RevoDevos - Luke 9
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 30
Read: Luke 9
In verses 57-62 Jesus makes an analogy that anyone who puts their hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God. In those times the plows they used were hard to handle especially while trying to direct the ox that pulled the plow as well. Plowing a field took intense concentration and focus on what was going on ahead at all times. If one was to look back all the time while plowing he’d lose control of the ox and the plow and would be stumbling all over the place.
Can you think of why Jesus used this specific parable? How does it parallel to our Christian walk and faith?
Read Philippians 3:12-14 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. How are these two passages similar to the one in Luke?
Let’s look at the examples of the farmer and an athlete and how they compare. A farmer is a busy man. He has many responsibilities in maintaining a farm: plowing, planting, watering, growing, pruning and all sorts of other tasks. If he fails to properly maintain his farm it will not produce the fruits he wants it too.
Likewise an athlete needs to keep his body in excellent physical condition if he wants to play his sport well. As well as spending many hours a day in cardio and weight training they eat healthy foods. They take their jobs very seriously and want to be the best they can be by disciplining their bodies. If they don’t, then on game day they’ll fail their teams and themselves.
Just like a farmer or an athlete stays focused it is important that we stay focused by keeping our eyes on Jesus and disciplining ourselves into submission to Christ.
It is easy to look back on our pasts and long for the way we used to be, but when we do that we tend to get back into old habits creating stumbling blocks and we miss out on the blessing of the prize we are after.
Throughout this chapter Jesus warns us that following after him isn’t going to be easy. He says we must deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow him (v. 23).
Through spiritual disciplines we train our hearts and minds to be like Jesus. We begin to think, act and talk like He does. But this isn’t an overnight type of transformation. This takes years of hard work, discipline and above all, love and devotion for Jesus. We cannot become like Him if we do not take the time to find out who He was, what He stood for and how He loved people.
Process:
-What are some things we need to be doing as Christians to stay focused on Jesus?
-Are you disciplined in these practices? (prayer, reading the bible, meeting together with other believers, accountability, service)
-When we discipline ourselves into doing these things what is the fruit?
-Do you often look back at who you used to be before you came into a relationship with Jesus? Do you find yourself longing for that person? How has that caused you to stumble?
-Do you find that when you are disciplined in these things “looking back” is not such a temptation anymore?
-It is impossible to serve the Lord if we refuse to let go of old habits and patterns of life from the past. What habits are you not letting go of? Spend some time in prayer asking God to help you let go of those old patterns and habits and to be clothed in Christ (Romans 13:14)
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RevoDevos - Luke 8
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 29
Read: Luke 8
Luke 8 begins with the very familiar passage of the parable of the sower. You have probably heard this passage in reference to evangelism, but Luke’s intention of writing about this parable is the importance of following the word of God. Jesus clearly tells us that the seed is the word of God and what grows is the kingdom of God. Often you may hear that the parable is about how we are to sow the seeds, but for this scripture in Luke, that is not the case. The sower is God himself planting his word. He has already scattered the seeds of the kingdom. We are called to be the good soil, the soil of those who are noble and good in heart, ones who hear the word of God and retain it (8:15). By allowing God’s word to enter in us and to maintaining it, we are allowing the Kingdom of God to grow through us.
Luke tells us that by heeding to the word of God, the crop of the kingdom is a hundred times more than what was sown (8:8). That’s huge! No one can just pass by and ignore the sight of these crops. God wants his kingdom to eminently shine through us so that others who see may realize the awe and wonder of the kingdom, that there is something special about this kingdom, that God’s kingdom is not of this world. And isn’t it amazing that God chooses us, our hearts, to be the soil in which his kingdom grows on!
But listening to the word of God is not enough to allow the kingdom to “shine” through us. When the Bible was originally written, there was no chapters, verses, or subheadings for the segments. These were later added in. So it is by no coincidence that Jesus talks about the lamp stand directly after the parable of the sower. In fact, they are part of the same teaching. The word of God is what lights the lamp and it is the kingdom that shines through the lamp. Yet how we respond to God’s word directly affects the visibility of how the kingdom shines. Jesus, and Luke, are undeniably placing a major importance on God’s teachings and our responsibility to act on them for the kingdom of God.
Luke 8:26-37 shows one of the most whimsical and bizarre stories of Jesus. Can you imagine a herd of pigs marching down a steep bank, into a lake, and drowning themselves? Mark 5:13 even suggests that there may have been two thousand pigs that did this! This man from Gerasenes is possessed by multiple demons. The original word used for the demon, Legion, is the Greek form of the Latin word Legio. This Latin word was often used to describe an army that emphasized power and fierceness. So we have this powerful demon army that is not only defeated by Jesus, but they ask for mercy to be casted into the pigs. It is interesting that the demons asked to be casted into pigs since Jewish custom saw swine as un-clean (Leviticus 11:7-8). But even being in what was considered unclean creatures is much better than being thrown into the Abyss. The Abyss can be considered as hell, or a final judgment place for Satan and his demons (see Revelations 20:1-3). Jesus grants the wish of these demons, yet their destructive quality becomes more evident when there is a massive pig suicide! Although it has been mentioned before, let us not forget the overwhelming power and authority that Christ has over the enemy! What victory we have over the enemy through Jesus!
