Mike's Bible Study Journal

Re-Vamp!

2009-05-10T21:03:00.001-07:00

Taking one approach to reach towards Christ can be exhausting and boring. Taking multiple approaches to to reach towards Christ can be exciting and rewarding. That's why we've decided to re-vamp the website and studies in order to encourage one another.

An entanglement of churches labeled "Mars Hill Church" has been exploding in numbers from Seattle to New York. Led by some of the wisest people I've humbled myself to listen to, Mars Hill's pastors exude Jesus-like strength and passion. Mike's Bible Study Journal will now be posting videos from Pastor Mark Driscoll and others to further our knowledge and growth in Jesus.

One thing is certain: re-vamp = more Jesus

Coming soon...

Hebrews 1-6

2009-04-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

The history of the book of Hebrews is unknown, as well the time of when it's written or it's audience. It's full of amazing God-breathed verses, but it's very complicated and puzzling. Some believe that it was written by Paul, but previous letters from him tend to prove otherwise.

Hebrews begins with the Bible's continuous exploration of Jesus and how he is favored over any man, Moses (written in 3:3), or even all the angels...showing a Christ-centered text.

"14Are not all angels ministered spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"

Jesus is God's word, the light, the Savior of man.

"3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the extra representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word."

In Chapter 2, the author warns us to pay more attention to Christian teachings so we don't drift away from the Faith:

"2For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?"

In Chapter 3, we receive more warnings against unbelief:

"15'Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the
rebellion.'

It goes on to talk about the things that lead people away from God in Chapter 4:

"1Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith."

We see here that it is disobedience that leads to destruction. If we know the path to God, we need to run along it as fast and as direct as we possibly can. The silly thing is...we can also ask God for help doing this! How is it that we still disobey, if the ultimate goal for any health-living organism is to prolong life. Eternal life is through Jesus only. We must be as Christ was, or we will all be extinguished...so, be on fire for Jesus!

"12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Be confident in your walk with God. Jesus is the "Great High Priest" and will give you what you need to be with Him. Christ will sustain you and keep you strong. He is the destroyer of sin.

"16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Falling away...Chapter 6:

"4It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5who have tasted goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, 6to be brought back to repentence, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace."

Wow. This verse is a harsh, slap of reality that sinners will be thrown in hell. Jesus was the guy who talked about hell the most. I think that says a lot when he is well-known to have come to earth to save man-kind. We need to contanstly be feeding our faith. Let me say that again in big bold letters...

We need to be CONSTANTLY feeding our faith!

This blog means nothing, except that it feeds faith. It feeds faith by giving knowledge and reinstituting the promises of God. It is our faith that connects us to God and tells us what to do through the Holy Spirit. So don't be idle or lazy, because it will only bring you farther away from God. And once you are far enough away, it's like you are crucifying Jesus on the cross for the second time.

"11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make you hope sure. 12We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and practice inherit what has been promised."

"19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."

Theme: Jesus is the answer, seek Him
always!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

This video was shown at my church and brought me to tears. I watched it twice, but still the second time I watched it I cried. Plus, I love the song that is played. This video rocks.

These are very short and intense testimonies of a bunch of people who trust in God.

Philemon 1

2009-04-05T05:15:00.000-07:00

Our buddy, Philemon, was a member of the church in Colosse when Paul wrote this letter (a very short letter). Paul is mainly writing to him because Philemon's slave has run away. His name was Onesimus. It seems that this slave ran all the way to Rome and visited Paul, where Onesimus was converted to the Christian faith. In which, Paul pleas Philemon to forgive him for running away or any other wrong he has done.

"10I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and me. 12I am sending him -- who is my very heart --back to you...14But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. 15Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a while was that you might have him back for good -- 16no loner as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother."

These verses show a lot. It shows that Paul is very conscious of Philemon's feelings, and know what is important to him. Paul won't do anything to compromise his relationship with Philemon, but he will do everything he can to preserve Christianity. This also shows that Paul believes that we should be always looking at God's work, even through the fog of a bad situation. He thinks that Onesimus' act was for a reason, because the result brought this slave to Christ. Nothing can be bad about that.

Theme: Forgive quickly and look for God's work everywhere.

Titus 1-3

2009-04-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

Not going to lie...I didn't get a whole lot of Titus. Paul is repeating a bit of what he had already mentioned to Timothy. He talks about how to be an "overseer" or a leader as a Christian. Titus is currently on the island of Crete. But, he has some great reminders in his letter, as always. In Chapter 1:

"2...a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life."

