Sex (part 2)

Ever have your perspective changed? By perspective I mean your view or stance on something.

On a mission trip several years ago we went to a state park on one of our off days. There was a trail there that led 3.5 miles up a mountain. Several of us (myself and some teens in the youth group) decided to hike it. I was with a couple guys (Dion, Chris, Jon) as I hiked and climbed (we kept each other encouraged and pushed each other to go further). The view from the bottom was kind of bland. There were some interesting trees to look at and you could look out over the lake too (I was looking for fish!), but nothing really out of the ordinary to see. However, once we hiked to the top of the mountain, our perspective changed. We were no longer limited to just trees and the lake. Now we were looking down on the trees and the lake. You could see the whole countryside. It was a breathtaking view!

There’s a more recent time in my life where I noticed change in my perspective. I used to be able to listen to someone talk about the gruesome procedure known as partial birth abortion. I had my first child (a girl) three weeks ago and now when I hear someone talking about any type of abortion procedure I get queasy and have to turn the radio station or TV channel. My perspective has been forever changed.

God’s Word, if we let it, can change our perspective about a myriad of things. Take the whole issue of sex we’ve been discussing. I never knew how positive a stance the Bible took in regards to sex. From the Scriptures you would think God wants us to enjoy sex. Song of Songs, a poetry book in the Old Testament, is all about sex and love. There isn’t one mention of God, sin, salvation, or prayer in the entire book! Can you believe that? Why? Well, God is the designer of our sexuality and God is love. Real love originates from Him. If it weren’t for Him, we wouldn’t have a clue as to what real love is. This book takes delight in God’s gift of sex, sexuality, and love. It reveals to us that there is such a thing as holy sex. Sex isn’t a naughty little three-letter word. God never intended it to become that. Sex is a gift from God to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage (between a man and woman; you have to clarify that nowadays). You should read Song of Songs sometime this week. If you have a negative view towards sex maybe you need your perspective changed.
Your thoughts?

Sex (part 1)

We are kicking off a 4-week series on sex in youth group this week. Here are several of the points to be discussed.

- God created our sexuality when He made us in His image and likeness and made us male and female.

- God created sex.

- God designed sex to be a good thing within the confines of marriage.

- Marriage between a man and a woman can/should last a lifetime.

- Like other good things (e.g., being able to drive), sex must have boundaries to keep it healthy and safe.

- We find God’s boundaries for sex in our Bible.

- God is willing to listen to us talk about our frustrations, our questions, and any confusion we have over sex. He is also willing to guide us into truth about sex.

At the closing we wrote a thank you letter to God for His gift of sex. Here is mine.

Thank you God for creating men and women. I thank you that we are different. I thank you for the marriage relationship we can have with one person for the rest of our lives. I thank you for the gift of sex. I pray I am a good steward of Your gift and never do anything to show you disrespect or contempt. You were a genius when You created sex. It’s a beautiful thing and may I always remember that. I thank You for thinking of us when You gave us the unique gift of sex. Thanks!

Noah (Conclusion pointing towards the return of Jesus)

Whenever God does something big in the history of humanity He lets us know about it. He tells us. He may not give us the specific details (e.g., time, date, place), but He warns us that something is going to happen. Take the flood for example; God warned Noah that He was going to flood the earth. He even helped Noah build the ark by giving him the instructions/blueprints for it. The people living around Noah had a chance to believe in Noah and what he was doing and be saved, but they didn’t listen.

There’s another big event in the history of humanity God has warned us about. It’s the return of Christ.

How’s it going to happen?
When’s it going to happen?
Will it be just like the Left Behind series?
Will things get better before He returns?
Will things get worse?
Will there be a World War III or IIII?
Will I fly up to meet Jesus in the clouds or just find myself in His presence?

I’m sure you could add several questions of your own to this list. But, why do we have so many questions? Is it because we want to be prepared and in the know about this big event?