Process:
-Please just take some time and imagine two-thousand pig suicide drowning themselves, its kind of funny! (You can even draw a picture if you so desire).
-Here is the parable of the sower, we are given God as the sower who has already sowed the seed of the kingdom. That mean the kingdom of God is already among us! Yet this kingdom is set apart from this world. Has there been a time when you have recognized something that could not have been on the world? Some grand act of love in which Christ shines through? A presence of the Holy Spirit that invokes the miraculous? Something that you knew could only be of the Kingdom of God?
-Are your hearts prepared as the fertile soil in which the kingdom may grow on?
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RevoDevos - Luke 7
Sunday, June 28
Read: Luke 7
Somebody look up and read Hebrews 11:1
What does faith look like to you? When have you had to practice such great faith, putting your trust in people? In God?
This chapter is all about faith. Faith for healing, for salvation, the raising of a dead man brought to life and to believe Jesus is who He says He is. This chapter as well is full of amazing stories of Jesus' works, power and authority.
Here we see Jesus as healer, a breaker of social barriers, forgiver of sins, teacher, compassionate and worthy to be praised. Not only that but the Centurion and the sinful woman both recognized their unworthiness to even be in the presence of Jesus because of thier faith of who he was.
Speaking of the sinful woman let's look at her story a bit deeper. Recall with the group the story of the sinful woman in verses 36-50.
A little history lesson. Jesus is at a Pharisees house for dinner. What was a sinful woman doing there? How did she even get in? Well, apparently it was common to allow access to a house in which a teacher figure was at. But it was her approach to Jesus that caused for alarm in the Pharisees minds. This lady was notorious for sin. The Pharisees knew who she was and was appaled at her presence and actions. But they were even more appaled at Jesus' response to this ladies actions.
This woman, out of her deep love for Jesus and who He was caused her to act in such a way. She knew her sins would be forgiven because of her faith in Him. In verses 37 and 38 it states that she washes his feet with her tears, dries them with her hair and then pours an alabaster jar full of perfume on his feet. A little strange right? Well, this was a HUGE symbol of her love and devotion to Jesus. So, let's go even deeper. An empty alabaster jar was given to a girl when she became of age to wed. It was customary for that girl to fill the jar with expensive perfume to present to her husband on their wedding day. She would pour the perfume on his feet as a sign of respect and servant hood! This jar was an extravagant gift, probably the most expensive possession she owned, and she chose to give it to Jesus, a man she would never marry, but shows her love and devotion to Him as she would have a husband.
In response Jesus forgives her, stating, "Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace." He knows exactly what she is doing and lets her do it while the Pharisees question him.
Process:
-This gift of the perfume is symbolic of giving to Jesus everything we have and everything we are. Are there things in your life you are holding back from giving to Jesus? Why? Do you really believe that faith in Him can save you?
-We read about a couple amazing miracles Jesus performed: healing of the centurion servant and the raising of the widow's son. Have you witnessed or even experienced a miracle like this? If so, tell us about it. If not, have you ever asked for a miracle? Do you believe God still does miracles today? Why or why not?
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RevoDevos - Luke 6
Saturday, June 27
Read: Luke 6
Here we get two instances of Jesus during the Sabbath, and both times his intentions were questioned. The healing of the man’s right hand has striking intrigue (v. 6-11). The Pharisees were strict on the laws of the Sabbath; they frowned upon any work being done. Even Jesus healing the man’s hand (performing a miracle) would be considered work to them. Now the Pharisees were waiting for Jesus to take any action for them to have an excuse to accuse him. Yet Jesus knew the intentions of the Pharisees and went along with his actions anyways, knowing full well that they would later use his miracle against him.
What a revolutionary tactic used here by Jesus to show the Pharisees what is truly righteous! The Pharisees were the ones that upheld the law and Jesus broke their social normality of Sabbath behavior. Jesus and the Pharisees knew it was appropriate tradition to show deeds of mercy on the Sabbath and that the healing of the man with a shriveled hand (Jesus was showing mercy and compassion) was completely acceptable Sabbath behavior. Jesus cuts strait into the heart of the Pharisees saying, “which is more lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” (v.9). Jesus’ displays his authority over the laws of the Pharisees and over the laws of the Sabbath. Christ answers to the laws and commands of our father in heaven! Sometimes following the will of God calls for us to act out of worldly boundaries, the act beyond social normality. And by doing so, we may even be rebuked or criticized for it. Do not be discouraged! For our father in heaven recognizes when we truly fallow his will and righteous living.
