QT 30 Dec 14, Eccl 7:10, Learn contentment by learning to be thankful

Eccl 7:10 (ESV) Say not, "Why were the former days better than these?"

For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.

NOTE: So, we do have to be a little careful with Ecclesiastes since the first part of the book is wisdom that Solomon gained from a human perspective. But in this case I think he has captured a real problem of man and that is the "grass is greener on the other side" syndrome. It reveals itself in multiple ways. In some cases, it is the belief that what I have not experienced (future) is what will make me happy. And it is seen (as in the verse) as a rosy view of past circumstances as having been better than what we are experiencing now. That is seldom actually the case, and if the person were able to go back we would find that the person would then wish for the most recent experience or some other experience, or even, as in the first case, the unrealized ideal future case. So what is the problem? It is discontent. We have not learned the secret of contentment. We have not learned to enjoy life as we are living. And so we wish our lives away hoping for a day when we will reach our picture of happiness, never stopping to enjoy or appreciate the present. In college, I wished for the weekends to come. And then I wished for the long breaks. And then I wished for the year to be over. And then I wished to start back up. And then one day, I realized I was wishing my life away. The key lesson is to develop thankfulness for what we have and what we are experiencing now. Make a list. Pray about all the things that you are thankful for. Make a point of seeing the good in the present. And look for the things that you can only experience now. For example, your children will only be their present age this year. It will never happen again. So appreciate that aspect of life. It may be hard but there are always things to appreciate in life if you take the time to be thankful.

QT 26 Dec 14, 1 Cor 15:45-49, Someday, we will put off this body of dust and put on a new heavenly body

1 Cor 15:45-49 (ESV) Thus it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47  The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.

NOTE: Today we struggle to live the Christian life in a fallen body. It was weak and it was weakened by Adam's sin. Maybe, it never had a chance since it was made of dust. Who is to know? Maybe it was a test of obedience that would have led to a spiritual body at some time--again, we do not know. But we do know that God provided a way to eternal life through faith in his son. Jesus himself told us that we must be born anew; flesh gives birth to flesh but spirit gives birth to spirit. We need a spiritual rebirth. Although, interestingly, while men of dust live on this planet, the new bodies are promised in the future, when the old body (the perishable seed mentioned in the preceding verses) is resurrected, giving birth to a body of power and strength, and at that point, made in the image of the man of heaven, Jesus. It is hard to imagine a body that is not susceptible to sin as our bodies are now. But that is the promise, and that is the key to living eternally. We will still have free will but we will have no desire to rebel against our savior. We will be at peace with God--something we can taste today but not fully realize until we are in the presence of God. Lord, help me to say no to my flesh, and to live kindly and rightly before you and others.

QT 23 Dec 14, Luke 14:7-11, Humility looks so much better than pride

Luke 14:7-11 (ESV) Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him,  9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.  10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.  11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

NOTE: I don't think the issue was "how do I get myself honored?" Rather, this fits more closely with Romans 12, "do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to." Humility is to be preferred over pride, and recognition over exaltation. There are few things so ugly as pride. I should know. I have fallen down that path many a time. You would think at my age that I was over it--that I would not care what others think of me, but no, I still struggle. I know what is true and right, but I still try to exalt myself. I am a little more subtle in my old age, and I still find ways to insert my importance or my accomplishments. Lord, forgive me for my pride. I know it is ugly. Give me grace to live humbly before others.

QT 22 Dec 14, Isa 41:23-24, Who is this baby? The question matters a lot!

Isa 41:23-24 (ESV)  Tell us what is to come hereafter,

that we may know that you are gods;

 do good, or do harm,

that we may be dismayed and terrified.

24 Behold, you are nothing,

and your work is less than nothing;

an abomination is he who chooses you.

NOTE: In context the passage speaks to the futility of idols. We still worship idols today but in a much subtler sense. By definition (mine), an idol is something you worship (give deference to) or put your hope in for your future. For many today, that is a humanistic philosophy that man can solve his problems, that science will find solutions and reasons for our pain, and that technology will give us everything we dream to own and experience. And certainly, science, technology, and human reason can do wonderful things. Except, they cannot replace God. They can exist alongside and augment a relationship and knowledge of God, but they can't provide the answers we seek by themselves. But there is no dichotomy between the two either as many would have us believe today. In this Christmas season, atheists have advertised the need to be rid of fairy tales, except they ignore the historical and scientific evidence for God. They would have us naively believe there is none. And so they create the very error they think they are protecting us from, blind faith. The evidence for Jesus, the resurrection, the zero probability of life without some intelligent agent or process need to be examined. An honest examination at the least would leave us in the state of, not sure or agnostic, and more probably, a theist. But for some reason, we have to have idols, so that we can have an excuse to ignore the God of the bible and the claims of Jesus Christ. They are not fairy tales but very real, and terrifying if true. The bible says that "the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Cor 4:4)." God visited the planet 2000 years ago, and our response is that he is a fairy tale. Israel's response was that he was Satan (Matt 12:23-24). But who do you and I say the baby is?

QT 20 Dec 14, Jer 31:2-5, Serve God and enjoy life

Jer 31:2-5 (ESV) Thus says the Lord:

"The people who survived the sword

found grace in the wilderness;

 when Israel sought for rest,

3 the Lord appeared to him from far away.

 I have loved you with an everlasting love;

therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

4  Again I will build you, and you shall be built,

O virgin Israel!

 Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines

and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.

5  Again you shall plant vineyards

on the mountains of Samaria;

the planters shall plant

and shall enjoy the fruit."

NOTE: So, what is God's definition of joy? Where is purpose and happiness found? Is it ever found in this physical life? Other passages make it clear that joy, purpose, and happiness involve a relationship with God as the supreme objective. But the sublime is not without joy or purpose or happiness. In this passage, God promises Israel that a time is coming when she will be rebuilt and there will be music, dance, and wine, as a fulfillment of God's faithfulness toward Israel. So, the answer to the question is not always spiritual, but there are physical aspects as well, not just now but even in the future. Those things appeal to us, not because they are poor substitutes, but because we are designed to enjoy them. And we shouldn't feel guilty for enjoying what God gives.