I love that. As I have mentioned in previous posts: living a good life is about perspective. Paul gives great perspective here, reminding us that the Christian Faith is the pursuing of eternal life. We are fighting evil so that we may live forever, through Christ.

Repeating Timothy he continues in Chapter 1:

"6An elder must be blameless...,7not pursuing dishonest gain. 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined."

"15To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure."

Paul knows the importance of leadership. If the leader fails to set a blameless example, that church community will slowly destroy itself from the inside, out.

Again, he points out what a Christian should do when someone is doing spiritual harm to others in Chapter 3:

"10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."

I really do find these types of verses helpful to me. Life can be difficult sometimes, especially in friendships. But all in all, what we need to do as Christians is to protect our faith by any righteous means necessary.

Lastly, Paul mentions that Christians need to constantly remember:

"14Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives."

Theme: "Maintain good works!"

2 Timothy 1-4

2009-03-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Fellowship, celebrities, schools, evangelism, friendship, church, sports. What do these all have in common? They all involve other people. Paul knows we need encouragement, as well as direction. While talking to Timothy, his unofficial "son", he says one of my favorite verses in the Bible:

"7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

Paul knows Timothy's weaknesses and strengths, just as God knows our deepest fears and fantasies. But, God gives us things we don't see sometimes or chose not to claim. God gave us: Power, Love, and Self-discipline. His gifts that we must cling to and cherish. If you truly think about it, if your life did not include one of these right now, at this moment, it would fall apart. So, claim your gifts and exude a powerful spirit. Exude love to everything God gives you. Be self-disciplined because it brings you close to God in faith.

Paul also charges Timothy to "not be ashamed to testify about our Lord" and to not be ashamed of Paul as God's "prisoner."

He makes an analogy that helped me to think in Chapter 2:

"5...if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown
unless he competes according to the rules."

This verse was really showed me that we need the Bible even more in our lives. Think about it this way: if we play a game, we can't win unless we follow every one of the rules. You can achieve the goal by cheating, but you will not receive the prize. It's the same with life! You cannot go through life not knowing what God wants of you. Getting to Heaven takes more than belief. It takes knowledge, commitment, and struggle. We need to know what is a sin and what it is to believe. The "game rules" are in the Bible, but we just need to take the time to learn them so we can play the game called "Getting to Heaven."

Paul reminds us what it is to be a true Christian. We aren't just here on earth to get to Heaven, we are also here to help others get there as well.

"16Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will becomes more and more ungodly. 17Their teaching will spread like gangrene."
"20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."

"22Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels."

Paul shows us how to strive to be a Worker of God, to be useful and a true Christian. He loves which is holy and stays away from unholiness. In Chapter 3, he talks about the hole Christians can slip into that will lead to destruction:

"1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be Lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God -- 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. 9But they will not get far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone."

These verses scare me. It shows that I can become an enemy of God simply by giving into my sin. I quoted everything Paul said here because he is whole-heartedly against people like this. These are the people who pretend to represent Jesus, but then sin for all to see. We are to "have nothing to do with them" especially because a disease like that can spread. This also encouraged me to be stronger in my faith and my studies so it will be even more difficult to fall.

This book also helped me to rely more on the Bible. In Chapter 3 it says:

"16All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correction and training in righteousness, 17so the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

I should trust these collection of books, this holy binder called the Bible. I should trust it with my life. It says in Chapter 4:

"3For the time will come when men will not put up sound doctrine and careful instruction. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."

Paul is a smart dude, he knows what keeps us holy and what is hardest when we already have the truth in our hands. 2 Timothy is a great charge to help Christians to be a Worker of God: useful, righteous, self-controlled, and God-loving.

Theme: Flee evil desires and denial of the truth. Claim your gifts and be useful to God!

1 Timothy 1-6

2009-03-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

Timothy was Paul's "true son of the faith." He was introduced in Acts and they traveled together on many occasions. In servitude, Timothy also stayed along-side congregations when Paul had to leave.

Paul writes to encourage Timothy and help to teach him on how to become a worthy man of God. In Chapter 1, Paul "warns against false teachers of the law", exclaiming that whatever contradicts the teachings of God is false. He also reminds Timothy:

"13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a prosecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14The grace of our Lord was poured out onto me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."

These verses are supposed to help Timothy to "keep with the prophecies once made" and not to listen to anything else.