Luke 6 also talks a lot about what is means to be a disciple of Christ. Before Jesus Chooses his twelve apostles, he spends a night alone praying. Just as Jesus prayed for his disciples, people have been praying for you guys long before you were selected to BOS. Each of you have been chosen by God’s will to be hear and learn what authentic discipleship for Christ. After the selection of the apostles, Jesus gives a sermon that is directed to his disciples. In contrast to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), these are not guideline of what one should do to enter the kingdom of heaven, but what is expected of one already in the kingdom of God. By allowing Christ to reign in your lives, you all have already entered in the kingdom of heaven. Take some time to look over this sermon of Christ and pray about these teachings of what is expected of being disciples of Christ, citizen in the kingdom of God.
Process:
-In versus 39-42, Jesus gives an interesting parable of sawdust and a plank. Here Jesus tells us of the importance proper preparation of being a leader. As disciples of Christ, you are called to be leaders in some way or another. In order to do so, we must make sure to remove the “plank from our eyes.” What are some things that may make up a plank in a Christian leader’s eye. Are there any aspects in your personal life that creates a plank in your eye?
-Why do you think Jesus ended his sermon for the disciples with the parable of the wise and foolish builders?
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RevoDevos - Luke 5
Friday, June 26
Read: Luke 5
With this chapter we are going to start with the end. Jesus is questioned about fasting by the Pharisees and teachers of the law. Jesus responds by telling him he is the bridegroom and they are at a wedding. What he really means is that his presence is the beginning of a new era and it is time to celebrate a new point in Gods plan and a time for fasting will come later. He does not say fasting is irrelevant but that for the time it is inappropriate (Ecclesiastes 3:4).
Jesus then goes onto tell them about patches on garments and wineskins. I know this may sound confusing but can you think of why Jesus would use this illustration to answer them?
Both these illustrations bring a sense of irony to the table. A new patch is meant to fix something broken but since they are different the new patch would end up breaking the garment making it useless. The same is with the wineskins. In verse 39 Jesus refers to himself as wine. Why do you think Jesus refers to Himself as new wine and would not be liked?
The reason is this. He is hinting that He will be rejected because He is bringing a new era and a fresh approach to God that cannot be mixed with the old way of doing things. He warns them that He has come to turn their world upside down and all that they know will soon be changed.
Next let’s look at the calling of the disciples, Levi in verses 27-31 and Simon Peter, John and James in verses 1-11.
In those days there were Rabbis. Jesus was a Rabbi. Young Jewish men hoping to one day become rabbis themselves would go to a Rabbi they admired and ask them if they would teach them. A Rabbi would either say no and send him home to do his fathers trade or he would say yes and the disciple would follow the Rabbi and do everything the Rabbi would do becoming exactly like him. The calling of the twelve disciples is a little different. Jesus chose his disciples. He chose men who had already had trades, fishermen and tax collectors, which means that these guys lost their chance at becoming Rabbis. But Jesus saw something special in these men and the men knew it, put thier faith in him and followed.
This was a new way of doing things. These guys were sinners. But Jesus has this way of viewing people as God does by seeing who they can be instead of stereotyping them into who they currently are. He chose these men because He knew who they could become if they were only encouraged to become them.
And now let's take a look at the miracles Jesus performs. Jesus doesn't stop at sinners, but he continues to reach out to the poorest of the poor, the outcasts, the sick, and the people no one wants to touch. Who are these people in your lives? In this world? Think of the outcasts at school, in your neighborhood? Is it because they smell? Wear funny clothes or look different? Is it because they have some incurable disease? AIDS? STD's? Are paralyzed? How do you respond to outcasts? What is your initial reaction to someone when you find out they have AIDS or when you run into someone who has Down syndrome?
Jesus loved these people too. People like these two, leprous and paralyzed, are the ones no one wanted to touch or talk to even the Pharisees and Priests. But Jesus came to show them He was doing a new thing. These were exactly the people He was searching for because He cared for them. He states that healthy do not need a doctor but those that are sick. Those are the people He came to minister to.
If we are going to follow Jesus and be his disciples we need to realize that these are the same people we should be ministering to and becoming friends with. With these people, the tax collectors, AIDS victims, sinners, the sick is with whom we should be spending our time. If we want to become like Jesus and live a life pleasing to Him then we need to be exactly where He was .... in the gutters, with the untouchables.
Process:
-What message was Jesus sending out by not choosing the best of the best?
(1 Corinthians 1:26-29)
-You have been chosen by God, not because of who you are or how you grew up or by what sins you have or have not committed, but God sees your full potential and has called you to live a life accordingly. God has a plan for your life, a calling He has given you and urges you to walk according to that calling.
-In what ways are you not walking in your full potential? Where have you let the voice of this world, stereotypes, racial prejudices, social status and cliques at school define who you are? Who do you think God wants you to be?
