All The Counsel–Part 1

I believe the scriptures are God inspired. I believe that Jesus appeared to Paul just as Luke describes in Acts:

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (Acts 9:3-5 KJV)

Jesus knew the answer to His own question, and that Paul was fighting a battle within himself just as he was fighting Christians. I’ve wondered who – if Paul had continued to deny Christ – would have taken his place in God’s plan for the gospel to spread.

Wait – if you think that only Paul could have accomplished the job, you’ve forgotten Esther:

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14 KJV)

God is not mentioned by name in Esther, but I believe Mordecai was referring to Him and his ability to provide deliverance through another if Esther refused. None of us are necessary for God’s plan to be accomplished, but He is necessary for our lives to be complete.

Completeness is what Paul preached, through more books in the Bible than any other of God’s servants. He knew the difference between meat and milk when it came to understanding God’s word:

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. (1 Corinthians 3:1-2 KJV)

New Christians have a lot to learn, and some things to unlearn. We are carnal – and even that word requires an explanation to a new Christian. It comes from the Greek σαρκικός “pertaining to flesh, that is, (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate.” Nothing spiritual there – and Christians are spiritual – as Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well:

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24 KJV)

Paul addressed this need to teach those who did not know Christ:

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:13-15 KJV)

Even writing about “All The Counsel” takes me more words than I can fit on one page – join me tomorrow, please. Not for completeness, but for the need for each to grow on their own.

Neglect or Rebellion?

I’m reading more lately. I used to last summer, waiting in doctors’ offices or the hospital. I’ve become a bit more focused now, wanting more stories Christian based, even in fiction. This one, “And He Healed Them All” was a freebie from Amazon a few days ago – and is still free today (March 17.) But, this is not going to be a book review.

48% into the book I was caught by a couple of sentences:

I let Jesus become that faded historical figure. It was like neglect instead of open rebellion.

Rebellion against God is not new – and often is posed as rebellion against something else.  Last night our lesson was on Numbers, where after 40 years of murmuring, the people were still blaming Moses for taking them from Egypt:

And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD! And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there? And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink. (Numbers 20:3-5 KJV)

This is their 40th year wandering outside of their promised land and they’ve forgotten what Egypt was like – but it had to be better than where they were now. They also forgot about being afraid to enter the promised land – ten spies had told them about giants, only two told them God keeps His promises.

Did they neglect God? Or were they in rebellion to God. Oh, they made their complaints to and about God’s designated leader, but it was God’s planning they neglected or rebelled.

Of course, I wanted to look at my own attention to God over my lifetime and there were both times of neglect, rebellion and overwhelming love. That last attribute is the one I found to be the best times in my life. Why?

Rebellion first – rebelling in itself is sourced in anger, what Jesus described to Paul:

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (Acts 9:5 KJV)

Paul was following his religious beliefs, personally working to destroy people’s belief in Jesus as Christ, Israel’s Messiah. That was rebellion against Jesus’ teaching of love and that He was speaking what God wanted the people to hear. Paul’s work created anger and fear – which never has been God’s message to those who know and love Him.

Neglect – the easiest to do because it requires nothing. No church attendance, no prayer, no Bible reading – and I’ve been there, too. Again, no happiness, no comfort, no peace that does pass our own understand.

It is so easy to neglect God. To let Him become a figure on a throne completely beyond our comprehension. To think He is too large, if He exists, to be concerned about one world, and especially one person. If he was, it was an important, bigger than life person such as Moses, Elijah, Paul – someone much bigger than we are.

God does not think as we think:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV)

But – He has given us what we need to know:

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31 KJV)

I believe that.

It’s A Big Universe

I read "Mission Under Fire" by Rex Byers & Jeff Bennington and while I didn’t find it an outstanding book, I was struck by this sentence:

"It’s amazing how you can feel so close to the God of the universe and at the same time not apply the grace that He gives."

The above graphic is our Milky Way galaxy. I selected it from a page of background photos to show just how small our planet is, and our galaxy isn’t considered among the largest, either. The grace of God is not confined to our small planet, is it? Do we then believe it is divided up among so many particles of the universe He has none left for us?

