For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.  (13) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.  (14) For in fact the body is not one member but many.  (15) If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? (16) And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?  (17) If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing?  If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?  (18) But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.  (19) And if they were all one member, where would the body be?  (20) But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.  (21) And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”  (22) No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.  (23) And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, (24) But our presentable parts have no need.  But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, (25) that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.  (26)  And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. (27) Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul occasioned by considerable dissension and false interpretation of the gospel. Corinth was a pagan society – chaotic, immoral, prideful and divided by cults or cliques of personalities with a caste system. The culture there glorified man and sin.  They did not believe that faithful men were equal in the eyes of God and this was especially evident in the matter of spiritual gifts. They falsely claimed spiritual gifts they did not in fact possess – they wanted to be “superior” – to possess the showy gifts and there was no harmony in the church there. They didn’t use the gifts they actually had.  Just as there has to be distinction of the body parts – they can’t do all the same thing –  diversity in the body is not accidental and is the essence of the body and Paul shows that diversity in the church is essential and divine

Paul is trying to teach the Corinthians not to seek spiritual gifts but to accept and rejoice in the design of God and to minister accordingly. They were not to feel inadequate or conversely, proud. To this point, Paul uses the analogy of the body/church just the way it is; each body is an organism of many parts and complete and healthy when all those parts function together – each part is unique but dependent.

The church is not an organization but an organism. It is composed of one and many; unity from diversity like the body. The church is born of the Spirit and united by that one Spirit there are no outsiders – no degrees of importance of significance. There has to be distinction in our gifts as we can’t all do the same thing. For the whole the church needs all the necessary functioning parts.  Seeking gifts we don’t have results in chaos and harm. Our sovereign creator God designed us purposefully – each unique snowflake Christian. This divine appointment is the will and pleasure of God.

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.  (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.  (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:  (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit, (10) to another the workings of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues.  (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 

Corinthians 1 was written by the apostle Paul.  The gospel in Corinth was corrupted by jealousies, religious hysteria and emotional response.  The Christians there were influenced  by what felt good and were motivated by pride. Some of the gifts of the Spirit were considered more prized than others  and the Corinthians were driven by excessive individualism, cult experience and pride so in our verses today Paul provides correction with information on the proper use of spiritual gifts.

The Spirit is the source of a Christian’s gifts and there is no spiritual elite. In faith we are all equal in Gods eyes but have different ministries which are to be edifying to the whole of the church. There is a diversity of gifts and operations but the same God.    We make each other strong with our different ministries and the same God is working in each of us. And remember that these gifts are not earned but are gifts by grace energized by the Holy Spirit.

Christians believe in one God who manifests Himself in three different persons.  The Spirit transforms and regenerates men/women at the moment of faith in Christ and they are sealed  as chosen of God by the Spirit. Imagine that!!!!  The indwelling Spirit frees us up in Christ. We are free from the law, free from having to please God by self effort, free from the  works causing righteousness system that restricts us; the faithful are free from sin and flesh and Satan. The Spirit empowers us to be holy people set apart by God. We are to minister according to our spiritual gifts – we are stewards of these unique to us GIFTS. We are Christian snowflakes.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, (12) teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lists, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, (13) looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (14) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.  (3:4) But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, (5) not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, (6) whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, (7) that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

The letter to Titus was written by the apostle Paul. Titus was a companion of Paul in his ministry ( thus Titus was well aware of the Judaizers or legalizers trying to corrupt the gospel)  and at the time of this pastoral letter Titus was evangelizing on the island of Crete.  A Cretan was considered a liar, glutton and evil so Paul was emphasizing the necessity for holy and godly living which would be a huge contrast to the pagan lifestyle of Cretans – true Christian behavior was/is a living testament to the gospel and today’s verses were meant to prepare the Christians on Crete.

In this world life is measured on a merit system.  Christianity however is the only religion that IS NOT merit based –  With the exception of Catholicism which still teaches Jesus AND;  and good works, the existence of purgatory etc.  In the Christian belief, man at the moment of faith in Christ Jesus becomes transformed.  Before faith man was spiritually dead but in Christ men received God and the free gift of grace – unearned by good works – and eternal life.  The gospel changed human hearts and in our verses today, Paul is saying godly living might be the only gospel some people ever hear.

Man can never earn salvation by himself – salvation is always of the Lord

if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, (3) how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, (4) by which, when you read you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), (5) which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets; (6) that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel. 

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul, who was in Rome in chains at the time of writing for preaching the gospel.  Paul considered himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus; not a prisoner of the Jews or of Rome. This perspective changed his  attitude and allowed Paul to be content in all situations. As a steward of Gods message Paul shows the faithful how to rejoice in everything.

There are some permanent sacred secrets but history shows that God revealed His mysteries to the prophets and special people. God picks His vessel – Paul in this case – And makes that vessel what He wants it to be through grace. One of the secrets Paul revealed was that the church of Christ was to be of Jews and Gentiles. The Old Testament said that Gentiles would be saved but the Jews never dreamt that they would be one and equal before God, with no difference and no distinction. The Jews didn’t understand incarnation, the indwelling Spirit Or unity of Jews and Gentiles in the church. They especially didn’t understand that salvation is only possible in Christ.

So, our verses today tell the faithful that in our position as believers in Christ we are one with all the other believers.  The gospel is such good news I can’t understand why anyone or any group would want to pervert its message.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; (13) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you must also do.  (14) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (17) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome for preaching the gospel. This letter was occasioned by heresy in Colosse and reaffirms the sufficiency of Christ – true God and true man. In our verses today Paul is addressing the principles of Christian living; the faithful have been given a new eternal life in Christ and this demands a certain pattern of behavior – the righteousness of Christ is applied to the faithful in God’s eyes and we are to act as God now sees us

Paul tells us that we are sovereignly selected by God and not a Christian by choice. We are holy – separated out – that we are now positionally different. We are beloved of God. The direction of our external lifestyle is very specific and is identified elsewhere as fruit of the indwelling Spirit. In context, there was no Greek word for humility which was a despised attribute in that ancient world; pride was all important. Christ Jesus changed that in His teachings and His life – He turned the wisdom of the world upside down. The antidote to pride and self love which poisons us and our relationships with others is humility. Patience is the opposite of resentment; forgiveness is demanded of us if we expect forgiveness ourselves. Jesus Christ is our pattern for living. Once the faithful have that we are to put on love which in this case is an act of the will – without love all would be legalistic and moral attitudes.

Paul ends this list of priorities of a new man/woman by reminding the faithful we are to do all in the name of the Lord who gives us peace and the calm to guide our behavior. We will learn to be content in all situations; be thankful to God and sing to the Lord a new song. Happy new year

(5) Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:  “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. (6)  in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure.  (7) Then I said ‘Behold, I have come – In the volume of the book it is written of Me – To do Your will, O God.”  (8) Previously saying “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), (9) then He said,  “Behold I have come to do Your will, O God.”  He takes away the first that He may establish the second.  (10) By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (11) And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  (12) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand if God, (13) from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.  (14) For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. (15) But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us;  for after He had said before, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord; I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them, (17) then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”  (18) Now where there is remission of these there is no longer an offering for sin. 

Our verses today, from the book of Hebrews, tell us the foundational truths of the gospel. They tell us that all of the Old Testament points to the coming of a Messiah to save man from his sins. That the Messiah did come. That Christ Jesus is that savior for man. That Christ is true God and true man and He came into this world to do the will of God – to fulfill Gods eternal plan for redemption of man.  In Christ, in His perfect and acceptable sacrifice, the repeated sin offerings of the Old Testament are finished. The new covenant is established – works will never and could never earn salvation for man. We are saved by unmerited grace through faith in Christ.

It is written in the New Testament that faith without works is dead. This simply means that the true believer will be reborn and saved at the moment of faith and will behave as he/she now believes – that because of the transformation in faith the believer is compelled to perform good works.  There is no JESUS AND. The Catholic Church teaches Jesus and good works – Jesus and purgatory. Other religions might also do this but my personal experience is with the Catholic Church.  This doctrine is a lie.

This is the message of Hebrews: Jesus Christ Is our eternal high priest.  Jesus Christ is superior and sufficient and His perfect sacrifice provided salvation for all those who believe in Him – their sins are covered in Christ and nothing more can be added.  Look at verse 17 – “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”  Merry Christmas indeed.

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I say, rejoice!  (5) Let your gentleness be known to all men.  The Lord is at hand.  (6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (7) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul while he was in prison for preaching the gospel.  This makes our verses all the more remarkable for his command; “Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I say, rejoice!”  The dominant principle in chapter 4 is spiritual stability in this world filled with anxiety.

Our secular culture struggles with anxiety – the inability to cope with circumstances. This world directs us to find man made solutions; that man can solve his living problems without God, making use of secular experts.   It is futile to search for ultimate answers without God at the center of our lives. Without God we are fruitless, rootless, worthless and unstable.  We are not a biological machine and cannot successfully live in an existence of self love.  In whatever state we need to be content in Christ – we are not the issue. God is living IN the faithful; God is eternal, faithful, holy, pure and in charge of history and circumstance.  And God is near.  We are not to question the Lord but to delight in Him

Human solutions to instability are just human imagination and sentimental invention.  We can count on God’s revealed character and the history of His actions.  The only resting place for the soul is in God and we are to be anxious for nothing in Him – to be content in all circumstances.  We are to rejoice in the Lord always. What a wonderful relief.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, (4) always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, (5) for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, (6) being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (8) For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. (9) And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, (10) that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, (11) being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul.  In our verses today, he begins by expressing confidence in their salvation in Christ. Paul states here in verse 6, the doctrine that NO ONE God has brought to a saving faith will be lost. Wow. What God has begun, He finishes

Scripture teaches salvation is entirely the work of God, not man. In Christ our sins are atoned for, and apart from any human merit God imparts a regeneration to those  He draws near. To quote c.s.lewis from Weight if Glory, “In the end that Face which is the delight or the terror of the universe must be turned upon each of us either with one expression or with the other, either conferring glory inexpressible or inflicting shame that can never be cured or disguised. I read in a periodical the other day that the fundamental thing is how we think of God. By God Himself, it is not. How God thinks of us is not only more important, but infinitely more important.”

Paul moves on to discuss knowledge and discernment. He is basically saying that biblical love is based on holiness and truth – we are to stop relying on emotions and traditions and rely on reason – discernment is a cognitive act. The rationality of true faith goes hand in hand with spiritual growth. True faith can be examined, tested, and used for the basis of judgment. Our priorities should not be of this world but of the next which results in glory and praise of God through our lives, words and actions.

And may our God and Father Himself, And our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.  (12) And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, (13) so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.  (4:1) Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; (2) for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

The letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul. The first three chapters of the letter look at the quality of the church there and the integrity of Paul’s life and mission.  Paul spent a very short time there and it would seem his authority and character were attacked in his absence. In our verses today, Paul is praying for not just his return to the Thessalonians, but he is also calling for spiritual growth – this theme runs all through the letter to the Thessalonians.

Paul is praying to God the Father and Christ Jesus – both divine and equal.  His concern is about the Thessalonians spiritual growth – a perfecting faith. Paul longs to return there so he can expand their knowledge of the gospel – their knowledge of the truth.  One can’t believe what one doesn’t know. In verse 12 Paul is praying for an increase in love which would flow out of the foundation of an expanding and perfecting faith by expanding truth/knowledge of Gods sovereign plan. Love is evidence of the growth of a soul. So this growth which begins with truth and knowledge  leads to faith and trust;  the spillover of love for others is perfecting faith, love and hope.

The first two verses in chapter 4 introduce the subject of excelling even more – “you can do better”.  Paul is introducing the priority of excellence.  He is not a fan of the status quo and here he presents the major issue of spiritual growth through an expansion of knowledge/truth motivated by a longing for God.  Jesus Christ is the only way love and faith can excel.  It will happen when the Lord makes it happen.  People who are not saved can’t grow.

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.  To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, (6) and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen. (7) Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so.  Amen. (8) “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”  

Revelation was written by the apostle John (the last living apostle) near the end of the first century. The letter was the testimony of Christ Jesus sent by an angel to John to be sent to the 7 existing churches of Asia Minor. At the time of writing this letter persecution of Christians was escalating.  (revelation means uncovered or revealed and the Greek translation of this word is apocalypse.). Because of the real danger to the Christians of that time, this letter about Jesus Christ, the risen and glorified God, was written in symbolism and vivid imagery.  The early chapters are historical but the letter is mainly one of prophesy.

Greetings are sent from John and then from Christ Jesus.  Christ, who loved men and became a sin sacrifice that men would be saved from their sin, washed us clean in His blood and made the believers as priests so they could enter God’s presence.  (In the Jewish system access to God was only through the High Priest.)  We are told that Christ will come again into this world and on clouds of glory. In the Old Testament no one could see the light of God and live but at the second coming Christ will be visible to all – “even they who pierced Him”.   This meant the truly repentant Jews. Further, “all the tribes will mourn” meant the rest of the remaining inhabitants of the earth. They will mourn not out of faith and repentance but out of guilt and fear for their sin.

Christ Jesus is the supreme sovereign from A to Z – from Alpha to Omega. Christ, eternal and almighty has dominion over every created person, object and event. Even so.  Amen.

And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  (12) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, (13) from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.  (14) For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. (18) Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.

In the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, God promises He will remember our sins no more. In Christ believers receive total forgiveness – the righteousness of Christ is imputed to believers.  The law of Moses of the Old Testament could never have done that.  This is the main argument in the letter to the Hebrews; converted Jews should not revert to the Jewish system to escape persecution. In the Jewish system there is no complete forgiveness and no access to God except through Christ Jesus. Why would any man/woman forfeit this??

Our verses today illustrate the totality of our forgiveness for sin by contrasting the unfinished, repetitive ministry of the Old Testament priests with the once and for all saving sacrifice of Christ at the cross.  Old Testament sacrifices could never take away sin and they are now worthless and obsolete. Through the cross, in Christ, we have total forgiveness – why would anyone dare risk reverting to a system that cannot do that?

Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.  (24) For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are the copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;  (25) not that He should offer  Himself often, as the High Priest enters into the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another – (26) He then would have to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.  (27) And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,  (28)  so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.  To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.  

Our verses today use another argument made by the author (unknown) of the letter to the Hebrews showing that Christ is not only superior but sufficient for man’s salvation.  This letter was written to encourage – and warn – Jews who had accepted Jesus as the messiah but were in danger of reverting to the old ways in the face of persecution.

Verse 24 refers to the sanctification of the tabernacle and it’s furnishings by blood from sacrifices and tells us that the tabernacle was only a copy of heavenly things. In the new covenant, Jesus, true God and true man, entered time and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice – without sin – to  save man from eternal spiritual death as Gods plan.  So the issue in today’s  verses is of eternal significance; judgment or salvation. Christ’s once and for all sacrifice in atonement for man’s sin far exceeds the Old Testament system of sacrifice. Christ didn’t enter a holy place made by men but entered the true heavenly place in heaven to appear in the presence of God for us. The penalty for sin had to be paid and in Christ the Levitical priesthood was cancelled. For the faithful, sin is covered totally and without qualification –  retrospectively and in the future. All sin since the beginning of the world has been atoned for by the blood of Christ. The effects of His suffering are perpetual and there is no need for Him to repeat them.

Verse 28 tells us that Christ will appear a second time and this time the faithful in Christ will be distinguished from the ungodly.  Those in unbelief will receive no benefit from the death of Christ – their unbelief prevents this.

Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.  (24) But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.  (25) Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives up to make intercession for them. (26) For such a High Priest as fitting for us, ho is holy, harmless, and  undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; (27) who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for all the people’s, for this He did once and for all when He offered up Himself. (28) For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

The author of Hebrews is unknown but the letter is addressed to Christian Jews who were in danger of reverting to the Jewish system to escape persecution. In today’s verses the subject is the superiority of Jesus Christ as the High Priest ordained by God,  who guarantees the salvation of all who approach God through faith in Christ. The Levitical high priests were temporary because of death and were tainted because they were sinful men  Christ Jesus is superior because He is sinless, holy, innocent and permanent.  He is our once and for all High Priest: in Christ we have permanent access to God unlike the ancient Jewish mediators.

Spiritually EVERYONE needs to be saved from the wrath of God. The wages of Adams sin is death and the just penalty for this sin must be paid.  So Biblical salvation starts from hopeless, sinful man. but God made us alive with Christ. We are saved at the instant of faith and God has promised in Christ, to bring this process to completion in our salvation. Our High Priest will be our mediator with God in the process of sanctification. Jesus saves forever those who come to God through Him.

For every High Priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. (2) He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.  (3) Because of this he is required as for the people, so as also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins.  (4) And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. (5) So also Christ did not glorify Himslf to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:  “You are my Son, Today I have begotten You.”  (6) As He also says in another place “You are a Priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek”

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown.  The letter was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution for their Christian beliefs and were tempted to revert to the Jewish religion to escape trials.

In our verses today – and in the next six chapters of the letter – the author is using scripture to point to Christ Jesus as the perfect and forever High Priest as the mediator between sinful man and God.  Under the Jewish system, the High Priest was appointed by God.  A sinner – all men are sinners – could not approach God without a Priest.  Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies and that just once  a year, to offer sacrifice to atone for sin.  This imperfect system foretold God’s plan for a perfect, once and for all High Priest who would make man right with God.  Jesus  Christ alone  fulfilled that requirement.  Christ was without sin and was true man as well as true God.  In His perfect and acceptable sacrifice on the cross – the resurrection is witness to the acceptability of His sacrifice – Christ is now our High Priest and is the cause of salvation for all who believe in Him – Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of salvation by faith, not works.

In Christ the ancient priesthood is abolished.  The Jewish sacrificial system was a shadow of reality that Christ is the fulfillment of every Old Testament prophecy.  Our salvation depends on the priesthood of Christ.

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  (15) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with out weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown. The Jews who had converted to Christianity were wavering in the face of persecution and the letter was written to warn and encourage them to remain steadfast in their belief in Christ Jesus. Our verses today now tell the readers of the benefits Christ’s priesthood has brought them and us which is we now have access to God in Him; in His advocacy our sins are covered and we will obtain the mercy of God.

The Jews had no problem with the concept of a High Priest as they were accustomed to the Levitical priesthood and now they see in one man, Christ Jesus, we can be made right with God.  Jesus was one of us, a true man, tried by human infirmities – we have no need to dread our mediator since He is our brother.  The whole argument is what we know by faith – what Christ is to us.  He put on human nature and also human feelings because otherwise we could not comprehend the care He feels for our salvation.  Christ as true man experienced our physical infirmities and also our emotions.  We experience these infirmities because of our depraved nature but Christ because He was sinless did not – instead He took them upon Himself  Christ was not just a man but took on all of human nature and became the perfect sacrifice acceptable to God for our salvation.  There was no further need for another High Priest.

In our verses today there are two commands:  to hold fast to our confession of faith and to draw near to God, both based on who Jesus is.  He is our great High Priest and He is the Son of God.  Christ Jesus will help in time of need to obtain all things necessary for our salvation.  Now is the acceptable time ; in season; today.  C.s. Lewis writes in the Great Divorce that “There is no other day.  All days are present now.  This moment contains all moments.”

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.  (13) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. 

The author of the letter to the Hebrew is unknown.  The letter was written to a mostly Christian Jewish audience warning them of the dangers of reverting from their Christian beliefs to the non persecuted and allowed Jewish religion.

In our verses today the Hebrew Christians are warmed of the dangers of cultural Christianity – the Jews had historically failed to enter God’s rest because they did not trust or obey God’s word.  All of God’s revelation including that which came from his Son, Christ Jesus, is recorded in Scripture so the jews had God’s word but disregarded it.  The word of God is living and cannot be despised with impunity – – punishment for unbelief and obstinacy will be the fate of Hebrew Christians if they abandon their conversion to Christianity.

The gospel is life to believers and no creature is hidden from the eyes of God.  God, not man, is searching our hearts and souls and we should tremble at this for nothing is hidden from God.  Complete surrender to the word of God which imparts life to dead sinners is demanded in faith.  God’s word is active, effectual and accomplishes what God wills. It is not cultural nor relative.  God is the ultimate and authorative judge of thought and intention of the heart and mind – God knows the totality of the inner person.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. (10) For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing  many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  (11) For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown and the main theme of this letter, written to Jewish Christians, concerns endurance under trials. These people were being persecuted for their Christian beliefs and were tempted to revert to the Jewish religion to escape trials.  This letter argued that the faithful are saved now but the glory is ahead in Christ.  The Jewish Christians were warned not to let present heat cause them to neglect or ignore the great salvation in Christ Jesus. They (we)  are to continue in faith and hold fast.

The Jews thought the Messiah would be a conquering figure and of this world.  God’s plan however, was to use Jesus suffering and death to glorify Him and by God’s  grace to justify those who believe.  Man cannot earn salvation – no works by man are sufficient and salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone.  Our verses today affirm the humanity of Jesus; He was true God and true man.  He had to become fully human to save humans.  In verse 11 we are told that Jesus sanctifies – He is the whole of salvation – which means that He had to be without sin and also fully God.

The doctrine in our verses today is  Christ Jesus became man to save us – to bear the penalty for man’s sin as true man and true God becoming the perfect sacrifice.  Only in Christ are we justified and made right with God.  The message of Hebrews is you can’t go back.  Christ Jesus is God’s final word to us.

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!  (2) Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.  (3) Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire.  You have heaped up treasure in the last days.  (4) Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of the Sabaoth.  (5) You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.  (6) You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.

James, half brother of Jesus and head of the ancient church at Jerusalem, wrote these verses in a letter sent to the persecuted faithful for two reasons; to remind the reader of the enduring, eternal spiritual existence in Christ and to encourage the endurance of the faithful by contemplation of the sure judgment of God of all men – the faithful have been made right with God in Christ – and the destruction of all of this world

In our verses today, James is not calling the rich unbelievers  to repentance but he is pointing out to the poor and oppressed faithful of the early church that wealth without God is futile. James does not mean to indiscriminately condemn all who are rich but only those who have been corrupted by worldly offerings. James ridicules the ephemeral riches of this world and the fruitless pursuit of money, power, luxury and excessive ease – the snares of this world.  James goes on to condemn the cruelty of avarice – the cheating and abusing of others for the foolishness of worldly riches and approval which will not last.

In our culture today we are living in a crowd – solitude is hard to find and less than desirable. Now Christianity is not meant to be a solitary affair but beware the collectivism of secular life which exists for our natural goals; safety, education, etc.  but not for our supernatural life.  The faithful have one foot in both worlds and can easily be tempted and trapped by the lure of a life of pleasure, power and celebrity in this world.  Money itself is not evil – the apostle Paul called it a root of all sorts of evil – but money and power and pride can corrupt.  James is warning the early Christians to keep their eyes on the ball.

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.  (17) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without  partiality and without hypocrisy.  (18) Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  (4:1) Where do wars and fights come from among you?  Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?  (2) You lust and do not have.  You murder and covet and cannot obtain.  You fight and war.  Yet you do not have because you do not ask.  (3). You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 

Thie letter was written by James, half brother of Jesus and head of the church at Jerusalem. James was writing to Christian communities addressing problems of conflict in the early church – not unlike relational problems in the church today. Basically James is saying that the faithful can’t resolve conflict until the source of that conflict is found – and that source is within us.   The enemy isn’t other people, it’s within us. Conflict arises among Christians when they stray from God’s wisdom to the “wisdom” of the world – and worldly wisdom is always rooted in pride leading to selfishness, ambition and jealousies.

God is not the source of worldly wisdom which comes from human emphasis on self and results in confusion, disorder and relational contentions – war and fights.  Spiritual peace of the Lord is not accidental and the faithful must be deliberate in effort and attention to God’s wisdom.  The solution to this unholy state is discernment – an honest examination of our motivation when we are in conflict with others – and an avoidance of judgment of others.  Men/women are born with a depraved nature and are born again, made right again with God in faith in Christ alone; we are to live in the world but not of the world.  Conflict dims our connection to God and the peace of Christ

Our prayer life will focus us and help us examine our true motives.  And don’t pray selfishly  as God cannot be used.  It is God’s will on earth as it is in heaven. All else leads to sadness, frustration and alienation from God.  Salvation is always of the Lord and the peace of Christ is precious behind all understanding.

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?   Can faith save him?  (15) If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, (16) and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?  (17) Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  (18) But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

James, the half brother of Jesus and head of the church at Jerusalem, wrote this letter and the verses we study today. The verses are a famous passage because they seem to contradict the verses in Romans, written by the apostle Paul – it appears that James is saying faith plus works are necessary for salvation while Paul says we are saved by faith alone, in Christ alone, apart from works. James is actually dealing with the question of what is true saving faith – that there is false faith which does not save.  Both Paul and James are NOT saying faith PLUS good works saves man but instead are saying that genuine faith by its very nature accompanies good works.

Martin Luther found this seeming comtracdiction a stumbling block until he realized what Paul meant in Romans 1:17 – “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”  Paul meant that  Christ Jesus alone achieved righteousness on our behalf and no man can partake of justification except by faith alone, in Christ alone, apart from any thing man can do.  Thus by this understanding the reformation was born ; Luther was born again into eternal salvation by faith without any good works by man, and the world was changed

Paul was writing to Jewish Christians who taught that we must add works to faith in Christ to be justified.  This is false doctrine.  Salvation is of the Lord, not Jesus plus  James was writing to those who said they had genuine faith but they did not show a changed life.  Paul is writing of rebirth at the moment of faith and James is addressing sanctification as a process which happens after that moment of faith  and ends only at the moment of death.  Both Paul and James are saying that genuine faith justifies – it is by grace through Christ Jesus that we are made right with God.  This genuine faith ALWAYS results in a life of good works. False faith does not save man.

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.  (2) For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come a man in filthy clothes, (3) and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place” and say to the poor man, “You stand there” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” (4) have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?  (5) Listen my beloved brethren:  Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?  

Our verses today were written by James, the half brother of Jesus.   James is addressing Jewish Christians and warning them of the sin of favoritism/ bias, based on outward factors – gender, dress, skin color etc – all and any kinds of prejudice and judgment.  This sin of pride can be subtle or blatant.  They are judging others without looking beneath the surface and they are separating themselves from each other.  And all this is as true today as it was in the ancient church

James is addressing this problem by focusing on Christ Jesus.  That Christ has given us eternal spiritual life and light and we are to live in this world not of it.  Judgments based on outward appearance alone are faulty and only God sees the hearts of men – we do not and should not presume to assess the character of others.  Remember we are saved in Christ, apart from any effort on our part and being rich or poor is not Gods punishment or reward for how we live our lives.  God’s choice is completely based on His will and grace and purpose

The faithful love God because He first loved them.  God chooses, not man, and in man’s favoritism man is assuming – erroneously – the role of judge.  Partiality is wrong because it aligns us with God’s enemies

Christians.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  (18) Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.  (21) Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the Implanted word, which is able to save your souls.  (22). But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (23) For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; (24) for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.  (25) But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it,  and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the word, this one will be blessed in what he does. (26) If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. (27) Pure and undefined religion before God and the Father is this:  to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. 

James, the half brother of Jesus and the head of the early church at Jerusalem, wrote this pastoral letter to Jewish Christians admonishing them to be doers of the word, not just hearers. He illustrates this point by comparing a man giving himself a cursory glance in the mirror and turning away, satisfied with with what he sees and turning to other things with a man who looks in a mirror for self examination and repair.   James is saying that the word of God is the mirror we should study as every word has meaning and application in our lives – this mirror exposes our pride and self centered lives and uncovers all our worldly faults. It is personal.

Hearers only of the word of God forget what they hear which is the default mode of our sinful nature. The casual man in the mirror has other priorities and therefore only deceives himself/herself; he/she lives a life of dis-ease.    James warns us to be doers of the word as belief and application leads to freedom, peace and blessings.  Application of the word is life long and we will delight in the word of God which will change our conduct and character.  The faithful are to live in the world, not to be of it.  Look in the mirror and see the passing of the world – look carefully and you will see the peace of the Lord looking back at you.

There are differences between moral and social beliefs and behaviors and James is telling us to behave as we believe.  This is what he means by doers of God’s word and not just hearers of the word.  It is the difference between blessings and self deception – the difference between eternal life amd spiritual death.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, (26) that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, (27) that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (28) So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.  (29) For no one ever hated his own flesh,  but nourishes it and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.  (30) For we are members of His body, of His flesh and if His bones.  (31) “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”  (32) This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.  

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul.  In our verses today Paul is addressing the various conditions of life based on the basic principle of relationships which is that the faithful are to serve each other but some are more closely bound to each other – such as husbands and wives, parents and children – and in these relationships exist peculiar duties of mutual obligation.

This radical departure from the culture of Paul’s day ran counter to the world’s wisdom, especially concerning the husband’s role in marriage.  In Ephesus the role of the wife was mostly to produce legitimate children and to care for the home.  Now, Christian husbands are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the church, setting aside selfish and worldly desires and instead practicing love, sacrifice, honor and lifelong devotion. . Paul is not talking about just emotional love here but love as an act of will – love here is deliberate, purposeful and a continuous effort.  But while Paul is writing of the obligation for regard of the sanctity of marriage he makes clear that the most important relationship is the believer’s relationship to the Lord. Christ is our standard and our model in living.

The great mystery in our verses refers to the spiritual union between Christ and the church as whatever is supernatural is beyond our comprehension.  The mystery is Christ’s loving and breathing His own life into the church to which all faithful belong.

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  (17) Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  (18) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit  (19) speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, (20) giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul.  The subject of our verses today is Paul’s warning that Christians live as children of the light in an evil day and need to navigate with care – to live with purpose and intent and make the best use of our days.

We are saved in Christ and sealed in the Spirit; living conscious of the Spirit enables us to grow in spiritual maturity which is an ongoing process ending only in death.  Living in the Spirit means a constant and steady flow of grace/power to live a daily godly life – there are also moments of sudden special filling for special needs.  The filling of the Spirit is a habitual condition that we must seek as we cannot be removed from daily temptation battles.  There are situations in this world that require steadfast perseverance and we need to develope the habit of holiness.

Life in this world is based on circumstances that are constantly changing and without the Spirit we cope by by adopting a “move on, nothing to see here” attitude.  In faith and the Spirit we are learning to live what we are already in fact; adopted and accepted children of God.  We are learning to be free from a need for worldly approval and comfort and material success.  The Spirit teaches us, reminds us, enables us and speaks for us.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by him you were sealed of redemption. (31) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  (32) And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.  5:1. Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  (3) And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma. 

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. He has already shown his readers how to put off the old way of life and in the instant of faith in Jesus we are reborn and put on our new way of life. First there is justification in faith and now the process of sanctification which ends only in our death.

In our verses today Paul is laying down the foundational principal of Christian life. The new man/woman in Jesus will walk in love as imitators of God. To become imitators of God we must become children of God in Jesus – and not all people are children of God.   Just because men were created doesn’t make it so. It all comes from God to man, not the other way around.

Paul tells the faithful to be renewed in mind; to commit ourselves to God in Christ. He then gets specific concerning transformation of the faithful; we are admonished to put off bitterness and anger. Our perspective, our purpose; the passion and focus of life has spiritually and radically changed. Much like the miracle of the recovering alcoholic with the consuming need to drink having been lifted, the spiritually new man wants a close relationship with God, led by the Spirit. We are advised to tame our temper – that bitterness that refuses reconciliation – to speak in truth. Walk in love. Remove slander, malice and clamor from our lives, and forgive others.

We have been forgiven at great cost by grace, not by merit.  I love to close by quoting c.s.Lewis on forgiveness; “We believe that God forgives us our sins, but also that He will not do so unless we forgive other people their sins against us. There is no doubt about the second part of this statement.  It is in the Lord’s Prayer; was emphatically stated by our Lord.  If you don’t forgive you will not be forgiven. No part of his teaching is clearer and there are no exceptions to it. “

(17) This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, (18) having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; (19) who, being past feeling, having given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.  (20) But you have not so learned Christ, (21) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:  (22) that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to deceitful lusts, (23) and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, (24) and that you  put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. 

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul moves to address the transformation in behavior the gospel ought to yield in the lives of Christians. They should no longer walk as the unbelieving Gentiles walk – those who think and live without any regard for God and eternity.  They live in this fleeting world and culture “in the futility of their mind”.

With sin came darkness of the mind and alienation from God.  Unbelievers walk in darkness and are spiritually dead in sin. Their ignorance which Paul calls vanity, is in man’s very nature after the sin of Adam and Eve.  In man’s rebellion to God, he is past feeling, unmoved, with no shame and no guilt – and forsaken by God.  A changed life begins by learning Christ and the significance of what He did on the cross as substitute for sinners  – by learning the history of God and man; not just facts but that the moment of faith in Christ is the moment of salvation.  The truth of salvation is only in Jesus Christ.  We are not saved by a philosophy of redemption but by the historic person, Jesus.   The gospel is rooted in history and the person of Jesus.  if He did not die and rise bodily from the dead we are still in our sin with no hope at all.

in faith we are born again and are able  – and want to – deny self and put off the nature we were born with – the old man.  We are to put on the new man; to be renewed and guided by the indwelling Spirit.  Our changed life begins by learning Christ  – we are in faith “positionally” in Christ and are saved but still we daily exist living in this present world and what that entails – the daily tug from our old life.  A changed life requires putting on the new man.  We did at the moment of faith but must continue doing so every day – it’s called sanctification

God is the creator and pattern  of this new man.  And the righteousness and the holiness of this new man ought to be sincere – God  cannot  be deceived.

,

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, (2) with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, (3) endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  (4) There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; (5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome for preaching the gospel. In chapter four, Ephesians, Paul is moving to practical exhortation for mutual ageeement of the faithful to live and govern the church for the purpose of unity.  He is encouraging the faithful to grow in practice and pattern of qualities that will reflect the unity of the Spirit in order to resolve relationship difficulties as Christian men and women live in love and peace.

Humility or lowliness is listed as the first step – this begins with recognizing that all we are and have is due to God’s grace in Christ. As Christ is sufficient for salvation it follows that we are not self sufficient and we may walk worthy of our calling only because of such distinguished unmerited grace. Humility is the opposite of pride, rudeness and all that flows from high regard of self.

Paul supports his argument for unity by saying we are called to one inheritance – to one life; one divine invitation to one faith.  We are to dread animosity which harms us and estranges us from God. Christ cannot be divided.  There is one God, Father of us all.  (The word Father applies only to members of the body of Christ.). We need each other and are dependent on each other. All have different gifts but all partake of spiritual unity in the same Spirit.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  (14) For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, (15) having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, (16) and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.  (17) And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.  (18) For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome for preaching the gospel.  The theme of our verses today is the reconciliation of man with God – through the cross Christ Jesus reconciled the faithful to God and to one another. Being at peace with God is the foundation for being at peace with others.

But Paul begins this lesson by tracing the peace between formerly alienated peoples – the Jews and the Gentiles – and then moves to the underlying cause of this enmity which was sin which entered the world through Adam and Eve. At the moment of sin man became alienated from God.

The Jews were separated by God from the Gentiles – chosen through the grace of God to be His people of the covenant and the Law primarily to show them the impossibility of sinners earning salvation.  Christ Jesus alone could deal with the problem of sin and for the Jews to enjoy peace with God they had to accept Christ as the mediator and messiah. The Old Testament Law, the system of ceremonies and rituals, which created the barrier/wall between Jew and Gentiles was abolished with Christ’s sacrifice of the cross and in Christ there is a new covenant.

Those far away – the Gentiles – were strangers to the promises of God. The Jews were those near but they also needed to hear the gospel of peace with God in Christ. There is no righteousness on man’s own. The Jews and Gentiles alike were condemned by the law but through Christ, God offers forgiveness and access to all who believe in Christ – salvation is not be anything man does but by what Christ Jesus did.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (4) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love (5) having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, (6) to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (7) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (8) which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, (9) having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, (10) that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth – in Him. (11) In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, (12) that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.  (13) In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (14) who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. 

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul while he was in prison because of his preaching of the gospel.  In the verses we study today he is not lamenting his current miserable state but Paul is caught up in contemplating the unbelievable blessings God has ordained for those who love Him in Christ.  He wants the faithful in Ephesus to be unshakeable in their confidence of salvation in Christ so that all contrary doctrines  – preached as usual by the false teachers who followed him everywhere to corrupt the gospel – would fail

Paul begins with gratitude and rises to the eternal election of God into which the predestined are born; not by whim but by the good will of God.  God blesses us so that we may bless Him.  This selection was made before the world began and we were chosen in Christ, not of ourselves – the name and work of Christ Jesus excludes all merit on our part – we are unworthy.  Our salvation does not come from us but God alone and the material cause of this election and the love now revealed is only in Christ Jesus – we can only be reconciled to God in Jesus.

Keep in mind not only Paul’s circumstances but also what a novelty the gospel was.  God fixes His will and purpose to be revealed in His own good and perfect time that He might gather, in Christ, all things restored in order.  We are in unity by Christ alone and without Him there would be chaos and eternal darkness.  The gospel cannot deceive as it is truth but it is also in eminence – there is no other truth.  Paul now moves onto the proof of the gospel and it is the seal of the indwelling Spirit.  True conviction does not come by judgment of man but by the Spirit guiding the conscience and Paul uses the metaphor of earnest money used to seal a transaction to explain this gift. The Spirit is a pledge to the confirmed committed faithful – there is no turning back

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  (8) Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  (9) And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmaries, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses Sunday, Paul is writing to defend his apostolic claims – that he was an apostle according to the will of God.  He had been much maligned in Corinth by the false teachers who followed him everywhere and his authority had been challenged which meant the gospel he preached was also in danger of being corrupted.  Paul shares in chapters 11 and 12 tremendous amounts of biographical information for his apostolic credibility.

Paul writes that he has experienced divine visions and revelations – and lest the superiority of these revelations tempt him to pride, he has been given “ a thorn in the flesh”.  We don’t know what this painful chronic infirmity was but it was distressing enough for Paul to ask God three times for relief. This “messenger of Satan” (the thorn) was sent by God as a warning that Satan is always at hand

There is no doubt that Paul was heard by God – our prayers are always answered – and this highly favored man of God was told essentially that man’s weaknesses may seem to be obstacles but in our weakness we learn to depend on God – we turn from deceptive self reliance and empty, false pride. Paul would not let anything keep him from the love and power of Christ Jesus and clearly he felt that his thorn in the flesh was an excellence from God.  There are things that come to us because of sin and those things that come to us to keep us from sinning.

But as you abound in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also. (9) For you know the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet, for your sakes He became poor, that you  through His poverty might become rich.  (13) For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; (14) but by an equality that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance may supply your lack. – that there may be equality.   (15). As it is written, “He who gathered  much had nothing left over, and he who gathered  little had no lack.”

The apostle Paul wrote the second letter to the Corinthians. Corinth was a “sophisticated”, amoral city when Paul founded the church there. Not surprisingly, there were some who manipulated the early church and caused great distress, factional arguments and doctrinal corruption after Paul moved on with his missionary journey. Unknown actors even derided Paul’s authority and presence.  After a severe letter of correction (lost to history) another visit and another letter (1st Corinthians) addressing doctrinal questions, Titus, Paul’s assistant, came to him from Corinth to reassure him that the issues had been dealt with.  Now in 2nd Corinthians Paul writes to reinforce his authority and prepare the Corinthians for his third visit.

Our verses today concern a collection being raised in the churches Paul founded on his missionary journeys. Jerusalem had been hard hit by famine and Paul had been given a mission by the apostles to raise a collection for the Jewish Christians there. In verse 9 Christ is the perfect pattern of love – He was rich because He was God but took on the form and nature of man and became poor for us.  He was willing to sacrifice all, even a terrible death on a cross, for the salvation of men.  Everything we have is a gift of God and we should live lightly in this world.  This world is a shadow of the eternal heavenly world promised to those who believe in Christ Jesus who became poor for us that we might become rich in eternal life.

Paul then moves to the events of the Jews wandering in the desert where they were divinely supported – manna was gathered by all but no one took more than the Lord prescribed and all shared equally.  Paul’s application here was that none should accumulate in excess when there are necessities of other Christians. A readiness of will is pleasing to God whether one is either rich or poor and we aren’t meant to be reduced to straits so that others might have ease. Remember that we all have different gifts which are distributed seemingly unevenly but we are all equal in the eyes of God.

And when He has removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart who will do all My will.”  (23) From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior – Jesus – (24) after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.  (25) And as John was finishing his course, he said,  ‘Who do you think I am?  I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose. (26) Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. 

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, physician and historian and frequent companion of the apostle Paul. In our study today, as Luke records the first and longest sermon of Paul on his first missionary journey, we are given a glimpse of Paul’s strategy for preaching the gospel of Christ Jesus. Paul, a rabbi himself, would visit a strategic city where he would attend the sabbath service at the synagogue.  (The Jews also allowed devout Gentiles to also attend these services.). A visiting rabbi would be asked to speak if they wished and Paul would accept and then tracing the prophecy and history of the Old Testament he would emphasize over and over that God promised a Messiah and God keeps his promises. And the Messiah is Christ Jesus

Our verses start today with the removal by God of the first king of Israel,  Saul. Then God chose as king, David; devout, obedient and pleasing to God; “a man after My own heart.”  But as Paul followed this thread and said that Jesus, of the line of David, was the promised Messiah there is a break in Luke’s narrative. There must have been some reaction in that synagogue as Paul then turns quickly to the testimony of John the Baptist who was known and revered by all Jews. Paul quotes John as an authority identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah.

All of the bible points to Jesus as God’s promised Savior – Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise for remedy for sin.  What becomes clear in this story of the sovereignty of God is that man has been saved not because of but IN SPITE OF ourselves.  God initiated the process of redemption and God elects the faithful.  Salvation is of the Lord, beginning to end.  This is the purpose of Paul’s sermon and now of his life, to show that Jesus, son of David, is the Christ, the Messiah and the Saviour of all who believe in Him.

So we are always confident, knowing that while we are home in the body we are absent from the Lord.  (7) For we walk by faith, not by sight.  We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.  (9) Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.  (10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In chapter five Paul has been raising our mind and hearts to heaven through contempt for this world. He compares the miserable and incomplete condition of man in this life with the promised blessedness that awaits the believer after death. Our bodies are temporary – we can all see this as we age – and are unsuitable for heaven. The horror of death is overcome by the confidence in the gospel – flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God  and the indwelling Spirit gives us courage.

So the faithful are confident and dependent on the Holy Spirit.  God is present in us as the Spirit sealed us at the moment of faith but in this life we walk by faith and are absent from God in that we are not yet face to face with God.  As Paul says in Corinthians, we see as through a glass darkly.  One day we will be absent from the body and present with God  – the faithful can bear present affliction with hope of blessed life eternal.  Everyone will eventually give account of their lives and Paul is saying God accepts our works but the eternal life of the believer is earned by Christ Jesus and we obtain it gratuitously.

Even though all are naturally horrified to leave this world for things unseen, the words of c.s.lewis comfort the faithful.  From the Weight of Glory – “These things – the beauty; the memory of our own past – are good images of what we really desire;  but if they are mistaken for the thing  itself they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers  for they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard; news from a country we have not yet visited.”

And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, (14) knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.  (15) For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to God.  (16) Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  (17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, (18) while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.   (5:1) For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In Corinth they had a cult of personalities where they revered certain popular leaders in the church and Paul reminds them that men are used by God – it is God’s work through men so men should only boast in God. The gospel, not the preacher is the treasure.  And so in verse 13 Paul addresses them in the common ground of faith in Christ.  He uses David’s words from psalm 116 to remind the Corinthians that the faithful can speak the truth of the gospel and know that God will keep His promises; he is establishing a principle that the faithful can have confidence in God, even in death

Paul’s perseverance in the face of adversity by the grace from God should hearten the faithful in Corinth by his example, and they should not lose heart.   The outward man is our present life in this world. The inner man is the believing spiritual man who is advancing and flourishing in the Lord – it is called sanctification.  Paul compares these two states to show how the future weight of glory will make present afflictions minimal.

The outward man always shrinks from his own decay and destruction – man is influenced more by present feeling than by hope.  The  miseries of this world may seem long BUT once we raise our hearts to heaven this temporal and transient life will seem like a moment.  We have been made for a better world.

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. (12) Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. (13) For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, (14) how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  (15) And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown. In the early days of the church many Jews believed that Christ Jesus was the Messiah and the persecution of these early Christians was escalating, tempting those converts  to revert to the Jewish (allowed) religion.  This letter was written to warn them of the fatal and eternal consequence of apostasy.

Our verses today speak of the end of the old covenant between God and the Jews through Christ and chapter 9 refers specifically to the ceremonial system of that old covenant. The old sanctuary was an earthly, shadowy image of the heavenly sanctuary in Christ.  One day a year ceremonial rituals allowed for the High Priest to enter the tabernacle or Holy of Holies with blood sacrifice for his sins and those of the people. This old system was temporary and inadequate and allowed only limited access to God. The sacrifice of Christ made with His own blood marked the new covenant between God and man. It provided complete access to God and forgiveness of sin in faith in Christ.  Christ Jesus became our only and once for all High Priest – nothing could be added to this perfect and acceptable sacrifice.

Our verses tell us that Jesus paid the price for sin under the first covenant. In Christ the faithful are made heirs of eternal life- the life that was promised to the fathers from the beginning but only entered into by the blood of Christ. He alone is the mediator of the New Testament; Christ alone brings eternal life.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  (15) For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba,  Father”.  (16) The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, (17) and, if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed, we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. Paul has been addressing the perpetual contest of the corrupted nature of man with  the new life of the faithful.  He now turns to the consolation of this battle  which is that the faithful are exempt from the power of death, in Christ, provided they live in the Spirit. At the moment of faith in Christ, men and women are pardoned and forgiven for sin and transformed/regenerated  by the now indwelling Spirit of God.

Being in the flesh means devoting oneself to the world and those who do so proceed to death and cannot partake of the peace of Christ. Men by themselves are calable of nothing but ruin as there is no life in our corrupted nature. Man cannot earn salvation, it is only of the Lord. The free gift of grace and gratitutous remission of sin can never be separated from the Spirit of regeneration and the children of God are counted spiritual because of the newness of life in them.  We are justified in Christ – made right with God – but there is no justification without the Spirit –  doing the bidding of the Spirit is also necessary for sanctification.  Only those ruled by the Spirit of God are indeed sons of God and their evident godly behavior is how God marks His people.

Paul tells his readers that they did not in Christ receive the spirit of bondage – by this he means the Old Testament Jews received the Law of Moses which commanded and forbade.  The Law made man aware of sin and restrained man by fear.  But with the coming of Christ and the clear light of the gospel the faithful receive the Spirit of adoption whereby God forgives us our sin and deals with us as a Father.  Under the guidance of the indwelling Spirit there is genuine assurance of being right with God, in Christ, and an elevated state of mind which man on his/her own could never achieve

Our verses today end with the caveat that the faithful will be co-heirs with Christ Jesus who came to glory by the cross, if we suffer with Him.  This is the order of salvation, not the cause and shows us how God governs His people

I say then:  Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  (17) For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.  (18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (19) Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are adultery, fornication, uncleanliness, lewdness, (20)  idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, (21)  envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like, of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self control.  Against such there is no law. (24) And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

The letter to the Galatians was written by the apostle Paul. The gospel he preached was being corrupted by the false teachers in Galatia who followed him as he planted churches in all the known world and they tried to teach Christ Jesus PLUS as necessary for salvation – plus the Law, plus the rites, plus the ceremonies.  But Paul preached that man is made right with God in grace by faith in Christ Jesus and sealed by the then indwelling Spirit. That’s it basically – no more ceremonial bondage or reliance on the works of man which can never earn salvation.

It seems the Galatians differed about doctrine which was destructive to the churches and the people causing great friction and strife; there was ambition, pride,slander, injustice, fraud, violence etc, tearing apart the unity of the churches. Paul writes of the remedy for this potential catastrophe which would be to yield to the direction of the Spirit of God. To obey the Spirit and oppose the natural inclinations of the flesh (which includes the mind) are the two great goals of Christians. At the moment of faith we are reborn – transformed into new men and women and the Spirit becomes indwelling in the faithful. The Spirit makes men free and cannot be indwelling without being manifest in our actions – here listed in our verses as the fruits of the Spirit

In the middle of our verses today – verse 21 – Paul writes of the consequences of indulging in the evil fleshy nature of man – those people will be cut out from the kingdom of God and from all hope of salvation. These threats will hopefully call men to repentance as forgiveness in Christ Jesus is now promised. The death of the flesh is the life of the Spirit. We celebrate today as Pentecost Sunday and the birthday of the church of Jesus Christ.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (12) No one has seen God at any time.  If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.  (13) By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.  (14) And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.  (15) Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God.  (16) And we have known and believed the love that God has for us.  God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 

The first sentence of today’s verses, written by the apostle John, refers to the great love God had for us in sending His Son to save us from sin. God set the example and Christ proved His love and our resulting love for one another is not just a nice thing.  It is, in faith, not just who we are now, but an obligation.

John tells us that no man has seen God – meaning we have not beheld Him with our eyes, but have experienced His essence through the love He has shown us. We have not seen the wind either but see it’s effects.   At the moment of faith in Christ Jesus we are reborn – transformed into new men and women and this rebirth is sealed by the now indwelling Spirit of God. Since the essence of God is love and this love is conferred on man by the indwelling Spirit, by faith God dwells in us. Wherever God abides, love is – so love is necessarily connected with faith in Christ Jesus. John is telling us in our verses today that faith in Jesus rests on historic apostolic witness to the person of Christ Jesus; the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies – they saw the miracles, heard the teaching of Christ and were eyewitness to the Resurrection

John is NOT saying that the way to abide in God is to confess faith in Christ and love one another, he is saying that GOD HAS INITIATED this reconciliation and our transformation by faith and the resulting love for one another is EVIDENCE that we are saved. Salvation is of the Lord not of man.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (8) He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.  (9) In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.  (10) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  

In this first letter written by the apostle John, he speaks of the all importance of love.  Love is not optional for the believer and John tells us if we don’t love others we don’t love God.  Love is the imevitable result of being born again – of being a new man or woman in our faith in Christ Jesus but love is not automatic; it is not a matter of our feelings but of our will – it is the growth of our souls.

John has just witnessed in early chapter four of this letter that salvation is by faith in Christ Jesus and at the time of this transformation it is now time to turn to love each other. Love for others is evidence of God abiding in us through the Spirit. Our words and behavior must be consistent with Biblical love which is to live for the highest good for another.  This  is an action verb/a caring commitment, often involving self sacrifice. Biblical love is genuine only when it does not originate from the man/woman, but from God. Salvation is always and only from the Lord, and so this love for others originates in faith in Christ

Biblical love – real love – is seen not in our loving God but in His loving us by sending His Son into a world of hostile unloveable humans to save men from our sins. Without Christ Jesus we are all dead.  Propitiation for sin was the cause of Christ Jesus coming which also means that the acceptable sacrifice of Christ’s death was only able to be accomplished by Him. We are made right with God only through Christ – if men were able to redeem themselves by their works than Christ would not be the only true propitiation for sin.  It doesn’t matter what we think of God but it matters only what God thinks of us.

And when Saul had come to jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.  (27) But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.  And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.  (28) So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.  (29) And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed among the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. (30) When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. (31) Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified.  And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they multiplied. 

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke as a history and theological study of the early Church. In today’s verses in chapter 9, Luke takes up Sauls/Paul’s journey after his conversion at the gates of Damascus. Paul was a Hebrew born of Hebrews; he was a Rabbi and studied under the most famous Rabbi of his time. He lived his life as closely to the Law of Moses as anyone was able and was passionate about his Jewish faith. When Paul heard that a Jewish carpenter from Nazareth was acclaimed to be the Messiah his passion turned to supreme violence and he became an extreme persecutor of this “heresy”.  Jesus of Nazareth was not at all what the Jews thought the Messiah would be – that the kingdom promised of the Messiah would be of this world.

Paul’s  dramatic, sudden and total conversion on the road to Damascus was transformative to say the least. Forever the history of the world was changed in a moment.  Paul is the pattern for transformation by faith in Christ Jesus and the greatest ever example of the power of the resurrection.

Paul did not return to Jerusalem until years after his conversion and even after this time his actions as persecutor of those of the Lord struck fear in the faithful, even the apostles. We don’t know why Barnabas sponsored him in Jerusalem but Paul’s actions in speaking boldly for Christ after his transformation gave him credibility. Clearly from today’s verses Paul was successful in proving Christ Jesus was the Messiah promised in all of scripture to the point where he needed to be smuggled out of that city for his safety.

All the faithful have a conversion story and all are like Saul. We have been reborn and transformed never to go back. We are new men and women and have all been on our own road to Damascus.

Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!  Therefore the world does not know us because it did not know Him.  (2) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 

John begins chapter 3 of this letter emphasizing the favor of God who has bestowed His love on the faithful so they may be children of God through Christ Jesus. It is also called grace.  It is NOT that we are worthy to be adopted because then it would not be a free gift of God.  This adoption does not depend in any regard to good works of men  or through any merit on our part.

The reason why God defers the manifestation of our future glory is that Christ is not yet manifestated in the power of His kingdom when all – believers and non believers will see Him. The faithful will be “like“ Him and saved to eternal life but the wicked will dread His presence and they will be judged.

i just finished reading c.s. Lewis book, “Surprised by Joy” where Lewis describes first,  his belief in the one God and then his faith in Christ Jesus.  I thought this a good place to describe one man’s experience of conversion which was certainly an election by God but also a rational journey to become an adopted child of God.

“I was by now too experienced in literary criticism to regard the Gospels as myths. They had not the mythical taste.  And yet the very matter which they set down in their artless, historical fashion – those narrow unattractive Jews, too blind to the mythical wealth of the Pagan world around them – was precisely the matter of the great myths. If ever a myth had become fact, had been incarnated, it would be just like this. And nothing else in all literature was just like this. Myths were like it in one way. Histories were like it in another.  But nothing was simply like it. And no person was like the Person it depicted; as real, as recognizable, through all that depth of time……..yet also numinous, lit by a light from beyond the world, a god. But if a god – we are no longer polytheist – then not a god, but God.  Here and here only in all time the myth must have become fact; the Word, flesh; God, Man.  This is not a ‘religion’, not a ‘philosophy’.  It is the summing up and actuality of them all.

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant, Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.  (14) But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, (15) and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. (16) And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know.  Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.   (17) Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers.  (18) But these things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.  (19) Repent Therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord

The acts of the apostles was written by Luke and is a history of the early church of Christ Jesus.  In our verses today, Peter and John were going to the temple in Jerusalem to pray when they were asked for alms by a crippled man (crippled from birth), who was laid daily at the gate of the temple.  Peter blessed the man in the name of Jesus Christ and helped lift him up and he was healed – not just healed but leapt about, dancing and praising God.  This man with his lifelong disability was well known to the community and the people were astounded at what happened.  Peter then spontaneously addressed the crowd asking why they looked so amazed at the miraculous healing and disavowed any healing powers on the part of man – he, Peter, was just the conduit for God’s works.

This was the occasion for the second powerful sermon by Peter recorded in Acts.  And this from an uneducated fisherman from Galilee who just a short time before had not only denied Jesus Christ publicly, he had fled in terror from the scene of the passion of Christ.  Now we are told that he spoke full of the Spirit with all boldness and power.  He used this miracle to reprove the Jews for the horrible sins they had committed in putting the Christ to death   and rejecting God.

Now, with authority,  Peter tells them that in faith in Christ the cripple was healed.  And that this was done in their presence and could not be denied. This miracle was the foundation for his sermon preaching the gospel for the gospel can’t be proclaimed unless it begins with Jesus; who He is and what He has accomplished. That Christ willingly died for us as the only perfect and acceptable offering to God for the forgiveness of sin and that Christ Jesus was then raised from the dead and ascended into heaven.  This is the central fact of Christianity.

In verse 17 Luke records that Peter basically then offered hope of God’s mercy to those who respond and repent.  Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, and eternal life is promised to those who believe.  Jesus will return again to fulfill God’s promises and also to judge those who reject the gospel.  The good news is not appreciated unless people know the bad news.

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves Him who is begotten of Him.  (2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.  (3) For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. and His commandments are not burdensome. (4) For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. (5) Who is he who overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?  (6) This is He who came by water and blood- Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood.  And it is the Spirit who bears witness because the Spirit is truth. 

