Exodus 35
There is lots of talk these days about nature vs. nurture for many talents, abilities, characteristics, and traits. This chapter throws in the curve ball of supernatural gifting for not pastors, teachers, or prophets, but craftsman! It’s always encouraging to see God gift people for what have ya, and watch them do their work with excellence.
Exodus 36
Verses 1-8 are what pastors dream about. Hold up on the offerings congregation – we have more than enough! What a testimony that would be. . .
The rest of the chapter describes in pain-staking, seemingly redundant detail how Bezalel and colleagues completed the Tabernacle as directed. Nothing like the lingering taste of ground up golden cow in your water to remind you of the importance of obedience and focus.
Psalm 43
This may sound a bit harsh, but I don’t see much that distinguishes this from many of the previous psalms. If repeated must be important?
Ecclesiastes 12
Verse 11 is an important lesson to learn early. Sometimes painful things teach us important lessons, and can be life saving (both temporal and eternal).
Acts 22
This chapter reminds me of the importance of simply telling my story and how Christ has changed my life. Also noteworthy is that doing so may infuriate some. Although a Christian first, Paul wasn’t shy about playing the Roman citizen card. We shouldn’t be shy about playing similar cards in our lives to advance God’s kingdom.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Week 42 - November 8 - Taylor Hays
Exodus 33 and 34
What a difference a day makes! One day the whole nation was celebrating God’s glorious presence and the next they are worshiping an idol (the “golden calf”). One day they are walking close to God and the next they have completely abandoned him. In our lives we may not see these extremes, but these patterns of becoming warm and cold toward God happen to all of us at some time.
In Exodus 33 we see God’s response… judgment. Had it not been for Moses’ interventions, they would have lost their relationship with God. In chapters 33 and 34 we also see the stark contrast between the people and Moses in the way they approached God. Moses had a personal and intimate relationship with God. In verse 33:33 God told Moses, “I know you by name.”
In these chapters Moses is a picture of Jesus. He has a personal and intimate relationship with God and He is our go-between with God, just as Moses was to the people. But Moses could not do for Israel what Jesus does for us because Moses was a man with all the same imperfections as all his fellow Israelites. As the writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews notes:
4:14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
In these chapters of Exodus only Moses can approach God. Now we all can approach God and never have to be far away from him again.
Psalm 42
Where do your thoughts turn when you are down? The writer of this Psalm was dealing with the difficult circumstance of being constantly harassed by his enemies. Their constant taunts were really getting to him. How did he get past his problems?
His thoughts turned to better times when he felt close to God and then he remembered (verse 5)…
God had not moved. God’s power to help him had not diminished. This Psalm reminds me that when I am really discouraged there is one constant… God’s never failing love for me.
Ecclesiastes 11
In verses 1-6 the theme is life’s uncertainty. Living wisely means that we should do all we can to limit that uncertainty but we know we cannot eliminate it. Invest your time and money wisely, work hard when the opportunity is there, and leave the rest to God.
Verses 7-10 provide advice about life for everyone from 9 to 99 years old. For the old “rejoice in every day” (verse 8) and for the young “enjoy every minute of it” verse 9). Enough said!
Acts 21
In this chapter we see the beginning of the final drama in the book of Acts. Paul has now returned to Jerusalem after his 3rd missionary journey that took him through what is now Turkey and Greece. He returned to Jerusalem even though many had warned him that trouble was waiting for him there. After his report to the Jerusalem church leadership team, they asked Paul for a favor. Because many of the Jewish Christians had heard rumors (that were all false) that Paul was teaching openly against the Jewish customs, the church leaders asked him to accompany 4 young men who were Jewish Christians through a Jewish ceremony at the temple. When some Jews who were not believers in Jesus saw Paul in the temple they started a full blown riot and encouraged the mob to kill Paul. He was rescued by the Roman soldiers who were stationed nearby and as the chapter closes Paul is about to speak to the crowd.
One question that puzzles me as I read this is why did Paul keep going toward Jerusalem when he was told it was too dangerous (and as we see, the concerns for Paul’s safety were right on target)? You have to keep reading in Acts (and other books like Philippians) to find the answer. One thought that kept Paul going through this and other ordeals to come is found in Philippians 4:12-13 “I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
What a difference a day makes! One day the whole nation was celebrating God’s glorious presence and the next they are worshiping an idol (the “golden calf”). One day they are walking close to God and the next they have completely abandoned him. In our lives we may not see these extremes, but these patterns of becoming warm and cold toward God happen to all of us at some time.