I’ve studied Christ’ return and I have an opinion of how things will happen, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be surprised or that I could be completely wrong. I think we will all be surprised and a little wrong about how it’s all going to go down. Jesus says that He doesn’t even know the time or date of His return, but He is coming back. If He doesn’t and is “ok” with it, we should be too (though that’s hard to do). One thing I do know and am certain of; Jesus is coming back! One thing Christ asks of us is to be watchful and diligent in spreading the Word and Gospel of our savior Jesus to the lost. God’s Word compares the Return of Christ to the days of Noah. During that time people were carrying on with their ordinary lives (marrying, eating, drinking, ignoring God). Nobody stopped to inquire about the giant boat Noah was building…well…when the waters came they became interested, but it was too late. I hope we don’t miss the boat. I hope we are prepared for Christ’s return.

Question:
- What should we be doing to prepare for His return?

Noah (Genesis 6, pt.2)

Noah’s faith in God could have been handed down to him from his parents and his parents’ parents. However, his faith wasn’t synthetic in that he just believed because his parents believed. Noah’s faith was the real deal. How do I know? Because he walked with God and he listened to God. The guy built a boat the size of a football stadium. Did anybody even know what a boat was back then? Noah’s story reminds us of the words of James,

Faith without works is dead.

Imagine if he didn’t build the ark? Imagine if his faith was without works? This guy lived it out. He was real. His relationship with God made him complete and it made a difference in his present life. Reality, in the world and people around Noah was missing Someone. It lacked. It was incomplete; a life lived without God always is. Noah, in his relationship with God, found out who he really was, his purpose we might say. This reality, this absolute truth, was so encompassing to Noah and his life that he didn’t want to walk away. He tasted and saw that the Lord was good.

- How do I live like that?
- How do I walk with God in such a way that I actually hear Him speaking?
- How do I trust God at the level Noah did?
- Is it even possible?

On our own this would be impossible. But when we receive Christ we are adopted into His family. This family (the church universal) is a big help to us. We are also given the Spirit of the Lord, who dwells richly within us. This Spirit acts like a teacher and guide in that He instructs and leads us (we must be willing and submissive of course) in how we should live. When we do something we shouldn’t He tells us about it (sometimes in a gentle way and sometimes in a not so gentle way). He helps us through trials by giving us wisdom and hope. He helps us spiritually discipline ourselves so we can become stronger. He grants us the freedom to choose God’s path. God’s Spirit living within the believer and the believer working with the Spirit is what makes the impossible possible.

The question is not a matter of probability, but a matter of reality. Do you believe you can live a life like Noah? I know he is one of Hall of Faith-famers in Hebrews 11, but reality (God’s Word) teaches that we can be there too! Do you believe that? Noah shows us that it’s about a personal relationship with God. It’s about taking the time to listen and deciding to obey. Noah’s world may be separated from ours by several thousand years, but were the trials he faced really that much different than ours today? Noah lived in the days when God hadn’t poured out His Spirit upon all people, but we do. We can find favor in the eyes of the Lord.

Noah (Genesis 6, pt.1)

This is part 1 to a brief 2-part series on Noah. He was a remarkable man! Part 2 coming next week.

There’s an old gospel song I remember hearing at church that went a little something like this,

Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord
Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord
Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord

I don’t remember much more of the song (is there more to it?), just the nine words sung over and over. I never thought too much or too hard about what the Bible and the song were actually saying/trying to say. What does it mean that Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord? Let’s take a look at what was happening in Noah’s world (the context).

The Context
During the time of Noah mankind had reached the epitome of selfishness. Sin, conceived in the Garden of Eden in the hearts of Adam and Eve, had run its course. People were turning away from a relationship with God to pursue the dark path of narcissism. Kings were abusing their power and sleeping with whomever they wanted. Murder, abuse, greed, and sexual immorality were rampant. Evil desires were the dress code of Noah’s day. Do whatever you want. Genesis 6:5 says,

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Things were so bad God decided to start over. However, instead of obliterating mankind and starting from scratch, God chose a righteous man named Noah to rebuild/start over with (we owe him a big thank you!). The Scriptures describe Noah as blameless and one who walked with God. The same thing was said of Noah’s ancestor Enoch (Gen 5:24). Despite the wickedness and temptations surrounding him, Noah maintained a relationship with God.