It is apparent that the world we live in is not as it was meant to be. But God promised a remedy and redemption in a Messiah – He appointed the only one who could be satisfactory; His only begotten Son. Jesus Christ accepted that office and all things are promised through Him. Jesus is the volunteer sent by the Father and all of the Bible is Christ centered.

We are told that because of the acceptable sacrifice of the cross those who believe in the Christ are justified and made right with God. This saving faith is above the reach of the human mind but is a gift from God. No one can get there on his/her own but by the Spirit of God only can we be reborn. In this first letter John the apostle is showing us what love is when we are transformed by the Spirit for we don’t truly love God if we don’t love each other. He is basically saying that love for God is the source and cause of love for each other. If we are truly reborn we will want to live in love and obedience – we want to behave as we believe.  And because of this our burden will be light indeed. Paul the apostle declared that he had learned to be content in all situations and that is certainly my ideal.

John tells us the way to overcome the temptations and stumbling blocks of this world is through faith, for the Spirit is our seal when we are reborn.  The Spirit removes fear – declares we are saved and beyond the reach of spiritual danger; gives us grace and courage when we need it. This doesn’t mean the faithful escape constant conflict but faith is not of one day. The Spirit in our lives is perpetual and we are already victorious. This confidence does not make us indifferent but bolder.  In Christ the divine is now our preoccupation.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  (2) Set your mind on things above, not on things in the earth.  (3) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  (4) When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome for preaching the gospel. Word had come to Paul about persistent heresies in that city and he was writing to encourage the faithful to remain steadfast in the doctrine he preached.  In Colosse the heresies were that Jesus was less than God; that Jesus Christ did not take on a true human nature; that higher and secret knowledge was accessible only to a few and this knowledge was necessary for salvation. There was also a cult of asceticism and an insistance on maintaining  the rites and rituals of the Jewish faith.  In another words, in Colosse there was an undercurrent of Jesus plus.

Paul preached justification by faith alone in the completed and wholly acceptable sacrifice of Christ Jesus. He rejected the inventions of man – the rites and ceremonies of human tradition which are dead to the faithful through the death of Christ Jesus. The Colossians were warned not to convert New Testament principles into the establishment of rules as the approved standard of godly life.  This practise tended to pride and self satisfaction – and the rules  he rejects concern morally indifferent things.

In faith we die with Christ and in faith we are reborn; we have been transformed as new men and women.  Our manner of life is now in Christ.  Paul urges them, and us, to be preoccupied with the divine and that to guide our earthly responses. The faithful should take care not to be sidetracked or intimidated by human philosophy – human rules, ritualistic or legalistic. Christ alone is sufficient.  That is the message of Easter; the miracle of the resurrection.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (6) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  (9) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (11) and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul. The ostensible reason for the letter was to thank them for a gift in his time of need; a gift of money symbolizing their love and support for Paul who was in prison and facing capital punishment for preaching the gospel.

In our verses today Paul writes of humility as an intellectual approach to Christian living.  There is nothing in the Bible about self esteem and the heart of relationship problems is the self.

Christ Jesus went from the highest (the divine) to the lowest (in the nature and form of man)  voluntarily,  to rescue man from God’s judgment. Christ was in the form of God – He was equal to God, and it was not false or illegal to claim this. He emptied himself and veiled His divine nature and added to His divine nature a human nature but without sin.  He did not cease to be God.  It the Son of God can go from extremes who is man to be filled with pride.  We must imitate Christ – to help grow in humility we must let Christ’s actions and death be our guide.  To pursue humility we need to know what it looks like, which is our attitude toward the self and others.  The antithesis of humility is pride and c.s.lewis writes in mere Christianity “But pride always means enmity….it is enmity.  And not only enmity between man and man, but enmity with God.

Who, in the days of his flesh, when He has offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, (8) though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (9) And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. 

The author of the letter to the Hebrew is unknown but the letter is clearly addressed to a community of Jews – a warning to Christian Jews or wavering Jews in the face of persecution.

After the fall, God was unapproachable by man except through the priest and  that avenue was strictly regulated.  Throughout the Old Testament the entire Jewish sacrificial system showed the problem of human sinfulness in the presence of God.  Without appropriate sacrifice there was no reconciliation with God and the priest only could act on behalf of the people who were alienated from God. The priestly line of Aaron were appointed by God but this  line was limited and indeed ended. But the cross changed that and Jesus Christ was designated by God as the eternal unchanging High priest for man. The necessity by God of the death of His perfect Son was the only solution for sin. In light of this WHY would we imagine our works could earn salvation?  Our efforts are futile and add nothing to the efficacy of the sacrifice of Jesus. It is pride to even think this would be so. Man is saved by faith alone.

Our verses today tell us that Christ sought a remedy that He might be delivered from the evil to come – showing the human side of Jesus.  Jesus endured such mental and physical agony in the garden during  His passion that man must see that Christ didn’t suffer and die because He disregarded what was ahead.  His anguish and intensity of grief was so extreme Christ even sweated drops of blood.  All this was because He knew that as sin itself He would be separated from God.

The ultimate end was Jesus Christ was consecrated as the perfect and acceptable sin sacrifice. It is beyond our comprehension the mercy and love of God. Christ is not just an example but the cause of our salvation. In obedience we must imitate Christ or we will not benefit.  No one is denied salvation who is teachable.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,  (5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (6) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (7) that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  (8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast.  (10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today concern the unfathomable riches made available to the faithful through faith in Christ Jesus. We were born as sinners – all of us – and subject to the wrath of  God. Our verses speak of God’s love for us but behind these words is the doctrine of God’s wrath. God is holy and just – we were dead in sin and alienated from God. If it weren’t true that we were subject to His wrath and judgment God would not have offered His Son to be such a terrible sacrifice to save us from our sin.  And by the acceptable and perfect sacrifice of Jesus we have been made right with God.  All men, without exception, are born and pronounced guilty until they are redeemed by Christ – if there is no redeemer there is no righteousness with God, no light, no life, no joy;  all of which come only through being right with God;  we are born children of the wrath of God by our nature which means subject to the judgment of God

Paul tells us in verse 4 that the real reason for God’s merciful consideration was the great love with which He loved us even while we were in sin.  In this state man is neither capable or inclined to reach God.  The undeserved gift of salvation is a gift of love – not that we loved God but that He loves us.  Paul writes that man obtains salvation by faith in Christ alone and this is entirely the work of God who owes man nothing – salvation is not an award or recompense but the gift of pure grace.  Salvation does not come from us; is not of ourselves.  It is offered to us by faith in Christ without any merit of good works by man.

We deserve God’s wrath but not His grace.  The union of our souls with God is the only true life and it is only found through Christ Jesus – man was spiritually dead, living in darkness; helpless and hopeless and didn’t even know it

We are born spiritaully dead

For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; (23) but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, (24) but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  (25) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger then men

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul.  Paul is writing to the faithful reminding them that they have been called by God – that they should let go of their division and pride; the seeking of status by belonging to certain factions of personalities.    The gospel is shameful to unbellevers while to the faithful the gospel is the power of God for salvation.  There is a huge unbridgeable chasm between divine wisdom and how the secular view these matters.

The right order of things was for men to see God in light of His works.  The understanding God gave men in their nature has been reversed  by sin.  Only through the eyes of faith do we see God – we lack not only the ability to discern the wisdom of God on our own, we also lack the inclination to do so. The Jews despise the gospel and want evidence of divine power and the Greeks want to know God through the power of human intelligence.  But the faithful preach Christ crucified which seems weakness and folly and so a stumbling block to the Jews.  To the Greeks it seems like a fable:  nothing will convince them, as faith has to come from the Lord and once the blinders  are removed we will go from darkness into the light.  To be aware of having been called by God removes all merit from human wisdom.  God works in ways contrary to human wisdom – the entirety of salvation history is to glorify God and what is important is not what man thinks of God but what God thinks of man

God chooses the “weak and foolish” to shame the “wise and strong” ,not because we are any better but He uses the disdained so that all glory might belong to Him and not men.  Salvation is of the Lord from first to last.

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  (33) Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?  It is God who justifies.  (34) Who is he who condemns?  It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul and today we study the verses at the end of chapter 8. Paul begins this chapter by writing that there is “Therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”  The penalty for our sins has already been paid by Christ and by the resurrection of Jesus,  God has accepted this perfect sacrifice. Christ’s intercession covers our sin and abolishes spiritual death for the faithful. God’s love for us is demonstrated by giving His only Son to die for us and we must see all adversity in this light.  There are strong spiritual forces against the faithful but remember, anything against us is against God.  If God gave his dearest beloved for His plan of salvation, He will carry through with us as we are surely lesser than Christ

Paul makes it clear that God foreknows the faithful and he also teaches us that we will participate in the cross which is to be borne by His people.  In this light we are to humbly submit to whatever condition is allotted to us.  Sorrows and afflictions of this world are no loss and only temporary – Christ is our perfect example of submission.  Present miseries might make us less in the eyes of the world but before God, we will shine.

The indwelling Spirit gives us courage to react to adversity.  All miseries are consecrated in Christ and we are promised victory.  Nothing can resist God – we can be shaken but not defeated.  There is no room for an accuser as God, our judge, has already pronounced the faithful exempt from guilt. No adversary can endanger our salvation. There remains no condemnation for the faithful in Christ

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, (19) by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in  prison, (20) who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few that is, eight souls, were saved through water.  (21) There is also an antitype which now saves us – baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (22) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. 

Our verses today were written by the apostle Peter, probably around 64 Ad – Nero was emperor, Rome had already burned and the Christians were being blamed for the devastation. Persecution was escalating and many of the Christians were imprisoned or murdered because of their faith. Peter is writing to encourage them and bolster their courage in those terrible times.

The Christians must have felt the whole world were unbelievers and these unbelievers were the ones with power – the power of life and death over them. In our verses Peter is reminding them that early godly people were also a minority and God had preserved them as only eight people had survived the flood. Peter is saying in effect the world has always been full of unbelievers but the godly should not be terrified at their numbers.  Peter reminds the Christians that Christ Jesus was the perfect example of one who suffered unjustly and is the clear and only source of salvation. The resurrection of Christ was the acceptance of the sacrifice of Christ by God and our faith is the completion of our salvation. Baptism is symbolic of what has already occurred at the moment of faith – it is a sign of the washing of the soul by the Spirit – by the blood of Christ. Baptism does not save us from sin but it is a pledge, a commitment and a public stand which echoes what has already happened in faith.  And Peter reminds those facing persecution not to seek Christ in things of this world but to prepare with baptism and keep always in mind the example and sovereignty of Christ.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  (32) Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks, or to the church of God, (33) just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (11:1) Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul.  In chapter 10 of the letter Paul describes his ministry – Paul lived so as people wouldn’t withdraw/be offended, but instead would be attracted to his preaching of the gospel and be saved; he sacrificed some of his own liberty (regarding indifferent things) for the sake of others but his purpose was to further the glory of God.  The whole of salvation history is for the glory of God. As c.s.Lewis pointed out,  it matters not what man thinks of God but rather what God thinks about man.

Our verses today are really the essence of Christian living.  We are to live in all respects for the glory of God with a regard for others in the second place.  The faithful are all ministers of God for the salvation of others.  Paul uses himself and his way of living as an example  to confirm the doctrine he teaches – he exhorts the Corinthians to do what he does, which is in fact his imitation of Christ; He urges nothing to others that he didn’t do himself.  Paul is saying that Christ Jesus is the only pattern of right acting.  In another words, follow the saints but only if the model for them is Christ.

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!  (17) For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.  (18) What is my reward then?  That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. (19) For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more…….(22) to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak.  I have become all things to all men that I might by all means save some. (23) Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be a partaker of it with you. 

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul as a letter of encouragement and correction. Paul had founded the church at Corinth and soon after (as usually happened)  false teachers arrived at Corinth intent on perverting the doctrine of the gospel he preached.  And apparently at Corinth there were also personal attacks on Paul challenging his authority as an apostle.

In chapter nine of Corinthians, Paul gives us a description of his life and ministry.  He had williing given up his right to support from the church – he waived any hindrance to the gospel and compared his working to support himself to the behavior of the false teachers.  He viewed his preaching of the gospel as a sacred obligation and goes further to say he was called by God to preach and a curse be upon him if he did not do so.  Paul was prepared to go to any lengths to fulfill his sacred trust and he does so willingly.  He was committed to his calling to any and all extent.

Paul let go of some of his liberty so as not to impede the gospel and accommodated himself to all.  Becoming all things to all men was only an appearance and here he meant ceremonial and indifferent things, not unlawful or doctrinal things. His design was to bring men to Christ, not to promote himself.  Paul purposes to gain all to salvation in Christ and he amends this to saving some which is chilling. His goal is to partake of the gospel with them meaning he lives always with the goal of eternal salvation.

Not only are we to embrace the gospel but all must persevere. Paul uses the analogy of the Isthmian games (held in Corinth) and the prize for running the race – having begun the race we must finish.  For the many who run the Christian race they will win when death alone ends the race

But I want you to be without care.  He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord – how he may please The Lord.  (33) But he who is married cares about the things of the world – how he may please his wife.  (34) There is a difference between a wife and a virgin.  The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit.  but she who is married cares about the things of the world – how she may please her husband. (35) And I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. 

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today are taken from chapter 7 of the letter and Paul is commenting on the virtues of the single life as opposed to the married life in ancient Corinth – Paul is responding to questions sent to him from the newly founded Christian Church there.

Corinth was a bustling, urban, “sophisticated”, corrupt  city with a pagan culture.  Paul arrived and preached the gospel of Christ Jesus and the doctrine of salvation by faith through faith which is transformative.  But the worldly pull of the culture in Corinth was difficult to turn from and the church was beset with factional and sexual problems.  Therefore,  most of this letter is correctional and addresses behavior.  Keep in mind Paul’s comments on marrige and the single life are responsive to questions asked of him.

The apostle Paul has already written that his recommendations are for the single Christian in Corinth –  no one is to divorce or separate from their spouse as a result of being called.  Marital status has no relation to salvation.  If one has been given the gift of “singleness” those people can be totally fulfilled   Paul writes that single persons are no less significant than married Christians.

Paul has suffered persecution because of the gospel and he can clearly see signs of this coming for all Christians.  In times of persecution married people might suffer more than single people because of anxiety for their spouses and children.  There is also more opportunity for conflict with married people; an emotional and psychological pull.  Marriage like the single life is part of the way of this world  – but the world is passing away and if single, there is less attachment to worldly things.  Both lifestyles are blessed by God,

Paul’s words are not commands but he is exploring options   The aingle life is not a snare but a gift from God –   it is a freedom should the single person be able and willing to exercise this choice

But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, (30) those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, (31) and those who use this world as not misusing it.  For the form of this world is passing away. 

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul in response to questions sent to him by the Christians who were members of the church he founded in Corinth. Our verses today focus on marital status – about marrriage and spirituality in context of the pagan culture of that ancient world and Paul’s anticipation of coming persecution for the faithful in Christ.  Paul himself had been abused because of the gospel and he saw hard times coming to the early church,  So, his best advice for those who were single was to stay single at that time but only if they could do so “ without burning” -some can embrace celibacy properly but others will find it a path to destruction.

Paul clearly states elsewhere in chapter 7 that this is his opinion, not a command – remember that he is writing to answer specific questions from the Corinthians and he has already spoken with authority against Christians pursuing divorce or separation.   He is addressing those who are single. Celibacy is not for everyone and the remedy for those who cannot remain celibate is marriage which was/is blessed by God.  All enjoyments of life are gifts from God but are means of corruption when abused. The pleasures of this world might become hindrances to hold us fast to this world  so  we are to use them as if we do not use them; this world is quickly passing away and we are meant for a better world.  The Corinthians – and us – are to remember that adversity AND prosperity are temporary.

Christ Jesus has already appeared in the history of this devolving world and when He comes again, “time’s up”.  The Corinthians are being warned not to become victims of the world’s emotion – not to become too attached to material things that will cease to exist. Let our treasure be in heaven as there our  hearts will also be.

Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods,  but God will destroy both it and them.  Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.  (14) And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.  (15) Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?  Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot?  Certainly not!  (17) But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.  (18) Flee sexual immorality.  Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.  (19) Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  (20) For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul.  Corinth was a center of trade in the ancient world and a thriving pagan culture. It was known as a worship center for the goddess Aphrodite which had 1000 cult prostitutes available for custom in the name of religion.  So prostitution was not only legal, it was encouraged as a religious act.  The Christian Corinthians appeared to equate morality with legality

In this first letter Paul is writing to encourage the Christians but also to correct some of the abuses there. In our verses today he is dealing with the problem of immorality by condemning sexual immorality – specifically that of sex with a prostitute. Our first verse talks of body necessities and Paul tells his audience that food is for the body and the body for food. There’s nothing wrong with that but food and other necessities for life here will pass. We must use things of this world, Not abuse them.  Paul then moves to sexual abuses and tells the Corinthians their bodies are in faith for the Lord. Our spiritual connection to Christ is not just the soul but also the body and Paul proceeds to set before the faithful in Corinth standards of honorable conduct.  He tells them that sexual immorality is an obstacle to spiritual growth as it is an offense against one’s self. Any practice which allows our bodies to gain mastery over us is harmful and should be considered worthless.  Food does not defile and the inference is that the Corinthians are equating food with casual sexual immorality

Paul cautions the faithful in Corinth  that their bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit cannot live in a defiled body. The faithful are also now members of the body of Christ and the body as well as the soul is subject to God – the mind should be pure as well as the physical profession of the saved. Outward actions matter. His advice Is unequivocal:  Flee sexual immorality.

if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, (3) how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,…….(5) which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets; (6) that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul who was imprisoned at the time for his spread of the gospel.  Verse 2 was ironic as his audience consisted of the faithful and he is reminding them that he, Paul, is writing with divine authority, just as he preached the gospel to the Ephesians as the chosen vessel of God.  Everywhere Paul went he was followed by false teachers (judaizers) who argued that Gentiles needed to convert to Jews – with the outward sign of circumcision – and to follow the law of Moses and observe ceremonial rites and rituals in order to be saved.  In another words, Jesus was not enough.  The Judaizers taught Christ AND the law.  The gospel Paul preached was that nothing man can ever do is good enough to earn salvation.  Eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus is a free gift of God.

Our verses today tell the reader that the specific gift of God through Jesus is the reconciliation of the Jews and the Gentiles and this union with each other is accomplished through union of both in Christ.  The word mystery means this is something revealed by God that could never be known through human reason   The Old Testament spoke of God’s blessing in Gentiles through the Jews but now there is revealed a new truth and that is God’s blessing in Gentiles in Christ Jesus  – they are fellow partakers and co-heirs with Christ.

None of the Old Testament prophets, patriarchs or leaders knew when or how the Jews and Gentiles would accomplish this fellowship but divine revelation of the centrality of Christ has been made known by Paul  and this mystery of the gift of grace to the Gentiles has been communicated by God.

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Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; (13) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.  (14) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  (17) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul. The verses we study today present the vital and basic principles of Christian living.  We, as believers in Christ Jesus, are the elect of God chosen before the foundation of the world. Immediately after calling the faithful the elect of God, Paul tells the faithful they are also to be holy or apart from this world – and beloved of God.

Accordingly,  Paul is very specific as to our new eternal lifestyle as we are sanctified in this world. Paul characterizes our new behavior as akin to discarding our old worldly clothes and putting on new “clothes” of tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering, and forgiveness of others. And all these godlike new behaviors are motivated by love. We have been transformed by faith; at the moment of faith we are regenerated and made right with God in  our new position in Christ; righteous behavior will match our new righteous position.

Love is not just an emotion but an act of the will. Emotions are never expressed as abstract in Scripture but as a physical feeling. Psychologically, love is translated into a physiological state. Our gratitude and love can know no bounds and “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the  Father through Him.”

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began (26) but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith – (27) to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever.  Amen.

The apostle Paul was the author of the letter to the Romans. This theological masterpiece was written to the faithful in Rome probably to prepare the church there for his intended visit and to anticipate the false tearchers who followed his ministry to corrupt his teaching of the gospel – and  he wrote to resolve any conflicts between Jews and Gentile bellevers in Rome.  But at the heart of Romans, Paul wrote to defend his gospel of grace that he preached everywhere.

To understand Romans, the reader has to realize that the goal of the gospel  is not the happiness or salvation of man but the glory of God. Paul was Gods  chosen vessel for the spread of the gospel and in it the eternal purpose of God – previously hidden – is revealed. The saved need to live in faith in Christ so that our transformed lives will reflect God‘s glory.  We are firm in our faith because the gospel establishes us – confirms us in doctrine and revelation of God’s eternal plan. Before we can be established we must believe the gospel;  by faith through faith is our salvation:  That’s it.  Our efforts count as nothing as faith is from God to man;  not according to anything man can do.

Paul preached Jesus Christ and Christ crucified.  Tomorrow, Christmas Day, we celebrate God‘s intervention in history and in time and space. God made manifest His plan which had previously been hidden.  Now that God’s plan has been revealed we can clearly see what was obscure in the time of the Old Testament. No one at that time understood the words of the prophets; the apostles didn’t even understand the words of Jesus –  only by divine revelation and divine intervention is the mystery of the Old Testament made manifest.   All of Scripture  was always about Jesus Christ and salvation history.

However mysterious God’s ways might seem to us, Paul assures us they are the ways of the ONLY wise God.

Rejoice always, (17) pray without ceasing, (18) in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  (19) Do not quench the Spirit.  (20) Test all things; hold fast what is good.  (22) Abstain from every form of evil. (23) Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (24) He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

The letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today are in the closing chapter of the letter and are Paul‘s farewell imperatives for the faithful, telling them how to live while waiting for the second coming of Christ Jesus.  Paul gives us the key for these instructions in verse 18 where we are told that “this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”.

”Rejoice always.“  The faithful are rooted for now in this world physically but our souls and future bodies are meant for another place through Christ Jesus. This is a certain hope And this is the good news of the gospel Paul preached. Our short term goals and the grind of daily living can easily obscure this message.  Basically Paul is telling us to lift up our eyes and hearts to the unseen reality we profess to believe; the certain hope of life eternal in Christ and to rejoice always in this reality instead of the illusion of reality we live in now.

“Pray without ceasing.”  We need to have always an awareness of the presence of the Lord. This should be the context in which we operate and train ourselves to make good use of chance moments to pray. Prayer is not meant to be a last resort – we should not compartmentalize our lives but acknowledge the presence of God always. This should be our intent and we can revel in it. At the very least prayer puts what is prayed for in perspective and will bring calm, relief, surrender, acceptance and guidance. Prayer should be our first, not last, good habit.

”in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  Paul suffered much in his service of God and he learned to be content in every situation.   His contentment was not based on his circumstances but on his relationship with Christ. The apostle Paul lived as he preached and who would not want what he had;  a life lived in joy because nothing can separate us from the love of God.

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  (9) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, But is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  (10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fevent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.  (11) Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, (12) looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?  (13) Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.  (14) Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;

Our verses written by the apostle Peter are addressed to the faithful. He is discussing the second coming of Christ Jesus when the destruction of the world will happen and all will be judged. Peter is not providing a chronology of end times but is collapsing the events of the future.  His focus is to warn us to be right with God – only through faith in Jesus – and now to be certain of the future where there will be new heavens and a new earth where God has promised to restore creation as it was meant to be.  The end will come like a thief in the night as Jesus said and we are to be holy (separate from this world) and ready.

Peter tells us the reason for the delay is that God is giving time for all mankind to come to repentance.  God has hidden the end time.  The faithful are advised to be patient but also to be watchful; to be confident in the promise of God who never disappoints.  In patience and expectation of this sure end, if we are right with God we will live our time here in peace and joy.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (4) I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you by Christ Jesus, (5) that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, (6) even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, (7) so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, (8) who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul.  Our verses today are a springboard to the body of the letter in which Paul addresses abuses, inconsistences and shortcomings of the faithful in Corinth.

Paul remarks on the stronger aspects of Christianity in Corinth establishing their character and their evident state of grace.  Paul assures the faithful that they are to have a confident hope of eternal life which rests on the faithfulness of God who is the source of their call.  Paul is praising them in our verses but reminds them that their blessings are from God and not a result of works  – they are not to be “puffed up”.  But Paul is persuaded that the calling of the CorinthIan’s is true and therefore unimpeachable – unmovable – as God is faithful. This is needful to keep in  mind as Paul later moves on to list faults and failings In Corinth

Fundamentally, Paul is telling the Corinthians, who have been called and show the fruits of that calling, that they should have sure expectation of eternal salvation.  The faithful are called to fellowship in Christ so all of Christ’s benefits are theirs and ours.  We should have this persevering and unwavering hope if we are members of Christ who is never going to fall away.  The faithful have the complete forgiveness of their sins; their present is taken care of and their future salvation is guaranteed.

The Corinthians -and us – have been saved through no effort of their/ our own but by the free and undeserved grace of God in Jesus Christ.  They have been called and nothing can change that.  Grace means no guilt and it’s a gift; we don’t deserve it and can never pay it back.  We aren’t expected to.  All our sins are forgiven and we are given freedom.  Grace does not co-exist with obligation.  Wow

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the  first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.  (21) For since by man came death, by Man also the resurrection of the dead.  (22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  (23) But each one in his own order:  Christ the first fruits; afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.  (24) Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdon to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and authority and power.  (25) For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.  (26) The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.  (28) Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.  

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. There were many problems at Corinth which Paul deals with in this letter but our verses today concern death and bodily resurrection. Apparently at the church in Corinth the resurrection of Christ was accepted but there was denial of the bodily resurrection of men.

Pauls method of preaching the gospel was to fIrst teach in the synagogue and after he was expelled from the synagogue he would find another venue.  He would proclaim the truths of the gospel and then depend on the Holy Spirit to transform men and women in faith. Many at the synagogue were Jewish Sadducees who didn’t believe in resurrection after death.  The Greeks believed in the immortality of the spirit but not the body.  The Jewish Pharisees did believe in the resurrection of the body but this was probably not the literal resurrection of the body – and some believed that the resurrection had already taken place. So Paul writes this letter and addresses this theological error of the faithful in Corinth

Scripture teaches literal bodily resurrection which is necessary for the last divine judgment. And Paul writes that those who do not believe there is bodily resurrection are denying the resurrection of Christ.  It follows that if this is true then all the apostles are deceived and all who are faithful are to be pitied as their faith is futile. Christ is the first fruits in His resurrection meaning the rest of the dead will follow. The resurrection of Christ is the pledge of our bodily resurrection.  Just as Adam, the first man, didn’t die for himself alone but we died in him, Christ restored to us what was lost in Adam.  Our life and death is hidden in Him and when He appears we will be resurrected.

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.  (2) For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.  (3) For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then suddenly destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman.  And they shall not escape. (4) But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.  (5) You are all sons of light and sons of the day.  We are not of the night nor of darkness.  (6) Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

The letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul and in our verses today Paul is using the Old Testament expression, The Day of the Lord, as he addresses the return of Christ which will Be sudden and unexpected . This day will be the final revelation of the mercy and judgment of God.  There will be a terrific phenomenon of nature; the sun will suddenly be dark and the moon turned into blood – the stars will withdraw their light.  There will be earthquakes, blood, fire and pillars of smoke. There will be a terrible sifting process of those who are of the Lord and those who will perish. God will say on that day that their will be done. It will be the end and the beginning.  For some there will be sudden darkness with no light at all and for the faithful there will be the sudden light of eternal salvation with no darkness at all.

The Thessalonians were taught this by Paul – and we were taught by Jesus that only God knows the hour and the day.  Paul warns them that false security is so easy – it seems that the sun will rise in the east tomorrow after tomorrow and the unbelievers of this world don’t see God as the only reality.  But it is the visible that is not real and the spiritual that abides.  Christians should be on guard and always ready for the Day of the Lord.  In faith nothing can separate us from Christ.

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.  (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.  (15) For this we say to you by the words of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.  (16) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. and the dead in Christ will rise first. (17) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord. (18) Therefore comfort one another with these words. 

The apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Thessalonians.  Apparently Paul spent a short time there when founding the church but they believed the gospel he preached.  Somehow the word had spread to the faithful there that they had missed the second coming of Christ – that the day of the Lord had already begun. This led to fears for themselves and questions about what happens to those who die before the Lord returns. So Paul now writes this pastoral letter to comfort and erase doubt of the sure hope of salvation to all who believe in Christ.

The Thessalonians retained something of their old superstition of death but Paul reassured them all the faithful are to be raised again because of the resurrection of Christ. Death is not a final destruction but the practice of Scripture is to describe the dead as sleeping which refers to the body, not the soul. “If we believe“ that Christ died for us and was resurrected we are now partakers in His resurrection and in eternal life with Him. Paul had meant to comfort them in the gospel, not to terrify them – Paul further assures them that not only the living faithful but also those believers who died would partake in salvation. He urges them to wait  in patience and to be prepared at all times for that thief in the night, death.

We have hope in our resurrection provided we are members of the faithful in Christ and Paul commends us not just to this comfort but to comfort others. Our resurrection is linked to the resurrection of Christ.

But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.  (8) So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become so dear to us.  (9) For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.  (13) For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.  

The letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul. In chapter one of this letter Paul writes praising God for His election of the Thessalonians and the power of the Spirit so evident in their transformation.  Despite hostility toward Paul in that city, the faithful were devoted To the gospel he preached.  For three weeks Paul reasoned, as a visiting rabbi in the synagogue at Thessalonica, from the scriptures explaining that Christ had to suffer and rise fron the dead.  The message of a crucified Messiah was not what the Jews of that day were expecting – but all his reasoning would have been for naught without the convicting power of the Spirit. And the power of the Spirit was much in evidence in Thessalonica as word of their remarkable conversion and faith went out through the known world.

in our verses today Paul writes of their experiences and the evidence that God  had clearly called/elected the faithful at Thessalonica. Paul has been sent to them by God and their consciences tells them that Paul’s gospel is right and true by both word and example. Paul sought neither money nor glory and did not spare himself – he avoided burdening any one individual even though the law of Christ requires every church furnish His ministers with food and other necessities. Paul wanted no hindrance to the reception of the gospel.  He mentions his gentle approach “just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children”: Paul not only gives them the gospel but their very lives.

Pall charges the Thessalonians to recall his example of discharging his apostolic duties.  He made no financial demands (he labored as a tentmaker) and was working as a servant of man and God in his ministry.  His example was to serve with integrity and devoutly before God and upright before men.  Paul was given the power of the Spirit and was all in.

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.  (6) And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, (7) so that you became examples in all of Macedonia and Achaia who believe.  (8) For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place.  Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.  (9) For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, (10) and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.

The letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul who founded the church there. Thessalonica was the largest city in Asia Minor. It was a strategic port and commercially thriving city as a center and crossroad of trade in the ancient world.  Paul often wrote letters of rebuke or correction to the churches he founded but not to the Thessalonians – this letter was one of celebration of their acceptance of the gospel and the transformation of their lives as elect of God.

Paul begins verse 5 recapping the history of the remarkable reception of the gospel by the Thessalonians as evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit working within the faithful –  Paul is assuring them their faith is genuine and they are elect of God.  Their real saving faith – the evidence that they truly believed the gospel Paul preached – was their service to each other, their evangelizing and their steadfastness.  Their words and actions spread to “every place”.  They turned from a culture of idols to God, implicit in which was repentance and renunciation of religious and cultural practices of the day.  And this dramatic change/transformation took place in the midst of threats and real persecution.  Apparently no price was too high to pay.

The gospel Paul preached in Thessalonica was not just words or information but came to the faithful in the power of the Holy Spirit and the word of God was confirmed in their hearts.  They clearly had a real saving faith which produced a work of faith in their transformation.  And their sure hope is expressed in verse 10 –  that they waited for the return of Jesus who was raised from the dead and has delivered the faithful from the wrath to come

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  (2) We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, (3) remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, (4) knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.  (5) For our gospel did not come to you in word only,  but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 

The letter to the Thessalonians as written by the apostle Paul. Paul went to strategically important cities on his missionary journeys and he chose Thessalonica because of its geographic location – it was an important city of Commerce in the ancient world. Paul would begin his preaching in the local synagogue where he was welcomed to speak as a visiting rabbi. After three weeks the enthusiasm of the Jewish community for the gospel was strong enough for the Jews to expel Paul from preaching further. We do not know if he continued elsewhere in the city but it appears he might have done so long enough for the threatened Jewish leaders to target his followers causing paul to leave  that  city.

In his opening words of this epistle Paul omits to identify himself as an apostle indicating he had no need to remind them of his authority; clearly the converts in Thessalonica respected and honored him. Also it is clear in the strong language used invoking God the Father and our Lord Jesus Chrise as the source of their faith which they received when the gospel was first preached to them – the power of God was manifested in them in a remarkable manner. Paul refers to them as the elect of God meaning This was not just their hope but their sure knowledge that salvation had come to them.  There was a powerful manifestation of the working of the Spirit among them not just in acceptance and living the gospel but spreading Christianity both by word and by example. Their conversion seems to have been based on a firm conviction that what was taught by Paul was real as in verse 5 where Paul writes that the gospel  did not just come to them by word only but also in power.

I often wonder what went on in those early days of the church when the word of Christ  Jesus – the gospel which turned wisdom on its head and was revolutionary in the message -spread throughout the known world in the face of persecution even to death. The gift of faith is real and transformational and in just these opening verses of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians we see that their reaction was immediate and authentic.

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.  Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  (13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  (14) Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.  (19) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  (20) Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever.  amen.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul. He wrote this letter while in prison in Rome for preaching the gospel and in our verses today he tells the church in Philippi that he is content in whatever state he is in – even though his current condition was unjust and might end in his execution.  Paul didn’t just preach this, he lived it

The occasion for this letter was to thank the church at Philippi for their financial gift and he combines the lesson of contentment in the Lord with his thanks. At the moment of faith in Christ believers are transformed and become new men and women – they are justified in Christ; made right with God and begin the process of sanctification. Paul is content in any situation because he believes that the Lord is sufficient for his every need. Paul believed that God would supply his every need and that he was not in any situation by chance. He believed that the faithful don’t need anything that is not supplied and  contentment in every circumstance is the key to living well; not just in times of need but in times of prosperity and abundance as well. This way of life is not just God working through us but God working in us.  Paul is affirming the sufficiency of Christ for the believers EVERY need and is modeling what he has learned.

Christ is the treasure of every believer and where our treasure is, there our hearts will also be.

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I will say, rejoice!  (5) Let your gentleness be known to all men.  The Lord is at hand. (6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (7) and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. (8) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.  (9) The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. 

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul when he was a prisoner in Rome because of the gospel. In our verses today Paul sums up his main theme in Philippians – Christian behavior in a lost world. This message was to bolster the faithful in a world where Christian persecution was a real and present danger.

Paul tells his readers to rejoice in the Lord – and repeats this to underline the importance of his injunction. The peace of God which surpasses all understanding is a promise, not a prayer. This peace is not dependent on this world but exactly the opposite; it is found in the grace of God alone through Christ Jesus. The joys/pleasures of this world are shadows of the real thing – imperfect and fleeting – never satisfying.  Anxiety and joy are mutually exclusive and if we give in to anxiety we are living in this world and have not trust in The sovereignty of God. Ignorance of the providence of God is the cause of all impatience, confusion and doubt.

We cannot live to please ourselves – not if we have true faith.  The only way to realize the peace of God is try to please God.  Our real life is led in our heads and our thoughts shape our conduct:  thoughts become words, become actions, become habits, become our character and inevitably become our destiny. Life lived in the context of eternity should be taken very seriously indeed. Think biblically.

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, (2) fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  (3) Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mindset each esteem others better than himself.  (4) Let each of you look out not only for his own interests,  but also for the interests of others. (5) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (6) who, being in the form of God,  did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men.  (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  (9) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (11) and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is encouraging the faithful there to attend to their everyday lives in their new standing in Christ.  The church Paul founded at Philippi was no different than that of any church today in that there are always human problems with human dealings.

Our faith is a gift and is eternal and at the moment of belief we are given the indwelling Spirit and made right with God through Christ Jesus.  But justification is a process and we are flawed people, so Paul reminds us that if we have known Christ our default reaction should be to seek a renewed  spirit in both the good times and the bad. In every situation and especially during any conflict we should live Christ like – to live to please Him.

God does not cut people off and neither should we – our love and reaction should not depend on another’s response.  If we claim to love God and don’t love others we are mistaken about loving God.  Every conflict is an opportunity to live to serve the Lord – to search our mind and hearts for selfish and prideful actions disguised as service – pride is opposed to harmony.  It is vainglorious and driven by a sense of our own importance.  Self fulfillment should not be our goal  This world we live in at present is fleeting and the outcome of all time and history is certain – Christ is risen and will come again.  Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Christ is Lord.

My favorite, c.s.Lewis, writes in Surprised by Joy:  “Shut your mouth, open your eyes and ears.  Take in what is there and give no thought to what might have been there or is somewhere else.  That can come later, if it must come at all.  (And notice here how the true training for anything whatever that is good always prefigures and, if submitted to, will always help us in, the true training for Christian life.”

according to my earnest expectations and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.  (21) For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  (22) But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.  (23) For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.  (24) Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.  (27) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or I am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul.  At the time Paul wrote this letter he was in prison in Rome having appealed to Caesar as a Roman citizen – he was arrested for preaching the gospel.  The outcome was uncertain and Paul either faced death or would be freed.  In this first chapter of the letter to the church at PhillipI Paul writes about the pros and cons of the impending decision:  his desire is to die and be with Christ (to die is gain) but if he were to live, he would live for Christ and serve His purpose.

What do we live for as men and women of faith???  To live properly we must live purposely and with an eye to our inevitable death.  What do we think happens after death – and how does that affect us?  At the moment of faith – God’s gift – we become transformed – we are reborn and want to live for Christ not out of fear but out of love and desire.  Our new status through grace is our new reality.  Christ becomes our all in all –  things of this world recede and we seek what cannot be seen but know to be true.  Our hope has become certain – we are becoming children of God and people of the book

C.S. Lewis writes in The Great Divorce that “There are only two kinds of people in the end:  those who say to God “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says in the end, “Thy will be done.”  All that are in hell, choose it.”

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.  (8) For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord.  Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. (9) For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In chapter 14 of this letter Paul is addressing the question of religious liberty – Christian religious liberty. At the moment of faith in Christ Jesus as our savior we are made right with God and are transformed  into a new man/woman, sealed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit . We are saved by faith alone in Christ alone and are no longer bound by the Mosaic laws – we are set free from man made regulations, rites, ceremonial obligations and diet.  If the Bible doesn’t speak to certain principles  – basically non essential matters – Paul is saying that the faithful are free to act out of personal conviction concerning Christian liberties. We are in faith to live righteously out of love and gratitude, not out of fear.

By Christian conviction Paul is talking about behavioral beliefs – those that guide our behavior. Basically Paul is addressing our freedom in faith to do what we should do, NOT to what we could do. And our actions should be a result of biblical knowledge and conscience.  Paul is nOT talking about practices that add or subtract from our spiritual life – he is not addressing acts identified as sin – but actions we can enjoy if we can do so in a clear conscience.

The religious liberty beliefs of the faithful discussed in chapter 14 are personal and private – they guide actions practiced before God in a mindful life style done out of a desire to please God. .  We are not to impose our beliefs on others nor are we to judge the behavior of others in such non biblical matters.

The faithful now live in Christ and they die in Christ;  we no longer live for ourselves and our pleasure -we do not die for ourselves either. Christian liberty should be referred to God and our lives spent for God’s glory.  If this is so Then any act which the faithful think will displease God should be avoided.

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.  (9) For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,”  “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal, ” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  (10) Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 

THe apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans and our verses today focus on the second part of our Lord’s great commandment; to love others as ourselves. This biblical love is not an emotional response but an act of will. We owe this perpetual debt of love because we received God’s love while we were yet sinners. The faithful are saved through Christ by the mercy and grace of god – we are not to be comformed to this evil age as the faithful have been reborn.

God’s love for us is our source and motivation for our love for others.  To love others is a process and we can never pay off This debt. ITs so difficult because we are forgiven but still of a depraved nature –  for that changed man/woman love demands sacrifice and self denial.  This love is not just an act of emotion but one of action; a commitment. We are to behave as we believe.

Paul is probably countering criticism from the Jews when he tells us what we must not do. Paul has told the faithful that the civil and ceremonial mosaic law of the Jewish nation is finished. However, the moral law of God still remains to be honored. We are to practice biblical love – to seek the highest good for those we love.  We are fulfilling God’s moral law though love.

Christians may be the only examples of God’s love in practise that some men/women ever experience – it’s a very heavy responsibility for the faithful to repay the debt of having been granted salvation by God’s free mercy and grace – through Christ Jesus.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by  mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  (2) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 

The apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans. In chapters 1 though 11 Paul dealt with foundational doctrine – the thing necessary for salvation which is righteousness through faith alone in Christ alone. In chapter 12 Paul turns to application; how man/ woman is to deal with the transformed life through free grace. At the moment of faith we are transformed and reborn – we are risen from spiritual death and must follow a path where we consecrate to God all of ourselves. We want to behave as we believe, not by terror but by choice which is dictated by our transformed souls and the indwelling Spirit.  We will want to be holy and apart from this world for God. Our minds and hearts should/will seek to know the will of God.

The commitment to know the will of God – and do it – is progressive.  As we grow in Christian life we will grow in awareness and understanding of godly living.  This process is sanctification arising from justification through faith in Christ.  We are urged by Paul “not to be conformed to this evil age”.

All have been informed by this temporary world we live in at present and which is limited and passing.  This world is man centered and apart from God – this world is hostile to God.  Now through faith we live in the light of eternity and the process of pursuit of holiness is lifelong only to be finished at death.  The thinking of the faithful has changed and things of the world recede as we grown in knowledge of God’s will and in God’s grace.  I heard of a teacher of psychology majors who would ask his class how many would get on a bus to heaven if that bus pulled up at our door right now.  I would jump right in that bus but clearly have miles to go before i sleep

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!  (34) For who has known the mind of the Lord?  Or who has become His counselor?  (35) Or who had first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?  (36) For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.  Amen 

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In chapter 11 of Romans, Paul writes of God’s plan of salvation, first to the Jew and then to the Gentile. The Jews rejected Jesus as the Messiah and the gospel was spread to the Gentiles;  this did not mean that God was finished with the Jews for at the time of the fullness of the Gentiles the Jews shall bend their knee to Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Paul is writing that there is nothing in any man why he should be saved over others, other than the mercy of God. All are guilty and all shall be judged  – it is not in man’s power to earn salvation; God grants mercy to whom He pleases.

In our verses today we have an explosive and spontaneous burst of praise of God – an exclamation of wonder at such great mystery.  The sovereignty and the ways of the Lord are beyond our comprehension.  Man cannot comprehend God’s wisdom and purpose  – God’s perfect justice and judgment and righteousness.  Paul exhorts his audience to focus on this truth with humility, obedience, gratitude and adoration.  Paul quotes Isaiah (vs 34) and Job (vs 35) as rhetorical questions; the proper answers are no one can even comprehend the greatness of God, nor refuse God, nor counsel God.  God is in charge of all history and His ways are unknowable.  This doxology (spontaneous outburst of praise) leads us to worship God as our only reasonable response.

The ways of the Lord are not the ways of man but this does not mean we can’t know God at all –  we cannot know His greatness but only what has been revealed to us in His written word and in His physical creation and from the indwelling Spirit from the moment of faith.  Paul is referring here to what God has hidden and  remains incomprehensible to man.

“For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.  Amen.”

For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, (14) if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them.  (15) For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?  (29) For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.  (30) For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, (31) even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy.  (32) For God has committed them all to disobedience that He might have mercy on all.  

The apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans. In chapter 11 of Romans which we study today, we read of the dilemma Paul addresses:  Israel has rejected Christ Jesus as the Messiah and is now in conflict with God, while at the same time Israel is the one to whom God made irrevocable promises of blessing. However, God has a plan and purpose and is in charge. This plan will be executed by men who are free to make choices for which they are responsible – on the one hand God’s plan is foreordained but in the other hand men make real choices.

Paul praises God for His unsearcheable judgments and His unfathomable ways.  Paul tells his readers – the Gentiles – that the Jews, by their rejection of the gospel, caused him, Paul, to preach the gospel to the Gentiles And that this will provoke jealousy to the Jews and cause them to eventually to come to faith. Israel’s failure was not to be fatal and God’s plan of redemption is for all believers – all things will work together for good.

God showed mercy to the Gentiles (all non-Jews are Gentiles) and spread His word through the apostles and disciples to all nations until the fullness of the Gentiles at which time God’s redemptive plan calls for mercy on Israel with their conversion to Christ. All are guilty and all deserve judgment – mercy and grace are similar and both are free unmerited gifts of God. Both Jews and Gentiles are cut off from God at points of history and both will experience God’s mercy at one point in history. We are to rely on God’s faithfulness no matter what our circumstances are and are to live our lives in this awareness.  The message of our verses today is if we reject Christ we become the enemy of God.

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, (2) that I have great sorrow and continual grief In my heart.  (3) For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to my flesh, (4) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises, (5) of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternal blessed God.  Amen.  (6) But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect.  For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, (7) nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but “In Isaac your seed shall be called.”  (8) That is, those who are the children of the flesh, they are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. (9) For this is the word of the promise:  “At this time I will come and Sarah will have a son.”. (10) And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac (11) (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), (12) it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.”  (13) As it is written, “Jacob I have loved but Esau I have hated.”. (14) What shall we say then?  Is there unrighteousness with God?  Certainly not!  (15) For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.”

The apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans.  In the verses we study today Paul is writing about God’s purpose – and God’s choice. God has a plan and He will not be thwarted.  Paul has described himself as a Hebrew of Hebrews; as a Jewish Pharisee who has been educated at the feet of the primary Jewish scholar and teacher of the ancient world. Paul was a vehement and violent adherent for the Jewish faith and vigorously persecuted Jewish converts to Christ  before his dramatic conversion at Damascus. The Jews were his kinsmen and once Paul embraced Christianity it caused him great anguish and sorrow that the Jews refused to accept Jesus as God’s anointed one and the promised Messiah. The Jews rejected Jesus and they rejected Paul as a sworn enemy of the Jewish nation.

In our verses Paul distances himself from any suspected enmity toward Jews.  He declares by oath that he speaks the truth, claiming to speak before God and calls on the Holy Spirit as witness – he could not be risking more as guarantee that all he is writing is truth.  Paul’s great sorrow is that the Jews separated themselves from Christ which means they were excluded from any hope of salvation.  The Jews had been favored above all men by God but now they are of no worth without Christ.  Paul makes the statement that he would be willing to be eternally damned if it would result in the salvation of his countrymen but he knew that this was not God’s plan and it would not happen.  Paul was speaking purely hypothetically as he had just finished writing in chapter 8, Romans, that nothing can separate the saved from God.

The salvation of the faithful in Christ is secure and does not depend on us in any way but rather depends on God’s purpose.  All deserve judgment – all have sinned and God will save those He chooses to save – it is the mercy and election of God and God does not give everyone what they deserve.  Man cannot originate faith as then it becomes a work that merits salvation.  God’s free grace through Christ is as undeserved as is God’s mercy.

In Exodus it is recorded that God told Moses that He will have mercy on whom He will have mercy and He will have compassion on whom He will have compassion.  It has nothing to do with man or his works.  Salvation is of the Lord from beginning to end.  Amen.

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.  (17) For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory:  “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  (18) And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the  holy mountain. (19) And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 

In this second pastoral letter, written at the end of his life, Peter is writing to believers to set forth the truth and certainty of the gospel  – to the life of Jesus he can share his testimony as an eyewitness. His personal experience is an affirmation of Jesus Christ as Messiah and is more than sufficient evidence that our faith in Christ has a true foundation. Peter also referenced the words of the prophets to confirm the gospel – that God had truly completed what He had promised in Christ. Peter writes that the false teachers used cleverly devised tales but not so the apostles – they were proclaiming what they saw and heard.

In our verses today Peter uses the Transfiguration of Christ as the prime example of the majesty and glory of Christ – in the transfiguration the veil was lifted.  Peter uses this moment rather than the ascension or the resurrection because it was the only time he SAW Jesus in His majesty and glory and actually heard the voice of God.  In Jewish law there were two witnesses needed for the legally accepted witness and at the transfiguration Jesus had called Peter, James and John as witnesses.  Further, Peter knew his life was at an end and this was the dying declaration of the writer.  The transfiguration was a brief display of God’s future kingdom.  It was an historical event and testifies that our faith in Christ has a real foundation.

Peter had seen the miracles of Jesus and had seen evidence of Christ’s resurrection – he gives us certainty of the truth of the gospel.  We also have the inward testimony of the Holy Spirit which exceeds the evidence of the senses.  Remember that the gospel at the beginning of the church was not a vague rumor but was authentically witnessed by those who preached what they had seen and  heard.  We do not have a naked faith but have clear knowledge of the truth of the gospel .

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (29) For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed in the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (30) Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is writing a pastoral letter to bring comfort to the faithful in Rome, telling them to endure suffering with hope that is certain, of future glory.

Verse 28 is explained by verses 29 and 30.  Our salvation is part of God’s eternal purpose to glorify His Son. God’s plan is not about us but is about Christ and we are being conformed to Christ’s image through trials and this is done so that Christ would be the firstborn and supreme over all creation. Our happiness isn’t the final goal but instead it is the purpose of exalting God’s Son – the preeminence of Christ Is Gods eternal purpose. And it cannot fail because God cannot fail. Because it is of the the Lord He will complete our salvation  – Because Christ will be glorified by our sharing in His glory.

This plan is entirely initiated by God and the faithful are called according to God’s purpose. Grace is unmerited favor from God and is not based on some good in us – that would give men reason to boast. God’s foreknowledge before time began means God wills that some are elected to salvation made available by Christ. This was determined by God beforehand – what He will do and He will do it.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.  For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul and our verses today are all about prayer. Paul is encouraging us to pray and is not talking about technique but rather the content of our prayers.  We do not know the will of God and therefore we do not have a meaningful prayer life so God sent us the Holy Spirit who does know the will of God and intercedes for us.

At the moment of faith we are saved and we are sealed with the presence of the Spirit. We are weak and do not pray enough because we don’t even recognize how fragile we are – Paul includes himself in this weakness. But God has given us the Spirit -who is God – to help us pray and the very fact that the Spirit prays for us show the Spirit is distinct from God the Father to whom He prays. The Spirit and the Father are aligned so prayer is in accordance with the will of the Father.

The Spirit dwells in all the faithful and and translates our deepest emotions – articulates our prayers which come from the heart. The Spirit’s prayers are always according to God’s will and thus are always answered.  We should know that in prayer as in everything we are nothing without God and that God’s power is perfected in our weakness.

I hear a very wise preacher say that when he is struggling to find the right words  he turns to the prayers of Jesus as written in the New Testament.  What better way to learn how to pray.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  (19) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. (20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; (21) because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  (22) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  (23) Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is writing to encourage the faithful who are suffering because of the gospel – reminding them that the troubles of this world are fleeting especially when compared to the future certain hope of the glory promised by God. What is surprising in these verses is the thought that everything in the created world has been touched with corruption/degradation by the fall of man. In these verses we are presented with two certainties and a conclusion:  All people suffer – all of history suffer- because of man’s fall and all of creation suffers because of man’s fall. The conclusion Is the future glory of the faithful is certain and God will create a new perfect world together with saved mankind at the end of this present time.

In Genesis God judges that “Cursed is the ground for your sake”.  The curse extended to all the botanical world and all the animal world.  Creation was subjected to futility;  the condemnation of man was also on all creation – but all creation according to their nature shall participate in better future condition.  God shall restore the world together with saved mankind.

Even though all creation had fallen through man the Bible tells us that even through this present corruption of nature we can still clearly see the glory of God, the creator.  What a thought that if fallen creation is as beautiful as this present world is, imagine the glory of the new heavens and the new earth.

So, in the face of present suffering we have been saved in Christ and we will have future glory in Christ.   We need to cling to this promise in order to persevere in suffering – the weight of suffering is nothing compared to the glory of eternity.

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.  (11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.  (12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors – not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.  (13) For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul.  In our verses today Paul warns his readers to examine themselves to see if they really belong in faith to Christ. If indeed, is the qualifying phrase in verse 9 and Paul tells us the mark of the Spirit is the best way to tell if we are saved. At the moment we have faith in Christ we are transformed – justified and made right with God and indwelt by the Spirit. The believer as a new man/woman in holiness is distinguished from the world by his/her actions –  The faithful are marked by the fruits of the Holy Spirit and want to live to please God. They are separate from being in Adam. .

In faith we are no longer subject to spiritual death.  Unbelievers are hostile to God and their depraved nature in Adam is not changed. They are in the state of spiritual death and are separated from God. They are incapable of pleasing God. If they live in the flesh they will die in the flesh and will suffer eternal death and separation from God.

If we are right with God by free grace through Jesus Christ, our sins are covered. We are new men and women; the Spirit lives in us and we shall enter eternal life in Christ. Verse 1 of Chapter 8, Romans tells us there is no condemnation for those who live in Christ – that they are free from the law of sin and death. The believer still has the sinful nature despite being a new man. But we are justified in Christ and now are in the process of sanctification –  which ends with our physical deaths.  We are free in Christ to follow our now heart’s desire to please God and live holy, (separate from this world), lives.

Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?  (4) Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (8) Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, (9) knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more.  Death no longer has dominion over Him.  (10) For the death that he died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  (11) Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead, indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul.  In chapter 6 of Romans, Paul addresses grace apart from the new life we have in the risen Christ – justification by faith is accompanied by grace to empower us to live a holy life.  Christ died on account of sin as a perfect ransom/sacrifice acceptable to God and God justifies sinners by grace alone through faith alone with no merit on our part at all.

At the moment of faith we receive salvation and our sins are covered by Christ as the old depraved nature is transformed – we begin the lifelong process of sanctification and are baptized as a public affirmation of this reality.  In ancient days baptism followed/accompanied conversion and was a physical act symbolic of our union with Christ.   Baptism is the spiritual reality of our new nature (which happened at the moment of faith) and water baptism symbolizes this today.  If we died to sin in Christ we cannot still live in sin. This does not mean we are immune to temptation or acts of sin.

If we partake of the union with Christ in death through faith, it follows that we shall partake in eternal life in union with the risen Christ.  In faith there is a decisive break with sin and a new life in God.  Christ paid the penalty for sin and provides the power to overcome sin on a daily basis and we must live in this thought as free men and women.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sin – (13) (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  (14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. (15) But the free gift is not like the offense.  For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.

When sin entered the world through Adam’s act of disobedience God established a union between the first man and his posterity.  Adam acted, was judged and condemned by God,  His sin became the Pandora’s box of human history.  All men became corrupt in their hearts and behavior. Man doesn’t just sin, this became his/her depraved nature.

When sin entered the world no man could break the judgment for no man was free from sin. Sin was in the world but not the Law so no one was guilty of sin but all died. But in Genesis, God told man that the remedy for this judgment was the promise of the Messiah to come. Adam was a type (shadow)  of this second man, Christ Jesus. Christ was true God and true man, He was born without sin and was the only one who could break the transgression of Adam.  It’s faith, not our acts or deeds that save us, just as it was Adam’s act, not our independent deeds that condemned us

Justification of the faithful is based not on man’s deeds but only Christ’s. This justification corresponds to Adam’s one deed resulting in condemnation of all – not of mans deeds but the actions of the first man.  THe Bible is the story of God’s remedy in Christ as God reckoned to us the righteousness of Christ. Our sins are covered through faith and our sanctification  is progressive from the moment of faith. Justification is by faith, not by our deeds. We are pardoned and purified in faith in the saving act of Christ Jesus.  The doctrine of original sin and our subsequent release from damnation in Christ should make us wild with joy and gratitude.

It’s hard to understand and accept this doctrine of original sin but it sure explains what we see in this world – the universality of evil and our constant battle against our basest instincts.  Only one man inserted into history, Christ Jesus, could and did get us right with God.  Only Christianity teaches this remedy.

The bread which we break, is it not The communion if the body of Christ?  (17) For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread. 

