Immerse

60 Minutes of Solitude and Rest

2010-03-20T16:53:00.002-05:00

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us about your time alone with God this week. We would like to know what you experienced and what you heard from Christ through this time.
Please feel free to share what would have made this time more meaningful as well as what "next step" you might be taking.
Tim J.

Choose to... write the message?

2009-10-08T17:47:00.003-05:00

Recapping the 10 (choose wisely.) Series
Over the last several weeks at New Cov, we've been going through the 10 most important choices you can make in life. This week we'll be hitting #9, and for those not keeping track, we've covered the following:

1. Choose God
2. Choose God's Forgiveness
3. Choose Jesus as Lord
4. Choose the Bible as God's Word
5. Choose to Forgive
6. Choose to Trust
7. Choose to Love My Family First
8. Choose Authenticity
9. Choose to Serve (coming this weekend)

In the two Sundays to follow (October 18 and October 25) we will be reviewing these 9 choices, and talking about how they have impacted us. So we want to know: what do you want to hear on these topics? Obviously, we won't be just reviewing them (what fun would that be?). Instead, we're planning bring some new thoughts on the choices, and we hope to answer questions you have on them!

What We Need From You
Here's where you can help! YOU can help us WRITE THE MESSAGE! (Sorta.) We do want to hear from you, so respond to any of the following:

- Which choice has impacted you the most? How?
- What question has been burning in your mind since hearing one of the messages?
- How has one of these choices changed your thinking?
- Which choice challenged you the most? Why?

Or just write your thoughts on any of the 9 choices we've covered so far. Our hope is that for the next two weeks we can reflect on what we've covered before revealing the final of our 10 choices. Because if you're not choosing any one of the first 9 choices, choice #10 doesn't matter.

So share your thoughts! Post a comment! Or, if you'd rather do it as part of a discussion, you can head to the New Cov page on Facebook (there's a badge link on the right side of this blog).

The First 9
And if you need some more details to jog your memory on the first 8 choices, here are the "Bret's Notes" versions of the messages:

--Choose God--
Jeremiah 29 also calls us to seek Him, and that's the key here: choose to seek Him. The first 4 words of the Bible were a call for reflection for the week: "In the beginning, God..." God can be found in the improbabilities of the Earth, in the moral fiber of humankind. We should choose Him.

--Choose God's Forgiveness--
The story of Jesus healing the paralytic was the text. Tim used boxes stacked up to show that we can't be 100% good on our own. We listened to Sinatra's "I Did It My Way" as painters showed us that we can't paint over our mistakes by ourselves. We took communion and heard the words of Isaiah 53 in the song "By His Wounds."

--Choose Jesus as Lord--
Curt Liesveld talked about a created order of the world. God made us higher than creation, but not at the top. He mentioned a Dallas Willard concept: "vampire Christians." We accept Jesus and his blood, but we don't make Him Lord.

--Choose the Bible as God's Word--
Tim reflected on Psalm 1. In the first verse are 3 postures that show our progression to our bottom-line authority: walk, stand, sit. Who or what is the authority, the compass, the final authority in our lives? James 1:22 then says to not only read the Bible, but to do what it says.

--Choose to Forgive--
We heard quotes read from blog comments on why forgiving is so hard. Tim reminded us through Matthew 18 that God has forgiven us, so we should forgive others. Justin and Erica Klemsz shared a story of forgiveness from their marriage. We had communion, remembering that Christ has forgiven us: how could we withhold forgiveness from others?

--Choose to Trust--
The service started with movie clips, where the topic was worrying about the future. Tim took us to Matthew 6:25, and challenged us with this idea: when we worry, we are saying there isn't a God big enough for our problems. We can choose to trust, or we can choose atheism.

--Choose to Love My Family First--
Troy Heller spoke on the importance of making our family a priority. Using tennis balls to illustrate, Troy showed us that we've got 168 hours in the week, and around 72 aren't spent sleeping or working. How do we make the most of those 72 hours? And how do we work spiritual growth into our family communication?

--Choose Authenticity--
Tim spoke, and illustrated that the only way we can lessen the gap between who we say we are, and who we really are, is to draw nearer to Christ. We saw a drama called "Mask" that showed a woman putting on an act to go to church, so no one would see how she was hurting. "Honesty" by Sara Groves concluded the drama. We had communion while singing verses from "O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing."