Questions:
- How?
- How could he resist evil?
- How could he walk with God during such a vile time?
- How could he walk with God when it wasn’t popular?
- Why did he stick with God?

Some helpful information

It's been a while! Life has been busy and has me on the move. My wife and I finished our childbirth classes and have 4 1/2 weeks until the baby arrives.

In case you haven't heard, Discovery channel has a special on the discovery of the bones of Jesus and his wife. For those of you interested in studying the reality of this fictitious documentary here are a few recommended sites:

Ben Witherinton III (Professor at Asbury)

Ken Schenck (Professor at Indiana Wesleyan)

Scot McNight (Professor of Religious Studies at North Park University)

Hope this helps in your study!

T <><

Noah (Genesis 6)

Nothing fancy, just curious as to what you think about Noah?
- Who was he?
- How did God use him?
- Was there anything special about him?
- What does the New Testament say about him?
- What did Jesus think of him?

Demon Sex? (Genesis 6)

I know the title is provocative and probably offensive to some of you. But, it’s in reference to the events in Genesis 6. Were the fallen angels (demons) having sex with humans? It’s a serious question to be explored.

Genesis 6 opens with the human race growing and expanding. Still fulfilling God’s mandate to multiply and fill the earth (Gen 1:28). The Sons of God saw how beautiful the daughters of men looked and took wives. Genesis 6:1-2 (NASB) reads

Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.

So, what’s going on here? Does the phrase Sons of God refer to fallen angels? Was it possible for fallen angels to marry humans? Were demons marrying the daughters of men just to have sex with them? Would God allow such a thing to happen to His beloved creation? Does a fallen angel having sex with humans fit in to the rest of the Bible? Is there another way to interpret this?

When you dive into the culture of this time you discover a gruesome and sickening practice. The Gilgamesh Epic describes kings as having a right to have sex with any bride being married. The husband would have no control over such tyranny. Apparently kings did this as a form of oppression and control. Pretty disgusting isn’t it? This reveals a little of what was taking place in the culture during Genesis. If you apply this horrific practice to Genesis you would see that the Sons of God, which would be kings, were picking and choosing women, brides to be, from across the land to sleep with. This would be detestable to God and surely bring a response like what is given in verse 3 (NASB) of Genesis,

Then the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years."

So, fallen angels weren’t going around having sex with the daughters of men. Surely God would have mentioned them in verse 3 if they were. It was the kings of the land. Who knows how out of control this practice may have grown? Things must have really deteriorated for God to send forth a flood. One commentary I’ve been reading pointed out a rather interesting flow of thought through these beginning chapters of Genesis:

Genesis 3: The fall of mankind
Genesis 4: The fall of the family
Genesis 6: The fall of society

What are your thoughts?

Seth's Family (Genesis 5)

Genesis 5 focuses on Adam’s other son, Seth. Chapter 5 goes through each member of Seth’s family and gives their names and how long they lived (these guys lived for a long time!). There is a bit of a contrast between Cain’s side of the family and Seth’s. Cain’s family tree is without years, only their names are mentioned (read Genesis 4:17-22), so we don’t know how long they lived. Compared to Genesis 5, which tells us how long Seth’s family lived for, Cain’s family comes out looking less significant. There are some interesting people introduced via Seth’s bloodline in chapter 5. We meet Enoch in verse 21. God took Enoch away in verse 24,

And Enoch walked with God; and he was no more, for God took him.