QT 18 Dec 14, Joel 2:12-14, Rend our hearts

Joel 2:12-14 (ESV) "Yet even now," declares the Lord,

 "return to me with all your heart,

 with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;

13 and rend your hearts and not your garments."

 Return to the Lord, your God,

 for he is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;

 and he relents over disaster.

14  Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,

and leave a blessing behind him,

 a grain offering and a drink offering

for the Lord your God?

NOTE: To "rend your garments," (tearing them) is an outward sign of what should be an inward attitude. Our sin should cause us to tear our hearts. But what does it mean to tear your hearts? Psalm 51 tells us, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." To rend our heart is to recognize how utterly sinful our actions have been, and how utterly sinful our heart is (because we desired to do what was wrong). We can't replace our heart or this flesh in this life, but we can transform it. First we must recognize how sinful we are. Then we follow the instructions in Romans 12-13. We surrender our lives to God. We seek to transform our mind through daily time in the word of God. We become actively involved in fellowship, the local body. Lastly, we recognized that our lives have purpose. We are to live in such a way as to bring others to Jesus Christ through our actions, lifestyle, kindness, and words of truth.

QT 15 Dec 14, Ruth 1:13b-14, Bitter events can be a good thing, if we see our need for God

Ruth 1:13b-14 (ESV) … No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me." 14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

NOTE: Most people assume that Naomi is exceedingly bitter against God for what has occurred in her life, the death of her husband and her two sons, the famine in Israel, and probably the health of her two boys as they grew up. Later on, she even tells others to call her Mara, meaning bitter, "because the Lord has dealt bitterly with her." But rather than being bitter, I believe that Naomi recognized the bitter lessons as God's way of drawing her back to himself. "Bitter" was a good thing in Naomi's life, not because it was good or fun, but because it helped her to see what was most important in life. Far from being a bitter woman, I believe Naomi was a very special godly woman without a trace of bitterness in her life. The reaction of her daughter-in-laws makes my point. No one enjoys bitter people, nor do they want to remain near them. Certainly no one searching for a faith system would choose one that seemed to provide disaster to a person's life. But both Orpah and Ruth love Naomi deeply. Orpah did return home, but Ruth clung to Naomi. And later Ruth affirms that the God who has dealt bitterly with Naomi would be her God as well. Why? Because Ruth recognized that God gave Naomi a strength and a sense of purpose that was unlike anything she had ever seen. God gave Naomi hope in the midst of great pain, tragedy, disaster, and bitterness. She wanted what Naomi had. She wanted to be a Yahweh follower.

QT 11 Dec 14, 1 Thess 5:23, Saved, but also being saved

1 Thess 5:23 (ESV) Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

NOTE: Paul's final words to the Thessalonians, who are eagerly awaiting Jesus' return (arguably at the rapture), focus on the sanctification process. We are saved by faith, but we are being saved by obedience. In the first case, we are saved from Hell (justified when we place our faith in Jesus). In the second case, we are being saved from our sinful flesh--a sort of hell for some people. This process requires the surrender of our bodies, the renewal of our mind, an involvement in community (Christian fellowship), and life purpose (the witness of our lives to those who don't know Jesus). Too many people focus on only one aspect of our salvation, the justification by faith. But equally important is the sanctification of our whole spirit and soul and body. We are to grow to be like Jesus, that is why God does not take us home immediately upon justification. We have a purpose and we have a job. To ignore this aspect is to ignore the great salvation that has been given to us. Lord wake us up so that we do not remain lazy Christians.

QT 10 Dec 14, Rapture is a physical salvation into an eternal future

1 Thess 4:15 (ESV) For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

NOTE: There is a great debate on what this word wrath means--is it soteriological (salvation-oriented) or eschatological (future times-, tribulation-oriented)?. The Greek word is orge, pronounced or-gay' and Strong defines as "properly desire (as a reaching for or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy,) violent passion." It is used more than three times of God toward man in only 3 books: Romans, Revelation, and 1 Thessalonians. In Revelation, it is used exclusively during the period of Tribulation. In 1 Thess, the emphasis is on protection from a coming wrath, and in Romans, the word could be used either of the coming wrath of God against mankind or his wrath against sin as a reason for our need for salvation. Romans has the largest number of uses. So, it is not clear. But in this passage in 1 Thess, it is most likely eschatological since that is the root of the discussion, i.e. has the Lord returned or not, and what about people who have already died? So, Paul could be saying that people who died don't have to worry because they are justified by Jesus death as much as those who are alive (this is the soteriological answer). But that doesn't make sense, surely they knew that. The most likely explanation, is that they were confused about the rapture (what happens if you are dead), and how does that relate to the coming tribulation period when God's wrath is exercised against all of mankind who has refused to believe. In that sense (eschatologically), Paul is saying that we will not need to worry about going through the tribulation but will be saved (physically) from that time. Part of our problem is not realizing that the word salvation is used in both spiritual and physical explanations. Verses that discuss salvation by works are referring to the daily walk (also called sanctification) and how we are saved from our sinful flesh by obedience and good works--we become more like Christ. Salvation is also used in a spiritual sense as in our justification when we put our faith in Jesus Christ for our salvation. There is no work involved, only faith. That salvation secures our eternity, our inheritance, and our standing with God (justification), and our future glorification (when we will be like him). The rapture saves us from physically going through the tribulation and brings about glorification (when we receive our new bodies and no longer have to fight against the sinful flesh). Praise God for our salvation--justification, sanctification, and glorification.

QT 9 Dec 14, Isa 30:8, It is good to wait on the Lord

Isa 30:18 (ESV) Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you,

and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.

For the Lord is a God of justice;

blessed are all those who wait for him.

NOTE: Recently I was disappointed by not getting a job where I thought I had interviewed very well. It was a good test of faith. One, I had told God that I wanted his best and that if this was not the best place for me that he would close the door. So, the door is closed and I must believe that God has answered the prayer. Two, it is good to wait. No matter how often I have to learn that lesson, it is still good. Three, God is not holding something back from me. I may not be equipped for the job, but God is not holding back. He desires to be gracious to me. And so, I can be confident that there will be other opportunities or even, there are opportunities where I am right now to be a witness for his name's sake. I need to keep a proper perspective and rejoice in all things. Thanks Lord for all the things which you are teaching me.