That’s a huge question, isn’t it? We look around (less than a mile within our normal vision, right) or we go up to a mountain and see further (from Lookout Mountain, TN, we see seven states) and it makes us feel the ability of a powerful force that created what is in our sight – but not all identify that with the God Christians believe created everything.

Everything – we now know that includes a lot more than the earth, sun, moon and stars mentioned in the Bible. The universe makes the Milky Way stars seem small in comparison. Yet, I feel close to God.

Close in a way that gives comfort. Non-believers can explain that away with psychology or even physiology explanations, but more people accept that God is active in our lives than those who reject Him. Numbers will not change one individual’s belief. The personal relationship with God is necessary for that peace that passes understanding

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 KJV)

When we finally accept God is capable of creating everything in the universe, we often fail to accept that He would possibly be interested in what we do, and that His grace is sufficient for our needs. Paul spoke of that:

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 KJV)

Paul found a peace though his life was far from perfect. He knew by heart what Jesus promised him: My grace is sufficient for thee.

His grace is sufficient for me, too, though He is greater than the universe I cannot comprehend. If that’s a problem for you, talk to Him about the application of His grace for you.

Descriptive

Matthew 13 has one of my favorite parables – the sower. Click on the graphic will take you to a larger copy where you can see all the details, which are important in understanding the parable. Also important is the setting in which the parable was given:

The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. (Matthew 13:1-2)

This must have been a full day. In Chapter 12 we read of healing, confrontation with Pharisees and a definition of his brother, sister and mother. The same day He left the house to sit by the seaside – but was not left alone. Multitudes followed Him.

Not an unusual .occurrence. Within the four gospels and Acts there are 101 verses of “multitude” or “multitudes.” Granted, the gospels describe many of the same events, so we could be looking at 25 separate occasions within a three year period where masses of people kept Him from having private moments. This time, He moved to a ship and spoke to the multitude.

Sunday morning, Bro. Sam Davison from Oklahoma City described this scene then spoke to us about understanding “wayside heart.” It was a description of my heart, too.

Yes, Christians can ignore good news for them, too.

As His followers we’ve been given the explanation of this parable in verses 18-23, and we are very aware of Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled:

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (Matthew 13:13-15)

The wayside in the parable is hard ground, untilled, unprepared to receive seeds, leaving them available bird feed. Christians can have hardened hearts, not opening themselves to God’s message for their lives. Some have been emotionally, spiritually or even physically hurt during their Christian lives – perhaps by someone in a leadership position in a  congregation. Others simply do not apply growth in their own lives. Yes, we often miss the mark.

What do we do when we recognize this in our lives? Talk with God. He has provided an advocate for us:

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)

Isn’t that what we pray for our family and friends? A personal relationship with our Lord? Shouldn’t we keep that relationship fruitful ourselves? How do we describe our Bible reading, our prayer life, our own personal relationship with God?

Where Does It Fit

I really like this graphic and wish I knew it’s source. It has shown up in a number of places, and I did “capture” it from the internet without knowing the source to acknowledge. I don’t do that often. However, after watching this past year’s political eviscerations of what is or is not true, it pretty much reflects my reaction. I also feel that way about labels on Christianity. That comes from having read a couple of articles on how “the word ‘world’ does not mean ‘world.’”

May I once again remind readers that context is important, but so is a full explanation of circumstances.

John 3:16 is used as a concise, stand alone, statement of the gospel (the Good News) for mankind. Remember who made this statement? And, to whom it was made?

Nicodemus is mentioned only in John's gospel, three different occasions. The second was when Nicodemus said:

Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? (John 7:51 KJV)

The third was when Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea wound Jesus' body in linen clothes and a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes, placing him in a new sepulchre. (John 19:39-42) Thus we know what he was (a Pharisee) and his standing in the community (knocked elbows with the rich and famous.) A man of means, capable and respected. Their conversation begins with Nicodemus stating a logical conclusion on his part, but Jesus’ response went much further:

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:2-3 KJV)

To me, Jesus expected Nicodemus to understand that statement:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. (John 3:10-11 KJV)

For me, the conversation is quite understandable, even when we read “world” in John 3:16. The Greek word written is κόσμος – cosmos. Go ahead and look up the meaning and where it is used elsewhere in the New Testament. I believe it does mean the world God created along with its inhabitants.

