I've not forgotten, that in response to Trevor's post on tithing, I promised to write on the subject. One reader has already reminded me of this in an offline comment! Apologies, this week has been busy, and I wanted to do the subject justice.
I want to start, not with tithing per-say, but with how we apply the Old Testament. Trevor rightly identified that this was at the heart of the issue. We need to understand that while we are not under law but under grace, the reason that is so, is not because the law was part of the Old Covenant which has passed away, and we are now under the New Covenant. People, this is dispensationalism, pure and simple!! The reason is that Christ, the perfect lamb has been slain and so has fulfilled in his body all the requirements of the law in such a way that it leaves nothing to be added.
Do we see God's redemptive plan in two acts, with Jesus coming out in the intermission like the guy who sells the ice-cream, or do we see one eternal plan, centered, focussed and pivoted on Christ as the Lamb in the center of the throne, slain from before the foundation of the world?!
I am disappointed how frequently I come across the attitude amongst brothers, who treat the Old Testament as if it was yesterday's milk. You have to sniff it first to see if it is still OK. As if God's word has a best before date! Or as if the God who wrote the Old Testament was somehow less infallible than the God of the New!
It is because all God's word is eternal that Christ had to come. If the law was only for a dispensation of time, then surely Jesus' anguished prayers in Gethsemane would have been answered. There would have been another way — "Just wait for the dispensation to end, Son. I'm not that bothered about this law stuff really, just thought it would fill some time."
Brothers, I may be being controversial, but I'm unhappy with the "Tithing precedes the law" explanation for why it is still applicable. As if what God said to Abraham is more valid than what he said to Moses. The issue is not when it was said, but who said it! Either it is the eternal word of God or it is not. If it is the word of God then it is applicable for all time, and we are only "free" from it if Christ has fulfilled it for us, once for all, on our behalf. The first commandment was given to Moses, and it is still very much in effect; circumcision was given to Abraham, before the law, and it is not. Let us be very careful that we do not dismiss God's eternal word, just because of when it was spoken, or who it was spoken to. This does not just apply to tithing, but to all the promises and commands in the Old Testament.
As I said on Trevor's comments section, I'll say again: If tithing is a principle in God's word for any time, then it is a principle for all time! Did Christ fulfill the requirement of tithing on the cross? Is it revealed in the New Testament to be just a physical foreshadow of a spiritual reality now revealed though our union with Christ? No? Then it is still very much in effect! The fact that God has said it, is in itself, all we need.
Best before 30AD? You have to be kidding! Heaven and earth have an earlier expiry date!
...this is just round 1...
31.3.06
Ephesians 6:21-24
Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you, so that you too may know about my circumstances, how I am doing. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all of those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. [NET]
Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all of those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. [NET]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
30.3.06
Qualified by the anointing
Anoint them [Aaron's sons], as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests. And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations. (Ex 40:15)
This verse at the end of a lengthy description of brestplates, ephods and robes, turbans and costly stones, cuts straight to the heart of the issue. For all the external garments that marked the priests out for who they were, it was the anointing that actually qualified them to minister before the Lord.
Since we are now a kingdom of priests, and each one has a ministry, whatever area of service to the Lord, his people and his purpose that might be, we should all take note. It is not the recognition, nor anything else that marks you out externally that counts. It is the anointing that qualifies you. Seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Once you have that, the anointing itself will "admit" you to the ministry you are called to.
This verse at the end of a lengthy description of brestplates, ephods and robes, turbans and costly stones, cuts straight to the heart of the issue. For all the external garments that marked the priests out for who they were, it was the anointing that actually qualified them to minister before the Lord.
Since we are now a kingdom of priests, and each one has a ministry, whatever area of service to the Lord, his people and his purpose that might be, we should all take note. It is not the recognition, nor anything else that marks you out externally that counts. It is the anointing that qualifies you. Seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Once you have that, the anointing itself will "admit" you to the ministry you are called to.
Ephesians 6:10-20
And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
And don't forget to pray for me. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out. [The Message]
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
And don't forget to pray for me. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out. [The Message]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
29.3.06
Ephesians 6:1-9
Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. "Honor your father and mother."This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. And this is the promise: If you honor your father and mother, "you will live a long life, full of blessing." And now a word to you fathers. Don't make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord. Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. And in the same way, you masters must treat your slaves right. Don't threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites. [NLT]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
28.3.06
Everyone whose heart is stirred
And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord's contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. (Ex 35:21 ESV)
"The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do." So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, "Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary." So the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more. (Ex 36:5-7 ESV)
These passages are often applied to financial giving. But I believe they have a much broader application to the way the whole church is to be built up. Just as Moses and the skilled workers built the tabernacle and could not have done so without the "contributions" of those whose heart had been stirred in the Spirit; so too the church is built up, not just by the leaders and those marked out as being "skilled" at leading in the house, but as each member with his heart stirred by the Spirit brings his or her "contribution" or rather manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
We need to learn to qualify ourselves, and what we have to bring. Whether it is in financial giving, practical helping, or moving in the Spiritual gifts. The church cannot be built up as it is intended without the gifts the God has distributed throughout the whole body.
God has given us more than we need to get the job done, but he has not given it all to one man, nor even to a select few, but to the whole body. It is only when the whole body ministers as it should that we will have more than enough to meet every need.
Corinthians says that each man should give what he has already decided in his heart to bring. Again, I would suggest that this is broader than just financial giving. If God is stirring your heart to bring a "contribution" then you need to respond and not resist. God has given you something that is needed. It is time for everyone whose heart is stirred to respond joyfully to the promptings of the Spirit.
from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Eph 4:16 ESV)
Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. (2Co 9:7 NET)
"The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do." So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, "Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary." So the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more. (Ex 36:5-7 ESV)
These passages are often applied to financial giving. But I believe they have a much broader application to the way the whole church is to be built up. Just as Moses and the skilled workers built the tabernacle and could not have done so without the "contributions" of those whose heart had been stirred in the Spirit; so too the church is built up, not just by the leaders and those marked out as being "skilled" at leading in the house, but as each member with his heart stirred by the Spirit brings his or her "contribution" or rather manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
We need to learn to qualify ourselves, and what we have to bring. Whether it is in financial giving, practical helping, or moving in the Spiritual gifts. The church cannot be built up as it is intended without the gifts the God has distributed throughout the whole body.