--Choose to Serve-- (coming this weekend)

Forgiving is hard. Why is that?

2009-08-26T11:41:00.006-05:00

We all know that forgiving people can be hard sometimes. Sometimes it's like throwing a switch, but sometimes we withhold forgiveness for weeks, or months, or years.

Why is it so hard to forgive?

We want to hear from you on this one. Tim is currently working on a message about forgiving others, scheduled for Sunday, September 13. He wants to speak to what people need to hear, so we're giving you an opportunity to help shape the message. So here's what we need from you:

Post a comment below, and answer at least one of these questions:

Why is it so hard to forgive?
What are the barriers that keep me from forgiving the person who wronged me?

Keep things anonymous (don't point any fingers here), and post anonymously if you'd like.

Romans 9 Summary

2009-03-22T15:02:00.001-05:00

Somehow in his providence God is able to orchestrate everything so that people choosing freely somehow contribute to God’s plan exactly as he planned it.

Questions/ Comments Calvininsm

2009-03-17T21:47:00.001-05:00

According to Calvinism:
Salvation is accomplished by the almighty power of the Triune God. The Father chose a people, the Son died for them, the Holy Spirit makes Christ's death effective by bringing the elect to faith and repentance, thereby causing them to willingly obey the gospel. The entire process (election, redemption, regeneration) is the work of God and is by grace alone. Thus God, not man, determines who will be the recipients of the gift of salvation.

What in this statement is true according to your understanding of the Bible?

What seems "off" from your understanding of the Bible?

Questions / Comments Arminiansim

2009-03-17T21:46:00.002-05:00

According to Arminianism:
Salvation is accomplished through the combined efforts of God (who takes the initiative) and man (who must respond) - man's response being the determining factor. God has provided salvation for everyone, but His provision becomes effective only for those who, of their own free will, "choose" to cooperate with Him and accept His offer of grace. At the crucial point, man's will plays a decisive role; thus man, not God, determines who will be recipients of the gift of salvation.

What in this statement is true according to your understanding of the Bible?

What seems "off" from your understanding of the Bible?

Face to Face----Betrayal

2009-02-16T17:14:00.005-06:00

From Text Questions Feb. 15

1. How do you ever heal from being betrayed? How long is it going to hurt? It's been years.
It is going to be a long journey. For sure, it will be when Jesus appears! My experience is that a betrayal today opens the wound of yesterday’s betrayal. I have to go back and work on forgiving and letting go of something that happened long ago—again. Memory is both a wonderful and terrible thing. Healing, however, is different from remembering. Healing has happened when I can honestly say “God has used the terrible wrong for something really good in my life.” In other words, when I can bring God into the situation and truly believe and see the good He has delivered, then I am healed. (Gen. 50:20) A tip I have would be to talk to a trusted friend in detail about the betrayal. Having someone listen and ask questions really helps the healing process. James 5:16 says confession and prayer bring about healing. Likely things will not return to "normal." We are in process and are changing. A decision to look forward instead of backward will help the process of growing into Christlikeness.

2. Is being conscious of what we're doing wrong in sin and feeling the conviction in our heart wanting to draw closer to God ...Is that enough punishment?
I hear two things in this question as it is stated: (1) is what I used to say to my mother when she was spanking me, ‘That’s enough. I won’t do it again!” In reading Hosea, it is hard for us to erase the picture of God doing punishing. If I read the book properly, God is allowing the consequences of sin to do the punishing. “Egypt” and “Assyria” are mentioned repeatedly as punishers. Those are the very nations that Israel looked to for life rather than looking to God. Israel made treaties with those countries and tried to buy their way into alliances. Those are the nations that tore Israel apart. (2) “wanting to draw closer to God” is not enough. Hosea 5:4 says, “Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God.” In addition to wanting to draw closer, there has to be the ceasing or stopping of the actions and attitudes that caused one to leave God. It is both heart and action.

