and care for our children and grandchildren. And as we do this, please use us to bless the lives of other families along the way.

* * *

The girl went and got the baby's mother. Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you." So the woman took the baby and nursed him. Exodus 2:8–9 NIV

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

nobody@vox.com(lovetheword) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:04:17 -0700

HE BECAME A MAN

[37]

Read Hebrews 1 -2

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV

* * *

The book of Hebrews begins by introducing Jesus, the Son of God, the Creator of the universe - the One who actually knows what happened, because He was there when it all began. But Jesus was not only there at the beginning, He remains as the power who holds it all together. “God’s Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. (1:3a)

There is no other power in the Heavens or on earth superior to Him. The author of Hebrews writes, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor... (2:9a) Jesus voluntarily gave up His exalted position to identify with us and pay the price for our sin. so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (2:14b-15)

* * *

Thank you Lord that you paid the ultimate price for our sin and that we can trust You as the One who sustains all things. Bless our home with Your presence and help us to share the good news that the Creator of the universe has become our Saviour.

* * *

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18 NIV

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

nobody@vox.com(lovetheword) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:59:55 -0800

A PERFECT MEDIATOR

Read Hebrews 7 – 8

...He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 NKJV

* * *

     These Hebrew Christians were familiar with the sacrificial system and the priesthood. They were also aware that their priests were sinful human servants who had to offer a sacrifice for their own sins before they could approach God for the sins of the people. They were appointed as imperfect mediators between God and men.
     Jesus in contrast, is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. (7:26a-27)
     As the ultimate, sinless sacrifice, Jesus became the perfect mediator for all who would believe in Him. On the basis of the cross of Jesus Christ, our sin debt is settled “once for all.” We are sealed with the Holy Spirit unto everlasting life, and when we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

* * *

Lord, how can I express my thankfulness to You for being available every day to intercede for me. Help me to live for You, for I am no longer my own, I have been bought at a price. Help me to glorify You.

* * *

For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJV

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The Gates of Hell

nobody@vox.com(Judy) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:15:48 -0800

Sometimes in spiritual warfare the last thing that gets bound up is the very thing we needed to arrest.

This morning my studies brought me to Joshua 5:13-15. The word "adversaries" stood out; the Lord's answer in vs 14 is quite interesting; and Joshua's reverence and obedience are apparently unconditional.

Joshua 5:13-15
¹³And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
¹⁴And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant?
¹⁵And the captain of the LORD's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

Whenever I read in Joshua, I'm reminded of the battle of Jericho and how God took care of Israel's adversaries. The battle instructions and weapons given them by God was praise. As we do our part and give honor, glory and praise to God, it preps the battleground for Him to complete His part.

Later in the evening came an email devotion from the Institute of Creation Research. It arrived early (but according to God's clock, it was right on time). Hence, here it is; I hope it will encourage and enrich your heart, as it has mine.

The Gates of Hell
November 19, 2009

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)

Many take this verse to teach security, that although Satan and his henchmen are attacking, the church and the Christian are safe within their fortress. In fact, many commentators and translators understand "gates" metaphorically, feeling that since gates are strong and important, they can be viewed as synonymous with "power," implying that the "power of hell" is marshaled against the church.

"Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty..."

But this is not the case. The Greek word appears only a few times, and in no case can it be understood to mean power. It always means gates--either literal gates in a literal wall or a figurative entryway. Our text is not talking about the "power" of hell, but the "gates" of hell. The picture is not one of Christians cloistered within their castle while Satan attempts to destroy them, but one of Christians on the attack. The forces of evil are the desperate ones huddled within their stronghold, while the church is battering down their gates!

The same teaching is found elsewhere: "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). These verses sound the battle cry, and the battleground is the minds of men. We are commanded to cast down (literally, demolish) improper reasoning and arrogant philosophy, capturing every thought (literally, mind) for Christ, thereby destroying the bastions of evil.

Christian, there is a time for defense, but let us never forget we are to be on the offensive as well. The Christ who leads us into the fray will surely lead us to victory! JDM

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THROUGH THE BIBLE - Genesis

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:42:47 -0800

JOSEPH AND POTIPHAR

Read Genesis 39

Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh … bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there … And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand.
Genesis 39:1,3 NKJV

* * *

At first glance, Joseph's story is about slavery, lies and betrayal, even by family members. But the underlying message is that Joseph prospered in spite of it all, whether he was a servant, manager or prisoner. God had plans for Joseph to rescue his whole family, including those who betrayed him. Joseph was a faithful young man; is it any wonder that God chose him for this important task? His priorities were determined by his faithfulness to God, not the pressures of a wicked culture. When tempted to commit adultery, he said, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9b)

* * *

Lord, give us the discernment to protect our children from the influences that could destroy their relationship with You. Help them to understand that sexual sin is a grievous offense against God, as well as their own bodies. Help us to teach them Your precepts so that they will know right from wrong and look forward to the future You have planned for them.

* * *

“God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance … "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” Genesis 45:7–8a NIV

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

nobody@vox.com(lovetheword) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:05:59 -0800

FAITH AND PATIENCE

Read Hebrews 5 - 6

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Hebrews 5:12 NKJV

* * *

In the midst of persecution both physical and spiritual, these Hebrew believers need assurance. Some doubted their salvation, perhaps because of the areas where they felt so weak. This letter is an assurance that they have a high priest in Jesus Christ who already paid the price for their sins. Those who continue to go back to the beginning and renew their salvation “crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.” Hebrews 6:6 NKJV

Instead, they (and we) must press on in patience toward spiritual maturity. “But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.”(6:9) We should not be discouraged because “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (6:10)

* * *

Lord, I pray that you will help me and the members of my family and church as we grow toward maturity in the things that matter. Help our spirit of apathy when things become difficult and keep us true to Your Word.

