Ramblings about Nazarene Youth Conference 2007 in St. Louis, MO
What a typical day looked like:
Wake up at 8-8:30am and grab breakfast
General session from 10am à 12pm
Lunch
1 - 5pm Tracks (Football, painting schools, topical, film, music, sports)
2 - 3pm small group time within tracks
5 - 6:30pm dinner
7 - 9:30pm general session
10 - 11:30pm free time (Jimmy Johns)
11:30pm District meeting
12 - 2am Bedtime (hang time with Kory and Dylan in hotel room)
Sleep was very welcome at this event because you were exhausted by the end of the day!
The messages:
First message was the best. It was Greg Stier talking about what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. He made several good points about Jesus and what it means to really know Him. Toward the end he asked if anyone wanted to know Jesus in a personal way. Those interested he asked to stand up (one of our students stood proudly too her feet).
Friday morning’s message with Reggie Dabbs was second best. He focused on letting go of our past and not letting it dictate our future. He had a powerful testimony to this. He was created when his mother slept with a man for $20. He was honest with us and serious.
The theme for the week was Water, Fire, Wind
Water = God’s grace (baptism) poured out on us (we literally felt this!)
Simulated by snapping of fingers
Fire = God’s power (burning bush) at work within us making us holy
Simulated by shaking our NYC books
Wind = God’s Spirit leading us to serve others and put our faith into action
Simulated by rubbing hands together
The last service we took communion together (10,000 students). Services were well balanced with audience participation and the hearing of God’s Word. The last service was similar to a Catholic or High Church service order. We were constantly on the move. We would stand to sing, sit to listen to a short homily, and then stand to read God’s Word. There were a few times during the week when the service order made things really hard to follow, but overall it came together nicely in the end.
Saturday morning’s message by Princess Zulu opened our student’s eyes to the hunger problem around the world. The real icing on the cake moment came when they announced that all 10,000 students would be eating pourage (ground corn similar to grits) for lunch. Our students were pretty surprised and a bit upset. That was there meal for the day. During this time everyone was given a story (we had Ruth from Africa) about a person suffering in a 3rd world country from malnutrition and their struggle to survive. Ruth had been diagnosed with HIV. It was a sobering experience. Our experience made us eager to do something, so we signed up for 30 hr famine as a youth group activity. We put our faith into action.
How NYC challenged us:
It forced us out of our comfort zone. I kept reminding our students that NYC is about breaking barriers and getting a person out of their comfort zone. What are some of the ways this happened? Everyone from our District was split up and paired with others from around our District they didn’t know. They were also in rooms with others from our District they didn’t know. They were also in different tracks with others students from all over North America they didn’t know
The results of this were amazing! I witnessed leadership from our students that I have never seen before because they were forced out of their comfort zone.
We all made some great new friends because of this. Which is one of the things NYC is about. Meeting new people, making new friends, and doing new things.
We also had the awesome experience of sharing our faith with others and worshipping God with 10,000 students. That was powerful!
NYC asked us to do something about our faith. To put our faith into action. Several of our students did this. Beth brainstormed ways to help the homeless. Dylan felt God calling him to start a worship band. Kory, Brooke, Sarah, Becca, Beth want to put on a retreat for the junior high students of our church.
Our student’s responses and actions:
Worship time was awesome! All teens in the Edward Jones Dome (where the St. Louis Rams play) and adults got into and it and were worshipping God with all their hearts and minds. It was an incredible experience to worship God with so many people.
All students (especially ours) adapted nicely to the challenges (e.g., being grouped with others teenagers they didn’t know) presented by NYC.
Students enjoyed small groups with people from around the country. Small group time was during tracks, which took place in the afternoon. Our students opened up and shared with others struggles and how God was working in their lives.
Our students were eager to lead in prayer (normally I have a hard time getting them to pray out loud in front of others) but I noticed towards the middle of NYC they were all about praying in front of others. Several times I hadn’t even closed my eyes before they started praying. They prayed for meals out loud. They prayed for children growing up in Africa with AIDS and little food out loud. They prayed for communion out loud. They prayed during the services out loud
We did a lot of praying!