-Things change. Jesus brought in a whole new change that made people upset. Where do you see this happening in the church? Do you think change in the church or in the way we do ministry is a good thing or bad thing? Why or why not? Are you happy with the way the church in America is or do you think we need to change?
-Have you been convicted about how you treat people that seem lowlier than you? Ask God for forgiveness and ask Him to help you minister to the same people He ministered to.
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RevoDevos - Luke 4
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday, June 25
Read: Luke 4
Luke 4 begins with the display of the devil’s temptations to Jesus. This becomes the first battle between the enemy and Jesus in spiritual warfare. Jesus being fully human and God, was tempted just like we are in our day-to-day lives. By studying God’s word we are not only able to learn about the characteristics of God, but the characteristics of the enemy as well. There are a few conclusions we can make from this passage; one being that Satan is by no means dumb. In fact, he is a very smart and strategic connoisseur of temptation. In all three temptations presented by the enemy, they have one focus, to deceive Jesus into obeying Satan. And he attempts to do so by manipulating scripture, putting it out of context to convince Christ that by obeying the devil he would be obeying God. This, of course in not true! In no way is obeying the enemy obedience to God. Satan knows this and uses this skillful tactic in spiritual warfare. He became much like the criminal masterminds we see in comic books, a sort of Lex Luther of the spiritual world.
We get another revelation of the enemy in the devil’s temptations and that is that even though he may be smart, the enemy is powerless to Christ! There is an overwhelming victory when Jesus overcomes all the temptations of the devil. Not only does he not obey him, but after each temptation, Jesus calls out the enemy clearly letting him know how he is wrong. We get another glimpse of these spiritual battles with Jesus and the evil spirit (v. 33-36). First the spirit recognizes Jesus as the “Holy one of God.” Look at Mark 1:23-26. Here we have the same story, yet the spirit seems a bit more nervous. When the evil spirit asks, “have you come to destroy us” it is not referring to humans but to himself and other demons. The spirit recognizes that Jesus has power over them and Christ displays his authority over it by silencing it and casting it out! Christ has all power and authority over the enemy!
Jesus gives a short sermon in the synagogue at Nazareth (v. 16-21). He first gives the scripture from Isaiah 61:1,2 (a prophesy of the messiah), and then simply fallows that message by announcing that the messiah has come, and it is he, Jesus Christ! Christ has come to free the captives (Isaiah 61:1) and does so on the cross. It is through his death and resurrection that Jesus overcomes the greatest of all the spiritual battles! Through the fulfillment Christ, Jesus wins this major victory over Satan. The enemy no longer has control or power over us. Even though the enemy may skillfully attack us, it is important to know that through Christ, we too have that complete victory over the enemy!
Process:
-In what area may the enemy try and manipulate us to justify sin?
-How does this manipulation play out in our society? How about in our churches?
-Why is it important for us to learn the characteristics of the enemy? Are there any more characteristics that we can learn from this chapter?
-We all have the power to overcome the enemy through Christ Jesus! The best example is God’s continual forgiveness of our sins. But in order for that reconciliation to happen, we must first confess those sins before God. You have a wonderful opportunity of community within BOS and within you cell groups. If there is any area in your life that needs forgiveness, I urge you take time within in your groups or with any of the leaders to bring those things before God. We want Christ’s victory to reign in all aspects of our lives!
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
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RevoDevos - Luke 3
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, June 24
Read: Luke 3
In Jesus' day when a King would travel someone would go before him and clear out the paths of stones, trees and even fill in holes to make his trip a bit smoother.
This was John the Baptist's role. He was the one who would go before Christ to smooth out the roads full of obstacles preparing the way for the Lord. This, obviously is not a literal sense, but spiritually.
In verse 8 John states, "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance and do not even begin to say 'we have Abraham as our father'.
Many people at this time believed that just because they were descendants of Abraham granted them a free ride into Heaven. This is often the case with people today, thinking that because they were born into the church, attend church or even pray gets them into Heaven. John's message to the people was to repent, turn from their wicked ways and prepare their hearts to receive the Messiah when he came. They needed to have a right relationship with God and live a life of repentance if they wanted to live life enternally with God. John's message was harsh, offending many, but it was also a foreshadowing of what Jesus would come teach as well.
What does that mean to us? Jesus cannot come and do his work in us if there are things blocking his way. We all have sin in our lives. We are born into it and the world encourages us to give into it. Can any of you say they are without sin? Anyone? Just as John preaches repentance Jesus requires it of us. If we seriously want Jesus to work through our lives then it is required that we turn from our sin and walk towards Jesus. Of course Jesus is the only one who can forgive sins and we need his help to not commit them, but it is a choice only we can make. It is only once we've confessed and turned towards Jesus that He can really work in our hearts. First we have to want Jesus to change us, then we have to prepare our hearts for that change.