In Exodus 33 we see God’s response… judgment. Had it not been for Moses’ interventions, they would have lost their relationship with God. In chapters 33 and 34 we also see the stark contrast between the people and Moses in the way they approached God. Moses had a personal and intimate relationship with God. In verse 33:33 God told Moses, “I know you by name.”
In these chapters Moses is a picture of Jesus. He has a personal and intimate relationship with God and He is our go-between with God, just as Moses was to the people. But Moses could not do for Israel what Jesus does for us because Moses was a man with all the same imperfections as all his fellow Israelites. As the writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews notes:
4:14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
In these chapters of Exodus only Moses can approach God. Now we all can approach God and never have to be far away from him again.
Psalm 42
Where do your thoughts turn when you are down? The writer of this Psalm was dealing with the difficult circumstance of being constantly harassed by his enemies. Their constant taunts were really getting to him. How did he get past his problems?
His thoughts turned to better times when he felt close to God and then he remembered (verse 5)…
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!
God had not moved. God’s power to help him had not diminished. This Psalm reminds me that when I am really discouraged there is one constant… God’s never failing love for me.
Ecclesiastes 11
In verses 1-6 the theme is life’s uncertainty. Living wisely means that we should do all we can to limit that uncertainty but we know we cannot eliminate it. Invest your time and money wisely, work hard when the opportunity is there, and leave the rest to God.
Verses 7-10 provide advice about life for everyone from 9 to 99 years old. For the old “rejoice in every day” (verse 8) and for the young “enjoy every minute of it” verse 9). Enough said!
Acts 21
In this chapter we see the beginning of the final drama in the book of Acts. Paul has now returned to Jerusalem after his 3rd missionary journey that took him through what is now Turkey and Greece. He returned to Jerusalem even though many had warned him that trouble was waiting for him there. After his report to the Jerusalem church leadership team, they asked Paul for a favor. Because many of the Jewish Christians had heard rumors (that were all false) that Paul was teaching openly against the Jewish customs, the church leaders asked him to accompany 4 young men who were Jewish Christians through a Jewish ceremony at the temple. When some Jews who were not believers in Jesus saw Paul in the temple they started a full blown riot and encouraged the mob to kill Paul. He was rescued by the Roman soldiers who were stationed nearby and as the chapter closes Paul is about to speak to the crowd.
One question that puzzles me as I read this is why did Paul keep going toward Jerusalem when he was told it was too dangerous (and as we see, the concerns for Paul’s safety were right on target)? You have to keep reading in Acts (and other books like Philippians) to find the answer. One thought that kept Paul going through this and other ordeals to come is found in Philippians 4:12-13 “I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Monday, November 2, 2009
Week 41 - November 1 - Doug Weincouff
Exodus 31
This chapter is broken into two separate topics. The first is God’s instructions to Moses regarding the creation of the Tent of Meetings, the Ark of the Covenant and all the furniture and garments for the priests. Two thoughts strike me about this passage. The first is about how detailed God’s planning was. God identifies the people for Moses’ that he has gifted to create the items. He has also given the artist all the materials from the Egyptians to create the items. It reminds me that God is a God of organization and structure. When it comes to God, events are not random but intentional. It is seen in this chapter and all over the Bible. God has given us instructions for life. The challenge is our willingness and unwillingness to live life God’s way. It makes me ask how am I doing at following God’s instructions?
The second half of the chapter focus’s on the Sabbath. Keeping the Sabbath has always been a puzzle to me. Most of us have reduced it to a couple of hours at church on Sunday. When I was growing up my family would once a year go visit my mother’s family in Alabama. Let me say the South is another country. I noticed that on Sunday’s all the stores were closed. In Chicago where we lived the stores were open. My Dad explained that they had “Blue Laws”. Blue Laws were designed to enforce religious life, in this case keeping the Sabbath. Over the last 40 years the south has become more sophisticated. The Blue Laws were deemed unconstitutional and now you can shop till you drop on Sundays even south of the Mason Dixie Line. What does it mean to keep the Sabbath? Does it require an entire day? How do you personally put aside a time of rest and reflection for God?