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul to address problems in the church Paul had founded.  Corinth was a commercial capital mostly because of its geographic location – and became a liberal and diverse city like highly populated urban areas today. Corinth was known for its temples and pagan culture and today’s verses in context were directed at the dangers of this culture to the Christian life.

In chapter 10 of this letter Paul is warning the faithful Corinthians of the consequences of their lax behavior using the example of the Israelites fleeing from Egypt under Gods protection.  Israel succumbed to the temptations of the flesh and paid the terrible price in the desert  Paul is telling the Corinthians they are at risk also.

The Lord’s supper is to commemorate Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and by partaking of this sacrament men were symbolically and really in union with Christ and each other. The Corinthians had added part of a pagan ritual to the supper – eating of meats that had been sacrificed to an idol were used in the Christian communion service as well.  Paul is saying that the spiritual union between Christ and believers would be a sacrilege if partakers of communion also had fellowship with idol worshippers by using these meats.

Paul’s warning is to us as well as the Corinthians – “flee from idolatry” and take the lessons of history to heart. The demon is baffling, patient, insidious and powerful. Don’t be deceived by intellectual conceits and keep the commemoration of God’s great gift pure. 

Finally, brethren, farewell.  Become complete.  Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (12) Greet one another with a holy kiss.  (13) All the saints greet you. 

The 2nd letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul.  Paul founded the church at Corinth for strategic purposes – it was a large commercial city and a gateway to all parts of the Roman Empire so the gospel would easily be spread. Corinth was a pagan city steeped in idol worship and sexual worship practices. There was a cult of the young and fit  as this was the site of the Isthmian Games, so prominent in that ancient world – the culture was the opposite of Christian fundamental values and stressed the material world.  Into this world Paul arrived on his second missionary journey. He preached the gospel of Christ crucified and raised from the dead for the redemption of the fallen man.  Paul preached eternal life  and that faith in Christ Jesus was all that was necessary for salvation – real faith that would transform men/women from transitory figures of the night to children of the light.  On top of the culture wars in Corinth the false teachers arrived. Motivated by Paul’s success with the gospel these false teachers attacked both Paul’s apostleship and character – meaning they  challenged his gospel and ministry.

In his letters to the Corinthians Paul is addressing the problems of conduct in the church, conduct in the relations of Christians with each other; strife and division in the church and abuse of spiritual gifts – he is defending himself and his authority because sin must be corrected. This is not about temporal power, it is about eternal life or death. Paul is presenting his final challenge and closing words to the Corinthians in our verses today.  Paul expects the Corinthians to challenge their faith by testing themselves as to the cause and source of eternal life. If the Corinthians believe that they are saved ONLY by Christ then they are really transformed and their belief is to guide their actions as specifically outliined in our verses today.  These actions are commands, not suggestions, and also linked to a promise for those who obey God’s will. We depend on God, not the other way around And God promises peace to those who trust in Him.

And finally Paul reminds the Corinthians that there is a larger world out there and the church is a bigger body – the blessings that will flow from that union with Christ’s church are grace, love and peace.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  (3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  (4) And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (5) And there were dwelling in Jersulam Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.  (6) And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.  (7) Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? (8) And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?  (9) Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, (10) Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytism, (11) Cretans and Arabs – we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God”. 

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, the Gentile physician and historian of the early Church. Forty days after the crucifixion of Christ Jesus and His resurrection from the dead much had changed. The apostles had fled in terror from the scene of the crucifixion, not understanding and in fear that they would be killed next. Then Christ was raised from the dead and appeared to these men who became utterly convinced that Jesus was God and everything He said was true.  The Lord stayed with them, teachinging them for forty days untill He rose out of this world – leaving them with the great commission to carry His word to all nations of the known world. Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem until the promixed Spirit would come to them

So now it is fifty days after the Resurrection and the religious Jews from all the nations of the world have gathered at Jerusalem for the feast of weeks or first fruits. These particular Jews – and Gentile proselytes were at Jerusalem to worship God from diverse cultures and separated geographically. We are told by Luke that the apostles and disciples were there of one accord when Gods time came for this great miracle. There was the manifestation of a great sound – of a sudden rushing wind which cannot be seen but can be heard and felt. Then the visible tongues of fire. Then a gathering of a fearful crowd. The violence of the wind caused the fear which opened the gate of the mind. (There are no atheists in foxholes).

And the diverse peoples heard the apostles speaking in their own dialects and languages. By calling them Gallileans Luke is telling us the crowd knew these men and knew they were ignorant fishermen who pretty much stuck to their own country and were not acquainted with other languages So the speaking in tongues was a great miracle.  The gift of the Spirit was a visible gift and all the signs were for the ages.  The appointment and gift clearly were of God and a fulfillment of the promise of Christ to send the Spirit

The Spirit now gave the apostles the power and courage to carry out the great commission of Christ.  Now begins the new era of God dealing with men – the era of the Spirit Who empowers men for witness to Christ and to witness not just to the Jews but also the Gentiles  – God is calling the gospel to all nations with the purpose to spread the knowledge of God to all;  not for our own edification but to empower men to bear witness to the glory of God.  That is the meaning of Pentecost

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eared to these men

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey.  (13) And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying; Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James, the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. (14) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. 

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, physician, Gentile and historian of the early church. Our verses today are in the first chapter of Acts where Luke chronicles the before and after events of Pentecost Sunday when the apostles were utterly transformed. Jesus had been crucified and the apostles had scattered in terror – then Christ had been raised from the dead and appeared to them many times – indeed the point of these verses is that the resurrection is the foundation for our faith and the evidence of this historical occurrence is the credibility of the witnesses.

These witnesses had fled in fear and doubt/disbelief only to be united and dramatically changed in belief that Christ was the risen Messiah.  Luke tells us what happened in the forty day period between the resurrection and the ascension when Jesus appeared to the apostles and taught them; they were, to a man, utterly convinced of this truth. At the end of the forty days Christ rose out of this world after giving the great commission to teach the gospel to all the ends of the earth. So convinced were they that in unity the apostles retired -as directed by Jesus – to the hired upper room in Jerusalem while the city was still crowded and dangerous, to await the promised Spirit. Luke names the apostles in the verses to emphasize that these formerly terrified men were now men of faith and obedience and prayer – the contrast of fear that dispersed the apostles after the crucifixion and  just 40 days after the resurrection, with the conviction that Jesus was exactly who He said He was.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; (16) having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evil doers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.  (17) For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.  (18) For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit. 

In our verses today, Peter calls the faithful to a holy lifestyle because of the great gift of salvation bought for us at the infinite cost of Jesus on the cross.  A holy life is not automatic but is achieved by continuous acts of the will – not by emotion but by the intellect.

Because of sin, man is born with a corrupt nature and there is nothing man can do to save himself/herself. Only the perfect sacrifice of Christ Jesus could redeem us – could save us from spiritual and physical death. At the moment of faith in Christ man is reborn, sealed with the Holy Spirit and transformed. Our sins are covered.

In faith, we want to break with our past lifestyle and in faith we are justified in Christ. We are made right with God. The process of sanctification begins and God will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.  Good works are not enough – only Jesus is – but sanctification begins in the mind. The faithful begin to act purposefully and what we think and believe we begin to live.

Where there is no conviction (belief) of sin there can be no redemption through Christ. We live in a corrupt and perishable world – we are in enemy territory as strangers in a strange land. Our behavior – all behavior, public and private – must be holy in this secular world. The faithful cannot progress to be Christians unless we grow in personal knowledge of God. The more we give of ourselves the more capable we become of receiving God’s free grace. This growth of knowledge is through prayer and the Scriptures where God reveals Himself to us. Remember it is not important what we think of God but infinitely more important what God thinks of us.

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.  (2) Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.  (3) Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business, (4) but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (5) And the saying pleased the whole multitude.  And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, (6) whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.  (7) Then, the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Acts of the apostles was written by Dr. Luke, historian of the early church. In today’s verses we read of a dispute between the Hellenists – Jews of the dispersal who spoke Greek and were raised in that culture – and the Hebrews.  The latter were Jews raised in the culture of Israel and mainly Jerusalem where the church began on Pentecost Sunday. The growth of the early Chirch was miraculous and we are told the Christians lived together in godly ways, sharing everything. The dispute arose over distribution of food to the Hellenist widows.

The Law had always commanded that widows be looked after in their need and this obligation was apparently unfairly meted out – it could have been as simple as geography and accessibility.  But the apostles reacted promptly and correctly by calling the whole group and charging them to appoint seven men – filled with the Spirit and wisdom – to be in charge of this task. The apostles rightly claimed their mission and priority was to spread the word of God and pray.

The names of the men chosen tell us they were Hellenists Jews who were chosen and the inclusion of Nicholas tells us that he was a GENTILE convert to Judaism – this is a turning point in the story of the spread of the church. Verse seven then tells us that many of the priests/ rabbis were also converted to the faith which  also indicates that an era is closing. Persecution of the early Christians has been quiet since the Sanhedrin backed off at the advice of Gamelial and the greatest obstacles to the gospel had been stilled. But now we see the inclusion of diverse groups which indicates opposition is bound to appear.

Hellenistic Jews will oppose Stephen – the first martyr – joined by a roused Sanhedrin. Saul who will become st Paul is about to appear in this history.  The violent death of Stephen ushers in a time of persecution and  dispersal of the Christian Jews to Samaria and  rest of the known world – a time of transition and the plan of God to spread the gospel. The progress of the gospel was all of God but the responsibility for this was that of man

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea, and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.  (36) Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”  (47) Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”  (38) Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  (39) For the promise is  to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”  (40) And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”  (41) Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

Luke, physician and historian of the early church; dear fellow traveler of the Apostle Paul, wrote the Acts of the Apostles.  Acts  records the transition time between the Old Testament and the New Testament – the founding of the church and the miraculous spread of the gospel. The Messiah has come and His work of redemption is complete.

Our verses today reflect the launch of the Church.  It is fifty days after the resurrection of  Christ Jesus and Peter and the eleven are in Jerusalem.  They remained there at the commandment of the Lord – they were witnesses to the living Christ.  At the time of the crucifixion this group had deserted Jesus and fled terrified that they would be seized and killed next.  Their future leader, Peter, had followed Jesus after his arrest and in his fear Peter denied him three times. The group was in complete disarray and ignorance of the import of what they were living through.

Now it is Pentecost Sunday and the promised Spirit has descended on the group.  There was a sudden and enormous wind which caused the Jews in the city to rush find its source.  Peter, an illiterate fisherman and no orator, addressed the crowds with words so persuasive – read true – that 3000 Jewish people were moved to abandon their lifelong culture, laws and tradition.  And this happened in Jerusalem on a Jewish feast day.

Our verses today reflect the launch of the Church.  The geographically diverse group heard the words of Peter in their own native tongues – and how did this crowd of people hear him at all?? And what caused the alarming sudden sound and force of the wind that caused them to gather?  We are given only the gist of this sermon but God was clearly at work.  Peters words were powerful and bold but he was the instrument and the invitation was of God.  Peter, like us, was/is responsible for the effort to deliver the message but clearly the outcome was of God.  His message was that Jesus did not die as a victim – but was murdered by the Jews in fulfillment of the Scriptures and of God’s decree.  This does not mean men are not responsible but that God used evil men for His purpose – the culpability lies on man, not God.  The Spirit entered those chosen with deep conviction that Christ was the Messiah and they had His blood on their hands  – this conviction of sin was needed for repentance.

The message was/is to repent, to be baptized and that God will keep his promise of eternal life.  This does not contradict the doctrine that faith is all – we don’t have real faith unless we see ourselves clearly.   We are reborn and changed people and baptism is a public sign of this personal commitment.  Baptism and good works are a result of real faith but they are an outcome of faith – a result of faith.

And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;  (18) knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, (19) but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.  (20) He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you (21) who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 

The apostle Peter wrote this letter to suffering Christians while in a Roman prison for his preaching of the gospel. The occasion for this letter was to console fellow Christians in a time of terrible persecution for the faith. Peter writes – and lived – in such a consuming passion for the truth of the gospel and the enormity of the redemption of the faithful through Christ Jesus.  He personally experienced Christ both as true man in this world and as the risen Messiah and communicates God’s message of redemption through the cross.

In our verses today Peter begins with threatening words; there is nothing in our worldly experience that can compare with Gods promise of eternal life. He calls on his readers to live  a holy life – as we are, through Christ, made right again with God.  We are reborn in faith (also a gift) and faith in Christ will radically  change our priorities. The process of justification does not happen automatically but calls for discipline, character and obedience. With the indwelling Spirit we are given the power and desire to pursue a higher calling – our former life seems meaningless.  And we WANT to live a holy life.   Peter tells us we should be holy – separate from this world – because we are right with God Who is our father, but also because God is the judge of our actions and motivations. Our sins have been covered by Christ in faith but we will also be held accountable.

We are in this world temporarily – some closer to the end than the beginning.  As we are told in Genesis the sin of the first man earned us death, both physical and spiritual. The ultimate price of sin was separation from God.  Also in Genesis God tells us of His plan for salvation through the perfect and acceptable sacrifice of the perfect  man Jesus Christ. What a plan – the depth of our sinful nature can only be measured by the enormity of the price for our salvation. All men are imperfect, all are flawed. Man can never be good enough to earn salvation – only the Christ. There is no room in our lives for pride as redemption is of the Lord; not of man and not of men’s works.

We never want to hear the words from the risen Christ: depart from Me, I never knew you.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (4) to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that dies not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (5) who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation in the last time.  (6) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, (7) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (8) whom having not seen you love.  Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (9) receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your soul.   

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter near the end of his life and probably from a Roman prison. The arc of his life on earth was stunning – from a fisherman in Galillee to the chosen companion of Jesus – from an uneventful life as a Jewish working man to a witness of the most astounding event in human history.  Peter’s life was not just turned inside out, he was, at the end of his life for the Christ, head of the universal Christian church and an instrument for God’s plan for redemption.

Persecution of Christians was in full swing in Rome and escalating throughout the rest of the ancient world and Peter is writing to suffering Christians.  He is overcome by the enormity of the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and writes his word of encouragementment through this lens.  Everything – all suffering – pales in comparison.  Salvation of the faithful is sure and is of the Lord.

We need our eternal perspective and not to dwell on immediate trials. Salvation can never be earned by man – it comes in spite of man. Mercy and grace are the undeserved gifts from God. If salvation depends on our “goodness” then it isn’t sure.  Our salvation comes from the resurrection of Christ Jesus and Peter was a witness to the risen Christ. Peter urged his readers to put their faith in the right place – in Jesus and what He did for us on the cross – not in ourselves or others which would be faulty and inadequate. God gives the faithful saving faith.

We can expect tribulations in this world – the purpose of trials is to refine our faith  which is not perishable.  Trials are temporary, necessary and under God’s control and for a little while compared with eternity.  Grief and pain are real and the biblical way is not to deny this but we are to retain genuine joy in eternal hope.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting, at the right hand of God.  (2) Set your mind on things above, not on things in the earth.  (3) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  (4) When Christ who is our life appears, then you will also appear with Him in glory. 

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul. The church there was NOT founded by Paul but Paul had close ties to  the church and its members.

This letter was written by Paul while a prisoner in Rome for the gospel. The church in Colosse was threatened by the Jewish legalizers who preached that faith in Jesus was necessary BUT also necessary was observerance of the Mosaic Law – ceremonial rituals of the Jews, dietary laws, the necessity for circumcision etc.  The particular heresy in Colosse also questioned the divine nature of Christ Jesus, (questioning reconciliation with God and redemption by Christ) and there was also the belief that matter was evil.

Paul addresses these theological questions in this letter but our verses today concern the new status of the faithful as raised with Christ – their spiritual lives are now hidden in Christ.  Paul fights the legalizers as what they would have men do is the invention of man, not God.  The faithful are to seek things that are above; we are strangers in this world  and our treasure is in heaven – and someday we will be made manifest in Christ.  Our spiritual home is in heaven while at present our bodies live in this world.  The moment we are saved we enter, through Christ, into God’s presence.  Christ is all in all and we are complete in Him – we have a new focus, a new reality

My favorite, c.s.Lewis, writes in The Weight of Glory, that “At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door.  We discern the freshness and purity of the morning, but they do not make us fresh and pure.  We cannot mingle with the splendors we see.  But all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumour that it will not always be so.  Some day, God willing, we shall get in.”

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (6) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  (9) Therefore God has also highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (11) and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The letter to the Christians in Philippi was written by the Apostle Paul to encourage them to remain steadfast in the face of persecution for their faith in Christ Jesus. Paul writes this letter from prison, likely in Rome, and is suffering for his faith too.

The message in Scripture is clear that while it may look like evil is overcoming in this world, the opposite outcome is sure and God IS sovereign. Christ through his death and resurrection has triumphed over death. We have the witness of the prophets of the Old Testament – all of which points to the promised Messiah of Genesis – and  the direct witness of the apostles who saw Jesus after the resurrection – and who, to a man, suffered all for Jesus. Indeed, the explosion of the church of Christ in those ancient times can only be explained by divine intervention.  God has a plan and we are part of it

The gospel is THE good news – we have been redeemed by Christ and “it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes”.  The message is Christ as true God took on the nature of true man and became sin to be sacrificed to make man right with God. That is why He suffered so in the garden of Gethsemane – not because of the physical torture He knew was ahead but because He would become sin and so would be separated from the Father.  He came to save man in obedience to the Father.  The intended goal in our verses today was not the salvation of man (though that was true) but the glory of God the Father.   Jesus did come as a servant – not of man – but of His Father.  Thus the verses 9 to 11:  “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Amen.

So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.  (9) But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.  (10) And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  (11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to yoir mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Christians in Rome.  Chapter 7 of Romans closes describing the struggle within the believers human sinful nature and our desire to please God.  But chapter 7 ends with great thanksgiving that God is sovereign  and in His mercy has given faithful man the gift of righteousness through our Lord Christ Jesus.  Then chapter 8 begins with the assurance that there is no condemnation for the faithful Christian.  Imagine.

We cannot be saved unless God saves us.  There is nothing – no works – that can earn us heaven and the Holy Spirit is the seal and agent of our sanctification.  God never intended us to live our faith by our own efforts and our liberator is the Indwelling Spirit.  ALL the faithful are covered by the perfect sacrifice of Christ Jesus.  We are delivered from the penalty of sin.   In the Spirit we belong to Christ.  The Spirit is life-giving and has power over death – the Spirit was the instrument by which Christ was raised from the dead and through the Spirit life will be given to our mortal bodies.

The Spirit provides us a no condemnenation status which was paid for by Christ’s death  The faithful have life in the Spirit and are enabled to fulfill the regeneration of belief.  In the indwelling Spirit we have gone from death to life; from dark to the light.  Because the Spirit is now in us our nature has been changed and our relationship with God is settled

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Walk as children of light (9) (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), (10) finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.  (11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.  (12) For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.  (13) But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.  (14) Therefore He says:  “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in  Ephesus which existed in that ancient pagan cultural world.  The guiding principles of our verses today addresses real life difficult situations – how Christians should live as people of light. Paul says that the faithful are not in the light but ARE light.

Paul’s argument is that believers have undergone a dramatic change of heart. Salvation has come to them and it has transformed them already – not just improved but TRANSFORMED them from death to life; from darkness to the light.  Jesus was God’s provision for salvation; He is the light of the world.  And this contrast between light and darkness is throughout the Bible; we are to be in this world but not of this world. We are not to be tainted by worldly things – to wear the world lightly.

The caution is believers are not to be so removed from the world as to withdraw and have no impact. In faith we are to behave as we believe. People do notice and hopefully will want what we have. The light exposes what the dark conceals.  In his book, The Great Divorce, C.S. Lewis writes of choices between light and dark – death or salvation – where the night is almost gone and the day is at hand.   We are running out of time to choose the light.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  (3) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulations produces perserverance; (4) and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  (5) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  (6) For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  (7) For scarcely for a righteous man one will die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.  (8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul and our verses today tell us about the blessings that flow from the doctrine of justification by faith – we are at peace with God on His terms.  The caveat here is we have this peace by faith in Jesus and what He has done for us on the cross. His resurrection is the sign that His was the perfect and acceptable sacrifice to God and we are given standing in Christ – our sins are covered.  Believers have a certain future.

God demonstrated His love for us by giving His Son to die for us and He gives the Holy Spirit to the reborn as a continuation of the blessings of justification by faith in Christ.  Human love will always disappoint because of our imperfect nature but God’s love is perfect. We live in a shadow world of what is to come.  We had no hope and we were doomed until Christ came as our substitute. Alone we have no merit, no righteousness and can do no works worthy of forgiveness.  Salvation through faith in Christ is true and Jesus alone gave us this gift. We can’t comprehend the enormity of this but the faithful know that salvation is certain if we are called.

Paul urges us to exult in our trials.  This is not an automatic response and the faithful have to consciously live this way.  Exulting in trials does not mean denying the pain but to know everything in this world passes and only God alone remains.  Humans are frail, faulty but God does not forget His promises  and our future hope is certain.  We don’t develop endurance unless we have trials.  The result of perseverance in trials is character – acceptance and peserverance result in joyful living not for this world but the next.  The faithful have a certain future and Paul calls it hope only  because we aren’t home yet.  So rejoice; it’s all true

• Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, (9) who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,  (10) but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned – (13) (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  (14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam who is a type of Him who was to come.  (15) But the free gift is not like the offense.  For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of one Man, Jesus Christ, abounds to many.  (16) And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned.  For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.  (17) For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who received abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ.)  (18) Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.  (19) For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. 

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul and our verses today are written for our assurance of the good news of the gospel.  The point of our verses is that in Christ through faith we are made right with God and are saved for eternal life.  Outside of Christ man is still under the reign of spiritual and physical death.

All men are in Adam so all men sinned when Adam disobeyed God – his sin was imputed to all.   Because of this sin of the first man all are born into this world with a sinful nature.  In Genesis God judges Adam – and us – but also announces His plan for salvation through another. Our old identity was with Adam but through faith (also a gift) we are reborn and have a new identity in Christ Jesus. The identification with either Christ or Adam is the key to understanding these verses.  We will either be condemned through Adam or saved through Christ, the perfect man and sacrifice, acceptable to God.  God’s gift of free saving grace through Christ is far greater than the result of Adams sin.

Paul is writing of the reign of death through Adam versus the reign of life in Christ.  We will not just be judged but will be judged in the deeds of our representative, Christ Jesus.   This gift of righteousness to all who believe and now stand in Him means not that the faithful are morally upright but all their sins are covered.  Paul is clear that  it is not by by our deeds but by one man’s act we are no longer separated from God –  Not just good news but the only news we need to know.

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewardo of the mysteries of God.  (2) Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.  (3) But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court.  In fact, I do not even judge myself.  (4) For I know of nothing against myself, yet i am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.  (5) Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts.  Then each one’s praise will come from God. 

The first letter to the CORINTHIANS was written be the Apostle Paul in response to a leadership crisis there. The Christians in Corinth had developed pride in “their” different messengers of the gospel, disregarding the real gospel and becoming highly secular instead of growing spiritually.

Paul contrasts the way he is viewed by the  Christians at Corinth and how they view themselves and their ministers.  Christian ministers are not masters but they are stewards of the Lord – they have certain authority but are not to be intent on pleasing men but pleasing the Lord who is both master and judge.

Paul pursues the matter of the CORINTHIANS judging him and he does this by pointing out that he, Paul, has limitations to judge even himself.  Human judgment is fallible and the Christians at Corinth are to cease judging.  (And Paul is writing of the judgment of believers, not unbelievers.).  Man’sjudgment is temporal and incomplete but the Lord is the final judge. Only God knows what is really motivating men’s hearts. So Paul is saying men don’t have enough information to judge and they are not wise enough – they base their judgment on outward appearances.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  (17) If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.  For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. (18) Let no one deceive himself.  If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. (19) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.  For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”, (20) and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”  (21) Therefore let no one boast in men.  For all things are yours:  (22) whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come – all are yours.  (23) And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. 

The first letter to the CORINTHIANS was written by the Apostle Paul.  There were problems there and the first two chapters of this letter addresses them – cults of personalities were causing divisions among the Christians The gospel was being preached by different men in different styles or personalities.  The factions took pride in the prestige and status of the leaders they followed instead of embracing the message of the gospel – the Christians at Corinth were so shortsighted and foolish and did not believe that all that mattered was the word of God; the message, not the messenger.

In our verses today Paul is asking these delusional men/women to change something –  to stop deceiving themselves  and to stop boasting of men.  Man’s wisdom is foolishness to God and God’s wisdom is foolishness to unbelievers.  The Christians should open their eyes and see how the world they know is passing away; the people, the nations, the cultural “wisdom”, material goods – all is short lived.  It is delusional to think otherwise.

Wisdom is the truth of the gospel, of Scripture, of the Cross – the unbelieving world foolishly rejects this.  Man’s reliance on his own wisdom brings about his downfall;  it trips him up, is futile, arrogant and useless – it is temporal not eternal.  Paul tells the Christians at Corinth that all that matters – present or in the future – is their (and our) life in the Spirit.  Salvation is the message of the gospel and the revelation of God is through Christ who is in God.

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.  (7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, (8) which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  (9) But as it is written:  “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  (10) But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.  For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 

The first letter to the CORINTHIANS was written by the Apostle Paul in correction  of factional and doctrinal behavior.  In our verses today Paul is dealing with divine wisdom and human wisdom and the work of the Spirit in illuminating God’s wisdom.  In verse 6 Paul writes of those who are mature in the faith – spiritually mature.  He tells his audience that human wisdom, pride in the cult of personality, and reverence by man of the rich and powerful is in no way connected to salvation as revealed in the gospel through Christ – all earthly things are temporal; never satisfying or solving anything.  Truth can only be learned from Scripture.

The powerful and wise men of Paul’s time knew nothing of God’s wisdom or they wouldn’t have crucified the Lord of glory.  Paul then quotes Isaiah when he makes his point that true wisdom is not understood by man’s natural process.  Man will never comprehend the wisdom of the gospel except by God’s grace alone.  We can only know God by revelation through the Spirit.  We cannot know God unless He discloses Himself personally.  Human wisdom is worthless for salvation.

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. (2) For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  (3) I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.  (4) And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (5) that your faith should not be the wisdom of men but the power of God. 

The apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the CORINTHIANS. In the first chapter of this letter Paul exposes and confronts the divisions in the church at Corinth – he is saying that the faith of the CORINTHIANS should not rely on cults of personalities – men of eloquence – but on the true word of God as paul preached; not on persuasive words and great oratory (human wisdom) but on the word of the Lord by the Lord and  Paul is the chosen instrument of God to impart His revelation of salvation.

Paul preaches Christ alone and Christ crucified.  The fact of the crucifixion was a stumbling block for the Jews – an ignominious death they could not accept. Proud Jews despised the death of the cross but Paul embraced this ALL as the wisdom of God – this is what faithful ministers HAD to preach and all else counts for nothing.

Paul says that there is nothing excellent in Him in the eyes of men so that the power of God shows more conspicuously –  the Christians in Corinth could see the power of God in his successful preaching even though he had not the outward appearance or ease of words.  His spirit of unworthiness would impart something he knew to be all important – those who preach easily and confidently are of themselves and are not in awe of God.  Even in fear Paul moved to preach God’s word – he totally submitted to the will of God and showed a thorough renunciation of himself

The point of our verses today is that the gospel is not human wisdom, not the wisdom of the world – but Christ  crucified which is the wisdom of God. The world won’t accept this because it is contrary to what they esteem – power, wealth, standing.  Paul is saying pride and the Gospel are incompatible.

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise, according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. (27) But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; (28) and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, (29) that nonflesh should glory in His presence.  (30) But of Him you are in Jesus Christ, who became for us wisdom from God – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption – (31) that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 

The letter to the CORINTHIANS was written by the Apostle Paul. The Christians at Corinth were status seekers and into cults of personalities;  judging by the power and status of men and of the worldly.  Paul is telling his audience to not judge by earthly standards but to be aware that God’s choice is upside down wisdom to the foolishness of man. The  powerful and proud are no better than the poor and weak – and prideful man has a more difficult time in accepting Gods wisdom.  God puts aside conventional wisdom so that glory may come to Him and not man.

We live in a secular world and pride is the root problem; we think not too little of ourselves but too much. Salvation is Christ centered, not man centered. The gospel is the standard for right living and the basis for all human relationships – it removes conflict between man and God and between man and man.  Paul is telling the Christians at Corinth to consider their calling and to go back to their spiritual roots. He reminds them that they were not called because of their worldly status.  Wealth and position can be a hindrance when too much wanted in this world.

So there are two radically different views of the gospel in ancient Corinth; to the unbelievers the gospel is foolish and weak but to the Christian it is the power and wisdom of God to salvation.

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and thatnthere be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.  (11) For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.  (12) Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” (13) Is Christ divided?  was Paul crucified for you?  Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?   (17) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. 

The letter to the CORINTHIANS was written by the Apostle Paul.  Today we study Paul’s call to them for Christian unity.  Paul points out the ways unity has broken down and how divisions contradict the gospel.  Verse 10 sets the standard for unity and the following verses are specific as to deviations from the gospel.   Paul is not asking Christians to agree on ALL things but to be unified in fundamental areas of Christian doctrine.  In Corinth there were divided opinions of certain leaders leading to jealousy and quarrels While In unity Christians will mend relationships and build up spiritual growth – if we still act as children we can easily be deceived.

The focis on personalities in Corinth led to the exclusion of others.  And the focus on personalities was a follower problem, not a leadership problem – it sounds like an unholy devotion to those who are only men.  Loyalties and allegiance to men leads to arrogance and separation – to the sin of PRIDE.  Excluiveness and boasting comes when each group thinks of themselves as being of Christ – and the others following a different leader as NOT being of Christ.

Is salvation divided?  Is salvation the work of man or is it the work of Christ.  These groups were man centered – salvation is Christ centered  and Christ alone. Paul corrects the acrimonious discussion of non essentials and instead requires absolutely unity in essential doctrine   The divisions we study today were distractions from the gospel and were serious considerations.  Today we have strife in the church, home and work place that can only be set aside by the gospel which strikes at the heart of interpersonal conflicts.  I hear over and over: “why can’t we all get along”.  The answer to this question is illustrated in Paul’s message to the Christians at Corinth.

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes Our brother,  (2) To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:  (3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The first letter to the CORINTHIANS was written by the apostle Paul. This was an occasional letter – written in response to disturbing news of the state of the church Paul had founded in Corinth. Paul begins this letter by establishing his credentials as an apostle by THE WILL OF GOD.  He is establishing his authority and by extension the authority and truth of the gospel he preached.  In verse one  Paul also established his brotherhood in Christ with Sosthenes who was the former ruler of the Jewish synagogue in Corinth – a man much respected in that community  -to further underline his credentials

In Corinth some had doubts of the fundamental truth of the resurrection of Christ Jesus and there was apparently scandal in the lives of the Corinth Christians as well as in their worship.  Paul writes to those called to be saints through the blessings of God.  What he is telling them is that sanctification means separation from this world.  The Christians are reborn through faith in the resurrected Christ – and that belief guides behavior.  By Christ the Spirit is given to the called; not by man’s works but by the grace of God.  Holiness is the unmistakable characteristic of Christians and the church in Corinth was forgetting this.

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles – (2) if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the  grace of God which was given to me for you, (3) how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, (4) by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), (5) which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to his apostles and prophets; (6) that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ, through the gospel 

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul – and written by him while in a Roman prison because of his preaching the gospel to Gentiles.  Paul had founded the church in Ephesus and when he moved on others (Judaizers) arrived in that city; these false teachers also claimed revelation from God and were using Paul’s imprisonment to undermine his authority and his gospel – now Paul was answering them in this letter.  Paul brings up his imprisonment in chapter 2 to dispel slander. He didn’t want the Ephesians to turn from the gospel he preached  or to be discouraged.

The mystery Paul writes of here is utterly new and unexpected; that the Jews and the Gentiles are to be co-heirs to the promises of God. This unity was prophesied in the Old Testament and also addressed by Jesus but has now been revealed with additional clarity – the Gentiles are now equal to the Jews in the sight of God and are to form one body – the condition was that this MUST be accomplished by the gospel. The Jews misinterpreted Old Testament promises of salvation. They thought salvation was the automatic possessions of all Jews. They also believed that only Gentiles who became Jews would be saved – the equal status announced by Paul of Jew and Gentiles was not received well by most Jews

Salvation is by faith through Christ  – Jews were not able to be justified by the Law but only by grace and as this was so, certainly Gentile believers were not under the Law either.

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, (5) to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive adoption as sons.  (6) And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” (7) Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.  

The letter to the Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul. He founded the church in Galatia and when he moved on the Judaizers (false teachers) moved in to alter the gospel Paul preached. They preached that faith in Christ was necessary for salvation BUT faith alone was inadequate and the Law was also necessary. Paul then wrote this letter to defend his gospel of salvation by faith alone in Christ Jesus.  Christ alone was without sin. The purpose of the Law was to make sin painfully obvious – the Law defined sin. It was never meant by God to be permanent and was set aside by Christ’s completed work – thus distinctions ceased between Jews and Gentiles.

Paul in chapter 3 of GALATIANS established the superiority of grace over the Law and then used the analogy of becoming sons of God through Christ compared to Roman law and their system of becoming heirs; an heir in Roman law cannot achieve his inheritance unless he was of age – he may be an heir but without inheritance he is like a slave. Under the Law of Moses a man trusting in their good works for salvation but salvation is of the Lord. Christ came and saved men from sin.

Fiddler on the Roof just closed on Broadway – the opening number in this great show was the song “Tradition” – the exploration of the Law and tradition was the theme of the Musical. Through faith we are born again and free from tradition.  We are to learn from the past and unlike the urging of the Judaizers we are told not to relive it. Legalism simplified life and can appear very attractive but it is through faith that we are becoming children of God. The gospel paul preached is simple and profound but not easy. Salvation through faith in Jesus is all there and it’s all true.

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, (2) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; (3) who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, (4) having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.  (5) For to which of the angels did He ever say; “You are My Son, Today I have begotten you?”  And again:  “I will be to Him a Father And He shall be to me a son”?  (6) But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the Angels of God worship Him.”

The author of the letter to the HEBREWS is unknown but the letter was written to Christian Jews who were considering – in the face of persecution for their faith — to revert to Judaism to escape harm. The Jewish religion was legal in the Roman Empire but not so Christianity and the lesson here is a warning not to seek temporary relief at the cost of eternal salvation.  The embattled Jewish Christians would have a better chance of persevering in their faith through pursuing  an enduring relationship and faith in Christ Jesus. The theme of HEBREWS is the supremacy of Christ Jesus to everything – Who is with us always and is our path to salvation.

This final revelation of God Who spoke to us in the past in various ways,  is that Christ is the essential Son of God.  GOd has revealed Himself to man not just in the complexity and genius of the natural world but also in his Word – the Bible. God spoke to the fathers – the Jewish ancestors – through the Old Testament prophets. Beginning with chapter 3 of Genesis God told of a future redemption which would have the final and complete revelation in Christ Jesus. The whole of the Old Testament points to Christ who was revealed in the New Testament.  And my belief is that the Bible is without error and completely inspaired by God using different personalities and styles of various authors.

Man was lost until Christ -the universal heir – and only as we are united in Christ shall we be given – freely by grace – eternal life. The message of all the Bible and the message of Christmas Day is Jesus Christ came to save us from our sin.

Merry christmas.

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God (2) which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, (3) concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, (4) and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.  (5) Through Him we have received grace and Apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, (6) among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ.  (7) To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul.  In our verses today, Paul begins with his personal testimony and then describes the gospel of God, and maintains that the gospel is for all nations – the Jew and the Gentiles –  and that it is the good news of salvation.  Paul was saved by grace unmerited by works.  He was a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee (thoroughly educated in the Old Testament), a Rabbi.  He was a former persecutor of Christians who was called by God to become the total opposite; to become the servant of Christ and the apostle to the Gentiles.

The gospel comes from God; Paul’s message comes out of the Old Testament scriptures – he didn’t make it up. Salvation was promised in Genesis right after the fall – 3:15:  And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.  Paul writes that Jesus is God’s eternal Son and was born of the seed of David as prophesied, in the likeness of sinful flesh but did not share in our sinfulness.  Paul doesn’t mention Jesus death in these opening lines of Romans – this is implicit in the doctrine of the Resurrection.  The gospel centers on the person of the Son of God who existed eternally and Jesus Christ is God’s Son.  He came to save us from our sin – the gospel is not primarily about us but it is from God and about God.

Salvation is from God and the gospel tells us how God intervened in human history.  The faithful have a new standing in Christ and a fundamental break with the world. Those beloved saints of God in Romans refers to ALL believers – those set apart not because of good deeds but set apart for good deeds – for God. And all this in the first seven verses of Romans.

All religions except for Christianity can exist without the person or teacher of that religion. Christianity is not a teaching of Christ, it is Christ.

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.  See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.  (8) You also be patient.  Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.  (9) Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.  Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!  (10) My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke on the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 

This letter was written by James, the half brother of Jesus. JAmes was the head of the Christian church in Jerusalem – this is important because he presided over the Jerusalem council in A.D. 49 and did not mention that in this letter. He does say that he is writing to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad indicating persecution has begun forcing the new Christians out of Jerusalem – these two things as described and dated in the Acts of the Apostles might give us a date of pre- 49 A.D. for this letter, making it the earliest book in the New Testament Canon.

Writing to a dispersed audience, James concentrates on urging patience and trust in the Lord who is faithful. JAmes uses the example of the farmer who sows his crop and then waits for the early rain and the final rain.  The farmer is patient and confident of his precious fruit – the nourishment of life. Conversely, we can’t/don’t have to practice patience when things are going well – which was clearly not  case for the persecuted Jewish Christian – so adversity is your friend and builds patience which builds character and brings hope which shall not fail.

James was a Jewish man, steeped in the Old Testament. He advises his readers, when they are tempted to impatience or despair, to remember the prophets of the Old Testament who were blessed in their afflictions.  The patient Christians will be delivered and they should be just with one another. They are advised to be content and ready to bypass offense “lest you be condemned.”  God will be our judge – if we ask for vengeance on others we might be wishing it on ourselves and James tells us in this letter that the Judge is at the door.

In our verses today James condemns the rich who value only the things of this world.  If the rich knew what was coming because of the treasure they build up in this world, they would weep and howl.  Riches are even now corrupted, corroded and moth eaten.  In this letter James compares our lives to a but a vapor that appears then vanishes away  James counsels patience, patience patience – to bridle the body and trust in God  To not judge others and – there is only one judge and He is at the door

this is a pretty good Christmas message and we should be asking for the virtues James advocates and turn away from corruptable things.  We should gather our treasures in heaven for there our hearts will also be .  Lovely

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.  (5) Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be likeminded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, (6) that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lod Jesus Christ.  (7) Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.  (8) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, (9) and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:  “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name”. 

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul.  In Chapter 15 of Romans, Paul has completed the theological body of this letter and is now – in the verses we study today – addressing the unity of the church.  The central theme here is acceptance of one another.  This was easier for the Christian Gentiles than the Jewish Christians because the Gentiles were not constrained by Jewish scruples;  the ceremonial and historical culture, spiritual and racial pride of God’s chosen people.

At issue here is the mature believer vs the weak believer – both Jew and Gentile. With the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus the Mosaic law was no longer binding on the Jews. The Jews had lived since Moses with the law and ceremonial requirements. The Gentiles had no such background. The Jewish believers had trouble letting go of the prohibitions of the past – rituals, prohibitions, dietary requirements, and the keeping of the Law. Paul is writing to urge the strong and the weak, the mature believer and the immature believer, despite differences on non essential issues, to pursue loving harmony and unity for the glory of God.

In Christ we are all connected – there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. Paul appeals to the Old Testament and the prophets to make his point that we are saved by grace through Christ, not righteous works which no man can do.  No man can earn heaven.  And we must model this acceptance to others in the church family.  The Old Testament clearly shows Gentiles are included in God’s grace – all are included who trust in Christ and together we then glorify God,

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.  (12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand.  Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (13) Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.  (14) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lust. 

The letter to the Romans was written to the Christians in Rome by the Apostle Paul. The verses we study today are metaphorical – the light is the revelation of divine truth and the good news of the gospel. Christians are no longer ignorant of God’s completed plan for salvation through Christ Jesus and they no longer are blind andi insensible as are those who sleep in the night. The day of salvation  is not approaching but it has appeared.

Paul exhorts the Christians to renounce their former lives because they are new men and women in Christ. We yet sojourn as strangers on earth – we Christians are no longer in darkness and should not sleep but be alert.  We are certain of the final salvation for all who believe but uncertain of the time – all we can be sure of is it will come like a thief in the night.

Paul is calling for us to walk in holiness but more important he urges us to put on the armor of Christ –  to be fortified on every side of the power of the Spirit for alone we cannot live in light.  Paul tells his readers that there should be great contrast between believers in Christ Jesus and those who are of this world in darkness.  In Romans Paul tells us that man is NOT basically good and that the world lives in ignorance about our true treasure; about death, eternity and judgment.  In Romans chapter 1, verse 16, Paul writes “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…..”.

giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.  (13) He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, (14) in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  (16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him.   (17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  (18) And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul.  Paul is dealing with heresy in Colosse and seeking to show that the solution to false doctrine is a fuller knowledge of Christ Jesus.

Our verses today tell us that Jesus is the image of the invisible God – and implicit is that Christ Jesus is the essence of God – that He is God.  God is invisible to the eye of man and also to the understanding of man.  God is revealed to us in Christ alone.  And in Christ, this Son of love, we are loved. All parts of our salvation are in Christ, who through His blood made the perfect sacrifice for our redemption – Christ Jesus paid the SOLE price for mans reconciliation with the Father.  Man has passed from death to life, from darkness to the light because of this sacrifice and God’s grace. There is nothing we could ever do to earn this.  In doing my research I came across this quote from Calvin that “wherever His grace is not, darkness is.”

Christ is all in all.  All creatures were created by Him – and because this is so, He is not one of the creatures.  Paul writes that He is the firstborn meaning Christ has sovereignty – preeminence over all creaction in heaven or on earth – that heavenly creatures and spiritual creatures also have been created by the Son of God.  All fullness dwells in Christ because it pleases the Father.  God shows Himself through Christ and those who detract from Christ are trying – in vain – to overturn God’s eternal counsel.  Paul tells us that we are blessed through Christ alone – He is our connection to God – the blood of the cross is the blood of acceptable sacrifice.

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; (8)  nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, (9) not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.  (10) For even when we were with you, we commanded you this:  If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.  (11) For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.  (12) Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

The 2ND letter to the THESSALONIANS was written by the Apostle Paul.  Paul and the gospel teach that work is essential to the Christian character and that idleness leads to being “busybodies”.   Meddlesome interference, showing lack of character and living off others is a very dangerous path. This is hardly the brotherly love Paul preached – and the freeloaders Paul is writing about here are the Christians.  He is telling his readers that no work leads to an undiscliplined life and meddling in the lives of others is hindering others

In Genesis, even before the fall, God decreed that man must work  and after the fall man received the curse of hard labor and toil. Paul reminds the Thessalonians  that he was entitled to be supported as an Apostle and in his ministry but he chose not to exercise that right. Paul practiced what he preached in regard to work to be an example of Christian living.

He gave very specific instructions as to work and focused on those who were idle in the context of the believers sanctification.  Paul writes that they must imitate him –  he uses the word command in regard to work ethics.  Paul considers this such a serious problem that later in chapter three he urges Christians in Thessalonica to withhold fellowship with  those Christians who refuse to work – but in this disassociation they are to still regard them as brothers, not the enemy.  He feared they were walking a very dangerous path and were in urgent need of correction.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. (3:1) finally brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, (2) and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.  (3) But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.  (4) And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.  (5) Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. 

The 2nd letter to the THESSALONIANS was writte by the Apostle Paul. The main part of the letter was finished – Paul has completed his teaching about the end times and the second coming of Christ Jesus, and now he reminds the Thessalonians that salvation is God’s choice and that they have been elected to it.  The Apostles and their companions were but God’s messengers  and they sought and needed the prayers of the faithful to endure and spread this good news –  Paul wanted to preach the gospel and the word of the power of God to save men who received it.

Paul expresses confidence that a small group of new Christians would continue to live in the Lord – that they would endure in not only a pagan world but also in the face of the corruption efforts of the Judaizers who followed Paul wherever he evangelized. This gentle reminder of the truth that they have embraced was that the Lord is always with all who trust in Him.  God is faithful.

Paul began this letter with his declaration of praying without ceasing for the Thessalonians which gives us a glimpse of the importance of his prayer life – to have prayer be the undercurrent of all he did.  This constant prayer should be foundational for daily Christian living – without it we are adrift – physically and mentally confused. God is always with us but it is our responsibility and joy to accept His grace and seek Him in everything we think, feel and do.

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, (12) that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  (2:1) Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, (2) not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.

The Apostle Paul wrote the 2nd letter to the Thessalonians.  Paul founded the church there on his second missionary journey – Thessalonica was a geographic center chosen for its strategic location for the spread of the gospel.  Because of Pauls success there the Judaizers – false teachers – started distorting the gospel Paul preached and in particular the doctrine concerning the second coming of Christ Jesus. This second letter was written as to correct this and to warn the faithful to be wary of those pretending to be from/of Paul.

The first verses we look at today take us into Paul’s prayer life. In all of his letters Paul uses – always uses – the word always when addressing the faithful. His prayer is unending and on the foundational level of his daily life. Because this letter is occasioned by the confusion of the end times, Paul is reminding the faithful that they have been chosen by God and that they are enabled by Gods  grace and power to endure and be worthy of being called.

In chapter 2, Paul is specific as to why the chosen have not missed return of Christ Jesus – and that they already know what is to come.   He means that the Jewish faithful are familiar with the Old Testament and the prophecies of Daniel. What will happen before the second coming of Christ has not yet occurred and the Christians are children of the light, not of darkness. Paul warns them not to be deceived by “word or letter” into believing other than the gospel he has preached.

What I found so fascinating was Paul’s description of what is to come – we are told of the coming of persecutions and the time of the Antichrist – the rapture and the day of the Lord.  This was also prophesied by Daniel and again written about in Revelation.  I had not realized that Paul’s description of the end times was so thorough and specific until I researched the context of the verses for this Sunday.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.  (7)  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  (8) Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.  (16) At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me.  May it not be charged against them.  (17) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear.  Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  (18) And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.  To Him be glory forever and ever.  Amen!

The second letter to Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul. Our verses today are a summary of Paul’s own life, in his own words, and are his final words to Timothy – and to us. Paul is in Rome, imprisoned in the dreadful Mamertine prison where the only entry was through a hole in the ceiling and his pit was without light, water or toilet – or heat. We read through Paul’s final words that he is lonely, abandoned – except for Luke – disappointed and fearful for the Church that it’s center will hold in the face of escalating persecution and corruption. But Paul, in the face of certain immanent death, is calm and absolutely sure the crown of righteousness awaits him. He has finished his race and will see God as will all those who have loved His appearing.

Paul tells us that his life is  already being poured out as a drink offering would be poured out – the final phase of a sacrificial offering to the Lord. He knows that starting well is relatively easy – finishing well is the test.  Paul knows that the world through evil is hostile to Christians.  He is at peace with God and knows that he has lived his life obedient to God’s will and power. Paul is ready to depart – he has done well; fought the good fight for the gospel for the glory of God. He has finished the course. His focus was always on Christ and the reality of the future eternal life was always there – because God Imputes the righteousness of Christ to faithful men we are justified and our sins are covered. Paul has fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. There is no regret, no sadness and no sense of the incomplete. These verses are words of joy and triumph. And Paul knows that God will welcome his good and faithful servant.  This is not death but departure and there is no greater encouragement to live such a live that we also may “depart” to God’s glory.

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from who you have learned them, (15) and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.   (16) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.  (4:1) I charge you, therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:  (2) Preach the word!  Be ready in season and out of season.  Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

The second letter to Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul. THis letter was written from prison and Paul knew he was about to be executed for his faith and the gospel he preached, so essentially, this was his last will and testament.

In second Timothy, Paul is describing the difficulties of the last days – we are living in the last days also. Basically he is charging Timothy – most emphatically charging Timothy – to preach the gospel and saying that Christians will survive because of the reliability and profitiability of the Bible.  We have been told that all Scripture is God breathed – that under the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit the personalities and style of the various human authors were used to write down the words of Scripture.  The Bible was not just approved by God but it originated and was imparted by God.  It provides not just for spiritual problems but is useful (essential) for all of life.

Jesus Christ used the Old TestMent – all of it – as authority for His actions.  We cannot set ourselves up as judges of the Bible and must be wary of lifting passages out of context to prove something.  I believe that the Bible is inspired by God and originates with God – it is without error.  There are interpretive discussions but there are scientific and archeological discoveries all the time that verify The historical accuracy of the Bible – If the Bible is in part historically inaccurate how can we believe in other facts, I.e., the  resurrection????

Paul here is not just charging Timothy on expositon of Scripture and the gospel, he is telling him to use it as an instructors manual and by implication, he is charging all ministers to use the Bible to teach, reprove, correct and train man for righteousness.

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Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, (9) for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.  (10) Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (11) This is a faithful saying:  “For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.  (12) If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.  If we deny Him, He will also deny us.  (13) If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself”.

The second letter to Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul to his faithful disciple Timothy who was serving as Paul’s representative in Ephesus while Paul was in chains in a Roman dungeon. in our verses today Paul expressly mentions two things: the doctrine he wishes to be preserved uncorrupted – that Jesus was truly man (The seed of david) and truly God and that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Everything hinges on the resurrection of Christ – if He is not risen  our faith is worthless

PAul’s gospel and consequential imprisonment means that he was a faithful minister. Some thought less of Paul because he was in prison but Paul makes it clear he was not there because of a criminal act but for Christ and  he felt that his Imprisonment only affirmed his testimony.  Human circumstances cannot confine the word of God

Scripture also teaches god’s elect in our verses –  the point being that natural man is incapable of understanding spiritual truth and it is God who opens the eyes and hearts of some. Paul quotes what was probably a hymn about God is trustworthy and will not fail to keep His promises. There are four “if” clauses referring to the faithful who will have eternal life. The second 2 clauses refer to those who deny Christ and the consequences of that denial. Paul’s point being that if we endure hardships with Christ we will experience glory with Him in eternity.  And our denail of Christ denies those men the eternal reward that could have been theirs.

Our denial and faithfulness affects only us. It will not change Christ at all. But the consequences for faithless man are the saddest words in Scripture.  In Matthew chapter 7, verse 23, Christ speaks these terrible words:   And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness’.

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  (7) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  (8) Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me HIs prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.  (13) Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  (14) That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.  

The second highly personal and emotional letter to Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul who wrote from a Roman prison – alone except for Luke – and almost certainly facing death.  Paul had acted as Timothy’s mentor and spiritual father and had given him responsibilities to act as his representative in the churches Paul had founded in that ancient world. At the time of the letter Timothy was in Ephesus left there to combat the false teachers in that city.

In our verses today, Paul exhorts Timothy to stand fast in the abundance of the excellent gifts of grace given Timothy by God.  He urges Timothy to an active ministry in the face of many and great obstacles – that mans courage alone will not overcome these but the power of the Spirit will uphold him. He tells Timothy to be not ashamed of the gospel; the persecution of Christians under the emperor Nero was now in full force.  Paul is forbidding the fear of disgrace or persecution keep Timothy from preaching the gospel Paul taught him. The more hateful to the world the gospel doctrine is the more openly it should be confessed.

Paul tells Timothy to not withdraw from him or any who are being persecuted in the name of Christ. Paul says he is Christ’s prisoner – not for any crime or evil deed but for His name. Paul is a victim of the unjust judgment of men and there is nothing disgraceful in his inprisonment. Timothy should prepare himself for afflictions connected to the gospel – and “according to the power of God” we are not alone and this admonition and word of consolation will deliver the faithful to eternal victory.  Paul is not being philosophical but is being realistic here – he is facing execution but is telling Timothy he is out of danger in the power of God and is fully convinced salvation is of the Lord.

Paul reminds Timothy of the greatness of the benefits of salvation – evil pales by comparison. This world is fleeting and we need to keep our hearts and minds above.  Timothy is to keep close the value of what God has given him – his gifts and ministry are of inestimable value – and not just the ministry but the gifts of the Spirit which qualify him for the ministry.  Timothy is told to hold fast to sound doctrine and to add piety and love with Christ as our source.

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.  (12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  (13) I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontus Pilate, (14) that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, (15) which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, (16) who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable  light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power.  Amen

Well wow to verses 13 through 16.

The Apostle Paul wrote this  letter to Timothy.  Timothy was called by God, mentored by Paul, confirmed by the church elders and now it seems he was alone in Ephesus facing opposition there. Timothy was facing theological and philosophical error and needed courage, fortitude, and steadfastness and Paul is giving Timothy a charge to maintain integrity in his ministry.

Our verses today begin with Paul addressing Timothy as “O man of God” – a title reserved in the Old Testament for the prophets and used only here in all of the New Testament. Paul is talking about false teachers at Ephesus and advising Timothy to flee the characteristic of their teaching – to flee pride and conceit in knowledge; to flee combativeness and to flee a desire for material gain.  Paul tells Timothy to follow after righteousness with God, not just as behavior but as a belief. We are, through Christ Jesus, no longer guilty and have been made right with God. This relationship now with God is the MOST important thing in our lives.

Proper theology and sound doctrine is not just practical but it is all – our expanding awareness of God and His constant presence is what will give us the integrity to remain true to our testimony, our faith in Jesus. This gives us security, joy in life and our only real happiness as this life we lead now is ephemeral and we are told to “lay hold on eternal life”.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, (13) although I was formerly  a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.  (14) And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  (15) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.  (16) However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all long suffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.  (17) Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory for ever and ever, Amen 

The letter to Timothy is a pastoral letter written by the Apostle Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy.  This letter was written near the end of Pauls life and the purpose of Paul was to charge Timothy to reject those who were preaching a false gospel.

Paul is using his personal testimony to the gospel he preached –  that salvation is through God’s mercy and free grace.  The source of grace is through Christ Jesus and not through any merit on the part of man. Faith itself is a gift from God and comes with grace – faith is not of ourselves.  The gospel is a message of God’s transforming grace for sinners and Paul presents himself as chief of those sinners – if Paul could be transformed, anyone could be a new man/woman in Christ.

Only in the pastoral letters does Paul use the phrase “this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance”.  Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – and man is a sinner by nature. Verse 15 summarizes the gospel on which  Timothy should base his ministry.

God transforms lives and the whole passage is praise to God for salvation in Christ Jesus. Further, in using himself as a model for the transformative power of God, Paul makes a distinction between ignorance of the truth and willful rejection of the truth.  The latter rejection by man puts him in danger of losing out on God’s grace forever. That poor soul may be hardened beyond repentance.

yet for Christ’s sake I rather appeal to you – being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ – (10) I appeal to you for my son, Onesimus, whom  have begotten while in my chains,…….(12) I am sending him back.  You therefore receive him, that is my own heart, (13) whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.  (14) But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. (15) For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, (16) no longer as a slave but more than a slave – a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. (17) If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.  

The Apostle Paul write the letter to Philemon. This letter was the shortest and certainly the most personal of Pauls letter – and it was written while Paul was in chains in Rome. Philemon was a Christian from Colossae who was also a slave owner (the Bible never directly attacks ownership of slaves).  Onesimus was a slave of Philemom who stole from his master and ran away-  led by God to Paul who led him to Christ. Both Paul and Onesimus realized that as a Christian Onesimus needed to make things right with Philemon, including restitution for the theft. So this letter is an appeal by Paul on behalf of Onesimus, that Philemon accept this runaway slave as not just returned “property” but as a brother in Christ.

Paul could have asserted his Apostolic authority but he wanted Philemon’s forgiveness and acceptance completely and in Christ.  The focus of the letter is that faith in God changes us – we are new men/women. Paul is totally filled with love for Christ and he is completely immersed in god’s work. We get that Paul is sensitive, gracious amd loving. And funny. In this very personal letter we see the playfulness of the author – he even made a little joke saying that Onesimus – meaning useful – would become useful in his new Christian state. Onesimus had experienced a total change in character as a new man in Christ. He had changed his relationship with God – through grace- leading to change of relationship with his fellow man. Onesimus has really changed from useless to useful.

for you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and  burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, (19) and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore.  (22) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, (23) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God, the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, (24) to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown. However, he/she is writing to Christian Jews who, for fear of persecution, were in danger of renouncing Christ Jesus as their Savior.  The letter makes much use of the Old Testament to show that all of the Bible was about the appearance of Jesus Christ in history.