Chapter 2 is entitled: "Instructions on Worship." It tells him to remind the congregations Timothy is visiting to "live peaceful and quiet lives", to "lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger", for "women to dress modestly", and for "women to learn in quietness and full submission." Now, the last part of that chapter explains why women shouldn't be an authority figure. Paul says:

"12I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15But women will be saved through childbearing -- if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety."

Is this as confusing to you as it is to me? Yes, we all know that "women's rights" were not observed until the 1800's. But why would this be such a big deal? If we do not agree with this today, are we refuting God's Word? Let's take a look in Titus, Chapter2:

"3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."

So, there is proof that women were aloud to at least teach younger women. Let's keep going, focusing more on why Paul says women cannot be in authority roles, back in his time.

We can constantly see that Paul focuses on churches and how they can become better as Christians. He says that we are all, equally one in Christ. He doesn't ever suggest they go join the Roman Senate to inject Christianity, he doesn't ever tell them to invade Rome to spread Christianity as Templar Knights, and he doesn't ever tell them to promote equal rights for women. All of these are appropriate responses in some instances, but Paul knows the way to heaven. And around 59 A.D., people are not going to listen to women preachers. That was the way it was back then -- period, the end, that's it. My belief is that women, today, are fit to teach the word of God in churches to men and other women. Please comment!

Continuing on, Paul talks about the responsibilities of authority figures in Chapter 3:

"1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap."

These are very useful verses explaining not only how leader's should be, but also what people are to strive for. This is such good information!

Paul gives instructions directly to Timothy saying not to listen to hypocrites and also, in Chapter 4:

"12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

He goes on to talk about "widows, elders and slaves" and the "love of money." Chapter 6:

"7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."

But I find that the last, most important verse in 1Timothy is in Chapter 6:

"11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith."

These are great qualities to strive for that i normally forget about!

Theme: These are the directions on how to be a leader in the Church.

2 Thessalonians 1-3

2009-02-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

Hey guess where this book is set? That's right! Thessalonia must have been pretty special for Paul to be writing so much. So let's try and pay attention to what he is trying to say.

Chapter 1 is another time where Paul is thankful for them. Same old, same old. But Chapter 2 is about the "man of lawlessness"...I'm just not sure what I should be taking away from it. Paul describes this man as someone who will appear close to the "end of the world" and will oppose everything that represents God. He will in alliance with powers of Satan, displaying false miracles and signs. He is the "man doomed to destruction."

All of these details makes sense to me, but there is a group of verses that confuses me a little:

"9The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10and every kind of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refuse to love the truth and so be saved. 11For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth who have delighted in wickedness."

Why would God send the people, following the "Lawless One", delusions in order to condemn them? The way this is put makes it sound like Paul is saying God wants them to go to Hell. I understand that because they know what the truth is and still follow the work of Satan, it anger's God. It's just a tad confusing in how God is said to deal with it. Please comment!!

But, Paul tells us to "stand firm and hold to the teachings", to "request for prayer", and he "warns against idleness." Chapter 3:

"6In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us."

"10For even when we were with you we gave you this rule: 'If a man will not work, he shall not eat."

"13And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. 14If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother."

Again, I love that Paul knows these are the specifics to being a Christian. That we are to follow the "instruction" that he has sent us, and if there is someone who does not follow the "instruction," we are not supposed to associate with that person. To "warn him as a brother."

Theme: Be steady and holy because Christ is coming again.

1 Thessalonians 1-5

2009-02-20T14:02:00.000-08:00

Thessalonia was the capital and largest city of Macedonia (a Roman province) and provided a crossroads for trade and commerce. Paul has been sending Timothy to help them in their faith and Paul has been writing to this young church to encourage them and praise them for persevering through persecution.

Paul states, first, what he has heard from Timothy and Silas, praising them for their steadiness and reminding them of Jesus returning. He glimpses back on when Paul first visited:

"3For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed -- God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else."

Paul is reassuring the Thessalonian church that Paul, Timothy, and Silas were of pure heart. Their intentions were completely focused on love through the word of God. Paul doesn't want them to forget what they were there for.

He talks about Timothy's report and says that Paul longs to be with the Thessalonians, reminding them to live to please God in Chapter 4:

"3It is God's will that you should be sanctified: 4that you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6and that in this matter no one should wrog his brother or take advantage of him."

Paul makes a good point after that. He says:

"8Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit."

