January 17, 2014 – Matthew 13 – The Kingdom of Heaven

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

What Does this Passage Say?

• Jesus lived during a time where most people grew the food they consumed. Some in cities may have purchased food in a market place setting, but still they would have been in touch with what it takes to grow food. Living in our contemporary culture we are not connected as closely with an agrarian culture, but we still for the most part know how plants grow. Jesus audience would have immediately connected with the story Jesus told on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

• Today our farming practices are very sophisticated. Most farmers place seeds into bins that sit across the top of a planter. Each bin neatly places seeds in the earth separated into their neat rows with each seed allowed the maximum/minimum space needed to become healthy. That is not what happened in the first century. A farmer would till of the earth with a plow that was pulled by some beast of burden, normally an ox. Then he would simply begin chucking seeds out of a pouch allowing it to fall wherever it fell. Not a very efficient way to scatter seeds. This background sets the scene for Jesus story.

• Jesus disciples have heard His stories before. They often don’t get them, and wander why He teaches this way. Basically Jesus tells them He teaches in stories to better help people understand the Kingdom of Heaven and His mission. Story telling is a very effective communication tool. Jesus teaching and the complexity of it to the hearers is again something predicted by the prophets of old that Matthew reminds us of.

• Jesus purpose in telling this story is to compare the seed with the seed of the good news of what Jesus is doing. Some will fall on good soil; others will fall on shallow soil, others on rocky soil, and others on the path. Each type of soil will produce different results. So the same will be with our preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Jesus.

• Jesus then illustrates that our preaching and teaching won’t be easy. He did so by using another agrarian illustration. A farmer sowed seed and his enemy came behind him and sowed a weed that looks similar to the good seed. We are going to face something similar. While we preach truth, our world is going to constantly preach negative; preach lust, greed, self-indulgence, sex, and so many things that are not of God. God will be the one to separate at the ends days the good from the bad. We must preach regardless the soil, regardless the other messages bombarding, God will judge. Jesus reinforces that with the fishing story towards the end of the reading.

• The next two stories of Jesus are about yeast and mustard seeds. Both represent small things that blossom into big things. Yeast causes bread to rise. A mustard seed becomes a large plant. While Jesus kingdom will start small, it will not remain small. We have work to do.

• Do you seek after God and His kingdom, and the life that came with it? You should. It holds more value than anything on this earth. That is the way the man who found a treasure felt. He sold all he had to buy a field because the treasure was worth more than the field and more than all his possessions. This is the value of the Kingdom of Heaven.

 What is this passage teaching?

• All but the last section of this chapter deal with the Kingdom of Heaven. We have a responsibility in building and growing the Kingdom of Heavy. Jesus outlines that we are to constantly be chucking the seed of the gospel, allowing it to fall in many different places. It won’t be easy. The devil is out there filling the minds of those we are chucking seeds to with his own destructive message. But God will judge all. To those whom the good seeds take hold, they will become part of the Kingdom of Heaven and while they may be few in number, they will permeate culture and they will have the power to transform the world.

 How can I apply this passage to my life?

• You and I are the mustard seed. It may seem that the church in America is getting smaller and smaller, and it may be. But we must remember that we are mustard seeds. We have the mission and responsibility of taking the message of the gospel to all the world. Letting people know about the Kingdom of Heaven. Don’t see it as an uphill battle. View it as a responsibility regardless of the struggles that it entails. 

January 14, 2014 – Matthew 10 – Preparing for Evangelism

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

What Does this Passage Say?

• Jesus has spent nearly a year with his band of Disciples. He is now ready to send them out to preach, teach, heal and cast out spirits on their own. I love Jesus strategy here. He wants to see how they “preform.” One day in the future the church is going to rely on their preaching and teaching. Now, while He is still with them, it is a prime time to teach them, encourage them, and correct them after their preaching tours.

• Here Matthew gives the full list of the twelve disciples; all but one will become Apostles. This list seems to group the disciples in the pairs that Jesus sent them out in. By sending the disciples out in pairs Jesus is meeting the Mosaic Law that requires two or three witnesses. Now before Jesus sends them out He has some instructions to give.

