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Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Faith in Days Like These
“Does This Pandemic Mean These Are The Last Days?”
(Lk. 21:10-11; 13:1-5)
“Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:10-11, NIV)
Yes. We are living in The Last Days (Acts 2:16-17; Heb.1:2; 1 Jn.2:18).
The Scriptures clearly teach this doctrine (2 Tim.3:1; 1 Pet.1:18-21).
But, are these days the last of The Last Days?
Does this pandemic lead directly to the 2nd coming of Jesus?
No. Just because we live in The Last Days, does not mean these days
lead directly, uninterruptedly, and unequivocally to The (very) Last Day.
We can’t answer this question with certainty @ the present.
However, these days, our current days, are a: (Lk. 21:31)
*sign- pointing to a time coming when there will be a last day.
*warning- not to be deceived by others or the day’s happenings.
*call- to decide how to prepare, respond, and live our lives.
Wait & See! (Mt. 24:4, 14, 42; Mk.13:5, 9-10, 33, 35, 37; Lk. 21:8, 34, 36).
These were Jesus’ instructions: watch, pray, be alert, and be ready!
Don’t be deceived; be decisive; be engaged in Gospelizing the nations.
What if it were today? How should you respond? In Jesus day, they told Him about a terrible tragedy that had happened around them (Lk.13:1-5).
Jesus knew of another too. How did Jesus respond? He told His listeners:
1) those who died were no worse sinners than you; and,
2) repent, or you too will perish! (2x Jesus gave this response.)
How will you respond to Jesus in these last days before the last of days?
The Lord is Coming! Let’s be ready & be about His business. Jesus will return! On the last Day, Jesus will be stunningly visible (Mt.24:30-31)! Jesus will judge the nations! Let us repent/believe and love/serve Him.
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Faith in Days Like These
“How Long, O LORD?” (Psalms 13)
“How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide
your face from me?” (-David, Ps. 13:1, NIV)
Psalms 13 is known as the "How Long Psalm.” Spurgeon called it the “Howling Psalm” because of its quadruple cry "how long?" David shared this prayer-song, a lament, as he struggled with questions and re-affirmed his faith in God. Perhaps, in these Covid-19 days, you have similar faith questions and need encouragement in your faith in God too.
Learning to Lament Well
Say what you have to say: “How long, O LORD?”(13:1-2)-“until where?”
Never hold back from telling God what’s on your heart. Series of 4 ?’s
4x David repeats his “How long?” inquiry. Feel it’s intensity heighten!
Lament is an acceptable form of prayer: grieving/questioning out loud.
“Faith seeking to understand ... seeking divine presence” (G. Wilson)
The lyrics reflect David’s disorientation (W. Brueggemann)- life’s swings.
Pray what your soul needs (13:3-4)- David pleads for 3 Divine actions:
1) God to see him- “Look (!) on me...” (v.3), not “hide his face”(v.1)
2) God to answer him- “... and answer...” (v.3). Desperate for response!
3) God to intervene- How? “Give light to my eyes” (cause to shine, v.3)
Why? Or, I’ll die and my enemies will rejoice (v.4).
Sing what your heart believes (13:5-6)- Despite his deeply felt questions,
and the reality of his circumstances, David sings 3 confessions of faith:
1) God, I trust in your love- “But I trust in your unfailing love” (v.5).
“Unfailing love” = hesed (Heb.)- loyal, covenant commitment
David is confident of God’s enduring commitment, loyalty to him.
2) God, I rejoice in your rescue- “my heart rejoices in your
salvation” (v.5). Faith struggles can bridge dissonance.
David senses God will deliver him. We can trust in God’s provision.
3) God, I know you are good to me- “I will sing the Lord’s praise, for
he has been good to me” (v.6). His goodness calls us to praise Him!
David responds to God’s goodness with praise! Let us praise Him!
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
“Reconciled to God in Christ: What was God Doing on Easter?”