QT 8 Dec 14, Rev 3:4, Our job is to be a witness, not a political gong

Rev 3:4 (ESV) Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

NOTE: Without going into a long discussion of why I believe in the historical prophetic view of the churches of Revelation (fits with purpose, theme, and outline of book), I see a very good application of this pre-1800 church age. This church age occurred during the protestant reformation, and while the reputation is one of being alive, it is no better than the previous church age, the dark ages and the Catholic church. The protestant reformation transferred the authority from Rome to the various governments of Europe. I'm sure that was not Luther's intent, but it was the result, and so it failed just as badly as the previous age. The good news is that there were people who did not soil their clothes in the church government issues, but focused on the life giving aspect of the gospel that was released with Luther's first steps. They would become the seed of the great age in church history, the Philadelphian time, when no door was closed, and the gospel spread throughout the world via the British empire domain. It wasn't the British empire, but it was people who gave up their lives to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. The spiritual parents and grandparents can from the Sardis age. They were not caught up in political pursuits but stuck to the simplicity of the gospel, salvation to all who trust by faith in Jesus' death for their sin. That is where I too need to focus. God will take care of the nations, but he has given me the job of sharing his message to people.

QT 4 Dec 14, Prov 15:32, We need help to see our blind spots

Prov 15:32 (ESV) Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.

NOTE: As a culture, and maybe it is a little more than that--as fallen human beings--we rebel against reproof. We don't want to be told that what we are doing is wrong. Some of the reason is pride and arrogance. I think another reason is that we don't appreciate the value of correction. Or we think we are capable of correcting ourselves in time. And even more importantly, we don't realize that we have blind spots, things that are known by others but are unknown by ourselves. Our blind spots are worsened when people don't correct us, because we assume our actions are correct since no one says otherwise, and so our blind pots become hardened in us. We day, "they (the blind spots) are just who we are, and not something that needs correction." Which is why it is so important to listen to reproof and to tough love, so that the blind spots do not become hardened within us. But that requires a special friend who is willing to say hard things without worry of losing our love or friendship. For most people, the closest thing we have to that friendship is family. But there is one more approach to gaining reproof and understanding to blind spots, and that is to ask God. David prayed, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Ps 139:23-24, ESV)" Lord, I do pray, open my eyes to my faults and hidden sins.

QT 3 Dec 14, Isa 25:1-8a, There is a plan and it is there for us to learn

Isa 25:1-8 (ESV) O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name,

for you have done wonderful things,

 plans formed of old, faithful and sure.

2 For you have made the city a heap,

the fortified city a ruin;

the foreigners' palace is a city no more;

it will never be rebuilt.

3  Therefore strong peoples will glorify you;

cities of ruthless nations will fear you.

4  For you have been a stronghold to the poor,

a stronghold to the needy in his distress,

 a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat;

 for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall,

5  like heat in a dry place.

You subdue the noise of the foreigners;

as heat by the shade of a cloud,

so the song of the ruthless is put down.

6  On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples

a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine,

 of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.

7 And he will swallow up on this mountain

the covering that is cast over all peoples,

 the veil that is spread over all nations.

8  He will swallow up death forever;

NOTE: There is a plan, and it has been formed of old. It is faithful and sure. So, if there is a plan, why does it have to take so long? Why does it seem so chaotic? Why does it allow evil to reign? Because we believe that God has made the plan, we also know that the plan has purpose. It is not chaotic, slow, or evil. It has a purpose and it is to make abundantly clear that God's ways are much better than anything man can devised. For all of our supposed intelligence, new ideas, and solutions, our world does not get better where it matters most. We don't treat people with respect and dignity. We don't love. We don't worship the creator (which is very important if in fact we are created--which I believe--how we are created is debatable). And so our culture crumbles as relative truth reigns and fails to give us the future we hope to see. We consistently make excuses for the failures, suggesting more and more things are needed. Someday (although it has happened in other nations), the world leader will make the argument that the problem is religion, specifically Jews and Christians that are holding back progress. And the only way to achieve our "dream" is to eliminate these subversive elements. It will happen. Revelation tells us that it will happen. Revelation promises death to tribulation saints, but with the certainty of a much better eternal reward. There is a plan and it is designed to teach the world. Are we learning or are we also ignoring what God is teaching?

QT 3 Dec 14, Eph 5:18-21, Filled with the Spirit by Taking in the Word of God

Eph 5:18-21 (ESV) And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, 20  giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21  submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

NOTE: Merriam-Webster describes debauchery as extreme indulgence in sensuality (for the first definition). It has also been used (now archaic) as seduction from virtue or duty. Still another definition (vocabulary.com) is overindulging in life's pleasures. So, we have a comparison being made between overindulging in alcohol and being filled with the spirit. Therefore, we can view the first as follows: if you are going to overdo something, overindulge in the Holy Spirit, not in that which feeds your flesh. So, how do we overindulge in the Spirit? How do we allow the Spirit to fill us when it is already in us? I think it means two things. One, it means to give God control over more areas of our life. To put him on the throne in regards to all the various areas of our life that we try to control. Second, it means to dig into the word of God more. There is a striking parallelism between this passage and Col 3:16 (RSV) "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." The two sections are almost identical with the difference of "letting the word of Christ dwell in you richly" substituted for" be filled with the Spirit." This leads me (and others) to believe that digging deeper into God's word (which will bring up areas of your life that God needs to rule) is the same as being filled with the Spirit.

QT 1 Dec 14, Ps 74:1, 7-8 Today is a great day to live for Christ

Ps 74:1, 7-8 (ESV) O God, why do you cast us off forever?

Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?

. . .

7 They set your sanctuary on fire;

they profaned the dwelling place of your name,

bringing it down to the ground.

8 They said to themselves, "We will utterly subdue them";

they burned all the meeting places of God in the land.

