Good afternoon friends,
I hope your weekend has
been wonderful. Despite being a bit wet, the camping trip was lots of
fun. As always, teamwork and community make for a great trip even with
less than perfect weather. In our reading for today, Paul reflects on
being in prison for the sake of the gospel. He says that even his
imprisonment has helped spread the gospel. For one thing, being in
prison has given him the opportunity to share his faith with his jailers
and other prisoners. It has also allowed people to see how deeply he
loves Christ, which might also draw people to salvation.
I
find Paul's devotion inspiring. He doesn't get everything right, but he
sees everything he does as part of his faith. That's an invitation for
us as well. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, you have the
opportunity to share God's love with others.
God bless,
Sam
Philippians 1:12-21
12 I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, 13so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; 14and
most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the
Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness
and without fear.
15 Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. 16These proclaim Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the gospel; 17the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment. 18What
does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way,
whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will result in my deliverance. 20It
is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any
way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted
now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.
Showing posts with label living our faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living our faith. Show all posts
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Friday, May 3, 2013
a life worthy of our calling
Good afternoon sisters and brothers,
This passage from Ephesians will be our main reading on Sunday, so you can think about this as a warm up. Paul spent the first three chapters of the letter setting a theological foundation. Now he moves into discussing what that faith we share means in our life. He talks about our life in terms of a calling from God, a calling to discipleship, to love and to unity. Within that calling we also have opportunities to use our unique gifts to serve others and proclaim the good news. We'll talk more about that on Sunday.
God bless,
Sam
This passage from Ephesians will be our main reading on Sunday, so you can think about this as a warm up. Paul spent the first three chapters of the letter setting a theological foundation. Now he moves into discussing what that faith we share means in our life. He talks about our life in terms of a calling from God, a calling to discipleship, to love and to unity. Within that calling we also have opportunities to use our unique gifts to serve others and proclaim the good news. We'll talk more about that on Sunday.
God bless,
Sam
Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16
I therefore,
the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which
you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with
patience, bearing with one another in love, 3making every effort to
maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one
body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5one
Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all, who is
above all and through all and in all.
7But each of
us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift… 11The
gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists,
some pastors and teachers, 12to equip the saints for the work of
ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13until all of us come
to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity,
to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
14We must no longer be children, tossed to and
fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their
craftiness in deceitful scheming. 15But speaking the truth in love,
we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16from
whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it
is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in
building itself up in love.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
forgiveness and integrity
Good afternoon sisters and brothers,
John's letters aren't as well known as Paul's letters, but they are wonderful little gems of our faith. In today's reading John makes three related points. First, faith is about what we do; we have to live our faith, not just talk about it. Second, when we admit our sin and shortcomings God forgives us. And finally, we all fall short, so if we claim we aren't sinners we aren't being honest. The freedom to admit our brokenness and trust Christ to heal us is one of the greatest blessings of our faith.
Blessings on your freedom and honesty today,
Sam
John's letters aren't as well known as Paul's letters, but they are wonderful little gems of our faith. In today's reading John makes three related points. First, faith is about what we do; we have to live our faith, not just talk about it. Second, when we admit our sin and shortcomings God forgives us. And finally, we all fall short, so if we claim we aren't sinners we aren't being honest. The freedom to admit our brokenness and trust Christ to heal us is one of the greatest blessings of our faith.
Blessings on your freedom and honesty today,
Sam
1 John 1:5-10
5This is the
message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in
him there is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship
with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; 7but
if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with
one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
8If we say
that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If
we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not
sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
love and changing our ways
Good morning sisters and brothers,
Peter has been talking about suffering: Christ's suffering and the suffering we are likely to face as his disciples. Today he moves from there to discipline. By this he means being focused on living the right way. He reminds his readers that they used to live immorally, but now as Christ's followers, they should live righteously, focused on Jesus. He encourages us to take our actions and speech seriously because God empowers us and calls us. He also reminds us that love is at the heart of the Christian life. If we live for love we will do well.
Blessings on your weekend rest and activity,
Sam
1 Peter 4:1-11
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin), 2so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God. 3You have already spent enough time in doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry.
4They are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of dissipation, and so they blaspheme. 5But they will have to give an accounting to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is judged, they might live in the spirit as God does.
7The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. 8Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 11Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Peter has been talking about suffering: Christ's suffering and the suffering we are likely to face as his disciples. Today he moves from there to discipline. By this he means being focused on living the right way. He reminds his readers that they used to live immorally, but now as Christ's followers, they should live righteously, focused on Jesus. He encourages us to take our actions and speech seriously because God empowers us and calls us. He also reminds us that love is at the heart of the Christian life. If we live for love we will do well.
Blessings on your weekend rest and activity,
Sam
1 Peter 4:1-11
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin), 2so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God. 3You have already spent enough time in doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry.
4They are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of dissipation, and so they blaspheme. 5But they will have to give an accounting to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is judged, they might live in the spirit as God does.
7The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. 8Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 11Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Friday, April 15, 2011
messengers of the good news
Good morning brothers and sisters,
Paul makes two important points today. The first is that even though God's grace saves us, people can't usually come to Christ without hearing the good news about Jesus. That's our role, telling the story and inviting people into that story with love. The second point he begins here but finishes a bit later. Israel has heard the message about Jesus, but mostly hasn't responded. He quotes Isaiah here to say that part of what God is doing by allowing gentiles to respond to Christ's call while allowing most Jews not to is making Israel jealous. We'll see how that argument progresses. For us today the more important piece is to own our role as messengers while remembering that we don't harass people to believe, we simply present the story. Our message will be much more appealing if (as we talked about on Wednesday) it shows through our lives; if they "know we are Christians by our love."
God bless,
Sam
Romans 10:12-21
12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 16But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
18But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” 19Again I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.” 20Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.” 21But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
Paul makes two important points today. The first is that even though God's grace saves us, people can't usually come to Christ without hearing the good news about Jesus. That's our role, telling the story and inviting people into that story with love. The second point he begins here but finishes a bit later. Israel has heard the message about Jesus, but mostly hasn't responded. He quotes Isaiah here to say that part of what God is doing by allowing gentiles to respond to Christ's call while allowing most Jews not to is making Israel jealous. We'll see how that argument progresses. For us today the more important piece is to own our role as messengers while remembering that we don't harass people to believe, we simply present the story. Our message will be much more appealing if (as we talked about on Wednesday) it shows through our lives; if they "know we are Christians by our love."
God bless,
Sam
Romans 10:12-21
12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 16But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
18But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” 19Again I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.” 20Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.” 21But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
flee from idols
Good morning sisters and brothers,
Today's reading continues Paul's thoughts on how all of Israel was part of God's people and God's calling, but not all of them kept the faith. Today he gives some specific examples of how our ancestors in the faith broke faith with God in the wilderness. The point is to warn us not to be complacent about our membership in the church of Christ, but instead to live our faith with commitment. There is joy in Christ's service; let us keep the faith.
God bless,
Sam
1 Corinthians 10:6-14
6Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. 7Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.” 8We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. 10And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. 13No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. 14Therefore, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.
Today's reading continues Paul's thoughts on how all of Israel was part of God's people and God's calling, but not all of them kept the faith. Today he gives some specific examples of how our ancestors in the faith broke faith with God in the wilderness. The point is to warn us not to be complacent about our membership in the church of Christ, but instead to live our faith with commitment. There is joy in Christ's service; let us keep the faith.
God bless,
Sam
1 Corinthians 10:6-14
6Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. 7Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.” 8We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. 10And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. 13No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. 14Therefore, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