(2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
“...God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself...” (2 Cor. 5:19, NAS)
He is risen! This is the good news of Easter. In these pandemic days our hope is found in the life-changing truth of Jesus! The resurrection of Jesus reveals the extent of the life-giving love of God for everyone!
Easter is... the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus!
*literal *bodily *physical *rising from the dead to life *glorified body!
Resurrection evidence (5 E’s): (1 Cor. 15:4-8)
*eyewitnesses- (reliability) dependable, consistent reports (500+ people!)
*empty tomb- (validity) constant, authentic, conclusive witness.
*early testimony- (veracity) trustworthy, honorable, accurate testimonies.
*exchange- transformed lives! Jesus changes us, never to be the same!
*empowerment- power to be and do great things for God’s Kingdom.
What was God Doing on Easter?
Easter reveals:
1) the mind of God- mystery on display (providence)- (5:18-19, 21)
2) the heart of God- reconciliation by mediation (pathos)- (5:14-15)
3) the plan of God- mission strategy (praxis)- (5:18-20)
Resurrection makes reconciliation possible.
Reconciliation makes relationship possible.
Relationship makes the ministry of reconciliation possible.
The power of Jesus resurrection... (5:19-20) empowers us to participate
in the ministry of reconciliation (people encountering God’s design for life).
What does your life say about Easter?
Are you reconciled with God? Be reconciled with God today!
How you live reveals what you believe about the resurrection.
How are you engaged in the ministry of reconciliation?
Who needs to hear your Easter story? How will you share it?
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Who Will Listen to Jesus? (A Chapter Study of Lk.15)
“Come to Your Senses” (Celebrating the Lost being Found)
(Lk.15:6-7; 9-10; 22-24, 32)
All 3 of Jesus’ stories conclude with celebration (much like the grand entry into Jerusalem of Passion Week). Celebration happens when people humble themselves and turn/return to our loving, restoring, forgiving Father.
Jesus Pictures Our Waywardness
Spiritual awareness- of the broken relationship sin causes.
Jesus puts these famous words within the heart of the prodigal son:
“when he came to his senses (himself)” (v.17, NIV/ESV).
Spiritual humbling- my way doesn’t work, I’ll go another Way (Jn.14:6)
“God cannot give what we will not admit we need.” (J.Denison)
Willingness to admit our need leads to a decisive moment.-V.Gideon
Spiritual & actual turning/returning- come to the Father on His terms.
Confession/repenting- essence of a lost person being found:
“I’ve sinned against heaven and against you” (vv.18, 21).
“... expect nothing ... receive everything.” (M.Card)
Jesus Pictures God as a Loving Father who...
Anticipates Reunion (v.20)- “But while he was still a long way off his
father saw him and was filled with compassion for him...”
Runs (v.20)- “he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed
him.” (The son confesses and repents, v.21.) Father receives!
Restores (vv.20-23)- “Quick bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a
ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Let’s have a feast
and celebrate.” Father delights and calls for celebration!
Rejoices (vv.24, 32)- “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he
was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate.”
Loves extravagantly- forgives/merciful! Oh, what a Father & Savior!
The Father’s love calls for great rejoicing when people come to Him.
This great love will cost Jesus His life on Good Friday.
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Who Will Listen to Jesus? (A Chapter Study of Lk.15)
“Get Found” (Lk.15:4-10)
Our common testimony is we are no longer lost, but now we are found! Jesus’ 3 stories describe the effort/extent to find what is lost because of their great value. Think of all Jesus invests so we can be among the found!
Jesus is on a... seek and save mission (Lk.19:10).
He seeks the lost, those outside of relationship with God.
Do you realize you need rescue? (that you need to be found)
Jesus tells 3 compelling stories... so listeners get His mission for them.
The parables are utilized “to persuade/convince” (C. Snodgrass).
All 3 scenarios describe the search to find/recover what is lost:
a sheep, a coin, and two sons are lost
they are recovered/found by a shepherd, a woman, and a Father.