We’re not told anything else. Why did God take Enoch? Where did he go? It’s interesting that Jude 1:14-15 has a direct quote from the apocrypha book of 1 Enoch (written in the time between the Old and New Testaments, possibly the 2nd century BC). Enoch supposedly was taken to heaven and given some prophetic visions. He wrote about his trip and experiences in heaven and put them in his book, 1 Enoch. He talks about the fall of Satan and how the fallen angels (demons) intermingled with humans to create a subhuman race. This is part of the reason, according to the book of Enoch, of why God flooded the earth. There’s definitely some interesting reading in the book of 1 Enoch, but God didn’t see it necessary to include this book as part of our Bible so we don’t have to worry about undiscovered truths. God has given us everything we need to know in our Bible.

If any of you are interested in reading more about 1 Enoch and its history click this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Enoch This site provides some excellent background information.

Questions:
- What are your initial thoughts over Genesis 5?
- What differences do you see between Cain and Seth’s families?
- Is there a difference?
- What are your initial thoughts over Enoch being taken up with God?

Cain’s family (Genesis 4)

We left off last week with Cain being cursed by God and settling in the land of Nod, which is east of Eden. Genesis 4:17-24 tells the story of Cain’s family. Of course Adam and Eve had more children than just Cain and Abel. Apparently it was ok to intermarry; there was no other choice if Adam and Eve were the only human beings created. So, Cain married his sister (4:17, 5:4). Cain’s family has interesting roots and one can trace the development of his family and what they introduce to the world to ancient civilizations and how they developed. Here’s what we learn in Genesis 4 about the development of civilization:

- The introduction of cities: Cain tried building a city and naming it after his son Enoch (v.17). Was he successful? Was he the first to do this?
- The introduction of polygamy (more than one wife): Methushael’s son Lamech took two wives, Adah and Zillah (v.19). Did God approve of this?
- The introduction of domesticating animals for human purposes: Jabal, son of Adah, was the father of a nomadic type of people who lived in tents and raised sheep and goats.
- The introduction of music: Jabal’s brother Jubal was the father of all who play the lyre (stringed instrument used in ancient cultures) and pipe (musical, not for smoking).
- The introduction of metalworking: Zillah’s son Tubal-Cain forged bronze and iron. Were they used to help out with ordinary chores and living or for war?
- The introduction of poetry (?): Lamech writes what appears to be the first poem of our Bible in Genesis 4:23-24. In his poem he boasts about a man who attacked and wounded him and how he killed the young man. Was there some type of war between them or was it murder? The Hebrew word for killed in verse 23 is the same word used to describe what Cain did to Abel back in verse 8 of chapter 4.
- The introduction of life without God: Cain’s descendents seem focused on themselves and their humanistic efforts. There is on mention of glory or worship given to God. It would be nice to say that God was a part of what they did and their daily life, but we can’t. It’s not there. The author of Genesis introduces Cain’s family line and then moves to the more important line of Adam’s family, his son Seth.

What are your thoughts on Genesis 4:17-24?

Cain (Genesis 4)

Genesis 4 is about life outside of the Garden (for a picture of how life looked inside see Genesis 2). Adam and Eve are building their family and bring forth two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain is a farmer and Abel a shepherd. They decide to bring God offerings of their work. Cain brings forth fruit and Abel brings forth fat portions from his flock. God looks with favor upon Abel and his offering, but not on Cain’s. This causes Cain to burn with anger and pout. God shows up on the scene and begins to reason with Cain. God even advises Cain that if he will do what is right he’ll be accepted. But if he saturates in his anger, the desire to sin will overtake him.

Cain ignores God and takes matters into his own hands. “Maybe if Abel is out of the way I won’t have to worry about the competition in pleasing God,” he thinks. So, Cain murders Abel in cold blood. God, like He did with Adam and Eve, seeks Cain (the sinner) out and inquires about his brother. Cain responds that he isn’t in charge of his brother and has no clue where he is. God, being all knowing, confronts Cain and curses him and he becomes a wanderer of the earth.