God was really working in our hearts collectively. The Nazarene church, as a whole, gave so much food we had enough to feed double what we expected! Our students participated in the feeding of 10,000 families. How did we help with this? We gathered in a very large line, grabbed a box, filled it with cans of fruit, vegetables, pastas, bread, meat, and some snacks. Each student was asked to write a special message to put in the box of food for the family. I was impressed at how serious they took this and the messages of encouragement they wrote down.
One of the things I noticed in our students was a change from focus on self to focus on others (the group that went is eager to serve and do something for God)
Their minds were opened and challenged and they responded. Our students agreed to commit to a 30 hr famine for World Vision and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (which for the 1st time ever teamed up and now work together. This happened at NYC 2007!)
NYC helped us get closer as a youth group
Fun activities:
Exhibit Hall
RC cars
Concerts
Jimmy Johns
Horse and buggy ride downtown St. Louis
Visiting the park and walking around
Meeting new people
Acting silly and hillbilly
Sitting in the hot tub together for one night
Going to a mall as a District to hang out and shop
Bus ride (fun for some!)
Sleeping
Going home (missed my wife and daughter)
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Friday, July 06, 2007
An Eerie Moment
I decided to take the dog for walk last night around 9:30/10pm. We walked through downtown Bluffton to the Wabash River. This is only about a half mile from my house. There’s a part of the Wabash River off to the east of Main Street (Highway 1) that people fish and sometimes camp out at. There’s an old trail, big enough for a car to get through, which leads back to this area. So, I decided to take my dog (Boston Terrier) and hike back it a little. I found an old fire ring where somebody had camped out. I stopped to check it out and then started looking at the Wabash River (a natural thing for a fisherman to do). I took a few steps toward the river when something caught the corner of my eye.
Turning around I cringed as my eyes made contact with the outline of what I thought to be a big mountain lion. I saw a big round head and pointy ears with hair on them looking right at me. The beast was about 15-20 ft away from me and when it noticed I had looked towards it, it crouched behind some dead trees like it was trying to hide from me. It appeared the creature was moving towards my dog and I and my look had upset its stalking (if that’s what it was doing). I immediately thought to myself that I needed to get out of here and fast.
My first instinct was to tighten my dogs leash and walk briskly back to the trail. I did just that, but when I got to the trail I literally ran for my life (I didn’t scream). It probably looked funny, but I didn’t care. I ran up the hill I had walked down and up to a lady reading a book in her car. I probably scared her a little. I told her about what I had seen and she let me use her phone to call the cops. The cops arrived and asked me some questions and used their big car spotlights to shine down the trail. They didn’t see anything (I’m sure my call will be in the police notebook in today’s paper if you’re interested).
This morning I woke up and wanting to be sure I wasn’t a crazy lunatic or seeing thing, I drove back down to the area to look for tracks. After looking around for several minutes I came across some bizarre tracks. I sent a picture of them to my cousin (Silas) who has hunted mountain lion to see what he thought. He said he had seen some mountain lion tracks and this looked just like what he had saw out in Idaho when he was hunting for them. I looked up some cougar tracks online and sure enough they matched the tracks I found. It was an eerie moment to think a mountain lion/cougar/puma was possible stalking my dog (which had no idea what was going on the entire time) and me. I’ve never been this creeped out before. I’ll try and post the pics of the tracks I took pictures of sometime soon. So, if you live around Bluffton be careful!
Turning around I cringed as my eyes made contact with the outline of what I thought to be a big mountain lion. I saw a big round head and pointy ears with hair on them looking right at me. The beast was about 15-20 ft away from me and when it noticed I had looked towards it, it crouched behind some dead trees like it was trying to hide from me. It appeared the creature was moving towards my dog and I and my look had upset its stalking (if that’s what it was doing). I immediately thought to myself that I needed to get out of here and fast.