In our verses today, we are reminded that God gave Moses the Law at Mt. Sinai. Mt. Sinai was a “real” mountain that may be touched and the Jews (just freed from Egypt) at the mountain could see, hear and feel the physical manifestations of God – there was darkness, thunder, fire and the blast of trumpets and the sound of God’s word. But the author compares this to the unseen Mt. Zion, or the heavenly new Jerusalem which cannot be seen while we are of this world. At Mt. Sinai, Moses and Aaron were the only mediators God allowed. But now we have Jesus as our forever high priest and we have left Sinai and come to Zion – the new covenant of grace in Jesus’ blood. The readers of the letter to the Hebrews are being told that Jesus is superior in every way.

The author of Hebrews also uses the example of the unbelief and immorality of Esau.  He did not believe what he could not see and his desire for present pleasure as opposed to delayed blessings is the contrast again between the reality of Mt Sinai and Mt Zion.  We are not invited to come to Sinai where men learned the consequences for rejecting God’s word, but to the greater Zion where we will heed the words of Jesus which were not written in stone but on our hearts. We are warned to not return from grace but to remain unshakeable in Jesus Who has set us free from the Law.  The Law could never make us right with God – nothing man can do would accomplish that. The Father’s wrath is satisfied by the  sacrifice of the Son – our sin is covered by His blood

The spectacular does not produce endurance – suffering does. This life is short but Mt. Zion is eternal.

And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; (6) For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives”. (7) If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?  (11) Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.  (12) Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, (13) and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown but it was written to converted Jews to encourage them to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ Jesus in the face of persecution. In the verses we study today we are being reminded that God hates sin and the verses are viewing suffering from Gods perspective. Clearly the Bible – the word of God – approves of discipline and presents it as not for destruction but there for the purpose of righteousness and reward in the end.  Christ endured the wrath of God and became sin so that we might be saved. Our suffering is minimal compared to this – our sure hope of the future will give us motive to endure.  We have to strive against our sinful nature and put away the sin that besets us.

Discipline is presented here as the lot and privilege of all sons of God. God requires fitness of character which results from endurance and submission. The fruit of enduring brief earthly conflict (suffering) is peace with God.

I have a close friend who is right now enduring the last phase of ALS – Lou Gehrig’s disease. I have watched her deal with this terrible slow way of dying and marvel at her joy and patience. Instead of thinking of her suffering she has shown all of those who love her how to endure and triumph in  face of terrible adversity.  The Apostle Paul wrote in his second letter to Timothy  – “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought the good fight.  I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”.

Therefore we also since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (2) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  (3) For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (4) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown but the audience is a Jewish community which has converted to Christianity – and now in the face of escalating persecution, they are tempted to abandon Christ. The author makes use of the Old Testament to argue the centrality and sufficiency of Christ Jesus for salvation. And to warn against backsliding.  the author has just written of faith in chapter 11, commending flawed human beings for their perseverance in faith – they were not perfect but trusted in God who is perfect.

The Jews of ancient times believed that prosperity was visible proof of living well – and suffering was the fate of sinners. And now these people are reading in the letter to the Hebrews that as faithful of Christ, they are to expect to suffer as Jesus suffered. The great faithful of the Old Testament are the great cloud of witnesses – some of those referred to were probably still alive but many had gone before – but all had lived by faith. The point is, the faithful are all in a race with the goal of eternal salvation AND God has set the course.

The hindrances to a successful race are not sins but encumbrances that draw on our time and energy.  These can be spiritual encumbrances as well as materialistic.  The goal in our text today is not evangelism but perseverance leading to the completion of our race for salvation   We need to live in such a way to facilitate our life of faith, not to drag us down – to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus with no distraction.

We are also warned of our besetting sin – our darling sin – which is the other hindrance to the successful completion of the race.  We are challenged to walk by faith and faith is a gift from God. It is not earned by mans works but faith is a calling from God.  My granddaughter is a highly gifted runner and I have seen firsthand the endurance and perseverance of the successful runner. I have also seen the single mindedness of bob, the wonder dog, who wantEd to retrieve his  ball. Nothing distracted him.  Nothing.

So, We have everyday models of behavior but our great high priest, Christ Jesus, is the only example of perfect humanity. We are told to think of Jesus when discouraged or fearful or tired and we will gather strength to run the race with endurance.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  (2) For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.  (8) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. (9) By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; (10) for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.  (11) By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. (12) Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude – innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown but he/she is writing to Jews who had been converted to Christianity, but now, in the face of persecution, were thinking of reverting to the Jewish religion. Chapter 11 which we study today clearly assumes the audience to have a thorough knowledge of the Old Testament and the author of Hebrews is teaching fundamental  saving faith by going back to Abraham. Abraham lived before the Law was given to Moses and Scripture makes it clear that Abraham was saved by faith not by man’s works. The apostle Paul wrote that all who have faith are children of Abraham, not just his genetic descendants.  Rather than focusing on what or what not man can do, faith focuses on God’s power and faithfulness.

The purpose of Hebrews was to establish the foundation for our faith – faith based salvation is based on Christ, not on man. There were plenty of failures of biblical saints recorded in Scripture – and the reason that Hebrews only mentions  faith and not failures is because the gospel tells us that by Christ Jesus God has forgotten our sins. In the Old Testament there was the law and annual reparation led by the High Priest. Now we have the perfect, once and for all sacrifice of our new high priest, Christ Jesus – God will remember the sins of the faithful no more.

The author of Hebrews has just answered the wavering Jews of that ancient time.  Why would anyone prefer the old system with the inferior priesthood to essentially abandon salvation. The author is showing his/her audience that we don’t have to be perfect to be saved. Abraham was faithful but he wasn’t perfect. The gospel does not rely on our performance but on the perfection of Jesus.

This overwhelming message of Hebrews is for all the faithful – perserverance in faith is the answer to life.  We don’t deserve it; we could never deserve it.  Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Amen

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  (2) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  (3) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  (4) When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.  (9) Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, (10) and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, (11) where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised not uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul.  The first two chapters of the letter refute the errors of false teachers who were telling the Christians at Colosse that salvation was not only by grace but also by human regulation and ceremony – what I think of as Jesus, AND.  Paul argues that Jeaus Christ is sufficient – that “Christ is all and in all.”

In chapter 3 of Colossians Paul moves to ask his readers to live daily to reflect the indwelling Christ – their union with Christ by grace through faith. Paul tells the reborn that they are dead to sin – their sins are covered by the completed work of Our Lord. We are dead to the world’s way of thinking and acting. This is a mystical experience but real. We are to set out minds on heavenly things; to live on a different plane in Christ. Paul is not saying we are to withdraw from the world but to live with thoughts of eternity – our lives in Christ should be expressed in all our thoughts, actions and relationships.  Christians have had a radical experience through faith – we are renewed, reborn, with a true knowledge of reality. In this realm of the new self all distinctions are removed and all are equal in the eyes of God.

We are new men and women through faith in Christ Jesus and we had better act to reflect this new reality.

buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.  (13) And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses , (14) having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us.  And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians And the verses we study today address false teaching that was threatening the early church in Colosse.   The “Judaizers” there insisted on faith in Christ Jesus along with Jewish legalism and ritualism. The gospel Paul taught was  revelation of the grace of salvation through faith alone.  Colossians teaches the absolute supremacy and sole sufficiency of Jesus Christ – it is not Christ in part – not Christ plus ritual, ceremony or works or self denial.

Everything is is summed up in Jesus. All the longing of our souls and the nagging innate anxiety of our minds are answered in Christ Jesus.  Paul is refuting externalism that was characteristic of Judaism and the Mosaic Law – these rituals are shadows and we now have the reality of Christ.

The Judaizers put forward a kidnapping philosophy where the intellect is greatly esteemed. Legalism isn’t about spiritual realities  – And Paul wrote warning of a religion of human achievement. In Christ we are forgiven our sins and reborn to eternal life through faith by the grace of God, period.

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, (25) of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, (26) the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.  (27) To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (28) Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul.  In our verses today, Paul is saying that his resolve and actions, labors and sufferings, were all by and for the divine power mightily at work in him – human influence cannot reach a man the way Paul was touched; only divine power.

Todays verses concern effective Christian leadership, which is characterized by a servant mentality; compassion, humility, gentleness, generosity, patience and service. Some are reluctant to preach God’s word in the face of hostility, abuse and scorn but Paul defines the role of a minister of God as steward and servant. God is the sovereign source of ministry – it is His strength, not mans.  The minister is the conduit for the gospel but the gospel comes in power only to some – God is the potter, man is the clay.

Paul tells ls us that the mystery of the riches of glory, the hope of glory,  is revealed to us as Christ in us. That is the object of his every waking moment – “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Glory was not an abstraction to the Apostle Paul.  C.s. Lewis writes about this idea in his sermon, The Weight of Glory in which he explores our innate longing for a transtemporal  good which could be our real destiny. As for the idea of glory, Lewis writes. “It is written that we shall stand before Him, shall appear, shall be inspected.  The promise of glory, almost incredible and only possible by the work of Christ, that some of us, that any of us who chooses, shall actually survive that examination, shall find approval, shall please God.  To please God….to be a real ingredient in the divine happiness…to be loved by God, not merely pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a son – it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain.  But so it is.”

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  (16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions, principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him.  (17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  (18) And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have preeminence. (19) For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, (20) and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul.  He had been warned about a heresy that was gaining ground in the church at Colosse and our verses today are the heart of Pauls message in response to this heresy.   He is unequivocally rebuking  those who questioned deity of Christ Jesus.

There was an “Angel cult” at Colosse and there was a belief that Angels were emanations from God – and some of the Colossians believed that Jesus was an emanation from God along with them. There was never any doubt in Pauls mind about Christ Jesus.  Everything was at stake over the person of Christ and there is no question that Paul here is placing Christ as divine. The issue was/is clear:  the divinity of Christ is foundational to Christianity. The Jews rejected Christ and now the heretics deprecated Christ. Pauls answer was that Jesus Christ is fully human and fully divine.  Christ is the exact image of God; the Word of God;  the Son of God. Christ is true God of true God.  Paul was determined that the heresy at Colosse not rob the Christians there of salvation and of their Lord Jesus Christ.

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (15) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor I circumcision available anything, but a new creation. (16) And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.  from now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. (18) Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Amen

The letter to the Galatians was written by Paul, an Apostle by the will of God. Paul ends this letter  by wishing the Christian Galatians the grace and peace of God. He has refuted the claims of the Judaizers that observance of the Mosaic Law is necessary for salvation.  Paul has defended his apostolic authority and successfully argued that it is by faith alone that man is saved – he has argued, reproved and overlooked nothing that would benefit the Galatians and their journey with Christ.  Paul’s strength and grace to do so was divinely granted and he prays they be preserved and strengthened in Christ until we reach our everlasting home.

There were/are two views of Christians:  Christians suffer not because they are thieves or murderers but for Christ’s sake.   The world sees us as silly creatures but we rejoice in suffering because Paul is saying the world has been crucified to us, meaning Paul is condemning the world.  We are strangers in a strange land.  We learn from the gospel Paul preached that nothing can make us righteous and a new man/woman except faith in Christ Jesus. Good works avail us nothing; it is faith in Christ alone. Good works can improve our outward appearances but cannot produce a new creature. The new rule is to put on a new man and that is how we should live – the new man is forgiven his sins and enjoys the peace of Christ.

Stand fast therefore in the Liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (13)  For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use Liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  (14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  (15) But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!  (16) I say then:  Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  (17) For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.  (18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The letter to the Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul. Paul visited Galatia on each of his three missionary journeys and founded churches there. After Paul moved on, legalizers expanded and changed the heart of the gospel Paul preached – jewish men who preached  salvation comes through faith in Christ AND also thru observance of the mosaic law, Jewish customs and ceremonies. Paul made his furious stand against the Judaizers in Galatia realizing that the issue must be resolved. The Law is a standard of behavior but the law cannot grant salvation. Man cannot do anything to earn salvation; it is of grace through the completed saving works of Christ.  Through Christ only we are saved and we now have priceless liberty to cling to.

The doctrine is that we must love our neighbors as ourselves. When saving faith is ignored by not following Christ, peace and unity end. Saving faith compels love. Christianity is not just words and the indwelling Spirit is to be desired. Flesh and Spirit oppose each other – they are directly contrary.  Paul does not lose sight of the doctrine of justification but shows us at every turn that it is impossible to be justified by works.   Paul tells us we are led by the Spirit in faith, and so are NOT UNDER THE LAW.

Paul is telling the Galatians that the gospel gives freedom from consequences of sin, not freedom to sin. He is calling the Law a standard of righteousness, not the SOURCE of righteousness – that what the law cannot do, Jesus did. Further Paul is saying devotion to Jesus is not possible without love for each other.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  (27) For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave or free, there is neither male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  (29) And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

The letter to the Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul. In the verses we study today Paul is addressing the teaching of disgruntled Jews who went to Galatia to tell the Gentile Christians that they needed to follow the Jewish law to gain salvation. The Judaizers sought to make something out of the law of Moses that it was never meant to accomplish – they preached salvation by man’s works to make men righteous before God.

The Judaizers failed to make a distinction between God’s covenant with Abraham and the Mosaic Law – between works and promise, law and grace. Paul had – earlier in Chapter  3 – reminded the Christians that Abraham was justified by faith and that Abraham was NOT under the Law. Paul is writing that grace is over the Law. By faith we are children of God and the Law cannot do this. The simple means of faith in Christ Jesus makes us God’s children.

Nothing we do qualifies or earns us salvation. In Christ nothing else matters; not circumstance or worth or achievements. In faith we are all equal before God. There is no need for Gentiles to become Jews.  All human distinctions disappear in Christ.

Paul tells his audience to put on Christ. According to the Jews this means to follow the example of Christ.  However according to the gospel putting on Christ   means a new birth; a new life, a new affection toward God and a new determination affecting our will.

(16) “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but be faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.  (19) For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. (20) I have been crucified with Christ;it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  (21) I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain” 

The letter to the Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul.  Our verses today concern the foundational truth of the gospel: that salvation for man is by faith in Christ Jesus who became sin and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to redeem man.  Paul preached justification by faith in Christ Jesus without deeds mandated by the Law.  This totally new ” good news” was fiercely opposed by some Jews who held that salvation was of faith BUT also through the observation of Jewish law, ceremonies and traditions.

Earlier in chapter two of Galatians Paul writes that the apostle Peter came to Antioch where Paul was preaching. This visit was after Peter and the apostles had agreed that Paul was indeed an apostle by the will of God, and that the gospel is for all, Gentiles and Jew – and that salvation is  faith alone in Christ Jesus. That the Jewish law doesn’t make us righteous but Christ alone does – there is no self merit and man lives through the merit of Christ Jesus.

This chief article of Christianity allowed the converted Gentiles to eat meats forbidden by the Law. and Peter, a Jew, ate with them knowing this.  With the arrival of Judaizers who claimed the law and circumcision were necessary – in addition to faith –  Peter separated  from the Gentiles.  This was a very big deal – the very foundational truth of the gospel – that faith in Christ alone – was by example of Peter being questioned.  Paul stood alone in his disagreement with the Judaizers – even his beloved companion on his missionary trips, Barnabus, disagreed with him.  Paul publicly rebuked Peter for disguising his ( Peter’s) attitude to the Law. He accused Peter of hypocrisy.  Paul claimed that Peter erred and denied Christ by giving the impression that he was endorsing the Law.

So the words of Paul were addressed to Peter but in our verses today Paul writes a summary statement to the Galatians.  Paul tells them that if we are justified in Christ, then we are not justified by the Law.  We cannot have it both ways.  And to be dead to the Law means to be free of it. The Law (works) can never justify a man so to live for the law is to die to God.  Sin, evil and death are crucified in Christ.  If we look at ourselves we have sin. If we look at Christ we have no sin. If we believe we are justified by the Law we reject the grace of God and reject the death of Christ.

But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.  (12) For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.  (13) For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.  (14) And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. (15) But when it pleased God who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, (16) to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. (18) Then after three years  went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. (19) But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

The letter to the Galatians was written by the apostle Paul. There were false teachers (Judaizers) who disputed Pauls divine calling and in our verses today Paul is emphasizing his authority as an apostle called by God. It was important because Paul needed to assert the authority of the gospel he preached. In speaking about his calling and purpose, Paul contrasts his position in God with his former life.

The Judaizers were telling the Christian  Galatians that Pauls gospel was defective. Paul was preaching salvation by grace from God through the perfect sacrifice of Christ Jesus. And the false teachers were saying salvation comes through Jewish traditions and obeying the Law – in other words, through works, not faith.  These Judaizers boasted that they had been instructed by the “real” apostles.

Paul begins his defense and claim of authority by telling the Galatians that he had been the chief opponent of the gospel and the enemy of Christianity.  He had been educated in the faith of his ancestors – a Hebrew of Hebrews.  But then Paul experienced his miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus when our Lord revealed that Saul/Paul was a “chosen vessel unto Me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel”.  That he  was separated by God from his mothers womb was the divine purpose and the sovereignty of God.  Paul further made it clear that he relied on God alone and intended to have nothing to do with human counsel.  His trip to Jerusalem was not to learn of the gospel but to meet with Peter and hear first hand of Our Lords life here on earth.  He did not meet with the other apostles but Peter alone, again making it clear that he was not in Jerusalem to learn but was there for mutual talk.

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; (24) and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  (25) In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying “This cup is the new covenant in My blood.  This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”  (26) For as often  you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 

The first letter to the Corinthians  was written by the Apostle Paul in response to problems in the early church at Corinth – and our verses today are specific to the abuse of the sacrament of The Lords supper. Paul addresses this by exposing the abuse and beginning with verse 23, he writes of the proper method righting error.

The teachings of Christ were new and vast ideas – people were told to look differently of themselves, their neighbors; on their relationship with God: pretty much in all things. The ancient world’s custom of sharing a meal – including providing for the needs of poorer members – had been adopted by the  church in Jerusalem – And spread to Christians in Corinth.  It was common for Christians to eat together and each would bring something for  the  meal and after that bread and wine were passed around. But in Corinth the solemnity seems to have passed and the wealthy didn’t share the best food and didn’t wait for the common distribution of food.  Instead of feasts of the Christian church,  the practice of commemorating the Lord’s supper became profane and excessive.

Paul tells the Corinthians “I praise you not” and tells them that they are not taking the Lord’s supper and instructing that the only way to correct abuse was to return to Christ’s pure institution; to treat all as equal before God.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  (3) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; (4) and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  (5) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome. In our verses today, Paul is writing of the effect of being made right with God through the perfect and acceptable sacrifice of Christ Jesus – that peace with God is particular to justification by faith; if we had to rely on our works we would never be at peace because our efforts would never be enough. Our reconciliation with God depends only on Christ Jesus.

In adversity the faithful are comforted and consoled in our certain hope of eternal salvation.   Patience is not the natural effect of affliction – the natural state of man without the Spirit is discontent, anger and despair.  The strange teaching of the Bible tells us to exhult in trials – and this teaching is uniform throughout the New Testament.  God’s Book stands reason on its head  as this is not a standard human response to trials – this is God’s perspective, not ours and needs a deliberate focus. We are to be lights to the world and it doesn’t happen automatically – being sustained by hope doesn’t mean the denial of pain.  God uses trials to shape us and we  called to His purpose.

I was struck by todays verses compared to how alcoholics anonymous adresses the successful work of recovery from alcoholic drinking.   In what is called the Big Book of AA, the alcoholic is told aboutworking the steps:  “If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through.  We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.  We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.  We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.  No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.  That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.  We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away.  Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people and economic insecurity will leave us.  We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.  We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.”

Ponder the wisdom of Pauls words: “tribulation produces perserverance; and perserverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint”.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord  on place.  (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  (3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.   (5) And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.  (6) And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together and were confused, because everyone heard them speak, in his own language.  (7) Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another “Look, are not all those who speak Galilleans?  (8) And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?  (9) Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, (10)Phrygia  and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, (11) Cretans and Arabs – we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”

The book known as Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, historian of the early church  of Christ.  In today’s verses Luke records the events of the Pentecost immdiately after the death and resurrection  of Christ Jesus. Pentecost was one of the three major feasts of the Jewish people and it fell on the fiftieth day after the Sabbath of Passover.  Jews travelled to Jerusalem for Passover and often stayed for this feast of weeks – the first fruits of the wheat harvest  – so Jerusalem would have been filled with  visitors from all over the Roman Empire. When the sound came – as of a rushing mighty wind, it attracted the multitudes in the  city,  both residents and visitors.  Then the visual manifestation of God in the form of divided tongues of fire over the heads of those sitting in the house.   And then those with the tongues of fire began speaking of God and Christ to the multitude and the listeners were amazed at hearing the untaught Galilleans speak not just in Aramaic or Greek but they heard them speak In the dialects of the visitors.  Because Peter soon addressed the  multitudes and made no mention of the different languages I might assume the listeners were the ones who heard the different dialects rather that the disciples actually speaking different untaught languages.

in chapter one of Acts Christ tells his disciples that they must wait until he has ascended to God the Father in glory and then the gift of the Holy Spirit would be given them to empower them. The great commission arrived as told in Acts 1:  “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to ME in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  Now the church is born and the testimony begins. In ages before people served God out of fear or consequences and now in this new age, we serve God out of love and power from the indwelling Spirit – it is from the Divine and individuals at the moment of faith receive the indwelling Spirit.

What is the church??  We the faithful are the church.

But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, (56)  and said “Look!, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God,”. (57) Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; (58) and they cast him out of the city and stoned him.  And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. (59) And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”  (60) Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.”  And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke as a history of the early church – a precious and accurate history of the explosive spread of Christianity which really began on Pentecost Sunday when the Holy Spirit changed everything – forever.

The reading today is the story of Stephen who was appointed by the apostles for administrative work in that early church. The apostles needed to teach and not “serve tables” and they chose seven men, “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” for these tasks. Stephen was one of the seven men.

The Jewish elders and council had been disturbed, to put it mildly, for some time when people were unable to resist the gospel.  Their snares fell on Stephen, who was arrested and brought before the council on charges of blasphemy.  When questioned, Stephen began his response with a history of the Jewish nation beginning with Abraham. As Stephen used the Old Testament to show that all of scripture pointed to Jesus Christ as Messiah, he abruptly switched from a history lesson to accusing the council of being “stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears!”  He went on to tell them they had not kept the law and were the murderers of Jesus Christ, the Just One.  The response of the elders – we are told in verse 54 – was these educated and respected leaders of Israel gnashed their teeth. Just like wild animals, they gnashed their teeth in rage and frustration.  We are being told that the entire council is totally out of control – gnashing of teeth is a phrase used biblically to indicate the damned. There is an enormous contrast being drawn between the council and Stephen: the elders – the statesmen, the judges, the witnesses of Israel – who proceeded to rush at Stephen as one mob without thought and conscience are contrasted with Stephen; who was full of the Spirit .  And beloved of Christ.

It’s a very powerful message of good and evil. And the real victim here is not Stephen, but those who murdered him.  The council had willfully and totally rejected Jesus Christ. At some point grace runs its course and indeed runs out and God gives people over. The Jewish elders didn’t so much hate Stephen as they hated Jesus and the trial of Stephen brought it to a point where they had one choice:  to either kill Stephen or believe him, which for them was no choice any more at all.  Satan is real.

This is really a tragic story of terrible loss and warning to us of the reality of evil. But a wonderful side-story to Luke’s account is we are told that ” the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.”  This young man, clearly supervising the murder of Stephen, was later known as the apostle Paul who was called as an apostle by God.  I read a wonderful quote when researching today’s lesson:  from Stephen came Paul – from Paul came the world.

And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” (2) Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and leaders, about this question.  (22) Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.  (23) They wrote this letter by them:  The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:  Greetings.  (24) Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”- to whom we gave no such commandment -(25) it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26) men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (27) We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.  (28) For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than the necessary things:  (29) that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.  If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.

Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, friend and companion of Paul, physician and historian of the early church. Our verses today record the Jerusalem council – the first church council, probably in 48AD or 49AD — less than 20 years after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Most of the apostles were still alive; men and women who had seen the risen Christ were alive; there was the extraordinary presence of the Holy Spirit, and still there appeared in the midst of this controversy and dissension that resulted in the Jerusalem Council.

The problem had  do with the doctrine of salvation and there could be no compromise. The church – and Paul and Barnabas –  taught that we are saved through faith in Christ Jesus. But men arrived in Antioch where Paul and Barnabas were preaching and claimed to be sent from the mother church in Jerusalem.  These Judaizers claimed that it was not enough to have faith but also circumcision and adherence to the law of Moses was necessary for salvation.  The arguments were basic to the gospel:  either Jews and Gentiles must keep the law of Moses OR Jews and Gentiles are both saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone.

This doctrine is central to the church. It is Gods choice that all are included in salvation. And, salvation is not earned. There is nothing that man can do to earn heaven. Religious Jews and all their ceremonial law keeping makes no difference. It all hinges on saving faith in Christ.  And the instant of belief is the moment of forgiveness for all sin – this justification is not the beginning of a process; there is nothing to be added

In a letter to the early church from James there is a verse – chapter 2:17 – saying that “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead”.  In light of today’s verses I interpret this sentence to mean that true faith (which is saving faith) is accompanied by the desire to reflect that faith in actions. We behave as we believe and not to earn heaven as salvation is always of the Lord. And we had better not forget this.

And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, (22) strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”  (23) So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended  them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (24) And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.  (25) Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went  to Attalia.  (26) From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed. (27) Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke as a history of the early church. This history was in many cases a first hand report of the spread of the gospel in the first days from Jerusalem to Rome. To me in particular this book gives the believer facts of history on which to base his/her belief in Christ Jesus.  If the historical resurrection is not true our belief is futile.  We are assured though Acts that this resurrection of Christ is true – and something sure was going on in that time of incredible and extraordinary growth of the church.

Our verses take up when Paul and Barnabas decided to close their first missionary journey. They had begun this journey in Antioch and were to return there – but instead of returning directly to Antioch – a straight shot from Derbe where they last preached – Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps which showed remarkable faith and courage as they had been reviled, scorned, thrown out from these cities and Paul had even been stoned at Lystra and dragged from that city by men who thought he was dead. When the Christian disciples gathered around his body, he”rose up and went into the city.  And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe ” – a miraculous recovery indeed.

Our verses use the word disciples three times emphasizing the strong faith of the newly converted. This return journey to Antioch was pastoral on Pauls part and records his practice to establish a church and to always keep in touch with them and provide counseling and encouragement.  His goal was to provide for disciples and to strengthen their souls.

Our verses finally tell us that God is the hero of this story.  When Paul and Barnabas reach Antioch the Scripture tell us that “they reported all that God had done with them” – not all that they had done.  And that God “opened the door of faith to the Gentiles”.  Not only was this explosion of faith unprecedented, the inclusion of the Gentiles was revolutionary – and ultimately the inclusion of the Gentiles in Gods plan of salvation was what the first missionary trip of Paul was all about.  Acts of the Apostles is so understated and each word so nuanced that we sometimes miss the wild excitement of those times. I’m not sure if there ever was or will be again such an overt and miraculous time in the history of mankind.

(14) But when they departed from Perga, they cam to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. (43) Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.  (44) On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.  (45) But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. (46) Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said “It was necessary that the word of God be spoke. To you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves I worthy of everlasting life, behold we run to the Gentiles.  (47) For so the Lord has commanded us:  ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’  (48) Now when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord.  And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. (49) And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.  (50) But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.  (51) But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium.  (52) And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. 

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke; physician, historian and dear friend to the Apostle Paul. In our verses today Luke is telling us of Paul’s strategy for evangelism – when he would arrive at a city he would seek out the Jewish synagogue and – as was the custom- when men were invited to address the gathering, Paul would step up and use the Old Testament and Israel’s history to prove that Jesus was the Christ – the promised Messiah of scripture.

Our verses tell us that Paul and Barnabus attended synagogue at Pisidian Antioch during their first missionary journey. Some of the Jews believed and followed the gospel but others rejected the gospel violently and drove Paul and Barnabus out of town. This was predictable as the Jews – the devout synagogue attendants – would have been threatened by what they heard. Their pride and jealously,  stirred by thoughts of loss of power and income and influence turned them from freely offered eternal saovation. Their eyes and ears were hardened.But the most thoughtful point in this passage concerns the the doctrine of election And this should have been familiar to the Jews. Their history is a history of a people chosen by God to be His people.

In verse 48, Luke tells us that as “many as had been appointed  eternal life believed”.  The Bible is very clear on this point. We are being told that God is active in  historY – that it is always up to God electing men and not the reverse.  It is up to us to respond and how can we respond if we have not heard?  And more important, our choice to believe the gospel is not why God chose us.  God chose us before we were born and God’s election is WHY we choose to believe.  Salvation is from God. From beginning to end

And when they had brought them,  they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, (28) saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name?  And, look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us! ”  (29) But Peter and the other apostles answered and said:  “We ought to obey God rather than men.  (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. (31) Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.  (32) And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him. (40b) and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (41) So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were  worthy to suffer shame for His name. 

The Acts of the Apostles was a written account by Luke of the first years of the early church.  The historical context of our verses today tell us of a period of great power, popularity  and energy of the church by the Holy Spirit. Opposed to this growth were the Jewish leaders who were fearing for their power as religious leaders of a people and also for their status as a protected religion under Roman law.  The Sanhedrin (the leaders of the Jewish people) was irrationally angry because of the threat to their power and position.  For them to co-exist with this new religion they would also have to acknowledge their terrible act of killing the Christ – and they chose this world rather than the eternal life of the gospel.

Our study today tells us that the apostles were thrown into prison by the order of the Sanhedrin – they were freed by an Angel of God and were told to return to the Temple in Jerusalem to speak the gospel to the people.  despite their miraculous delivery, they were rearrested and rebuked by the High Priest but Peter – full of the Spirit – told the Sanhedrin that “We ought to obey God rather than men.”  The Apostles were reluctantly released – but first flogged – and commanded by the Jewish leaders to speak no more of Jesus. But our verses today tell us that nothing could deter these men from speaking the gospel.

Also the Sanhedrin was accused by Peter – for the second time – of murdering Jesus who he describes as the author of salvation. JEsus was the Savior of the Jews but the Jews didn’t think they needed a savior.

Not all of our problems present such a clear cut solution as the Apostles faced. As Christians we are expected by God to be obedient.  Whatever the cost we are to obey God. I know that at the end of my life I don’t want to hear the words spoken by Jesus:  “depart from me; I never knew you.”

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.  (13) Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.  (14) And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, (15) so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.  (16) Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. 

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, physician and historian.  Acts tells us of the acts of great men in the early church and also the letter records material found nowhere else in the New Testament – the history of the first three decades of the church.  We are told of the explosion of energy and the powerful workings of the Spirit in that ancient world.

Our verses today follow the story of Ananias and Sapphira, husband and wife, who sold property and pretended to give the entire proceeds to the poor. Both were questioned by Peter, and both were struck dead on exposure of this lie. We are told this was a judgment of God or qualified as “death at the hands of heaven” which was a recognized penalty in the Old Testament and in Jewish Law.  This event happened at a critical time for the early church and Gods judgment was quick and terrible and inspired great and holy fear among converted and non converted Jews.

Our verses today tell us that the Apostles and some of the early disciples were performing mighty acts of miraculous healing. They had great power of the Holy Spirit and we are told they were held in high esteem by those who were afraid to confess Christ as messiah.  None of the rest dared to even associate with the apostles in those immediate days at Jerusalem but still the church grew:  what was going on??  Peter was preaching to those who had just murdered Jesus and Luke shows him as bold, articulated and clearly inspired by the Spirit.

There was powerful witnessing resulting in powerful conversions – the purpose of the miracles was to confirm the Gospel message and to authenticate the Apostles as God’s messengers.  It was a serious thing to be a Christian.  People were so convinced of the reality and power of what Christians believed that they brought their sick to be healed. Even to the point of placing the sick in Peter’s shadow – we don’t know if they were healed but clearly the people thought they could be healed. People of Jerusalem believed what Peter was saying was blessed by God.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, siting at the right hand of God.  (2) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  (3) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  (4) when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians from prison in Rome. He was addressing the heresies troubling the church there by false teachers trying to impose the fruitless laws and traditions  of men on the Christians.

Our verses today teach us that secular life is of this world and the faithful are to set their wills and minds on things above.  This exhortation goes hand in hand with forgiveness and obedience. We are to let go of what keeps our hearts earthbound. The sacrifice of Christ and His glorious resurrection which we ponder this  Easter weekend tells us that Christ’s finished work is wholly acceptable to God.  Christ stands in for us and we are hidden in Him and our sins are forgiven.   At the moment of belief in this truth we become new men and women in Christ. We have hope which is certain so that when Jesus appears for the second time we faithful will appear in Him in glory.  Wow.

We must live our lives with our hearts and will on Christ and things above. As c.s.lewis wrote “aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in.  Aim at earth and you get neither.”  Happy Easter.

(5) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (6) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men.  (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death  of a cross.  (9) Therefore God has also highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, (10)  that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (11) and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul. The verses we study today are the most profoundly Christological in the bible.  Doctrine as in these verses is thought by many to be academic and impracticable and difficult to understand.  But it is important to remember that Paul was writing to ordinary people and they understood what he was telling them.

The doctrine of incarnation and the failure to understand the full implications of it is perhaps the central problem of Christianity.   God chose to manifest Himself through humanity – not by angels appearing as men, not by prophets or by fire and clouds, or through godly men living godly lives but  by the ultimate incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ as true man while also being true God. Jesus voluntarily set aside His essence of God to assume the lowest position on this earth to rescue people who didn’t deserve it.

Jesus did not cease being God but took on true human nature – but without sin. In this form He was subject to aging, hunger, thirst, weariness and death. And the death he took on was considered by the Jews as cursed by God – this death on a tree.  It was considered so terrible and so shameful that Roman citizens and Roman soldiers were exempt from such a death.  Jesus could not come from any higher  place to any lower. And there is no greater a model of love, humility and obedience than our Lord. We are not to become subject to others whims or desires but we are to be obedient to God no matter what the cost – compared to Christ that cost is nothing.

In Mere Christianity, c.s. Lewis writes  about pride – “as long as you are proud you cannot know God.  A proud man is always looking down on things and people:  and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”  We are told in today’s verses that every knee shall bow to the Lord and every tongue will confess Him as Lord. Maybe that is what hell is; those in hell will acknowledge Jesus as Lord but will forever be denied His presence.

Yet indeed I  count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ (9) and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faithin Christ, the righteousness which is from God y faith; (10) that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being confirmed to His death, (11) if, be any means I may attain to the resurrection of the dead.  (12) Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay ahold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.  (13) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, (14) I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul to encourage the Christians at Phillipi to know Christ Jesus.  Christianity is not a religion of rules and rituals but a personal growing relationship with Jesus. When we meet Him we change and He initiates this – He marks us and the more we know Him, the more we change.

Paul was a Pharisee – he belonged to the strictest sect of Judaism and strictly observed the Mosaic Law. He was sincere, zealous, faithful and committed but when Christ choose him, Paul realized he was utterly wrong in trusting to his good deeds to earn salvation. Paul had to write off everything in his past  as not just loss but “garbage”.  We only gain the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ – all human effort is hopeless and worthless. The principle here is the foundational fact that Paul was apprehended by Jesus Christ.

Paul uses the metaphor of running the race to reach the goal. Christians need to press on – that running the race with our eyes fixed on the goal of the upward call of God in Jesus is a lifelong process but that sanctification will be completed. And only if we continually train do we grow and learn to deal with the obstacles of life, large and small. We are encouraged to forget the past while running our race and to keep moving – live daily in the Lord as tomorrow’s problems are sufficient to themselves. Our goal is to know Christ and to become more like Him.  Whatever we do we should do it all in the name of the Lord

Therefore,  anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  (18) Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, (19) that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. (20) Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us:  we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.  (21) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul. There had been significant problems in the church at Corinth and in this letter Paul is – among other things – addressing  his integrity and authority as an apostle. Paul writes that he has renounced “hidden things of shame” and is preaching the truth of the light of the gospel.  Paul writes that his transformation into a new man is not by himself but by God – he teaches that God uses weak vessels to show His power – “that the life of Jesus also at be manifested in our mortal flesh”.

This second letter to the Corinthians is also an intensely personal letter. Paul writes of his personal suffering and trials for the gospel but he counts his suffering as “light afflictions” knowing that “while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord”.  He tells them further that he no longer regards anyone according to their fleshly present appearance; he sees them as men/women as new creations in Christ. All things are seen in the light of Jesus Christ and the reconciliation of this world to God.

Verse 21 of our study today is the heart of gospel and Paul implores the Corinthians to accept Christ and to be reconciled to God.  For he made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  

Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, (2) all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, (3) all ate the same spiritual food, (4) and all drank the same spiritual drink.  For they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ.  (5) But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.  (6) Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not list after evil things as they also lusted. ………(10) nor complain, as some of the, also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.  (11) Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul. The verses we study today were written to warn the Christians in Corinth that their lack of self control and overconfidence could be leading to crisis and a failure of faith.  Paul writes in chapter 10 of this letter to show the Corinthians that their characteristic conduct of open immorality, division and strife and cults of personality -the Corinthians were known as a morally corrupt population – were not new but a repetition of problems faced by the ancient isralelites with disastrous consequences.

Pauls warning to the Corinthians links the experience of Israel and the conduct of  the Christians at Corinth. He makes it clear that what happened to Israel was written for the instruction  all – we should be warned by the sins of our fathers. Paul makes it clear that the one who thinks – mistakenly – that he/she stands in faith is in the greatest danger of falling from faith in times of peril.

Times of testing exposes what is in our hearts. How we feel about something does not always determine how things really are.  But how things really are should affect our feelings. The clear message is that spiritual pride and overconfidence nudged by lack of self control will lead to a terrible fall.

The Israelites were divinely delivered, divinely fed and watered and were constantly in the presence of God – yet still they lacked  ability to persevere and control themselves. With this terrible example Paul warns the indulgent and prideful Christian Corinthians – and us – to beware so that we are not also destroyed.

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. (18) For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and not tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the costs of Christ:  (19) whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose  is in their shame – who set their mind on earthly things.  (20) For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (21) who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.  

4:1 Therefore,my beloved and longed for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. 

The apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians. Philippi was a Roman colony at the time Paul founded the Christian church there and many veterans of the Roman army retired there.  It was an outpost of Roman life and enjoyed great privileges of that Roman world.

In our verses today Paul is warning his readers of corruption – of drifting – and he is telling them they have a higher calling and that is to be citizens of heaven rather than citizens of this world.  Paul points to himself as  example of how to live in this world the right way.  Paul was not being arrogant – he was aware that while still a sinful man he took care to live with integrity.  Apparently there were among the Philippians certain false Christians, people who decide freedom from the law meant freedom from Gods moral law.   Paul writes – in tears – of their end which was destruction. Those of this world live for the things of this world.  God is not the center of their pleasure and pleasure itself is a god.

Deeds, or fruit, are certain evidence of people’s conviction. We behave as we believe and the point of our verses today is we Christians are not to live as citizens of this world.  We are not to deny the reality of the truth revealed in the gospel.  All things will be subject to Christ and we should live accordingly  so we will meet our savior, not our judge.  So we will not hear the words of the Lord as recorded in matthew 7:23:  And then I will declare to them “I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!”

But what does it say?  “The word Is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (That is the word of faith which we preach):  (9) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  (10) For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (11) For the Scripture says “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”  (12) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call on Him.  (13) For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

The letter to the Romans was written to the Christian church in Rome by the apostle Paul. Paul had been kept from visiting Rome and in his place he sent this letter of doctrine and instruction and truth. Our verses today contain a message of eternal salvation – this message he keeps repeating is that the way to salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ – belief in Jesus as Lord.

This letter contrasts righteousness based on law with righteousness by faith and we cannot be saved by keeping the law. Paul is saying we don’t have to go through a difficult process to find Christ and that we are saved through faith in Christ – that we must believe in our heart and express or confess that belief. Confession is not a requirement but an inevitable outcome of genuine saving faith.  Israel failed to achieve righteousness because they tried – the Jews wanted to establish their own righteousness, not to receive it as an act of grace. Righteousness by works is a man made system for salvation. It is not Biblical and it will not work.

Saving faith is a matter of heart. It is also an intellectual assent to the gospel. We must first know Jesus to trust in Him – and this does not mean the Jesus of our imagination -and this all boils down to knowledge of  Scripture.

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, (2) by which you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you – unless you believed in vain.  (3) For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received:  that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, (4) and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, (5) and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.  (6) After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.  (7) After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.  (8) Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. (9) For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.  (10) But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.  (11) Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

The 1 st letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Paul wrote this letter of correction and guidance to resolve minor problems within the church in Corinth but in chapter 15, he turns to the subject of death and the doctrine of resurrection of the dead.  Chapter 15 is a very clear definition of the gospel of Christ Jesus.

in verses 1 – 11, Paul approaches the denial of resurrection of the dead indirectly – at first. A foundation is laid by detailing the bodily resurrection of Christ and the centrality of that both in the gospel and in Paul’s own conversion. The Corinthians believed in the resurrection of Jesus but were in denial of the resurrection of men/women. He begins by emphasizing that the gospel is not from the minds of men; it is revelation from God.  The gospel has been received by the apostles and delivered by them.  Paul writes of the transformed, resurrected body of Christ which is the foundational principal of the gospel.

This good news concerning unmerited saving grace through Christ is the only way men can be forgiven their sins – the gospel is based solely on the work of Christ Jesus. Paul writes of the certainty of Christ’s resurrection and therefore the resurrection of all men – he writes of the connection between the present and the future, the natural and spiritual body.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;  (5) does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; (6) does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; (7) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  (8) Love never fails.  But where there are prophecies, they will fail; where there there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge it will vanish away.  (9) For we know in part and we prophecy in part.  (10) But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.  (11) When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  (12) For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I am known.  (13) And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

the first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul. Our verses today are almost always taken as a presentation on love, but in fact Paul was talking about the gifts of the Spirit to the faithful in Christ. In chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians Paul writes about  purpose of the gifts and how they are related to the church  – and in chapter 14 Paul addresses the perversion of these gifts by the Corinthians. In chapter 13 – which is not a digression but instead is a link between chapters 12 and 14 – Paul talks about the use of the gifts of the Spirit for the help and blessing of the Church.  These verses are not a dissertation on love but are meant as an appeal for application for benefit of the Church.

Essentially Paul is saying that spiritual gifts without love are wayward and minister to personal pride. Words can be eloquent by themselves but if not motivated by love and truth words are just rhetoric – sounding brass or clanging symbols.  jUst as philanthropy without love can by worth nothing to the donor – a gift can be a blessing to a cause no matter the motive – but the man/ woman who gives is not blessed without love.

Paul talks about seeing through a glass darkly- in the ancient world the mirrors were of polished metal, giving a wavy indistinct image.   But the promise is that while we know now in part – and think we know what we don’t really know – some day we will see fully.   Paul is telling the Corinthians – and us – what biblical love is.  The Corinthians equated the social status of the spiritual gift with the significance of the one who has it and Paul tells the Corinthians that all of the spiritual gifts are temporary while Christian love is eternal.  Apparently the Corinthians abandoned Christian love and they are being warned that without love, the value of the spiritual gift is diminished.

For the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, as one body, so also is Christ. (13) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.  (14) For in fact the body is not one member but many.  (27) Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.  

The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians. It is apparent from reading this letter that there were many problems in the church at Corinth- there were cults of personalities: division over who was the most charismatic leader. There were divisions over civil matters which led to lawsuits in civil courts – matters of pride and arrogance.  But in our verses today, Paul is addressing  question of unity in the early church at Corinth.

The Apostle Paul – who alone spoke of the church as a body – used the human body as an analogy for the unity of the church.  He wrote that the church is the spiritual body of Christ and all believers are baptized by the Spirit into members of the church. Paul emphasizes that all parts of the body work together to function as an effective unit just  all members of the church – each member different – have their own function.  All members of the body of Christ – or the church – retain their individual identity and all have their individual ministry.

We do not operate or are placed in the body of Christ by chance but are gifted in a particular way by the Spirit – by God’s sovereign will.  Apparently the Corinthians prized certain gifts above others and Paul is attempting to show them unity and God’s purpose  – that the most desirable gifts are those which benefit the whole church.

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  (5)There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.  (6)And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.  (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all; (8)for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9)to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, (10)to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.  (11)But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians. The church he founded there was composed of mainly Gentiles with pagan backgrounds.  We must remember that all men have a fallen nature – this is part of history and certainly part of the early church – and the Corinthian Christians were no different.  Paul has already told the Corinthians that as pagans they were spirit led by demonic spirits to idols.   In another words they were led astray in the past and he was warning them to not let this happen to them as Christians.

There were divisions at Corinth over different factions or leaders.  There were serious problems of sexual immorality, casual heathen worship and  abuse of communion,  all arising from pride and arrogance and disobedience.  What Paul is addressing in our verses today however, is how Corinthians judged themselves and others on the basis of spiritual gifts.

The Corinthians were apparently highly gifted but not highly spiritual.  Spiritual gifts are just that – gifts from God – to enable the recipient to do what God has equipped them to do. These gifts are not things man can do by himself – (think of the transformation of Peter on Pentecost) – and these gifts are given for service and for the glory of God.

Spiritual gifts produce spiritual results. There are an infinite variety of gifts but they are from the same Spirit – our sovereign God gives us these gifts in the context of our lives and circumstances. Ministries can change and so can the gifts we receive – for example, the preaching ministry of Paul changing to the inspired written ministry – and there are infinite varieties of effects.  Paul is warning the Corinthians to let go of the past – let go and let God – and to reach for what is ahead. He tells them that these are gifts from God through grace and that they – and we – should not boast or take pride in such gifts.

Then Peter opened his mouth and said:  In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  (35) But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. (36) The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all – (37) that word you know, which  proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism, which John preached:  (38) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, the physician and companion to the Apostle Paul. This book serves as a history of the early church – Luke was a careful researcher and intimate of many who were first hand sources of the life and works of Jesus Christ.

The first Christians were Jewish men and their  belief was that the Gentiles had to go through and keep Jewish rituals to become Jewish Christians like the apostles. But God has been breaking down Peter’s Jewish bias.  In Acts we are told of Peter being called in a dream to the house of Cornelius to minister to that Gentile household.  This was a radical change in Gods salvation history – salvation had been of the Jews and through the Jews and now Gentiles are not required to become Jews to be saved. Salvation was not based on nationality nor was it based on good works – and it is initiated by God, not by man. Salvation is by faith in Christ Jesus – And our verses today tell  of Cornelius who needed to hear about Jesus and put his trust in Christ to be saved

Early in chapter 10 of Acts we are introduced to Cornelius and we are told he was not only a good and devout man, he was a centurion of the Italian regiment. This tells us that he was a commander of soldiers; he was a commander in the elite, Italian regiment.  Cornelius was told in a vision to send for Peter, who would tell him what to do To be saved. The important thing here is, despite the good works and godly living of Cornelius, he was not yet saved.  He needed to hear of the resurrection of Christ.  Peter had not even finished preaching the gospel and we are told that the Spirit entered Cornelius and his household and the gifts of the Spirit were poured out on the Gentiles

So our verses today concern a Gentile –  an Italian Roman soldier who is saved by God through Christ Jesus.   Now, everyone who believes in Christ receives God’s salvation.

if  indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, (3) how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,……….) (5) which in others ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets; (6) that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is explaining that  the Gentiles were historically excluded from the nation of the Jewish people – they were not part of the covenant of promise – but now in Christ Jesus, the Gentiles are no longer strangers but also inherit Gods promise of salvation. In the church all racial differences are gone.

in  beginning of chapter 3 Ephesians, Paul tells us that he is a prisoner of Christ Jesus – meaning he is an actual prisoner in Rome because of the gospel – his ministry at core was why he was in prison.   He is telling his readers that no one has ever come to Christ by his or her own intelligence or power or through good works; that the Gospel is not something we would ever think of or reason out but a mystery only revealed by God.

The key idea is God’s eternal purpose to sum up things in Christ – the centrality of Christ – the now revealed truth that Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. None of these thoughts were welcome to unbelieving Jews. The Old Testament spoke of God’s blessings on the Gentiles but always through the Jews.  There were many centuries of hostility between the Jews and the Gentiles which would not be going away quickly or completely. There were troublemakers in Ephesus in Pauls absence questioning his authority and insisting that believers become Jewish proselytes  – they must be circumcised and keep the law of Moses.  This is why the apostle Paul found it necessary to remind the Ephesians of equality of the Jews and Gentiles in God’s eyes in the Church.  Faithful Christians did not have to follow the Law of Moses: they now had direct access to God through Christ Jesus.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; (14) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you must also do.  (14) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (17) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul and the third chapter of this letter addresses the positive qualities of Christian living – the qualities of grace.  The Christians at Colosse have been given eternal life – resurrected life – which demands certain behavior.

Paul tells his readers that they are the elect of God: they have been chosen and it is personal. They – and we – have been forgiven by Christ and should know that they and we, had nothing to do with earning or deserving forgiveness. Paul lists Christian virtues, modeled by Christ, to draw a general picture of what the ChristIan church should look like. They – and we – are told to set our hearts and minds on Christ and our transformation as new men and women is compared to taking off old clothing – our grave clothes – and dress ourselves in clothes of our new mindset and life.  We are new people and are to act like it.   We are admonished to recognize our old ways – as unforgiving people, self centered and prideful, and put away the  old man/woman. We are to change our thinking and live to reflect our transformation in Christ.

In verse 15 Paul speaks of the peace that surpasses understanding and quiets our minds and hearts. This peace will enable us to make decisions regarding the conflicts of life. It’s not that God helps those who help themselves but God helps those who realize they cannot help themselves. We are to be thankful  and to do all in the name of the Lord. God doesn’t exist for us, we exist for Him.  Salvation history is not for us but it is for the glory of God.  It is that attitude that lifts us and be thankful it is so. We are beloved of God.

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:  Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me.  (6) In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure.  (7) Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come – In the volume of the book it is written of Me – To do Your will, O God.”  (8) Previously saying “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), (9) then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.”  He takes away the first that He may establish the second.  (10) By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown. The letter was written to Jewish Christians who had left the Jewish sacrificial system and embraced the gospel – Because of hardship and persecution as Christian believers, some were in danger of backsliding. The author writes to show the superiority of Christ in all matters and to warn the readers of eternal danger should they revert to the Jewish system.

Our verses today were written to show that Christian faithful found what those under the Law (the Jewish system) could not find – total forgiveness. The Law provided only a shadow of things to come – it called for  repeated sacrifices which would never be perfect.  The author quotes Psalm 40 and repeats significant points already made to prove his point – this repetition  reflects the ineffectiveness of the Levitical sacrifice and also serves as a reminder that past sins were not removed.

We read in these verses of the incarnation of the Son Of God and His obedience to Gods will.  Jesus Christ was ordained by God before time to do His priestly work of perfect sacrifice – acceptable to God – to atone for sin once and for all.  Christ’s obedience to Gods will at the cross set aside the Old Testament sacrificial system and made the faithful right in standing before God.

We are about to celebrate the incarnation of God as man – the ordained time of the sacrifice of Gods only Son for our salvation – a sacrifice of infinite value.  Merry Christmas indeed.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  (5) Let your gentleness be known to all men.  The Lord is at hand.  (6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, (7) and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

The letter to the Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul.  Paul is writing the Christian community in Philippi and he uses his circumstances as the model to implore them to stand fast in the Lord – he has been scourged, stoned, imprisoned, jeered, and shipwrecked and now is in chains in Rome for his faith in Christ Jesus, but he writes  of joy.

Our verses today begin with the twice repeated command to rejoice – rejoice always.  Paul is not addressing the temperament of his readers – nor is he asking them to deny their feelings. But he is asking them to look for joy in the Lord, just as he does.  Paul is not looking for superficial happiness but for steady contentment and joy in our relationship with God. Paul is telling us that we are not looking for joy in this world but instructing us to get our focus off ourselves and to focus our minds daily on the lord and what we are promised in Christ. We are to live by mindful faith, and not by our feelings – to be happy in Christ and unhappy without Him.

We need a right relationship with God – we need to choose to trust in God  as sovereign.   We are accountable to God first, not to others – others do not define us. The Lord is near – He is our refuge and our strength.  Trust in the Lord, He keeps His promises and rejoice in this. Remember Bob, the wonder dog who was not distracted but always kept his eyes on the ball. And Bob was always filled with joy.

Always in every prayer of mine making request for you with joy, (5) for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, (6) being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;……..(8) For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you with all the affection of Jesus Christ.  (9) And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, (10) that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, (11) being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

This letter was written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome – while he was in mortal danger he wrote this letter indicating his joy in the spiritual growth Of the Philippians.   Paul felt that the Christians there were saved and that the church there would continue to grow with or without him.

The doctrine here is that salvation is entirely the work of God, not man. “He who has begun a good work in you” means God has begun this work And if there is evidence of this there should be confidence that God will complete it.  God opens the hearts to respond to the gospel.  Salvation is first to last of the Lord.

These thoughts introduce the idea of free will – that our will does not choose God but God elects and once His work is started it goes to completion. We are not saved apart from Christ but faith is not from us, it is from God, and salvation is always accompanied by evidence – we will behave as we believe.

In verses 9-11, Paul is warning his readers to avoid subjective feelings which are devoid of doctrine – meaning biblical doctrine. We are to pursue biblical love – of  the will with Christ as our model.  Love is not an option for the believer but a command and discerning love is based on spiritual knowledge.  Discernment means a rational act and biblical faith is rational –  comes from studying God through the bible.   Paul is praying here that the Philippians would grow in love as they grow in knowledge of God.  Godly living is our end, our goal.  If we put God at the center of our lives all else will fall into place.  God will be glorified in us and that’s what it’s all about.

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another, and to all, just as we do to you, (3) so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. (4:1)  Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and please God; (2) for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Thessalonians.  Paul successfully established the church there on his second missionary journey.  As he would do, Paul first attended the synagogue there and preached the gospel, using the Old Testament – familiar to the Jews – to show that Jesus was the Messiah. He achieved some success as after three sabbaths  was denied  the synagogue to preach. I believe that he remained in Thessalonica for some time after, teaching in another location – eventually he was driven from that city. 

Paul went to Athens but, thwarted in his attempt to return, he sent his disciple, Timothy, to the Christians in Thessalonica to establish and encourage them – and Timothy reported that the church there remained strong. At this point Paul wrote this first letter directed to the Thessalonians, and also as a prayer to God, that they remain strong Christians – that their faith in the gospel would grow and that they increase in love for one another and to all.  Paul is praying that they will grow in knowledge and discernment and that they remain steadfast in the grace of God whatever the future holds

The new commandment of Christ and the mark of a Christian was to love one another. This love Paul speaks of is not a mindless sentimentality but a result of the will to  love.  The heart must be made holy first – the Holy Spirit will work in the faithful when the Word is established.  The heart is considered to be the place of knowledge and understanding in the New Testament.

Every chapter in this letter ends with reference to the return of Jesus Christ and this certain hope is used to motivate daily living – an encouragement, comfort and Stimuli. Paul wanted to put that teaching in the context of daily living and conduct.

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.  To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, (6) and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen.  (7) Behold, He is coming with clouds and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him.  And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.  Even so, Amen. (8) “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

The translation of the Latin word revelation to Greek is Apokalypsis.  This last book of the Bible is intended to be a revelation of things not yet revealed by God. The foundational theme of Scripture is that man is wholly dependent on God and the revelation of God to man in the Bible is solely Gods initiative.