I like this verse, because it reminds me that it can be easy to get caught up in trying to please other people, rather than God. Because if God comes first in your life, you will please the people who God wants you to please. But you shouldn't be looking to get satisfaction out of other people instead of God. I sometimes struggle with this*.

He continues at the end of Chapter 4 with great advice on how to focus on God:

"11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

These are such strangely good verses. I love that Paul talks about something so simple as how you should appear to "outsiders", but he knows how important it is and how something as small as not relying on other people could lead someone to Christ -- just by living life!

Chapter 5 is labeled "The Coming of the Lord"...and for good reason.

"1Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying "Peace and Safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."

These verses are great insight into how we should treat the "end of the world". It will come with out warning, and we should always be prepared for it. I also love how Paul explains the "end of the world" as being like "labor pains on a pregnant woman". We know it will come.

"4But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness. 6So, then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and for those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But, since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation from the Lord Jesus Christ. 10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or are asleep, we may live together with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as in fact you are doing."

What Paul is saying here refers to laziness vs. discipline in Christ. We should always strive to be self-controlled, "sons of the light", and building each other up so that we may end up in Heaven. One thing that stuck out, in my mind, was that Paul emphasizes us being people of the light. It reminds of media today and how we fall in love with Anti-Heroes. These people are confused -- bad people doing good acts. But that's not what we should be striving to be. We should always be walking towards anything that is "good" and pure.

He ends 1 Thessalonians with this:

"12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14We urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak be patient with everyone. 15Make sure no one pays back wrong for wrong...16Be joyful always; 17Pray continually...21Test everything. 22Hold onto the good. Avoid every kind of evil."

It's so cool how Paul knows the recipe for success in Christ. It's even cooler that he shares it and strives for the spiritual longevity of others.

Theme: Be steady and holy because Christ is coming again.

Re: "Point/Counter-Point: The Only Way To Evangelize"

2009-01-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

(Continued from Lifeninja's Blog)
Counter-Point

I agree, in a way, in your decision to not waste time with evangelizing to "unsaved friends". I agree that people you know should be aware that you are a Christian.

But there is a deeper meaning to evangelism than a lot of people may think. It's a heavy burden, evangelizing, but it's also a gift.

It is obvious that evangelism is a necessary component if you want to call yourself Christian. I mean, if you know Christ, he told us to "Follow me and I will make you fisher's of men" (Matthew 4:19).

So, 1st of all, it seems to me that evangelism is a very opinion-based topic (thus the point/counter-point relevance). 2nd, it's a hinging point in a lot of people's lives when they are introduced to the truth of God and what it is to be a Christian. This hinging point can cause disaster, or enlightenment -- disastrous examples: you reject the fact that you preferably need to get to know the person in order to earn a spiritual respect of that person (if they do not "know" you, the majority of the time that person will think you are a cultist or a nut -- they may not say it out loud!), you slam your beliefs on the table b/c you are "on fire for Jesus" and that person is scared to death (they may not say it out loud!), you annoy the person to the point of no return and that person will shut you out. Throwing your "soul-saving" information at them usually results in a destruction of the relationship (in my opinion). The argument is that Life Ninja says we shouldn't worry about the destruction of that relationship. He believes that we should leave it up to God.

But, where do we draw the line where we "assume divine intervention" in relationships VS. "God helps those who help themselves"?

Why would I ignore the characteristics of Jesus? What is the other option? I will tell you...

The Bible is a contextual book that has been translated numerous times, through many spiritual ages, and has been passed down to us. The original text was written to the people in the Middle East at that time. To ignore these facts would be idiotic. BUT, the Bible was written as a piece of evangelism. Simply put...we were not there in the time of Jesus. In order to trust scripture, you literally have to have faith in it. You can say all the things possible to prove that the Bible is all true, but that would be defeating the point in having faith in God. People will still doubt the existence of God and the history of Christianity! You already have that against you.

Lifeninja says:

"Jesus was not afraid of knocking Nicodemus, the woman at the well and the travelers on the road to Emasus off guard to present how important he is. He didn't worry about the "right time" or the "right place" or even the "developmental stages" of his followers."