My first instinct was to tighten my dogs leash and walk briskly back to the trail. I did just that, but when I got to the trail I literally ran for my life (I didn’t scream). It probably looked funny, but I didn’t care. I ran up the hill I had walked down and up to a lady reading a book in her car. I probably scared her a little. I told her about what I had seen and she let me use her phone to call the cops. The cops arrived and asked me some questions and used their big car spotlights to shine down the trail. They didn’t see anything (I’m sure my call will be in the police notebook in today’s paper if you’re interested).
This morning I woke up and wanting to be sure I wasn’t a crazy lunatic or seeing thing, I drove back down to the area to look for tracks. After looking around for several minutes I came across some bizarre tracks. I sent a picture of them to my cousin (Silas) who has hunted mountain lion to see what he thought. He said he had seen some mountain lion tracks and this looked just like what he had saw out in Idaho when he was hunting for them. I looked up some cougar tracks online and sure enough they matched the tracks I found. It was an eerie moment to think a mountain lion/cougar/puma was possible stalking my dog (which had no idea what was going on the entire time) and me. I’ve never been this creeped out before. I’ll try and post the pics of the tracks I took pictures of sometime soon. So, if you live around Bluffton be careful!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Creator-Provider (Psalm 121)
Psalm 121 is a must read for anyone doubting God’s provisions and faithfulness. I stumbled across this Psalm the other day while searching for a prayer. I was having a bad day and needed encouragement. I’ve found it helpful in times of distress to pray the Psalms. They say what I’m trying but so much more beautifully and poetically. While reading this Psalm I discovered a connection between acknowledging God as maker of heaven and earth and God as provider.
This Psalm (written post-exile) would have been recited/sang by weary travelers making their way to the holy city of Jerusalem to worship. Verse 1 reads,
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
Common threats to any person traveling through mountainous regions to Jerusalem would be bands of thieves and robbers (along with adverse conditions such as extreme heat, and wild animals). The mountains/hills mentioned in verse 1 would be a cesspool for such trouble. They provided easy cover for thieves wanting to pull a quick ambush. Robbers and thieves could easily hide in the hills and sabotage unsuspecting travelers. Help was needed for anyone traversing through the mountains. Help was sought and asked for,
Where does my help come from?
The Psalmist doesn’t beat around the bush in answering his own question. He boldly declares,
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
The Psalmist acknowledges God as Creator. Knowing God’s identity as Creator of the universe leads the Psalmist to pronounce trust in God’s character. God’s character is revealed through the use of the Hebrew word samar (keep). Samar (pronounced shaw-mar) in Hebrew means to watch, to guard, to hedge around, to protect, to preserve, used to describe God’s watch and care over Israel. This verb is used six times in reference to God’s actions in this Psalm. Here is how samar is used in Psalm 121:
§ V3 – God keeps us and doesn’t slumber
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
§ V4 – God keeps Israel and doesn’t slumber or sleep
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.
§ V5 – The Lord is our keeper, our shade
The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
§ V7 – The Lord keeps (protects) our soul from evil
The Lord will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
§ V8 – The Lord keeps (guards) us
The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever.
This verb, describing God’s actions towards the Psalmist who has just confessed Him as Creator, gives us a taste of God’s character. Our actions reveal our character. God protects because God is a protector. God provides for us because God is a provider. This is more than just a revelation of God’s actions, but a revelation of who God is. The Psalmist points to God’s provisions for Israel (the nation) and individuals. Verse eight’s use of “your” is singular and points to the fact that God cares for individuals. If we believe God to be creator of our universe how can we not trust in His provisions? I challenge you to commit this Psalm to memory. It’s short and easy to memorize.