NOTE: It does seem at times that the enemy is winning. Of course, that ignores two major truths, one, he already lost at the cross, and two, the major reason for the tribulation is for God's wrath to be revealed against his enemies. So, the enemy has not won nor will he win. The Psalms capture the heart and emotion of the psalmist. As such they are not to be mistaken with didactic instruction. They are perfectly true, in as much as they fully convey the emotions of the believer. But one must be careful in drawing doctrine from the pages. We can see that it is entirely normal to feel discouraged by events of the time or cultural demise. It is happening now and it is sad. But not really because I would like it to be different so I can live life in the culture I prefer, but it is sad because it blinds those who most need something different. And so it can be a good thing if we live our lives in such a way that the gospel is seen through it. We can have hope; we can do the right thing, the more thing; we can love others; we can serve others; we can display the righteousness and love of Christ to a dying world--AND people will see it because the contrast is unmistakable.

QT 29 Nov 14, Lev 19:17-18, Love as Jesus loved

Lev 19:17-18 (ESV) "You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. 18  You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

NOTE: Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." Yet, we see that this is an old commandment from the OT. What is Jesus saying? The new commandment is the spin added in Jesus' second phrase "just as I have loved you." How has Jesus loved us? He sacrificed his very life for us. So the new commandment is to practice sacrificial love for each other. Jesus' statement is in the context of fellow believers "by this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." But love is also to be extended to our neighbor. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus expands the OT definition of loving our neighbors to include our enemies as well, and to pray for them. Love is a characteristic of the Christian life and to not show love brings disgrace on the family name, as many shamefully do today. We should be the most gracious and kind persons on the earth--not afraid to stand up for sin and not afraid to love the unlovely. We people scorn us, we need to pray for them. We don't return eye for eye, but we return love for ugliness. God, help me to see where I subtly take vengeance on others with cutting words or feigned empathy. I want to live the life of love that you lived as an example for me.

QT 28 Nov 14, 3 Jn 1-4, The greatest joy is not health or a good life, but to walk in truth

3 John 1-4 (ESV) The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

NOTE: Sometimes I get annoyed by prayers that focus on sickness and health. I know that is not right; and I never express my annoyance (at least that I am aware). But in this passage, John is saying that he prays for the two things that I usually don't see as important, and two other things that I consider of paramount importance. John prays that things would go well for Gaius and that Gaius health would be good. That is a little like praying, "Bless Gaius." They are not very specific, and it could be that John's prayers are much more specific--it is just that in this short letter he does not go into detail and instead summarizes two areas of prayer for Gaius. So, one could hardly make a principle on the basis of a short note. The two other areas, also written generally and possibly prayed more specifically are that things go well for Gaius' soul and (inferred) that Gaius walks in truth. And John does state that he has not greater joy than to hear that his spiritual children walk in truth. Health and things going well are nice, but the greatest joy is walking in truth. That is my prayer for my children (spiritual and physical). I just don't want life to go nice, although that can be good. My greater joy is to hear that my children walk in truth. There is no greater joy.

QT 26 Nov 14, Ecc 9:10, Work hard!

Eccl 9:8 (ESV) Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might,  for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

NOTE: This is wisdom under the sun. It is good and useful but also ignores wisdom from above the sun. The NT provides the fuller meaning in Colossians 3:23,24 "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward." The NT is fuller because it seems to take in the spiritual side of work for the Lord as well, since it promises a future reward as part of our promised inheritance. But both verses point out the key principle -- work hard and do a good job. This is such a key concept to life. In Prov 22:29 is a verse I've seen played out many times in my own life, "Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." Good work has a reward, it is noticed. In this day of distractions, this truth is even more important. We must be careful to not grow lazy through all the distractions, but do a good job at work. Not only because we will be noticed at work, but more importantly because we are really serving the Lord.

QT 25 Nov 14, Lk 4:27, What is the plan?

Luke 4:27 (ESV) And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."

NOTE: Jesus is back home speaking in the synagogue and responding to the theoretical question of why he does not heal more people in his hometown. Interestingly, he chooses to bring up one of the Messianic miracles, the healing of leprosy. Since the giving of the law and the instructions in it concerning leprosy, no person in Israel is ever recorded as having been healed of leprosy. Miriam's healing was prior to the law, and Naaman wasn't even an Israelite, so he was not required to follow the dictates of the law (report to a priest, etc). I believe Jesus has already healed the ten lepers, a fulfillment of one of the three Messianic miracles. And he specifically brings up leprosy in his discussion at his hometown. I doubt any of them had leprosy or they wouldn't be in the synagogue, but the focus on one of the signs of his status as the Messiah is hard to ignore. Ultimately, it is these words which upset the crowd, to the point that they try to stone their hometown son. But they don't or rather they can't, because God has a greater plan for His Son.

What is God's plan for me? Do I see his hand in my life or do I think I control my destiny? And should I be bolder with my words, like Jesus?

QT 20 Nov 14, Eph 4:20-24, Sanctification requires renewal of the mind

20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

http://bible.us/1/eph4.20,21,22,23,24.esv

From <http://bible.us/1/eph4.20,21,22,23,24.esv>

NOTE: Studying Romans has really opened up the rest of bible to me. I see Paul's same line of thought here but more fully explained in Romans. In Rom 6-8, Paul talks about the sanctification process and in particular the battle between our flesh and our new mind. This battle requires actions (works) on our part. It means a change in behavior. We need to STOP doing certain things which feed the flesh and START doing certain things that feed the spirit of our mind. To renew our mind means to think differently. That means as much exposure as possible in truth. Reading the word, listening to godly men, studying the bible, and memorizing it are important steps to a renewed mind. Rom 12-15 suggests surrender, mind renewal, community involvement, and purpose as the keys. So the first step is surrender which includes repentance. We need to repent of the deeds of the flesh and re-commit ourselves to the process of renewing our minds. Lord sanctify me. I want to be more like my savior in my life and actions.