Jesus was at a maturity that we all strive to become. Is anyone on this earth at the spiritual maturity level of Christ? I highly doubt it. Is it possible? Of course (read my post titled "Philippians 1-4" -- skip to the part about Jesus becoming nothing). I'm not saying that we have to be at the maturity level of Christ to evangelize, but I am saying that we aren't God -- God knows exactly what to say -- and not everyone will need to hear the same thing by the same person. There are ways to getting through to people that don't make you look like a con artist. So, I'm not necessarily ignoring Jesus' characteristics, but I am saying that we are not God.

I believe that there is a reason for knowing the human psyche. We are reasoning creatures that are complex and yet simple. We know that some people are stubborn, some people were raped when they were young, some people are surrounded by atheists, some people are happy with condemning Christians, ect. These are not habits that we should ignore. These are problems that, if taken lightly, can lead to a destruction of the relationship. The ultimate reason for evangelism is expressing a Christ-like love to others. If we chose ignorance to achieve that goal, are we really doing the right thing? I don't believe in "the end justifies the means". It's hypocritical to sacrifice wisdom to gain enlightenment (Jesus was strong, but also gentle).

Conclusion

This is such a broad topic with so much controversy surrounding it. So if we aren't sitting people down in a group and evangelizing, what are we doing? We are beacons of God's word, a reflection of Jesus, in a period of time where psychology is apart of our awareness and people are even more messed up. We defend the truth, we gain the respect of others, we love others, we set the example. We become "nothing", a servant to God and others. We love people by creating a relationship and becoming their "brother/sister".

You can see the simplicity of Life Ninja's post and the complexity of mine -- showing you an obvious difference between the two forms of evangelism with the same agenda. This is my opinion in which I have found success. But God calls us all to behave in different ways, because we all bring something to the table. That is the beauty of diversity and equilibrium of God's creation. Pray to God for the right answer and He will lead you. But, one thing Life Ninja and I both believe: to do nothing at all would not be love. God wants us to take action.

Colossians 1-4

2009-01-22T16:01:00.000-08:00

Colosse was a small town about 100 miles east of Ephesus where a lot of paganism was upheld. This letter was written at the time of Paul's imprisonment in Rome.

Paul begins by writing that Timothy and himself are praying for the Colossians because they have heard very good things. They prayed for faith and love, spiritual wisdom and understanding, strength, great endurance, patience, and joyfulness. He explains that Jesus is the only reason why we have redemption for the things we have done that are against God's will. Jesus is the head of the church, the "first born", who reconciled us from being alienated from God to be without a "blemish and free from accusation -- if you continue your faith, established and firm."

The letter continues with Paul saying that he is a servant for the church and how Christ works through him:

"28We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with wisdom, so that we my present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me."

In Chapter 2, heeds a warning (1 of 2) to the Colossians:

"8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."

This warning is very appropriate for the present-day for many reasons:

People have a hard time with faith and believing in something that is metaphysical.
If people find the benefits of believing in a higher power (or believing in something greater than themselves), it can be anything: money, sex, video games, food, power, popularity, fame, ect.
When people find that people are persecuted for being a Christian, they tend to stay away from it so their lives will be easier.

Paul has a man named Epaphras in the church in Colosse, that sends letters to Paul regarding the Christian/Non-Christian happenings. He has told Paul the dangers that lie in Colosse that include Jews and Paganism merging. He also says that we were "dead in sin", but we were "made alive in Christ". In this statement, Paul is leading to another warning (2 of 2):

"20Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belong to it, do submit to its rules: '21Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!' 22These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings."
"16Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath Day. 17These are shadows of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ."

He is teaching us to not give anyone reason to judge you. Paul wants us to take care of our bodies as God commanded and to be "above reproach". If we are claiming to be Christians, but live by "false humility", then we are sinning against God. We should be constantly straining to be more like Christ, as a servant. That servitude is meant for God, for others, and for our bodies (which belongs to God).

When Paul is talking about "religious festivals", he is referring to Colosse and it's Judiastic Ceremonialism (i.e. honoring Jesus' death by becoming "drunk, which leads to debauchery" -- Ephesians 5:18.) I don't know about you, but I have no idea what debauchery means. So, I looked it up...Debauchery: excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures OR seduction from duty, allegiance, or virtue. This is very interesting when investigating the hot topic of drinking.

In my honest opinion, drinking is a luxury. When someone consumes alcohol there is only one question that should be on their mind: Can I spiritually be pure when I drink? There are a lot of people who will fight for this luxury (sometimes using scripture to back them up), when they know that it affects their spirituality. I call this a luxury because luxuries can become addictions. In their initial form, they are: fun, relaxing, exciting, interesting, conversation-starters, ect. But when abused (usually to help them deal with a imbalance in their mental health) it can be used as a replacement for God. That addiction is the same thing as idolatry. Colossians 3:5...