Repentance requires confession. Sometimes repentance requires a confession to our peers or a mentor. The bible says that confession brings healing. Some sins just are too big to keep to ourselves, even once we've confessed them to God, or sometimes it helps to talk with someone first and then confess to God.
You guys are going to be living together for a whole month. Sin may occur, repentance, hopefully, will follow. If at anytime over the next couple months you feel you need to confess sins or just talk to someone about anything there are plenty of leaders here that would be more than happy to talk to. Chances are they may have experienced the same thing. It is good to talk about our struggles.
Process:
-Is there anything in your life you have not fully walked away from? Are you still grasping for the things of this world forgetting what Jesus taught? Pray about these things. Ask God to give you a heart that cares nothing for the things of this world but for a heart that desires to know him more.
-If you feel you need to confess a sin right now with your cell group let your leader know. Otherwise take a couple minutes in solo prayer repenting for any sins you need to repent for. If you would like to talk to one of your leaders pull them aside.
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RevoDevos - Luke 2
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday, June 23
Read: Luke 2
It’s easy to overlook the story of Simeon. He was told that he would not die until he had seen Christ, the messiah. How many years had Simeon waited to see Jesus Christ? How old in his age did he get waiting? How long did it take for God’s promise to him to be fulfilled? Luke 2:25-29 says that Simeon was a righteous man and it was the Holy Spirit that led him into the temple where he first saw baby Jesus. The interesting thing here is that there is no mention of anyone telling Simeon that Jesus was born of a virgin birth, or that this child was the messiah. As soon as he held the child he knew that this was the Christ. What a revelation of the Spirit! And what faith Simeon must have had for such glory be revealed to by the Holy Spirit and not by man.
It is important to note that Simeon’s first reaction was to praise God! Simeon praises God to “dismiss his servant in peace.” Simeon can now entrust himself with death knowing that life and immortality have come into reality through Jesus. The Greek word used here for dismiss, kataluo, has a number of other meanings, the most common being “to release” or “set free.” Even though Simeon was able to die now that God’s promise was fulfilled, he was also “set free” from death for the savior of mankind had now entered the world. Just like Simeon, we have been set free from death, and because of our faith in Christ Jesus, we have the gift of eternal life in the kingdom of God!
We get a glimpse of an interesting characteristic of a young Jesus in versus 41-48. Jesus so desires to learn the about father in heaven that he spends three days just sitting among the Jewish teachers. Not only that, but he is asking questions and his understanding was amazing those who heard him. You all are blessed to have time set apart each day to learn about God and his character. Utilize this time to grow in wisdom and have no fear of asking questions. We are given a model of how even Jesus Christ, our savior, went through life educating himself about God.
Although it is the first part of the chapter, the last thing to point out is Jesus being born in a manger and not having space in an inn. This inn may even be referred to as just a room, or guest room, that Mary was denied of to give birth. She was deprived of normal social comfort, and instead had to go to a stable for labor. Part of Mary’s calling was to give birth to the Savior, yet the Father placed her in a very uncomfortable setting for his will to be done. However, throughout the chapter there is rejoicing being done (the angels and the heavens, the shepherds). You are now on day two of you month long journey. For some of you this may be an unfamiliar setting and you might have already experienced being well out of you comfort zone. By God’s will, you were all called to be at BOS to learn and to grow closer to God. I urge you not to dwell on discomfort, but to find the Joy in God’s purpose for you in this place. To rejoice in what God has in store for you, just as Mary had the strength to “treasure up all these things and ponder(ed) them in her heart” (v. 19). And above all else, give God the glory for these things he has in store for you.
Process:
- V. 29 says, “…now dismiss your servant in peace.” Simeon knew he was going to die, yet had peace over that, and he asked God for that peace. Knowing death may bring fear of what is to come, Simeon knew the peace of death. There are times when we hit moments of discouragement, times of hurt and mourning, and even times of fear. Take some time praying with and for one another, asking Jesus to allow his peace to rule in your hearts. Pray for specifics if needed and build each other up in community. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace.” (Colossians 3:15).
- Mary still had the heart to praise God despite her discomfort of giving birth in a stable. Through the past two chapters we constantly see praises given out to God. Take some time to think of some of the blessings God has given to you with the past two days, and praise him for them. Feel free to sing, pray as a group, dance, whatever! Give the glory to God!
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RevoDevos - Luke 1
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, June 22
Read: Luke 1
The book of Luke starts with the foretelling (an act of prophecy, a prediction of what is to come) of the births of both John the Baptist and Jesus. There are many similarities as well as differences between these two events. First off both events were prophesied 700 years in advance! How amazing is that! The Jews knew their scripture and were awaiting such births. Every woman wanted to be the chosen one to carry the Messiah. These were both much anticipated events.