The purpose of Revelation is to tell the reader who Jesus is – that Jesus is critical to everything.  If we believe right about Jesus we will think right about everything.  In the Old Testament,  Israel was Gods witness to the world – in this age the Church is Gods witness. but neither are faithful witnesses.  Because Jesus Christ is true God (and also true man) He is not a reflection of God but is God and He is the “faithful witness”.  Jesus is the first begotten – this is not chronological, but positional. He is the pattern for all His brethren who will arise from the dead. Jesus is ruler over all men today but many/most do not realize this. But they will when He comes again.

The grammar used here – that He is coming and every eye will see Him – is present tense and future tense.  It is immanent  – He is in the process of coming and will arrive.  We are told that the invisible God will become visible. in this case seeing is a literal visibility, not an understanding and “every eye will see Him” tells us of  global nature of the manifestation of Christ.  We are given the promise of the one who will come again. The first time He came He redeemed us and He is certain to come to this earth again in power and glory and every eye shall see Him and every knee will bow.  There will be judgment and this will also be the culmination of all things.

And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  (12) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, (13) from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.  (14) For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.  (18) Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.

The author of Hebrews – who is unknown – is warning his intended audience of Hebrew Christians that if they reverted to Judaism with its sacrificial system, they would forfeit what Jesus secured for them – total forgiveness for their sins.  The Christian faithful receive what those under the Old Testament could not from their high priest.

Christians, at the moment of belief, assume the position of justification through Christ’s sacrifice.  Christ bore our penalty and in Jesus we receive complete pardon for our sins.  The faithful are to find growth in holiness – we believe and that means we are to act as we believe.  This is sanctification through grace.

All our verses today tell us the incredible news that in Christ Jesus we received complete pardon for sins and this is hammered home in verse 18, chapter 10.  There is complete forgiveness for those who love Him and there is no longer any need for further offering for sin.  Jesus is sitting as far as saving work is concerned – He is finished there.  But one day He will stand and judge those who rejected Him.  Wow.

For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; (25) not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another – (26) He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages.  He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.  (27) And, as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, (28) so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.  To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

The writer of this letter is unknown.  It was written to Jewish Christians who were tempted to turn from Christ to their former Jewish religion.  The author has been making the point that Christ Jesus was superior, supreme and all sufficient for the salvation of His elect – and if trust is put in anything else – another religious system, our own good works, our heritage etc. – we will not escape God’s judgment.   The writer compares the better sacrifice of Christ to the annual perpetual sacrifice of the High Priest under the Jewish religion.  Christ was perfect sinless man – as well as undiminished deity –  and His sacrifice was perfect and acceptable to God.  His sacrifice for our salvation was made once and for all because if was perfect.  The second coming of Christ, referred to in verse 28, will not be to do with sin as His first perfect sacrifice completely resolved that issue.  At the second coming all men will be resurrected to live forever – some in eternal happiness and others in eternal damnation.

In verse 27 we are told that men are appointed to die once and after this comes judgment.  We are not reincarnated.  Death is final and any belief system which denies that is a lie.    The text makes it clear that our faith in Christ is a matter of life and death – eternal life or eternal death.  This straightforward warning reminds us that our appointed time is unknown to us but it is not negotiable.  The only opportunity we have to get right with God is now and what happens at the moment of death depends on what happens before we die.

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God.  Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.  (2) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.  (3) And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

The verses we study today address the present and future status of believing Christians.  The author tells us in verse one that we are now children of God – he repeats this in verse two.  This essential truth  should dominate our lives – being born again in faith means that we are now members of Gods family.  Our future state is not yet completely revealed or known – right now we are in the flesh and  In time and space. We may be reborn but our nature is still a sinful nature and subject to the temptations of this world. We know, based on the testimony of the New Testament –  the gospel – that our faith is based on historical fact concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

John tells us that in our future we (the faithful) will be like Jesus because we will see Him just as He is and that will conclude our transformation. This Christian hope does not imply uncertainty.  Because of this hope the faithful cannot live comfortably with sin – this is progressive sanctification.  Christ is the standard  for living,  not other men or the ways of this world.  If we are Gods children it is a continuing intimate relationship.  C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity tells us that “When a man is getting better he understands more and more clearly the evil that is still left in him. When a man is getting worse he understands his own badness less and less.”

For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.  (2) He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.  (3) Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins.  (4) And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.  (5) So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become high Priest, but it was He who said to Him:

“You are My son, Today I have begotten You.”

(6) As He also says in another place:

“You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek”

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown but it is believed that this letter was written to Jewish converts to Christianity who were wavering in their new faith – if they reverted to the allowed sect of Judaism they would not be subject to persecution. In reading this letter the audience needed knowledge of the Old Testament to understand what would become the New Testament.  In Judaism there was a High Priest and that person was called by God.  As no Jews were allowed into the Holy of Holies, it fell to the High Priest to intercede for men with God.  Once a year the High Priest was allowed into the Holy of Holies to meet with God and offer sacrifice for his (the priest’s)  sins and the sins of the people – to atone for their sins during that year.

Chapter 5 of Hebrews is the beginning of the major section of the book which identifies Jesus Christ as the new and forever High Priest who has been the perfect, once and for all sacrifice – to atone for our sins permanently and provide access to God.  After Jesus completed His work of salvation He entered Heaven and sat down at the right hand of God, indicating the work was finished and acceptable.

The entire Jewish sacrificial system was based on the problem of human sin.  Sinners could not approach God without appropriate sacrifice and mediation – man was alienated from God.  God has now appointed Jesus as our High Priest.  Jesus  took on human nature – He was true God and true man – and as our High Priest He can sympathize with man as He was tempted in all things – yet was without sin.  Jesus suffered yet obeyed the will of the Father even unto death, earning once and for all eternal salvation for man.  Jesus is the perfect sacrifice forever.  To return to the system of the Old Testament would be to return to a flawed and temporary system.  To abandon the High Priest God has provided and that we so desperately need would be to choose eternal darkness.

No human solution will suffice for our salvation.  We must submit our will and emotions to the will of God.  Saving faith equals obedient faith and our faith/belief in Christ as our Messiah guides our behavior.  We are saved by faith, not our works.

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  (15) 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.  (16) 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 was written by an unknown author – the purpose of the letter was to address the doubts of those who were second guessing  their conversion from Judaism to Christianity – to shore them up in there belief in Christ Jesus – to continue “on to perfection” in Christian belief.

In Old Testament times, the high priest would enter through the outer courts and the veils to enter into the presence of the most holy one to act as a mediator between the people and God. This was the annual ceremony of atonement.  But, Jesus is our high priest and has offered the perfect once and for all sacrifice To atone for sin.   The author compares the perfect sacrifice of the Christ to the repeated sacrifices of the high priests of Israel by showing that the high priest went thru the courts  the temple and the inner veils but Jesus went through the heavens and entered the actual presence of God.  In all things Jesus is superior.

The author of Hebrews exhorts his audience to hold tightly to Christianity – they  have Jesus, the promised Messiah, and have, through Jesus, access to God on His throne of mercy and grace.  Christians can boldly approach this throne and are assured of receiving grace whenever they need help.

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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.  (13) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

The author of Hebrews is unknown but the audience seemed to be Jewish Christians who were in danger of renouncing Christ as Messiah in face of increasing prosecution.  This letter begins by telling the reader that God had revealed His word in various times and in various ways – and now fully through His Son – who the author makes clear is fully divine and fully human, having suffered and died having accomplished redemption for lost sinners.  His Word is the message of salvation.

The cautionary example we are given is the Israelites who rebelled with unbelief in the desert after having been led out of Egypt.  They were not allowed to enter God’s rest – they were not faithful.  The danger of unbelief and rebellion exists today and the warnings continue – we too have the good news proclaimed to us.  The Israelites didn’t have the gospel – the word of the completion of Christ’s work of redemption and the doctrine that Christ continues to intercede for us as our High Priest.  The author is telling us we must make every effort to enter into God’s rest/our salvation.

In verse 11 readers are told to make every effort to enter that rest so that no one may fall by following the same pattern of disobedience.  If a whole generation of Israelites failed to enter Gods rest after all the signs and wonders they experienced we are certainly in danger of doing this too. In verse 12 the author is saying to pay attention to the Word of God ( the Bible).  The Word of God is active and will do all the work – we need to believe it and our actions will come from our belief.  The Word of God exposes the thoughts of our hearts – it judges our thoughts and intentions.

God has provided a salvation for us that we cannot attain on our own.  The author of Hebrews is telling us that the Word of God reveals God to us and also we are revealed before God – he has seen into the hearts of the wavering Jewish Christians who are thinking of rejecting Jesus for personal safety.  But God knows everything and this doubt and these intentions will need to be answered for.  Our spiritual condition is exposed to God always and completely.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.  (10) For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  (11) For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown.  This letter was written to the Christian Jews who were wavering in their belief in face of persecution from non-Christian Jews.  The unbelieving Jews would not accept Jesus as the Messiah because of his death, especially because of His death on the cross.  The Jews said that the Messiah was to conquer all enemies – not to die in such an ignominious way, as a common criminal.  So the author of Hebrews is showing why Jesus’ death does not disqualify Him as the Messiah and Savior.  This was God’s plan – His plan which is always unexpected and foolishness to the wise of this world.  The cross was the very power and wisdom of God.  The death of Jesus was God’s eternal purpose.

Sin had to be punished and Jesus was perfect and the perfect sacrifice.  Jesus became sin so that we might be forgiven.  This shows God’s perfect love that God gave His Son to save us.  Jesus’ death was fitting because it showed His perfect humanity.  He had to be tempted as human in all things as we are – and He had to suffer as humans do as the perfect substitute for man’s sin.  Jesus in his humanity was like Adam and Eve before the fall so He didn’t have the lusts of the flesh but it was real temptation from Satan to disobey God.

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!  (2) Your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth-eaten.  (3) Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire.  You have heaped up treasure in the last days.  (4) Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.  (5) You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.  (6) You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.

The verses we study today were written by James, the half brother of Jesus Christ as a prophesy of judgment to come – a warning written to shore up the Christian faithful.  James refers to ” the last days” – the last days are now; all time between resurrection and the end of the world which is surely coming.  But the last day for us is our death and no one escapes God’s judgment.

James is calling his readers to a certain future event – our last day – and he focusses on those who gave in to the temptation of earthly riches and warns of the dangers of pursuing wealth which is a snare.  James compares the souls/heart of people of this world – those who have denied the reality of eternity – to that of animals fattened only for slaughter.

The evidence is everywhere that we live in a transitory world.  We can actually see the erosion of material things:  clothing and food rot, the grasses and flowers of the fields wither away; beloved pets have a shorter life span and flourish and die; our bodies age before our eyes.  No one escapes death.

James is encouraging the faithful Christians – reminding them that all is dying but in their spirit/their hearts, they know that God is the reality – the evidence is around and in us.  God is faithful and true to His promises of eternal life.  He is condemning those who refuse to look at this world as transitory – those who do not attempt to see the reality behind the illusion of this world.  Those who don’t realize that God has turned things upside down – what we see is illusory and with only a hint of the reality behind it.  “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:  now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)  If we deny God He will deny us.  Reality, eternal life, begins and ends with God and our bodies exist in time for just a bit.

James is not condemning riches but is saying the sin is in how we gain and use material wealth.  Riches are seen as stewardship, not ownership  – and come with obligation and temptation.  Are we hell bent on getting rich??? These words from James – this prophesy of wrath to come – should remind us that our eyes should be on heaven.  “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (matt 6:21)

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.  (17) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits without partiality and without hypocrisy.  (18) Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  (4:1) Where do wars and fights come from among you?  Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?  (2) You lust and do not have.  You murder and covet and cannot obtain.  You fight and war.  (3) Yet you do not have because you do not ask.  You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

This letter was written by James, the half brother of Jesus Christ.  James was the head of the Christian church in Jerusalem and in our verses today, is addressing what appear to be serious quarrels and conflicts in the early church.  James reminds us that we are new creatures in Christ – we are reborn – but the enemy is within us.  As long as we live in our bodies we fight our sinful nature.

James writes earlier in this letter that all good and perfect gifts comes from God and we are not to blame God for our temptation or for our sin.  Quarrels and conflict occur when pleasures of this world dominate our lives.  We will never get satisfaction when we strive for something temporal or fleeting:  all fades, all dies.  We must not allow the body to dominate or it will swallow the soul and extinguish it.

James is speaking of the path of sin and warns us to be vigilant and honest – to examine our motives and accept responsibility for our actions.  We must realize that there is no sin of which the saint (saved) is incapable – think of David – a man after God’s own heart – who sinned with Bathsheba and murdered her husband.  How could this have happened to a man who lived for God – if it could happen to him it could happen to any of us.

We are reborn and as a new man or woman, we want Christ and nothing else will do.

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?  Can faith save him?  (15) If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, (16) and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?  (17) Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  (18) But someone will say “You have faith and I have works.”  Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

This letter is written by James, who was the half brother of Jesus and the head of the Christian church in Jerusalem. Our verses today address genuine saving faith versus false faith. First we must understand that the Bible teaches us that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ Jesus. James does not dispute this but he is going deeper. James is saying every good and perfect gift is from God – including and especially salvation. The faithful are not saved from anything they do – salvation is a gift from God, not a result of good works.

But Genuine faith necessarily results in a life of good works – necessarily does not mean automatically. But good deeds are inherent in a saving faith. True faith involves a change of heart – we become reborn and are sealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The faithful go from death to life and faith by its nature results in a change of outlook; a change of behavior. We act as we believe and can do no other. The Bible tells us that man is saved by faith alone apart from good works but at issue here is the question of faith being genuine.  We are being told that belief in the saving acts of Christ as Lord and Savior causes us to be reborn in Christ.  We become a new man/ woman in thought and of necessity,  in deed.

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ,mother Lord of glory, with partiality.(2) For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, (3) and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine  clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” (4) have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?  (5) Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

The Apostle James, the half brother of Jesus, wrote this pastoral letter Addressed to believing Christians.   And in our verses today, James addresses partiality – privilege we humans show for those materially rich and celebrated in society.  The point he is making is that we Have been given different gifts but the faithful are equal in the eyes of God  and we should live relative to this truth.

Bias based on material success exists in all cultures and has done so in all ages. We make character judgments based on exterior appearance or reputation. We look for clues – shortcuts – for how we accept others; how are others dressed, how confident are they, how do they live, eTc.  James is telling us that the most powerful men in this world are nothing in comparison to Christ.  I read the home for sale section of the Wall Street Jounreal every Friday and wonder where the builders of these enormous and incredibly expensive homes are now??   We are all dying.  We are all corrupt, ephemeral, temporary. Everything of this world is passing away and the “riches” of the world are only distractions – smoke and mirrors – snares. Christ alone should be exalted.

When we make judgments we are mistaken as only God can see the true motives of men. We cannot see through the mental or physical impairment to the true nature of our fellow man.  James is reminding his readers  of this – of this failing as a consequence of our sinful nature. We need to be reminded that our default setting is sin.  Our answer to this sin of partiality should be to treat all men/women as Christ in them.

Man is not saved because of anything he does. There is nothing we can do that merits salvation – it is purely a gift from God – and material goods, personal success and celebrity are not indicators of salvation.  We need to push aside the curtain of this worlds temptations and see The only thing that matters and that is Christ Who is our treasure. Matthew 6:21 relates “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  (18) Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.  (21) Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.  (22) But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (27) Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this:  to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world 

The author of this letter is likely JAMES, the half brother of Jesus.  James was the prominent leader of the church in Jerusalem and presided over the Jerusalem Council.

In the verses we study today, James deals with how Christians should handle adversity. The Jews were inclined to expect God’s material blessings in response to pius living and conversely, felt that those who did evil would be disciplined and punished for sins – a philosophy very much of this world. But James writes of a different perspective on Christian attitudes toward adversity.  James wants both the rich and the poor ( of this world) to see their circumstances from an external perspective.

Christians are to expect suffering and trials and they have to be ready in knowledge and faith – we have to remember in times of crisis what we know in times of peace to be truth. In times of storms we don’t think clearly and are too emotional.  We must remember that God gave us the gift of salvation through Christ – we must trust God to delover us from evil. There is a connection between adversity and temptation. Some in times of stress will yield to an ungodly response, but God never tempts us with evil – He cannot. Evil comes from our sinful nature and sin yields to death of the soul – death of spiritual life.  God is not the source of our sin but of every good gift. God never changes and He is sovereign. Adversity  is used by God to perfect His saints and He provides the tools to do this. Adversity can bring out the worst in man – just as it brings out the best.  No adversity comes into the life of the believer that has not been purposed by God and He will give us the strength and wisdom too endure and be sanctified. Man must respond in God and not in themselves.

We are in God’s care – we are God’s first fruits of the resurrection And in return we are to be His message and light in this world.

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.  (23)Fornthe husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.  (24) Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ,So let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. (25) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, (26) that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, (27) that He might present her to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.  (28) So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.  (29) For  no one ever Hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. (30) For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of  His bones. (31) “For This reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”. (32) This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 

The letter to the EPHESIANS was written by the Apostle Paul. Today’s verses concern Christian marriage – Paul based the roles of husband and wife on the relationship between Christ and the church He founded.

There is inherent authority in the church AND at home – submission to this authority does not translate into weakness. Jesus, as ever our model, came into this world as a servant – Jesus submitted to the will of the Father, even to the cross. The Bible does not say that husbands are commanded to be the head of the household but instead states this as fact while discussing the role of the wife.  It also does not say that men are to dominate and suppress women.  The head/husband is accountable and responsible for the well being of his charges.

We live in a world where the culture is based on the principle of self.  We are daily bombarded with people and groups demanding their rights.  As Americans we are culturally opposed to the concept of authority – we seem to be wanting an egalitarian society and these feelings have extended into the concept of marriage.  But Christian marriage is modeled on the principle of responsibility to and love for those under authority and most especially the doctrine that  those in authority will be accountable to God.

As I thought about today’s verses I thought  of c.s. Lewis and The Great Divorce.  Lewis frames everything in the prism of our relationship with God. “Human beings can’t make one another really happy for long……….You cannot love a fellow-creature fully till you love God……no natural feelings are high or low, holy or unholy, in themselves.  They are all holy when Gods hand is on the rein. They go bad when they set up on their own and make themselves into false gods.”

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, (16) redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  (17) Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  (18) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, (19) speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, (20) giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul.  In this letter, Paul has just finished telling the faithful in Ephesus that they are now children of God – children of the light. He continues this thought with the warning that this world is spiritually dark/evil – that the unbeliever has corrupt goals and lives the way of this world with no eternal values. He/she lives for nothing which will last or has meaning – no true satisfaction, no joy, no eternal truth – everything in this world is dying. We are hardwired for Gods presence in our lives and without God our lives are futile.

Some years ago Lynn Redgrave wrote a play about her then deceased grandmother.   Lynn herself was just months from dying as she read the script to an audience – sick enough at the time she had to sit while reading. Lynn’s story tells us of the grandmother as a young girl so eager to be married and out in the world living the mysterious free adult life.  When the girl in the story marries, her dreams are shattered – she has nothing but distaste for her husband, and disinterest in her children – until the birth of her last child, her son. She loves this child obsessively and pours all her energies and love into satisfying his every wish.  She smothers him causing all the children turn from her as they grow older.  Her husband dies and as she never accepted him or knew him, it barely makes a dent in her life. There is no God in her life, only her errant love for her son.  She is only counting time, never thinking of her walk in life, moving day to day with no eternal focus or direction.   At an advanced age grandmother has a heart attack and dies – and her final thoughts were “I thought I had more time”.  I thought – time for what???   This story is a classic example of living a futile and tragic life.

In the verses we study today, Paul is telling us there is no time but now. C.S. Lewis tells us the same thing in his fabulous story, The Great Divorce.   We are told to walk – to live – thoughtfully and carefully,  fully aware that the world we live In Is evil and has an expiration date.  Gods eternal plan has been made known and we are today living in but a shadow of future reality.  Paul, as Gods chosen instrument, tells us how to live with eternal values in the indwelling Spirit – how to live in peace and harmony.  The benchmarks of such living are joy and spiritual growth.  Such eternal blessings are there if we only say yes.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  (31) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  (32) And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Chapter 5: 1. Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  (2) And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 

The letter to the EPHESIANS was written by the Apostle Paul. Our verses today begin by telling us we have a personal relationship with God in Christ and as proof of this we have  been sealed by the Holy Spirit for redemption. This tells us that at the moment of faith we enter into a new and eternal relationship with God. We begin becoming who we now are. The notion of a seal in Paul’s world meant that something was certified as genuine; the seal was tamper proof and the owner of the seal was identified.

Pauls words here are a command, not a suggestion. Strife limits our growth spiritually and actually hurts us physically.  We are told what we are to put off in verse 31 and then we are told how to accomplish this as necessary and practical steps for good living. I am always struck at how closely the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous follow biblical teaching. an alcoholic who lives the steps cannot afford anger, bitterness, temper, volatile living.   Most of all, we should forgive others for wrongs done us – or perceived wrongs. Our godly living is always done in relationship to our forgiveness. God forgave man through Christ and that is the standard for our forgiveness of others. This shows us how far we should go with forgiveness and that we are to be all in. We are to choose life over death of the soul. Forgiveness implies no payment for transgression and if we forgive others we have stopped living for ourselves. This is an opportunity that offers us hope that we can and have changed and have become transformed – with the seal of the Holy Spirit

C.S. Lewis pointed out in one of his letters that just like the Our Father prayer says, we are forgiven precisely as we forgive. Think about that.

(17) This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,    

(20) But you have not so learned Christ, (21) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:  (22) that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, (23) and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, (24) and that you put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul.  In our verses today Paul describes the change in our thinking and behavior from being in Christ – a new relationship to the world. As faithful Christians we are to be holy – apart from this world while living in it. We still have our corrupt nature but are learning a new way to live in truth; the absolute truth that is Christ. We were dead in our sin – lifeless until Christ and not knowing any other way to live. But we have the gospel and in Christ, as His witness, we are to walk in the Spirit.  Our belief should guide our behavior – all our behavior – we cannot separate our relationship with God from our relationship with others.

Our verses today are introduced with a great and solemn reminder – Paul is saying not only  that faith in Christ demands a radical change in the lifestyle of the believer, Paul is saying that these words are also from Jesus.  Coming to Christ is not just the experience of faith, it is learning Jesus.  These words cover truth foundational to Christian thinking and conduct.

Sanctification and salvation are the work of God but they require mans response.

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, (2) with all lowliness and gentleness, with long suffering, bearing with one another in love, (3) endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  (4) There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;  

The letter to the EPHESIANS was written by the Apostle Paul while he was a prisoner in Rome and was probably circulated to the faithful in Asia Minor.

Chapters one through three of the letter are doctrinal and – as Is typical Pauline – chapter four concerns the practical application of dogma. In our verses Paul addresses the new man/woman in faith in Christ.  God’s will was to being together hostile groups – Gentiles and Jews- in Christian unity. This was Paul’s insight into the mystery of Christ – the Gentiles are now fellow heirs to heaven in Jesus. The Jews had always held themselves apart as the chosen of God and now Paul teaches the radical truth that both groups have a common relationship with the triune God – fellowship and unity is to be in those who are born again, based on shared life in Christ Jesus And His church.

Paul is not talking about organizational or denominational unity but rather organic unity and it is the faithful who are the church, not a place of bricks and mortar.  The church should be unified over the Gospel and doctrines of the faithful – it should not be divided over minor matters. Our instructions in today’s verses are not just the duties of the Christian but a natural outgrowth of the salvation God has already accomplished in Christ Jesus.  The new identity which the faithful receives in Christ Is the basis for their behavior.  The faithful have gone from being at home in the world and strangers to God to their new status as children of God through faith in Christ – they are now strangers and pilgrims in this world.

There is One God, the father of all believers. If God is father, we faithful are as brothers and sisters- we all submit to God as our sovereign Lord. The faithful must see in others God’s work and must respect them – we must see others differently and in spiritual community. The faithful have been called to walk in humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance and love – the gifts of the Spirit we receive at the moment we believe – and words that apply to our relationships as seen through the lens of dogma. We have a relational membership in Christ’s church not a relative status. Christ is the means by which God has provided for our salvation.  He is also the standard for our spirituality and conduct

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  (14) For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, (15) having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, (16) and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.  (17) And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.  (18) For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul and our verses today concern Gods sovereign purpose of reconciliation of man to Himself and to each other.   Paul is dealing with the Jewish and Gentile factions in the early Church.  The nation of Israel felt that they were the chosen people of God – not by merit but by Gods grace.  The religious and ethnic pride of the Jews created huge social and cultural differences between the Jews and all others – the Gentiles.  God’s solution was the cross  – Christ is the only source of peace because only Christ can deal with sin.  in Him the Old Covenant law was abolished and the “new man” is justified through Faith.

Paul addresses the Christian Gentiles in Ephesus reminding them that they were excluded from Israel, “strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” as a result of sin.  But now a radical change in thinking is required of both Jew and Gentile. The Jews believed the Gentiles were damned and the barriers between them were absolute – that if Gentiles were to be saved it could only be as a Jewish proselyte.  Fellowship and intimacy between Jew and Gentile was nearly impossible and the law of Moses created a barrier. Now Paul is saying that in Christ that separating wall is removed.

This new, unexpected, radical thinking – that all believers are one because all are saved in the same way by the same person, Christ Jesus.  Gentiles are not just reconciled to God but all believers are reconciled to each other by the Spirit.  We are none of us in isolation but joined to God and to each other in Christ who alone is the key to reconciliation.  And only through Christ is peace between men possible.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (4) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, (5) having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, (6) to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.  (7) In Him we have redemption through His blood,the forgiveness of sins, according to The riches of His grace (8) Which He made to abound to us in all wisdom and prudence, (9) having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, (10) that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth – in Him.  (11) In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, (12) that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.   (13) In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel,of your salvation, in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (14) who is the guarantor of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His  glory.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul. In today’s verses, Paul tells us that through through faith in Christ, from the moment we are saved, God blesses us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. We, the faithful, have been chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Som and our salvation is sealed by the indwelling Spirit who gives us confidence and joy in our inheritance.

We have already been told why God has destined us to be saved – to being glory to God. The whole Bible is Gods word to us and His final revelation in Christ Jesus.   “Depart from me as I am a sinful man” says Peter to the Lord. This is true for all men but through Christ we are made right with God. It is all from God; there is nothing man can do to earn salvation – it is all a gift called grace. All glory comes from God through the saving merits of Christ

Spiritual blessings wait for the saved in heavenly places, not with physical and material blessings on earth and Paul writes the wonderful words of praise for God from prison. Paul is intent on eternal heavenly blessings, not on this world – And in this he teaches us how to handle suffering.  We need praise, adoration and gratitude to God in our daily lIves.  This is what God wants us to do.   Our text describes Gods purpose for human history – to sum up all things in Christ. The faithful exist through Christ and they exist for the glory of God.

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  (8) Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  (9) And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul.  In the verses we study today Paul is responding to the attacks on his integrity and on his divinely authorized apostleship.  Paul tells of his most sacred of experiences – of visions and revelations from Christ the Lord.  He does not boast of these but refers to himself in the third person – “I know of a man in Christ….” – his point being that he, Paul, could not claim credit for any of these experiences.  He was purely passive.  But while these were sacred to Paul, they could also generate spiritual pride and Paul tells us that the counter weight to the revelations – a direct result of his numerous glorious experiences – was a nagging, persistent and painful problem – “a thorn in the flesh”.  And we are told that the thorn has a satanic source.

Paul does not want to glory in his experience but is apparently forced by the extreme situation in Corinth to even mention these visions.  Paul glories in nothing but his own weakness.  He speaks of it because of the spiritual significance – it actually explains the evil and the good of suffering.  Through Gods grace Paul’s strength is made perfect in his weakness – the power of this grace outweighs the trial of a thorn in his flesh so much so that this, not his visions, is the matter of which he boasts.  This is the triumph of Christ’s spirit within him:  God’s grace is given to those who accept His will.

(7) But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also. (9) For you know the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty  might become rich.  (13) For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; (14)  but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that that their abundance may supple your lack – that there may be equality. (15) As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over and he who gathered little had no lack”.

This second letter to the CORINTHIANS was written by the Apostle Paul.  The verses we study today have application for today’s church in the manner of bestowing charity. Paul had agreed to take up a collection from the churches he founded and ministered to, for the poor of the church in Jerusalem.   In my research of the causes for this need in Jerusalem I read explanations of ostracism of the Christian Jews – economic embargo of the  Christians, etc.  but I think the best explanation is the new Christians believed the Messiah had come and this marked a turning point in history. I think they thought the end times were there and they just stopped commerce and were waiting for the end.  The point is the Christians in Jerusalem were suffering and needed help.

Paul here is not just recommending giving. On his missionary journeys,  Paul – who had every right to ask the community to support him – worked at his trade to support himself as it was needed.  He was an advocate for able men and women to work and endorses discipline for those who did not.  And as a rabbi Paul was perfectly aware that Jewish law demanded that the poor and helpless be given charity.

So Paul here is asking for a lifestyle of generosity.   He is asking that gifts for the  poor should be given thoughtfully and freely and cheerfully.  Both the giver and the receiver benefit.  The receiver has the obvious benefit but in many cases the receiver will give thanks to God.  The donor is developing an attitude of surrender and obedience and amazingly, contentment.  Not only is the giver learning to free himself/herself from attachment to material things, he/she is learning to depend on God for all their needs.

The immediate aim of giving is relief from want but the ultimate goal is to honor God.  Even though we are saved by faith, the profession of faith must be in works.  In our verses today the Corinthian donation signifies that they accept the Gospel – and Paul’s authority

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus:  that if One died for all, then all died; (15) and He died for all that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.  (16) Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh.  Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. (17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

The second letter to the CORINTHIANS was written by the Apostle Paul to the church he founded at Corinth. Paul had been dealing with problems there caused by false teachers – including Judaizers – who were telling the newly converted Christians that they needed to become observing Jews and follow the Mosaic Law – creating factions and sowing doubt about Paul’s authority. There were also cults of the personality – one group claimed to be followers of the teaching of Paul; another followers of Peter; another followers of Apollos.

So not only does Paul make the life death and resurrection of Christ Jesus the heart of his gospel, in our verses today he makes the life, death and resurrection of our Lord the basis for how we view others. Equality of all believers in Christ is a foundational truth. How we view Christ determines how we view others.

Paul is teaching that men should seek God’s approval rather than men’s. The love of Christ motivates Paul and the death of Jesus is for every believer.  Every believer dies in Christ to sin and is raised to a new life – a new man – and the new man is what he is because of Christ.  We faithful are all equal in the sight of God. Therefore we cannot practice discrimination.

So the main point of our text is how the faithful view others who believe in Christ Jesus. Pride and arrogance and feelings of superiority are rubbish. Riches can buy a man nothing eternal – we are not saved by wealth, gifts, popularity or status in this world. Nothing in this world compares to new life in Christ.  when we see ourselves as we truly are in Christ we dare not see ourselves as superior to anyone else before God. A wonderful lesson which will greatly enhance our everyday dealings with others and ultimately greatly increase our joy.

So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.  (7) For we walk by faith, not by sight.  (8) We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (9) Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.  (10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

The Apostle Paul wrote the second letter to the Corinthians.  In chapter four Paul wrote about our outer man decaying, aging and our inner man being transformed. Paul writes about his suffering – stoned, lashed, imprisoned – as light affliction when compared to the eternal weight of glory which awaits the faithful. (C.S. Lewis wrote a wonderful piece called the Weight of Glory which beautifully depicts this).

Our verses today tell us that we are all mortal and our true home is in heaven earned by the sacrifice of the cross.  This life is but a shadow of what is to come and reality is not of this world but rather what is unseen except through faith. heaven is where our treasure lies.

Therefore we want to be pleasing to God.  How?  It is by our faith, not our works that we are saved.  Jesus told us that we are to believe in Him and our faith will result in righteousness.  Paul tells us that the faithful are those serving God in heart and deed and these will be praised by God – so the transformed man/woman whose belief guides their behavior will please God.  Those who do not, have not, trusted in Christ – in his death, burial and resurrection must be judged by their deeds.  We are either saved on the basis of the works of Christ or we are judged according to our own works.  Clearly our own works do not please God and are the basis for the condemnation of lost souls.

Paul is saying we are uncomfortable in this body – in this world – we are unfulfilled, incomplete, imperfect, and miserable.  Life here is debilitating, aging and corrupting.  Fear of death is for the unbeliever but the faithful who trust in the person and works of Christ change this.  In faith in Christ we are transformed – with real faith it cannot be otherwise, and the new man pleases God.

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. (12) Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood.  He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.  (13) For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, (14) how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

The author of the Letter to the Hebrews is unknown. It was written to a group of Hebrew Christians to encourage them to be steadfast in the Christian faith in times of persecution. Our verses today focus on the superiority of Jesus Christ as our high priest in comparison with the sketch high priest who was a shadow of the Messiah To come.  Our author of Hebrews is centered on the tabernacle itself comparing it with the true tabernacle which is in heaven.

Only the high priest could enter the holy of Holies – the inner room of the tabernacle – and enter it only once a year on the day of Atonement. This system provided for the High Priest to offer a blood sacrifice – the blood of a bull for his own sins; the blood of a goat for the sins of the people. The second goat was the scapegoat and carried the sins of the people into the wilderness and was let go.

Thr High Priest was the proper mediator and this practice shows that the people could not approach God on their own.  the ritual tells us that the sacrifice was limited and the way to God not yet revealed.  We can now understand that this is all pointing to Christ – the blood of Christ was the perfect sacrifice and we now have complete access to God. Christ did not go into the Holy of Holies, He went into heaven itself. The tabernacle made with human hands was only a picture.

Jesus Christ is Gods final revelation to us. Our verses are to remind us of the furnishing of the tabernacle and how that structure actually prevented man from approaching God. Christ is the ultimate High Priest, shedding his blood for us which dealt with our sins which stood between God and man. Those who trust in this atoning work are forgiven – they are clean and may draw near to God in worship and service.

For as many are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God.  (15) For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out “Abba, Father.”  (16) The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are children of God, (17) and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified together

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul To the Christians in Rome. Today’s verses concern assurance of salvation for the faithful.  The doctrine discussed here tells us that the Spirit which the faithful receive at the moment of new birth transforms them and they become adopted heirs chosen by God. The spirit of adoption is a crucial doctrine of the New Testament and our new status as children of God through the Holy Spirit is the certain hope of future blessing.

In Ancient Rome adoption was fairly common especially in the wealthy and upper classes because of Roman inheritance law and Roman law provided that the head of a family had the power to give his children in adoption.  This was often used as a political strategy and was neither secretive nor shameful – for example, Augustus Caesar was adopted by Julius Caesar as his chosen successor.   Adoption became a common way to achieve the Roman throne in imperial times – the time of Paul.  In Paul’s day Tiberius, Caligula, Nero and Trajan were all adopted sons who became emperors. So the practice of adoption was recognized as legitimate.

The Holy Spirit enables us to believe in Christ and as the faithful, we are transformed – our new relationship with God is as our father.   Our adoption is a present reality but a future fulfillment.   Chapter 7 of Romans ends with Paul describing the constant struggle in this life with the power of the flesh versus living a life pleasing to God.  The message of Romans, chapter 8, is God never intended for man to live a Christian life by his/her own efforts but in the Holy Spirit.  Paul tells us that victory of the Christian is the certainty of sanctification as transformed adopted children of God by faith in Christ through the Holy Spirit.  No condemnation is to be dreaded by Christians as our sins have been dealt with by the cross. We have been delivered from the penalty of sin and the power of sin.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  (3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  (5) And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.  (6) And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.  (7) Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?  (8) And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? (9) Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, (10) Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, (11) Cretans and Arabs – we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”

The Book of Acts was written by Luke who has told the reader that those who experienced the entirely new event had been prepared by Jesus who told them that they would be baptized with the Spirit and with fire.  The disciples were told to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from on high.

There were three mandatory feast days for devout Jews and here at this particular time were gathered Jews from all over the know world for Pentacost – the feast of first fruits when a pilgrimage to Jerusalem was expected – so the scene is set for Pentecost and the gift of the Spirit.  Luke describes the unique situation here as having a sound of violent wind and the sudden appearance of tongues of fire on those present – not literal wind and not literal fire but sounds like and looks like.  This came from heaven and was the baptism of the Church in the Spirit and with power and fire which symbolized God’s presence.

Tongues spoken here are languages spoken which were unknown to the speakers but were the native language of those who heard – remember that the audience who gathered at the sound of the wind was devout Jews from every nation.  The Spirit empowered the apostles – uneducated Galileans –  who spoke the native tongues of others flawlessly.  God is identifying Himself with the Church and specifically with the apostles.  With this gift of the Spirit God is now in us – only because sins have been dealt with in the cross of Christ Jesus.  We believers are forgiven sinners with the abiding of the Spirit.  This is an act of the sovereign God Who acts in His perfect time.

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, (16) Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus: (17) for he was numbered with us   “Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live it it;” and “Let another take his office”.  (21) “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, (22) beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”  And they proposed two:  Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.  (24) And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen (25) to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”  (26) And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias.  And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke as an historical narrative of the early Church.  Our verses today concern the election of an Apostle to take the place of Judas Iscariot.

Jesus Christ had risen from the dead and had reappeared to the Apostles and many of the Lord’s disciples.  He had spent 40 days on this earth after the resurrection and then ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.  He had told his followers to wait in Jerusalem and He would send the Holy Spirit to them  So our verses describe an action that takes place in the ten days between the Ascension and the coming of the Spirit.  Jesus did not Himself call another to be the twelfth Apostle but relied on the 11 Apostles to do this.  Peter, who was a natural leader and clearly not a man for inaction, stepped up and quoted the Old Testament to show that the Scripture had to be fulfilled:  One (Judas) had to betray the Lord and God’s purpose will ever be fulfilled.  So the eleven apostles prayed for wisdom and after careful review they chose two worthy men for consideration.

Luke began this letter which would be known as Acts of the Apostles by saying that the resurrection of Christ Jesus had been proved – and he wrote of many convincing proofs.  Luke then inserts this story showing that the remaining Apostles were reliable and they were doing God’s will by this apostolic election.  There was no uncertainty, no objection and no hesitation to take this step.  They needed one who had witnessed all Christ had done and said  in this world – one who would testify to the resurrection of Christ Jesus.  Authority had clearly been bestowed upon them by the risen Christ and Christ left this to them to act.

The choice of Matthias as the twelfth apostle was not by chance – and we hear no more of Matthias after this.   But two qualified men had been put forward.  The eleven Apostles first used their best judgment and left the pick to God.  They cast lots for the final decision which was a method used all through the Old Testament.

This is the last mention of casting lots in all of Scripture. The Apostles have been prepared by Christ Jesus for His Church and await the Spirit Who will empower them.

As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshipped him.  (26) But Peter lifted him up saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man”

(34) Then Peter opened his mouth and said:  In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  (35) But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.”

(44)   While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.  (45) And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.  (46)For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.  Then Peter answered (47) “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized in the name of the Lord. ”  Then they asked him to stay a few days.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke as an historical narrative of the early Christian Church. The early Church consisted of Christian Jews but in chapter 10 of Acts we are told how God adds Gentiles to the elect.  The Jews and the Gentiles despised each other but God’s design was one people in Christ.

The Mosaic Law said that many foods were unclean and forbidden to Jews.  Jesus effectively changed the food prohibitions when He rebuked the Pharisees telling them that nothing that goes into man will defile man but what comes out – Jesus was saying that uncleanliness is from the heart, not from that which was ceremoniously unclean.   He was essentially declaring all foods to be clean.  Christ on the cross accomplished full and final cleansing for the sins of the faithful – not for the Jews only but all who believe in Christ as Messiah.

Our verses today concern the conversion of the Gentile, Cornelius.  Cornelius was a Gentile Roman soldier – a leader of 100 men of the Italian unit which was of the elite Roman army. He represented the Roman occupation of Israel.   God came to Peter in a vision and declared all foods – and also all men – were not to be considered unclean.  Essentially Peter was told not to keep from association with Gentiles and that he was to offer the Gospel to them.  So when men sent by Cornelius – who had been visited by Gods angel to tell him to send for Peter – Peter goes to the house of Cornelius realizing he would preach the gospel to the household of Cornelius. These Gentiles were not Jewish – they were uncircumcised  men and had before this been shunned by Jews.  Peter arrived, reminded Cornelius he was a messenger from God and just a man.  (I love the humility of this sentence.)

What Peter preached to Cornelius of the gospel had exactly the same results as described at Pentecost but now the participants were Gentile.   Peter was interrupted by God – before he even finished the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and his household and they believed.

Chapter 10 of Acts tells us that God includes the world in the Gospel.  Salvation is available to all but salvation is in Christ and is by faith.  It is absolutely clear in Scripture that the Spirit indwells the believer instantly  and the Spirit gives us the power to obey God.

And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.  (27) But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.  And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to Him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.  (28) So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.  (29) And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.  (30) When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.  (31) Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified.  And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

The Book of Acts was written by Luke and is an historical narrative of the spread of the Gospel of Christ Jesus from Jerusalem to Rome in a time period of 35 years.  This Book is written from testimony of early Christians who had seen Christ with their own eyes.  It is also an eyewitness account of much of the Apostle Paul’s missionary life, with the recurring and underlying theme of the power of the Holy Spirit.

In our verses today we read about Saul – who had seen the resurrected Lord on the road to Damascus and had believed – who came to Jerusalem to join the disciples of Jesus.  Saul – who is now known as Paul – had been a Jewish leader and zealot when it came to the defense of the Jewish Law.  His reputation for unrelenting persecution of the early Christians  had survived the passing years since the conversion of Paul when he began preaching the gospel.  Paul’s history was well known to the Christian leaders in Jerusalem and they feared him still.  Barnabas took up his cause and Paul was accepted by Peter and James, half brother of Jesus, and Paul joined them in Jerusalem preaching the gospel.  It didnt take long for Paul’s method of using the Old Testament to prove that all of the Old Testament pointed to Jesus as the Messiah; to arouse the Jewish community to the point of wanting to kill Paul – only 15 days.  Aware of this the Christians brought Paul to the port of Caesarea so he could return to Tarsus.            

Our last verse today tells us that there was peace in the area after the turbulence of Paul’s visit.  Actually the rage of the Jews at that point turned from fighting Christians to fighting Rome.  The Emperor Caligula was setting up idols in Jerusalem and fighting this was priority for the Jews.  So, the Church growth in this period of rest and quiet from persecution, in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was miraculous – extraordinary.

These verses today were written after and because of the transformation of Saul to Paul the Apostle.  Paul was transformed in a minute by faith in Christ Jesus as our/his savior – this moment changed his nature, his destiny and his standing with God.  Paul became the new man who was God’s chosen instrument to write most of the New Testament, to bring God’s word to most of the known world.  Paul is our most perfect model for a transformed life ever.   Our rebirth is in an instant and then the life changes begin – a process of sanctification.  The Spirit  lives within transformed lives.

What a story.  These verses are just a snapshot of what went on in that ancient world.  What a story of the sovereignty of God.

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!  Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.  (2) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed   what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

This letter was written by the Apostle John.

We know what is important to a writer of Scripture by repitition of phrases.  This is what God wants us to know.  The essential truth that we are NOW children of God describes our current position as believers in Christ Jesus and this fact should dominate our lives.  If we do not realize this we will not relate our trials and suffering to our relationship to God.  Jesus told the faithful that they will suffer because He had suffered.  If we did realize this our conduct would reflect this belief.

John is saying that when Jesus does return we will be like Him – this is our future hope.  It means we are not like that now.  Now we live in the flesh and we will not be perfectly sanctified in this life.  Our future as the faithful is certain based on the promises of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament.  This is true historical fact and not subjective reality.

Our behavior, our priority, must be based on our realtionship with God, not on our service – think of Mary and Martha where Martha served while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus.  He said that Mary had chosen the better part and it would not be taken from her.  Mary chose being rather than doing – she embodied the great first commandment that we shall love the Lord God with all our heart, all our souls and all our minds and strength.

Why should God love us?  But he does and we know this because He gave his only Son to die for us.  We are not called as subjects but as children of God, fellow heirs with Christ Jesus.  This love is a gift and not earned and the faithful in Christ are the permanent recipients of this gift.  The means by which we are sons of God is accomplished.  It is not just a name, it is reality through Christ and is God’s plan from the beginning.

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant, Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.  (14) But you denied the Holy One and the Just and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, (15) and killed the Prince of Life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.

(17)”Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did your rulers.  (18) But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all his prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. (19) Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord

The book,  Acts of the Apostles, was written by Luke as a history of the early Church and serves as an eyewitness account of the spread of the Gospel from the day of Pentacost to the time of Paul’s house arrest in Rome – probably written between 61 AD to 64 AD.

Jesus had given the Apostles the great commission to preach in His name to all nations – (Matthew 28: 18-20). “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Today, our verses are from Chapter 3 of Acts. This Chapter opens with an account of healing of a lame man by Peter followed by Peter’s second sermon.  Peter and the Apostle John were on their way to the Temple In Jerusalem for their daily prayers. As they passed the afflicted man, lame from birth, he called out to them for alms.   This man  was known to all the Jews who passed by him for he was daily carried to a place near the Beautiful Gate which was nearby the Temple.  Instead of Alms, Peter fixed his eyes on the crippled man and, in the name of Jesus, he commanded him to rise and walk – and he did, “walking, leaping and praising God”.  All the people ran to the portico of Solomon at the Temple where they marveled at this – the people knew the man and knew it was a miracle.

Peter took the opportunity to preach his second sermon since receiving the power of the Holy Spirit.  Peter, who just a short time before had, in great fear, denied Christ Jesus three times, addressed the crowd of Jews claiming the miracle had happened through  the power of Jesus Christ. He spoke to the Jews using words and concepts they understood to proclaim the Gospel. He began by exalting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior – promised by the prophets of the Old Testament.  He accused the Jews of disowning and denying Jesus – he denounced the Jews for choosing a murderer to be released over Jesus – a metaphor for choosing sin over life in Christ.  Peter proclaimed that Jesus was crucified for our salvation and was raised from the dead.  The denial of Jesus as Messiah not only showed the opposition of the Jews to God but was proof of the folly of this opposition:  God has a plan and will not be thwarted.

The Bible tells us that so powerful were the words of the Spirit through the office of Peter that 2000 Jews accepted Christ that day as Lord and Savior.  What a lesson for us to proclaim Christ and the Gospel – we are all commissioned to witness for our faith through the power of the Spirit.

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.  (2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.  (3) For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments.  And His commandments are not burdensome.  (4) For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  and this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. (5) Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This letter was written by the Apostle John and addresses the salvation of the faithful in Christ. This letter concerns NOT the way of salvation but rather evidence that we ARE saved.  All Christians must (should) wonder if we are authentic Christians – if we have true faith and have been reborn in Christ Jesus.

If we have truly been reborn and become the new man or woman, our transformation will be evident. Our belief will guide our behavior and signs of this behavior will be faith in the work of Christ Jesus, love for our fellow man and an increased And joyful living of a holy life.  A holy life is one that is lived for our spiritual growth, not for our temporal welfare – a drawing apart from the things of this world.   Faith is from God and John is saying that faith is a result of a new birth, not the cause of it. Faith is the evidence of a new birth – it has a clearly observable result, where the emphasis is not on our faith but on the object of our faith.

Love for God and His children is another sign of our rebirth. This love is a choice, not an  emotional  reaction.  It is not about feelings but about decisions.   We cannot divorce our love for God from love for His children – it is not relative not is it cultural.

John in today’s verses is all about signs and the third sign of true belief is we do not find Gods  commandments a burden. Living a holy life in this sinful world is not easy –  we have a sinful nature. But if we are saved truly in Christ we have already overcome the world. we have already turned to God. We are now free people in Christ and are no longer of this world.

Jesus tells us to be of good cheer – that He has overcome the world. In Christ we also will overcome the world and John writes to provide assurance of our salvation.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  (2) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  (3) For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  (4) When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul.  As is fitting for Easter Sunday,  our verses begin “if then you were raised with Christ”.  For the believers this could read SINCE then you were raised with Christ.  Paul is telling the Colossians and all who believe that with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, salvation happened.  We have been made right with God. The moment we became a believer we were risen with Christ.  In these verses, Paul writes:  raised with Christ…….where Christ is……hidden with Christ…..When Christ who is our life – the glorious point is clear:  Christ is everything.

Since the faithful are saved, they have the responsibility to continue seeking those things not of this world:  where our treasure is so shall our hearts be. Our faith will direct our actions and our behavior. We are to be a light to this world.

To contrast the life we are to lead, I want to quote C.S Lewis from his work, The Problem of pain where he concludes the end of those who do not seek God:  “I willingly believe that the damned are, in one sense, successful rebels to the end;  that the doors of hell are locked on the inside….In the long run the answer to all those who object to the doctrine of hell is itself a question:  What are you asking God to do?”  To wipe out their past sins and, at all costs, to give them a fresh start, smoothing every difficulty and offering every miraculous help?  But He has done so, on Calvary. To forgive them?  They will not be forgiven.  To leave them alone?  Alas, I am afraid that is what He does.”

who, being in the form of God, did not consider it to be robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men.  (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  (9) Therefore God has also highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.  (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and those on earth, and of those under the earth, (11) and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The letter to the Phillipians was written by the Apostle Paul from a prison probably in Rome.  Paul was born a Roman citizen and he invoked his right to be tried before Caesar – he had been accused by Jews of civil disobedience. Prior to this Paul had founded the church at Phillipi and he was exercising his pastoral authority by warning the early Chrisitians there of coming persecution because of their faith.

Paul used his own circumstance as a prisoner as an example of fortitude in face of danger and then turned to the suffering of Christ Jesus as the example of ultimate humility as opposed to self love.  This passage is about humility versus self esteem – our culture versus this Biblical teaching on humility.  The Bible does not advise us on building self esteem but rather how to lower our view of ourselves.

Christ voluntarily took on the nature of man – He did not cease to be true God but added a human nature to His divine nature. He was without sin but his body was human and subject to the results of the Fall (Adam) such as pain, aging, weariness, and death.  He came as a servant and died as a criminal.  His death was a shameful public death – keep in mind that Roman citizens were exempt from crucifixion.

Our text today is a narrative in itself. We are told that Christ put aside His divine essence and took on the essence of true man – He did not cease to be God, did not reduce His divine essence but added sinless humanity to His deity.  Our Lord did serve man as Savior but primarily He was obedient to the will of the Father.   Our verses lead to chapter 2 verse 11:  All will acknowledge Him as Lord.  Ultimately the glory of God is what is intended  – that is the goal of God and the Son of God.  Yes, we have been saved by the sacrifice of Christ but glory to God is the end.

We know the end and it is certain. The Father has exalted Christ Jesus above all things , showing that He accepted the perfect sacrifice Christ offered on our behalf. Every creature – some willing and some not so much – but ALL will bow before Christ Jesus and confess Him as Lord.

who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, (8) though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.  (9) And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown but there is enough evidence in the letter to tell us that the author was steeped in the Old Testament  and had a Jewish viewpoint.  The letter was written to probably a small group of Christian Hebrews and likely written before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD.  The audience for this letter was evidently undergoing some persecution by fellow Hebrews – it is clear that persecution of early Christian believers was becoming severe in the Roman Empire and the Hebrew Christians may have been tempted to revert to Judaism to avoid suffering to come.   So this letter was written to tell these committed Christian Hebrews to remain steadfast in their faith and to argue to those yet unbelieving Jews that in Christ the world has the fulfillment of the Old Testament.  That Christ, true God and true man, was the perfect sacrifice yielding eternal salvation.

Christ Jesus is the once and for all time high priest  for man – He is superior to the Old Testament high priest in all ways.  He was true man and is true God.  As  true man Christ can identify with man, having been tempted by sin, yet He was perfect man as He was without sin.  Even though Jesus as sacrifice was God’s predetermined plan, Scripture tells us how He wrestled in agony over the prospect of His death.  And not just of death on a cross, but the terrible agony of His coming separation from the Father as the Christ became sin for us.  I had often wondered at the story of the agony of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane and finally realized that the most terrible suffering that He could barely endure was this coming separation from God.  Of all that is written about Jesus being true God and true man the story of this agony convinces me that He was indeed just what He said He was:  the Son of God, made man.  This was the ultimate sacrifice and the perfect gift made by the perfect man.

In the Old Testament, the human high priests were to mediate between men and God.   In the Jewish point of view, God is absolute majesty and absolute holiness.  If man were to see God, man would die.  In the Jewish world of the Old Testament no Jew was free to enter into the Holy of Holies to meet directly with God.  Even the high pries was allowed in there on one day a year – the Day of Atonement.  All Jews were aware that they needed a mediator between themselves and God.

If men were not sinners – separated from a holy God – there would be no need for a mediator.  Jesus Christ was seen as the ultimate high priest and mediator between God and man.  Because His was the perfect and acceptable sacrifice it never has to be repeated.  Once and for all time we have been made right with God through the free gift of our perfect high priest.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) (6) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (7) that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  (8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was a prisoner in Rome.  It was likely a letter intended to be circulated and read among all the churches in Asia Minor and since Ephesus was the capitol of the Roman province of Asia – modern Turkey – that may have been the reason for the name.  This is not only a letter of encouragement to the early churches, it is a letter of correction and admonition.   After Paul left Ephesus, false teachers, not understanding Scripture, preached harmful  and false interpretations of Paul’s gospel.  The verses we study today emphasize the theology of the gospel Paul preached –  in what would come to be known as the New Testament.

Chapter 2 of Ephesians spells out the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ:  man is fallen and has a depraved nature – a hopeless condition as a result of sin.  God is merciful and salvation is freely given to those who believe through the completed works of Christ Jesus.  The faithful are justified – made right with God – not through any actions of man but solely through faith in Christ.  This gospel is Christcentric and is not for the glory of man but for the glory of God. Not only is salvation through faith by God’s free grace an unearned gift, even that faith is a gift from God and cannot be exercised through man’s own power.  Salvation is first to last of the Lord.

Paul attends first to the depths of the condition of lost men.  Man was dead because of sin – the irony is man wasn’t even aware of this until he was saved.  Living in sin men were  deceived into thinking they were enjoying life to its fullest – until they were dead and it was too late.  what a terrible fate to be spiritually dead; lifeless, without power, unable to help oneself and to be beyond hope.

But the good news of the Gospel is we are alive in Christ through God’s grace.  Man did nothing, Christ made us alive.  God was motivated for this great gift by His mercy and love and we should be humbled and deeply gratified for this unending joy.  The faithful have transformed lives by virtue of their belief – we behave as we believe.  in the Bible we are told that we see reality as through a glass darkly but i find that true belief in Christ Jesus gives us real glimpses of the radiance which waits for us.  God’s love for us sparks our love in return but the difference is He loved us while we were His enemies and were dead in sin.  God’s love is from His goodness, not from our worth.

The primary purpose of salvation, demonstrated by the grace of God, is all for the glory of God.  His purposes are eternal, not temporal.  His hope does not disappoint.  Paul makes it very clear that Salvation is of the Lord and His grace is undeserved.

For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; (23) but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, (24) but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  (25) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men and the weakness of God is stronger than men.               

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to address problems of strife and disunity in the church at Corinth.  The root problem there seems to have been pride and Paul answers with rebuke and rebuttal – Christ is all and salvation is of the Lord and not the work of man. There is no room for pride in the work of salvation – the gospel destroys pride because it contradicts human wisdom and human pride.

Those who are not saved are perishing. They think the gospel is foolishness.  Those believers who are saved think it is the power of God. To the unbeliever the cross is shameful but for the faithful, it is Salvation unearned by man.  The secular world has been stood on its head by God all through history.  Man never imagined Gods work – which was not to glorify man but to glorify Himself.

The Jews and the unbelieving Gentiles did agree on one thing; the cross is foolish.  The Jews expected power through signs and wonders.  The Gentiles thought power was through mans gifts. The humble life of Christ and the shame of death on a cross are to them counterintuitive – BUT it is the way of salvation and the wisdom and power of God.

All through history God uses the weak and the despised and humble instead of the honored and the highly regarded. God used the weak to shame the wise – not because the weak and foolish are better men than the powerful but so all glory goes to God and not to man.  God is sovereign and this is His purpose.

In studying the verses today I kept thinking of the episode of Seinfeld where George chooses to to the opposite of what he would normally do – and each opposite choice works beautifully.  This is a humorous way of showing that the “wisdom” of man is not so much. I think Paul is pointing out here that man would never guess the wisdom of God and man learns only through revelation from God.  The problem is not that people think too little of themselves but that they think too much of themselves.