• These instructions prepare the men for their journey. These instructions Jesus gives are both for His disciples and their mission and for us today. Their message and our message are going to be slightly different.

• Jesus command to go only to Israel does not remain for us. They are on a preaching tour for training purposes. Plus their message would fall on deaf ears with Gentiles, and would be time consuming with Samaritans. The idea that the Kingdom of Heaven is near is completely false today. The Kingdom of Heaven is here and can be reached by all who put their faith and trust in Jesus today. Remember, this mission of the disciples is before the death of Jesus.

• Jesus instructs His disciples to travel light. This is going to be a quick and local trip. Later Jesus will give different instructions that include money, clothes, and much more preparation. Not only are they to travel light, but they are to stay put. They do not have the time to move from house to house and town to town. Moving too often can waste valuable resources and time.

• There is a practical lesson to be learned in this passage … those who are receiving blessings from God have a responsibility to bless those who have shared Jesus. The activity of preaching, teaching, healing, and caring for sickness does not come without any expense. While ministry is not there to make servants of God rich, ministers still need basic expenses covered. Jesus has arranged that those being ministered to supply the needs of those doing the ministry. This applies to us today in supporting a paid ministry staff and supply the resources needed to carry out ministry.
• Jesus wants His disciples to be prepared for the different type of people they will encounter on their travels.  At this time they are in no danger. Jesus is still popular. The Pharisees hate of Jesus is just beginning. Some of this teaching is prophetic in nature. This does not happen on this trip, but we know that one day all of these disciples (except Judas) will face persecution for preaching Jesus.
• Jesus reminds the disciples that people can be wicked. They will at times face persecution because of this wickedness. When persecution comes upon them they are to leave, not fight back. There will be others whose hearts and minds will be open to receiving the message of the gospel. Go to them Jesus teaches.
• No matter what they are not to fear their persecutors. Jesus reminds that there will be a day when the pains of this earth will be gone and glory of Heaven will be present. No matter what is done to the body, those in Christ will have the eternal reward for their souls in the presence of God in Heaven. What a glorious reminder!!!
• Jesus reminded the disciples that even thought this mission in the future might be tough, and their reward great, through it all God knows them, loves them, and will protect them. Because of that they can have confidence to proudly share the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven to all they encounter. For this the reward is great.

 What is this passage teaching?

• Jesus does not want His disciples to believe preaching and teaching the Kingdom of Heaven will be easy. It would not be easy. It will be met with opposition. It will be met with frustrations. It will be met with hardships. But through it all there is a great reward … eternity with God. What a wonderful blessing that is for those who steadfastly follow Jesus and share His kingdom.

 How can I apply this passage to my life?

• As a disciple of Jesus we have the responsibility to share with all we encounter Jesus. We will do well to remember the words of Jesus and the reality that preaching and teaching His kingdom will not be easy. No matter how difficult it may be we can also take comfort and find strength knowing that in Him our reward is great. No matter how much opposition we face, no matter how tough evangelizing might be, there will come a day when we find rest. His rest is the best rest. His rest is for eternity. His rest takes us into the very arms of God. That is a rest I am willing to put my life on the line for. Are you? 

October 23 – John 7 & 8

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from John 7 & 8. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

I love Jesus. Our reading today may just be one of the boldest two days of Jesus life. Here He is in Jerusalem, in the Temple area, and making some of the most outlandishly true statements of His ministry. Our reading opens up with His brothers encouraging Him to go to Jerusalem. They want Him to do publicly there what he has been doing in other regions. They are beginning to believe He is the political Messiah they have been waiting on. Jesus knows that He is not, and that the heat is too much, and that a trip to Jerusalem would possibly be deadly. He stays back, but only for a short amount of time.

In Jerusalem people are looking for Jesus but He is laying low. Finally He speaks and when He does, He gives them some bold proclamations …

“For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses. So why should you be angry with me for healing a man on the Sabbath? Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”” (John 7:23-24 NLT)

  

“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (John 7:37-38 NLT)

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)

“Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” (John 8:19 NLT)

“No,” Jesus said, “I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father—and you dishonor me. And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge. I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!” (John 8:49-51 NLT)

“Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I Am!” At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple.” (John 8:58-59 NLT)

Jesus does not mince words. He speaks pointedly about who He is and who it that sent Him. While not everyone understands all that He says, it is clear that Jesus is calling God His father and making deity claims about Himself.