QT 19 Nov 14, Tit 3:9-11, Warn the divisive twice, then avoid

Titus 3:9-11 (ESV) But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

NOTE: So this passage gives further details on how to handle disruptive brothers. In this case, the issue is not sin, but rather an argumentative spirit. The required actions are short, warn once, then twice, then break communication. Paul calls the person sinful although the actions are in a grey area, "being disagreeable." On the other side of the coin is the encouragement to be a person who does not divide but rather unifies. Many people will have different views regarding certain passages of scripture. It is possible to share a view that is contrarian without attacking the person. The key is to 1) keep the focus on scripture, 2) avoid naming groups or opposing persons, 3) do not use inflammatory language in describing the opposing view if a description is required, and 4) admit that you do not know everything and could be wrong in your analysis of the passage. I think if we all were more careful in our discussions, they would be more fruitful and less likely to divide.

QT 18 Nov 2014, Phil 2:12-13, Salvation by Sanctification

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

http://bible.us/1/php2.12,13.esv

NOTE: The "working out" of our salvation is not a salvation by works but the sanctification part of our salvation obtained by faith, faith alone. Why is it called salvation? Because we are being saved from our flesh through the renewal and transformation of our mind. We are being saved from the old nature. That is the battle that Paul describes in Romans 7 where we do what we don't want to do. To make progress in this battle, Paul encourages us in four areas (Rom 12-16). 1) We need to surrender our lives and our selfishness. 2) We need to transform our mind but changing the input and feeding the word of God into our life. 3) We need to involve ourselves in a community of believers, a body. And 4) we need purpose in our lives which is found in taking the gospel message to the unbelieving world. If we do these things, we will, from degree of glory to another, change to become more like Jesus Christ. And so we will not only have eternal salvation by our new position in Christ achieved through justification by faith, but we will also achieve salvation from our fleshly sinful bodies that are corrupted by sin. We will become more and more useful to the kingdom, and we will be able to accomplish the good works which God has prepared for us.

QT 17 Nov 14, Rom 16:17-20, The danger of no application

Rom 16:17-20 (ESV) I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20  The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

NOTE: After greeting many of the people he knew in the church, Paul seems to step and to add a thought he did not originally address. It is a warning about brothers who cause divisions and create obstacles. They are not serving God but rather themselves or as Paul, say their own appetites. It may be power or control or a sense of self-importance, but they are more interested in what they get out of a situation. These people call themselves believers and they may even be believers, but they have allowed the flesh to control their thinking. Knowledge can be very good, but it can also corrupt when it is not applied. Application prevents us from abusing knowledge. We are called (in Romans) to transform or renew our minds. That will help us in the battle described in Romans 7 against the flesh. But to transform our mind requires more than just study of the word of God, we have to use it--apply it. Otherwise, we will have knowledge and we will be like the believer Paul warns against in this verse. James say a similar thing, "but be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

QT 13 Nov 14, Rom 14:20-22a, Put the weaker brother first

Rom 14:20-22a (ESV) Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21  It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.  22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God.

NOTE: The work of God is another person's faith. There are no longer clean or unclean foods. But some believers may not think so. If that is the case, then I need to abstain from what another regards as sin. For the most part I think that would mainly apply to hard drink, and possibly wine and beer in our day and age. Clearly, excess is sin in anything, and drunkenness is likewise sin. The passage is not addressing those issues but rather whether one can taste these "foods" at all. They are clean, but if another's faith would be hurt by seeing us indulge, then we need to avoid these "foods" for the sake of our weaker brother. I do believe there is a distinction between "weaker" brother and a mature brother who teaches that we must abstain from certain foods. In this case, the mature brother is a false teacher and must be rebuked and instructed in correct theology. But ultimately, our concern should be for the weaker brother, who is a work of God, and someone our actions could destroy if we are not careful.

QT 11 Nov 14, Rom 14:1-4, There are limited things for which we can judge others

Rom 14:1-4 (ESV) As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2  One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4  Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

NOTE: So this issue of judging is very nuanced. We are not to judge unbelievers for their behavior, that job is God's. We are not to judge those weak in the faith (called young believers) for their convictions. And in general, items of convictions are, for the most part, off limits (I will get back to this). But we are to judge believers for outright sin. There is a process. We are to confront them privately first. If they don't listen, we bring another. And if they still don't listen, the matter is turned over to the church. To me, these issues are blatant issues of sin, such as, sexual immorality, theft, a pattern of lying, and other licentious behavior (although, it might be wise to discuss first with an elder or leader). We can confront a person concerning convictions if they start to teach others that their conviction is required by God. In which case, they are now a false teacher and must be confronted about their false teaching. They don't have to change their conviction but they must agree that it is wrong to teach others that it is a biblical requirement. If they refuse, then they cannot teach in the body. Unfortunately, our problem is that we want to judge everyone whose lifestyles and beliefs do not agree with ours. We are only to judge believers, and even there, that requires special handling (should be overt and patterned, not incidental or a one-time thing) and requires much prayer.

QT 30 Sep 14, Rom 5:1-5, Justification by faith as a gift changes everything!

Rom 5:1-5 (ESV) Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

NOTE: So because we are justified by faith as a gift and not as a result of works, we have peace. And, our peace is true peace since our standing, our justification, is based on a gift and not on our performance. It was given to us and it will not be taken away from us, because it was given to us unconditionally. Therefore we have tremendous peace. The need to maintain our position is not a need at all. So, we can even face suffering with a confidence assurance. Why? Because under the OT law, suffering could be an indication of failure to abide by the law. Under grace, suffering comes about for many reasons, but every reason has purpose, as Rom 8:28 will later make clear. Justification by faith as a gift changes everything!

QT 28 Aug 14, Rom 1:18-20, Our rebellion brought about our unrighteousness

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

http://bible.us/1/rom1.18,19,20.esv

From <http://bible.us/1/rom1.18,19,20.esv>

NOTE: The first point about God's righteousness is man's unrighteousness. Assumed is that God created man to live up to a certain standard. And it is not just the existence of God that is clear, but what can be made known about God. Paul says that his invisible qualities are visible, that they have been shown to man. Specifically, his eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen in creation.

God created a perfect world which man corrupted by his rebellion. We weren't supposed to die. We weren't supposed to suffer and see evil. But we did not want to submit to God's rules (actually his one rule), and so we rebelled. There were consequences, but the biggest consequence is that we got what we wanted. The serpent said we could be like gods and we are like gods. The problem is that was never a very good alternative. We need God--we don't need to be like a god.