God has given us more than we need to get the job done, but he has not given it all to one man, nor even to a select few, but to the whole body. It is only when the whole body ministers as it should that we will have more than enough to meet every need.
Corinthians says that each man should give what he has already decided in his heart to bring. Again, I would suggest that this is broader than just financial giving. If God is stirring your heart to bring a "contribution" then you need to respond and not resist. God has given you something that is needed. It is time for everyone whose heart is stirred to respond joyfully to the promptings of the Spirit.
from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Eph 4:16 ESV)
Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. (2Co 9:7 NET)
Ephesians 5:22-33
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. [ESV]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
27.3.06
To each is given...
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1Co 12:7)
We had a good time in the Coventry congregation yesterday. Matthew spoke on the charismata — the gifts of the Spirit. He encouraged us all to believe that God's word is true: that when we come together we each have a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Moving in the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, is not for the "professional" few, but an activity that God empowers the whole body, every part, to move in. We need each member to move in this way so as the gathered church we can be build up and strengthened to be the sent church in the world.
God is speaking clearly to us as a congregation, that this is something he wants us — all of us — to press into. When we move together in Spiritual gifts, God is made manifest in our midst. Praise God, that we also saw this demonstrated as well as taught, through tongue, interpretation and prophecy.
We had a good time in the Coventry congregation yesterday. Matthew spoke on the charismata — the gifts of the Spirit. He encouraged us all to believe that God's word is true: that when we come together we each have a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Moving in the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, is not for the "professional" few, but an activity that God empowers the whole body, every part, to move in. We need each member to move in this way so as the gathered church we can be build up and strengthened to be the sent church in the world.
God is speaking clearly to us as a congregation, that this is something he wants us — all of us — to press into. When we move together in Spiritual gifts, God is made manifest in our midst. Praise God, that we also saw this demonstrated as well as taught, through tongue, interpretation and prophecy.
Ephesians 5:15-21
Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. [NIV]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
24.3.06
23 Hours
Don't forget the clocks go forward this Sunday!
This Sunday, in the UK at least, will only have 23 hours. To mark the start of British Summer Time, the hour between 1am and 2am on Sunday morning ceases to exist. This means 1 hour less sleep, and more importantly that you need to remember to set your watches forwards an hour to avoid turning up at the meeting an hour late!
This got me thinking. Something that has stuck me before, is that there are very few constant periods of time. Not every year has 365 days, not every day has 24 hours; the months certainly aren't constant. But one thing is always constant: there are always seven days in the week. It is something which man has never messed with, no matter how out of sinc the rest of the solar, lunar, daily times get, Sunday always follows from Saturday, week after week, month after month, year after year, century after century, millennium after millennium. It is an eternal sign. Decimalisation has never dared to change it to ten days. Even the Romans when they reinvented the calendar from the lunar system to the present system of months, didn't dare to change the seven day week.
It is an eternal sign of God's creation order.
"Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever. It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed." (Ex 31:16-17)
Have a great weekend, and don't miss that hour's sleep too much!
This Sunday, in the UK at least, will only have 23 hours. To mark the start of British Summer Time, the hour between 1am and 2am on Sunday morning ceases to exist. This means 1 hour less sleep, and more importantly that you need to remember to set your watches forwards an hour to avoid turning up at the meeting an hour late!
This got me thinking. Something that has stuck me before, is that there are very few constant periods of time. Not every year has 365 days, not every day has 24 hours; the months certainly aren't constant. But one thing is always constant: there are always seven days in the week. It is something which man has never messed with, no matter how out of sinc the rest of the solar, lunar, daily times get, Sunday always follows from Saturday, week after week, month after month, year after year, century after century, millennium after millennium. It is an eternal sign. Decimalisation has never dared to change it to ten days. Even the Romans when they reinvented the calendar from the lunar system to the present system of months, didn't dare to change the seven day week.
It is an eternal sign of God's creation order.
"Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever. It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed." (Ex 31:16-17)
Have a great weekend, and don't miss that hour's sleep too much!
Ephesians 5:8-14
For you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light – for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth – trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention. But all things being exposed by the light are made evident. For everything made evident is light, and for this reason it says:
“Awake, O sleeper!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you!”
[NET]
“Awake, O sleeper!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you!”
[NET]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
23.3.06
Ephesians 5:3-7
But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; [NASB]
For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; [NASB]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
22.3.06
Presence or Presents?
The Lord said to Moses, “Depart; go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give it.’ I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.” (Ex 33:1-3 ESV)
And he [Moses] said to him [The Lord], “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” (Ex 33:15-16 ESV)
Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” (Ex 33:18 ESV)
The path of the Lord is a path of blessing. I believe that with my whole heart. But I believe there are times where the paths of immediate "blessing" and greater intimacy with the Lord diverge for a while. These moments come to test us to see what it is we really value: the presence or the presents. What God does for us, or who he is.
Moses was brought to such a time in Exodus 33. God gave him a choice: to go in and possess the promised inheritance immediately, but without the Lord's presence going with them, or to continue with the Lord despite the judgements and disciplines for disobedience that he would bring.
Like Moses we need to understand that it is the presence, not the presents that mark the favour of the Lord. It is possible to live a "blessed" life without God; to have financial security, a good marriage, popularity, success in your work, and yet have little or no sign of the powerful presence of God on your life. Equally it is possible to go through times in your life of deep trauma and crisis, that to everyone external looks like a sign of judgement, yet to know God's grace in such a powerful and tangible way, wrapping around you, lifting you up, flooding your soul with light and hope and faith, that the sweet intimacy with the Lord outweighs the bitterness of the circumstance and you can still say with your head held high "I am blessed!"
I thank God for all he has done for me, and all the goodness that he continues to pour out onto my life. But my worship of him is not based on how "blessed" I am, but on how awesome he is. Worship is about what we give to God, not what he has given to us. I love to hear testimonies to the goodness of God; it is right and proper to enter God's courts with thanks. But when I come to worship in the corporate setting, I come to meet with God. It is possible for testimonies to become idolatrous. When too many are brought, they take the place of God in our meeting, and instead of seeking the presence we are discussing the presents!
My hearts cry is the same as Moses'. "Lord I want to see your glory! I want to be a part of a people where your power is manifest amongst us. I thank you for all that you have done for me, and all the good things you have in store, but given a choice between your presence and your presents, I choose the presence every time!"