Exodus 32
Chapter 32 reminds us how quickly what God has given us for good we can turn to evil. Without spiritual leadership the people decide to create their own altar and idol to worship. The same skills intended to create the Tent of Meeting and all the items for the priests are used to create a golden Calf. The same gold and silver from Egypt are used to make the idol.
What strikes me is how quickly the spiritual temperature of the nation of Israel turned. It is a warning for me to not let too much time go by without reading my Bible or spending time with other believers. I need to stay focused on my relationship with God because I can easily become distracted. I can start to follow my own plans. Are you using the talents and resources God has given you for his plans or your own?
Psalm 41
It was written by David during a time when life was not going well. He was seriously ill. He believed it was a result of sin in his life. He felt like all his friends had turned on him. In some ways David was throwing a pity party. The encouraging aspect of this Psalm is that David turns to God for mercy and help. It reminds me that when life is not going the way I want it to go I need to refocus on God. Is there anything in my life I need to address so that I am doing life God’s way.
Ecclesiastes 10
Ecclesiastes 10 is a chapter of sayings that hold one common theme: be wise! As I read the chapter I can’t help but have a picture of 16 or 17 year old guys learning things the hard way. Having been one, I can say with confidence that often during the teen years guys come up with what they think great ideas or plans that in theory are awesome and in practice not so good. I can remember when some of my friends and I thought having a Roman Candle fireworks battle was a good idea. I wish someone older and wiser would have been around to stop that idea. We almost burnt a house down. This chapter reminds us to think first before acting or speaking. In both of these areas I need to continue to grow. How about you?
Acts 20
In Acts 20 we find Paul planning his return to Jerusalem. He knew that life was about to get harder. God had given him the insight that prison and suffering awaited him. Even knowing this he goes forward with his plans. It is reminiscent of Jesus talking to the disciples the night before his crucifixion. He wants the very best for them. He warns them that there will be challenges ahead and people that want to destroy the church. Being faithful and following through with God’s plans is the most important value of Paul’s life. I hope that at the end of my life I will be able to look back and see that I have kept the faith and run the race God had set before me.
This chapter is broken into two separate topics. The first is God’s instructions to Moses regarding the creation of the Tent of Meetings, the Ark of the Covenant and all the furniture and garments for the priests. Two thoughts strike me about this passage. The first is about how detailed God’s planning was. God identifies the people for Moses’ that he has gifted to create the items. He has also given the artist all the materials from the Egyptians to create the items. It reminds me that God is a God of organization and structure. When it comes to God, events are not random but intentional. It is seen in this chapter and all over the Bible. God has given us instructions for life. The challenge is our willingness and unwillingness to live life God’s way. It makes me ask how am I doing at following God’s instructions?
The second half of the chapter focus’s on the Sabbath. Keeping the Sabbath has always been a puzzle to me. Most of us have reduced it to a couple of hours at church on Sunday. When I was growing up my family would once a year go visit my mother’s family in Alabama. Let me say the South is another country. I noticed that on Sunday’s all the stores were closed. In Chicago where we lived the stores were open. My Dad explained that they had “Blue Laws”. Blue Laws were designed to enforce religious life, in this case keeping the Sabbath. Over the last 40 years the south has become more sophisticated. The Blue Laws were deemed unconstitutional and now you can shop till you drop on Sundays even south of the Mason Dixie Line. What does it mean to keep the Sabbath? Does it require an entire day? How do you personally put aside a time of rest and reflection for God?
Exodus 32
Chapter 32 reminds us how quickly what God has given us for good we can turn to evil. Without spiritual leadership the people decide to create their own altar and idol to worship. The same skills intended to create the Tent of Meeting and all the items for the priests are used to create a golden Calf. The same gold and silver from Egypt are used to make the idol.
What strikes me is how quickly the spiritual temperature of the nation of Israel turned. It is a warning for me to not let too much time go by without reading my Bible or spending time with other believers. I need to stay focused on my relationship with God because I can easily become distracted. I can start to follow my own plans. Are you using the talents and resources God has given you for his plans or your own?
Psalm 41
It was written by David during a time when life was not going well. He was seriously ill. He believed it was a result of sin in his life. He felt like all his friends had turned on him. In some ways David was throwing a pity party. The encouraging aspect of this Psalm is that David turns to God for mercy and help. It reminds me that when life is not going the way I want it to go I need to refocus on God. Is there anything in my life I need to address so that I am doing life God’s way.