3. Do we have to restore a relationship with someone who betrayed us?
No. Forgiveness is different from reconciliation and restoration. I can forgive someone who has been toxic to me or even abusive without letting them back into my life. I need to wait until I know they have fully repented and they have rebuilt trust to invite them back in my life. Forgiveness does not mean that the hurt is gone. When the hurt returns, I must go to God and to other trusted friends to share my hurt. I may need to revisit and reaffirm my choice to forgive which is not unusual. Forgiveness is vital to our spiritual health. Bitterness is a cancer that will eat away our spiritual life. In Christ, we can come to a point of forgiving and then enter into a process of healing which involves forgiving again and again. Rom. 12:19 says that the goal is not reconciliation but peace. “If possible, as far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” I can be at peace that I have done all I can do in Christ. I can pray for the one who wounded me. But if the other person is unwilling come to Jesus honestly for what they have done, then I can have peace but not restored.

Face to Face...Living a Life of Obedience

2009-02-12T10:14:00.002-06:00

Below are two text questions from Feb. 8th services dealing with God's call on Hosea to pursue a relationship with Gomer who was a prostitute. Also, there are two text comments from New Cov. attenders.

All the earth’s population started from Adam and Eve. The only way people could multiply was through incest. In Hosea’s life, God tells him to take a prostitute and later to take his wife back who had been unfaithful to him. How can a God order people to do things He told them never to do in the Law.

Incest in the Bible: Given that we are all descended from Adam and Eve, either Cain or one of his brothers must have married a sister. This would seem to violate the commands recorded in the book of Leviticus forbidding marriage between brothers and sisters. The Levitical laws, however, must be considered in their proper historical context.

Though the book of Genesis condemns sexual relations between children and their parents, it nowhere prohibits a man from marrying his sister or niece. Abraham, for example, married his half-sister without compunction. Not until the time of Moses were laws established forbidding a man from marrying a sister or niece. The timing of this command makes perfect sense biologically, for genetic defects as a result of intra-family marriage would not begin to crop up until after the first few dozen generations….This is from Dr. Hugh Ross, Reasons to Believe: http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/cainswife.shtml

Was Hosea told by God to sin? Even though it is very disconcerting to hear that Hosea was told by God to find Gomer (a prostitute) and marry her, there was no sin committed in him doing that. He was not sinning by marrying her, nor sinning by pursuing her even though she had been unfaithful to him. She was the one who was sinning by her actions, but no sin on Hosea’s part.

What are sacred raisin cakes?

This food was eaten in the feasts that honored false gods. Dried grapes were used in the worship of fertility gods, who were believed to give abundant harvests to their worshipers.

Hosea has been my favorite for many years. I find it helpful to read it aloud as if reading a play. It brings out all the Passion of the story…comment from a New Cov. attender.
Chapter 4 seems like the most contemporary of Old Testament books. It is fun and sad to think of modern examples of the charges against Israel…comment from a New Cov. attender.

Making Life Count

2009-01-28T17:28:00.003-06:00

Below are the text questions that Curt Liesveld addressed on Jan. 25.

1. We spend 1/3 of our lives at our jobs, but for a lot of us our jobs don’t necessarily fit out strengths. How do we “retro” fit out jobs to fit our strengths?Let me respond to the question considering two different scenarios.

First, let’s say it is impossible for you to change your job at the present time. If this is the case, I would remind you that while your job may not fit you, you probably have more choice about how you spend the other 2/3 of your life. If you can’t be who you are as much as you’d like on your job, make sure you take advantage of who you are in the other roles you play in your personal life. Since you can’t change your job, you might want to consider if it might be possible to change your attitude about your job or if you might be able to go about your job in a way that would better fit your personality. If change is possible either within the organization you are presently employed or if getting a completely new job is an option, start to give some thought about what the most important things you need from and bring to a job. As you consider yourself to be in a role that doesn’t exactly fit your soul, you might ask if it has always been that way. If it has, what made you accept a role that didn’t exactly fit your soul? How can you make sure that you don’t make the same mistake? It could be that your role fit you in the past, but something has changed. It could be that the job has changed and that the new expectations no longer fit your talent. Or it could be that you are simply a person who likes change and you have been in the role for a long time and you are simply ready for a change. Or maybe you don’t like change and there have been some changes like a new boss, or new hours or new procedures.

2. If you are just starting to discover what your strengths are what is the best way to start acting on them? It is one thing to realize them and another to act on them.