And he [Moses] said to him [The Lord], “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” (Ex 33:15-16 ESV)
Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” (Ex 33:18 ESV)
The path of the Lord is a path of blessing. I believe that with my whole heart. But I believe there are times where the paths of immediate "blessing" and greater intimacy with the Lord diverge for a while. These moments come to test us to see what it is we really value: the presence or the presents. What God does for us, or who he is.
Moses was brought to such a time in Exodus 33. God gave him a choice: to go in and possess the promised inheritance immediately, but without the Lord's presence going with them, or to continue with the Lord despite the judgements and disciplines for disobedience that he would bring.
Like Moses we need to understand that it is the presence, not the presents that mark the favour of the Lord. It is possible to live a "blessed" life without God; to have financial security, a good marriage, popularity, success in your work, and yet have little or no sign of the powerful presence of God on your life. Equally it is possible to go through times in your life of deep trauma and crisis, that to everyone external looks like a sign of judgement, yet to know God's grace in such a powerful and tangible way, wrapping around you, lifting you up, flooding your soul with light and hope and faith, that the sweet intimacy with the Lord outweighs the bitterness of the circumstance and you can still say with your head held high "I am blessed!"
I thank God for all he has done for me, and all the goodness that he continues to pour out onto my life. But my worship of him is not based on how "blessed" I am, but on how awesome he is. Worship is about what we give to God, not what he has given to us. I love to hear testimonies to the goodness of God; it is right and proper to enter God's courts with thanks. But when I come to worship in the corporate setting, I come to meet with God. It is possible for testimonies to become idolatrous. When too many are brought, they take the place of God in our meeting, and instead of seeking the presence we are discussing the presents!
My hearts cry is the same as Moses'. "Lord I want to see your glory! I want to be a part of a people where your power is manifest amongst us. I thank you for all that you have done for me, and all the good things you have in store, but given a choice between your presence and your presents, I choose the presence every time!"
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
So put away all falsehood and "tell your neighbor the truth" because we belong to each other. And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil. If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need. Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him. [NLT]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
21.3.06
Ephesians 4:17-24
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. [NIV]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
20.3.06
The Corporate Anointing
 | "It is like the dew of Hermon, which flows down upon Zion" |
Exciting news. As a cellgroup, we are joining the congregation in Coventry for the rest of 2006, to help the work get established in that great city. It's good for the Coventry folks, as we come along side to support them. It's good for the Nuneaton folks, because all sowing in faith leads to reaping, and the smaller setting will provide many with more opportunity to exercise the gifts that God is stirring in the group at the moment. It's good, I believe for the Kingdom, as together we work as one for the forwarding of God's purpose for the honour of Christ. An exciting time all round.
Yesterday was our first meeting together, and I had the privilege of bringing the word of God. I spoke on the corporate anointing; how God does not just want us as individuals to be full of the Holy Spirit, but his purpose is to bring together a people who will corporately be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:22).
God is seeking to anoint a people to impact a multitude! (Numbers 11, Joel 2, Acts 2, Acts 4)
For my vision of what the church should be like, the bar is set by 1Co 14:24-25. That the corporate anointing of the Holy Spirit should be so present amongst us that not only are all involved in manifesting spiritual gifts, but unbelievers who enter will be struck and convicted by the powerful sense of the presence of God and exclaim "Surely God is among you!" We are not there yet, but it is good to know your destination when you set out. Not just individually but corporately. Just as Abraham when he set out, was not just responding to the personal call on his life, but he was drawn by his corporate vision of the city. A people where God is truly manifest.
That's my heart for what God wants to do amongst us in Coventry, and I'm excited to be a part of it!
Ephesians 4:7-16
But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. [ESV]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
17.3.06
Bells and Pomegranates
“You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. It shall have an opening for the head in the middle of it, with a woven binding around the opening, like the opening in a garment, so that it may not tear. On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, around its hem, with bells of gold between them, a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe. And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he comes out, so that he does not die. (Ex 28:31-35 ESV)
This detail caught my attention the other day. I believe it communicates something of the heart of God. The fact that the hem of Aaron the hight-priest's garment was covered in bells and pomegranates, speaks, I believe, about what should happen wherever people who have stood in the presence of God go.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” (Isa 52:7 ESV)
The fact that Aaron feet were surrounded by bells meant that wherever he went there was a proclamation. He could not keep his presence secret. He could not hide his identity. He could not keep quiet. We have "beautiful feet" to proclaim God's good news wherever we go. Like Aaron, we should not, we cannot keep silent. [I'm preaching to myself!]
The fact that Aaron's feet were surrounded by pomegranates (a fruit that is bursting with seed) shows that wherever we go we have an abundance of seed to sow, that will produce fruit.
Have a fruitful weekend for his Kingdom! (Jos 1:3)
This detail caught my attention the other day. I believe it communicates something of the heart of God. The fact that the hem of Aaron the hight-priest's garment was covered in bells and pomegranates, speaks, I believe, about what should happen wherever people who have stood in the presence of God go.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” (Isa 52:7 ESV)
The fact that Aaron feet were surrounded by bells meant that wherever he went there was a proclamation. He could not keep his presence secret. He could not hide his identity. He could not keep quiet. We have "beautiful feet" to proclaim God's good news wherever we go. Like Aaron, we should not, we cannot keep silent. [I'm preaching to myself!]
The fact that Aaron's feet were surrounded by pomegranates (a fruit that is bursting with seed) shows that wherever we go we have an abundance of seed to sow, that will produce fruit.
Have a fruitful weekend for his Kingdom! (Jos 1:3)
Ephesians 4:1-6
I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord,1 urge you to live2 worthily of the calling with which you have been called,3 with all humility and gentleness,4 with patience, bearing with5 one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you too were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [NET]
1tn Grk “prisoner in the Lord.”
2tn Grk “walk.” The verb “walk” in the NT letters refers to the conduct of one’s life, not to physical walking.
3sn With which you have been called. The calling refers to the Holy Spirit’s prompting that caused them to believe. The author is thus urging his readers to live a life that conforms to their saved status before God.
4tn Or “meekness.” The word is often used in Hellenistic Greek of the merciful execution of justice on behalf of those who have no voice by those who are in a position of authority (Matt 11:29; 21:5).
5tn Or “putting up with”; or “forbearing.”