This Psalm (written post-exile) would have been recited/sang by weary travelers making their way to the holy city of Jerusalem to worship. Verse 1 reads,
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
Common threats to any person traveling through mountainous regions to Jerusalem would be bands of thieves and robbers (along with adverse conditions such as extreme heat, and wild animals). The mountains/hills mentioned in verse 1 would be a cesspool for such trouble. They provided easy cover for thieves wanting to pull a quick ambush. Robbers and thieves could easily hide in the hills and sabotage unsuspecting travelers. Help was needed for anyone traversing through the mountains. Help was sought and asked for,
Where does my help come from?
The Psalmist doesn’t beat around the bush in answering his own question. He boldly declares,
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
The Psalmist acknowledges God as Creator. Knowing God’s identity as Creator of the universe leads the Psalmist to pronounce trust in God’s character. God’s character is revealed through the use of the Hebrew word samar (keep). Samar (pronounced shaw-mar) in Hebrew means to watch, to guard, to hedge around, to protect, to preserve, used to describe God’s watch and care over Israel. This verb is used six times in reference to God’s actions in this Psalm. Here is how samar is used in Psalm 121:
§ V3 – God keeps us and doesn’t slumber
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
§ V4 – God keeps Israel and doesn’t slumber or sleep
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.
§ V5 – The Lord is our keeper, our shade
The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
§ V7 – The Lord keeps (protects) our soul from evil
The Lord will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
§ V8 – The Lord keeps (guards) us
The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever.
This verb, describing God’s actions towards the Psalmist who has just confessed Him as Creator, gives us a taste of God’s character. Our actions reveal our character. God protects because God is a protector. God provides for us because God is a provider. This is more than just a revelation of God’s actions, but a revelation of who God is. The Psalmist points to God’s provisions for Israel (the nation) and individuals. Verse eight’s use of “your” is singular and points to the fact that God cares for individuals. If we believe God to be creator of our universe how can we not trust in His provisions? I challenge you to commit this Psalm to memory. It’s short and easy to memorize.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Thoughts on discipleship revisited
Disciple (in the secular sense) = Pupil, student, learner
Disciple (according to Luke/Acts) = One who has put their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son.
Studying Luke and Acts has challenged the way I see discipleship. Luke is clear (there are some exceptions) in that when he uses the word disciple/disciples he is talking about believers, Christians, saints (used by Paul), brothers/sisters (used by Paul and other New Testament writers) who have put their faith in Christ as Lord (Acts 3:16-19). Becoming a disciple is not taking Christianity to a new level. It’s not like in Karate where you move from a white belt to a yellow belt. Discipleship is Christianity. Discipleship is a process all Christians undertake when they believe in Jesus.
What does a disciple of Christ look like? If you look through pages of the Bible you get a good picture of what a disciple looks like. They are normal people who have put their faith in Jesus. Some of Jesus’ disciples were roughneck fishermen, tax collectors, zealots, demon possessed, adulterers, lepers, sick, lame, blind, and many others. There seems to be nothing special about these people. God doesn’t show favoritism. They each had their own problems: some were doubters, some denied knowing Jesus, and others deserted Jesus. But, they continued to follow Him. They had plenty of reasons to give up, but they didn’t.
As a result of their perseverance, they received the promised Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. What difference did it make in their lives? Well, Peter stood up to opposition and proclaimed boldly the Good News about Jesus Christ. Tradition says Peter was crucified and killed because of his beliefs. Do you want to be like that?
Where are we today with discipleship? Are Wesleyan/Armenian Christians (who reject the idea of eternal security) becoming lax in the process of discipleship? I won’t make it if we do because I need the help of others and the church to fully mature in this discipleship process. I can’t walk alone. No one can walk alone. We weren’t made to walk alone. We need our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to uphold (sometimes carry) us. We need our fellow Christians to be in our face about our walk with God. We need them to be asking us the tough questions:
- What known sins have you committed this week?
- What temptations have you faced?
- Were you delivered?
- What have you thought, said, or done, of which you doubt whether it be sin or not?