The answer to this question is really already stated in the question: The best way to start acting on them is to simply start acting on them. You are never going to discover who you are and what you do best without doing something. Discovery occurs best in the arena of doing. While active and doing something you get a sense how you feel about it, how others feel about you when you do it and finally you will get a sense of what kind of results your efforts will bring. All three of these things are important to sustaining yourself in any endeavor. Activity is a critical aspect of the exploration process. Some people say, “I will do it when I finally get it right.” I think a better approach is “I will do it till I finally get it right.” In the search to find the best of who you are and what you do, remember that a moving object is much easier to steer.

3. On the flip side, how would you encourage a believer who knows their passions and calling yet seems to be in a holding pattern and can’t seem to get there from here?

When the person who asks this question mentions a holding pattern it suggest to me that they are not satisfied with the results of their efforts or that things are not moving fast enough with regards to their perceived calling from God. Sometimes we get the mistaken notion that when God’s calls us to do something it will always involve immediate success and that I will not involve any kind of growth curve. Effectiveness and satisfaction often look like the graph below. If you are in holding pattern you may need hold on and keep at it. The fruit to your labor may be just around the bend. Time is an important ingredient for growth. People many times overestimate what can be accomplished in a year and underestimate what can be accomplished in 5 years. Consider taking a long term view of the development of your strengths. You never know exactly where you are at on the growth curve.

4. So Moses is standing before you and says he is slow of speech. Would you send him to be God’s spokesperson?

The question is based on the account of the Moses being called to lead God’s people out of slavery in Egypt as told in the Old Testament book of Exodus. When God first got Moses’ attention with a burning bush, he made a simple request: I am sending you to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt. The first mention of slow speech ironically comes from Moses’ lips. God chose Moses to be the rescuer of his people because he had already displayed an ability to do so. There are three vivid examples of Moses being involved in some kind of rescue in Exodus 2. When faced with this calling from God, Moses chooses to focus on what he can’t do rather on what he can do. God didn’t say that he had to be smooth talker to be an effective liberator for the Hebrews, but Moses thought, like many of us, that he had to be good at everything. When faced with Moses argument (excuse) of inadequate speaking ability, God wisely suggests Aaron, Moses’ brother who apparently got most of the speaking talent in the family. When we only have part of what we need to get the job done, we have to rely on God and others. That is exactly what God wanted and what Moses found so difficult to do. (See Exodus 18) God’s greatest anger is reserved for those who focus more on what is missing than what is available. God saw enough in Moses to call him to be the deliverer of His people and he wasn’t concerned with his speech disability

Text Question #1 Oct 5

2008-10-09T16:22:00.002-05:00

So Abram received what he wanted, even when he committed adultery?
God gave Abram what God promised Abram. What God gave him was a gift (a child AND right standing with God) that was totally undeserved. Without doubt, Abram would have had a happier and more fulfilling life if he had not disobeyed God. He did suffer the consequences of disobedience. But those consequences did not negate or cross out the promise that God had made him.

The same is true for us today. After we receive the promise of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus, we also sin. Not just once but many times. God does not remove forgiveness or the Holy Spirit. He does allow us to see the impact of sin and how totally foolish it is to disobey God. The promise does not depend on our good works but on the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross and His resurrection. If we did nothing to earn grace, we can do nothing to lose grace.

Through his life story, we see greater and greater obedience to where in Genesis 22, he was willing to do something unthinkable that God commanded him to do. God stopped him and provided a sacrifice. There are some strange stories in the Old Testament that tell what happened but do not hold those actions up as an example to follow.

Outline of Romans 4

2008-10-04T06:20:00.002-05:00

Romans 4:1-3 Abraham was given right standing with God (righteousness) by faith in God’s promise.

Romans 4:4-13 The gift of right standing with God (righteousness) was not the result of Abram’s actions—neither good works nor circumcision.

Romans 4:13-17 Keeping the Old Testament law is not what brings right standing with God (righteousness) but faith in God’s promise.

Romans 4:18-22 Abraham became a father and gained right standing with God (righteousness) by faith in God who made the promise.
Describing Abraham’s Faith
1) Faced the facts
2) Elevated God’s promise above Reason
3) Strengthened by giving glory to God
4) Had confidence in God’s word and power

Romans 4:23-25 We are included in the promise God made to Abram.