Ecclesiastes 10
Ecclesiastes 10 is a chapter of sayings that hold one common theme: be wise! As I read the chapter I can’t help but have a picture of 16 or 17 year old guys learning things the hard way. Having been one, I can say with confidence that often during the teen years guys come up with what they think great ideas or plans that in theory are awesome and in practice not so good. I can remember when some of my friends and I thought having a Roman Candle fireworks battle was a good idea. I wish someone older and wiser would have been around to stop that idea. We almost burnt a house down. This chapter reminds us to think first before acting or speaking. In both of these areas I need to continue to grow. How about you?
Acts 20
In Acts 20 we find Paul planning his return to Jerusalem. He knew that life was about to get harder. God had given him the insight that prison and suffering awaited him. Even knowing this he goes forward with his plans. It is reminiscent of Jesus talking to the disciples the night before his crucifixion. He wants the very best for them. He warns them that there will be challenges ahead and people that want to destroy the church. Being faithful and following through with God’s plans is the most important value of Paul’s life. I hope that at the end of my life I will be able to look back and see that I have kept the faith and run the race God had set before me.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Week 40 - October 25 - Merv Miller
Exodus 29.30
This is, I have to honest, one of the chapters that I must have read over half asleep or totally inattentive because I just didn’t feel that there was anything practical for me in it, just a long list of seemingly random rules and procedures to adhere to. But in the 3rd century BC the culture was very familiar with sacrifices. It’s what priests did. Most communities had god’s and priests for that matter. Their priest may have had a specialty like making sure the crops were good or lightning didn’t strike or whatever but the Israelites worship was about God’s presence among them. Here are the last words of this chapter: “I will live among the people of Israel and be their God, 46 and they will know that I am the LORD their God. I am the one who brought them out of Egypt so that I could live among them.”
This is, I have to honest, one of the chapters that I must have read over half asleep or totally inattentive because I just didn’t feel that there was anything practical for me in it, just a long list of seemingly random rules and procedures to adhere to. But in the 3rd century BC the culture was very familiar with sacrifices. It’s what priests did. Most communities had god’s and priests for that matter. Their priest may have had a specialty like making sure the crops were good or lightning didn’t strike or whatever but the Israelites worship was about God’s presence among them. Here are the last words of this chapter: “I will live among the people of Israel and be their God, 46 and they will know that I am the LORD their God. I am the one who brought them out of Egypt so that I could live among them.”
Chapter 30
Here’s an interesting verse, again the last verse : “Never make this incense for yourselves. It is reserved for the LORD, and you must treat it as holy. 38 Those who make it for their own enjoyment will be cut off from the community."
Is it possible that we create worship for our own enjoyment? Once in a while I hear people say “ I don’t like that song” What they may mean is that personally I don’t prefer that song. But really the song isn’t for you, It’s for God. The last verse in Chapter 30 reminds me of that.
Psalm 40
About 300 years separate the Exodus narrative from the writing of the psalms. In this Psalm the writer in trying to make sense of the religious heritage of Moses. And comes to a conclusion in verse 6: “You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand – you don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings.” Does this reveal an evolution of faith and understanding of what God really desires from us as His children?
Ecclesiastes 9
Solomon was a philosopher. He observed life objectively and it left him with questions. That’s the nature of Philosophy; it often leaves you with more questions than answers. But I love to hear what they have to say. This verse caught my attention for some reason: “the quiet words of a wise person are better than the shouts of a foolish king.”
Acts 19
I think it’s interesting that Paul gave up trying to teach spiritual truth in the synagogue at Ephesus and moved his teaching to a secular venue. His ministry there became so successful that it disrupted the economy in the town by putting idol builders out of business. What business could we put out of business in this town because of changed lives?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Week 39 - October 18 - Robyn Watts
Exodus 27-28
As I read the description of how the Israelites were to build the Altar as well as how they are to make the clothing for the Levites I am struck by a few things...
1. God is in the details. If He cared enough to dictate the very best craftsmanship for a tabernacle and clothing.. how much more does He care about the tiny details of our life?
2. God required the Israelites to give Him their best. And He would do (and had done) the same.
3. The place where God resides within the Israelite community was to be special, set apart, holy.... the place where Christ resides now should be the same.... "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
(1 Corinthians 6:19)
Psalm 39
Nice! I think we've got this one covered! :-)
Ecclesiastes 8
"Wisdom brightens a man's face and changes its hard appearance." vs.1
This chapter reminds me judgement is not in my hands.... I will not always understand the reason behind things that happen here on Earth. But, I can trust in the One who does, who Was and Is and Always Will Be.... (breaking out into song here...)