The question that remains for us is simple … are we willing to follow Jesus example and stand boldly in our world making the same claims to an unbelieving generation?

October 14 – Matthew 13 & Luke 8

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Matthew 13 & Luke 8. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

One of the tricks to reading the Bible is getting past the chapter and verse markings. They are valuable tools. They allow for us to easily locate any section of Scripture. It would be incredibly difficult to navigate the Bible without them. However, they are not God ordained markings. They were added by the hands of humans needing a referencing system. Sometimes they even hinder our reading. When doing a Bible reading plan we typically break the Bible down by reading through select chapters. We have done so in our reading plan. That is why we have had days with multiple chapters and days with very few. There are places in Scripture that the chapter ends, but the thought of the author does not. These issues present some minor problems to our reading.

Now that we are in the New Testament, and reading the Gospels, let me share with you a writing technique of the Gospel authors. Remember the writers did not put the chapter and verse notations in their works. They also at times wrote in chronological order. But at other times they left chronological order to highlight the teachings of Jesus. We know this as grouping. Sometimes the authors will take a topic of Jesus and group it together regardless of the chronological timeframe.

Each chapter we read has a general topic to it. Matthew 13 is heavily concerned with the coming Kingdom of heaven and its growth. That is the heart of the Parable of the Sower, or the Wheat and Weeds, or the Mustard Seed, or the Yeast. They all point to the coming kingdom and its growth. If we want to understand the growth of God’s kingdom one of the best places to turn in our Bible’s is to Matthew 13 because it is one grouping of Jesus teaching on it.

When we look at Luke 8 can we tell what the major thought from Luke is? This is a trickier one in my opinion. The reason we read Matthew 13 and Luke 8 today is because they both start with the Parable of the Sower. However, this is where the man added chapter and verses throw us off. Luke offers two themes in this chapter. The first is the Kingdom concept of Matthew 13. But the chapter continues with a few more stories … Jesus calms the storm, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man, Jesus heals a sick woman, and Jesus raises a dead girl back to life. What do you think Luke’s theme is here? It suggests to me and understanding of Jesus power over the natural laws. Jesus has power over nature in calming the storm, Jesus has power over the spiritual world in casting out a demon, Jesus has power over the sicknesses of this life in healing the woman, and finally Jesus has power over death.

Understanding this grouping concept allows us to get a fuller understanding of the individual stories. When one puzzles us we can look to those in front and behind, regardless of their chapter and verse markings, to gain a full picture of the authors intent. 

September 24 – Esther 6-10

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Esther 6-10. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

One of the many things I love about God is His ability to use anything for His purposes. From the time man disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit in the garden, God has been on a relentless pursuit of mankind. When He selected Abraham to be the man to father the nation He was building, that family became His people. Overtime the name of Abraham’s decedents went from being called Hebrews, to Israelites, and finally to Jews. Jew is the English understanding of the Hebrew word Judah, the tribe that many of today’s Jews descend from (Using the term Jew to describe the Jewish people is not racist or condescending when used as a noun. It is when we use it at as a verb, like to jew someone down on their price, or in such a way that racism is implied from use and tone that the word is wrong!). It is with this remnant of people that God uses to bring people back to Him.

As followers of Christ and as people living nearly twenty-five hundred years after the events of Esther we know that Jesus is the ultimate piece of the puzzle that restores the torn relationship. But God was about restoration all along. In Esther 8:17 in the latter part of the verse the writer records for us these words … “And many of the people of the land became Jews themselves, for they feared what the Jews might do to them.” (Ester 8:17 NLT) In their king granted strength the people became scared of the Jews. So they bought into the old adage … if you cannot beat them, join them. This put a few more people in the path to the restoration of God’s relationship with mankind.

God will use anything. What did He use in your life to restore the relationship with you? What has you used in others lives? What situations and circumstance are currently happening in the lives of those around you that God may be using? Keep and observant eye open, always ready to share the good news of Jesus. 