Zechariah was a High Priest. His job inside the temple was to burn the prayer of incense on the golden altar. This was a representation of prayer. To do this the priests were to go into the temple and follow a whole list of rules and regulations in order to do their job right. Priests knew their stuff. This was also an honor only given once to a priest in his lifetime.
After the angel announces the coming birth of a son can you recall Zechariah’s response? Do you think this was out of doubt? What were his consequences? Do you think he was doubting himself or God? (v. 18)
Let’s take a look at Mary now. Mary was a young girl, probably in her mid teens. Gabriel’s first words to her were “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Can you imagine such a greeting? From an angel? Mary must have been super good to pull that off right? In reality she wasn’t much different than you or me. Just a chosen instrument of God to carry the Messiah.
Can you recall Mary’s response to Gabriel? (v. 38) How does this one differ from that of Zechariah’s? What was the reward for her faith?
As we can see here faith is huge! With Zechariah and Mary we have two accounts of God’s blessing and plan for their lives and we have two different reactions. Zechariah responds in pride thinking there is no way his wife could get pregnant at her age and therefore doubts God. God doesn’t take away the blessing He has for Zechariah but He sure does discipline him for his unbelief. Mary, on the other hand, questions Gabriel as well but more out of curiosity and then humbly accepts the plans God has for her in praise and adoration to Him. You can also tell that these two God has chosen are completely different, reminding us that God chooses who He wills and not because of what we can do for Him, who we are or where we came from.
The point is that God chose these two to carry out huge plans for His glory. God has not ceased choosing people to carry out His plans and do big things for Him. Whether you realize it or not each one of you were chosen by God to be here this summer for Band of Survivors. And in response each of you has faithfully obeyed. It might not have been easy to make the decision to leave home for a month, live with people you hardly know, do and learn things you’ve never done before and be challenged beyond your limits. In reward each of you will be blessed beyond measure this summer. Your hearts will soften, your minds will expand, your faith will grow and your lives will change.
Process:
- You will be doing some new and exciting and even challenging things this summer. This being the first day, what type of emotions are you experiencing?
- When you first felt called to do BOS this summer how did you feel? What was your initial response to Gods prompting? How have you felt blessed because of your obedience?
- It might not be giving birth to the Messiah, but your role here this summer is huge. You have an important part to play. You are going to be challenged and stretched out of your comfort zones beyond imagination, but you’ll also have an incredible time! How are you going to respond? Will you have a ready and willing heart like Mary or will you be skeptical like Zechariah?
- Close in prayer together asking God to prepare you for the exciting adventure you are to partake of this summer!
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God’s Sovereignty and Human Freedom – An Introduction
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
(by John Kim) The dual truths of God’s sovereignty/providence and human freedom/choice are both clearly taught in the Scriptures, and therefore must not contradict one another, but somehow together paint a comprehensive picture of God's working among men.
Ephesians 1:11 states, "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will...", which tells of God's absolute sovereignty. God’s providence is God’s sovereignty as it relates to our daily lives, or according to Millard Erickson, “the continuing action of God in preserving His creation and guiding it toward His intended purposes.”
Just two verses later, Ephesians 1:13 states, "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit", which now says that an act of believing on the part of the individual is somehow involved in the process - in other words, a human choice.
Two additional verses which clearly teach both of these truths are found in Philippians 2:12-13 - "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Verse 12 commands that we work out our salvation, while verse 13 says that it is God who works in us to will and to act according to His plan for us. God works in, we work out. And the logical order in these two verses indicates that it is God who works in us first, so that we can then work out our salvation accordingly. In other words, as A.W. Tozer has famously said, "God is always previous."
Therefore, it seems that God's plan is supreme and He is completely sovereign in His dealings with men. Yet, the mystery of it all is that man's real choices are somehow encompassed within God's sovereignty in such a way that those choices actually do matter. And God is wise and powerful enough to make them matter, all the while remaining completely sovereign. So we believe in the decrees of God, which Wayne Grudem defines as “the eternal plans of God whereby, before the creation of the world, He determined to bring about everything that happens”; but we also firmly believe that “God works through human actions in His providential management of the world.” Since both teachings are affirmed in Scripture, it would be dangerous to lean too much to one side or the other; we must make sure that both sides of the issue are considered, lived out and implemented in our ministries.
Posted By: bukiewicz at 12:39 PM : Link : 0 Comments
Living From the Inside Out
(by Anwar Smith) I am going to make a confession that may be a bit controversial and for our more sensitive readers I must apologize. I was looking in the mirror this morning as I prepared for work and I noticed that I am beginning to develop “moobs”. Some of you may not know what I am talking about so for the sake of family-friendliness I will best describe this anomaly as something that is formed when pectoral muscles are no longer muscular therefore causing them to droop and/or sag. This is not a scientific definition but I think you get the picture. This issue is not one that should not concern me as I try not to get caught up in my personal appearance too much. I am at the age where I am supposed to be beyond all of that. But this particular bodily defect began to bring to mind the thought that I am actually getting old. My macho persona could be compromised by this major flaw.