"5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."

I drink. If I were ever abusing it, I would ask, anyone who cares for me, to help me to stop until I was spiritually mature enough to have that luxury again. That is why, we are to follow the Bible when it teaches us that we need a Christ-filled fellowship in order to live as Christ. Romans 14:21...

"21It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

Is drinking bad? No, Jesus did pour wine at dinner! Is too much drinking bad? Yes. When do I know when I drank too much? Everyone has different tolerances and views of drinking, but, universally, if you are making decisions that affect your judgement and hurt your spiritual and physical relationships...you drank way too much. Anything, anything is bad in excess.

Paul continues in Chapter 3 saying there are rules for "holy living". There is no person that is different in Christ. We all bring something to the table to better the Kingdom, but when it comes to the riches we inherit from Jesus, we all have an equal shot. Paul tells to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient. To forgive each other just as the Lord forgave us. To do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

In Chapter 4, it says to devote ourselves to prayer and to be wise when talking to people who are not Christians, to make the most out of every opportunity.

"6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

This is an important verse that is linked to a lot of ideas. It promotes an constant readiness to speak to others, who are new or have misconceptions of Christianity. It tells us that we are always underneath a watchful eye, either from God or God and non-Christians. Lastly, it tells us that we should be studying scripture, disciplining ourselves, bettering one another, striving to be more like Christ; so that others may receive the same gift we were given. The gift that has always been there for them.

This letter is full of so much information that I could hardly write it all. There is even more that I did not touch on, but these are the notes that I found most important. Please comment if you have more that you think I should share!

Theme: Focus on Christ to stray from heresy and paganism.

Philippians 1-4

2009-01-19T12:12:00.000-08:00

After reading Ephesians, I realize that Paul's concern for others can only be described as "love". Philippians is another great example of Paul's Letters and his strong faith in tough times. At this point in his life, he is currently in a Roman prison, which lasted a total of 3 years, and he is writing this letter with his brother-in-Christ, Timothy.

Paul is a great teacher of principles and guidelines that many Christians use to lead their lives in a Christ-like manner. He begins with thanking the Philippians and praying for them. He goes on to explain that Paul's imprisonment has given him opportunities to "advance the gospel". Paul is goes on to rejoice in the preaching of Christ by others and for the prayers that his supporters provide him with. Paul then says in Chapter 1:

"22If I am to on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body."

The letter to the Philippians is continued with Paul's description of imitating Christ. He tells us in Chapter 2:

"3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."

These verses are great principles that any Christian would have no problem recognizing as important. But one verse caught my eye in the same Chapter:

"5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature [of] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."

I've never looked at verses 5-7 as anything important enough to dwell on until I saw that Paul is giving us hints on how to be more like Jesus. This is incredible for a Christian who is strong in faith but sees Christ-like perfection as unattainable. Paul seems to be saying that we are not striving to be like God, we are striving to bring praise His glory by becoming what Jesus was: a servant, Jesus became "nothing". This explanation of God's desire for us described by Paul has most definitely strengthened my faith.

Paul tells us to "shine like the stars" and to:

"14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation..."

Blameless. That's a tough one. Impossible? Through Jesus it isn't. We follow the ways of becoming like Jesus and we can become blameless through God's grace, prayer/repentance, and servitude. Paul also tells the Philippians about "No Confidence in the Flesh", which gets a tad confusing in Chapter 3.

"2Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh -- 4though I myself have reasons for such confidence."

He lists some reasons that he has "confidence in the flesh" (which seems to mean faith in earthly things or people or actions), which had at one time considered to be of high value. But he says that now "considers [them] loss for the sake of Christ". Paul continues on about "pressing on toward the goal" by:

"...Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

We are to "join with others in following [Paul's] example, and take not of those who live according to the pattern..." and to not live as "enemies of the cross...[whose] destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things." I find that these instructions pertain to our generation with our thirst for sense-overload. It hurts us more than we know and it will eventually destroy us.

Lastly, Paul tells us in Chapter 4:

"6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
"8Finally my brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent, or praiseworthy -- think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put into practice."
"13I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

These little nuggets of truth are ways that Paul tells us will better the Kingdom of God. Great stuff.

Theme: "Rejoice in the Lord!"