Text Question #3 Sept. 28

2008-10-04T06:19:00.001-05:00

• You said that Christians also get judged as well as non-believers. If a Christian gets a bad judgment, will he still go to heaven? And if he goes to heaven why do Christians have to be judged before we go to heaven? The word for “judge” is the Greek word “bema.” This word was used in reference to the Olympic Games. It was the “judgment seat” where the competitors would stand after the race and be rewarded with a crown. God’s judgment of believers will have to do with rewards not punishment. Those who do not believe are not even qualified to enter the race, so to speak. Regarding our sin, Jesus was judged on the Cross and suffered the penalty for sin, death, in our behalf. 2 Cor. 5:6-10

Text Question #2 Sept. 28

2008-10-04T06:18:00.000-05:00

• If God sets things right for those who welcome him, how can he not set everything right? Or Have I misunderstood what is referenced by the word “things”? He will set everything right when he returns. We live in a world that can be describes as both “Now” and “Not Yet.” The kingdom of God is present and coming. As God sets things right in my life, as I know his forgiveness and forgive others, as I love others without condition, things begin to be set right in me. He also moves through me to touch the lives of others. His kingdom is now, but not yet complete. Why is it that way? We are in the middle of a big story of God’s redemption not at the end of the story. Now we know a little, but there is coming a day when everything will be revealed. 1 Cor. 13.

Text Question #1 Sept. 28

2008-10-04T06:16:00.001-05:00

• Doesn’t God give you a second chance once you get to heaven? Won’t good intentions of intending to ask Jesus into your heart even though you never got around to it be good enough? Is it that big a deal to ask Jesus into your heart? Isn’t going to church and thinking about asking him some day enough? Romans nor the New Testament reveal any evidence that there is a “second chance.” God does know our hearts and will judge us according to goodness and justice. Asking Jesus into your heart is not the “finish line” but the “starting line.” If a person does not have a relationship with Jesus in this life, then he or she will not have a relationship in eternity. 1 John 5:12-14

Text Questions from Romans 2:17-3:20

2008-09-22T13:29:00.002-05:00

If we are to live in such a way that draws people to Jesus, what happens when we have a "bad" day?
This question comes from the following verses I addressed on the 21st of Sept.
Romans 2:23-24 You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
What an indictment…the world blasphemes God because of you.
Do those around you (Your People Group) think less or more of Christ due to your presence in their lives? Would your actions and attitudes from last week, attract people to or repel them from God?
Matthew 5:13-16 Msg. Paraphrase "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 14"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. 15If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. 16Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Wherever you are, whatever you do, you are to live in such a way that people are drawn to Jesus.
Now to answer the question. I don't believe that Jesus followers are immune from "bad" days. So, when you have a "bad" day, I would think that the best way to address that would be to "clean up what you mess up" and take full responsibility for your actions. If you said or did something that is not Christ like, confess it to Christ as sin, and then ask forgiveness from the people who were the recipients of your poor behavior. I believe you will have great credibility when you admit to others your poor choices and tell them that you don't want to live that way. Let them know that you are attempting to let Christ control your life/attitudes but still have a long way to go in some areas.
I also would suggest that you will find peace and much more power if you are starting out your days committing them to be under the power of Christ. Every day when you wake up, let your first thoughts be a prayer asking Christ to give you power to live your life in a way that represents Him well. Ask Him to give you strength where you are weak. Ask Him to infuse you with His presence and power. Commit your day to honoring Christ in all that you do, however mundane, stressful, or exciting it may be.

Text Questions from Romans 2:1-16

2008-09-22T13:18:00.002-05:00

I thought most Romans worshiped false gods and idols...am I correct?
Yes, and even those coming out of the Jewish legalism still struggled with performance as a way to gain acceptance by God. This kind of thinking was so ingrained in their dna that the idea of living by God's grace was very difficult to embrace. Paul was dealing with people who had not experienced freedom from the rules and regulations of the Law in order to know God.
Anything can be an idol if they are placed in the wrong place in someone's life. Anytime someone/something is the final "filter system" for making decisions, that is a dangerous place to be. Christ should be the final "filter system" for everything we do in our lives...asking Him to give us direction in our lives.