And so now, fallen, we are in the process of being restored. We are justified (those who put their faith in Jesus). We are being sanctified (those who know God and choose to respond to him). And for those he calls his own, we will be glorified when we receive our new bodies that are no longer corrupted by sin. Then we can be what God originally intended, godly and righteous creatures in service to Him.

QT 27 Aug 14, Rom 1:16-17, Theme of Romans: Righteousness is revealed from faith for faith

Rom 1:16-17 (ESV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."

NOTE: This is the theme of Romans; God's righteousness is revealed from faith for faith, and that is the message of the gospel.

 From faith, we see the truth of it, that we miss God's standard, the righteousness of God, terribly. We are undeserving of salvation. But, by faith we acquire his righteousness, and that is the only way to acquire God's righteousness. It is a simple message that downplays the significance of man's works. They have value, but certainly not for salvation. They are meaningless for salvation.

Salvation comes by faith. It is for everyone. The promise is that all who believe shall live (eternally).

Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift.

QT 20 Aug 14, Rom 1:16-17, Faith has always been the requirement for salvation

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

http://bible.us/1/rom1.16,17.esv

From <http://bible.us/1/rom1.16,17.esv>

NOTE: One of the key truths of scripture is that salvation is by faith and has always been by faith. Ultimately it is a faith in God. For Abraham, it was God's words to him that he trusted. For David, it was also God's words. For Job, it was God's reality and his commands as expressed to Noah. For us, it is God's son, his death for our sins, his resurrection from death, and his promise to us of eternal life. The specifics of our faith may vary over time, but it has always been faith in God for our ultimate salvation. Today, the gospel is fully revealed. It offers salvation to every person who lives. It reveals God's righteousness, a standard so high, that only God himself could meet it. Jesus lived to that standard and offered his life for all of us. If Jesus was only a man, that would not be possible, but Jesus was God and so his death provides salvation for all people for all time. Thank you Lord, I am so undeserving of such kindness.

QT 18 Aug 14, Rom 1:1-7, Not being able to do something might allow us to do even more

Rom 1:1-7 (ESV) Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

NOTE: Paul's greeting seems to hint at his purpose. He mentions the concept of an apostle and its purpose. He mentions God and his gospel, its Jewish roots. He mentions Jesus, his death and resurrection. He mentions the Holy Spirit and his role. He mentions the results of the gospel and the application to our lives. He mentions faith, the great commission (the nations), and the call to belong to Jesus (the church). Every one of these concepts will be addressed in his letter. They will be addressed fully, because as we find out later, he has never visited them. So instead of reminding them of truths that he previously taught, he must go through his complete development of the gospel doctrinally. So, sometimes God uses our absence to produce something that couldn't be done with our presence. And the result is that many more people are blessed by what we couldn't do, than by what we did do (travel to Rome and preach the gospel). Interestingly, is that after writing this letter, he will have opportunity (forced) to go to Rome.

QT 13 Aug 14, 2 Cor 5:1-5, Real life still awaits us

1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

http://bible.us/1/2co5.1,2,3,4,5.esv

From <http://bible.us/1/2co5.1,2,3,4,5.esv>

NOTE: The mortal, our current life, is going to be swallowed up by life. The implication is that we are not really experiencing life in this mortal tent we call our current life. Somehow, our future life is so much more glorious that it swallows up our paltry existence of today. You see, death does not cause us to miss out on anything, other than an opportunity to glorify God on earth. If he has placed us here, we need to live for him here. But if he takes us home because our work is done, we lose nothing. We do lose though, if he takes us home because we are doing more harm than good. Or if we, through poor choices, cause our own death. We lose many opportunities to live God, to impact others for God and to do God's will. The one thing we don't lose is a better life--maybe we lose heavenly rewards--that is true-- but we don't miss out on life, real life.

QT 11 Aug 14, Prov 22:24,25, Be wary of angry persons

24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger,

nor go with a wrathful man,

25 lest you learn his ways

and entangle yourself in a snare.

http://bible.us/1/pro22.24,25.esv

From <http://bible.us/1/pro22.24,25.esv>

NOTE: There are at least three ways of viewing this verse. One, when we are young and susceptible to others defining us, we need to pick our friends very carefully lest we pick up some very bad behaviors, and uncontrolled anger certainly fits in that description. Secondly, we need to be careful our behavior does not influence others in a manner that is not for the best. Do we have an anger problem? We need to repent, not just to God but to the person, lest someone think the behavior is appropriate for a believer. Finally, when we reach a point in life where we are not susceptible to other's behavior, it may be possible to influence the angry person with a kind and gentle manner. In this way they can see that there are other ways of dealing with life. Our witness can change the angry person but only if our walk is strong enough not to be influenced by the angry person.

QT, 4 Aug 14, Prov 29:22, Anger hurts others and ourselves

22 A man of wrath stirs up strife,

and one given to anger causes much transgression.

http://bible.us/1/pro29.22.esv

From <http://bible.us/1/pro29.22.esv>

NOTE: Fortunately, I don't seem to be a person who struggles routinely with anger. I do struggle at times with anger and those times are just as dangerous as the person who is routinely angry. Anger results in strife, which is essentially more anger among more people. And anger can cause much sin. We do or plan bad things to/for others, we talk (gossip) about others, we malign others, and sometimes we are violent to others. All this comes from anger. The answer is to learn to let go of anger, to forgive others, to pray for others, and to seek the good of others (all people). Otherwise, not only do we hurt others, we risk destroying the very fabric of our being with out of control anger.

QT 29 Jul 14, To those who know God, we are always loved

Ps 73:21-26 (ESV) When my soul was embittered,

when I was pricked in heart,

22 I was brutish and ignorant;

I was like a beast toward you.

23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;

you hold my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will receive me to glory.

25  Whom have I in heaven but you?

And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.