August 21 – Jeremiah 41-45

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Jeremiah 41-45. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Reflections on Faith and Culture

There is something about our reading today that is both heart breaking and refreshing. Jeremiah again shares the words of God with the people in chapter forty-four. This time instead of paying lip service to the words of Jeremiah, or calling him a lying prophet, they simply flat out say we do not care. It is refreshing to finally see a group of people speak honestly. It is heartbreaking that they do not want to listen to God and that they have decided to openly turn their backs on Him.

This scene also reminds me of the parable of the seed sower that Jesus told in Matthew 13. The first seed that the sower chucked from his satchel fell on the path. This seed was quickly gobbled up by the birds because the path was to firm to accept it. In essence, this seed fell where those Judeans in Egypt were at spiritually. They were done with God, and they were ready to openly reject Him. They hadn’t seen His blessing because they were half heartedly following Him. Like the path they were hardened and turned their back. Jesus taught us that there would be people who would simply reject the message that we have, just like the path rejected the seed, and the Judeans rejected God.

These two passages together reminded me of the example Jesus gave His disciples in Matthew 10:14 to shake the dust from their feet. This teaching was in preparation for His disciples as they went out on a preaching journey. Jesus knew some would reject their message. Jesus said to shake the dust from their feet. This was a first century symbolic act to say we are done with you. You rejected us, or brought harm to us, or did not care for us, so as we leave, we are removing the dust of your houses and towns to rid ourselves of you. Jesus was teaching us that our time is precious, and sometimes, no matter how hard and painful it might be, we must focus on good soil, on people willing to openly investigate God.

Is this something you need to do in your evangelism of the Gospel? Are you trying to share Jesus with someone who has come to the place that the Judeans in Egypt were at? Have you come to a point where you need to back away, begin to only pray, and invest your time elsewhere? These are things all Christians must consider. 

August 17 - Jeremiah 35-37

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Jeremiah 35-37. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan. 

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

When God has a message to bring to His people we cannot thwart it. The scroll Jeremiah had originally dictated to his secretary was destroyed by King Jehoikim. God again inspired Jeremiah to dictate every word again plus many more on a new scroll. When God wants a message out, He will get it out. Regardless if we run like Jonah. Regardless if we ignore it like many in Jerusalem did. Regardless if we destroy it like King Jehoikim.

Examine your life and heart. Is there something God wants you doing that you are avoiding? Is there a message you need to share that you are simply not? Is there someone you need to tell about Jesus to? What is holding you back? God has the strength and power to win, so give and rely on Him to bring you through. 

July 16 – Isaiah 13-17

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Isaiah 13-17. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

We are drawing near to the end of both Israel and Judah as nations. It seems like every generation has struggled to follow God. So now God is predicting their destruction. This prediction for Judah is not an empty threat. This prediction is coming with some specifics. God calls out the nation he will use to deliver the blow … the Babylonians.

When we read chapter thirteen of Isaiah we see this prediction given through Isaiah’s words. What amazes me is that while God is going to use Babylon it does not mean he approves of their actions, their worship, or their lifestyles. Does this give you some idea at how horrible God’s so-called consecrated people had become? In the same chapter where God proclaims he is going to use Babylon to pour out his vengeance he also says he is going to one day destroy them. And again he gives indication of who will bring their end … the Medes.

God’s hand on the movements of nations is amazing. It makes me wonder what it is God is up to here in America. Sure we have free will, but I wonder if God is at work preparing and doing something that we are just not aware of. All I know is that to those faithful, to those who follow God, who continue to worship, God will honor. All I know is we can never stop sharing the love of God. Israel and Judah held off God’s wrath because they repented and worshiped; they listen to the words of God’s messengers the prophets. Maybe it is our responsibility as the faithful to be God’s messengers today. Maybe it is taking the frog in the kettle, things heating up real fast that will wake us up. I pray this is the case. 

July 14 – Micah 1 – 7

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Micah 1 – 7. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit ~ Microsoft Clip Art

I often find myself in groups of Christians who are struggling with the current state of politics and sin running rampant throughout our present day America. I understand and often agree with them that things are not like they used to be. It saddens me to see that many in our nation no longer find direction and strength in the Word of God like they used to. It saddens me that our leadership on so many levels does not see eye to eye with me when it comes to what we have termed social issues.