*Thank you John Wesley for these questions
We need help. Why? It goes back to the Fall in Genesis 3. Since then, we humans have all been born into sin. Sin separates us from God and each other. We’re born with sinful natures that make it easy for us to choose evil and do wrong to God and others. It comes natural to want to run away from God. That’s not what God wants from us. He wants a relationship with us. He wants discipleship. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19,
“Go and make disciples of all nations.”
The main verb here is “make disciples”. Luke paints a pretty clear picture of what a disciple is, one who has counted the cost in regards to following Jesus (Luke 14), denied themselves, taken up their cross, and following Jesus on a day to day basis (Luke 9:23). Such obedience causes one not only to learn from Christ, but also to become so attached to Him (through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit) he/she actually becomes like Him to others. That’s powerful! That my friend is what it means to be a disciple, Christian, believer, saint, brother/sister of Christ.
Disciple (according to Luke/Acts) = One who has put their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son.
Studying Luke and Acts has challenged the way I see discipleship. Luke is clear (there are some exceptions) in that when he uses the word disciple/disciples he is talking about believers, Christians, saints (used by Paul), brothers/sisters (used by Paul and other New Testament writers) who have put their faith in Christ as Lord (Acts 3:16-19). Becoming a disciple is not taking Christianity to a new level. It’s not like in Karate where you move from a white belt to a yellow belt. Discipleship is Christianity. Discipleship is a process all Christians undertake when they believe in Jesus.
What does a disciple of Christ look like? If you look through pages of the Bible you get a good picture of what a disciple looks like. They are normal people who have put their faith in Jesus. Some of Jesus’ disciples were roughneck fishermen, tax collectors, zealots, demon possessed, adulterers, lepers, sick, lame, blind, and many others. There seems to be nothing special about these people. God doesn’t show favoritism. They each had their own problems: some were doubters, some denied knowing Jesus, and others deserted Jesus. But, they continued to follow Him. They had plenty of reasons to give up, but they didn’t.
As a result of their perseverance, they received the promised Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. What difference did it make in their lives? Well, Peter stood up to opposition and proclaimed boldly the Good News about Jesus Christ. Tradition says Peter was crucified and killed because of his beliefs. Do you want to be like that?
Where are we today with discipleship? Are Wesleyan/Armenian Christians (who reject the idea of eternal security) becoming lax in the process of discipleship? I won’t make it if we do because I need the help of others and the church to fully mature in this discipleship process. I can’t walk alone. No one can walk alone. We weren’t made to walk alone. We need our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to uphold (sometimes carry) us. We need our fellow Christians to be in our face about our walk with God. We need them to be asking us the tough questions:
- What known sins have you committed this week?
- What temptations have you faced?
- Were you delivered?
- What have you thought, said, or done, of which you doubt whether it be sin or not?
*Thank you John Wesley for these questions
We need help. Why? It goes back to the Fall in Genesis 3. Since then, we humans have all been born into sin. Sin separates us from God and each other. We’re born with sinful natures that make it easy for us to choose evil and do wrong to God and others. It comes natural to want to run away from God. That’s not what God wants from us. He wants a relationship with us. He wants discipleship. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19,
“Go and make disciples of all nations.”
The main verb here is “make disciples”. Luke paints a pretty clear picture of what a disciple is, one who has counted the cost in regards to following Jesus (Luke 14), denied themselves, taken up their cross, and following Jesus on a day to day basis (Luke 9:23). Such obedience causes one not only to learn from Christ, but also to become so attached to Him (through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit) he/she actually becomes like Him to others. That’s powerful! That my friend is what it means to be a disciple, Christian, believer, saint, brother/sister of Christ.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Evangelism
Scriptures that have challenged my view of evangelism
Several passages of scripture have challenged the way I think about and do evangelism. Here is a list of them and how they have helped me think biblically about evangelism.
Matthew 28:19 – In the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to the church universal, He commands us to make disciples. He commands the church to be responsible for lifelong followers of Him. It is not enough to just preach the good news of Jesus; we must commit ourselves to turning them into disciples. This passage reveals evangelism to be a by-product of our relationship to Jesus.