26  My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

NOTE: This is so true -- when we are in those dark periods, where emotions control our thoughts, where pricks dig painfully at our souls, we act like fools toward God, forgetting who God is and whom we serve. And yet, our response to God does not change his love for us. Yes, it can change his actions and even our rewards, but he does not love us any less. Because, for God, love is a commitment. It never changes. It gives us hope and frees us from fear. Perfect love casts out fear. We can never not be loved -- how amazing! But we can trigger his discipline (because he loves us so much). "It is fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb 10:31)." That verse was written to believers who were falling away. God is like a parent, who will do whatever it takes to bring us back to him. A good parent knows that discipline, while painful, is for our best. And so God acts in love for his children, but he never ever stops loving us. No matter how ugly we are to him. Thank you Lord for you immeasurable grace and kindness toward me.

QT 24 Jul 14, Live what you teach

Ex 14:13-16 (ESV) And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14  The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."

15 The Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. 16  Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.

NOTE: The statement of God to Moses is difficult at first glance. So, a number of things must be remembered first. God does not ask questions to gain information but for the purpose of the hearer to think. Second, God is not exasperated in a human emotion way. Third, the scripture does not record all that was said or is going on at this stage, but Moses does feel compelled to quote God completely (as I would too). Finally, in context, Moses has told the people, "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."

So, it would appear that Moses does not follow his advice. Also, if Moses can cry out to God, why should not the people do the same. The passage does not show Moses crying out, but God's question makes it clear that he was crying out. But crying out to God is a good thing, so why does Moses tell the people not to cry out. And maybe that is the point of the question. God wants us to cry out to him but Moses told the people not to cry out.

Lord, help me to see where I say one thing, but then I don't follow my own advice. Also, I pray that the things that I say are the right things to say and not just statements that sound good but are unbiblical. Help me to stay biblical.

QT 14 Jul 14, Everything will be restored according to the original plan (including work)

Rev 22:1-5 (ESV) Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3  No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4  They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Note: And so everything is returned to how God originally intended it before the rebellion. Once again, we have access

to the tree of life. The curse is gone and the earth is no longer in decay. The fruit of the tree of life shows diversity, a special characteristic of God, as there is a different fruit for  each month of the year. The leaves provide  healing for the nations, which tells us  that there are still people groups (representing diversity in people). This is heaven, the way God originally intended the garden of Eden before there was death. There is worship, but we do not sit on clouds strumming harps all day long. We will live in a city with a variety of fruit, people, and seasons. We will probably work as well since God intended for us to work before the fall. Life will have meaning and fruition. In our fallen world, we rebel against diversity and work, and yet they are part of God's design for eternity. We need to repent of our attitude and see the reason for work. Life without work is demeaning and crushing to our spirits. Satan knows that and he had done all he can to destroy our culture. Lord, help me to see the good things in work. I know it is frustrating (weeds) as a result of the fall, but it is still a part of your original creation.

QT 10 Jul 14, Faith in Jesus guarantees our future

Rev 20:4-6 (ESV) Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6  Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

NOTE: The first resurrection occurs in stages. Jesus is the first fruit, having already been resurrected. At the rapture, the next stage of the first resurrection occurs.  Living believers will be translated and believers in Christ who have died will be resurrected (both groups represent the entirety of the church, the bride of Christ). In essence, the home that Jesus said he went to build is ready. Also, the Father determines when the home is ready, so the Son must wait for the Father's permission to fetch the bride (this is the rapture). At the end of the seven year tribulation (Daniel refers to it as seven days), before the wedding banquet, the last stage of the first resurrection is complete with the resurrection of tribulation saints and Old Testament believers (they are the guests of the bride). The banquet occurs on earth (where the bride's family is from). The seven day marriage custom occurs in heaven (at the Groom's home during the seven "day" tribulation period).

The second resurrection involves all non-believers (Old Testament times, New Testament times, Tribulation period, and all else) and occurs at the end of the thousand year reign of Christ (Rev 20:11-15). One does not want to be a part of the second resurrection.

The exciting aspect is that we can be guaranteed to be part of the first resurrection by placing our belief in Jesus Christ as our savior. The second resurrection is for those who refuse to believe and their destiny in the lake of fire, also called the second death. A noted author has tried to argue, "love wins." Which sounds nice, but doesn't agree with scripture. "Love wins" only if we place our faith in our savior, Jesus.

QT 9 Jul 14, Babylon, a way of living that does not require God

Rev 17:1-6, 18 (ESV) Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2  with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk." 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5 And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: "Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations."

…

18 And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth."

NOTE: Revelation 17 describes figurative Babylon and Rev. 18 describes physical Babylon. Why is chapter 17 figurative and not literal? One, John is carried away in the Spirit, suggesting a vision. Two, the description, a woman sitting on a strange scarlet beast defies common sense. Three, the remaining chapter tells us it is a vision, and explains in verse 18 that the woman is a city. Typically, a woman in scripture is referred to as a belief system. Israel and Judah were described as sisters and prostitutes because of their idol worship. The church is described as a bride and a woman. I would extend the figure of a woman as a philosophical view of life, or in other words, a worldview. It can be religious or decidedly non-religious, but it is still what a person believes whether it is theistic or not. This worldview is strongly anti-Christian as evidenced by her drunkenness with the blood of the saints (verse 6). Other verses even suggest atheistic as seen in the blasphemous words of the Antichrist (earlier in Revelation).

But why use the figurative image of a prostitute? A prostitute is a means of enjoying physical pleasure without a covenantal relationship, that is, there is no commitment or sense of responsibility, except a payment of cash. A prostitute is a way of getting around God's law to satisfy one's sexual desire. Additionally, a prostitute in scripture is often associated with idol worship. An idol is a physical representation of your god that you can control (as illustrated by the ability to move or shape as desired) and is not based on scripture. Subtly, Christians create idols when, in response to a difficult section of scripture, they say "… well, my god is not like that …." As opposed to accepting what the scripture says, they create their own version of who God is and what truth is--they create idols. Anything not based exclusively on the revealed word of God is just that, an idol. Therefore, the great prostitute is anything that pulls us away from our commitment to God and his rules of life to pursue our own satisfaction and control our own destinies.

This has always been Satan's plan. From the beginning of the rebellion until the end. Satan does not want God worshiped. Satan offers the world the lie of being your own gods and controlling your own lives without the interference of God. And up until the second return of Christ, God has allowed it to go on. We wonder why there is evil and suffering in a world with a loving God. And yet, that is the only reminder of the rebellion--the only thing for us to see that life is not as God intended it in the garden. When will we wake up? How terrible must things get before we finally repent of our rebellion?