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  (33) Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?  It is God who justifies.  (34) Who is he who condemns?  It is Christ who died, and futhermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul.  It is almost impossible to overstate the importance of this letter for it’s theological truths, its beautiful Doxologies, its breathtaking revelations assuring the justification, sanctification and glorification of the faithful.  Every Christian man and woman should carefully read the letter to the Romans – it is the soaring affirmation of eternal life through Christ.

Our verses today’s follow text telling us that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.  God is sovereign of all things and His purpose is to glorify Christ – Christ is the firstborn among many brethren and the salvation of those who believe in Him is secure.  Paul is thinking of this when he asks “What then shall we say to these things?”

Paul is focused on how believers can endure suffering for the sake of the gospel – endure persecution. Jealousy, hatred and even death.  This was an issue in the time when Paul wrote these words, no less than today with extreme Islam bent on the eradication of Christianity in large parts of the world.  Few in this country know firsthand about this direct persecution and it is unlikely that Christians in the United States will face what is happening In the rest of the world.  However, in this day of secularization- marginalizing Christianity – we might know ridicule, Condemnation, discrimination because of faith – probably not prison or confiscatory practices and bodily harm.

Verse 31 infers that a response is required by Christians to God’s promise of salvation – they need to act and obey.  Paul speaks of confidence in salvation and gives us the reason for confidence and this is not in ourselves but by God’s free unmerited grace. Christians are delivered from the consequences of sin by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. We know God is for us because of this ultimate sacrifice.   And who, indeed, can then be against us?  Salvation is first to last of the Lord.   amen

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,  (19) by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, (20) who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.  (21) There is also an antitype which now saves us – baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (22) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

This letter was written by the Apostle Peter, likely after the city of Rome burned.   The Romans believed that the emperor, Nero, was responsible for the fire and to deflect this belief, Nero’s scapegoat was the Christians.   As a result, the already vicious persecution of the Christians escalated and Peter wrote this letter to teach them how to live the Christian life in the midst of that hostility.

The verses we study today are very complex and obscure – even Martin Luther confessed he didn’t know how to interpret them.  So today we will consider the point of this passage which addressed a new slant on suffering – that Christians are to be lights in a hostile world and that they can trust God to vindicate them in the eternal life of the spirit.  The truth of the Scriptures will be stated clearly and repeatedly so we don’t need to worry about the complexity of interpretation of verses 19 through 21 as Verse 18 and 22 present us with the clear theology of the Church.

As we studied the words of the Apostle Paul last week, Paul urged Christians to imitate him as he imitated Christ.  Christ suffered unjustly and was vindicated by His resurrection and ascension just as Christians may suffer for doing what is right.  Victory has already been won and it is just a matter of time for the outcome to be revealed.  This outcome is certain.  Peter relates the atoning work of Christ to our suffering – we should also be ready to suffer for righteousness.  Christians, like Christ, may suffer physically but like and because of Christ they may triumph spiritually.  Unbelievers will not so triumph.

Noah was delivered through literal water and Christians have spiritual deliverance in Christ which is symbolized by water baptism. But Peter is talking about baptism of the spirit, not mere water baptism – the rite of water baptism is a public act of obedience and a public profession of faith in Christ.   It is not the act of baptism that saves but what our intentions are that saves.  We are to bear witness to the risen Lord through holy living and Peter gives us principles of suffering to guide us in the face of persecution and living in a hostile, temporal world..

Therefore whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  (32) Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God.  (33) just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.  (11:1) Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians in response to problems in the Church he founded there   Chapter Ten of this letter is about  the personal liberty of the Christian and  today’s verses present the concluding principle for living the Christian life.

The question Paul is addressing here is how does a Christian function in the framework of liberty.  Christians were not under the ceremonial or dietary restrictions of Jewish Law and there were gray areas concerning certain behavior – what was right or wrong – what was allowed as a Christian.  Paul ‘s final statement on this was to tell his readers to do all to the glory of God.

There are limitations on Christian behavior.  Some things which are not forbidden can in some circumstances can be a stumbling block for others.  Paul is telling the Corinthians to consider edification over gratification – meaning that whatever action would have a beneficial result for one’s self AND others is the behavior that should be chosen.  The Christian should sacrifice their liberty for the benefit of others.  This comes out of love for others and in the long run will benefit the spiritual growth of the Christian.

Paul lived not for his own profit or glory but he lived so that all may be saved through the gospel he preached.  Any hindrance to God’s glory was to be avoided – and in all things: eating, drinking or any conduct,  Christians were to try to avoid all offense.  We are bound to offend some but Paul’s advice – to imitate him as he imitates Christ – will always bring glory to God.

Alcoholics Anonymous has a saying that recovering alcoholics may be the only Big Book that others will ever read.  Meaning the behavior of the recovering alcoholic may be the impetus  for the suffering alcoholic to get sober – the principle of “I want what he has”.   This is the lesson for today.  We are to do all we do for the glory of God and in so doing we may be the only Bible some ever read.

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me:  yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!  (17) For if I do this willingly I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.  (18) What is my reward then?  That  when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority inn the gospel.  (19) For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;…………….(22) to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak.  I have become all things to ll men, that I might by all means save some.  (23) Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul  to address problems in the church he founded in Corinth – problems in the main of unity in the Church.  Disunity arose from the cult of personality in that Church – also discord among Christians even to the point of suing in the courts – and discord from the false teaching of men who were critical of Paul.  From these problems of favoritism, infighting and false teaching came disunity, envy, wrath and strife – all symbolic of the terrible stresses in the early church.

The object of the verses we study today is to talk about winning people to Christ which was at the heart of Paul’s ministry.  He tells his readers that preaching the gospel is nothing that he feels he can boast of – God chose him for that mission and Paul felt he had no say in his ministry – even further, woe to him if he should not be obedient to God.    He describes himself as bondholder and servant of Christ – in other words, Paul was all in.

As a Christian,  some things or actions were neither good nor bad – a gray area – and Paul describes his style which was to present himself to his audience in a way to gain their interest and attention.  Through Christ, Paul was not bound to Jewish tradition, customs or ceremonies including following dietary laws of the Jews.  But he makes himself “all things to all men” in order to save souls for Christ – when Paul was with the Jews he adopted the customs of the Jews.  (Paul was Jewish, and a rabbi, so this was acceptable behavior to the Jews and got them to listen to Paul’s arguments for the gospel of Christ Jesus.)

For the Gentiles, he is not saying he is disregarding God but is under the law of Christ.  He was talking ceremony here:  things like eating with the Gentiles and eating any food that might be offered.  Paul would not do things that would offend the Gentiles.  Paul never set aside the truth though.  He set aside personal liberties to reach all men.

The Apostle Paul limited his freedom by love of another.  He didn’t want the Corinthians to think that he was doing an end run – saying one thing and meaning another and he is telling them in this letter that his motive in setting some of his liberty aside was to live a life of self denial and self control and to do all to remove any hindrance to preaching the gospel of Christ crucified and risen from the dead.   Winning people to Christ was at the heart of Paul’s ministry.

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But I want you to be without care.  He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord – how he may please the Lord.  (33) But he who is married cares about the things of the world – how he may please his wife.  (34) There is a difference between a wife and a virgin.  The unmarried woman cares about the things of the lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit.  But she who is married cares about the things of the world – how she may please her husband.  (35) And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.

The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians and the verses we study today concern undistracted devotion to God.  Marriage is not an eternal state but one for this earthly age.  It is an institution to be entered into or not.  What Paul is saying here is that marriage can cause a conflict of interest while remaining a single person gives an opportunity to serve God with no conflicting obligations.  But the single state does not automatically result in this high purpose.  We are called to a certain condition in life but should not be expecting that being single or married to be the answer to  holy or happy living.

There seems to be a conflict on this issue in Corinth in the days of the early Church.  Jewish people felt you have to be married and the Greeks are saying you can be more spiritual as a single person.  Paul is saying it doesn’t matter – either is fine and neither is good or bad.  In those days marriage was the standard accepted by society.  But Paul is also saying that God has gifted people for the single life and it’s different from marriage but no less significant.  God has a plan and both single and married life were designed and blessed by God.

In preparing for the verses this week I came upon an example of choices made by Mary and Martha and  how they could relate to single vs. married life.  When Jesus visited their home Mary abandoned any effort to prepare for hospitality for the guests and chose to sit at the Lord’s feet, totally focused on His teaching while Martha was distracted and had divided attention to the things of the world.  Martha complained to Jesus asking him to instruct Mary to help with the worldly preparation for the meal and Jesus answered her saying that she (Martha) was anxious and troubled about many things.  He further told her that Mary had chosen the better way and that he would not have this taken from her.  That was her gift.

So Paul is saying that both single life and married life is good but there are divided cares and loyalties in marriage.

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  (33) Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?  It is God who justifies.  (34) Who is he who condemns?  It is Christ who died, and futhermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul.   It is almost impossible to overstate the importance of this letter for it’s theological truths, its beautiful doxologies, its breathtaking revelations assuring the justification, sanctification and glorification of the faithful.  Every Christian man and woman should carefully read the letter to the Romans – it is the soaring affirmation of eternal life through Christ.

Our text today follows verses telling us that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.  God is sovereign of all things and His purpose is to glorify Christ –  Christ is the firstborn among many brethren and the salvation of those who believe is secure.  Paul is thinking of this when he asks “What then shall we say to these things?”  The fact that God gave His own Son to die for us proves that He is for us.

Paul is focused on how believers can endure suffering for the sake of the gospel – persecution, jealousy, hatred, even death.  This was an issue in the time when Paul wrote these words, no less than today with extreme Islam bent on the eradication of Christianity in large parts of the world.  Few here in this country know first hand about this direct persecution and it is unlikely that Christians in the United States will face what is happening in the rest of the world.  However in this day of secularization – marginalizing Christianity – we might know ridicule, condemnation, discrimination because of faith – probably not prison, confiscatory practices and bodily harm.

Verse 31 infers that a response is required by Christians to God’s promise of salvation for the faithful – they need to respond and obey.  Paul speaks of confidence in salvation and gives us the reason for confidence – not in ourselves.  Christians are delivered from the consequences of sin by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.  We know God is for us because of this ultimate sacrifice and who indeed can be against us.  Salvation is first to last of the Lord.  Amen

But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, (30) those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, (31) and those who use this world as not misusing it.  For the form of this world is passing away.

The letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul  This first letter was written to address problems in the Christian church established by Paul – and the verses we study today concern practical application of principles set down by him .  Paul is NOT invoking his apostolic authority here and he clearly says this earlier in chapter 7.

The audience of 1 Corinthians is being told that they live in times of present distress and that “the time is short” – meaning that Christians have been told to expect suffering in this fleeting life by virtue of their Christian beliefs.  When a Christian marries the impact of distress caused by suffering is even greater because of worry for family.  Paul is basically saying that it is easier for a single person than a married Christian with a family  to endure tribulation.  Paul has made it clear that he is NOT advocating separation or divorce but is telling his readers to minimize distractions of earthly things and to focus on the eternal.  There is a proper place for family and the family is not to be forbidden or forsaken. But,  it is a temporal gift from God and nothing earthly should take precedence over God.

Paul is addressing weeping/suffering here also.  He is telling the Corinthians that everything in this life is temporary and insignificant relative to eternal glory – he is saying the same principle applies to rejoicing.  God has given us pleasure and it is not sinful in itself but can be abused.  What is wrong is finding pleasure apart from God.   Both suffering and pleasure are short lived.  All we possess – material things, physical strength and beauty, power/authority – all are gifts from God and we are the stewards of such gifts.  But the things of the world are not ours – they belong only to God.

Paul is challenging the Corinthians to consider staying single – not that this would make them more spiritual but perhaps would/could enhance their holiness.  But staying single does not automatically please God.  We can do anything and everything for the wrong reasons –  such as staying single out of fear of commitment, for immoral reasons or selfishness.  Our verses can also benefit those who marry.  We are called to certain conditions in life but our primary goal is to be HOLY – not happy – as either single or married believers.

Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them.  Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.  (14) And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.  (15) Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?  Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot?  Certainly not!

(17) But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.  (18) Flee sexual immorality.  Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.  (19) Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is inn you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  (20) For you were bought at a price:  therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community at Corinth.  There were many problems in the ancient church there and today’s verses address the problem of sexual immorality.   There existed at Corinth a temple to the goddess Aphrodite and there was legal prostitution encouraged as part of the behavior for a cult to this pagan goddess.  Religious prostitution seems to have been widely acceptable as normal and moral – and legal.   In Corinth,  prostitution involved a religious act of worship.

The Corinthians appeared to equate morality with legality and lived according to human judgment.  Paul is telling his readers in our verses today that there is a higher standard for Christians.  Paul begins Chapter 6 by saying that as a Christian all things are lawful to him but not all things are profitable and that he would not allow anything to master him.  Paul believed that the cost of sexual immorality is high and there is great harm done – deep rooted damage we do ourselves in that sin.  Illicit sex not only harms, it can control, drive, compel and dominate – ending in our spiritual deaths.

The Christian believes that his/her body is meant for eternal life and that our bodies are meant for the Lord.  Sexual immorality is a unique sin in that it is a spiritual sin – the sexual act transcends the biological.  Sex is God’s idea and is meant for marriage.  In the Bible, the only ground given for divorce is adultery, mentioned twice in the gospel of Matthew.  Sin always brings loss – but sexual sin especially has more consequences in shattered marriages and families, damaged children – it can bring disease,heartache and can control the body.

Christians believe that Christ lives within them and that the body is the temple for the indwelling Spirit.  Christians believe that they belong to God and have been bought at the terrible price of Christ’s blood.  A building is not a temple of God, our bodies are.  Our bodies are meant to glorify God.

Then Peter opened his mouth and said:  In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  (35)  But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.  (36) The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all – (37) that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:  (38) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

The Acts of the Apostles was a history of the early Church written by Luke who was also the author of one of the Gospels.  Concerning the verses we study today, we have been told earlier in Chapter 10 about a vision the Apostle Peter had  – in this vision a sheet was let down from heaven and “in it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things and birds of the air……And a voice spoke to him again the second time, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’  This was done three times.  And the object was taken up into heaven again.”  Following this vision Peter was called to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile who had also had a vision telling him to call for Peter.

Jesus had spoken against externalism and appearances.  He had said that uncleanliness comes from the heart and not from the external but from the heart TO the external.  The prophets foretold of this cleansing, Jesus announced it and now Peter is reminded of it in this vision.

After his revelation Peter did visit the house of Cornelius, the Gentile, and tended to his conversion and that of all his household.  So what we are taught through the story of food cleansing is God’s lesson that there is a new covenant between God and man – that there are no more clean and unclean meats.  Only a divine revelation could have changed Peter’s mind and heart and theology.  Jesus had performed a cleansing which made obsolete the ceremonial food laws.  True cleansing came through the cross.  The revelation to Peter was by the Holy Spirit and extended from foods to people.  Peter was led by the Spirit to proclaim the gospel to Cornelius the Gentile – the same gospel he had been preaching to the Jews, and it was all they needed to know and believe to be saved.

Christ is Lord of all.   Everyone, Jew or Gentile, who believes in Him will be cleansed from sin and given life eternal.  Salvation is from God and is available to all who believe.  There was/is no distinction between Jew and Gentile.  All who believe are moved from darkness to light – from death to life.

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles – (2) if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, (3) how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery……(5) which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets;  (6) that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul.  He wrote this while in prison in Rome to assure the faithful in Ephesus that his suffering was for the gospel and he wrote that he considered it a privilege to endure this suffering for the glory of God and for the future glory of the faithful.  In our verses today, Paul writes of a mystery which he calls the mystery of Christ which is now revealed.  This revelation was that in Christ, Jews and Gentiles alike are to be members of Christ’s church and there would be no distinction between them.

Paul was concerned about the impact his imprisonment might have on his readers.  Some sought to capitalize on this making it appear that Paul’s gospel was wrong and God was punishing him.  Paul assures his readers that he was called by God to be a preacher of the Gospel.  Broadly speaking it was the ministry of a mystery about salvation of sinful man, accomplished by the life, death and resurrection of Christ.  What was new and unexpected – utterly unexpected – was that Jews and Gentiles would be equal in the new man and the new Church.  This was not a welcome thought for the Jews.  God promised that His blessing would come through the “seed” of Abraham – Paul is saying that the promised seed was not referring to all Jews in general but one particular Jew – Jesus Christ.  Judaism thought/thinks that salvation was the automatic possession of all Jews.  The Jews also believed that only the Gentiles who became Jews were to be saved – they looked down on Pagans.

Paul said that “both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin….There is none righteous; not even one.”  Salvation is through faith in the completed works of Christ and is an unearned gift of God.  Salvation is not the possession of the Jews – it is the possession of God accomplished by God through the cross of Jesus Christ.  God is the One who will bestow salvation upon anyone He chooses, by grace.  Christ came as Messiah to Jews and Gentiles.  The reconciiation of both in Christ and in His church is the mystery God has revealed.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;  (13) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.  (14) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  (17) And whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul who never actually visited Colosse.  Most likely this letter was written while Paul was a prisoner in Rome and he wrote urging the Christians in Colosse to stay true to the gospel Paul preached – most especially the true doctrine regarding the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ.

The verses we study today concern the vital and basic principles of Christian living and Paul moves form the specific to the general.  A true believer has been given eternal life.  We have died with Christ and have been resurrected with Him.  This is our spiritual position and we should live in light of that identification.  As new men (and women) we are transformed and should put on “new clothes” which are a new character and new behavior – we are to assume family characteristics manifested in the family of the Lord.  We should have the spirit Paul is talking about – gratitude, love and forgiveness.  The innermost miracle of transformation demands equally dramatic outer change in life style.  This external lifestyle is very specific – it is not cultural,  not relative and not situational – it is Christ like and eternal.

We are urged to put on real compassion – it is an action word and think the Good Samaritan.  Humility was alien to Greek thought in that ancient world.   We are to imitate the meekness of Christ who was willing to suffer for sinful proud man – we are not to be angry but to continue in God’s patience.  Finally we are to go beyond endurance to forgiveness.  Christ forgave us and we did not/do not deserve it.  Christ is to become our pattern.

So our new garments are on and we are to cover all this with a mantle of love.  Paul is telling the faithful in Christ that they will never know the true virtues without love.  We will just be posturing.  The fruit of the Spirit is love and the Spirit dwells in us – we cannot do this alone.  The priority of the new man is to let Christ dwell in him/her.  We will know the Word of Christ, the peace of Christ and  “whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began (26) but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith –  (27) to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever.  Amen.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul in preparation for his anticipated visit there.  This towering epistle addresses the problem of man’s sin, the matter of salvation and matters of application of doctrine as outlined in Romans.  Paul ends this letter with an exuberant doxology praising God for establishing man in faith through the completer work of Christ Jesus.  A doxology is a saying/singing of praise or glory or honor – an example of which – appropriate to the season – is where the angels appeared to nearby shepherds in a field singing glories to God at the birth of the Christ child.

The verses we study today tell us that the ultimate goal of the gospel is all and eternal glory to God.  But man’s happiness and God’s glory are not at odds as God gospel is claiming the faithful so that our lives glorify Him.  God’s plan for our unearned salvation is the now disclosed secret kept since the world began –  that in the substituionary death and resurrection of the historical Jesus Christ, man, through faith, is saved.  Prophecy all through the Old Testament points to Christ as savior.  All Scripture points to Jesus as redeemer and savior.

God will keep those of true faith steadfast.  The saved must stand for God by their transformed lives which proclaim the truth of the gospel – belief informs behavior.  Paul’s outburst of praise reflects on the wisdom of God’s plan for redemption.  Proclaiming the  glory of God comes from the realization that man had/has nothing to do with man’s salvation – our good works do not  and cannot merit redemption. Salvation is a gift from God.

Rejoice in this Christmas season which marks God’s time of the incarnate Jesus and the mercy of God made man for our sins and for our salvation.  Thanks be to God.

Rejoice always.  (17) pray without ceasing, (18) in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  (19) Do not quench the Spirit.  (20) Do not despise prophecies.  (21) Test all things; hold fast what is good.  (22) Abstain from every form of evil.  (23) Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (24) He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

The first letter to the Thessalonians was one of the Apostle Paul’s earliest letters.  The Christian Thessalonians were a small group gathered by Paul over a very brief period of time.  When Paul was forced to leave the city he worried about the recently converted and he sent Timothy back to find out if they were true to the gospel.  When the good news of their steadfastness arrived, Paul pens this letter of joy, gratitude, commendation and exhortation.  It is a letter not written to enforce any specific doctrinal truths but to reinforce the facts and principles of the gospel.  This letter is a look at the power of the Gospel  – there were only a few weeks of instruction and these to pagans in the main part.  Look at the power of the gospel where an imperfect glimpse of it had transformed this people with a totally new – revolutionary – message.

Paul begins our verses to day with a command – Rejoice always.  This is followed by a series of exhortations that deal with the beginning of inner life and our relationship with God.  The command to rejoice doesn’t mean we are not to be empathetic but we are to transcend sorrows – at all times means even through severest adversity.  This is not possible from a human point and it is not a natural joy but supernatural  joy and a gift of the Holy Spirit.  A command to joy is part of the process of holiness.  This needs our will and confidence that God is in control and at His own good and perfect time all things will work to the best conclusion.  We are to rejoice that we are chosen by God; to rejoice in the redemptive work of Christ.  We are to rejoice in the work of the Spirit who is indwelt in the believer.  The Spirit enables us, gifts us;  rejoices in our spiritual blessings, in the Word of God,  that we are complete in God.  Rejoice in appreciation.

True Christians live their faith.  They/we are justified in Christ and then we are sanctified which is the process of spiritual development – joy increases.  We become holy or separate to God and  to be committed to holiness is the prayer of Paul at the end of the verses we study today.   We are to pray without ceasing and be ever conscious of God’s presence.  We are to get rid of habits that act as a film between us and God.

Joy can be a matter of circumstance and/or constitutional ability but communion with God WILL bring us joy.  The faithful are urged by Paul to continual thankfulness on condition of continual communion with God.  What a worthy command with what immeasurable consequences for our holy living;  REJOICE ALWAYS

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  (9) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  (10)  the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.  (11) Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.  (12) looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?  (13) Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

The verses today are written by the Apostle Peter.  His message is clear:  There will be a final judgment and Christ’s second coming is certain.  The time of this this Day of God is God’s time – the fulfillment of God’s promises are precisely timed.  Our belief in this day is based on confidence in the word of God in Scripture and we are told this day will be unexpected – it will come like a thief in the night.  Peter is saying the Scriptures are the sufficient,  accurate and authoritative record of the word of God.  He is not seeking to inform the faithful but to instruct them/us in belief and behavior.  To deny the second coming is to deny future hope and future judgment – to deny this makes it easier not to worry about accountability.

Peter explains why the Lord’s return has taken so long –  God is eternal; God has no beginning and no end.  Peter references the Old Testament which tells us in Psalms that to God a thousand years is as one day to man.  Man has no comprehension of this truth.  Man is finite and God is eternal – our days are numbered and His are not.  Time does not limit God.   God’s delay of the final judgment makes possible our salvation and that of others.  It doesn’t matter what man believes, only what God’s proposes.

We are reminded of our responsibilities against this Day of the Lord.  Peter is talking about God’s wrath on sinners and the consequences of corruption.  The faithful must live righteously.  Scripture gives us a road map to discern what is true from what is false teaching and “wisdom” of our times.  Materialism is folly and what is reality is in the Bible.  These thoughts give new, urgent meaning to the words of the Lord’s Prayer:  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  (4) I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, (5) that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, (6) even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you.  (7) so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ (8) who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be made blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (9) God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul.  Corinth was a center of commerce, populated by Roman soldiers and people from all over the Mediterranean.  The city had been razed and rebuilt by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. and there was no one dominant culture – it was materially prosperous and morally corrupt.  Corinthians valued the reckless development of the individual – there was praise for self will, self indulgence in a carnal environment.  The Corinthians were haughty, divided and competitive.

Paul begins this first letter to the Corinthians by telling them who he is in relation to God and then telling them who they – the faithful – are,  in relation to God.  Everything has its true meaning and is defined by its relation with God.  The Corinthian letters are Paul’s best testimony for how the church should function in any age.  The message is how to be God’s people.  The church is made up of people in whom the spirit of God resides.  In Scripture the church is the body of Christ himself and is a far cry from any other human organization.  There is the church visible and invisible.  Only in the church invisible is there true unity.  It is Christ’s church made up of those called to be holy.  The faithful’s relationship to Christ has changed them and they are being sanctified and set apart.  Paul is addressing not those who attend church but those who are the church – everyone who calls on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ is part of the community of faith.

Paul tells the church in Corinth that they do not lack any spiritual gift – they have everything they need.  The promise is God is faithful.  And, it is God’s choice – before all time – to keep true believers in the faith.  God’s chosen will be brought to glory.    Paul concludes this introduction by telling his readers that they (the faithful) will be blameless in the day of Christ and the reason for that is God’s will and power.  God has a plan and we are part of it.

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  (21) For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.  (22) For as in Adam all die even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  (23) But each one in his own order:  Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.  (24) Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.  (25) For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.  (26) The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.  

(28) Now when all things are made subject to him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul in response to problems in the Church he founded there and Chapter 15 is Paul’s defense of the doctrine of the resurrection.  Some in Corinth were saying the resurrection of the dead had already taken place; some were denying the resurrection of the dead – Paul is writing this letter to the Corinthians to warn them that a denial of the resurrection of the dead was a denial of the Gospel and denial of hope for this world and the next.

Paul writes of the historical bodily resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead with certainty and then he addresses the implications of the resurrection.  He compares the risen Christ to the first fruits – in the Old Testament this referenced the first fruits from seed that was planted.  These first fruits were a sign and promise that more would come.  Christ is the first fruit and Paul is saying this is proof that bodily resurrection of more will occur.  Adam – the first Adam – brought about death for himself and the human race but Jesus as the last Adam brings life for all men.  Christ’s substitute death and resurrection will bring about a sequence of events as ordained by God before time began.  Christ will be first and the faithful next – finally the unbelieving dead will be raised.  There will be the reign of Christ when all His enemies are defeated and then the kingdom will be handed to the Father.  The last and final enemy is death and then the mortal bodies of the faithful will be resurrected as transformed bodies fit for the presence of God – removing the sting of sin and resulting in victory over death.  And forever God will be all in all.

 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.  (2) For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.  (3) For when they say “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman.  And they shall not escape.  (4) But you brethren, are not in darkness so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.   (5) You are all sons of light and sons of the day.  We are not of the night nor of darkness.  (6) Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Thessalonians in response to questions the Christian faithful had about the timing and events of the second coming of Christ Jesus.  Paul has just finished writing about the rapture (a non-biblical term) when the justified faithful will be gathered by Christ.  Then follows the Day of the Lord when the unwelcome terrible judgment of the Lord will judge sinful, unrepentant man.  Paul is telling the faithful that they do not need to know the time of the day of the Lord or the coming wrath of God as they will not be present on that day.   Further, they not only do not need to know the time, they cannot know it.

The Day of the Lord – the day of end time and judgment for the ungodly, the day of darkness, will not overtake the faithful because we are not people of the night.  We are day people, people of the Light.  We have experienced the transforming power of the gospel.  We are reborn but still of a fallen nature so Paul is warning the Thessalonians – and us – to not fall asleep to spiritual reality.  We have been redeemed out of darkness and as day people we are to act like it.  This is now our nature, our destiny.

The Day of the Lord is coming and it will be quick and terrible.  There will be signs but the children of the night, living in mental and moral darkness  will still not believe it.  They will be saying peace and safety, everything will be just fine, when, like a thief in the night, the end times will be upon them.

The faithful are not living in darkness and should live holy lives.  Through a series of contrasts Paul addresses the future of the believers:  dark and light, sober and drunk, asleep and awake, day and night, being separated from God forever and being with God forever.  There is total division between believers and non-believers – the saved and the damned.  So the Day of the Lord, the day of wrath is coming – but not for the believer.

For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.  (10) According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds in it.  But let each one take heed how he builds on it.  (11) for no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

(16) Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  (17) If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.  For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Christians in Corinth.  There were many problems there but our verses today concerns division in the Church.  The problem in Corinth was that the new Christians didn’t mature but instead yielded to the prideful temptation to turn to the teaching and “wisdom” of men.  They developed a cult of personality and depended on the charisma of certain leaders — saying I am of Paul or I am of Peter.  Worse, they also depended on false teachers.

Paul addresses this in today’s verses by speaking of the Church as a building under construction.  He (Paul) is the master builder who laid the foundation and he says that in all humility as he reminds the Corinthians in other verses of this letter that he came to them in fear and trembling.  He may not have been the most facile messenger but his gospel was the means to salvation.  Paul preached the wisdom of God by which He revealed His plan through the Holy Spirit.  Natural man without the Spirit will never know this truth.  Men are only instruments God uses for His purposes and plan.  In Christ’s Church there is unity and diversity in different members – each serves the same master, the same task – but each has his own calling and contribution according to his or her own gift and talent.

In viewing the Church as under construction Paul is saying that no believer belongs to any leader but all faithful belong to God.  The foundation that Paul and the Apostles laid has Christ Jesus as the cornerstone – this is the unique role of the Apostles and Paul is reminding the Corinthians of his authority and the Apostolic foundation of the Church which is of a one time, once and for all foundation in Christ Jesus.

The whole building in these verses is God’s dwelling place and while we are not the temple, we are a temple – a place where God dwells.  As such we are and must remain holy.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  (6) For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.  (8) But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  (9) Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.  (10) For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  (11) And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans.  Quoting from John Pollock this “letter to the Christians of Rome that should be the distillation of his thought, his nearest approach to the writing of a book, a carefully constructed literary composition, which, if he had never written or spoken another word, entitles Paul to rank with Socrates, Plato and Aristotle among the greatest intellects of the ancient world and, indeed, of all time.”

The verses we study today are strong arguments for the assurance and finality of salvation for those who believe in Jesus and his death for the forgiveness of sins, resulting in justification of the faithful.  In the past, while we were unregenerate sinners, God sent His Son to die for us.  We were then enemies of God – helpless and totally unable to do anything to save ourselves.  We were ungodly and while we were enemies of God, He loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for us.  Jesus’ death removed the barrier of sin and reconciled us with God – through Jesus Christ, God ceased to be hostile to those He would save.

Christ was raised from the dead and the faithful with Him just as we sinners were crucified with Him.  Justification is not something we merited.  It is an unearned gift from God who loved us and the basis for justification is the blood of Christ Who atoned for our sin.  God’s love anchors our hope and it has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  This is why our hope of salvation will not disappoint us; we who are justified in faith are at peace with God and have access to God’s grace.

Because Christ and God are one, Paul can speak of the cross as a demonstration of God’s love – the only perfect sacrifice and God’s plan and purpose, in love, of salvation – in due time (at the right time). Salvation is only through Christ’s death and not in any way is salvation due to human works or merit.  These verses do away with works based salvation.  Heaven is secure because salvation doesn’t have any thing to do with us.

Verse 11 tells us that the result of knowing we are saved through God’s grace and love means that we should exhult in God through Jesus Christ.  Our hope is sure and we should have gratitude and joy and boasting in the blessings of God through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.  (6) And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, (7) so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.  (8) For from you the word of the Lord had sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place.  Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.  (9) For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, (10) and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

The Apostle Paul wrote this first letter to the Thessalonians in response to good reports he has received after spending only three Sabbaths evangelizing them.  Paul and his helpers were driven from that important, geographically strategic city by the jealous Jewish community there.  Paul has heard from his helpers – and from testimony of travelers from Thessalonica – that the converted Christians, in the face of persecution and affliction, have proven to be not only genuine believers, but in their faith are serving as examples of followers of Paul and of the Lord – again, after a short time of receiving the gospel.

Paul has identified the faithful in Thessalonica as the elect or saved.  He addresses how they originally responded to the gospel and the evidence that salvation grew out of that conversion.  Paul is saying that the gospel delivered to the Thessalonians didn’t come just in words but also in the power of the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.  Paul is describing not just the experience of the Thessalonians but also his own experience.  Paul is saying that he knew God was moving through him and his testimony is that God was at work in the conversion of the Thessalonians.  Our Lord said that men love darkness and words alone cannot penetrate that.  Dead men in sin don’t desire life and words alone do not result in conversion.  Paul sensed that God’s power – that God was moving through him with the Holy Spirit – energized the listeners and also energized Paul as the preacher.

Paul moved from his own experience to that of the people responding.  The newly converted became imitators of Paul and of Christ.  It didn’t take long for evidence of their rebirth to manifest – Christ lived in them.  Their transformed lives embraced holiness, love and suffering.  The faithful showed joy which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  This was not human joy which is emotional, but spiritual joy and evidence of true salvation.  Human joy is transitory.  The behavior of the Thessalonians was exemplary – a model for others and as Paul writes in verse 8, the word of the Lord has sounded forth from them.  Remember the Christians at Thessalonica are only months old in their faith, yet word has spread.  It wasn’t their size, it was their conviction and evident holiness even in the face of persecution.

Lastly Paul mentions the allegiance of the converted to God from idol worship and their longing for Christ.  There was a real and total change to the faithful.  The whole person was changed; it was not just an emotional reaction.  The will of the faithful is changed; there is a reorientation of their lives; a decisive break from the past.  Reading these verses from 1 Thessalonians should help give us a proper understanding of our spiritual condition and the reality of God’s working in our lives.

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,  to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  (2) We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, (3) remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, (4) knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.  (5) For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit

Thessalonica was declared a free city by Rome – the city enjoyed self government and complete autonomy.  This important port city with a large Jewish community, was strategically located on the northernmost corner of the Aegean Sea and the Egnatian Way, linking Rome to Byzantium, passed through it.  Thessalonica was a city famous for vice and crime – most of the residences in the city had doors only, no windows because of violence.

The Apostle Paul first went to the synagogue to preach the gospel of Christ – Paul was a rabbi – and he reasoned from the Old Testament that Christ Jesus is the Messiah.  He evangelized the Jewish synagogue for three successive Sabbaths and achieved great success among the Jews and also the Gentiles.  However, Paul and Silas were abruptly driven out of town by jealous Jews and they left a baby Church with newly converted Jewish and Gentile Christians saddled with the Mosaic Law and the culture of pagan Greeks.  Paul was there for a very short time in a city known for corruption and vice and worried greatly about the status of the Thessalonian Christians.  When he heard good news about the faithfulness of the newly converted Paul responded with this first letter to the Thessalonians.

The heart of the verses we study today is verse 4.  Paul is saying that the Thessalonians are redeemed by Christ – they are genuine in their faith and that he, Paul,  knows that they are elect of God.  God in His eternal sovereignty chooses some to come to salvation and this becomes reality through an act of faith prompted by the spirit of God.  Believing is a result of God’s choice.  It was not just Paul’s news of the Gospel – it was the power of God and the Holy Spirit in the midst of Jewish tradition and persecution, the midst of pagan custom – that resulted in the election of the Thessalonian Church.  This election in an immensely hostile society with limited leadership was evident through the work of faith – the love that motivating their living – their transformation as believing Christians – and their steadfastness of hope in salvation through Christ.

We see in his letters that the Apostle Paul doesn’t tolerate a works salvation – not human works – but good deeds in the lives of believers verify salvation.  A Christian is not marked by what he has done  but what he/she has been motivated to do.  The true believer works a labor of love for Christ and God .  It is love of the will – love of choice.  Love of our brother marks our love of the Lord because He first loved us.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: (7) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  (8) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,  if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.  (9) The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Philippi.  In our verses today Paul is addressing anxiety which is the most common mental disorder.   Paul tells his readers that proper concern is one thing but if we lack belief in the sovereignty of God, that concern – lack of faith and focus on self – becomes sinful anxiety.  If we are anxious, we should examine our faith in God and our focus which should be on Christ.  As Christians we must trust in God’s revelations and promises and have faith in the works of Christ Jesus.  We must live to please God, not ourselves.

The Holy Spirit interprets our prayer to God; He knows our hearts.  Prayer is more for our sake – and not for God’s sake.  It is our need for God, not for the temporal benefits and we must remember that what we ask must be in line with God’s purpose.  Paul is telling us to always be thankful – trusting in God to work in us to good.  We must trust in His sufficiency for the future.  To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, Whoever is saved will look back on earthly life and see it as always heaven.  Whoever Loses their salvation will look back and see their life as hell from the beginning.

Paul cautions his readers to develop a Christian thought life.  All sin begins in our thoughts.  We can bring glory to God by our behavior – our thoughts become our words which become our actions, our behavior.  These actions become habits which become our character.  Paul urges us to think on whatever is true, right, lovely as God is truth.  God never changes:  He is not relative or cultural.  God cannot lie but Satan is a liar.  We need to watch out for what is expedient, pragmatic – whatever works.  We should think of this very seriously as it matters very much what we do and we need to remember the REALITY of eternity.

We need to learn Christian content and the Scriptures, so our response is not just emotional but is an affirmation – an intelligent yes to Christian doctrine.  Everyone has the same need as sin has separated us from God.  Everyone needs to bow to the Lord.  We need to give up all that holds us back from God, including that “darling sin”.  We need to live as we believe and live our Christian faith.  and the God of peace will be with you.

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy.  (2) fulfill my joy by being like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  (3) let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  (4) Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.  (5) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus

The letter to the Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul.  Paul was under house arrest in Rome and was writing to the church in Philippi to let them know his status and to encourage them to maintain harmonious relationships within the church and with each other.  Alienation in the Church at Philippi seems to be something new in that Christian community and Paul is appealing for harmony and unity.

Paul is asking the Philippians to think about their experience in the love of Christ.  Union with Christ, rebirth in faith, gave comfort to believers.  They experienced comfort from trials by a common bond in Christ with others.  Such comfort results in harmony in the spirit and the Philippians should take great encouragement from that.  Relational conflicts can be so discouraging.  Jesus is all sufficient and gives us hope – motivates us to please Him.  There is a consolation of love in Christ.  My love doesn’t depend on the other person’s response, it depends on the love of Christ for me – Christ is the Good Shepherd.

Paul is urging the Philippians to have a fellowship of Spirit – to develop affection and compassion with Christ as their example. They/we are to love others and need a mind set that works at seeking unity – to seek to know the mind of Christ through prayer and in the Word.  The mind of Christ, the love of Christ, is united in the Spirit which is united on the faith of the gospel glorifying Christ.  In this way God gives us a solid base for resolving conflict.

The world’s way is that of pride and self fulfillment:  worldly ways are empty conceits, vain glories, self interest as the chief end of man.  Self esteem is about pride and opposed to harmonious relationships.

So we should not boast  All we have and are is by Gods grace.  All we have is a gift to be used for Gods glory.

For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (20) according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.  (21) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  (22) But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor:  yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.  (23) For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.  (24) Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

(27) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians.  The Jews in Jerusalem had accused Paul of treason against Rome and Paul was arrested as a result of these accusations and was ultimately sent to Rome for judgment.  While under house arrest in Rome Paul wrote to the Philippians to tell them how he was doing and in our verses today, Paul writes about his outlook for the future.

Paul had an uncertain future but he had certain joy.  Paul is joyful because he is certain of his deliverance – either deliverance in death or deliverance in release from prison so he can continue living  as Christ did here on earth – to experience what Christ did on earth.  Future gain of heavenly blessing is not  in our present life.  Paul was saying to live is Christ – to walk in his footsteps, to preach the gospel; suffer His persecution and rejection.  Paul’s message to the Philippians was that he was not guilty of wrongdoing and he was ready to defend himself:  God would deliver him.

So, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  To die would be to leave behind suffering and pain and gain the treasures of heaven

(5) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (6) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  (9) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (11) and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians while he was imprisoned in Rome.  Paul was very attached to the Philippians and founded the Church there – he wanted to inform them of his situation in Rome and of his state of mind.  Paul also wanted to encourage the Christian in Philippians to be true to the gospel he had taught them.  Paul had no doubts whatsoever about the certainty of what awaited him should he die – “to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  In other words, to continue to live would be to continue to suffer as did Christ Jesus with Him always as our example of the suffering servant, and to die would be certain to enter into the presence of God, free from suffering, pain and sorrow.  The end was always certain for Paul.

Those who cannot believe in a God who allows suffering apparently have no use for events like the fall of man and sin and death entering the world.  Our verses today tell us that the God who allows suffering in man also suffered in the person of Christ Jesus Who was obedient to the Father unto death.   Paul is teaching foundational doctrine here – Christ, undiminished deity, true God, took on perfect and sinless humanity at His incarnation.  We as finite beings cannot truly comprehend this but it is true – because the Bible says so.

The Apostle Paul is establishing Jesus postion and status.  Jesus is God.  He was actively involved in the creation of the world.  He is fully equal to the Father in His essence.  Jesus emptied Himself but never dimished His deity.  As true man He gave Himself over in the obedience to the Father to glorify Him.  Jesus divested himself of self interest which was true humility. He came to bear the wrath of God in the place of sinners.  Christ Jesus was elevated to the highest possible place of honor by the Father.

And then we are told how the world will end and we should never forget this in these days of suffering.  Every knee shall bend at the name of Jesus and every creature ever created will call Him Lord.

In todays verses we hear that Jesus is equal with God, not man.  Jesus became man but man was not equal with Him.  Jesus subordinated His interests to the interests of the Father, not man.  The intended goal was not the salvation of man but rather obedience to the glory of the Father.

In preparation for todays lesson I came across a quote from John Newton – If I every reach heaven I expect to find three wonders there:  first, to meet some I had not thought to see there; second, to miss some I had expected to see there; and third – the greatest wonder of all – to find myself there.

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.  (9) For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,”  “You shall not steal,” You shall not bear false witness,” You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  (10) Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans, and in this letter he provides a proper doctrinal foundation for Christian faith.  In today’s verses Paul is writing of a call to commitment or service in response to divine grace.  With the doctrinal foundation Paul provides in Romans, the commitment he urges should not be emotional – a Christian’s service involves both mind and body.  Believing that God loves us and through Christ Jesus has pardoned us and offered justification to those who have faith,  results in reconciliation with God – all at the initiation of God, not man.

Love as expressed by Paul in today’s verses is not a feeling but is a command to be obeyed.  The cross was the ultimate demonstration of this love.  Sin damaged man’s relationship with God and because of indwelling sin our default mode is to be selfish.  It is a life long battle of loving God and others more and more – our sincere love for God becomes a sincere love for others.  This is the message of the New Testament.

Transformed living is a result of true Christian belief – transformed daily living with our neighbors. God has given us the indwelling Holy Spirit to enable us to conform to the image of Christ.   Biblical love must be holy – it is discerning.  It hates what is evil, clings to what is good.  This implies an objective knowable standard of what is evil and what is good – neither of which is relative or cultural.  We are not commanded to like everyone but – being wise and discerning – we are to love our neighbor.  Our motive is to help a person to grow in Godliness.  Transformed living is a result of true Christian belief and because of the mercies of God our minds are renewed and we will become – remember this is a process – proof in practice of God’s good, acceptable and perfect will.

I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul in preparation to his visit to the Christians in Rome.  In the first 11 chapters of this letter Paul has laid the doctrinal base for the Gospel.   The verses we study today are a call to commitment – a whole new way of thinking and behaving.  Verses 1 and 2 set forth our need to commit to God completely.  The first of the two great commandments – that we love God with our whole heart, body and mind – is addressed here.

There is nothing we can do to earn salvation.  Implicit in this is God makes it possible for us to transform our minds and all is initiated by God..  God wants US, not our work and this decision to transformation is an act of will – an ongoing commitment on the part of the committed Christian

When Paul uses the verb beseech, he means that we have to will or make the decision to holiness.  We must resist conformity to the world – to be transformed takes place in the mind of the believer and is a conscious decision.  Beware of living based on feeling and only being concerned about doing.  A life of feeling ignores the renewing of the mind which is the transforming power of God.  The Apostle Paul is not against feeling or doing but this is insufficient foundation for Christian life.  We are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

Transformation of our minds is a process of sanctification – to be holy, set apart.  This world is passing away – look around you – it is under Satan’s dominion.  We need to live in contrast to this age where all thoughts concern what is seen and temporal.  To think as a Christian is to think with salvation and eternity in mind.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!   How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

(34) For who has known the mind of the Lord?  Or who has become His counselor?  (35) Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to Him?

(36) For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.  Amen.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Rome in advance of Paul’s intended visit to the Church there.  He is outlining how God is sovereignly designing and controlling salvation history for man.  God permitted Gentiles to go their own way and revealed Himself to the Jews.  Then the Jews rejected the Messiah and crucified the sinless Son of God.    God then preserved a remnant of the Jews for Himself – for example, Paul himself was a “Hebrew of Hebrews” and the Apostle to the Gentiles – and God showed His mercy to the Gentiles.  Paul tells us in Romans that Israel will return to God through jealousy of the Gentiles. So, what Paul is showing us is the only way of salvation is NOT through human works, but through God’s purpose – His grace and mercy.

This leads to today’s verses where Paul breaks out in praise of the breadth and depth of the riches of God’s mercy and judgment.  In verses 34 and 35 Paul is quoting the books of Isaiah and Job from the Old Testament which are saying the same thing – that God is all in all and man is nothing.  We cannot comprehend God’s mind – not even close – and we should humble ourselves and worship Him.  We should not be the center of our lives as God alone brings comfort to our souls.  Man cannot ever comprehend the greatness of God – we owe God everything and God owes us nothing.

The universe belongs to God and there is nothing we can do or give that places God in our debt.  This is the Biblical doctrine of grace – that it is not earned but is a gift initiated by God.  Grace is the heart of our relationship with God.  God’s greatness is beyond our comprehension.  Paul is overwhelmed here and so should we be.  All things exist and work together because of God’s purpose and for His glory.  Our lives begin in God, continue by His bounty and return to Him.  Amen.

For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry.  (14) if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them.  (15) For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

(29) For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.  (30) For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, (31)  even so these also have now ben disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy.  (32) For God has committed them all to disobedience  that He might have mercy on all.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome to prepare them for his eventual visit to that city.   Paul, a Jew and a rabbi, is God’s chosen vessel to spread the gospel to the Gentiles and Paul’s letter to the Romans is not an occasional letter – written to correct or attend to a particular problem/situation – but this letter is a summary of Paul’s theology.

In Romans, chapters 9 through 11, Paul has written of Israel’s sovereign election in the past, her rejection in the present and her future reconciliation/salvation.  In this context, the verses today remind us that God has a plan – a sovereign plan.  In the early church there were relatively few Jewish believers  that Christ is Messiah.   But Gentiles – with their pagan background – were believers.  The problem Paul is addressing is the future of the Jews in the light of God’s promises to them.  Paul is telling us that the Jewish rejection of Christ is temporary and that God is using this temporary rejection to spread Christianity among the Gentiles.  Further, Paul is telling his readers that jealousy will move the Jews to accept  the gospel and Christ and that this will be a blessing  to the whole world.

God has a purpose for history and it cannot fail.  Romans chapter 11 is prophecy – Paul is not guessing, he is telling us of God’s redemptive plan.  Israel is still beloved by God because God chose her – Israel will experience final adoption.  God’s plan to salvation and  the history of Israel point to the fact that there is nothing man can do to change his condition.  All comes from God; His mercy and His blessings

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, (2) that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.  (3) For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,  (4) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises, (5) of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God.  Amen.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul.  Paul was a Hebrew of Hebrews, according to birth and culture – he was brought up to study at the feet of the foremost Rabbi – teacher – of his time.  Paul was a persecutor of the early Christians until his sudden conversion to Christianity on the road to Damascus.  The Apostle was God’s chosen vessel for the preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles but his Jewish affinity never left him and he suffered greatly at the failure of Israel who had rejected Jesus.  Paul is expressing his deep love for Israel here as foundation for his explanation later in Chapter 9 of Romans for the failure of Israel.  He yearns that his people will come to know God in love for Christ.

We have just studied the last verses of Chapter 8, Romans, where Paul rejoices in telling us that nothing can separate the true believer from the love of God in Christ.  Now the mood and message changes abruptly and Paul writes of his grief and heartfelt concern for the salvation of the Jews.  In the context of Chapter 8, Romans,  we realize that Paul would not be able to trade his eternal salvation for that of the unbelieving Jew .  God’s will and plan is sovereign and will not be changed.

Our verses today are telling us that faithfull Christians should so rejoice in God’s great gift of eternal salvation that they are compelled to reach out to others so that they may know the same joy – and peace – it is incumbent on the faithful to spread the good news of the gospel and should be “burdened” like Paul, for the lost souls.

Remember that all Scripture is God breathed – God’s word to us.  And this message is concerning Israel and her future hope – that God is causing all things to work together for Israel’s good.  Paul here has begun to set out the failure of Israel in the light of divine election.  God’s choice has nothing to do with man’s works but is in spite of them.    “The fate of the lost as well as that of the saved is first and foremost a decision made by our sovereign God.”

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

(37) Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  (38) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, (39) nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans to prepare the Christians in Rome for his hoped for visit to that city.  Today’s verses are wondrous words of encouragement telling his audience of the eternal., unchangeable, unfathomable love of God for us in Christ Jesus – this love that transforms our lives.  In verse 31, chapter 8 Paul writes “if God is for us, who can be against us?”

The Apostle Paul writes to the Roman Christians  to reassure them that God’s love in Christ is not an illusion.  God’s love for us is not undermined by adversity.  God’s love for us is secure no matter how difficult the trial.  Paul writes that God chose us before the world began and His election is not ended because of our failures.  God’s love is not conditioned on our worthiness – it is not earned.    God’s love for us – even as fallen creatures – is why He sent Christ to die for us.  He saved us while we were sinners and we are still sinners after He saved us.  We will be disciplined but God’s love for us will not diminish.  This is the practical value of the doctrine of election.

Paul cites extreme contrasts to prove his point that, as children of God in Christ, nothing can separate us from His love.  No spiritual powers, not present circumstances or things to come, not anything that could possibly happen to us, could separate us from God’s love –  nothing in heaven or in hell,  height or depth – not any thing we can conceive of.  God works all things for the good of His chosen people and nothing can separate them from His love.

God’s supreme love for us was demonstrated in Christ Jesus who died on the cross for us.  It is important to remember the cross when talking of God’s love.  The cross is the provision of God for our salvation and it must be personal, this, the greatest proof of God’s love.  Today’s verses are a triumphant climax to Paul’s statement that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.  We are told of the indissoluble union of God’s children with God in Christ – and that there is no power capable of separating us from that love.  God’s love, not our love, is the central truth of Paul’s gospel.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  (29) For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  (30) Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Rome and the verses we study today concern the overall doctrine of salvation.  Paul is showing that our salvation from start to finish is from the Lord.  We need to learn how to handle the trials that will inevitably hit us – it is especially important in times of suffering when we are most discouraged that we must be ready for our spiritual survival.  The  great truth of the sovereignty of God is that God has His purpose and His plan cannot be thwarted.

It is not much comfort to be told “all things work together for good to those who love God” when we are in times of present suffering.  Paul is telling us that the present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with future glory.  Loving God is not a condition of His plan but a description of His purpose.  Every true Christian does love God – this is from man’s point of view – but these verses about God’s purpose are written from God’s point of view.  This is written so man will not mistake his/her love for God as the primary thing.  Rather our love for God stems from His calling us.

When bad things happen to us they are not good in and of themselves – God uses trials that we should submit to Him in trust.  Knowledge of the sovereignty of God brings great comfort in the midst of trial.  Paul says that we know this – salvation from first to last is of the Lord.  If we are saved it is because God determined it and planned it.

In verses 29 and 30 God is the subject of all the verbs.  God is acting.  God’s foreknowledge is not just knowing in advance what people would do but choosing to set His love on some before the foundation of the world.  God’s purpose and plan to rule His world as He determined – His plan for history and our salvation –  is bound up with God’s purpose of exhaulting His Son.  Salvation is from the Lord based on Christ’s work of redemption.  Christ Jesus paid the penalty that sinful man deserves and God declares righteous all who trust in Him.  The faithful are free from any liability to the broken law.  Even our faith however, does not merit justification as it is the channel through which justification is received and is the free gift of God.  Salvation is from the Lord and is secure because it is from God.  God effectively called us, justified us and is now working to conform us to the image of His son.  To quote Steven Cole,” If His sovereign purpose for the glory and supremacy of Jesus Christ is certain then our future of glory with Christ is certain.”

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.  For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  (27)  Now He who searches the hearts know what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome sometime between the years 55 to 58 A.D.   In the verses we study today, Paul is encouraging us to pray and we are told that the Holy Spirit helps us pray.   I love that Paul uses the pronoun we – “we do not know what we should pray for as we ought” .

What Paul is saying here is that we do not know the will of God so therefore we do not know how to pray.  This inability or insufficiency is met by the indwelling Holy Spirit who knows the will of God and intercedes for us to present the perfect prayer to God for us.  The Spirit also helps our weakness which is the key here:  man’s weakness and the help for man from God.  God reaches out to us always.

In verse 26, Paul writes of our groanings.  He is addressing our deepest emotional level – our deepest feelings which are without articulation.  The Holy Spirit who is distinct from the Father,  interprets these groanings on our behalf and conveys them to the Father who understands the Holy Spirit perfectly and the Spirit perfectly knows the will of the Father.

Paul is addressing not the method of prayer but the content.  We often don’t know how to pray as we should.   We are not, however, left alone.  God has given us the Holy Spirit to intercede for us in our weakness.  The Spirit helps us but we have to do our part.  The Holy Spirit’s prayers for us are always according to God’s will and thus are always answered.

In the beautiful and precious letter to the Romans, Paul writes the dominant theme of the sovereignty of God and gives us great encouragement to pray.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us.  (19) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.  (20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; (21) because the creation it self also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  (22) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  (23) Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome.  The church, already in existence in Rome, consisted of both Jews and Gentiles and Paul wrote Romans as a clear, concise articulation of the gospel he preached, focusing on Christ Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  Paul preached that sin had entered the world and the consequence of sin was estrangement from God.  Christ, true God and true man, entered the world at God’s chosen time,  to bring redemption to man through his suffering and death.  He was the perfect sacrifice and was raised from the dead by the power of God –  Salvation comes by free grace through faith in the completed works of Christ Jesus.

The Apostle  Paul, in the verses we study today, writes on present suffering and future glory for man.  All suffering is because of sin – this is the history of man since the fall.  God’s judgment on Adam included a judgment on creation – not just the botanical world but the animal world came under the curse.  Violence and death are the result of the curse on man’s sin which was not part of the original creation,  which God pronounced “Good”.   Even fallen creation still bears witness to “God’s majesty and glory – if fallen creation has this beauty, just imagine the new creation promised by God.

All believers suffer because of man’s sin.  Our Lord suffered – why would we think we are exempt?  We cannot know the sovereign purpose of God in that some suffer more and others less, but all suffer.  But, we have hope in our present suffering which is short lived in comparison to future glory.

The future for God’s adopted children is the glory of complete salvation which is not yet revealed.  This includes the full renewal of creation to its original perfection and purpose.  This future glory also includes freedom from sin and corruption including the full redemption of our bodies.  Paul’s doctrine tells us that as believers we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit –  this is a promise of God’s future glory for us.  We cannot see or understand the image of this future glory but salvation includes hope which is certain.  We hope because it has not yet been accomplished but we can be certain of our hope as God is true.  We know how it will all turn out but we do not know fully in our present limited way.  This certainty of future glory gives us hope to persevere through suffering.

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

(11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.  (12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors – not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.  (13) For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul in preparation for his visit to the Christians in Rome.  The verses we study today in Chapter 8 of Romans are basically a continuation and amplification of Chapter 7.  Paul there argued that the “Law” was incapable of producing sanctification or peace with God.  Man’s works are never enough to merit grace – the following of the law can never make man right with God.  Paul goes on to show that the application of law only produces conflict.  But belief in the gospel can produce that which the law cannot – i.e. salvation for the faithful. The completed work of Christ Jesus delivered man from condemnation because of sin and faith results in justification of the believer.   True belief informs the behavior of the  Christian.