Reviewing Cain’s actions we see that:
- He became angry (maybe jealous?) because God looked with favor upon his brother’s offering
- He ignored God’s advice
- He devised a plan to murder his brother and followed through with it
- He lied to God to cover up what he had done
- He showed no remorse

Now, what lies behind Cain’s actions is his heart. From the heart the mouth speaks the Scriptures tell us. What else comes from the heart? Our actions. Everything Cain did was a matter of his heart not being right with God (a consequence of the Fall and his own choice). God tried reasoning with Cain to reveal to him this truth in Genesis 4:6-7. But Cain ignored God, which tells us that he didn’t want anything to do with God. A conscious choice made from his heart. Cain’s heart wasn’t open to receiving the Word and as a result, sin consumed and led him off to murder his own flesh and blood.

I dare you to stop and think about the things you do (good and bad). Have you ever done that before? If you do, try and trace them back to their source. If you follow the footprints long enough, you’ll discover that they lead back to your heart.

Questions
- How’s your heart these days?
- Is it open to receiving God’s Word?
- Do you believe our actions come from our heart?
- Why or why not?

Thoughts on Genesis

Genesis 3 (Wrath against sin)

Is there consequence for sin? According to God’s Word there is! After Adam and Eve give in to the Serpent’s trickery and hogwash that plays on their own desires, something terrible happens. Adam and Eve sinned by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; a tree declared off limits by God in Genesis 2:17. However, their sin goes deeper than just action, it involved their will/heart. They decided God was wrong and holding something back from them, they decided they knew better than God. They made a conscience decision from the heart to disobey God. The saying the rest is history should be changed to the rest is our history because their sin has damned the human race. Is there hope?

If we didn’t have the New Testament Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) we might consider our situation hopeless and grim. But, God’s gift to us was His Word and that Word (made flesh, John 1:14) helps us see hope in God’s plan of redemption. The New Testament helps in our understanding of the Old Testament, especially here in Genesis 3. We know from the Gospels that God sent Jesus to proclaim the Kingdom of God among us, to show His love to world, and to die for humanity’s sins so a proper relationship could be restored between God and man and man and man. The New Testament actually helps us see God’s plan for the coming Savior in Genesis 3. How?

In verse 15 God talks about woman’s seed and the enmity between this seed and the serpent. The word seed used here is interesting because it is singular and not plural. We can deduce two things from this:

1. All of humanity is at enmity with Satan and his minions. From the first children (Cain & Abel) to everyone born today. John mentions the hatred of Satan towards humans in Revelation 12:17.

2. We can also see a prophecy and a sneak peek at God’s plan of salvation. When the Hebrew people were passing this story on to their families, there would have been some expectation of a coming redeemer, king, or messiah when they heard the word “seed”. The deathblow to Satan and his power over death is mentioned in verse 15, “He shall crush you on the head.” Which is certainly what Christ did when He arose from the grave on the third day. Paul writes of this in Romans 16:20.

Even though Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden for their sin, God still shoveled love and mercy upon them. He could have killed them on the spot for their disobedience, but He didn’t, however He did not stop the natural consequences of sin from taking their toll on their lives and offspring. Even though all of humanity has been kicked out of God’s presence from birth, He has shown us love and mercy in sending us His Son. A gift offered to all willing to receive Him. God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:8). Any thoughts?

Decaf coffee with a dash of Hebrew (Exodus 4)

For those of you wondering or curious about Moses’ relationship with God previous to and during the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt…this is for you. Exodus 4:12 records the onset of their relationship and God utters these words to Moses,

“Now then go, and I, even I will be with your mouth,
and teach you what you are to say.” (Emphasis added)

The word teach (Hebrew, yara) used here is of utmost importance. Anyone who reads the book of Exodus can depict that God and Moses were close. The Scriptures even teach us that Moses was like God to Pharaoh (see Exodus 4:16). In order for Moses to be like God, he had to first know what God was like, right? Yara gives insight into how Moses learned so much about God.