Text Questions from Romans 2:1-16

2008-09-22T13:06:00.002-05:00

How does Romans 2:6 not imply salvation by works?
This passage may sound like works result in righteousness (obtaining righteousness through human effort), but that would go against the major theme of the book of Romans. Remember that vs. 1-16 are a paragraph. Proper Bible interpretation is to remember that words find meaning in sentences; sentences find meaning in paragraphs, and paragraphs find meaning in the whole letter.
Any proper reading of the Bible includes knowing the context and purpose of the entire letter. To take out one verse in the middle of the letter without filtering it through the purpose of the entire letter would be what is called "proof texting" which is very dangerous. A reader can make the Bible say anything they want if they don't filter the verse through context of the entire letter.
The theological point of the whole is that God is no respecter of persons (v.11) and that all have sinned (v. 12). However, the summary of 3:9-12,21-24 shows that none ever have been without sin, nor can they! A believer’s changed godly life is seen as confirming and validating his initial faith response. A changed life is the evidence of the indwelling and empowering Spirit of God which is experienced only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Text Questions from Romans 2:1-16

2008-09-22T13:01:00.002-05:00

I recall a past sermon utilizing a wheel. God being the hub, spokes being everything else, which doesn’t work w/o hub. Is this an example of misplaced worship?

Yes…anything that takes the place of the centrality of Christ becomes misplaced worship…even good things can become idols if they become the hub of your life instead of a spoke.

Col. 1:18-19And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

August 24th Reaction

2008-08-26T20:00:00.005-05:00

I love it when I can see parallels between scripture and my life. It makes things so jump-off-the-page obvious that I can't help but be moved or touched. Brett's message on Sunday did just that.

He interwove Paul's story and his instruction from Romans in with his own life story. There isn't anything more exciting than seeing someone living out of what they were made to do and who they were made to serve. So the whole message, I was thinking to myself, Yes! That's what I want to do!

Then I started wondering about who God has called me to serve. I mean, I certainly have friends who don't know Christ who I love to talk with and serve and listen to. There are also people I work with who I love to serve, but am I called to them? I feel like I am. Just recently, I was forced to make a decision to stay or leave my current job, but before I could move myself, God moved me into a new position within the same company.

I feel like God is starting to change my heart on missions, not by changing me into a missionary for some far-off country, but by starting with the people around me. Tim was totally right. I don't mean the words to some of the songs we've used for worship, but they can be my prayers. I want them to be true in my life.

Bret's words on "EGO," or "edging God out," were right on. The scary thing is that we can let "good" things edge God out. I let work, leisure, and my relationship with my wife edge God out. Even when I was serving full-time on staff at New Cov, I could let my duties, ministry, and music edge God out of the picture. I can only pray that God is honored in everything I do.

Question #3

2008-08-24T21:39:00.002-05:00

Who has inspired you to live for something bigger than yourself?

Question #2

2008-08-24T21:39:00.001-05:00

What is your “People Group”?

Question #1

2008-08-24T21:38:00.000-05:00

How have you kept your life aligned with God purposes?

React

2008-08-21T10:53:00.004-05:00

I really appreciate and enjoy hearing Justin's thoughts during this series. I'll vouch for his initial reaction to our global focus this month: he was less than excited. It's cool to hear from him now, after the first weekend.

So what is your reaction? Have you ever heard it said, "You can never go back"? I think sometimes it means, you can't "un-learn" something.

You can't un-reveal it.

Once you're faced with a new way of thinking, a new Truth, you can never just forget it. You can ignore it, but it won't go away. You know how I really know God is speaking to me? When I can't get something out of my mind. It sits there, demanding me to do something with it. For the past 3 years now, I feel like God has been stirring my heart in the area of global awareness. I won't go into all of it right now, but I feel like he's calling me out, and I can't get it out of my head. I'm faced with the need to react.

So, I'd love to hear your reaction. What is your reaction to Justin's take on last weekend? To Jeff & Diane and their story? To any of the displays in the Gathering Space? To the song "Mission's Flame"?

What are you thinking after Sunday?

What is God stirring in you?

What will you do, now that you have heard how God is moving?

How will you react?

August 17th Reaction

2008-08-20T22:13:00.004-05:00

As I reflect on Jeff and Diane's interview on Sunday, one thing jumps out at me, and I don't know if it's because I want it to or if God wants it to. It's the whole notion of location vs. devotion.

Jeff explained how the location of your missional life isn't the most important thing, but it's your devotion to God and His work. Your devotion does not increase when the distance from home increases.

The selfish part of me is relieved. Maybe since I'm mostly devoted to God, I don't need to feel guilty for not wanting to go overseas.