1tn Grk “prisoner in the Lord.”
2tn Grk “walk.” The verb “walk” in the NT letters refers to the conduct of one’s life, not to physical walking.
3sn With which you have been called. The calling refers to the Holy Spirit’s prompting that caused them to believe. The author is thus urging his readers to live a life that conforms to their saved status before God.
4tn Or “meekness.” The word is often used in Hellenistic Greek of the merciful execution of justice on behalf of those who have no voice by those who are in a position of authority (Matt 11:29; 21:5).
5tn Or “putting up with”; or “forbearing.”
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
16.3.06
Ephesians 3:14-21
My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit — not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength — that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. [The Message]
God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. [The Message]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
15.3.06
Out of the Ark(ive)
I rediscovered a great website today that lets you go back in time! Well, not literally of course, but it will let you browse a website as it appeared at a given moment in recent history. www.archive.org is the site and the "Wayback" machine is the device; check it out!
It's particularly useful for browsing websites that no longer exist! Like our old church website www.covlifechurch.freeserve.co.uk that we had for Covenant Life Church Hinckley, before we merged with Rock of Life Church to become Living Rock. Most of the site is antiquated and no longer relevant, but it was the Preaching Notes section I was really interested in.
It was a bit disappointing to see that many of the messages were not archived; although the notes we made were terse, there were some great messages recorded there! Then it dawned on me, that since I was the webmaster of this site, I had an archive of my own of all these messages that I could make available to the world again through the medium of my blog.
So here is my very own "Wayback" machine to the Covenant Life Church Preaching notes of 2000-2001. Enjoy!
It's particularly useful for browsing websites that no longer exist! Like our old church website www.covlifechurch.freeserve.co.uk that we had for Covenant Life Church Hinckley, before we merged with Rock of Life Church to become Living Rock. Most of the site is antiquated and no longer relevant, but it was the Preaching Notes section I was really interested in.
It was a bit disappointing to see that many of the messages were not archived; although the notes we made were terse, there were some great messages recorded there! Then it dawned on me, that since I was the webmaster of this site, I had an archive of my own of all these messages that I could make available to the world again through the medium of my blog.
So here is my very own "Wayback" machine to the Covenant Life Church Preaching notes of 2000-2001. Enjoy!
Ephesians 3:7-13
By God's special favor and mighty power, I have been given the wonderful privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. Just think! Though I did nothing to deserve it, and though I am the least deserving Christian there is, I was chosen for this special joy of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. God's purpose was to show his wisdom in all its rich variety to all the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. They will see this when Jews and Gentiles are joined together in his church. This was his plan from all eternity, and it has now been carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God's presence, assured of his glad welcome. So please don't despair because of what they are doing to me here. It is for you that I am suffering, so you should feel honored and encouraged. [NLT]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
14.3.06
Do all speak in tongues?
One of the questions most commonly asked about the baptism in the Holy Spirit is whether it is always accompanied by speaking in tongues. I have come across this question a couple of times recently, so I thought it would be appropriate to prepare a response. As there are proof texts that quoted by both sides of the argument, I will first just provide all the texts without editorial, so we can get an idea of the biblical voice on the matter.
[Update 15/03/06. I originally missed two verses, 1Co 13:8 and 1Co 14:22, which I have now inserted for completeness.]
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; (Mk 16:17)
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Ac 2:4)
For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. (Ac 10:46)
And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. (Ac 19:6)
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good... to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (1Co 12:7,10)
And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. (1Co 12:28)
Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (1Co 12:30)
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. (1Co 13:1)
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. (1Co 13:8)
For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. (1Co 14:2)
The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. (1Co 14:5)
Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. (1Co 14:5)
Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? (1Co 14:6)
So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. (1Co 14:9)
Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. (1Co 14:13)
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. (1Co 14:14)
Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. (1Co 14:22)
If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? (1Co 14:23)
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. (1Co 14:26)
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. (1Co 14:18)
If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. (1Co 14:27)
So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. (1Co 14:39)
[All verses ESV]
The first, obvious, thing to mention is the sheer volume of passages on this subject. It is clearly an important matter, and one not to be ignored or swept under the carpet. Paul himself says, he does not want us to be ignorant of spiritual gifts.
Now, those who would propose that tongues is just for a select few would point to the verses in 1Co 12, that say that each has a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good, but that not everyone has the gift of tongues. This would certainly be a plausible exegesis if 1Co 12 was the only passage on the gift of tongues we have, but as can be clearly seen from the list above, it is not. How does such an exegesis square with the other scriptural passages that say that speaking in tongues is a sign for all who believe? Why two chapters later in 1Co 14 would Paul express his desire for everyone to speak in tongues if this was never going to be a possibility? Why would he describe a scenario of an unbeliever walking into a meeting where everyone was speaking in tongues if this could never happen? Did he suffer from short term memory loss, and forget what he had written two chapters earlier?
Most importantly we need to ask ourselves a question: are the occurrences of baptism in the Spirit as recorded in the book of Acts normative experiences for believers today. It is an important question for all who believe in the sufficiency of Scripture, because if they are not, we have a big problem, as there are no other descriptions given! In each case in the book of acts the manifestation that the Spirit had fallen on a group of believers was that they spoke in tongues. If there was any other manifestation, it is not explicitly recorded for us.
So how then are we to understand the instructions in 1Co 12? Well the alternative to Paul contradicting himself in 1Co 14 is that he is actually reinforcing the same argument. In 1Co 14 he is talking about orderly worship in the church, and how if everyone speaks in tongues then no-one goes away edified. In this context the instructions in 1Co 12 make perfect sense; when we come together as the people of God there are manifestations of the Spirit distributed amongst us for the common good. Thus 1Co 12:7-10 finds and echo in 1Co 14:26. These two chapters are not contradictory, but complementary.
The baptism in the Spirit is a gift from God that he does not withhold from any believer. The fact that some have not yet realised this and taken hold of it is another issue and one that we see clear scriptural mandate for in Acts 8 and Acts 19. But it is available to all. When we come together though, it is clear that for orderly worship the Spirit does not intend us all to bring messages in tongues, and that those that are brought should be interpreted.
[Update 15/03/06. I originally missed two verses, 1Co 13:8 and 1Co 14:22, which I have now inserted for completeness.]