Luke 14:25-33 – This passage asks potential followers of Jesus to think deeply about making a commitment to Him. He asks them to count the cost (through the parables of the tower and the king going to war). He reminds us of the often glazed over fact that following Christ is going to cost us something. Discipleship is costly. This passage reminds me to not force a decision from a potential Christian, but to let them think about the ways their life will be different (good and bad) when they decide to follow Jesus. This is how one counts the cost.
Luke 15 – The classic parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son constantly hold before us God’s mercy and love for the lost. It is always exciting to read these to a new Christian and watch them identify with what Jesus is teaching. It is hard to get them to stop smiling when you begin to talk about the celebration/party in heaven when they made their decision to follow Christ.
John 5:1-9 – This passage reveals the respect God has for people. Jesus could have instantly healed the crippled man, but asks him, “Do you want me to heal you?” Because God respects individuals, He wants them to make a decision for Him. He doesn’t force Himself upon us, but asks for our permission to intercede in our lives. I must remember this and imitate this in my witnessing for Christ. I would be a fool to expect people to want Jesus to heal them. I must remember they have a responsibility to make the decision on their own.
Several passages of scripture have challenged the way I think about and do evangelism. Here is a list of them and how they have helped me think biblically about evangelism.
Matthew 28:19 – In the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to the church universal, He commands us to make disciples. He commands the church to be responsible for lifelong followers of Him. It is not enough to just preach the good news of Jesus; we must commit ourselves to turning them into disciples. This passage reveals evangelism to be a by-product of our relationship to Jesus.
Luke 14:25-33 – This passage asks potential followers of Jesus to think deeply about making a commitment to Him. He asks them to count the cost (through the parables of the tower and the king going to war). He reminds us of the often glazed over fact that following Christ is going to cost us something. Discipleship is costly. This passage reminds me to not force a decision from a potential Christian, but to let them think about the ways their life will be different (good and bad) when they decide to follow Jesus. This is how one counts the cost.
Luke 15 – The classic parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son constantly hold before us God’s mercy and love for the lost. It is always exciting to read these to a new Christian and watch them identify with what Jesus is teaching. It is hard to get them to stop smiling when you begin to talk about the celebration/party in heaven when they made their decision to follow Christ.
John 5:1-9 – This passage reveals the respect God has for people. Jesus could have instantly healed the crippled man, but asks him, “Do you want me to heal you?” Because God respects individuals, He wants them to make a decision for Him. He doesn’t force Himself upon us, but asks for our permission to intercede in our lives. I must remember this and imitate this in my witnessing for Christ. I would be a fool to expect people to want Jesus to heal them. I must remember they have a responsibility to make the decision on their own.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Golfing
Went golfing today. Weather was perfect, sunny and 70! My score is nothing to brag about, so I won’t post that (I’m a newbie). I did have a couple sweet shots. I could hear the applause erupting as I landed a 200 yarder a few feet from the hole. I’m good at using my imagination.
I use to say I would never play golf, but when I was given some clubs this past fall things changed. I always thought golf was for old guys with nothing to do. Much to my surprise I haven’t seen the old gray hairs, but young guns eager to become the next Tiger Woods. For me, golf is relaxing and enjoyable. I’m in no hurry to become pro (ha!). I like being outdoors and golf gives me a chance to do that and at the same time be doing something. The courses (just a few) I’ve been on are beautiful. No wonder people like to spend so much time golfing. I know hardly anything about golf or the lingo used, but I’m learning. I look forward to playing more and becoming better. If I don’t become better, oh well, I’m still going to be having tons of fun. You can’t beat the fun of watching your partner (my dad) bounce his golf ball off of three trees and the golf cart and land five feet in front of him.