The devoted part of me knows there's more of me to be devoted, though. That's what I'm most guilty about: the parts of my life that show how undevoted I can be.

Something stirred inside me, though, when Jeff talked about wanting God to get more applause and credit. When I see blessings fall into peoples' laps and they chalk it up to good karma or "the power of positive thinking," it makes me sad because credit isn't being given where credit is due. But how do I become the tour guide? How do I point out God's work in their lives when they don't want to see it?

I have to admit, though, that I was stuck for about five minutes on the first sentence out of Jeff's mouth. He said, "God told us to go overseas, so we went." I kept thinking, How did God tell you? What exactly did you "hear?" Have I missed being told something, too?

Hearing Diane's story about the mens' decision to stop beating their wives made my heart leap, though.

So I'm looking forward to the next service. I love puzzles, and hopefully God will show me the pieces I've been missing.

Universal Disciple Card

2008-08-17T13:37:00.006-05:00

For details check this website:
http://www.geocities.com/g_westlake/UnivDiscTW.html

An Inconvenient Month

2008-08-17T00:36:00.003-05:00

When I was asked to do some "guest" posts during the upcoming series, I couldn't believe it. It speaks to New Cov's wish to reach the unconvinced within the convinced; that is, create services that will help God move in people regardless of their walk with God, their experiences, their preferences, and their outlook on life.

Because these are the weeks I'd like to sleep in on Sunday mornings. For some, it may be the "marriage" series. Another group may wriggle in their seats during the "giving" messages. For me, it's the "missions" month.

I wish it wasn't this way. I wish that, during these series, I could come to church expecting to see God move in my heart. Instead, I end up feeling guilty that seeing Jesus being given the nations isn't "the cry of my heart." I end up sitting through weeks of interviews, waiting for the next series to come so I can get something with "real-life" application. I haven't even invited my non-believing friends during these series at the perceived risk of turning them off because of the missional focus.

Like I said before, I wish it wasn't this way. I pray every time around that this month will be different.

My hope is that, during these next four weeks, God will change my heart. I'm not expecting a complete change—to sign up immediately for a two-week mission to a country on the other side of the word.

I want these four weeks to give me a sense of expectancy. I want to wake up on Sunday morning and be excited to hear what God is doing in our city, in our country, and around the world.

So come along on the journey with me. I'll be posting reaction to the Sunday services and letting you know what I hear from God. Feel free to join in the conversation in the comments. I'm starting to look forward to these four weeks, and I hope you are, too.

Romans 1 Remixed

2008-08-16T10:54:00.006-05:00

An Inconvenient Truth
We are not separated that far from what was going on 2700 years ago—the Olympic Games. Isn’t it fun to watch these committed athletes line up and seek to give their personal best and team best in competition night after night. I am getting a little sleep deprived. The first Olympic Games were held in 786 BC in Greece. 2700 years later we are watching globally this amazing gathering of athletes. We are a part of a long tradition of humans who are drawn in experience something of the joy of victory and the agony of defeat.

To me, the Book of Romans holds the same fascination as the Olympics. I can connect with what Paul is writing because my world and his world though separated by 2000 years are quite similar.

He lived in and wrote to Romans who lived in a very diverse world—culturally, religiously, and racially. In Rome more than 100,000 of the 1,000,000 people were Jews who had a distinct culture. That is true in our world today. It is true here in Lincoln. We are a refuge city for so many from all over the world. We are diverse. There was a global awareness. In this series, we want to highlight the global awareness of the Roman Christians and be challenged to live with global awareness here in Lincoln.

In Roman days, the people traveled more extensively and easily than had anyone before them—or would again until the 19th Century. Historians calculate that Paul traveled more than “10,000 miles during his career that put him on the road with government officials, traders, pilgrims, the sick, letter-carriers, sightseers, runaway slaves, fugitives, prisoners, athletes, artisans, teachers, and students.” (Hock, The Social Contxt of Paul’s Ministry, p 128-137) That sounds like I-80!

There was also a lot of Cross Cultural Learning. People would float in and out of Rome telling their story, sharing new ideas, and connecting people globally to what was going on. The Roman Christians were no strangers to what God was doing all around the world in different places. They had their own version of media. It wasn’t television it was tell a person.

We have a lot in common with the Roman Christians. This morning, we are going to have an experience like those Christian brothers in Rome had when Paul actually made it to talk with them or the many who preceded Paul. We have his letter, telling them that he is on his way if God permits.