The Hebrew word yara used here sheds some light on Moses’ relationship with God. This word is in the Hiphil stem in the Hebrew language. Yeah, so what? Well, that’s important because word stems (along with their tense) give Hebrew words their meaning. The stem of this word reinforces God’s role in Moses’ life, He will be his teacher and master. Moses is to be a student under God, a learner, a pupil, and a disciple. So we learn Moses didn’t converse and receive orders every once in a while from God; he was God’s disciple. Which means Moses had to be constantly learning from God. He spent a lot of quality time with God learning from Him; his relationship with God wasn’t stagnant and dusty, it was alive and growing. (Could this be why so many Christians turn their backs on God and walk away from the faith, because their relationship with God isn’t growing? Whom do we blame for that?) Dare I say that there were probably numerous times Moses spent with God that we don’t have recorded in our Scriptures? It’s nothing to worry about because what’s recorded in our Bibles is absolutely trustworthy and all we need.

The New Testament picture of Moses’ relationship to God would be like Jesus with His disciples. We know from Scripture how Jesus discipled them; the rebuking, the parables, the sermons, the teachings, the examples, the Agape love exemplified by Jesus, the restoring of their wounded spirits. The beauty of Scripture and God is the harmony between everything (The God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament). So, you bet God used the same general method Jesus used (a relationship) to turn Moses into His disciple. Though the times were different, the way God makes disciples (a growing relationship with Him) remains the same.

What do you think?
Have you ever thought of Moses as a disciple before?

The Nativity Movie

We saw the highly anticipated Nativity movie last night. Here are some observations:

- Acting was superb. Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zachariahs, Herod, the Romans, the wise men, all done extremely well.

- The movie did an excellent job of showing us why the Jews longed for a warrior Messiah. They were rough handled and tossed around like old shoes by the Romans. When Mary's father didn't have the tax money and the Roman soldier seized his daughter (to turn her into a slave of some sort), I wanted a William Wallace (Braveheart) type character to show up on the scene and beat the crap out of the Romans.

- The movie did a good job of portraying the reaction of the family and townsfolk to the virgin birth. They were upset at Mary and didn't understand, Joseph too (until he was visited by the angel). Imagine the shame they tried to force upon her?

- I thought the movie also did a wonderful job of portraying life and daily activities in 1 to 3 A.D. We saw what their jobs were like, houses were like, how they all slept together in the main room (compare that to what Jesus tells His disciples in Luke 11:5-8). Good visual picture of Jewish life.

- Music was tremendous! Kind of a mix of hymns with other new scores.

It's a great movie! Go see it, who knows, we may end up with an Old Testament movie about David and his life soon.

God's Christmas Gift (Luke 2)

As I sit in my office sipping warm premium blend coffee, snowflakes tumble from the sky, only to be whipped across our parking lot by a chilling west wind; a physical reminder that Old Man Winter is peeking around the corner. From the warm indoors it’s a beautiful scene to watch. Soon Christmas will be upon our heels and people will be frantically searching for that last minute gift. Amidst the rush, the colorful array of Christmas lights, the loud relatives, the eggnog, and holiday spirit I hope you can take a few moments to think about the event that happened 2,000 years ago, the day when our planet was invaded. I guess you could call it a space invasion of the heart. I’m talking about God taking on human flesh and becoming one of us (John 1:14). An event so big, that it has forever changed human history, the hearts of men and women, and Christmas for billions of believers worldwide. If you would like to take a moment to reflect on the invasion, continue reading.