I use to say I would never play golf, but when I was given some clubs this past fall things changed. I always thought golf was for old guys with nothing to do. Much to my surprise I haven’t seen the old gray hairs, but young guns eager to become the next Tiger Woods. For me, golf is relaxing and enjoyable. I’m in no hurry to become pro (ha!). I like being outdoors and golf gives me a chance to do that and at the same time be doing something. The courses (just a few) I’ve been on are beautiful. No wonder people like to spend so much time golfing. I know hardly anything about golf or the lingo used, but I’m learning. I look forward to playing more and becoming better. If I don’t become better, oh well, I’m still going to be having tons of fun. You can’t beat the fun of watching your partner (my dad) bounce his golf ball off of three trees and the golf cart and land five feet in front of him.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
The city of Corinth
Here are some facts about the city of Corinth (modern day Greece). We took some time and studied this briefly last night in youth group. As you’ll see, the Corinthian Christians faced a lot of sexual immorality in their day and age. And we think America is bad. Corinth makes Las-Vegas look like Disneyland.
- Located on a large isthmus about 50 miles from the city of Athens.
- The city was destroyed by the Romans in 146 B.C. but re-built in 44 B.C.
- It became one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. It was considered one of the richest cities in the world by the end of the 2nd century. It was a thriving place commercially and politically.
- The Isthmian Games were played in Corinth (like the Olympics). Paul was even in town during the games. Many believe his imagery in 1 Cor. 9:24-27 came from his time in Corinth when the games were being played.
- Official language of Corinth was Latin.
- Corinth had several pagan temples one could go and worship at. The most famous was the temple of Aphrodite (goddess of love). Several centuries before Paul, one could go to the temple of Aphrodite and hook up with one of the thousands of temple prostitutes.
- Prostitution was legal and acceptable in Corinth. Visiting a prostitute did not constitute adultery.
- Corinth was so well known for sexual immorality that the Greek verb “to Corinthainize” came to mean, “to practice sexual immorality.” Maybe this sheds some light on some of the immorality problems in the Corinthian church.
- Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthian church that was lost (1 Cor. 5:9).
- The Christian church at Corinth was established on Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-11, 1 Cor. 2:1-2). The church consisted of wealthy individuals and slaves. Paul wrote the Corinthian church (1 Cor.) while in Ephesus on his third missionary journey (1 Cor. 16:8).
Well, some facts about the city of Corinth. What do you think it would have been like for a Christian growing up in Corinth?
- Located on a large isthmus about 50 miles from the city of Athens.
- The city was destroyed by the Romans in 146 B.C. but re-built in 44 B.C.
- It became one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. It was considered one of the richest cities in the world by the end of the 2nd century. It was a thriving place commercially and politically.
- The Isthmian Games were played in Corinth (like the Olympics). Paul was even in town during the games. Many believe his imagery in 1 Cor. 9:24-27 came from his time in Corinth when the games were being played.
- Official language of Corinth was Latin.
- Corinth had several pagan temples one could go and worship at. The most famous was the temple of Aphrodite (goddess of love). Several centuries before Paul, one could go to the temple of Aphrodite and hook up with one of the thousands of temple prostitutes.
- Prostitution was legal and acceptable in Corinth. Visiting a prostitute did not constitute adultery.
- Corinth was so well known for sexual immorality that the Greek verb “to Corinthainize” came to mean, “to practice sexual immorality.” Maybe this sheds some light on some of the immorality problems in the Corinthian church.
- Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthian church that was lost (1 Cor. 5:9).
- The Christian church at Corinth was established on Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-11, 1 Cor. 2:1-2). The church consisted of wealthy individuals and slaves. Paul wrote the Corinthian church (1 Cor.) while in Ephesus on his third missionary journey (1 Cor. 16:8).
Well, some facts about the city of Corinth. What do you think it would have been like for a Christian growing up in Corinth?
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
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?
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?
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
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!
- 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!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
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?
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?
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
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?
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?
Monday, March 05, 2007
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 <><
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 <><
Thursday, February 08, 2007
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?
- 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?
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
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?
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?
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
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?
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?
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
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?
- 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?
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
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?
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?
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
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?
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?
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