* * *

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11-12

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THROUGH THE BIBLE - Genesis

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:22:13 -0800

JOSEPH

Read Genesis 37

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Genesis 37:3–4 NIV

* * *

Jacob and Rachel waited many years before Rachel conceived. By then, Jacob already had sons by his wife Leah and their two maidservants, Zilpah and Bilhah. Rachael's firstborn, Joseph quickly became his father's favorite. This special treatment of the younger son caused resentment and hatred, particularly by the sons of Jacob's concubines. Jacob must have forgotten the pain of his own father's preferential love for Esau, for now he was repeating the pattern. Both Isaac and Jacob suffered the loss of a son because of favoritism. Jacob had to flee to his relatives and Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt.

* * *

Lord, help us to avoid comparing our children or grandchildren in an unfavorable way. Give us sensitivity to the feelings of each child and the ability to appreciate his or her unique personality and abilities. I pray like the Psalmist, "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:12, 14 NKJV)

* * *

Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days. All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted.… Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials.
Genesis 37:34–36 NIV

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A matter of appreciation...for the believer. A matter of appreciation...for the enthusiast.

nobody@vox.com(Bycha (bye-chay)) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:47:32 -0800

I ran across (no pun intended) this sonnet published in 1630 by Jacobus Revius a Protestant poet and preacher who through a self-accusatory technique which many 17th century artists of the Calvinistic reformist movement employed to examine their relationship to Christ and profess their guilt for his continued suffering. It is in my opinion a reflective and self-depricating view of sin and Jesus' sacrifice. It means nothing if you don't believe. It, the paintings and poems are just that; words on paper, colors on canvas. But for those who do believe it has a chilling affect.

In Rembrandt van Rijns' (1606-69) historic painting "the raising of the cross" c.1633 he has painted himself in the scene as Christ's executioner with his trademark artist beret. Not as a solider following orders from his commanding officer or as a lowly roman subject of Prefect Pontius Pilate assisting in the slow and painful execution called a crucifixion; but as someone in command of his own role literally at the "center" of this epic depiction.

It is a quiet piece that is voluminous. It tugs at the core of the Christian message. It is a role that one does not view him or herself in. It is for introspective thought, contemplation, reflection and even just mere appreciation of words, color and form...beautiful art...beautiful poetry.

'Tis not the Jews who crucified,

Nor who betrayed you in the judgment place,

Nor who, Lord Jesus, spat into your face,

Nor who with buffets struck you as you died

'Tis not the soldiers who with brutal fists

Raised the hammer and raised the nail

Or the cursed wood on Calvary's hill,

Or drew lots, tossed the dice to win your cloak.

I am the one, oh Lord, who brought you there,

I am the heavy tree, too stout to bear,

I am the rope that reined you in.

The scourge that flayed you, nail and spear,

The blood-soaked crown they made you wear,

'Twas all for me, alas, 'twas for my sin.

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

nobody@vox.com(lovetheword) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:04:00 -0800

DISCERNER OF THE HEART

Read Hebrews 3 - 4

...exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Hebrews 3:13 NKJV

* * *

Writing to his audience of Jewish Christians, the author of Hebrews reminds them of the penalty of unbelief. The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because they did not believe God. “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest.

(4:2-3a)

The rest that comes to the children of God in our day is through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In our struggle against sin, He is the one who gives us rest. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

* * *

Lord, I come to you today bowing before your throne to find grace to help in my time of need.

* * *

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a Discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

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THROUGH THE BIBLE - Genesis

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:49:05 -0700

14]

HIS OWN PURPOSE

RACHEL AND LEAH

Read Genesis 29:1–30:24

* * *

Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?” Genesis 29:25b NIV

* * *

No one can read this account of Laban’s blatant deception without feeling sorry for Jacob and Rachel, and especially for Leah. Some would say Jacob deserved to be tricked, since he had done the same to Esau.

* * *

But through it all, in spite of the actions of sinful men, God’s plan moved forward: Jesus came from the tribe of Leah’s son Judah, and God used Rachel’s son Joseph to save his people from extinction.

* * *

Looking at this whole story in hindsight we can say with the apostle Paul, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began–" (Romans 8:28; 2 Timothy

* * *

Lord, help me to think in terms of the big picture, even when I can’t understand why things happen the way they do. Grant me the faith to believe that You have a much larger purpose in it all, which will work for our good and Your glory, even for generations to come.

* * *

… and when she (Leah) gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” So she named him Judah … Then God remembered Rachel … She gave birth to a son and named him Joseph … Genesis 29:35; 30:22‑24a NIV

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Rethinking The Church & Its Relationship to the Community

THROUGH THE BIBLE - Exodus

JOCOBED AND MIRIAM

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

A PERFECT MEDIATOR Read Hebrews 7 – 8 ...He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 NKJV

* * *

The Gates of Hell

THROUGH THE BIBLE - Genesis

JOSEPH AND POTIPHAR

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

FAITH AND PATIENCE Read Hebrews 5 - 6For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Hebrews 5:12 NKJV

* * *

THROUGH THE BIBLE - Genesis

A matter of appreciation...for the believer. A matter of appreciation...for the enthusiast.

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

THROUGH THE BIBLE - Genesis

A PERFECT MEDIATOR

Read Hebrews 7 – 8

...He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 NKJV

FAITH AND PATIENCE

Read Hebrews 5 - 6

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Hebrews 5:12 NKJV