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; (Mk 16:17)
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Ac 2:4)
For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. (Ac 10:46)
And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. (Ac 19:6)
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good... to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (1Co 12:7,10)
And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. (1Co 12:28)
Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (1Co 12:30)
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. (1Co 13:1)
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. (1Co 13:8)
For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. (1Co 14:2)
The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. (1Co 14:5)
Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. (1Co 14:5)
Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? (1Co 14:6)
So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. (1Co 14:9)
Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. (1Co 14:13)
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. (1Co 14:14)
Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. (1Co 14:22)
If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? (1Co 14:23)
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. (1Co 14:26)
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. (1Co 14:18)
If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. (1Co 14:27)
So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. (1Co 14:39)
[All verses ESV]
The first, obvious, thing to mention is the sheer volume of passages on this subject. It is clearly an important matter, and one not to be ignored or swept under the carpet. Paul himself says, he does not want us to be ignorant of spiritual gifts.
Now, those who would propose that tongues is just for a select few would point to the verses in 1Co 12, that say that each has a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good, but that not everyone has the gift of tongues. This would certainly be a plausible exegesis if 1Co 12 was the only passage on the gift of tongues we have, but as can be clearly seen from the list above, it is not. How does such an exegesis square with the other scriptural passages that say that speaking in tongues is a sign for all who believe? Why two chapters later in 1Co 14 would Paul express his desire for everyone to speak in tongues if this was never going to be a possibility? Why would he describe a scenario of an unbeliever walking into a meeting where everyone was speaking in tongues if this could never happen? Did he suffer from short term memory loss, and forget what he had written two chapters earlier?
Most importantly we need to ask ourselves a question: are the occurrences of baptism in the Spirit as recorded in the book of Acts normative experiences for believers today. It is an important question for all who believe in the sufficiency of Scripture, because if they are not, we have a big problem, as there are no other descriptions given! In each case in the book of acts the manifestation that the Spirit had fallen on a group of believers was that they spoke in tongues. If there was any other manifestation, it is not explicitly recorded for us.
So how then are we to understand the instructions in 1Co 12? Well the alternative to Paul contradicting himself in 1Co 14 is that he is actually reinforcing the same argument. In 1Co 14 he is talking about orderly worship in the church, and how if everyone speaks in tongues then no-one goes away edified. In this context the instructions in 1Co 12 make perfect sense; when we come together as the people of God there are manifestations of the Spirit distributed amongst us for the common good. Thus 1Co 12:7-10 finds and echo in 1Co 14:26. These two chapters are not contradictory, but complementary.
The baptism in the Spirit is a gift from God that he does not withhold from any believer. The fact that some have not yet realised this and taken hold of it is another issue and one that we see clear scriptural mandate for in Acts 8 and Acts 19. But it is available to all. When we come together though, it is clear that for orderly worship the Spirit does not intend us all to bring messages in tongues, and that those that are brought should be interpreted.
Ephesians 3:1-6
For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles-- assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. [ESV]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
13.3.06
Food at the proper time
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?" (Mt24:45 ESV)
Matthew wrote last week about The Right Time. It is a word that has stuck with me — not only knowing the right thing to do, but also having the wisdom from the Spirit to discern the right time to do it.
This morning as I was meditating on the Word, the verse above jumped out at me in the same light. The faithful servant in God's house is not just the one who provides good food for the household to eat, but one who gives it at the proper time.
Ecclesiastes says "He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time" (Ecc 3:11 ESV). The implication is obviously that there are things which are good, but that can be less than what they should be, because they are not yet in their proper time (or past their proper time).
I have taken this onboard as a challenge from the Lord, as one who preaches and prophesies in the house of God, to make sure that what I bring is not just "a good word", good spiritual food from the Lord, but that it is a word given at its proper time. This means not bringing a word before it is ready, and not bringing a word that is no longer fresh.
For many of us, the greatest challenge is just getting us to the place where we have the confidence that what we have stirring within us is good food from the Lord that we need to share with others. But beyond that, I believe, there is a place that God wants us to get to where we also recognise the right timings in his Spirit. That we do not just rush to the front, because we have something, anything, from the Lord, but because we recognise the time is right to bring what has been stirring within us. Linking in with what I shared about No one to be empty-handed; it is the difference between coming with nothing and then grasping for something to bring, and bringing it as soon as you get it, and coming with something already prepared to offer, and seeking God for the right time to bring it.
It takes us from sharing because "I have something to say", to sharing because "this is something for the body, now."
Matthew wrote last week about The Right Time. It is a word that has stuck with me — not only knowing the right thing to do, but also having the wisdom from the Spirit to discern the right time to do it.
This morning as I was meditating on the Word, the verse above jumped out at me in the same light. The faithful servant in God's house is not just the one who provides good food for the household to eat, but one who gives it at the proper time.
Ecclesiastes says "He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time" (Ecc 3:11 ESV). The implication is obviously that there are things which are good, but that can be less than what they should be, because they are not yet in their proper time (or past their proper time).
I have taken this onboard as a challenge from the Lord, as one who preaches and prophesies in the house of God, to make sure that what I bring is not just "a good word", good spiritual food from the Lord, but that it is a word given at its proper time. This means not bringing a word before it is ready, and not bringing a word that is no longer fresh.
For many of us, the greatest challenge is just getting us to the place where we have the confidence that what we have stirring within us is good food from the Lord that we need to share with others. But beyond that, I believe, there is a place that God wants us to get to where we also recognise the right timings in his Spirit. That we do not just rush to the front, because we have something, anything, from the Lord, but because we recognise the time is right to bring what has been stirring within us. Linking in with what I shared about No one to be empty-handed; it is the difference between coming with nothing and then grasping for something to bring, and bringing it as soon as you get it, and coming with something already prepared to offer, and seeking God for the right time to bring it.
It takes us from sharing because "I have something to say", to sharing because "this is something for the body, now."
Ephesians 2:19-22
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow-citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. [NIV]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
12.3.06
11.3.06
No one to be empty handed
"None shall appear before me empty-handed."