Acts 18
It is amazing to me how Paul just never gave up. He continued to do what God asked of him, even though it seemed impossible (at least, that's what it seems to me as I only read it, not live it.). However, we do see a bit of frustration here in chapter 18. Paul is just fed up. He gets a word directly from the Lord though and is encouraged on with the task before him and Paul ends up staying a year and a half in the place where so many people hate him (of course, everywhere Paul went people hated him...). I get mixed feelings when I read about Paul. On the one hand, I get reved up, thinking... "I'm willing to do anything for you God!" (think... Peter!) On the other hand, I look at what Paul had to endure and am not so sure that's what I really want! Ultimately, like Paul... I think we need to obey whatever it is God is asking us to do at the time... He will provide what we need to accomplish it. Paul's "mission" was to spread the news of Jesus to Jews and those who weren't Jews. What's your "mission" right now? This hopefully is more clear after the past 30 days!
As I read the description of how the Israelites were to build the Altar as well as how they are to make the clothing for the Levites I am struck by a few things...
1. God is in the details. If He cared enough to dictate the very best craftsmanship for a tabernacle and clothing.. how much more does He care about the tiny details of our life?
2. God required the Israelites to give Him their best. And He would do (and had done) the same.
3. The place where God resides within the Israelite community was to be special, set apart, holy.... the place where Christ resides now should be the same.... "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
(1 Corinthians 6:19)
Psalm 39
Nice! I think we've got this one covered! :-)
Ecclesiastes 8
"Wisdom brightens a man's face and changes its hard appearance." vs.1
This chapter reminds me judgement is not in my hands.... I will not always understand the reason behind things that happen here on Earth. But, I can trust in the One who does, who Was and Is and Always Will Be.... (breaking out into song here...)
Acts 18
It is amazing to me how Paul just never gave up. He continued to do what God asked of him, even though it seemed impossible (at least, that's what it seems to me as I only read it, not live it.). However, we do see a bit of frustration here in chapter 18. Paul is just fed up. He gets a word directly from the Lord though and is encouraged on with the task before him and Paul ends up staying a year and a half in the place where so many people hate him (of course, everywhere Paul went people hated him...). I get mixed feelings when I read about Paul. On the one hand, I get reved up, thinking... "I'm willing to do anything for you God!" (think... Peter!) On the other hand, I look at what Paul had to endure and am not so sure that's what I really want! Ultimately, like Paul... I think we need to obey whatever it is God is asking us to do at the time... He will provide what we need to accomplish it. Paul's "mission" was to spread the news of Jesus to Jews and those who weren't Jews. What's your "mission" right now? This hopefully is more clear after the past 30 days!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Week 38 - October 11 - Doug Mathers
Exoldus 25-26
What is the connection between the list of acceptable offerings (25:1-7) and the rest of the chapters?
How does this relate to our gifts, sacrifices, and use of abilities?
Read 25:8 - What kind of "sacred residence" is God looking for today?
Psalm 38
This Psalm of David is written when David was feeling the wieght and guilt of his own sin. As you read it, try to identify the different effects his sin had on his life. Have you ever felt that way? What was the key for David's recovery? Do you think Christians should ever feel the way David did? Why or why not? (I John 1:9)
Ecclesiastes 7
How does our 30 Days To Live series relate to the opening 14 verses of this chapter? What central truth about humanity does Solomon observe in the rest of the chapter? Thus the need for a savior.
Acts 17
Consider, why would a church want to name itself after the followers of Berea? (As in the "Berean Church" - we have one such church in town).
What bothered Paul as he walked through Athens? Do you ever get bothered as you walk through Rochester? or through our television stations?
What ingenious strategy did Paul use to speak to people in Athens? How can we do the same as a church and as individuals?
What is the connection between the list of acceptable offerings (25:1-7) and the rest of the chapters?
How does this relate to our gifts, sacrifices, and use of abilities?
Read 25:8 - What kind of "sacred residence" is God looking for today?