While I am saddened, today’s reading reminds me who is in charge. Read these words again from Micah 1:5 “And why is this happening? Because of the rebellion of Israel – yes, the sins of the whole nation. Who is to blame for Israel’s rebellion? Samaria, its capital city! Where is the center of idolatry in Judah? In Jerusalem, its capital!” (Micah 1:5 NLT) Throughout the rest Micah’s message we see him preach destruction and hope like other prophets, but he also points to the root of this societal degradation. The sinful leadership of the nations kings and rulers.

Friends, I see a lot of similarities between our nation and the nations of Israel. However, as American citizens we hold some power. I am not convinced that politics is the answer to our nation’s problems. I believe the answer is Jesus Christ and following the teachings of God’s word, the only written truth that exist. Change people and you change the political system in our nation. To change Washington and Columbus (or wherever your state capital is) you must change the hearts of those elected. It also means electing people who have a heart bent on Jesus.

Lessons for a Church Builder

Yesterday at my weekly breakfast with a group of guys from the church we were discussing the future and the direction of the church. I made the comment that I felt like we were starting to see a paradigm shift in the minds of the people. I was then fielded the question something along the lines of … “what type of shift do you think needs to take place?”

In my opinion many churches who have become static or have even dropped off from their former “glory days,” have two things going against them …. 1) for some some reason they have become inward focused, and 2) they have lost their creative edge. I think these things are important to building a church.

 

I have said many times that I am not about numbers. I don’t care if we are a mega church, a medium sized church, or even a small church. Numbers don’t drive me. What drives me is reaching as many people for Christ that we can. That is what we as a church have been called to do. We have been commissioned by Christ to … “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20). Did you get that, we are to make disciples, how? by going, baptizing and teaching.

Many churches who have fallen off have some how forgot this message. Sure if you were to ask them what the church should be doing they would respond with many things, but one would be to evangelize. While they understand this, they no longer operate in a way that is going to foster evangelism. This is the first paradigm shift that has to happen in the minds of the people. The church has to stop being inward focused and start being outward focused. Without doing this, you cannot begin to reach people with a life changing encounter with Jesus.

The second paradigm shift supports the first. When churches who have existed for a while start failing one thing that goes is creativity. The church gets caught in a rut, doing the same old things week after week, month after month, and year after year. This is where the sacred cows, the traditions of the church begin to take hold. When they have lost their creativity they begin playing church, and that tends to lose that spirit of evangelism.

So to change these things you have to start rebuilding creativity. You have to start preaching evangelism. You have to start preaching about being outward focused. Before change can take place you have to shift and change the minds and hearts of the people. Once this begins to happen amazing things can begin to occur. This is the process we are now going through at West Side. And you know what … it is beginning to happen. We are beginning to see a change in heart and mind. We are beginning to see the creativity return to many people … and to be honest …. IT IS EXCITING!!!!

The above image was used from the blog Affiliate Marketing Lifestyle and used in the post My 9 Steps to Diet Freedom. Use of image does not support any website content.

The Broken Heart

Below is the daily Bible reading I am doing for the West Side Church. Please feel free to follow along.

Have you ever wanted something so bad for someone else that you would be willing to take the punishment so they could have it? There have not been many times in my life where I have desired that. Maybe as a new father those days will be closer and closer. In today’s reading (Romans 9) we see Paul wish just that. Paul writes …

I speak the truth in Christ-I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit-I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel.

Paul’s race, his people, the people of Israel had rejected Christ. Not all of Israel had done this but most, and the ones who had Paul’s heart goes out to. He knows the pain and suffering that is coming their way. He knows and understands that eternity without Christ will be Hell. He knows that the only way to avoid that and have the opportunity to spend eternity with God is to accept Christ. But many of the Jews have rejected Christ as Lord and Savior. Their hearts have been hardened. And for that, Paul’s heart is full of great sorrow and unceasing anguish.