(Ex 23:15, Ex 34:20, Dt 16:16)
When we come before God in worship we come to give. We give our worship, we give our finance, we give our testimonies of his goodness, we give him praise, we give ourselves in obedience to his Holy Spirit. Yet too often when we come together as the people of God, we can come with a passive attitude, one that only comes to receive. We should not have to be cajoled into worship, it should be an overflow from hearts that are already full of his goodness and grace. We should not come before the Lord empty handed and then at the last minute root around for something to offer to him, or just assume that someone else will give something and we can just join in. We should come ready to give. That is the kind of worship God has always looked for, and overflow from generous hearts who are eager to give, and have not come before him empty handed, but have readied themselves with something to offer up.
When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. (1Co 14:26)
(Ex 23:15, Ex 34:20, Dt 16:16)
When we come before God in worship we come to give. We give our worship, we give our finance, we give our testimonies of his goodness, we give him praise, we give ourselves in obedience to his Holy Spirit. Yet too often when we come together as the people of God, we can come with a passive attitude, one that only comes to receive. We should not have to be cajoled into worship, it should be an overflow from hearts that are already full of his goodness and grace. We should not come before the Lord empty handed and then at the last minute root around for something to offer to him, or just assume that someone else will give something and we can just join in. We should come ready to give. That is the kind of worship God has always looked for, and overflow from generous hearts who are eager to give, and have not come before him empty handed, but have readied themselves with something to offer up.
When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. (1Co 14:26)
10.3.06
The Abiding Presence
We had another great time in our cellgroup last night. We had one of our "waiting on God" evenings where we give the whole time over to worshipping God, pressing in to his presence, responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and stepping out in the gifts. Our group is really growing well in this area, and we are coming with a sense of expectancy and faith each time for what God will do amongst us — we are never disappointed. Last time we met like this everyone prophesied. This time everyone received a personal word from God.
What struck me most about the evening though was how it ended. We reached the end, or so I thought. I had nothing left to bring and no further instruction or direction for the meeting... yet the tangible sense of the presence of God was still very much present. No one wanted to move or say anything. We enjoyed more precious time in God's presence in silence, but nothing further came. I asked if anyone had anything further to bring, but no one did. Finally I felt some direction. God was teaching us something. He wanted us to learn that it's good to come with an expectation that we will encounter the presence of God when we meet, but it's not good to have an expectation that his presence is just for meetings, and we can put him back in a box when we are done. God wants us to live in a continual abiding sense of his presence with us. He wants us to go out still full of his presence, a people marked out as those who have stood in the presence of the Lord.
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. (Ex 34:29)
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Ac 4:13)
What struck me most about the evening though was how it ended. We reached the end, or so I thought. I had nothing left to bring and no further instruction or direction for the meeting... yet the tangible sense of the presence of God was still very much present. No one wanted to move or say anything. We enjoyed more precious time in God's presence in silence, but nothing further came. I asked if anyone had anything further to bring, but no one did. Finally I felt some direction. God was teaching us something. He wanted us to learn that it's good to come with an expectation that we will encounter the presence of God when we meet, but it's not good to have an expectation that his presence is just for meetings, and we can put him back in a box when we are done. God wants us to live in a continual abiding sense of his presence with us. He wants us to go out still full of his presence, a people marked out as those who have stood in the presence of the Lord.
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. (Ex 34:29)
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Ac 4:13)
Ephesians 2:11-18
Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh - who are called "uncircumcision" by the so-called "circumcision" that is performed on the body24 by human hands - that you were at that time without the Messiah,25 alienated from the citizenship of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise,26 having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.27 For he is our peace, the one who made both groups into one28 and who destroyed the middle wall of partition, the hostility, when he nullified29 in his flesh the law of commandments in decrees. He did this to create in himself one new man30 out of two,31 thus making peace, and to reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by which the hostility has been killed.32 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, so that33 through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. [NET]
24tn Grk "in the flesh."
25tn Or "without Christ." Both "Christ" (Greek) and "Messiah" (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean "one who has been anointed." Because the context refers to ancient Israel's messianic expectation, "Messiah" was employed in the translation at this point rather than "Christ."
26tn Or "covenants of the promise."
27tn Or "have come near in the blood of Christ."
sn See the note on "his blood" in 1:7.
28tn Grk "who made the both one."
29tn Or "rendered inoperative." This is a difficult text to translate because it is not easy to find an English term which communicates well the essence of the author's meaning, especially since legal terminology is involved. Many other translations use the term "abolish" (so NRSV, NASB, NIV), but this term implies complete destruction which is not the author's meaning here. The verb (katargew) can readily have the meaning "to cause someth. to lose its power or effectiveness" (BDAG 525 s.v. 2, where this passage is listed), and this meaning fits quite naturally here within the author's legal mindset. A proper English term which communicates this well is "nullify" since this word carries the denotation of "making something legally null and void." This is not, however, a common English word. An alternate term like "rendered inoperative [or ineffective]" is also accurate but fairly inelegant. For this reason, the translation retains the term "nullify"; it is the best choice of the available options, despite its problems.
30tn In this context the author is not referring to a new individual, but instead to a new corporate entity united in Christ. This is clear from the comparison made between the Gentiles and Israel in the immediately preceding verses and the assertion in v. 14 that Christ "made both groups into one." This is a different metaphor than the "new man" of Eph 4:24; in that passage the "new man" refers to the new life a believer has through a relationship to Christ.
31tn Grk "in order to create the two into one new man." Eph 2:14-16 is one sentence in Greek. A new sentence was started here in the translation for clarity since contemporary English is less tolerant of extended sentences.
32tn Grk "by killing the hostility in himself."
33tn Or "for." BDAG gives the consecutive (Joti) as a possible category of NT usage (BDAG 732 s.v. 5.c).
NET Bible studies available at http://www.bible.org/
24tn Grk "in the flesh."
25tn Or "without Christ." Both "Christ" (Greek) and "Messiah" (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean "one who has been anointed." Because the context refers to ancient Israel's messianic expectation, "Messiah" was employed in the translation at this point rather than "Christ."
26tn Or "covenants of the promise."
27tn Or "have come near in the blood of Christ."
sn See the note on "his blood" in 1:7.
28tn Grk "who made the both one."
29tn Or "rendered inoperative." This is a difficult text to translate because it is not easy to find an English term which communicates well the essence of the author's meaning, especially since legal terminology is involved. Many other translations use the term "abolish" (so NRSV, NASB, NIV), but this term implies complete destruction which is not the author's meaning here. The verb (katargew) can readily have the meaning "to cause someth. to lose its power or effectiveness" (BDAG 525 s.v. 2, where this passage is listed), and this meaning fits quite naturally here within the author's legal mindset. A proper English term which communicates this well is "nullify" since this word carries the denotation of "making something legally null and void." This is not, however, a common English word. An alternate term like "rendered inoperative [or ineffective]" is also accurate but fairly inelegant. For this reason, the translation retains the term "nullify"; it is the best choice of the available options, despite its problems.