I wonder how many of you reading this article has noticed this flaw of mine for some time and just never had the heart to tell me. I wonder if I have been the brunt of endless jokes because everyone has noticed my apparent “problem” but me. I know it sounds silly to think that everyone has been focusing on and making jokes about my apparent or not so apparent flaw. I guess along with this confession I need to confess about my giant ego as well; because to think that “everyone” is so into me that they notice my self proclaimed flaws, means I must think a lot of myself.
Confession is good for the soul and I feel a lot better getting those out of my system. Yet, somehow, I have this sneaking suspicion that I am not the only one that has to confess this issue of vanity. Do you stare into the mirror and just count your flaws? Do you lament about your height or weight, your hair color, your nose being too long or too short? As visual beings we can’t help but pay attention to our external features. But the question is; do we focus too much on what we perceive as negatives in our appearance? I was reading through the Psalms recently and I came across Psalm 139:14 which says: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
God why did you make me so short? God why is my head so big? God why did you give me freckles? Those questions are easily answered in this passage. God made you the way he did because he looked at you through the eyes of perfection and said you were a beautiful, wonderful creation. David realized that when he wrote those words. Yet David took his admiration of God’s handiwork to a whole new level and said that he praises God because of the way he was made. Now this may be a stupid question but have you praised God for the way he made you lately? I’m not talking about choosing not to exercise or eat healthy and then praising God for your poor health habits. Nor am I talking about considering yourself God’s gift to the earth and then praising God because he apparently put in some overtime to create you so perfectly.
I am talking about praising God for the fact that you were uniquely created by a perfect, loving creator who is incapable of making mistakes. You are the only person in this world that looks like you (there are even differences in identical twins). You are fearfully and wonderfully made and you should know full well that anything created by God is wonderful. You were made just the way God wanted you to be.
Now, I will probably do some push ups and maybe hit the weights once or twice to work on my “moob” problem because that is something that I can physically control without surgery or any other major medical alterations. I do believe that living healthy and taking care of one self is honoring to God. But, for some of you, your so called “flaw” may not be able to be corrected by simple push ups or sit ups or a diet change. For some, you may see flaws in your external appearance that you believe need cosmetic attention. If you are one of those I just have to say that when you look in the mirror from now on you should praise God for the person staring back at you; realizing that the same God that created the beautiful deep blue ocean, the amazing sunsets and the majestic mountains also created you, his most prized possession. I know you are his prized possession because as it is recorded in the scriptures he died a horrific death on the cross just for you.
I truly believe that God made you according to his divine creativity on the outside so that you can focus more on developing your true beauty on the inside. Because in reality the outward appearance doesn’t matter to God anyway; because he very clearly stated in 1 Samuel 16:7: “But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
As we prepare for the warm weather of the summer and the impending visits to the mirror in our summer wardrobe. Let us remember that God loves us just the way he made us and we do not need to seek any human being’s approval by the way we dress or the way we look. We should be living to impress an audience of one and our single, biggest fan is Jesus Christ, the redeemer of our souls. He can care less about my moobs or your big ears; he cares about the condition of our hearts and the way we live. Let us live in such a way that our inward beauty far surpasses our outward appearance.
Posted By: bukiewicz at 12:37 PM : Link : 0 Comments
Summer Movies
(by James Davisson) It’s summer time, and I’m a movie man, so I figured I’d review a few films that you may have missed or not seen in a while. In each review, I’ll give you a little background, a theme or two I think are important, and the reason you should watch it over the summer. There’s also a bonus Double Feature section for each movie, in case you have a long night or afternoon and want to spend all of it in front of the tube. Which, you know, I do all the time. Especially in summer!
Master and Commander
Setting:
It’s the early 1800s, and Napoleon has essentially been waging World War 0. The action of the movie is on a British ship at sea, at war with the French. One ship chases another, the other chases back, fighting and adventure ensues, and great times are had by all—at least, everyone in the audience.
Why it’s cool:
I love the depiction of friendship between the two main characters. The captain, played by Russel Crowe, is a stubborn, proud, and relentless man; the ship’s doctor, played by Paul Bettany, is level-headed and rational. Though the two often fail to see eye to eye, they demonstrate care for one another’s well-being, to the point where one abandons the mission at hand to save the other’s life. Also: explosions, storms, fights, and all the wildness and fury of the high seas.
Why it’s great for summer:
This is a great movie to watch after a day at the beach, or before one. There’s nothing so wonderful in summer as the call of the ocean, and the thrill of a high-seas swashbuckling adventure is the best way to hear that call.
Bonus Double Feature:
Another great summer-fun sea adventure is the original Pirates of the Caribbean movie: it’s fairly short, funny, and filled with oceanic adventure aplenty. If you’re looking for something a bit more classic, there’s always The Pirate Movie, a weird, cheesy, fun adaptation of the musical Pirates of Penzance, with bad 80s music sprinkled throughout. I am personally a big fan of this one, and it definitely makes for great summer fun.