Paul’s heart is so broken that he wishes he could trade in his salvation, be cut off from Christ, and take the punishment so that his race, his people would know Christ. Friends, Paul understands what is at stake and if he could he would trade it all so that more people would spend eternity with God. Do you long for people’s salvation that way? Do you pursue evangelism with that same heart and mind? I know I do not. Why do not we? When we answer that question evangelism in our lives might take a radical turn.

The above image was borrowed from the blog Rantings of the Superlative1

Patience with Struggle

Below is the daily Bible reading I am doing for the West Side Church. Please feel free to follow along.

It took Jesus disciples a long time to understand who he was. In fact it was not until he conquered the grave, ascended into Heaven, and poured out the Holy Spirit that they finally understood all he had taught. They had spent a considerable amount of time with Jesus but still did not understand his true identity and purpose because they were looking for the same political Messiah that everyone else was. Today’s reading (Mark 8) reminds us of that fact.

The disciples have witnessed Jesus feed 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish and feed 4,000 with 7 loaves of bread and a few fish, but now they are a in a boat with only one loaf and are worried about their next meal. Jesus begins to talk to them about keeping away from the yeast of the Pharisees and the disciples immediately think he is talking about physical food and physical yeast. Jesus then looks at his disciples, probably shaking his head at their complete and total misunderstanding.

I think we receive stories like this one to help us when we are trying to spread the message of Christ. If the disciples, men who had been living with Jesus for a little over two years … who have heard him preach, heard him teach, saw him turn water into wine, heal the multitudes of their diseases and afflictions, and cast out demons … if these men do not understand who Jesus is right away, how can we expect someone we are witnessing to understand their need for grace right away?

We must remember to be patient with those who do not understand and even scoff at the thought of salvation. We must continue like Jesus did to share and teach, to shape and to mold, as they learn about the wonderful grace of Jesus. So, how is your patience when sharing the message of the cross? Do you get frustrated when people do not get it right away, or are you prepared to take the long road so that your family member, your friend, your co-worker has the same grace and salvation you have?

Chucking Seeds – Preparing the Soil

Below is the daily Bible reading I am doing for the West Side Church. Please feel free to follow along.

Today’s reading (Mark 4) talks a lot about seeds. Seeds are very important to all life that moves on this earth. Seeds grow best in soil that is perfect for planting. Today’s reading teaches us a lot about the growth of seeds. Today’s reading is not about physical seeds but spiritual seeds. The seeds Christ was talking about are the seeds of hope and love that come through the message of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. We can learn two great lessons from Jesus story about seeds.

The first is this: we have the responsibility to be casting out seeds to all who hear. We must continually be sharing the message of the cross, the message of hope, the message of salvation with all people. Whether this through words or deeds the gospel must go forth. This type of evangelism takes place with people we may only have a few moments with, like the lady at a supermarket in a town we are visiting, or the gas station attendant on your trip to Florida. We might only have a few brief moments with them so we must continually be chucking out seeds not worrying were it lands. In this manner of evangelism we partner with God to allow him to grow the seeds in the soil they fall.

However, we must also learn this second lesson: the best crop is going to grow from good soil. Seeds grow best when the soil is perfect. While we have the responsibility of chucking seeds, we must also take time to prepare the soil. This is where we begin to do evangelism with friends and neighbors; people where we can invest time and energy. When we plant seeds in fertile prepared soil, then the message of the gospel is going to take hold and produce an abundant crop.

So how is your seed chucking when you around strangers? Do they see something that is inspiring, something different that they might investigate later? Do you have people where you are preparing the soil? Are planting seeds in people where the soil is getting more and more ripe to grow and abundant crop? If not, what are you going to do to change that?

Integrity

Below is the daily Bible reading I am doing for the West Side Church. Please feel free to follow along.

When I was in high school my FFA chapter would go to the Farm Science Review each year. The first year we went our Ag teacher Mr. Daniels caught wind that some of the students had chewing tobacco on them. When we were getting on the bus Mr. Daniels questioned each student. There was a group of us that got on and because of our character he didn’t even question us. None of us were the ones breaking the tobacco rule, and thus are integrity remained intact.

Today reading (Proverbs 11) discusses this very topic … “The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight” and “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” I think these are words that we need to use in our lives each and everyday.