They tell us about Jesus, the One telling the stories.
Jesus is a ... Finder (15:4-5; 8-9; 21-22)!
He stories about what is recovered/found.
He greatly invests in the recovery ministry of the lost.
What does it mean to be found by Jesus?
We are immensely valued and loved.
We are worth the trip from glory to the cross... and back!
God desires a relationship with us through His Son, Jesus.
How can you get found?
Get that Jesus came looking for us - the lost ones!
Accept that His mercy mission was for you.
Acknowledge you are lost and want to get found by Jesus!
How can you participate in Jesus’ seek and find mission?
Think of what others did so you could hear the good news of Jesus!
What are you/we collectively ready to invest in Jesus’ mission?
To what ends/lengths will we risk/go?
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Praying More in Desperate Days
“Practice Praying for Peace”
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every
way. The Lord be with all of you... The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you all.” (2 Thes.3:16, 18)
This is Paul’s fifth and final prayer for the Thessalonians. He prays for believers to experience “peace.” In our trials let us practice praying this peace prayer.
Applying the Investigative Method to explore this Prayer:
Who? “Now may the Lord of peace himself...”
Prayer is only as good as the One who hears the petition!
Only use of this title for Jesus. Usually, used only of God (1 Thes.5:23;
Rom.15:33, 16:20; 2 Cor.13:11; Phil.4:6-9)
The Lord who gives peace....” Peace is possible because of Who can grant it.
He is the source and foundation of peace. Know God. Experience His peace.
Ultimately, how can we have peace with God? Through Jesus! (Rom.5:1)
What? “give you peace...” (Gk., irene; Heb., shalom)
Jesus gives His people peace (Jn.14:27; 16:33; cf. Num.6:26; Is.52:7).
Peace is...a sense of contented well-being and harmony; absence of conflict.
Peace is given to those who pray and trust God rather than worry (Phil.4:6-9).
When/Where? “at all times...”
Peace is available whenever/wherever it’s needed most.
When can be now, no matter the circumstances or where they occur.
How? “... and in every way.”
The Lord is able to give you peace in whatever/however manner He chooses.
E.g.’s: sensing His presence gives comfort; through His Word; a scene from
nature, a friend’s connecting @ the right moment; a momentary calm...
The Lord is not limited in the diverse ways/places He may grant you peace.
Why? “The Lord be with all of you.” (cf. Rom.15:33; et al., Immanuel, Mt.1:23)
The assurance of His presence with us grants us the reality of peace.
Conclusion: Prayer for grace to strengthen those who need peace.
We need what the Lord can give: His favor, benevolence, gifting, and peace.
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Praying More in Desperate Days
“Pray for Gospel Expansion & Deliverance from Evil Men”
“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith.... May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” (2 Thes. 3:1-2, 5, NIV)
Overview:
3 Prayers- representing prayers #3 and #4 in the letter.
2 Requests- Paul asks believers in Thessalonica to pray for them.
1 Intercession- Paul again prays for the believers in Thessalonica.
Request #1- Pray for Gospel expansion (3:1)- “Pray continuously...”
“Spread rapidly”- “the message (word) of the Lord” (gospel dependency)
(“to run”) the herald’s (runner’s) urgency/opportunity (advance)
loving obedience to share “the message” (receptivity)
“Be honored”- response to “the message” brings glory to God!
Request #2- Pray for Deliverance from wicked and evil people (3:2-4)-
“for not everyone has faith”- the sad, simple truth; w/o faith, opposition.
“But the Lord is faithful”- contrast; declarative: count on (trust) the Lord.
“he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one”- God on guard.
Intercession in two parts- Pray for crucial and urgent needs (3:5):
“Direct (guide) your hearts into God’s love...”- Love is the crucial value!
“... live & act in a loving manner reflective of God’s love....” (Martin)
“... and Christ’s perseverance”-Patient endurance is urgently necessary!