30tn In this context the author is not referring to a new individual, but instead to a new corporate entity united in Christ. This is clear from the comparison made between the Gentiles and Israel in the immediately preceding verses and the assertion in v. 14 that Christ "made both groups into one." This is a different metaphor than the "new man" of Eph 4:24; in that passage the "new man" refers to the new life a believer has through a relationship to Christ.
31tn Grk "in order to create the two into one new man." Eph 2:14-16 is one sentence in Greek. A new sentence was started here in the translation for clarity since contemporary English is less tolerant of extended sentences.
32tn Grk "by killing the hostility in himself."
33tn Or "for." BDAG gives the consecutive (Joti) as a possible category of NT usage (BDAG 732 s.v. 5.c).
NET Bible studies available at http://www.bible.org/
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
9.3.06
The NET Bible
This is an exciting discovery. I have just come across a version of the Bible that is modern and free.
The NET bible (New English Translation / (Inter)NET Bible) is not only available for free viewing online (as most versions are these days) but can also be downloaded in its entirety for free, and may be quoted without restriction in non-commercial writings. In fact you can give away upto 100 complete copies before you have to ask for permission; compare that with the 500 verses, no complete book and no more than 25% of total work that applies to the other versions. [These same restrictions apply if you use it for commercial purposes.]
What got my attention though were the copious study notes that come with it. There are reams and reams of translation notes for the text, so you can get some insight into the translation difficulties of a particular passage; what the Greek words actually mean, what the tenses are, where the actual sentences begin and end (significant for much of Paul's writings) and why they chose the translation they did. It's like a transparent translation where you can still see all the nuts and bolts underneath. A great reference tool for checking out dubious exegesis!
I'm definitely going to be using it regularly in the future. I may have to start quoting from it if the 500 verse rule is ever enforced for complete blogs, as you are going to reach that limit sooner or later!
The NET bible (New English Translation / (Inter)NET Bible) is not only available for free viewing online (as most versions are these days) but can also be downloaded in its entirety for free, and may be quoted without restriction in non-commercial writings. In fact you can give away upto 100 complete copies before you have to ask for permission; compare that with the 500 verses, no complete book and no more than 25% of total work that applies to the other versions. [These same restrictions apply if you use it for commercial purposes.]
What got my attention though were the copious study notes that come with it. There are reams and reams of translation notes for the text, so you can get some insight into the translation difficulties of a particular passage; what the Greek words actually mean, what the tenses are, where the actual sentences begin and end (significant for much of Paul's writings) and why they chose the translation they did. It's like a transparent translation where you can still see all the nuts and bolts underneath. A great reference tool for checking out dubious exegesis!
I'm definitely going to be using it regularly in the future. I may have to start quoting from it if the 500 verse rule is ever enforced for complete blogs, as you are going to reach that limit sooner or later!
Ephesians 2:1-10
You were spiritually dead through your sins and failures, all the time that you followed this world's ideas of living, and obeyed the evil ruler of the spiritual realm — who is indeed fully operative today in those who disobey God. We all lived like that in the past, and followed the desires and imaginings of our lower nature, being in fact under the wrath of God by nature, like everyone else. But even though we were dead in sins God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, gave us life together with Christ — it is, remember, by grace that you are saved — and has lifted us to take our place with him in Christ Jesus in the Heavens. Thus he shows for all the ages to come the tremendous generosity of the grace and kindness he has expressed towards us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace that you are saved, through faith. This does not depend on anything you have achieved, it is the free gift of God; and because it is not earned no man can boast about it. For God has made us what we are, created in Christ Jesus to do those good deeds which he planned for us to do. [J.B. Phillips]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
8.3.06
Open the eyes of my heart Lord
Open the eyes of my heart Lord,
Open the eyes of my heart,
I want to see you,
I want to see you.
To see you high and lifted up,
Shining in the light of your glory,
Pour our your power and love,
As we sing holy, holy, holy.
Paul Baloche, © 1997 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
Today's reading from Ephesians every month, gets me excited! Talking about the glorified Christ always does. He is high and lifted up. He has a name above every name, and authority above every authority. He is seated at the right hand of the Father in glory. All things are under his feet. He is the head of the church. He is the one who is filling the whole earth with his fulness through the church which he is transforming to represent his fullness in glory! How awesome, how wonderful, is the risen Lord. To catch just a glimpse of his glory at the Father's side floods my heart with worship and praise and adoration, and yet leaves me longing to see more!
My prayer, like Paul's is that the eyes of my heart may be opened, that I may receive more of the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, that I may see him more clearly and know him more intimately, and that my heart having been flooded with the light of his presence may respond in joyful worship again that takes me still deeper into the presence of our glorious risen and exalted Lord: Jesus.
This is the vision that Daniel, my great hero in the Old Testament, saw:
In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. (Da 7:13-14)
It is also the vision that gave Stephen, the first martyr of the church, his great courage in the face of death:
But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Ac 7:55-56)
It is this vision, I believe, more than anything else, that will transform us and inspire us. It will stir us to grasp the magnitude of our calling in Christ, and the incredible power that is available in him who has all authority, and that all things are for him and for his glory. The riches of HIS glorious inheritance in the saints. We belong to him, for his glory. Wow! What other response is there but worship!
Open the eyes of my heart,
I want to see you,
I want to see you.
To see you high and lifted up,
Shining in the light of your glory,
Pour our your power and love,
As we sing holy, holy, holy.
Paul Baloche, © 1997 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
Today's reading from Ephesians every month, gets me excited! Talking about the glorified Christ always does. He is high and lifted up. He has a name above every name, and authority above every authority. He is seated at the right hand of the Father in glory. All things are under his feet. He is the head of the church. He is the one who is filling the whole earth with his fulness through the church which he is transforming to represent his fullness in glory! How awesome, how wonderful, is the risen Lord. To catch just a glimpse of his glory at the Father's side floods my heart with worship and praise and adoration, and yet leaves me longing to see more!