Last night in youth group we examined closely Jesus’ birth as told in Luke’s Gospel. The story can be found in Luke 2:1-20 if you’re interested in reading it for yourself. We looked at four different aspects of this story: the setting, Mary & Joseph, the shepherds, and the angels. Here’s what we discovered:

The setting – The birth of Christ happened in a small town named Bethlehem. Joseph traveled with Mary to Bethlehem for a census. Because Joseph is from the family line of David he has to register in Bethlehem. It was customary to return to your original hometown for a census. Bethlehem was busy during this time, which is why Mary and Joseph could find no hotel, guest room, or spare room to lodge in for the night. Verse 7 reads,
And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Mary & Joseph – Not yet married, but still engaged (v.5). Traveled together to Bethlehem to register for the census. While there, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Joseph stayed with Mary despite the absurdity of a virgin birth. He was visited by the angel Gabriel and told all about the virgin birth and that his soon-to-be wife would be the mother (Matt 1:20-21). Joseph believed in God’s message and stayed with Mary. Shortly after Jesus’ birth, some shepherds visited Mary and Joseph. They too had an encounter with angelic beings and told Mary everything they were told. Her response? Verse 19 reads,
But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

The Shepherds – Tending to their sheep during the night they are visited by an angel. Like everyone else, they’re terrified. The angel comforts them and tells them of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem (v.8-12). The story gets better, because a army (literally) of angels appears with the other angel praising God (v.13-14). Inspired by the miraculous events they witnessed, they hurry off to Bethlehem to see for themselves this savior. They find Mary and Joseph and tell them everything the angels told them. I find it interesting that they leave the scene doing exactly what the angels did when they visited them in their fields, glorifying and praising God. The angels set an example for them as to how they were to respond to Jesus. Verse 20 reads,
And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

The Angels – Make quite an appearance here. One visits some lowly shepherds and announces the Good News of Jesus Christ. Then the heavenly army appears to the shepherds praising God. That would have been a frightening scene. Why did they choose shepherds? Not sure, could have been direct orders from God. Could have been the only people outside and available at that time? Could have been the only people willing to listen and obey their words? Whatever the case, the angels appeared and brought the glory of God with them (v.9) and a special message for all to hear,
For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior,
who is Christ the Lord.

Hopefully you find some peace and calm this Christmas as we remember and celebrate God becoming flesh. Merry Christmas!

Snakey Dialogue (Genesis 3)

Adam and Eve hanging out in the Garden of Eden having a good ol' time! Then, out of the lush vegetation…a talking snake slips onto the scene and begins to question them; singling out Eve.

Snake: Hey! What's up Adam and Eve?
Adam & Eve: (Taken back and surprised a little by a talking snake) Huh!
Snake: Hey Eve, what's up?
Eve: Not much, just chillin and enjoying this beautiful day in this beautiful place.
Snake: Really? You and Adam are enjoying it here? Huh. Seems with all the rules and regulations that God has imposed on you that it would feel a bit…umm…restricting. I mean, is God serious about you not eating from any tree here?
Adam: (Contemplating the whole scene and remaining very quiet)
Eve: We can eat from all the trees, well, except the one in the middle of the Garden. God told Adam if he, I mean we, eat from it we'll die. I guess I'm not even supposed to touch it.
Serpent: Really? That's hilarious because there's no way you'll die just from eating fruit from a tree is there?
Eve: (Contemplating)
Adam: (Contemplating with a confused look on his face)
Serpent: You know what I think?
Eve: (Curious) What?
Serpent: I think that when you eat from this tree (stares at it for a moment), you'll become just like God. You'll know good and evil both!
Eve: What's evil?
Adam: (Still quietly contemplating things with a confused look on his face)
Serpent: It's something…uh…well…uhh…well it's something God knows. You mean to tell me he has kept something from you? Shocking! That seems kind of odd that he would keep something from you…doesn't it?
Eve: (Begins staring at the tree) Yeah, it does. I mean this fruit looks very good. I think it could help me learn something new too. (She reaches out and grabs it and pulls it close to her mouth)
Adam: (Still quietly contemplating while Eve hands him a piece of the forbidden fruit)
Serpent: (Grinning from ear to ear) *Do snakes have ears?
Adam & Eve: (Both bite into the juicy fruit (not the gum) of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and begin blushing at the realization they're standing around naked)

What do you think about the serpent of old's (aka the Devil) tactics in tempting man and woman? He's sly isn't he? How would you retell the temptation of Adam and Eve?