As followers of Christ we are to be people of high integrity. Whether we are working for a company, playing a board game or get involved in a minor traffic accident, one of the best witnesses we can have is our integrity. Friends, that is what God is looking for. He delights when we are honest. He honors those who hold themselves to a higher scale. How is your integrity? Do you keep it high at all times, or are there times where you allow it to slip a little?

Running to God

Below is the daily Bible reading I am doing for the West Side Church. Please feel free to follow along.

Today’s reading (Mark 2) opens with a familiar story where a paralytic is brought to Christ to be healed. There was a man that for some reason was not able to walk. He had four friends that strongly desired to bring him to Jesus. But the house he was preaching and teaching in was too full for them to get in. So they got innovative. They climbed up on the roof, cut a hole in it, and lowered their friend down to meet Jesus. (I wander what people thought was taking place when they heard all of the racket above them, and just how did Jesus continue teaching?) Jesus saw this man’s needs and took care of them. First he forgave him of his sins and second he healed his paralysis.

This man had four great friends. They saw the hurt and need in their friends life and they took maters into their own hands. They knew that he needed Jesus in his life and they accomplished the task. How many friends, family, co-workers, and associates do you have that desperately need Jesus? Are you willing to strive at everything so that you can bring them to him? Would you take the measures that these men did? This is definitely something we must ask ourselves, because, we as Christians are to make disciples and be salt and light.

You Want Me to do What?

Below is the daily Bible reading I am doing for the West Side Church. Please feel free to follow along.

Today’s reading (2 Peter 3) paints a gloomy picture of what is to happen after the judgment of the world. The world is going to be destroyed and purified by fire. People are going to come and make a mockery out of those waiting on Christ. Now that is something I do not desire to live through. But the great thing is it does not even scare me. Why? Because I know that I am saved by grace through faith, for a new life in Christ.

When you are in Christ you have the promise of eternal life. The horrors of the end times, the horrors of Hell should not even be something that fazes you. You have been justified by Christ, and have a promise in an eternal life that is truly grand. However, this outlook should also spur us to action.

Many of us know people who are far from God. If you are not a Christian, baptized into his wonderful grace, then you are far from God. The purification of earth and the heavens, as well as the punishment of an eternity in Hell should cause us concern for the ones we love who are far from God. Could you imagine your mom, the uncle you dearly love, and the neighbor who makes the wonderful cookies spending eternity in Hell because they are far from God? Their need of salvation should make us spring into action so that we can introduce them to the wonderful grace of Jesus. So with what kind of vigor do we attack evangelism? Is it a top priority or something you hope you will do? I pray it is a top priority.

Completely Different

Below is the daily Bible reading I am doing for the West Side Church. Please feel free to follow along.

Today’s reading (James 2) offers some instruction on what our churches should look like. When I look at the American Church today I sometimes see something that is completely different.

When I look at the American Church today I see churches that are mostly made up of people from similar social backgrounds. Now I do not believe that this has been done on purpose, but I do believe it happens. You see, in most of our circles in life we run around with people from similar social and economic backgrounds. That is just the way our culture works and thinks. Why does this happen? It happens because people in the same social and economic backgrounds have similar interest and experiences, where someone from a different background has different interests and experiences. This pattern has followed its way into the church.

So is there anything wrong with this following its way into the church? I say yes and no. If it has followed its way into the church because the people of a community share similar social and economic backgrounds, then that is fine. If it has followed its way into the church because it just sort of happened, then it is fine. But, if it has followed its way into the church, because people of a different social and economic background have scorned others, whether above or below them, then we have a problem. Listen to James’ words on this … “If you really keep the royal law found in the Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”

Here is my guide to what the church should look like. The church should be a representation of the community you live in. If your community is mostly upper middle class, then your church would resemble that. If your community is mostly lower middle class to those on the verge of poverty, then your church should resemble that. (Now we must also understand that God has called us to reach all, so we would step out of our communities dominating characteristic if there is a large percent of the population that does not know Christ.) So my final question remains, does your church makeup resemble the community where you are planted?

No Hidden Agenda

Below is the daily Bible reading I am doing for the West Side church. Please feel free to follow along.