My prayer, like Paul's is that the eyes of my heart may be opened, that I may receive more of the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, that I may see him more clearly and know him more intimately, and that my heart having been flooded with the light of his presence may respond in joyful worship again that takes me still deeper into the presence of our glorious risen and exalted Lord: Jesus.
This is the vision that Daniel, my great hero in the Old Testament, saw:
In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. (Da 7:13-14)
It is also the vision that gave Stephen, the first martyr of the church, his great courage in the face of death:
But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Ac 7:55-56)
It is this vision, I believe, more than anything else, that will transform us and inspire us. It will stir us to grasp the magnitude of our calling in Christ, and the incredible power that is available in him who has all authority, and that all things are for him and for his glory. The riches of HIS glorious inheritance in the saints. We belong to him, for his glory. Wow! What other response is there but worship!
Ephesians 1:15-23
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people. I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence. [NLT]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
7.3.06
Ephesians 1:11-14
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. [ESV]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
6.3.06
Ephesians 1:1-10
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfilment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. [NIV]
This post is part of Ephesians Every Month. If you have any revelation or insight to share on today's passage please add it as a comment. If you have your own blog, and want to write a long or detailed post, then please add this on your own blog with a link back to this post, then add a trackback. If you cannot (or don't know how to) add a trackback, send me an off the record message, and I will do it for you.
3.3.06
Ephesians Every Month
I'm starting a new reading plan on Monday, and I'm inviting you all to join me. It's not a substitute for your existing Bible reading devotions, but a supplement. The plan is to read through the great book of Ephesians every month. This is inspired by something Keri Jones said to us as leaders at Living Rock Church a while back; basically: "Read through Ephesians every month."
To make this easier, for those of us with the technology, I have created three RSS feeds for this reading programme. You can chose the one which corresponds to the Bible version you prefer. I have done NIV, ESV, and NLT, which should cover most bases.
For the Luddites who don't know what do do with an RSS feed, you can still follow along the old fashioned way. I am using a four week rolling programme with readings on Monday-Friday as follows:
Week 1
Monday 1:1-10, Tuesday 1:11-14, Wednesday 1:15-23, Thursday 2:1-10, Friday 2:11-18
Week 2
Monday 2:19-22, Tuesday 3:1-6, Wednesday 3:7-13, Thursday 3:14-21, Friday 4:1-6
Week 3
Monday 4:7-16, Tuesday 4:17-24, Wednesday 4:25-5:2, Thursday 5:3-7, Friday 5:8-14
Week 4
Monday 5:15-21, Tuesday 5:22-33, Wednesday 6:1-9, Thursday 6:10-20, Friday 6:21-24
To collect our thoughts, I shall be following this through with posts each day for the next four weeks. I shall probably still blog about other stuff too! May the Lord open our eyes to the wonders in his word, and may we catch his eternal purpose for his people, the Church, in Christ.
Here are the RSS feeds I promised. The first reading will arrive on Monday. Let me know if you have any difficulties.
[Update 23/03/06: You can now subscribe by email to the version of your choice. I have also included details of how many fellow readers we currently have. Those who subscribe by email are included in the figures.]
Ephesians Every Month Feeds
To make this easier, for those of us with the technology, I have created three RSS feeds for this reading programme. You can chose the one which corresponds to the Bible version you prefer. I have done NIV, ESV, and NLT, which should cover most bases.
For the Luddites who don't know what do do with an RSS feed, you can still follow along the old fashioned way. I am using a four week rolling programme with readings on Monday-Friday as follows:
Week 1
Monday 1:1-10, Tuesday 1:11-14, Wednesday 1:15-23, Thursday 2:1-10, Friday 2:11-18
Week 2
Monday 2:19-22, Tuesday 3:1-6, Wednesday 3:7-13, Thursday 3:14-21, Friday 4:1-6
Week 3
Monday 4:7-16, Tuesday 4:17-24, Wednesday 4:25-5:2, Thursday 5:3-7, Friday 5:8-14
Week 4
Monday 5:15-21, Tuesday 5:22-33, Wednesday 6:1-9, Thursday 6:10-20, Friday 6:21-24
To collect our thoughts, I shall be following this through with posts each day for the next four weeks. I shall probably still blog about other stuff too! May the Lord open our eyes to the wonders in his word, and may we catch his eternal purpose for his people, the Church, in Christ.
Here are the RSS feeds I promised. The first reading will arrive on Monday. Let me know if you have any difficulties.
[Update 23/03/06: You can now subscribe by email to the version of your choice. I have also included details of how many fellow readers we currently have. Those who subscribe by email are included in the figures.]
Ephesians Every Month Feeds
 English Standard Version |  |
| New International Version |  |
| New Living Translation |  |
1.3.06
Class from the past
Jacqueline met up with an old friend today. She dug out an old photo album so she could show Michael who they would be meeting. It was left on the dinner table tonight and flicking through I found some classics! Here's the good ol' class of '97. Recognise anyone?
A Bride for the Son - Audio Download
Last month I preached in Covenant Life Church - Leicester on "A Bride for the Son" I approached Kevin Owen, and asked if he would mind if I put the audio of that message up on my blog. These were his kind words in response:
"No problem whatsoever. I am sure that your listeners will be as blessed and encouraged as we all were when we first heard your message."
So here it is:
A Bride for the Son (12Mb MP3 Download)
This post could also fit in the "Big Picture" category as right the way from Genesis 2:18 to Revelation 21:9, the prophetic theme of "A Bride for the Son" embodies the eternal plan of God for the world, in Christ, through the Church.
[NOTE: To listen ofline. Right click the link above, and choose "Save Target As..."]
Related:
A Bride for the Son
The Unnamed Servant
Abraham: Fellowship with the Father's heart
Preparing to Preach
"A knife with a fresh blade"
"No problem whatsoever. I am sure that your listeners will be as blessed and encouraged as we all were when we first heard your message."
So here it is:
This post could also fit in the "Big Picture" category as right the way from Genesis 2:18 to Revelation 21:9, the prophetic theme of "A Bride for the Son" embodies the eternal plan of God for the world, in Christ, through the Church.
[NOTE: To listen ofline. Right click the link above, and choose "Save Target As..."]
Related:
A Bride for the Son
The Unnamed Servant
Abraham: Fellowship with the Father's heart
Preparing to Preach
"A knife with a fresh blade"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)