Hellboy/Hellboy II
Setting:
These are comic book movies par excellence; they both center around a team of paranormal experts, including a pyrokinetic young woman, a telepathic man-fish, and the titular cigar-chomping red man with a stone hand.
Why they’re cool:
Both movies are throwbacks to the old action movie heroes who dished out punches and one-liners in abundance—this is James Bond, Indiana Jones territory. They’re also full of beautiful, weird creatures and settings. My favorite theme, and perhaps the most prominent one in both, is the problem of being an outcast—even in a world that the main characters are trying to protect. How can one live in a world that hates you, and still love it enough to keep it from blowing up?
Why it’s great for summer:
Summer and action are just made for each other. When it’s warm outside, and the days are full of activity and fun—this is the time to watch dudes punch other dudes and blow things up.
Bonus Double Feature: Like I said, this is James Bond/Indiana Jones territory. My personal pick would be Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, since it is my personal favorite in the series, but the others have their merits—Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom may be your best bet for cheese-ball thrills, which is essentially what you have here.
Children of Men
Setting:
It’s the near future, and human beings have stopped being able to have children. No one knows why—some think it’s a punishment from God, others think it’s been brought on by too much scientific tinkering with the world and with ourselves: too much playing God—but no matter the reason, the world has begun to fall apart. Many people see no reason to behave sanely or kindly in a world which will end within a generation; the story takes place in England, the last place on Earth with a functional society.
Why you should watch it:
The theme that I felt captivated by when watching this movie is the sense of failing to appreciate the great beauty of something—children, in this case—and only really discovering that beauty when it is gone. It’s an important lesson, wonderfully imparted: take time—especially now that it is summer and you are or will soon be free—to appreciate your family and friends, and especially to get to know the children in your life while they are still little. And please, if you haven’t seen this movie, go ahead and do it. (Note: it is rated R, so have a parent watch before you do, or with you, if you do see it. Hopefully it will help them to appreciate their children, too.)
Why it’s great for summer:
Ever have a late, hot, night with nothing to do? Get a few friends together, or watch it by yourself. The dark, gritty style and bleak future setting make for great late-night meditations on the meaning of it all.
Bonus Double Feature:
Another movie with a great look at a dismal future is Blade Runner, which is filled with questions about the nature of humanity, only from a different perspective: robots. If you’re looking for more light-hearted fare to pair with the somewhat downer notes in this one, by all means try Back to the Future II, with its wacky vision of the future that is practically already here. Except, still no hoverboards.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Setting:
It’s the Depression, and George Clooney and two friends escape from a chin gang in search of some buried treasure. Along the way, a veritable cornucopia of 30s-era sights and sounds meet the eye, and hilarious, wild times are had by all.
Why it’s cool:
Here is a story of suffering, trial, and redemption for the ages, all in a movie that’s a lot of fun and deeply interesting to watch. There are pure, naïve characters, tricky, clever characters, downright evil characters, and characters who turn out not to be as terrible as they first appear. It’s a lesson in getting inside other people’s shoes, and in their heads, but also a rollicking good time.
Why it’s great for summer:
This dusty depression setting will remind you that, no matter how hot it gets or how bored you are, things are great by comparison to just a couple generations back. Also, summer is a great time to laugh.
Bonus Double Feature:
Try watching this with an actual movie from the thirties, and see how they compare. Sullivan’s Travels, a movie about making a movie about depression-era poverty, is a good place to start. If that’s not your cup of tea, then you can never go wrong with To Kill a Mockingbird, an acknowledged classic set in the same era.
A Knight’s Tale
Setting:
Jousting! A peasant fakes his way into nobility-only competitions, excels, and everyone has a rollicking good time! Heath Ledger is cool! Alan Tudyk is quirky!
Why it’s cool:
This movie is great because it’s a sports movie with a sport that no one actually plays anymore. The music is all classic rock, weirdly enough, and pretty much nothing about the Middle Age setting is taken seriously by anyone involved in the film. The central theme is self-determination: that no matter who you are, you can change your stars. A little cliché as far as message, but the whole thing is really sweet and fun—I actually really love this one.
Why it’s great for summer:
What’s more fun in summer than sports? Why, sports that don’t exist anymore! And the middle ages, taken as non-seriously as possible of course.
Bonus Double Feature:
As far as movies about sports that normally don’t get made into movies go, there’s always Dodgeball, though that’s a little crude for some tastes. In the other direction, movies which do not take the middle ages terribly seriously are also fun: The 13th Warrior is a fun action movie with Antonio Banderas, and it’s pretty much a ridiculous ride the whole way.
Posted By: bukiewicz at 12:26 PM : Link : 0 Comments