QT 8 Jul 2014, The seven bowls finish the wrath of God

Rev 15:1, 5-8 (ESV) Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.

…

After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened, 6 and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. 7 And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, 8 and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.

NOTE:  Chapter 15 picks up where Revelation 11:14-19 had left us -- in the middle of the tribulation and the blowing of the seventh trumpet, also described as the third woe, which contains the last seven judgments, the bowl judgments. The bowl judgments finish God's wrath upon the unbelieving world. Jesus, while on the cross, said "it is finished," referring to his mission on earth, and his death to pay for the world's sin. And while Jesus death provided "propitiation" (the satisfying of God's wrath) for our sins, it did not obviate the need for a physical manifestation of God's wrath upon the world. Why does God still need to show his wrath? One reason is that not all believed, and Jesus' death does not cover a refusal to believe. Another reason, is that God's wrath judges an evil worldview. Jesus' death paid our penalty for sin, but it did little about the prevailing worldview. This worldview started in the garden with the rebellion where God's word was questioned, and God's plan was rejected. Instead we chose to be our own gods. God allowed it and allowed us to experience the consequences of our rebellion -- a decaying world, growing evil, and rampant unbelief. In chapters 17 and 18, God will judge Babylon, a worldview of rebellion against God (chapter 17), and a physical city representing the center of man's rebellion against God (chapter 18). And so the bowl judgments pour out the remaining judgments and wrath against a worldview that refuses to acknowledge God as King and Lord.

But are we, as believers, so different? We buy into this worldview that God's wrath is coming against. We believe the lies of sexual immorality and perverseness. And even worse, we give this lost world no alternative. We show unkindness to those we disagree. We passively refuse to lovingly share the gospel to our lost neighbor or coworker. We hide our faith to those who most need it. We don't identify with Jesus or the truth of God's word. Why? Is Babylon's worldview so compelling or have we grown to love the wrong things?

God have mercy on us. If we are living near the last days, our witness may be the very thing that brings someone to Christ during those dark days. May we not shrink back.

QT 25 Jun 14, We choose foolishness and rebellion over life and obedience

I suppose I should fill in the missing QTs, but I'm too lazy to go back and copy then all in. But this seemed like I had to publish it. -- Tom

Isa 40:20 (ESV) He who is too impoverished for an offering

chooses wood that will not rot;

he seeks out a skillful craftsman

to set up an idol that will not move.

NOTE: We still do foolish things today. The person can't afford an offering, but he can afford special wood and a skilled craftsman. He sets up an idol that does nothing. It does not move. You can look at it, but it provides nothing. It is worthless. It is only for looking at. Any prayers or requests are wasted. And yet, the person was too poor to do what he should have--given to God what is his due. We are so foolish. We waster our money on foolishness when the answer is so much closer. The problem is that we do not want to submit ourselves to God. It is the same problem Adam and Even had during the rebellion. It is the same problem the children of Israel had in the wilderness. They only want to follow God on their terms, not on his terms. And so we choose foolishness over real life and we wonder why we are so empty.

QT 22 Apr 14, Hardened hearts do not want to hear logic

Mark 8:17-21 (ESV) And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?  18  Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?  19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve." 20 "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven." 21 And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?"

NOTE: A hardened heart, which would include most of the world, does not think logically, even when the facts are right before them. The world thinks that it "thinks." The world compliments itself on its science and its "settled" science, but in many cases, it is just another religion. A little evidence and a belief combined to form a dogma. A lot of evidence, like the life of Jesus, the words of Jesus, and the resurrection of Jesus, does not stir their hearts the slightest--because they do not want to believe. We think we are smart, but we fool ourselves because of our hardened hearts. Father, protect me from the same error. Help me to see where faith is necessary and where logic is applicable.

QT 21 Apr 14, We harden our hearts, God softens them

Mark 6:47-52 (ESV) And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."  51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

NOTE: I wonder if the real problem with hardened hearts, is not that God hardens hearts, but that God does not un-harden them. We choose to believe or not to believe. We are not force to believe. But God does need to bring a change, an un-hardening of the heart to be able to believe. In and of ourselves, we would always choose to ignore God and his commands -- that is our nature. But God is the one who opens our hearts to truth. We still must use that grace for good; we still must choose to believe. But God in his kindness is the one who softens our hearts and opens our minds to his truth.

QT 17 Apr 14, Love waits

Heb 13:4 (ESV) Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

NOTE:  There are really two distinct warnings in regard to marriage. They concern those who are getting married and those who are married. The latter is the more obvious and is addressed by the word, 'adulterous.' Adultery concerns sexual relationships, while married, outside of the marriage relationship. God says it is wrong and it defiles the marriage bed and dishonors marriage. The second warning is to those who are going to get married, the betrothed or engaged. It is addressed by the word, 'sexually immoral,' which concerns sexual relationship before marriage. It also defiles the marriage bed and dishonors marriage. Why is marriage so important to God and the rules of marriage so important? Because marriage is the highest form of love on earth, and includes a lifetime commitment of two people to each other, and two people becoming one. When we ignore God's rules, we cheapen the commitment and the uniqueness of marriage itself. It becomes just another thing that comes and goes as needed. We exchange our appetites for holiness, and demean love. Love cares so much for the other person, that it can wait.

QT 14 Apr 14, We must warn others of the danger of sin

Heb 12:15a, 16-18, 25, 28-29 (ESV) See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; . . . that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.

18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest . . .

25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. . . . 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

NOTE: In context, this letter was written to Jewish Christians who were falling back into Judaism and the world. The writer is warning them of consequences of such a decision. In this case, they did not know, but Jerusalem would be destroyed by fire in a few years and everyone within the city would die. So, there are temporal and eternal consequences for our sin. The temporal consequence is discipline from God. The eternal consequence is a loss of certain rewards in heaven (but NOT a loss of salvation). And so the author warns the reader, and feels compelled to warn the reader. It is a requirement to warn others who we see engaged in sin of the consequence of sin. That requirement is especially true for those that are in leadership.