I just recently finished reading a new book by Vince Antonucci called Guerilla Lovers. In the book Vince relates the idea of evangelism to Guerilla Warfare. Now he realizes that we are not engaging in war with non-Christians, but does emphasize the point that our tactics should be similar to Guerilla Warfare. The book was an amazing approach to evangelism and one that is very practical. I strongly recommend reading the book.

While guerrilla warfare takes place secretively and sporadically it also requires a lot planning and tactics. That is very similar to the way our evangelism should be. There will be times when we are able to capitalize on random God given situations, but the majority of our evangelism should be planned out and targeted. One thing to remember is Paul’s concept of evangelism shown to use in today’ reading (Acts 26).

In today’s reading Paul is accused by Agrippa of trying to persuade him to be a Christian … “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” … Paul does not hide his motives but replies … “Short time or long – I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” Paul does not hide what he is trying to do. Paul is a Guerilla Lover, but at all times he is trying to bring people far from God into a relationship with Him.

I think sometimes we can cover our motives. We hide behind a bake sale, car wash, or serving at a food pantry to do evangelism, but along the way we do no evangelism at a fear of being offensive. We must be Guerilla Lovers, people tactfully planting gospel seeds, but we must not hide our motives … to bring people far from God into a relationship with Him. So, do you hide your motives, or are you out in the open with your purpose?

Reaching All

Below is the daily Bible reading I am doing for the West Side Church. Please feel free to follow along.

The message of the gospel is not reserved for just one kind of people. I think part of the reason so many Jews in the first century had such a problem with “The Way” … outside of their disbelief that Jesus was really the Messiah … was because it was open to all people, not just one race. Judaism was based off a race of people … Hebrews. But the gospel was not divided by once race, skin color, gender, or even economic standing. That is evident in today’s reading (Acts 24).

Paul has been arrested and sent to Caesarea to be tried. The High Priest arrives and brings Paul’s case before Governor Felix. The High Priest lays out his accusations against Paul. In return Felix allows Paul to share his side of the story. Following this we learn that Felix is aware of the “The Way.”

As we have read through the book of Acts this month we have seen all types of people coming to Christ. From the Philippian Jailer, to Lydia, to Apollos a learned and trained man, to a young boy named Timothy, to Luke the doctor. Now we learn that a government official knows a little something about “The Way.’

Are we discriminating in our churches with who we share the message of Christ with? Sometimes when I look at the local church I see congregations made up of mostly the same social class. So the thought for the day is this: how do we break this pattern?

Standing On Doctrine

Below is the Bible reading I am doing for the West Side Church. Please feel free to follow along.

Today’s reading (Acts 23) shows one of the core problems with the Sanhedrin during the 1st century. In vs. eight we learn that the ruling body of the Jews is divided among itself. We learn … "The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angles nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.” What separated these two groups was a very sharp disagreement over doctrine. In that day this was one of the main dividing lines between the Jews. It was a dividing line Paul knew he could exploit, and when he did it developed into a mighty war.

Before I go on I want to make a disclaimer: I feel doctrine is very important. I believe it is something we should teach. I believe it is something we should discuss and make sure we are following closely.

Now that my disclaimer is out of the way I want to say this. Disagreements over doctrine should not become test of fellowship. While we must strive to have pure doctrine, and correct doctrine, I believe fellowship shouldn’t halt just because we disagree. If we threw out every argument, every book, every article that sided for a doctrine we disagree with, then our knowledge and growth would be pretty slim.

I have seen some circles draw the doctrine lines as a test of fellowship. On this I would say they are wrong. I have seen other circles that haven’t worried about doctrine at all. On this I would say they are wrong. We must strike a healthy balance. In my Restoration Movement class we learned that one of the shibboleths of the movement was this: We are not the only Christians, but Christians only. Think about that. We should be seeking to just be Christians, not arguing over doctrine, but loving people as we try to win them to Christ. We should not spend time ripping each other apart over difference when a brother or sister is struggling in sin, debt, depression, or the many other things that plague our society.

I know that doctrine is important. So how do we find the healthy balance? How do we discuss our difference in a way that is building up not tearing down? When we figure that out, I believe many churches will see amazing growth.