So the “function” of faith in Christ Jesus is to pardon and the “function” of the Law is to condemn.  There is no condemnation under the gospel for those who are united in Christ – who conduct their lives NOT under the flesh or corruption of this world. To be worldly minded is death –  those men cannot please God and are utterly irreconcilable with the law of God.  They love what God hates.   To be spiritually minded is eternal life – to submit to the influence of the Spirit  That is the power of the gospel.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.   (7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.  I have kept the faith.  (8) Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

(17) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear.  Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  (18) And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.  To Him be glory forever and ever.  Amen!

This Sunday the Roman calendar dedicates Sunday, June 29, for the celebration of the lives of saints Peter and Paul.  So it is fitting that we study 2nd Timothy as this letter written to Timothy by the Apostle Paul is Paul’s last will and testament.  Paul writes from prison in Rome – only Luke is with him at the end and perhaps Luke is writing down this message for him.

In verses 4 – 6, Paul is telling Timothy, very matter of fact, that he is about to die.  Paul has lived his life in Christ since the road to Damascus conversion and compares his immanent death to the pouring out of wine on the completed religious sacrifice of the Old Testament.  Paul then continues by using the sports metaphors he has used throughout his writings.  In his day the Olympic games were relatively new and wildly popular – Paul tells us he has “fought the good fight.  I have finished the race.”   Paul often used the concept of running a marathon to teach the early Christians that  Christian life is not a sprint – we must endure with Christ as our goal, our life.  Paul is persuaded that this world is the shadow and Christ is the substance, the reality.    Paul has kept the faith – such beautiful words at the end of one’s life  – and the Lord will give him the winner’s crown of righteousness.   Then Paul, always the teacher, the Apostle by the will of God, tells us that that crown is also for all who love the Lord  and finish the race.

Paul then reviews his recent past and warns Timothy of human frailty.  He urges Timothy to follow his example and to trust in Christ – to be faithful, brave and to endure.  This second letter to Timothy is so immediate and beautiful.  It is a vivid portrayal of Paul’s spirit, mind and heart at the end of his life.  He is a man who is already moving into the kingdom of his Lord, Jesus Christ.  I want to say “don’t go” or “take me with you” but Paul’s words in verses 4 – 6 tell us we have to turn our lives over to Christ and follow his timeline for us.

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?  The bread which we break, is it not the communion of Christ?  (17) For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians at Corinth.   Corinth was a large, commercial city with easy access by both land and sea.  The Romans had chosen Corinth over Athens to be the capitol city of the ancient province of Achaia and it was known to be a city of many pagan temples – known also for immorality and sanctioned religious prostitution.  It was apparently difficult for the Corinthian Christians to discard all heathen customs – the religion of idols of their parents and countrymen.  Some of the Christians felt they could pass from Christian communion to heathen temple festivities, observing both Christian and pagan rites.  They were doing this in the name of Christian liberty – they decided that an idol is nothing and therefore pagan rituals are insignificant and God isn’t really too concerned.

Some of the Christian Corinthians felt they were committed to the gospel and could safely participate in pagan cultural events with no fear of backsliding.  But  Paul urges his audience to “flee from idolatry”.  He uses the Lord’s supper – which is basic to the Church as a memorial of Christ’s life given for man –  to argue that when Christians take communion they are in a very real way in communion with Christ and other worshippers and  with the one being worshipped.  That is why a Christian cannot go to an idol feast – because he/she would be involved with the idol worshippers and the one “worshipped”, like it or not.  He tells the Corinthians you cannot do both.

Paul warns his readers to beware of temptation and to not let what happened to the Israelites in the desert, who turned to idolatry and sexual immorality, happen to them.  The destroyer is real and the way to salvation is always perilous.  God is faithful and will always provide a way to escape from temptation but beware of idolatry while thinking you stand firm as Christians.  “If determined wickedness has slain its thousands, Heedlessness has slain its tens of thousands.”

Finally brethren, farewell.  Become complete.  Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; an the God of love and peace will be with you.  (12) Greet one another with a holy kiss.  (13) All the saints greet you.  (14) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  Amen.

The Apostle Paul wrote this second letter to the Corinthians and today’s reading is from the 13th chapter of the letter.  The ancient Church there as a whole has returned to allegiance to the gospel as preached by Paul but there are subverters at work and that is why Paul is vehement when he announces his intention to deal severely with dissension when he arrives in Corinth for the “third” time.  Paul writes that any case requiring disci;linary treatment will be dealt with immediately and that he intends to exercise his spiritual authority – he writes this so that voluntary action on the part of the Corinthians would spare Paul harsh action when he arrives.  In questioning the authority of Paul the Corinthians were questioning Christ who spoke in him.  To challenge Paul they are challenging Christ.

Paul closes Chapter 13 with love.  He prays that they will face their duties and overcome friction, fix dissension,  and that the love and peace of God will be in them.  He ends with an apostolic benediction which is the explicit doctrine of the trinity which is celebrate this Sunday in the Roman calendar of mass. This doctrine is based on God being revealed in the historical Christ – it really happened – and that the Church possesses this knowledge through the work of the Spirit.  The historical Christ is paramount here and it is through the Holy Spirit that the grace of Jesus and the love of God become possessions of Christian men.

Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

(4) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.  (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.  (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all

(12) For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.  (13) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians at Corinth in response to reports that disputes among believers threatened to divide the local church.  Today is Pentecost Sunday in the Catholic church when we celebrate the sending of the Spirit into our world.  Chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians is written on the nature, intent and worth of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Corinthians were once heathen and had no experience in spiritual things.  They were worshippers of idols which had no utterance, no power – consequently the whole worship system of idols was man made.  Now the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been preached there by Paul.  Paul is saying that the confession – act of belief/faith – of Jesus as Lord means that Christians acknowledge the influence of the Spirit who was sent by Jesus – we do not discover the Lordship of Jesus by ourselves but as something which God in His grace has revealed to us.

In the church at Corinth amazing things were happening but there was probably hysterical excitement and self delusion – so Paul deals with the true manifestations of the Spirit.  There were a variety of gifts for each man.  Those directly bestowed by the Spirit were healing, the gift of tongues, prophesying/preaching and underneath it all was faith working by love.  Paul is telling the Corinthians that there are many ministries and operations of the Church but there is the same God who works in all.  There is a unity of source of all spiritual gifts which is essentially the unity of the Church.  Paul compares the union of the faithful in Christ through the Spirit, with all their different gifts,  to the organic union of the body with it’s different members functioning as a whole.

By saying all the faithful are baptized into one body, receiving one spirit, Paul means all – from the Jews to the Greeks (Gentiles), from slaves to free men – all are influenced by one Spirit.  This is the unity of the Church.  Within it there are differing gifts and functions just like the body and every one is a gift of the Spirit and designed for the good of the whole.  Paul ends Chapter 12 by speaking of love.  With the different gifts to believers there is danger of working against each other so we have the greatest gift – and command –  of love to bind us together.

but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.  (14) If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.  (15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a their, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.  (16) Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in the matter.

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to Christians living in the first century A.D. to encourage them to bear up under the suffering Peter is assuming will come to them as believers of the Gospel.  Peter not only encourages them to endure in the face of insults, slander and abuse but for the faithful to rejoice in their distress.

Peter cautions Christians to NOT fear intimidation and not to be troubled.  Christians have as their authority the name of Jesus who called blessed those who endure for His sake, no matter what the circumstance.  Christ does not leave the faithful to bear their suffering alone – He walks within them.  It can be hard to see the divine plan at work – hard to see beyond  pain and grief to discern God’s sovereignty in present suffering but, the faithful should imitate Christ who depended on prayer and the Spirit in times of trial and temptation.  The Spirit of Glory will refresh the man/woman who suffers for the gospel.

This is the work of our salvation – done by the resting of the Spirit on believers.  The Bible tells us that Jesus warned us against anxiety about this life and fears for our earthly possessions.  Jesus said that true rest comes from knowing that the Father cares for us and will provide us with all we need –  the idea of spiritual rest.   We are told that the fact of persecution for the gospel is an indication of a spiritually prosperous life.  The rest of God allows the believer to function as a Child of God.

Peter further tells his audience that they are to be ready to suffer for being rightly related to God and NOT to suffer for being wrongly related to men – as a thief, murderer or evildoer.

The life and conduct of a Christian is the best argument that he/she does not deserve the suffering the believer bears for the name of Christ.  The Apostle Peter gloried in his privilege to suffer for the name of Christ.  Quoting Robert Leighton:  “Consider, it is but a short while, and the wicked and their scoffs shall vanish; they shall not be.  This shame will presently be over, this disgrace is of short date, but the glory, and the Spirit of glory, are eternal.  What though thou shouldst be poor, and defamed and despised, and be the common mark of scorn and all injuries, yet the end of them all is at hand.”

But sanctify the Lord God in your heart, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; (16) having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.  (17) For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.  (18) For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to the Christians in the far flung Roman empire and his main concern is Christian conduct under persecution.  The foundation of the gospel Peter preached is Christ is Messiah and Lord and he is urging Christians to make Jesus the center of their lives.  Belief in the sovereignty of God enables Christians to respond properly to the troubles of life – and also the joys of life.

The “hope” and life style of early Christians was so markedly different from the culture of that ancient world that Peter is assuming here that they will be asked about it – either by official interrogation or by informal questioning.  Peter is assuming a great deal of slander and lies about Christian belief and living –  here he tells his readers that the truth of Christian living may shame unbelievers into silence.

Christians should be always ready – we should know what we believe and why we believe it  and we should be ready to explain these beliefs.  Defending one’s belief was (and is) a Jewish tradition.   Peter is encouraging his audience to continue in this tradition and to know and believe in Christ Jesus, the Messiah who was foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament – perfect man and perfect God – the righteous one who suffered for unrighteous man

.  We behave as we believe.  Martin Luther, a biblical scholar,  nailed his theses to the church door at Wittenberg and stood ready to defend his position – “Here I stand.  I can do no other – God help me. ”  Christians should be ready to live as holy people and defend their position – Here we stand.   We can do no other.  Amen

Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, (5) you also, as living stones are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  (6) Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,

“Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

(7) Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,

“The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,”

(8) and

A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.”

They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.  (9) But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

The Apostle Peter wrote this first letter to Christians in distant parts of the Roman Empire.  He wrote to encourage them in times of persecution and to remind them that  the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith and hope.

Peter uses a common biblical metaphor of Christ as the living cornerstone of salvation and of the Church.  The new truth is that through Jesus every Christian is part of a new priestly order.  In the Old Testament there was a priestly family and sacrifices would be offered through them to please God.  Now Peter is telling his audience that in the New Testament the word priest is applied to all people of God and all believers are priests – all have access to God through Jesus Christ.  It is the character and attitude of the giver that makes spiritual gifts acceptable.

Belief in Christ is essential:  not just a passive belief but a decisive and obedient action.  People are confused when they hold a strong and sincere belief in something that does not matter.  i.e. they can strongly believe that a chair is God and worship that chair –  such people are sincerely wrong.    However the gospel tells us the beginning and end of our faith is Christ and we are to look for everything in Him – the Word of God proclaims this and history confirms it.  Our fundamental relationship is with Christ and if we neglect or reject Him we “stumble” over Him and offend God.

BUT IF, WHEN YE DO WELL, AND SUFFER FOR IT, YE TAKE IT PATIENTLY, THIS IS ACCEPTABLE WITH GOD.  (21) FOR EVEN HEREUNTO WERE YE CALLED;  BECAUSE CHRIST ALSO SUFFERED FOR US, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE, THAT YE SHOULD FOLLOW HIS STEPS:  (22) WHO DID NO SIN, NEITHER WAS GUILE FOUND IN HIS MOUTH:  (23) WHO, WHEN HE WAS REVILED, REVILED NOT AGAIN; WHEN HE SUFFERED, HE THREATENED NOT; BUT COMMITTED HIMSELF TO HIM THAT JUDGETH RIGHTEOUSLY:  (24) WHO HIS OWN SELF BARE OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BODY ON THE TREE, THAT WE, BEING DEAD TO SINS, SHOULD LIVE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS: BY WHOSE STRIPES YE WERE HEALED.  (25) FOR YE WERE AS SHEEP GOING ASTRAY; BUT ARE NOW RETURNED UNTO THE SHEPHERD AND BISHOP OF YOUR SOULS. 

This first letter of Peter was written by the Apostle Peter to Christians in faraway places in the then known world.  More and more Christians were ostracized by society – they were outcasts, mocked, insulted,  bullied and in some cases jailed and even put to death for their beliefs.  Peter is writing to these Christians to encourage them to be steadfast in their faith.  Jesus set the example – there was no reason for Christ to suffer as He did no wrong –  and He put His trust in God, the perfect judge.  We are called to imitate Christ in everything.  We are called from dark to light as an effectual call to salvation.

Peter’s letter is based on a biblical world view of God’s sovereignty. Jesus Christ has appeared in history and is the long awaited, prophesied Messiah.  God’s plan is working toward completion.  Peter tells his audience that the first phase of messianic time has already happened in Jesus as He is the Suffering Servant of Isaiah (Old Testament)  who has died to carry away the sins of the world – but also to provide a pattern for Christian living.  The sovereign God will sustain those early Christians (and us) in adversity.  Faith, submission and trust in God as the righteous judge,  provide the basis for Christian living.

We are told again and again in the Bible to set our eyes and hearts on heaven.  This world is temporary and we need to seek the eternal.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that the figure of the crucified invalidates all thought which takes success (meaning success of this earthly world)  for its standard.  Remember Bob the wonder dog – he never took his eyes off the ball.

And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; (18) knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, (19) but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.  (20) He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you (21) who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

This letter was written by the Apostle Peter to the early Christians to encourage them in times of persecution because of their faith.  In ancient days the buying and selling of slaves was a major business – there was a redemption price.  People did not at first understand that the death of the perfect man, Jesus, was the price of redemption from the bondage of slavery to sin.  The Jews were looking for a Messiah of an earthly kingdom but  redemption from sin and eternal salvation by the acts of Jesus is an elementary Christian belief.

Peter is telling his audience that Christian life is lived out of knowledge of the redemption that Christ Jesus has accomplished.  Believers have a new relationship with God which is a motivation for conduct here on earth – a new life style.  Christians are not to become complacent but to remember, in fear, the Father is also the judge of both believers and non-believers.   Peter’s use of the word fear means that we should live our lives as holy or separated from things of this world  – in reverential awe stricken joy and a dread of offending God through sin.  Christians are foreigners and temporary residents of this world who need to practice vigilance against temptation and live lives of holy carefulness. True faith results in sanctified behavior –  All through the New Testament we hear that we act as we believe.

Unbelievers lack divine insight and are unable to lead a life with eternal purpose.   Peter’s use of “believers” in these verses has the meaning of certainty.  “Faith is not a blind leap but is a confident commitment to One Who abounds and the evidence bears ample testimony.”

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (4) to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,  (5) who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (6) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, (7) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (8) whom having not seen you love.  Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (9) receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.

This first letter of Peter was written by the Apostle Peter to the Christians living in the ancient world of the Roman empire.  It was likely written from Rome and was again likely written before the persecution of Christians which took place after the fire in Rome in A.D. 64.  There was open hostility toward Christians in the first century.  They were mocked, ridiculed harassed, marginalized, imprisoned and put to death.  Peter’s purpose in writing this pastoral letter to “God’s elect” was to help the early believers see their temporary sufferings in the light of the coming eternal glory.

Peter tells his audience that man has a need for meaning and purpose and hope that is met – through faith- by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  By God’s mercy man can take hold of that great gift of grace and promise of salvation and will be reborn into a new life – a living hope that can never be extinguished. This is a lively hope that cheers the soul, inspires confidence and sustains courage based on God’s promise.  Future hope brings present joy.  Peter advocates for a life lived by faith rather than works – life lived waiting to be judged righteous through faith in Christ. He states that the foundation of our absolute  assurance of future hope is based on the resurrection  and the only work that God requires of people for salvation is faith in Christ Jesus – the believer is already saved by grace through faith.

Present hope is based on past calling. We are called to be holy and blameless before Him and hope in the gospel anchors us.  Our inheritance is eternal, not subject to decay.  It is imperishable, not like an earthly inheritance – it will not corrupt the soul, will not tempt or defile the heart.  God has “caused us” to be born again.  This is a gift from God – even the faith to believe is a gift from God.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.  (2) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  (3) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  (4) When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in that city – Paul never visited Colosse.  The first 2 chapters of this letter concern doctrine – the mystery of Christ in them and the circumcision of their hearts “made without hands”.  Paul was saying that the Colossians should put away their fleshy nature of this world as they had died and were raised with Christ in their faith.    Now Paul is turning to the practical application of this doctrine.

How we live is determined by how we think.  Through faith in Christ risen we are new men and women and Paul emphasizes our personal holiness – being outside of worldly concerns in relation to ourselves  and in relation to others.  The sequence here is important:  we must be right in our inner lives before we can be right in our relationships with others in Christ.  This is an ongoing process of sanctification.  If we are raised with Christ in faith we must realize this change – we must BE in practice what we are in position in Christ.

Paul tells us to seek not things of earth but things of the spirit.  We are to become what we already are by God’s grace.  A believer’s relationship with Christ gives him/her a renewed mind and calls for a definite act of will.  We are to find our true north in Christ.  This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pursue our callings and responsibilities on earth but we are to keep our eyes on the prize which is not of this world.  We are drawn into this way of life through faith:  first with baby steps and as we grow in love for Christ we mature.  Things above get daily more important and things of this earth grow daily less important.

Earlier in the letter to the Colossians Paul tells his audience not to pursue or concern themselves with things “which perish with the using”.  We are to keep our feet on earth and our minds and hearts in heaven.   This does not mean to have contempt of things in this world but we are not to set the heart on transitory things as they are only subordinate and instrumental.  What is seen is temporal and what is unseen is eternal.  The things of this world cannot last – all trials, crosses and conflicts are also temporary.  The cross will be replaced by a crown and only things from above are eternal.

I am closing with a quote from c.s. lewis on man’s true purpose:

Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists……. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy the most probable explanation is that it was made for another world.  If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it that does not prove the universe is a fraud.  Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing.

Jesus Christ, Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  (9) Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.  (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and of those on earth and of those under the earth, (11) and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Apostle Paul wrote this magnificent passage on the nature and person and work of Christ Jesus.  He was writing to the Philippians to correct a minor problem in the church there.  Paul wrote to tell them the cure for their/any condition is to know the mind of Christ.  Paul described the suffering of Christ and emphasized here that Jesus, true God and true man, did not cling to His divine nature.  Jesus is equal with God but took upon Himself the nature and likeness of men.  And was obedient to death – not a common death but the lowest and most painful of death the Romans could apply.  But, as was the humility of Jesus also was and is His exaltation:  all created things shall pay homage to Him.

Paul tells us that essential nature cannot be changed and Jesus is essential and unalterable God and this was an objective reality  before the beginning of time.  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow – He is always God.  The essence of Jesus is divine and this never changes.  He emptied Himself of His divine glory but not of His divine nature.  He emptied Himself of the self manifestation of His divine essence but not of His divine nature.  He continued to be the Son of God.

The dramatic act of incarnation – added to the divine nature of Christ was a complete human nature and the divine glory was veiled – voluntarily.  Christ Jesus submitted to human limitations APART from sin.  There is a profound truth here – we think of Christ’s miracles and His putting forth His powers as God:  quieting the storm, raising the dead, causing the blind to see and the lame to walk.  But a truer understanding of this human nature shows He did nothing of Himself.  The works He did were not His own but the Father’s who sent Him.  His human life was one of faith even as our life should be one of faith.   He is our PERFECT example.

A study of today’s verses tell us that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue shall give praise to God.  Even the fallen unredeemed angels and unredeemed man – even though under eternal condemnation –  will HAVE to bow before Jesus and acknowledge He is the Son of God.  Even hell itself will confess Jesus Christ is Lord – ultimately this will be so, either by choice or by force, that all will submit to Jesus Christ as Lord.   All that has happened and ever will happen moves through time toward this moment.  History shows the pattern and rhythm toward this conclusion and history is not an aimless sequence of events.  There is a meaning and purpose for everything in this world.  All history tells us of the sovereignty of God – all the Bible tells us this story.

So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.  (9) But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.  (10) And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  (11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians living in Rome.  In a previous chapter Paul had raised the question:  “Who will deliver me from this body of death?”  The answer is that through the completed acts of Christ Jesus we are delivered in faith by the indwelling Son and Spirit of God.  Paul is teaching here that at the moment of belief we receive the Spirit of God.  The Mosaic Law could never be followed by fallen and sinful man.  So God initiated reconciliation and sent Christ to be the once and forever sin offering for the justification of believers.  Because of this sacrifice, man who has faith is justified – made right with God.  Believing Christians no longer walk in the ways of the flesh (sin) but walk according to the spirit.  Paul qualifies this saving faith by saying that if anyone does not have true faith, “he is not His”.

The verses we study today contrast life and death – the body and the spirit.   There is the death of the body because of sin but there is the life of the spirit because of justification of man through Christ.  There is the flesh and there is the spirit:  both states have a path and an end and the goal of both these ends acts on man.  To gain the goal of death man needs   more and more complete separation from God – this is the path of death.  The spirit aims for life in God and works toward that goal of salvation.  So on the one hand there is a state of death in which not a spark of life remains.  Or, there is the goal of spiritual life –  that perfect life from which the last vestige of death has disappeared.

For you were once darkness, but not you are light in the Lord.  Walk as children of light (9)  (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), (10) finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.  (11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.  (12) For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.  (13) But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.  (14) Therefore He says:  Awake you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul who was speaking to believing Gentiles – those who had been in total spiritual darkness and now, in faith, were in light.  Paul wrote the Gentiles that all those sinful behaviors were behind them – in darkness they chased sin but now sin chases them.  The faithful are regenerated – born again believers in Christ Jesus.  Their lives have changed but not their circumstances.  Men in darkness were evil and they were spiritually dead but they have put on Christ and become children of light.  God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.  Darkness is Satan’s domain.

Paul tells the Ephesians – and us – that the result or fruit of the light is moral goodness and that this goodness in the way believers live and interact gives proof of the possession of the Spirit. Believers walk in light because they are the people of truth with nothing to hide.  This truth is reality which is hidden under appearances.

Paul further asserts that without faith it is impossible to please God.  Believers must put every thought, word, and  action to the test to find out what does please God.  We do not determine this by our own feelings, or by the world or even by what other Christians say or think –   but by growing to understand His Word and not act out of selfish motives.  Believers have a new personal relationship with Christ. So, first we are to become children of light and then to walk as children of light to please The Lord.

Paul commands believers not to participate in unfruitful deeds of darkness.  This principle of separation of God’s people is all through the New and the Old Testaments. Paul further is saying that it is not good enough to separate from evil but to expose men of darkness.  Believers can get used to darkness – to become desensitized to evil. This gradual process begins with broadminded tolerance which becomes a peaceful coexistence with evil when we stretch our conscience.

All things are visible when exposed to the light in contrast with things done in secret. Our lives should be a light contrasting good and evil. I cannot do better than to quote Paul’s letter to the Romans,  Chapter 13, verse 12:

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand.  Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, amd let us put on the armor of light.”

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

(5) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  (6) For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.  (8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans to inform the Christians in Rome of his intentions to come to them to preach “his” gospel.  This precious epistle presents a complete and detailed exposition of the gospel message Paul would present and no study of theology can be complete without knowledge of his towering letter to the Romans.

Chapter 5 begins with the word Therefore – Paul is reaching back to preceding chapters where he has shown that man – all men – are sinful and guilty before God.  Only by grace, through faith in the redemptive works of Christ Jesus, is man justified and made right with God.  Man cannot in any way justify himself.  In our verses today Paul is showing us the blessings and benefits that flow from justification.  Paul has shown the sinner his needs and now is introducing the truths of the gospel.

Because of the sacrificial death of Jesus we now have access to God.  Through and in faith, all believing Christians enjoy God’s blessings immediately, permanently and continuously.  The acceptance of Christ as Saviour has nothing to do with what man has done – good works, etc – but has all to do with what Christ has done.  Divine favor is given to every believer the moment he/she believes.  Paul’s message tells the faithful to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God – hope is the desire for future good with expectation of obtaining that future good.  Glory is a manifestation of God’s true nature and presence into which He will admit the faithful.  This was man’s true destiny, lost through sin and now restored through Christ.   Paul is saying that we are pilgrims on earth but biblical hope is the certainty of future good – this hope is God’s word which He cannot break as God is faithful and cannot disappoint.

God has demonstrated His love for us – He sent His Son to die for us when we were unloveable.  Christ’s action is God’s action.  Such a quality of love is distinct, unexpected and unheard of in human relations.  The redemptive work of Christ was irrespective of merit on the part of man and thus totally unlike natural love.

The gift of the Holy Spirit is to let us understand this gift of certain hope.  The eyes of the faithful have been opened – they see through their eyes, not by them.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, (9) who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, (10) but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel

The Apostle Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy while he (Paul) was a prisoner for his faith in Rome.  Paul knew he was about to die and this letter is essentially his last will and testament.

Under Nero, those who followed and believed in Christ Jesus were subject to criticism, ostracism, persecution, imprisonment and even death.  Paul is writing to Timothy asking him to not be ashamed of the gospel – not to suffer a lack of courage or fear humiliation or be kept by any circumstance from preaching the gospel Paul has taught him.  Paul reminds Timothy that salvation has been revealed to the human race by the historical appearance and completed works of our savior, Christ Jesus.  Christ has destroyed spiritual death through His death and resurrection.  Through faith in Christ we have inherited eternal life so Paul tells Timothy – and us – that we have nothing to fear, not even death.

Paul is saying that Timothy and by extension all believers – through faith in Jesus will have a better life – peace, joy, life eternal – but our problems may be much worse in this temporal life.  So Paul exhorts Timothy to embrace suffering for the gospel.  Paul use his own suffering as an example of one who has run the good race.  Remember, Paul is fully aware that his death for Christ is immanent.

I would like to end with a quote from Malcolm Muggeridge who said in a sermon at the University of Edinborough, 1968,

“So I come back to where I began to that other king, one Jesus, to the Christian notion that man’s efforts to make himself personally and collectively happy in earthly terms are doomed to failure  He must indeed, as Christ said, be born again, be a new man, or he’s nothing.  So at least I have concluded, having failed to find in past experiences, present dilemmas, and future expectations any alternative proposition.  As far as I am concerned, it is Christ or nothing.”

Amen.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned – (13) (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  (14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.  (15) But the free gift is not like the offense.  For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.  (16) And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned.  For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.  (17)  For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

(18) Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.  (19) For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

The Apostle Paul was hoping to visit the Christian community in Rome and wrote this letter in advance of his arrival.  In the first part of the letter Paul has established how God has provided (and now revealed)  how man has been made right with God throu the sacrificial death of Christ Jesus and His resurrection and victory over death.  In the verses we study today, Paul draws a contrast and parallel between the redemptive work of Christ Jesus and the work of another man, Adam.  Through the disobedience of one man, Adam, sin entered the world.  As a result of sin,  both physical and spiritual death entered in accordance with God’s warning.  All men sinned through Adam.

In these verses Paul pretty much touches on the foundational doctrine of Christianity:  the imputation or the placing something on another’s account – of Adam’s sin and God’s judgment on his posterity.  Man did evil thereafter because man was evil.  Man was under condemnation and death because of Adam’s sin.  Sin entering through the one act of Adam made a constitutional change in a man’s nature.  Man now possessed the nature or propensity to sin from the sin of Adam.  Mankind is considered a single entity – the entire human race is descended from Adam.  Therefore when Adam sinned all mankind sinned.

In contrast to this thought, Paul write that God’s grace, the gift of righteousness, came to the entire human race by the one man, Jesus Christ, and abounded to many.  By this Paul means that the gift of God’s grace is available to all people but not necessarily appropriated by all.  Jesus Christ became sin and bore sin’s penalty on the cross as the perfect sacrifice.  The new man was bought at a price.  But man has to say yes to the gospel.  At that moment man’s responsibility as a child of Adam under the judgment of God is over – but also at that moment, man’s responsibility as a child of God begins.  Justified man has a new nature that craves the divine – he is part of the new creation of which Christ is the head.

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.  (2) Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.  (3) But with me it is a very small that I should be judged by you or by a human court.  In fact, I do not even judge myself.   (4) For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.  (5) Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts.  Then each one’s praise will come from God.

This first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church he founded at Corinth.   In today’s lesson Paul moves to the futility of judgment of teachers by the Corinthians and warns that the question should be:  are the teachers faithful to what they were sent by Christ to teach?  Not, were they eloquent?

Paul writes that a teacher must expect to be misjudged by those who have a different point of view.  A preacher must faithfully deliver what has been made known to him – he needs only the approval of Christ.  Paul shows that he had a just concern for his own reputation but what mattered to him was to please Christ, not men.  Fidelity to duty implies having to answer to someone – Paul is saying he is not to be judged by men but that he is the steward of God’s word and will be judged by Christ.

Paul feels that he is obedient to Christ’s call but maintains in verse 3 and 4,  that even he may be self deceived and that only God can see the inner man – “In fact, I do not even judge myself.  For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord”.   The Spirit only can search the heart.  So Paul can feel he is a faithful steward of Christ but still awaits the judgment of the Lord who can see “the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the heart.”

It is not by man’s judgment that we stand or fall.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  (17) If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.  For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.  (18) Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.  (19) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.  For it is written “He catches the wise in their own craftiness” (20) and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”  (21) Therefore, let no one boast in men.  For all things are yours:  (22) whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death or things present or things to come – all are yours, (23) and you are Christ’s and Christ is God’s.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul.  There were divisions and factions in the church at Corinth and Paul wrote to “plead’ for unity in Christ Jesus, who has saved us.  Paul is concerned that the Christians in Corinth are indulging in the wisdom of this world which will come to nothing  He is concerned that the faithful there are succumbing to cults of personalities.  Paul warns that the wisdom of men is folly and to embrace the teaching of some charismatic leaders is to put their faith in mere men – a result shown to be not just worthless but distracting.  Paul has written to give the Corinthians reasons to cease boasting in things of this world – to forsake the wisdom of this world and turn to the revealed wisdom of God.  In another words, Paul is advising the Corinthians (and us)to commit to the simplistic and foolish -foolish to unbelieving men – truths of the gospel:  Christ crucified.   The Corinthians are to commit to what the world rejected as foolishness.  The wisdom of men is folly, changing and temporal.  The wisdom of God is eternal truth.

Paul tells the Corinthians to change direction:  that there is nothing which can separate them/us from the love of God.  All true teachers belong to God already.  Alll of God’s revealed truth, revealed wisdom, belongs to the whole church, not to some elites.  Believers belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God.  All things belong to our sovereign God and we possess them in Christ.

Today’s verses are Paul’s application – his bottom line for the foundation he has built chapters one and two.  The Corinthians are to repent, change their minds from the wisdom of the world and me.  They are charged with embracing God’s wisdom which is Christ crucified – which is the simple message of the gospel.   The message to us is to say no to wisdom learned from the senses and yes to the transcendent, revealed wisdom of God.  Instead of celebrating life’s diversity we should study to understand life’s diversity in the light of its unity in God – to place the highest value on ultimate certainities.   We are to renounce the secular wisdom of this age –  for christian wisdom begins with God and ends in Him.  Scripture is God’s word to us.

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age,  who are coming to nothing.  (7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, (8) which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  (9) But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,

Nor have entered into the heart of man

The things which God has prepared for those who love Him”.

(10) But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.  For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians.  He wrote to a church there that had been divided into factions and in addressing this disunity he revisits his constant foundational  doctrine of the wisdom of God and the blessings of salvation prepared by the Father – and determined by the Father – carried out by the Son, Christ Jesus, and applied by the Spirit to all believers.  The only way the Corinthians could have known of the revelation of the mystery of God is by the Spirit.  To cite Matthew Henry who wrote regarding Paul’s teaching:  Paul laid down the doctrine as the Spirit delivered it:  and left the Spirit, by his eternal operation in signs and miracles, and His internal influences on the hearts of men, to demonstrate the truth of it and secure its reception.

The judgment of God is different from that of the world.  It is a different kind of wisdom from that of the world.  This wisdom was not known by the great men of that world – here Paul is referring to the Roman Governor, the rulers of the Jewish world with authority and power.  They did not know Christ and they crucified Him by the sentence of the one and the clamor of the other.  People act as they do because they are blind to the truth or heedless of it.  They lack a wisdom that can not be discovered by only man’s reason and is available to man only through God’s revelation.  Remember that Christ in His agony asked the Father to forgive them for they knew not what they do.

Paul wrote what he taught and what he taught was revealed by God in the Spirit.  He is saying that truth does not come to us through our five senses but only by divine revelation. When Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah here:  “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him” Paul is speaking of the sovereignity of God and God’s plan which is foolishness to unbelievers.  Paul is imparting the redemptive plan of God through Christ and through Christ crucified – matters which are not objects of sense and cannot be discovered by reason.  Paul furthers says that the Spirit knows all things and knows God.  Who can know God but God? – or much as a man’s mind is known to himself and cannot be known by another man unless communicated, man cannot know the purpose of God until the Spirit (God) reveals it.

These verses teach divine illumination done by infallible inspiration – infallible because it is from God.  God does not reveal Himself if we ask Him but only when He wants to – One can hear the word of God but only God can speak to our hearts.  When we say yes,  Paul is saying the believer has received the Spirit of God, not the spirit of the world, that we may know the eternal things that have freely been given us by God, through the redemptive work of Christ Jesus.

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.  (2)for I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  (3) I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.  (4) And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (5) that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians because of the divided and contentious state of the Christian church in Corinth.  He took pains to present the cross of Christ not as a philosophy preached by fancy rhetoric but he taught the bare facts, not theory about these facts.  He presented Christ crucified as the wisdom of God.  Paul preached  the significance of Christ’s redemptive death and declared that Christianity is for all men.

Paul declared hat he was not a skilled orator but simply a witness.  He preached that  the true foundation of faith is not man’s reason but the testimony of God.   What made God known is the cross of Christ.  This might seem lunacy to some and indeed was a “stumbling block to the Jews, and foolishness to the Greek”,  but to those who are called this is the power and wisdom of God.  It is God who chooses and calls men and in the power of the cross Christ is made to us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.

The verses we study today contrast what reason teaches and what God teaches.   There is always the contrast of the wisdom of the gospels revealed by God to the foolishness of these gospels to unbelieving man – to the unrenewed, “the wise” of this world.   The contrast was between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God – when God calls, the world’s standards are turned upside down.  God’s plan of salvation accomplished by the crucified Christ was hidden from the wise of this world – the learned, influential of this world –  but was revealed to simple believers.

We see God’s wisdom in all of the Bible – it is His story.    Appearances are deceiving.  God knows what is in a man’s heart.   As i was writing this i kept thinking of Martin Luther King’s great speech when he dreamed that one day his grandchildren would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.  His dream was that man know and embrace the wisdom and the truth of God.

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, (15) and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  (16) For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.  (17)Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  (18)For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown.  The audience is also unknown but they are probably Christian Jews from a particular community.  The writer of Hebrews knew them and their history — he writes that he expects to visit them and asks for their prayers.   The author of Hebrews makes heavy use of the Old Testament to make his Christological point  and to argue against the permanance of the Levitical system of the high priest.  He carefully builds his case, using a Book that his readers are familiar with, to show that all of the Old Testament points to the Messiah, who is Jesus Christ.

The primary purpose of Hebrews is to urge these Christian Jews to hold fast to their Christian belief.  The first verse of this letter “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.”  Hebrews exalts the person and work of Jesus Christ.  his incarnation, suffering, substitutionary death and resurrection from the dead make Him the ultimate and forever High Priest who can lead his people into eternal glory.

The point of Hebrews is that Jesus Christ has entered the world and the faithful will share in his eternal rule.  In our verses today we read that those made holy by Christ’s death have become of the same family – His brothers and also His children.  Fallen man was held as servants of the devil.  Since we were human, Christ had to become human and to die for man as the perfect and final sacrifice.  The devil had wielded the power of death – or fear of death – and now, people were no longer subject to eternal death.  Man could face it with the same confidence in God that Christ had done.

Hebrews also tells its readers that whatever needs or trials they might face, Christ is adequate for them.  Christ can do this because He was made like his brothers in every way.  Christ’s role as High Priest who can lead them into eternal glory, was made perfect by His perfect sacrifice.

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.  (11) For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.  (12) Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or  “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.”  (13) Is Christ divided?  Was Paul crucified for you?  Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?  (17) For Christ did not send me too baptize, but to preach, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul.  Specific questions had been sent to Paul about divisive issues and we learn more about Paul’s theology and the application of that theology.  It appears that a cult of personality had entered the the church at Corinth  Paul mentions three charismatic figures – who may or may not have been symbolic – of divisive cliques.  The faithful at Corinth were quarreling and dividing into groups with each party having its own leaders.  The Corinthians were proud people and boasting about their “special” leader was boasting about their cleverness in adhering to a particular leader – they are the best faction; the most pure;  the holiest, etc.

Paul’s position was, first of all, directed to “brothers” and not to adversaries.  He had authority to command that this behavior end but Paul chose to “plead” with the faithful.  He is saying that the Corinthians are not tearing each other apart but tearing up the body of Christ which is His church.  Is Christ divided?  Jesus does not belong to one group and at the center of his theology Paul always had Christ crucified and risen.  No man – except Christ, true man and true God – won salvation for the Corinthians and all of fallen man.  Paul’s focus was to preach the gospel of Christ, not to foster a cult of personal adulation.  The application of today’s reading is to remind us to follow the cross – keep your eyes on the goal, run the marathon, win the race.

When I read of the problems with unity in the church of Christ I always think of my dog who loved playing with tennis balls.  No matter what misdirection I used; no matter what fake throws i would make, Bob – the dog – would always keep his eyes on the ball.  Always.  And that is our take home for today.    Keep your eye on the ball.  Follow the cross.

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother.  (2) To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:  (3)  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the Church of God in Corinth.  This church was founded by Paul and had its problems – of heresy, contentious behaviour and sexual immorality.  Paul responds to these continuing problems in Corinth with grateful thanksgiving.

One of the primary themes in Chapter One of this letter is discussing what it means to be called.  He, Paul, has been “called” by the divine will of God to be an apostle of Jesus Christ – the Corinthians are saints by “calling”.  Paul speaks of God’s “calling” to fellowship; Jews and Gentiles are “called”, and again, at the end of the chapter, Paul writes that God “calls” the Corinthians to salvation.

In verse 3 of today’s study Paul expresses his theological outlook in the words Grace to you.  Grace is God’s free gift to us in Christ.  God forgives us and empowers us to sanctification.    Peace here is not meant as the absence of strife but the presence of positive blessings toward the spiritual health and richness of the individual.  The “saints” at Corinth were saints because of their calling, not their conduct – living saints, who, through faith in Jesus Christ are called by God.  Every true believer is  a saint set aside with Christ as their foundation.  Paul reminds his readers that the church at Corinth possessed all spiritual gifts and reminds them that they have been called by God who is faithful.  God wants them to make use of their gifts.  Paul expresses his confidence, not in the Corinthians, but in God.  Everything is grounded in the fact that God is faithful based upon Paul’s certainty expressed in verse 2.  God is the one acting:  God gives and God keeps.  Thank God.

Then Peter opened his mouth and said “In truth, I perceive that God shows no partiality.  (35) But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.  (36) The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all – (37) that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:  (38)how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke and deals primarily with the ministries of Peter and Paul. Acts was not just chronicling historical events of those early days of the Church, but provided an account of words – summaries of words and speeches – gained either first hand or from written or oral testimony of witnesses.  Luke wrote Acts of the Apostles – as he tells us in this letter – to proclaim the certainity of what the audience had been taught.  Luke’s particular perspective was to provide witness to the meaning and implication of the death of Christ Jesus and His resurrection.

In today’s verses we hear of a certain Cornelius who was a centurion of the Italian Regiment.  The specific term used – Italian Regiment – tell us that this was an honored  regiment of the Roman empire and Cornelius held great authority.  Cornelius is further described as a man/gentile who feared God and who was told in a vision to send for Peter who was residing in a nearby city.  The Spirit had also told Peter to receive the men sent by Cornelius and to go with them.

Peter was a Jewish man who was reared in Jewish Law and traditions – at this point in history it was believed that a gentile had to adopt Jewish rules and customs – circumcision and ceremonial law – to be saved.  Peter however was told in a vision that nothing God creates is forbidden.  So this is a radical change.  since the time of Abraham salvation had been seen by the Jews as only from and through the Jews and now the door was opened to salvation for all nations, regardless of race and nationality.

Cornelius is described as God fearing and as doing many good works.  Peter was called by God to explain that good works would not save him – that salvation is by God’s grace and centers on the completed works of Christ Jesus.  Jesus is the issue, and the point of these verses.  Peter was a witness to salvation available through faith in Christ – this was not a vague belief but a specific and personal one.  Jesus and his completed works is our hope and salvation is offered by God to all who believe in Christ Jesus.

It really does matter what we believe.  We can believe clapping our hands will make tinkerbell live but really????  Our sincerity does not matter in reality.  Good works will not get us eternal life.  There is not anything we can do – that is good enough – to earn salvation.  The Bible is clear that faith in the redemptive works in Jesus Christ will provide justification from God:   that we will be made right with God through faith in Christ Jesus.

(2) if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, (3) how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery

(5) which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets.  (6) that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul – possibly as a circular letter to be read in all the churches Paul had founded in Asia – while he was a prisoner in Rome.  This letter teaches God’s sovereign plan; the fellowship of Christians in the church as the body of Christ and the reconciliation of the universe – all creation – in Christ.

In the verses we study today Paul tells his readers that the mystery revealed to him to communicate was a direct revelation of God’s word to him to proclaim authoritatively.  Paul’s teachings were to be verified by signs and miracles and become foundations of the Church.  This mystery revealed to Paul to dispense is the inclusion of Gentiles in the kingdom of God  in equal standing with Jewish believers in Christ.  This long hidden purpose of God regarding Christ – not for Israel only – was that every bit of life finds it’s final solution in the Lord Jesus.  The call to the Gentiles was predicted but the full import of the call was not known until this revelation.  What was not predicted was that Jews would not have a privileged position over Gentiles.   The great truth was that Gentiles should be fellow heirs of God’s promise in Christ by the gospel.  The relationship between Jew and Gentile is the one new man, in peace, by the cross.

It was difficult for Jews to accept that Jews and Gentiles would form the “one new man” – one body, the church. This “corporate relationship” is a logical consequence of the gospel that God accepts all who believe in Christ crucified and risen.  This is the revealed mystery and this is a stumbling block for Jews.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering; (13) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

(14) But above all these thing put on love which is the “bond of perfection.  (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  (17) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

(18) Wives, submit to your own husbands, as if fitting in the Lord. 

(19) Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

(20) Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

(21) Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul in response to news that heresy was threatening the Christian church at Colosse. This heresy preached strict obligation regarding food and drink and observation of ceremonial days: a denial of the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ Jesus; and a “super knowledge” of a few privileged insiders.  Paul, alerted to these distortions, wrote to the Colossians urging them to preserve true doctrine and to beware of anyone who tries to cheat them/us out of their/our salvation according to man’s rules – we are to follow Christ’s principles, not those of the world.  To Paul, Christ is all in all and his audience is urged to seek things above, not things on earth.  Through faith, Christians are alive with Christ.

The faithful are told to put off the clothing or attributes of the old man’s sinful nature and to put on – as the elect of God – qualities of mercy, kindness, humility.  This concept of rejecting the old sinful nature and acquiring the qualities of a new man is accomplished only through conscious love as an intellectual choice, not an emotional reaction.  We are urged to do all – everything – in the name of Christ Jesus as a new man/woman.  Saints (Christian faithful) are to live differently from the world which is passing away.  Christians are expected to be different because we are different – the life of Christ is in us.  The faithful do not elect themselves – they do not make themselves holy but they become so only through the love of God and the finished work of Christ which led to sovereign election and free forgiveness and grace.  We are to never forget what God has done for us in Christ.

Christian belief should be followed by Christian conduct.   We are God’s creatures.  The Bible aims all it’s commands at turning from the self to God and others.  We, as debtors to God, should not hesitate to cancel the debt others owe us. God did not spare His own Son as our substitute and man, as a beneficiary of such a great gift, must also freely give to others the gift of forgiveness – this is not an optional part of Christian life.

The transforming power of grace to do what we could not do alone is not earned but comes through faith in Christ Jesus.  We cannot forgive as the “old man” but, as a new man in Christ,  forgiveness flows through.  In this conscious choice to release others, we can be set free.  Think of how little we know of each other – too little to be censorious or harsh.

Beyond all these things we are told to put on the new man in love.  Virtues without love is legalism.  We are only acceptable to God through love- without love we are as a “sounding brass and a tinkling symbol”.  The new man/woman in love has the peace of Christ rule in their hearts.  This peace of Christ is the redeemer’s legacy – the ultimate peace of Christ is the presence of Christ and Paul urges the faithful to not let people deprive themselves of their reward as if they are unworthy.  The peace with God is a result of the acceptance of Christ as Saviour.  We are to be one with Christ and one with Christians.  The possession of peace/harmony is the prime end of Christianity for which we should be habitually grateful.

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God, (2) which He promised before, through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, (3) concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, (4) and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.  (5) Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, (6) among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

(7) To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul identifies himself as the author of the letter to the Romans.  He establishes his credentials and states his mission in the very first verse of today’s reading. The intended readers are located at Rome and Paul writes to them a rather complete exposition of the gospel he had been preaching for almost 20 years.

First Paul calls himself a bondservant to Jesus Christ – he is no longer a servant of sin, of man or the law of Moses (the tradition of man).  He was called to be an apostle and this call was divinely initiated according to the will of God –  Paul was set apart by God “from his mother’s womb”.  This God given authority implied that he (Paul) was the authorative representative of Christ Jesus – to witness to the resurrection of Christ Jesus – and to be the messenger of the gospel for salvation of lost sinners, Jew or Gentile.  In these verses we are studying Paul’s gospel as historical fact.   If there was no resurrection there was no forgiveness.  Jesus is the conduit of grace to humanity – it is a free gift from the Father but comes through the Son.  Paul stresses the obedience of faith – in Romans Paul is setting aside religious duties and a faith in the living Christ is substituted.  All are invited to believe that Christ died for sinners – the whole world – it is a message for all nations.

The Letter to the Romans is called the theology of the Old Testament.  (Paul was certainly himself a Rabbi and studied at the feet of Gameliel, the most revered  biblical scholar of Paul’s time.)  Salvation in both the Old Testament and the New Testament teach that man is declared justified – right with God – thru personal faith.   All biblical history leads to the Messiah who died for salvation of man.  Faith in Christ Jesus is all.

Romans is appropriate to study at Christmas, as it is Christ centered.    The reason Christ was born into this world is told in the gospel of Matthew:   The angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph, telling him that Mary is with child by the Holy Spirit and he is to take her for his wife.  And, by the way, Joseph should call his name Jesus “for he will save people from their sins”.  The prophets of the Old Testament also testify that the Messiah,  true man according to the flesh, and also declared to be son of God will come to bring salvation to sinful man.   Isaiah (9:6) prophesied:

“For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Merry and blessed Christmas to all my readers.  amen

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.  See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.  (8) You also be patient.  Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

(9) Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.  Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!  (10) My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.  (11) Indeed we count them blessed who endure.  You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord – that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

James was the half brother of Jesus and an important figure of the ancient church.  He was the head of the Christian church at Jerusalem.  This early and powerful letter to all Christians tells his audience that they cannot just talk Christianity, they must live it.    James addresses his readers – the Christian Jews and Gentiles who were suffering – telling them that they are being proved or tested like gold through fire, and that once proved they will receive the crown of glory promised by the Lord Jesus to those who love Him.

James sources the Old Testament for our instruction and, like Paul, believes that all Scripture is profitable.  We need to know biblical history for growth in godliness through examples of application, perspective and example.   Biblical truths proclaimed by generation after generation of godly men strengthens Christians today.   It is clear that serving the Lord does not make us exempt from trials.  The Bible stresses the need for endurance through trials – our lives should be viewed as a marathon, not a sprint.  Submission is required – this comes from a firm and informed belief in the sovereignity of God.  This sovereignity implies that God has a plan, a purpose, and we should never doubt this.  Today is a staging place for eternity.

This letter from James is a moral, doctrinal and literary masterpiece, written in the Judaic tradition.  It is written in the context of Jewish history – written to descendants of the 12 tribes of Israel;  to people who follow Christ and have the experience of trials of faith for a great purpose which will bring spiritual completeness in eternal life.  Trust in God is key – the riches of this world bring no protection.  James cautions against blaming God for difficulties.  We must choose to rely on God and the practise of right living contrasts human behaviour and God’s ways.  Knowing is not enough, we must act on what we know is right.  Belief informs behaviour – belief is demonstrated by actions.  Right behaviour in every day life requires wisdom and this is learned only by connection to God and His word to us.  The human heart wants what it wants – too often it wants what it ought not have.  Following the world’s ways we become enemies of God.  James tells us to submit to God.  Life is short and we are to get our priorities right.  Material goods are of no benefit.

Acting in faith in times of trial in submission to God’s plan provides a powerful example in proving faith by works.  We need not just patience in times of trial but patience and endurance in all things.  The foundation of patience is faith in Christ Jesus and the sure knowledge that Christ will come again to judge all things.

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.  (5) Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, (6) that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(7) Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us to the glory of God.  (8) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, (9) and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:

“For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.”

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christian community of Rome.  The letter to the Romans is about God from beginning to end – and His plan for the world.  In the verses we study today, Paul is emphasizing the practical value of the word of God – or the practical value of the Bible.  He is saying that all Scripture is God breathed:  inspired and inerrant, profitable for teaching.  The Scriptures were intended not only for those generations in which they were delivered but they are relevant today.  I believe that they were written for our learning,  abounding hope, and comfort, and the greatest dereliction of the church of Jesus Christ today is ignorance of the biblical Word of God.

Paul reminds the church in Rome that hope is in Christ Jesus and this was pointed to in the Old Testament.  (at the time of his writing there was no new Testament.)  He teaches the glorious biblical truth of hope of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ – the doctrine of justification through faith by God’s free grace.   Hope here is the hope of the glory of God which is taught by God’s word in Scripture – hope pushes out contrary emotions.

In the mindset of the early church the phrase “one accord” is often used – a goal of unity or common interest rather than of personal feeling.  The point of this section is the purpose of unity and mutual acceptance to bring glory to God the Father.  The work of Christ is an example:  we were sinful, fallen and helpless and if Christ could accept and minister to fallen man, we can receive one another and live in harmony.  Christians are called on to live an inclusive lifestyle.

Paul continues to reference the Old Testament.  The promise was made to Abraham (this promise was made before the law because Abraham had faith in God) that through him all the nations of the earth be blessed.  Christ came to confirm that promise and fulfilled the prophesies of the Old Testament.    The ministry of Christ was not just to Israel but the Gentiles were to share the blessing.  Jesus is Messiah for all.    The Old Testament shows that the inclusion of the Gentiles was always God’s plan.  Israel was to be the instrument through which Christ’s redemptive work would extend to the Gentiles.

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.  (12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand.  Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.  (13) Let us walk properly as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.  (14) Bur put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul – a towering theologiccal exposition of the gospel.  Our verses today concern an application of that theology.  Paul is writing to motivate believers to holy living:  we are saved through faith by grace – not of ourselves but as a gift from God.  Paul makes use of metaphors of darkness and light – Christ is the light of the world and we are called by God to that light.  The sinful world is the darkness which is eternal death.  It’s interesting that the world sells itself as enlightened and infers that the Christians are living in darkness.

The Bible says the world is in darkness concerning God and man.  None of man are basically righteous or good and the period of darkness is also a time of moral and spiritual darkness as opposed to the light of the gospel.  Jesus Christ ushered in the light – the faith, love and hope of salvation.  Paul thought of believers as already in light and he expected them to live like sons of day/light.  Not only is the believer to take off the garments of darkness (all those darling sins) but to put on the armor of God – the protection of grace.

Paul piles on time phrases here – time, hour, night, day, nearer – all of which give a strong sense of urgency.  We should feel warned not to let the urgent crowd out the important.    Time and opportunity are limited.  Mick Jagger in 1964 sang the song “Time is on our side” but you don’t hear that included in Rolling Stones concerts today.

Paul is saying that the first coming of Christ Jesus brought salvation to believers and the 2nd is for judgment on unbelievers and final salvation for believers.  It is still dark but the night is almost gone.  We are to live with the possibility that Christ will come at any time and the certainity that He WILL come.  Believers have been saved in the past, are being saved in the present and will be completely saved in the future.

I remember seeing a play about a woman who squandered her time and opportunities and when death came her last words were “I thought I had more time.”

  (12) giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.  (13) He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, (14) in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

(15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  (16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominations or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him.  (17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  (18) And He is the head of the body, the church, who is at the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have preeminence.

The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Colossians probably from prison in Rome.  The occasion for this letter was news from a Christian disciple from Colosse, Epaphras, telling him of teachers of false doctrine corrupting the church there.  The heretical teachings emphasized dietary laws, mandatory observance of holy days and especially a philosophy of various supernatural powers in the creation of the world.  The teachings were a combination of pagan and Jewish thought and Christian doctrine – relegating Christ to a minor place.  Christ was not denied but the heresy did not give Him a supreme place.  All of this philosophy was denying the real incarnation of God in Christ.  Clearly Paul felt a real threat to the Church in Colosse and thought it was necessary to write this letter.

Paul responds by proclaiming unqualified supremacy of Christ as Redeemer.  He gives thanks for the Christian Colossians and prays that they in turn will grow in giving thanks to God – thanks always be it for ill or good.  He tells them that they are not saved by man’s works – only God has qualified them.  God has conferred on us grace sufficient and they/we could never have done this ourselves.  Believers in Christ have the natural result of justification by grace and are delivered by God’s free grace, not by man’s work.  Believers have been rescued from the domain of darkness and if they step back into darkness, there is no proof that they were ever delivered in the first place.  We have been forgiven and sinners are justified – declared right before God – which is a gift by God’s grace through the redemption of Christ Jesus.  Our forgiveness and redemption in Christ is final and permanent.  Quoting C.S. Lewis – “Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive.”

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; (8) nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, (9) not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

(10) For even when we were with you, we commanded you this:  If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.  (11) For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.  (12) Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own Bread.

The Apostle Paul wrote the second letter to the Thessalonians.  The main point of the entire letter is to correct the wrong interpretation and application of end times.  There is indeed the any-moment possibility of Christ Jesus’ return but no one knows the time or day.  The principle is, we are to live as though the second coming will be today while working and leading our life as though it won’t be for years to come.  The key to work as Paul puts it, is to view it as a gift from God by working unto the Lord and not unto men.  Work is also a command from God.  Man is designed for work.  Work is a means of providing value and fulfillment to life – accomplishing something – figuring out a problem – gaining satisfaction. – putting food on the table without which there is no life.  Work is part of being fully human and occupies us so we are not idle.  Work has intrinsic value.

In a Greek world work was demeaning and meant being enslaved by the physical.  The Greeks felt the mind was good and matter was evil so they had slaves do the work.  The Thessalonian Christians were part of this culture.  Paul addresses this by saying those who were idle were in defiance of God’s principle of work as part of creation.  This is the third time Paul has addressed this so he is stern.  He calls for serious action against those who dont’ work.  He is talking about people who CAN work but won’t – calls them deadbeats and wants the other Christians to avoid them.

Paul also writes that he has provided an example for them to follow – he had a right and deserved to be supported by the Christian community (and was in some instances) but he set a pattern of how to live by earning his own living.  Example was the heart of his leadership – his words and the gospel he preached was the apostolic pattern to be followed exactly in his absence.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, (17) comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

3:1  Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, (2) and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

(3) But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.  (4) Ands we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 

 (5) Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

The second letter to the Thessalonians was written by the Apostle Paul. The first part of Chapter 2 – we start with the last verses of chapter 2 –   addresses the principle of evil in the world and its final overthrow at the second coming of Christ.   Paul deals with the doubts of the Thessalonians regarding the worries of immanent end times.