Random thoughts on Genesis by teenagers

Last night we continued studying Genesis chapter 2. We've been hanging out there for a while (there's a lot to learn). I let my students share their thoughts last night and here's what they had to say: Hope you enjoy!

Man was first. Woman was second. God created earth.
- Makayla

I learned that God created us in his image so we are important. At first I thought who cares, people are going to hell. But I guess everyone is important and that we should try even though in Bluffton it’s very discouraging. I’m also learning more about myself and how I truly feel about things, but I’m glad we’re doing this because the topics are coming up and I’m trying to really understand things and not just blow them over. Even to change my view to what God wants and I’m trying to change my attitude a little bit.
- Rebecca

Man was first. When man and woman were created they were naked.
- Anonymous

I learned that woman was created by a man’s rib.
- Anonymous

God created dinosaurs. The world hasn’t been around for millions of years.
- Anonymous

I learned a lot of neat things from the Bible. I learned about the creation of man and woman and their fall to the dark side.
- Andrew

I learned in Genesis that Adam and Eve were not ashamed to be there. Genesis is also about how God created earth.
- Anonymous

So far I’ve learned a lot of things that God created that I had no clue he did. I learned more about Adam and Eve that was really cool for to learn about.
- Katie

Woman was made from man and they could eat from any tree except one.
- Anonymous

God created Eve by the pieces of Adam.
- Brandon

God created us in his image. He gave us everything on earth. When he saw that man was lonely, he cared enough to make woman.
Laundry is a result of the Fall.
- Janella

It’s not that I learned anything new, it’s that I enjoyed discussing Genesis with the youth group.
- Anonymous

The world was created in Genesis.
- Brooke

I learned how dinosaurs were created and destroyed.
- Kory

Life

What an incredible day yesterday was! We had the chance to see our baby using the new 4D ultrasound technology. It gives an actual 3D picture of the baby (I have video footage to prove it).

It was silent in the room while we transfixed our eyes on the TV monitors. Squirming before our very eyes was our tiny 4½-month-old baby. The doctor said she had big cheeks! She also advised us to buy some roller skates because our kid was nonstop moving around. The technology allowing us to look at our baby was fascinating, but the baby herself (not a slip, we’re having a girl) was indescribable. I thought of Genesis 1:26-27 where God makes man and woman in His own image. Part of being made in God’s image is our ability to create life. I’m blown away at life and how priceless it is.

Rest (Genesis 2:1-3)

Well, the past two weeks have been crazy! I apologize for not posting a new post last week. Things have picked up at work, school, and home. Most of you know my wife is pregnant, our first. Well, we find out in a week the sex of our baby. Needless to say we’re excited! We really don’t prefer a boy to a girl or vice versa, we’re just happy to be having a baby! We’re fulfilling God’s mandate in Genesis 1 to be fruitful and multiply.

Genesis 2:1-3 is a continuation of the creation story started in Genesis 1. This passage talks about the completion of God’s work and the rest God takes on the seventh day. Verse 2 reads,

By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.

God’s world was done. Everything was perfect. Everything was in its proper place and performing its proper function. Can you imagine such a world? Then we move from creating and working to rest. Can you imagine God resting? Someone asked once, “Doesn’t He have to like always be doing something?” Well, Scripture would tell us, “no!” God worked hard for six days and then rested. He did nothing! Genesis even goes on to say in verse 3,

God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

So, we have a day where God is not doing anything and He blesses this day and makes it holy.

Questions to ponder:
- What do you think about God resting?
- Why did He do it?
- If you believe we’re made in His image, what does this teach us about ourselves?
- Does this passage of Scripture bother you? If so, how?
- Do you rest each week?

*I sure could use some rest!