Again, for me, verses 17 and 18 are just as much as a part of the explanation Jesus gives to Nicodemus as verse 16:

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:17-19 KJV)

Back to the graphic above – there may be differing views depending on our position and perspective, but there is one truth.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)

Take a moment to look at all of these verses in context, and in prayer. It takes more than one word or one verse to see clear meaning.

Going to Church?

A very nice lady who comes to our church almost every Sunday morning asked me why I go back Sunday night. Do I sin so much in the afternoon that I need to?

Let me assure you that if sleeping after Sunday dinner is a sin, I would be guilty, but that's about the extent of our afternoon activities.  I simply enjoy attending services - and I believe the Bible tells us to:

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV)

When it comes to Christ’s return, no one knows the date – but we do know we are closer today than yesterday, and we’re headed in that direction. Exhorting one another – building each other up to do the Lord’s will and increase faith.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 KJV)

In our church, Pastor teaches from the Bible. Our doctrine is encased in God’s word and it builds our faith when we study to see if what is said is so. We need to know what we believe and why. That’s best done with others as questions are asked and answered – or debated and explained. Paul gives us that importance just a few verses ahead:

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:14-15 KJV)

It’s important to understand the difference between the church building where meetings are held and The Church. Once that is understood, we can use several examples – like not leaving our feet at home while we travel (or maybe our brain?):

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12 KJV)

Please take time to read this chapter on your own, and indulgence me jumping a few verses ahead:

For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? (1 Corinthians 12:14-16 KJV)

Do you not like other Christians? There are, most likely, some reason not to – but our commandment directs otherwise:

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:35 KJV)

Not my standard, but Christ’s. And it is with our fellow Christians that we can be the closest to Him:

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20 KJV)

I enjoy my time at services in church, at meetings where few or many are gathered in His name. When I find I don’t (which I have in the past) it is up to me to find out why and what needs changing. It is never the Bible nor is it Christ.

Friendly Persuasion

This thought came from a movie I saw recently where one of the characters states that getting their situation across to others would be impossible without a common frame of reference. That sent me on a search for how to reach a common frame of reference when none exists. Thus I landed on "ChangingMinds.org" and their welcome:

Welcome to ChangingMinds.org, the largest site in the world on all aspects of how we change what others think, believe, feel and do. There are already around 7000 pages here, all free and with much more to come!

And an explanation of who they are:

We are a consulting and publishing company. The principal consultant and author of this site is David Straker, an individual with a long background in a range of mind-changing areas, including (in no particular order) counseling, psychology, marketing, sales, education, business change, international management and consulting. Oh yes, and parenting. And four postgraduate qualifications in changing minds

I found all of this interesting because I would like to see some people change their minds. Not for any type of business, but because I’m interested in spending eternity in their company.

You see, our savior, Jesus, came to change people’s minds and their lives. He succeeded with enough people that a never-out-of-publication book is available today to read about what He did and said.

There are other books, too, of a completely different persuasion.

Some offer no hope after this life, intent on convincing readers there is no eternal life. They’ll tell you that existence is temporary. Others tell of different methods of reaching entirely different eternities. Thus, a common reference does not exist. But – we can all research and check what has been told in the past, so let’s begin with that in common.

Now I ask you to consider one verse in the New Testament:

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11 KJV)

That’s all I ask a reader to do. Pick up a Bible and read it with an open mind.

Of course, that’s an intimidating request if you begin with Genesis 1:1. Therefore, I’d like to recommend you begin with a small book that – I believe – is a somewhat concise conveyance of the Gospel message. Let’s begin with the Pulpit Commentary notes on the first four verses:

It declares the writer's authority, based on personal experience; announces the subject-matter of his Gospel, to which this Epistle forms a companion; and states his object in writing the Epistle.

In the opening of both, he describes Jesus as the Word:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1 KJV)
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (1 John 1:1 KJV)

Both have a third chapter, sixteenth verse that speaks love:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16 KJV)

Ready to start?