He  tells his readers that he is confident that God will strengthen them in the face of persecution and temptation – God gives us eternal encouragement as shown by the incarnation, death and subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Paul deals here with the work of God in the world and gives thanks to God for the salvation of the Lord.  His point is:  salvation is from God and God’s choice is eternal.  Further,  “If you have chosen God you know it is because He first chose you.”

In the verses from Chapter 3, Paul begins by asking prayer for himself and that he be identified with his work for God.  It was Paul’s main interest and concern in life that the word of God should run “swiftly” and we feel his sense of urgency here to spread the word of the reconciling grace of God.  He asks to be delivered from wicked and unreasonable men – there is a senseless opposition to the gospel by men who have not faith;  the voice of truth is only recognized by those who are of truth.

All men have not faith but the Lord is faithful.  Paul expresses confidence in Christians who have believed.  They will be protected and the weakness of sinful human nature will be counter attacked by the presence of Christ in them.   God has given them/us hope, not just for present trouble but for future uncertainty.

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, (12) that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2:1  Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you,  (2) not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.

The Second letter to the Thessalonians was written by the Apostle Paul to correct false ideas about the Second Coming of Christ that had arisen in that church.  Paul had founded the church in Thessalonica but stiff opposition had forced him to flee that city.   He had sent back  his young disciple Timothy to find out what the conditions were and received an encouraging report to which he responded with his 1st letter to the faithful at Thessalonica.  Soon after that Paul wrote the 2nd letter to the Thessalonians to correct any misunderstandings about the end times – the second coming of Christ – and to counter false teachings and/or fraudulent letters written to them in Paul’s name.

The main point of the letter is in chapter 2, verse 2:  an exhortation by Paul that the saved not be alarmed by the expectation of the speedy second coming of Christ – that despite persecution the Christians were enduring, there would be an even greater age of trouble before the second coming.  Paul had not meant that the second coming was immanent, nor did he write what appears to be a fraudulent letter saying this – but something caused this alarm and there was a deliberate attempt to panic the Christians at Thessalonica.

Paul again speaks of his prayers for the faithful – we need continual help to reach our goal.  He speaks of the end times and  the perseverance needed to run this marathon.  The gracious purpose of God is the calling to salvation for the faithful and it all has its founding in the good pleasure of God – not by our merits but free grace through faith.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.  (7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  (8) Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

(16) At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me.  May it not be charged against them. 

(17) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear.  Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  (18) And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.

The Apostle Paul, imprisoned in Rome and condemned to die, wrote this second letter to this young pastor in the faith who clearly was beloved by Paul.  The verses we study today are intensely personal and we have Paul’s last words.  He knows death is imminent and states with great confidence that the gospel he has preached since his conversion at Damascus is truth.  Paul, in this letter, teaches for the last time that salvation is through God’s grace by faith in Christ rather than man’s good works.  Paul has also emphasized the divine inspiration of the Scriptures.  He encourages Timothy to use his (Paul’s) words, given by God; to keep the faith and run his marathon with his eyes on Christ as the goal.  Paul continues to use the Olympic athletic games as a metaphor for his life and service.  Paul has completed his work for Christ. run his own marathon and the laurel wreath or crown of righteousness is to be his prize.  The last part of verse 8 tells us this same reward awaits all those who have run the Christian race successfully.  Words to live and die by.

Paul’s words were based on an ancient (Old Testament) practice of pouring out wine after sacrifice was offered, to give a pleasing aroma to God and symbolize the offering itself.   The drink offering here was to be Paul’s blood.  Paul is telling Timothy that his life has been a sacrifice to Christ Jesus and now that sacrifice was shortly to be completed – this was a transaction of will, not of sentiment.  Paul is offering his sacrifice in context of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.  Service and witness are inseparable in Paul’s writings

Paul tells Timothy that the time of his departure is at hand and this was a very common metaphor for death – Paul clearly thought of his death as entrance into the presence of God.  In his final words Paul was not dreading his “departure” but was being called home for which he longed.  The process of departure has begun.  There is no excitement:  he is matter of face with no affectation of stoicism.  Paul speaks of this very personally to Timothy to give him courage and example. I find it so interesting that Paul’s anticipation of death did not dull his interest in God’s work in this world.  It did not hinder him from pursuing his daily interests and concerns – he directs Timothy about his books and parchments and then the cloak for warmth; movements of his small group of friends immediately follow his words about his impending death.

Life is a series of departures and this is Paul’s last.  Paul is confident that Jesus Christ has abolished death even though the physical portion of it remains.  These words are his last – he is ready to leave this visible and fleeting realm to go home to essential and eternal life.

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, (15) and that from childhood, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

(16) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(4:1) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: (2) Preach the word!  Be ready in season and out of season.  Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

The second letter of the Apostle Paul to Timothy was written by Paul while he was in prison in Rome, condemned to death for his gospel of salvation by free grace to believers in the completed works of Christ Jesus.  This is probably Paul’s last letter and in it he asks Timothy to come to him in Rome and to bring him his cloak before the winter. – imagine the wet and cold prison for an old, badly used, man.   It is universally acknowledged by the historical data from that time that Paul was executed by Nero and Nero died in June of 68 A.D.  So this letter dates no later than the fall of 67 A.D – and we don’t know if Timothy arrived with the warm cloak.

Just prior to the verses we study today, Paul had warned Timothy about certain religious persecution so that Timothy would be prepared to endure coming hardships and to stand firm in his ministry.  Paul’s words here are emphatic and remind Timothy that the gospel he learned from Paul and the scripture learned from his grandmother and mother is trustworthy and has a firm foundation – truths not only to live by but to die for.  Paul makes it clear that words in scripture have the inherent ability to give wisdom and the  wisdom from scripture leads to salvation by faith in Christ Jesus.  In verse 16 Paul writes that ALL scripture is inspired by God.  All – every word with no exception.  Jewish teaching and that of all the early Christian church was in agreement with this.   The Bible is not a witness to revelation but is revelation given by God.  It’s origin is divine.Paul further says that all scripture is profitable – it serves to meet the moral and spiritual needs of men; it attests to it’s divine inspiration; it teaches sound doctrine.

In our reading today we can hear Paul’s warning to not confuse salvation with sentimentality.  Paul commands Timothy to preach the Word or the Scripture – meaning this preaching is essential and is to be given top priority.  This is Paul’s final appeal/command based on the coming judgment and Paul’s approaching death:  preach the message of the gospel.  Preaching should be a presentation of biblical truth, derived from and transmitted through a historical, grammatical and spirit guided study of a passage in its context.  Preaching is primary and expository preaching (based on the Bible) is paramount.  This is the reason I am writing this blog – my aim is that when I am done you can look at your Bible and understand what it is saying and how it applies to your life.

A man I much admire said that man worries about what he thinks of God but what matters is what God thinks of man.  Scripture is based on truth and is for our information and transformation and as Paul tells us in Romans,” it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”  Later in Romans, chapter 10, verse 14 Paul writes: “ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?  And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?”

(2nd Timothy 4:2) ” Preach the word.”  I feel that many (most) of our religious institutions today have forgotten these last words of Paul and that people are hungry for the Word of God

Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, (9) for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.  (10)Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

(11) This is a faithful saying:

For if we died with Him,  We shall also live with Him,

(12) If we endure,  We shall also reign with Him,

If we deny Him, He also will deny us.

(13) If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

The Apostle Paul wrote the 2nd letter to Timothy while a prisoner in Rome.  Paul was treated as a criminal for “my gospel” and was chained to a guard day and night:  he had been condemned to death.  This was probably Paul’s final letter before his death and includes his final instructions – and encouragement – for Timothy.  In chapter 4, verses 6 and 7 of this letter Paul writes: ” For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ”  Paul has finished the marathon, steadfast in his faith in Christ Jesus as the ultimate example.

Paul is commanding that Timothy remember the gospel – that Jesus could not be overcome by death and rose in triumph from the grave.  His promises never fail of fulfillment –  Jesus is not a dead Messiah but a resurrected, living Messiah; raised and living eternal.  Paul leaves for Timothy not the vision of a crucified Jesus but that of a risen Lord.

Paul suffered much but had learned to be content in whatever circumstances for Christ’s sake – the transforming work of the gospel of Jesus Christ made it possible for him to endure all afflictions.    The Apostle was in prison but tells Timothy (and us) that the Word of God has never and can never be suppressed.  The power of God’s word has never been dependent on man and protections or subject to man’s restriction.  It cannot be imprisoned.

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  (7) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  (8) Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,

(13)Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  (14)That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

This second letter to Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul.  This is a transcendant, personal letter from a dear mentor saying he has been deserted by his associates; he is in a Roman dungeon for the very truths he is urging Timothy in his ministry to teach; and that he (Paul) is about to die for the gospel.  Paul would not do this if he felt Timothy would bow to fear or timidity but instead encouraged Timothy to recognize his weakness and to trust in God – as did Paul trust in God.

Paul refers to the sincere faith in Timothy – “O man of God”.  Paul writes that the gift of the spirit is from God and we vacillate when the focus is on ourselves and not on the Lord who is sufficient.  In the face of ominous developments – imperial hostility and persecution, there was a need for spiritual power and aggressive energy.  Christians needed to work, endure, suffer and die if need be for the love to Christ and of the souls of men whatever risk of consequences to self.  To be at peace is to be right with God, not the world.  Unsaved people have peace in an absence of conflict; Christians enjoy peace in spite of threats because of the presence of power, the Holy Spirit.  God does not give us a spirit of fear.

Paul now commands Timothy to follow the teachings he heard from Paul.  Paul writes that he (Paul) is the model for imitation as he was an Apostle by God’s will.  Timothy is to keep Paul’s doctrinal beliefs and to pass them on intact.  Paul was open about his past so others might hear and take courage that grace which changed him would/could change them too.  Paul was living proof that God can save any sinner – he was the model/ pattern.

It was imperative to Paul that Timothy hold fast and use the doctrinal words he heard Paul use.  They needed to be accurate and to be a norm for future teachers – vitally connected to the doctrine of verbal and written inspiration which holds that the Bible writers wrote down in God chosen words the truth given by revelation.  Paul commands Timothy to guard the treasure of the gospel – to preserve it pure and entire to be transmitted to those who come after.

We don’t know if Timothy came to Paul before he was executed.  Paul asked for his letters and parchments to be brought to him in prison – and also his warm cloak which he had left behind.  i find this last request to be so utterly human and touching.  Paul was executed in late 67 A.D or 68 A.D.

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.  (12)Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  13) I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnesses the good confession before Pontius Pilate, (14)that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, (15)which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, (16)who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power.  Amen

Timothy was left by the Apostle Paul as pastor of the Christian church Paul founded at Ephesus.  Paul wrote this pastoral letter to Timothy when his (Paul’s) return was delayed.  Paul addresses numerous problems – doctrinal and disciplinary problems – in the ancient church and his advice and direction to Timothy is timeless and relevant to the church of Christ today.

Paul also addressed the theological values at the heart of the gospel – salvation is through God’s grace rather than our own good works and we must accept God’s gift – we must lay hold of it.  In Chapter 6 that we study today, Paul is telling Timothy how to finish the race of this life – to go the distance.  Living a life of Godliness is not easy over the long haul.  When we are born again and confess Jesus Christ as our savior we begin our apprenticeship as Christians.  We spend the rest of our lives becoming what and who we are.  The best example I can think of comes from Stuart Briscoe who married and was declared a husband.  He is spending the rest of his life becoming what he is.  So also we claim to be born again but where is the evidence?  Life is not a sprint but a marathon and we must exercise disclipline and patience and prayer to finish well for there is a dreadful attrition rate.

Interestingly, Paul is urging Timothy to flee and not fight in chapter 6, verse 6.  Here Paul is specifically referring to fleeing love of money and false doctrine – fleeing worldliness and pleasures of the flesh – living a self centered life;  acquiring things and outward status rather than pursue a godly character.

The Apostle Paul is not just advocating running away but also pursuing – eagerly going after – righteousness or conformity to God’s word; trust in Christ as our savior.  Having been justified by faith in Christ, the Christian must pursue a life of righteousness and diligently pursue Godliness:  reverence, awe, dependability, trust in God, love (it’s easy to love someone who is loveable but not so easy when they are not loveable), steadfastness, discipline, gentleness, kindness.

The Church has faced repeated heresies and here Paul is clarifying the truth.  This is important because some may declare unity, love and tolerance as the chief Christian virtues and put it to us as false pride if we denounce them.  However, Paul believed in confrontation to defend and clarify the truth of the gospel.  Paul did not believe in compromise.  This is excellent to ponder in our lives today.

Therefore, I exhort, first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, (2)for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  (3)For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (4) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  (5)For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (6)who gave Himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time, (7)for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle – I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying – a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

(8)I desire therefore, that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting;

The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to Timothy.  Paul had left Timothy in charge of the Christian church at Ephesus thinking that he would return soon but Paul’s plans (God’s plans for Paul) changed.  Timothy was a young Christian convert who was facing error -perhaps early Gnostic heresy – compromise and confusion; questions challenging his authority; bitter hostility of the Jews in Ephesus and dangers from pagan worship, (Ephesus was the location for the temple of Artemus, not just a prominent heather goddess but also a valuable commercial attraction).

In chapter two of this pastoral letter and in the verses we study today,  Paul addresses the subjects that led to writing of this letter:  respecting christian worship and the duty of intercessory prayer and thanksgiving to God.  Prayer should pervade our lives – all kinds of prayers for all kinds of people.  God can do anything – no one is too far gone  True prayer as a sense of need and involving a deep desire.  Paul implies that prayer should be a conversation with God and involves access to God.  Thanksgiving should always be a part of prayer – thankful for favors in the past and confidence in the future.  Paul urges us to pray for those in authority that we might live in peace and quiet in godliness and honesty.  Such a life pleases God who wants all men to be saved.  Christ died for all and salvation is for all but only those who accept it are saved.

There is but one God – remember in ancient days there was much polytheism.  Belief in one God is a basic tenet of Christianity and Judaism.  Christianity contines this and teaches that Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and man.  Christ is the bridge between God and humanity.

Today’s verses don’t mean that the church at Ephesus was neglectful of the duty of prayer, just that Paul placed prayer in a position of prominance.  Paul reminds the readers of this letter that he was appointed by God as an apostle and he has the authority to convey this message.  It was not his opinion but God’s word.  Paul also meant for the Christians at Ephesus to accept Timothy’s authority as Paul’s appointed man.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, (13) although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.  (14) And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  (15) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.  (16) However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all long suffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.  (17) Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever.  Amen.

The letter we study today is a  letter written by the Apostle Paul as a pastoral letter to a young beloved convert, Timothy, who was the pastor of the church Paul founded in Ephesus. The pastoral letters written by Paul addressed the duties to defend sound doctrine and maintain sound discipline in the early church.  It is believed that Paul wrote this prior to his final imprisonment in Rome and toward the end of his life on earth.  Clearly Paul loved Timothy dearly and the letter is full of insights into Paul’s life and character but it is also clear that Paul intended this letter to be shared with/read to, the people of the church in Ephesus.  This letter was to show Paul’s apostolic authority as commanded by God and also Timothy’s authority in Ephesus, as Paul’s appointed pastor.

The verses we study today begin with a thanksgiving to God and then Paul’s authority appointment.  Paul tells us he cursed the name of Jesus as Paul was a pharasitical Jew and now he realizes that Jesus is divine – hence blasphemy.  Paul was a persecutor in his zeal to protect Judaism and tried to destroy the early Jewish Christians.  In spite of this Paul was shown mercy – he was ignorant and actually believed that he acted in the service of God through violence against the Christian movement.  Paul tells us he received more than mercy:  he also received grace and faith with his rebirth.

In the ancient world the phrase “a trustworthy saying” was attached always to a maxim on which full reliance could be placed, in relation with either a practise or doctrine.  Paul uses the phrase here for the heart of the gospel – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”.  Paul felt that he was the worst sinner because of his persecution of Christ’s followers but in his own conversion, Paul was a powerful demonstration of what divine grace can accomplish.  Think of that ancient world – this utterly novel new covenant introduced in the face of centuries of accepted religious wisdom.  What powerful spiritual upheaval occurred in the first century for Christianity to have expanded so quickly – a completely new, unique in history, powerful upheaval of world thinking.

Paul then breaks out spontaneously into a praise of God for the glory of all done in, by and for us.  Beautiful.

yet for love’s sake  I rather appeal to you – being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ – (10) I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains

(12) I am sending him back.  You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, (13) whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.   (14) But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.

(15) For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever,  (16) no longer as a slave but more than a slave – a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

(17)If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.

The Apostle Paul wrote his friend Philemon, a Gentile convert to Christ, to ask forgiveness and gentle treatment for his runaway slave, Onesimus.  This letter focuses on eithical responsibilities of redeemed individuals in a Christian community.    Philemon was a truthful and important Christian iin Colosse and Paul, in prison himself, appeals to him as his brother in faith, not as one with authority.  Paul states in the letter that Onesimus, a slave,  is also a brother in Christ and should be received as such.

Slaves in first century Rome were either taken as spoils from war or because they sold themselves into slavery – as a bond servant.  Masters generally had absolute authority over their slaves – Paul often in his letters refers to himself as slave to Christ Jesus.  Slaves could marry, accumulate wealth and purchase their own freedom in many cases and Roman law accomodated freedom for slaves.  Slaves were between 25% and 40% of the population of the Roman Empire at that time.  The implications of all this impacted the New Testament authors strategy on slavery as pagan masters would not be responsive to Christian thinking.  Indeed, the gospel preached change from within and not imposition from without on social structures.

This letter does not attack the institution of slavery but teaches – yet again – that all men and women are equal in God’s eyes and as Christians, both master and slave are brothers.  Paul brought the message of faith to both Onesimus and Philemon.  It is apparent from this letter that Onesimus was transformed by this message and Paul is clearly expecting that Philemon has also accepted the Christian truth of equality and love and will act accordingly.

For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness, and tempest, (19) and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore.

(22) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, (23) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, (24) to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

In today’s reading the author draws a contrast between the Old Covenant given by God to Moses at Mt. Sinai and the New Covenant of grace through the shed blood of the Messiah.  The emphasis is on believers possessing privilege of access to God the Father through Christ, the High Priest forever.  The law – the Old Covenant – was only a shadow of good things to come.  The Law provided no power to overcome sin: it was a revelation of God’s righteous requirements and the purpose of the law was not to provide the knowledge of salvation but to produce the knowledge of sin.  It speaks of the distance between God and man because of sin.

The letter to the Hebrews was written by an unknown author to Jewish Christians who were in danger of reverting to their Jewish faith because of isolation and persecution.  The author is emphasizing the importance of perfection which should cause any Jew to realize his/her utter hopelessness to attain perfection under the Old Covenant compared to the worth of Christ.  In Hebrews the ceremonial law could not save the believer – it was always short of completeness.  Think of the “Hebrew Christian – an outcast from the Temple with it’s ancient and magnificent rites and psalmody  with the large numbers who obeyed the law and participated in rites and rituals.  Now they are told that they are not the lonely isolated handful of Jewish Christians that they thought.  They are joined by spirits of the perfected just with numberless holy angels and holy spirits.

The writer’s point in this section is that instead of returning to Mt. Sinai and the law given to Moses – a real mountain – they are urged to continue their approach to Zion, the spiritual mountain and city – where God dwells and reigns.  The author by contrasting the two mountains contrasts the Mosaic covenant with the New Covenant and exhorts his readers not to reject Christ and His offer of salvation.  We are arrived in principle where in full reality we shall be forever.  On earth we own heaven but we must run the race toward the goal, with endurance.  The intended readers of this letter were urged not to listen to the voices of old friends still pursuing the futile attempts to live the Law given at Sinai but rather walk the straight path, eyes on Jesus, to Zion (the heavenly Jerusalem) and grace.

And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,

Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him.

(6) For whom the Lord loves He chastens

And scourges every son whom He receives.”

(7) If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?

(11) Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.  (12) Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, (13)  and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

The main theme for the letter to the Hebrews – author unknown – is that Jesus Christ is superior to all and that knowledge of Him is antidote to the backsliding of Christian Jews who feared persecution for their faith.  The whole book was written to keep the Jews from giving up their belief in Christ.  In the ancient world the father had authority – in the Roman world he had absolute authority – and disclipline of the sons was to be expected.  God gives us disclipline as His children not to weaken us but to build us up –  the cure for hopelessness is hope in God.

Chapter 12 is not a feel good chapter but a massive statement about the sovereignity of God.  What seems hostile and adversarial for sinners is meant for training – God means for their good, their perfection and salvation.  We must remember that in pain we are not the enemy.  We are treated as a loved child – will we surrender and be subject to God’s love or rebel and die?  Instruction, disclipline, correction are warnings and all are designed to drive out evil.  They are a sign that God regards us as genuine children.

There is a natural suffering because we are human – a gradual breakdown of the aging body – sickness, injury, loss of loved ones.  We must remember that pain is not the whole story and that there is always a later on; the present will be swallowed up in the afterward.  We have a limited, timebound perspective and must focus on the goal.  All discipline is designed to chasten us for our profit as partakers of His holiness.  This letter was a call to the Hebrews to rise up out of their despair and to get ready for the race as without it the prize will never be won.  We are told to keep our eyes on Jesus and accept the trials as the very means of His grace;  to take courage and yield and surrender to Him, as this is the first step onto the course.

Pain and fear focus the mind powerfully.  If we cease to believe in God because of suffering that does not mean that God ceases to exist.  Again, a quote from C.S. Lewis:  God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience but shouts in our pains:  it is His megaphone to arouse a deaf world.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (2) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who, for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

(3) For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.  (4) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown.  This letter was written to first century Jewish Christians to encourage them in striving against the temptation of renouncing their professed faith in Christ Jesus as the Messiah in order to be relieved of their present persecution from religious Jews and any escalating persecution from the Romans.  The author uses the very popular Olympic games as a metaphor for the race of endurance that the Christian must run.

In the first verse of Chapter 12, the author links himself to his audience by using the word we.  He is probably a second generation Jewish Christian and calls attention to the cloud of witnesses or great number of people (saints) who have run their race with endurance and finished, reaching their goal.  The reader is encouraged to keep his/her eye always on Christ, much the same was a runner keeps his/her eye on the goal – to embrace and maintain their faith in Christ.  Just as runners – long distance runners – lay all weights and encumbrances aside, the reader is urged to treat as hindrance anything that deadens the soul.   The circumstances here would be any tendancy of the Jewish Christian to hang on to or compromise with Jewish ritual or the ceremonialism of the law – anything that would hinder the readers from winning their race.  The baggage may not be sin but any distraction that would keep one from running with endurance and winning the race.  We are all judged by how we finish, not how we start.  I had a wonderful dog who loved to chase the ball.  No matter how I would try to distract the dog – loud noises,  fake throws, false starts, anything – that dog always kept his eye on the ball.

The author encourages the reader to keep his/her eye on Jesus as the prize in the race that is set before us.  Adversity builds stamina  through correction.  I read somewhere that if we are not as close to God as we used to be, guess who moved?  Keep your eyes on the prize.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  (2) For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

(8)By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance.  And he went out, not knowing where he was going.  (9) By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;  (10) for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.  (11) By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.  (12)  Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude – innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown.  The letter appears to have been written  to Christian Jews during a time of persecution – both social and physical – encouraging them not to abandon their belief in Jesus Christ as Redeemer and Saviour. The Jewish religion was protected by Roman law but this was not true for the Christians and the author is urging those facing persecution not to revert to Judaism.  The Jewish Christians were also in danger from their unbelieving countrymen – excommunication from the institutions of Moses, from the synagogues and from the rest of their race.  The writer of Hebrews insists on trust in God who revealed Himself in the word and person of Jesus Christ.

The verses we study today make much of the Old Testament covenant with the Jews and men such as Abraham, Moses, Joshua and others, using the argument that Jesus is superior to all of these.  The author sees scripture as pointing us to Jesus – only in the person and work of Jesus can we discern the true meaning of the Old Testament.

Chapter 11 treats faith with reference to the future – that trust in God enables the believer to remain steadfast in faith in the face of persecution.  Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see in spite of circumstances and consequences.  God has done mighty things in the past and He can be trusted for the future.  But faith in God’s promises does not mean He will conform to our ideas.  Faith is as good as it’s object and the object of our faith is God.

Knowledge is an essential element in faith; it is an assent, an act of will and understanding; an intellectual certainity.  Faith is a present and continuing reality, not simply a virtue.  It is a living thing.  There are realities for which we have no evidence;  faith enables us to know these realities exist.  Faith excludes all things that are visible phenomena.  Faith goes beyond knowledge gained through our senses.  We must rely on Christ and his saving works as the sole basis for our standing before God – for our justification and future sanctification.  Hope is not yet faith – faith is saying “I have it”.

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If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  (2) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  (3) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  (4) When Christ, who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

(5) Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth:  fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

(9)Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, (10) and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, (11) where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians primarily to discourage the faithful in Colosse from returning to the observation of man made regulations and rituals and to focus them on the cosmic – read universal – centricity of Jesus Christ as son of God and redeemer of man from his sinful nature.  The redemptive works of Christ, arising out ot the will of God, made believing man right with God and opened the way to salvation.

Paul has dealt with doctrine regarding the suffiency, mystery and supremacy of Christ in chapters 1 and 2 of this letter.  Now in chapter 2 Paul attends to the practical application of these truths.  Paul exhorts the believer to seek the things that are above as by our union with Christ.  All who believe are risen with Christ.  Christ’s was a physical resurrection from the dead – the believer’s is a spiritual resurrection from a spiritual death.  This new life becomes actual when we believe.  We must now become in expression and experience what we already are by God’s grace.  Our true citizenship is in heaven and our true identity should show us as that citizen.

How we live is determined by how we believe and think.  Paul deals with holiness in relation to ourselves and then moves to our relationships with others.  When we receive Christ by faith we are beginning an ongoing daily process of sanctification.  Paul challenges the believer to be what he or she is:  to be in practice what we are in position in Christ.  In faith we have died to sin with Christ; died to the guilt, the claim of sin, but not to evil deeds.

What I am when I am alone in the presence of God is what i really am.  This should be our goal when we are with other people.  Right belief needs right behaviour and depends on God’s grace and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.  (13) And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, (14) having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us.  And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians as a warning against false teachers at Colosse who were advocating ritual circumcision, dietary laws and mediation of various supernatural powers in the creation of the world as necessary to the process of salvation.   These teachings were contrary to the gospel divinely revealed to Paul who taught the absolute supremacy and sole sufficiency of Jesus Christ.  Paul tells the faithful, both Jew and Gentile, that the moment we believe by faith in Christ, a spiritual baptism occurrs – we are buried with Him in this baptism.  This is not a baptism of water but a baptism as an act of faith and the believer is under grace, not law.  In this baptism we acknowledge that nothing in us could have ever pleased God and we bury all that we were as children of Adam.  The physical act of water baptism is not the same as the spiritual act when the believer places his/her faith in Christ.

The believer’s spiritual baptism (death with Christ) and the very real resurrection with Christ through faith enables the believer to live a new supernatural life in Christ.  No outward ceremony or ritual brings us to Christ.  Faith that saves is a firm conviction and shows itself as genuine by a changed life.  Paul does not say that a new life in Christ is created by the act of a water baptism.

So the believing sinner’s identification in Christ in His death breaks the power of indwelling sin.  We were dead because of our unregenerated nature.  The wages of sin is death and through one man – Adam – death entered the world through sin and so all sinned.  A spiritually dead person – natural man – is dominated by the world, the flesh and the devil.  But God in his mercy, through the works of Christ Jesus, gave us free grace which is life in the soul.  He made the believer right with Him and safe from eternal destruction.  This new relationship with Christ through faith means that Christ is all we ever need.  Salvation is not improvement of the old nature but the imparting of a new nature.

The moment we believe we are completely forgiven all our transgressions. Forgiveness and being made alive are two facets of the same act of divine grace.

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,  (25)  of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God, which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, (26) the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.  (27) To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles:  which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  (28) Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul.  The doctrine argued by Paul was to combat the presence of heretical teaching that threatened the well being of the church at Colosse.  Combining the separate elements of paganism, Judaism and Christianity, the heresy denied the true humanity of Christ Jesus and His role as sole mediator between God and man.  Paul wrote to teach the fuller knowledge of Christ.

The verses we study today are somewhat autobiographical but really concern Paul’s mission as an apostle by the authority of God and that his sufferings were in the interests of the Colossians – indeed for all Christians.  He is in no way saying that Christ’s sufferings and redemptive work was insufficient.  Paul states that those who preach the gospel are servants and they delight to be used by God.  That this usefulness is a privilege in his weakness;  not a burden but an honor. The underlying principal is the believer’s union with Christ.  Paul’s joy was not in suffering but in the fact that he saw in this a necessary part of his ministry.

Also part of this ministry was the proclamation of God’s message – to make clear the true nature of the gospel he preached.  Paul’s message is to clarify truth previously a mystery to man.  This message was “hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed.” – God’s truth that was not fully revealed in the Old Testament and not something that man would have thought of but a fact revealed by God and understood by believers.  The message to Jews and Gentiles is that they are fellow heirs and are to receive God within them through redemptive free grace, not by merit.

The essential part of the mystery which is now revealed as “Christ in you” – “the hope of glory”.   Glory is not an abstraction.  It is in us now and is a future blessedness of believers.   Deliverance from all evil is introduction to all good and is partially enjoyed in this world but will be possessed fully and forever in heaven.  Hope in scripture means absolute certainity of future good – an expectation of obtaining a present desire.  The truth Paul writes is that Christ living in the believer is the ground for certainity of complete salvation.

MacDonald writes of the hope of glory – “We have no other title to heaven than the Savior Himself.  The fact that He indwells us makes heaven as sure as if we were already there.”  Amen

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.   (16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him.  (17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  (18) And He is the head of the body the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians and in the verses we study today Paul emphasizes the centrality of Christ, the supremacy of Christ, the divinity of Christ and the incarnation.  Paul did not found the church in Colosse and may never have visited it – it was primarily a Gentile church with its culture steeped in Greek mysticism and customs.  Apparently Paul had been notified that the church there was threatened by heresy concerning the true doctrine of the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ – Paul responded to the news with this letter.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”    This sentence overwhelms me.  Without knowledge from the Bible I wouldn’t be so quick to notice the sharp line between people rhaphsodizing over the beauty of nature without mentioning that this also is the image of God in His work in the world.  Where do all these naturalists think this amazingly complex world/universe comes from?    The invisible God means that God is not capable of being seen – this has always been a part of Jewish theology and this thought runs through all of the Old Testament.  But Jesus Christ has been seen and Paul is saying that Jesus is the image of the invisible God – the perfect representation of God the Father – Christ is the essence of the eternal God made visible in the flesh.  Just think about that.

God is and has been intimately involved in mankind. I believe that man was created with a need in his heart that can only be filled by God.   God has spoken to us in the written word of the Bible –  He has given us His son to reconcile sinful man to Himself.  Man could do nothing to become righteous on his own – it all comes from God through Christ Jesus and man has to say yes to God.  What Paul is telling us here is in essence,  that in Christ all things were created in the past, all things hold together in the present and all things are reconciled in the future.

My favorite,C.S. Lewis, writes in his brilliant Weight of Glory,  “At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door.  We discern the freshness and purity of morning, but they do not make us fresh and pure.  We cannot mingle with the splendours we see.  But all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumour that it will not always be so.  Someday, God willing, we shall get in.”

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.  (15) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

(16) And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

(17) From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

(18) Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Amen

The context for today’s verses arises out of certain men coming from Jerusalem to the Galatians after Paul had founded a Christian church there.  These Judaizers/legalizers were Jews who insisted that circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic law was necessary for salvation.  The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Galatians insisting that what really matters is NOT external works but internal rebirth where one has been changed into a new and different person through Christ.  As this new person, Paul is preaching the cross as the central principle of his message – Paul gloried (boasted) in God and the cross which was an object of shame to the Judaizers but was an object of praise to Paul.

Faith in Christ Jesus and his completed work of redemption will make fallen man right with God.  The law of Moses has ended – no man was able to keep the law and no man was saved through the law.  With the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, we now have the new covenant with God.  As a new person we must not live according to the flesh – contrary to our nature – but now live according to the spirit.  There is a new creation and Paul blesses those who follow this new standard and those who embrace this new standard are the true Israel of God.  To all who believe in Christ all things are utterly worthless in comparison with Him.  We need desire no more than God’s grace through Jesus Christ to make us happy.

Paul takes over the writing tool from his scribe at the end of this letter to emphasize the importance of this doctrine and to verify that he, with his apostolic authority, was the author of this letter.  This is the time for us to sow that which we shall reap in everlasting life.  With his written Amen, Paul signifies his desire that he has laid to rest this problem with the Judaizers and that the grace of Christ be with his readers – and his faith that this would be so.

Stand fast therefore, in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

(13)  For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  (14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this:  “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  (15) But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

(16) I say then:  Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  (17) For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.  (18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians, defending his authority as an apostle, and defending the gospel he preached.  The Galatians had turned from idols to the living God through faith in Jesus Christ.   They were set free from the law to be sons and heirs of God through God’s free grace.  However, false teachers from Jerusalem came among the Galatians and drew them from the truth of Paul’s gospel – the Jews were offended because Christ was preached as the only salvation for sinners.

Paul makes his point that freedom from the law does not mean license to do whatever one wishes, but Christians have a liberty that leads to holiness and responsibility through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  Verse one of today’s reading summarizes chapters 1 through 4 of Galatians and leads to Paul’s appeal to the Galatians to resist any attempt to come under the bondage of legalism – to do so would negate the works of Christ as saviour and redeemer.  The critical issue is that of works versus faith in Christ which is the essential Christian doctrine Paul preaches – legalism versus grace.

Paul then moves into the true nature of Christian freedom.  We have been called to a responsible freedom in Christ – freedom to serve God and others in love.  Paul maintains that the answer to the strife is to live by the Spirit.  He draws the difference between the flesh – the sinful nature of man – and the Spirit – the presence of God in a person.  They are in irreconcilable conflict.  The sinful nature does no good and the spirit does no evil.  The sinful nature is never eliminated in this life and the Christian is never released from consciously choosing God’s way.  Paul is talking of living a new, godly life that is a life of faith and love and submission to the Spirit.

It is not enough that we cease to do evil but we must learn to do well.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  (27)For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  (28)There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  (29)And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

The letter to the Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul and may be the earliest letter written by Paul.  He had spent some time with the Galatians and preached the gospel of faith in Jesus Christ which makes us right with God.  Justification and salvation follow.  After Paul had moved on certain men came out of Jerusalem ( legalizers) who  told the Galatians it was necessary to embrace the ceremonial aspects of Judaism – circumcision and acceptance of the law to be assured of salvation.  The letter to the Galatians is occasioned by this threat to gospel preached by Paul.

The promise of salvation was made by God to Abraham before the law was given to Moses 430 years later.  The law did not abrogate the Promise.  Christ, the  Messiah, was promised as Abraham’s seed.  The law was given to teach the Jews that sinfulness could not be defeated by works.  No man could keep the law.  Jesus is the Messiah and the end of the law.  Belief and faith in Jesus Christ is the path to salvation.  Faith in Jesus makes ALL who believe, heirs to the promise given by God to Abraham  – all, Jews or Gentiles, are on a level; all alike are children of God in the same manner and on the same terms that Abraham was.

Paul states a position unique in Christianity that all are sinners; all are on a level; all are saved in the same way and all are entitled to the same privileges as children of God.  This does not mean that ability or distinctions are ignored – it does not mean that all are on a level with talents, comforts or wealth.  It means that all are on a level with regard to salvation.  This is what Paul is discussing in these verses.  He is not trying to break down distinctions in society.  All are on a level before God.  All are equally accepted through faith in Jesus Christ.

(16)  knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

(19) ” For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God.  (20)  I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh i live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  (21)  I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

The letter to the Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul.  Paul had founded Christian churches in southern Galatia and after he moved on, he was alerted that certain “legalizers” from Jerusalem had approached these churches and corrupted the gospel that Paul had preached.   They claimed that Gentile Christians must adhere to the Mosaic Law and be circumcised.   They also questioned Paul’s authority as an apostle.

In Chapter 2 of his letter to the Galatians, Paul stresses his authority as an apostle and as one who received his knowledge of the gospel directly from God.  He writes that the other Apostles recognized his authority as proof of his equal commission.

The verses we study today concern the doctrine of justification through faith in Jesus Christ.  The death of Christ was the death of the Law.  The gospel Paul preached is that justification – where the guilty are pardoned and reinstated as God’s children and fellow heirs with Jesus Christ – is only by faith in Christ.  The gospel is the instrument of our justification and not the law.  Faith is the means, not the source, of justification.  In verse 16 we see that the Apostle Paul repeats this great doctrine of justification three times.   Then Paul ends verse 16 by stating that there is no possibility to be justified  by works done in obedience to any statutes.

Paul continues in this letter by becoming personal and particular.  He declares that he is dead to the law – that he has abandoned all hope of justification and salvation by obeying the law as Christ’s death superseded the law.  It was treated as an end in itself and no one can perform perfect obedience to the law.  Paul had renounced all hopes of justification under the law – there was no further need for sacrifice, purification.  Paul claims life unto God through Jesus Christ – a new life of faith in the free grace given by God to those who become “right” with God through faith in Christ.

Paul closes this chapter by saying that if justification comes under the law – to be the result of works – it is not of grace from faith.  He argues that if salvation is from works, it must follow that Christ died in vain.  Wow.

But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not accordin to man.  (12) For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

(13) For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.  (14) And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

(15) But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, (16) to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, (17) nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

(18) Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.  (19) But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

The letter to the Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul.  He founded Christian churches in what was known politically as southern Galatia and it is believed this letter was written to those believers.  Paul preached salvation by God’s free grace through faith in Jesus Christ who died for the redemption of sin – he did not teach that conformity to Jewish law and the Jewish rite of circumcision brought salvation to sinners.

After Paul had moved on from the Galatians in his missionary journeys he heard that conservative Jewish teachers – called legalizers – had arrived from Jerusalem.  These legalizers claimed authority from the Christian church in Jerusalem to teach that the converted Christians had to obey the Law of Moses and also be circumcised.  These men challenged Paul’s apostolic authority as a genuine apostle and rejected his teaching.  Paul wrote in response to the subsequent situation in the Galatian churches where the believers were abandoning the gospel.

In the early chapters of this letter Paul writes the story of his life emphasizing that his apostolic teaching came by revelation from God.  He cites the recognition of this authority by the other apostles as confirming his apostolic standing.  Most importantly in this letter Paul addresses the issue of the law providing the path for salvation and states that the basis of salvation is faith in Jesus Christ as redeemer.

Paul stresses that the gospel he preaches is of divine origin –  the conditions and trajectory of his life to the time of his conversion proves he could not have received this gospel from men.  Paul was a “Hebrew of Hebrews” and not only opposed but actively persecuted the early church.  He was a fanatic against the church.  Paul stresses that only God could – and did – accomplish a conversion in him and called him by His grace,  Paul began to preach Christianity immediately.  He insists that he did not consult anyone, particularly the Jerusalem apostles but instead he went to Arabia.  Paul was not under the authority of the Apostles but was on his own.  His revelation was directly from God.  Paul taught that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone and NO work can earn salvation.  Any other thinking contradicts the truth and is a turning away from God.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  (3) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, (4) and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  (5) Now, hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul.  In earlier chapters of this wonderful letter, Paul has covered the justification of believers through Christ and his saving work.  The beginning word of Chapter 5, Therefore, tells us that the foundation for today’s verses has already been established.  Paul is assuming the reality of justification by faith for himself and his readers.   He is now telling the reader of the blessings/benefits of justification conveyed to the child of God.  Paul’s approach is to show that unsaved, we have been an enemy of God.  Now Paul shows us what we have through Christ.

Paul explains that the believer’s justification is a guarantee of heaven.  It is a source of tremendous blessings in our present life.  And, stunningly, our justification is a lasting thing.   The believer has been found not guilty.  It was something that happened and was completed the moment we believed.  God declared us righteous, never to change His mind.  True faith is a firm conviction and a surrender to that truth.  The believer’s conduct proceeds from that surrender and leads to a genuine changed life.   The true believer will find peace with God – not a state of mind but a relationship outside of ourselves, coming from the finished work of Christ on Calvary.  This life is still a battle but no longer a battle against God.

Paul tells us that the believers standing as children of God is an eternally settled matter.  We get this standing by grace when we believe in Christ and his works and person – by God’s free grace we are justified.  Paul tells us that not only are we to rejoice in this triumph, we are to rejoice in tribulations.   when we are justified we have the innermost presence of the Holy Spirit – and therefore that of Jesus – and that we are not alone.  We are given hope that does not disappoint.  I should repeat that  – the hope that never disappoints.

There are two threats to the assurance of our salvation.  First, that our faith might be fake – the fire of tribulation is a gift from God to prove us (test us) and show that we are real.  Second, the object of our faith might be fake – God’s remedy for this threat is His love in our hearts.  What matters here only is God’s love for us, not our love for God.   Hope is the desire for future good with the confident expectation of getting that future good.  Hope as used here by the Apostle Paul means certainty – it is sure, steadfast.

The truth of Romans, Chapter 5, is that God gives assurance to the Christian believer through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  I find today’s verses breathtaking – that if we are born again and have faith in the person and works of Jesus Christ, we are guaranteed heaven.  I just sit back in wonder at this doctrine that Paul writes of in the magnificent letter to the Romans.

So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

(9) But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.  (10) And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  (11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

(12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors – not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.  (13) For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.  (14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  (15) For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the spirit of adoption by whom we cry out “Abba, Father.”  (16) The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him,  that we may also be glorified together.

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christian church at Rome in preparation for his intended visit.  This letter is an exposition of the gospel that Paul had been preaching for 20 years.   This epistle is a towering letter of theological principles and great truths set forth for the early church and, as Scripture, is the word of God to us.

The verses we study today concern the fallen nature of man and the bondage that man inherited from the sin of Adam.   The wages of sin is death and unregenerate man in his sinful nature was unable to please God.  All this changed with the acceptable sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and also made man.  He was without sin and became the perfect acceptable  redemptive sacrifice in atonement for the sin of man. 

The very clear text  tells us that fallen man, redeemed by Christ gives the believing, faithful man new life by the grace of God.  The first activity of our new life is faith in Christ and acceptance of God’s gift of eternal life because  as carnal beings we face physical death, spiritual death and eternal death.

Paul then addresses the reader indicating he is now talking to believers -Those whose spirit is alive because Christ lives in them and thus the righteousness of God is imputed to them – they have the life of the spirit.By grace through faith in Christ, we are acceptable to God.  We are justified even though our believer’s body is mortal.  Paul contrasted eternal spiritual life to death of the body.   As redeemed sinners the Holy Spirit lives continually in us.  Paul modified the belief of the Jews that God would raise the dead at the end of this age but he says God has already raised Jesus and this is a sure sign of the future resurrection of the believer.

the effect of the Holy Spirit  living within us is we are now children of God.  The Apostle Paul is teaching privilege with responsibility.    He now tells us how the privileged should live their lives.  Paul begins with But – recipients are not able to act independently.  It is by the Spirit they are being led.  Salvation is God’s gift from start to finish but there is still is an obligation to perform.  There is always the thread that believers by themselves would never be able to fulfill God’s commands – We acknowledge our empowerment only by the in dwelling Spirit and the love of Christ.  We are no longer debtors to the flesh but to Christ and the Spirit.

Spiritual death results in the separation of the soul from God and equates with the loss of eternal life.   Paul is telling us that believers are no longer under condemnation – but God expects moral commitment and personal effort.    Faith is the key to this.  Grace changes the nature of man but nothing can change the nature of sin  It can be destroyed but never cured.   In reading Chapter 8 of Romans we must keep these verses in context, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ”.  If we slip and fall there is no sentence of eternal death. Instead Paul contrasts different lifestyles – the one of Adam and our fallen, sinful nature -that of death – to those believers in Christ.

When we trust in Christ we are superior to the ways of our sinful nature.    Those who are led by the Spirit are sons of God.  This does not mean we are involved in a new bondage like the law where men were moved by fear rather than by faith.  Those being led are progressively sanctified – set apart from the world and becoming holy.

We have been bought from death into a new life. Christ is the pivot in this new life. God raised Jesus from the dead and the believer with Him – triumph is assured if we live after the Christian life   The believing Christian lives In liberty in Christ, led by the Spirit. This does not mean he/she is free to do what they please but this is freedom from the law and the flesh in the Spirit and we are able to please God. Every believer is a child of God – a rightful heir and more, joint heirs with Christ.  This adoption never needs to be repeated and is permanent.  this is the grace of God.  the believer has new standing before God, from grim condemnation to privileged heir.  The believer’s heirship is future hope and present reality. We possess in principle what we look forward to in  full possession

But he, being full of the Holy Spoirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (56) and said, “Look! I see the heavens opening and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

(57) Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; (58) and they cast him out of the city and stoned him.  And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.  (59) And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”  (60)  Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.”  And when he said this, he fell asleep

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, writer of one of the gospels and historian of the early Church.  After Pentecost, (a Jewish festival celebrated 50 days after Passover –  originally celebrating the first fruits of the harvest and later considered a time for annual renewal of the Mosaic covenant)  the Holy Spirit entered those waiting in a small room in Jerusalem.   There was an explosion of spiritual energy.  The ancient church grew so rapidly in this time of miraculous expansion that the apostles found that they were spending time and energy on tending to the material concerns of the new converts. The solution, to appoint seven ministers/deacons of the early church, included the appointment of Stephen to this ministry.  Luke tells us that Stephen was preaching the gospel while also supervising relief for the poor in his role as deacon.  Apparently his preaching greatly antagonized a faction of the Jewish people and Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin, the same Jewish Council which had only recently “judged” Christ.

Stephen was accused of blasphemy against Moses and God for he spoke his conviction that God never intended to confine His favors to one place and that the temple would be destroyed and the customs of the ceremonial law would be changed.  Stephen argued that both the temple and the law were figures of things to come.  He claimed that God had been in the world many ages before the holy temple was built and the law given –   Abraham had been called by God before the law and was justified by faith.  David was not allowed to build a temple for God as God was satisfied with the tabernacle built to His specifications. It was not until David’s son, Solomon, was king that God allowed the temple to be built. Stephen said in essence that it was not treason or blasphemy to say that Jesus ended the law and that the temple service, stripped of the ceremony of the old law, had ended.  Stephen emphasized that God could not be confined to temples made with hands.

The verses tell us the story of the first Christian martyr.  Stephen spoke in front of the Sanhedrin and condemned their rejection of God and the gospel.   He compared their actions to  those of their fathers who also rejected the prophets of God.  The men of the Sanhedrin gnashed their teeth – their hatred and rejection of Stephen’s words caused them to act as beasts.  They cried out with loud voices to silence him and excite each other – to drive out reason.  They ran upon him with one accord, all in haste and violence – to terrify and silence him.  They cast him out of the city and stoned him, pretending to execute the law of Moses.  We are told that the executioners took off their upper garments and laid them at the feet of Saul – this is the first we hear of him – later to become the Apostle Paul.

Stephen pulled himself to his kneeS and manifested – by looking at the heavens and speaking in a loud voice – that he saw the glory of God.  He saw Jesus in his human nature so as to be seen by bodily eyes.  He saw Jesus at the right hand of God.  Stephen’s final act was prayer for his persecutors as he knelt and cried out in a loud voice asking for forgiveness for his murderers.  Clearly this terrible event stuck in the mind of Saul, who later as Paul, bitterly regretted his part in this death.

God has a plan – a cosmic plan.  All things work together for good.   It was the martyrdom of Stephen, witnessed and agreed to by Saul/Paul, together with the persecutions that took place at this time that led to the conversion of Paul at the intervention on the road to Damascus.

And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”  (2) Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders about this question.

(22)  Then it pleased the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas leading men among the brethren.

They wrote this letter by them: 

The apostles, the elders and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:  Greetings.

(24) Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law” – to whom we gave no such commandment – (25) it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26) men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (27)  We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.  (28) For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:  (29)  that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.  If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.

Chapter 15 of the Acts of the Apostles, written by Luke, concerns the matter of Jewish Christians (Judaizers) who traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch of Syria claiming authority to preach the theological necessity of circumcision and obedience to the Mosaic Law as necessary for salvation to the newly converted Gentile Christians.  This position was also being promoted among Paul’s recent converts in Galatia.  They were firmly opposed by Paul and Barnabus, newly returned to Antioch after their successful first missionary journey – this became such a contentious matter that Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with others of the Antioch congregation, to travel to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders to clarify the position of the ancient church on evangelization of the Gentiles.

Some of the converted Jews still expected a temporal kingdom from the Messiah – they now saw that the Gentiles were included in the salvation of the gospel and wished to extend their hegemony over the Gentiles.  They did not understand or accept what the gospel was telling them.  The position of these men had long been “Except you be circumcized you cannot be saved.”  Paul and Barbabus opposed this.  They knew that Christ unites Jew and Gentile in Himself.  He freed them from the ceremonial law and rites of circumcision.

The apostles, elders and other members of the church discussed this matter at the ensuing Council of Jerusalem.  Luke tells us that Peter, spoke as a missionary, not as head of the Jerusalem church.  Peter spoke. (and i am including his words as quoted in Acts 15: 7-11).

“Men and Brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.  (8) So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, (9) and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.  (10) Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?  (11) But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they”

After Peter  reminded the Council that Paul’s approach to the Gentiles was God’s divine will, Paul and Barnabus spoke of the validation of their missionary policy through “miraculous signs and wonders”.  Then James, the half brother of Jesus and the head of the Jerusalem church,  who presided over the Council, said in effect that the Council cannot oppose the will of God and that Jewish Christians should not stand against the Gentile mission.  The vote of the Council on this matter was unanimous in support of James’s decision and a letter was drafted to be circulated among the Christian churches in affirmation of their position.

The Council of Jerusalem was a hugely important moment in the life of the church.  It recognized that salvation through Jesus Christ was meant for the Jews and the Gentiles and boldy refused to impede the progress Paul had made with the Gentiles.  The Council acknowledged that the Messiah had freed them from the Law.  They had refused to side with the Judaizers and they could not be in opposition to the will of God.

And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, (22) strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”  (23) So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.  (24) And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.  (25) Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.  (26) From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.

(27)  Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, writer of one of the gospels and occasional traveling companion of the Apostle Paul.  Luke wrote Acts as an historian.  He shows how the message of salvation in Jesus was taught by the ancient church – he also gives us dates, historical context, detailed description of events; all to proclaim the truth of the gospel that was being preached in the early church

The Apostle Paul and his companion, Barnabas, were commissioned by the early church in Antioch to spread the gospel.  In Acts, Luke chronicles how these two witnesses – Paul and Barnabas, went to the Jews in the synagogues first and how they were treated to terribly at Antioch of Pisidia.  As a result, the Apostle Paul, proclaims that his commission to be preacher to the Gentiles was given him by Christ and his power to do so was from the Holy Spirit.  He  then declared he would preach the gospel to Jews and Gentiles together – both are reconciled to God in the one body of Christ.  Paul and Barnabas were exiled from Antioch of Pisidia and they left for Iconium where they spoke to both Jews and Gentiles.  Paul was no longer afraid to give offence to the Jews.  He and Barnabas ventured their souls on the word of God and  the truths  they spoke were confimed by miracles and wonders and signs granted by God. However, Iconium was divided and violence was attempted against the Apostles so they fled to the city of Lystra.

In Lystra, Paul healed – by the power of God – a man lame from birth.  Luke tells us that Paul studied this man and perceived that he had faith enough to be healed.  Ancient Lystra had a pagan background and saw this healing as an action of the gods and they prepared to sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas as to gods themselves.  Greatly upset, Paul and Barnabas rushed to restrain the people and used the occasion to declare that they were just mortal men and God did these miraculous things. People should glorify God, not deify man.   Paul declared that God left as witness to His sovereignity, the rainfall, the light, the fruitful seasons, the fullness and gladness in the hearts of men.  He used the cure of the lame man to introduce the gospel among both Jews and Gentiles – the metaphor is that we are all lame from birth until God puts strength in us.

Certain Jews from Antioch of Pisidia and Iconium came to Lystra and aroused the people – now emotional and confused – to stone Paul and drag his seemingly dead body out of the city.  However, the discliples gathered around Paul and he arose and returned to the city.  The stoning of Paul was not a judicial sentence but mob violence – it was a miracle that Paul could even stand and that these events moved him so little that he reentered Lystra.  But Paul and Barnabas moved on to the city of Derbe.where they preached the gospel.  After some time there they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch to reinforce the foundations of the church thay had planted at these cities.  Paul made sure the believers knew that the only danger was losing their hold on Christ.  The converted were confirmed and the certainty of what Paul preached was reaffirmed –  that they must be bound to God.  The Apostle insisted that the believers must endure tribulation to enter into the kingdom of God.  We have been bought at a price and all His disciples must take up their cross.  We shall not be lost but the joy and glory of God’s kingdom will be our reward.

There was then an organization of a setttled ministry in that ancient church.  Some were ordained to teach, some to preath, to administer gospel ordinances, to instruct, to oversee.  Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps continuing to lay the foundation of the early church and to explain Christ’s teachings and parables.  Finally they returned to Antioch at Syria because that was where the Apostles had been recommended by the grace of God to their missionary journey.  They had fulfilled this journey and gathered the Church together at Antioch to give them an account of all God had done through them.  It was especially important to tell them how God had shown them that the Gentiles were included – not only invited to believe but touched by God’s grace to accept His offer of salvation.

(14) But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.

(43) Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

(44) On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.  (45) But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.  (46) Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.  (47) For so the Lord has commanded us:

‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles

That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth’ “.

(48) Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord.  And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

(49) And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.  (50) But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region.  (51) But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium.  (52) And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

When the Apostle Paul traveled on his missionary journeys – given the commission by the Holy Spirit – it was his custom to put on his rabbinical robes and go first to the temple to address the Jews.  Chapter 13 is written to show justification of Paul in turning from the Jews, who not only rejected the gospel he was ordained by God to preach, but to show how Paul turned to the Gentile world – a great offense to the Jews.

 In the passage we are reading today, Luke, as writer of Acts of the Apostles, records that there were also devout proselytes (God fearing Gentiles who followed the Law)  who were in attendance that first Sabbath at Antioch of Pisidia.  Paul preaching began with a review of the history of Israel with an emphasis on Israel being the chosen and covenantal nation of God.  The Apostle Paul made use of the Scriptures to show that Christ was the Messianic deliverer promised to Israel.  The heart of his talk was that Jesus was crucified as prophesied and laid in a tomb and then, raised from the dead.  That Jesus was indeed resurrected was witnessed to by the Apostles and many others who were still living at the time of Paul’s address at Antioch of Pisidia. The cornerstone of Paul’s message is that salvation is not earned by following the Law but justification comes only by and through faith in Jesus Christ.

Many of those present at this Sabbath worship asked Paul and Barnabas to return the following Sabbath and to talk further on this Messianic message.   Paul and Barnabus had established their policy of speaking the “good news” first to the Jew and then to the Gentile.  When almost the whole town showed up on the next Sabbath to listen to the words of Paul the Jews became envious.  They showed contempt for his words and went out of their way to condemn them, not because they did not believe the gospel but because they were resolved not to believe and wanted to shut out the words of conviction spoken by Paul.  The Gentiles were as willing to listen as the Jews were not.  The Gentiles wanted what the Jews refused.  Not all Jews turned away – and Paul, a Hebrew of Hebrews, is a prime example.

Paul’s direction was always to first speak to the Jews of redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ – they were the nation to whom the promise was made and to whom Christ was first sent.  The Jews were outraged and opposed the preached doctrine.  They turned to contradiction and blasphemy.  Now the Apostle Paul openly declared the end of his obligation to the Jews and declared his intention of bringing Christ to the Gentiles. Also, Paul and Barnabus became bold and as they had no more fear of offending the Jews.

Paul and Barnabus were expelled from the town  and shook off the dust from their sandals.  This was somewhat ceremonial and the equivalent of declaring they would have nothing more to do with them – let them keep what was theirs which was nothing more than dust.  Paul had made an offer of the gospel and this action proved that he had been there for Christ and the message had been rejected.  Paul and Barnabus left –  they showed no fear or grief but felt elated and filled with joy and trust in Christ.  Whatever difficulties lay ahead they were filled with the Holy Spirit.