Psalm 38
This Psalm of David is written when David was feeling the wieght and guilt of his own sin. As you read it, try to identify the different effects his sin had on his life. Have you ever felt that way? What was the key for David's recovery? Do you think Christians should ever feel the way David did? Why or why not? (I John 1:9)
Ecclesiastes 7
How does our 30 Days To Live series relate to the opening 14 verses of this chapter? What central truth about humanity does Solomon observe in the rest of the chapter? Thus the need for a savior.
Acts 17
Consider, why would a church want to name itself after the followers of Berea? (As in the "Berean Church" - we have one such church in town).
What bothered Paul as he walked through Athens? Do you ever get bothered as you walk through Rochester? or through our television stations?
What ingenious strategy did Paul use to speak to people in Athens? How can we do the same as a church and as individuals?
Friday, October 2, 2009
Week 37 - October 4th - Dan Swartz
Has is ever struck you that bog and blog are only one letter difference? One could easily spend a fair amount of time in either (and with only 30 days to live...)
Psalm 36
The first half of this psalm points out the wickedness of sinners, in some depth. I find it useful to remember I was there, and am still being transformed by God's saving power. The psalmist notes that these sinners don't even seek to turn from their ways. It really takes God's intervention in our lives to turn to him. Otherwise, we never would've bothered.
The second half is a praise song. Many of the verses have been used in contemporary choruses and popular Christian bands (so that's where Third Day got some of their inspiration).
Ecclesiastes 5
How do we reconcile verse 3 (don't be hasty in bringing matters before God) with the New Testament admonition to bring all our concerns/prayers/praises to God?
The futility of wealth section is especially appropriate for our culture, country, and city. With the current sermon series on 30 days to live, our small group recently had a good discussion about the struggle between saving verses hoarding (v. 13; being a wise steward verses greed), and the often fine line between the two that's difficult to distinguish. Much prayer and the council of wise and trusted friends are needed.
Acts 15
Fascinating to me is that the apostles felt circumcision was too great a burden for the new Gentile believers, but abstaining from food sacrificed to idols, consuming blood/meat from strangled animals, and abstaining from sexual immorality were considered not too burdensome. I suspect some of these requirements were for health reasons (for instance, circumcision had been thought to reduce sexually transmitted infections, however, recent studies indicate no benefit, rather abstaining from sexual immorality reduces sexually transmiited infections). Even today, many churches and Christians put additional burdens on those trying to come to faith. We sometimes speak Christian-ese (mainly when fellowshipping :-). Some denominations require baptism in a specific manner, etc. I'm glad Crosswinds tries to strip as many of these artificial church culture barriers away as possible.
I found it refreshing to see that believers can have "vehement" disagreements. Interesting that no wrongdoing/heart-attitude-adjustment-needed was attributed to either of the disagreeing parties.
Psalm 36
The first half of this psalm points out the wickedness of sinners, in some depth. I find it useful to remember I was there, and am still being transformed by God's saving power. The psalmist notes that these sinners don't even seek to turn from their ways. It really takes God's intervention in our lives to turn to him. Otherwise, we never would've bothered.
The second half is a praise song. Many of the verses have been used in contemporary choruses and popular Christian bands (so that's where Third Day got some of their inspiration).
Ecclesiastes 5
How do we reconcile verse 3 (don't be hasty in bringing matters before God) with the New Testament admonition to bring all our concerns/prayers/praises to God?
The futility of wealth section is especially appropriate for our culture, country, and city. With the current sermon series on 30 days to live, our small group recently had a good discussion about the struggle between saving verses hoarding (v. 13; being a wise steward verses greed), and the often fine line between the two that's difficult to distinguish. Much prayer and the council of wise and trusted friends are needed.
Acts 15
Fascinating to me is that the apostles felt circumcision was too great a burden for the new Gentile believers, but abstaining from food sacrificed to idols, consuming blood/meat from strangled animals, and abstaining from sexual immorality were considered not too burdensome. I suspect some of these requirements were for health reasons (for instance, circumcision had been thought to reduce sexually transmitted infections, however, recent studies indicate no benefit, rather abstaining from sexual immorality reduces sexually transmiited infections). Even today, many churches and Christians put additional burdens on those trying to come to faith. We sometimes speak Christian-ese (mainly when fellowshipping :-). Some denominations require baptism in a specific manner, etc. I'm glad Crosswinds tries to strip as many of these artificial church culture barriers away as possible.
I found it refreshing to see that believers can have "vehement" disagreements. Interesting that no wrongdoing/heart-attitude-adjustment-needed was attributed to either of the disagreeing parties.
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