Romans 1:1-6
1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4and who through the Spirit[a] of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God[b] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5Through him and for his name's sake, [Romans 11:36 “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”] we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Questions from Aug 3 2008

2008-08-06T13:41:00.005-05:00

Is the use of so called Christian art wrong?

Response from Kirk Conger: The simple answer is “no.” I assume this question arises from Rom 1:23, where people “exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man, and of birds [etc]…” For perspective, look back at the second commandment (Ex 20:4) where God prohibits making “any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth [etc] …” In context (v. 3-5) however, the focus of this prohibition is idolatry, of making objects to receive worship. This is the same problem identified in the Romans passage. Most of us today are not tempted to worship small clay statues (the focus of the verses above), but as fallen humans, we are easily tempted to worship many things rather than God. These include nature, art, music, drama, dance and poetry, as well as money, relationships, success, power, and even good teaching, propositional logic and the scientific method. We must be careful not to seek any of these in place of God. However, we can experience a work of art and be inspired to see God and enter into the wonder and majesty of His creation, as well as what His creatures have created. And it doesn’t have to be just beautiful things. Many of the poems in the Bible are despairing or angry. God invites us to experience Him in all areas of life, and to worship Him with our heart and soul, as well as our mind.

How did the Roman lifestyles show they were rejecting the Truth

Response from Sue Thomsen: We usually think of Rome as the imperial city of the Caesars, glorious palaces, marble monuments, a civilization that made huge contributions in government, law, military, education the arts, etc. But Rome was also a terrible city, full of horrible sins and gross licentiousness. The Roman lifestyle rejected God (v.22-23), God’s moral law (v.24) and natural law (v.25) and a whole catalogue of human vices follows (v. 28-31). Amazingly, in this environment there was a fellowship of Christian believers who rejected Rome’s sin and lived lives marked by holiness.

Response from Kirk Conger: Trying to answer this question directly leads to a logical fallacy called “abduction,” which is diagnosing the cause from the symptoms. What Paul is saying is that, because we (all people throughout history, not just the Romans) turned our backs on God and chose not to acknowledge Him as God, we have all become “fools” and the result is sinful actions and attitudes such as those listed in the rest of the chapter. The fact that the Romans (and we) experience these sinful symptoms doesn't "prove" that they rejected the Truth. Paul's point is that rejecting the Truth happened and continues to happen, and the Romans (and we) can see the consequences around us and in our own lives. The distinction is important because we often think that we can stop "rejecting the Truth" by cleaning out the sin in society and our own lives. Instead, we need to embrace God in all His Truth, and let His grace and love work in and through us to start bringing heaven rather than hell to people.

If suppressing the truth makes you a moron, is this “stupid” in the literal sense, a spiritual sense, or a blindness to the truth? Or none of the above?

Response from Sue Thomsen: Actually, the answer is all of the above. If we back up to v. 18 we see the action of suppressing the truth was the first result listed as a consequence of man’s rebellion against God. In the Greek, the word “fool” or “moron” implies one guilty of intellectual or moral folly or wickedness. The Bible often connects the “fool” with a denial of the existence of God. If it implied only a weak intellect it wouldn’t be so bad, since none of us can ever fully know God. But because it includes the moral element, it also describes our willful, wicked rejection of God’s truth.

What did God give them over from? If its salvation does that mean all are saved and people lose their salvation?

Response from Sue Thomsen :Let’s back up a minute. Remember the theme of Romans (v. 16-17)? Paul’s purpose is the gospel, which is the power of salvation to everyone who believes. There is never scripture to support that all men are saved. However, salvation is offered to all, Jew and Gentile, Greek and barbarian, wise and foolish. Now, if we look at v. 18-21 we see that God’s wrath is being revealed because of man’s rebellion. I think it’s significant to note that Paul uses the word wrath 10 times in Romans and each time it is the word “orge” which means “to grow ripe for something.” In other words, God is not suddenly flailing out in anger, but rather His hatred of wickedness is building up over time, to the point of eternal condemnation. What was man’s rebellion (v. 18-21)? Man has 1) suppressed the truth about God , 2) refused to glorify or worship God, and 3) declined to be thankful. As a result we have become spiritual fools. Now in v. 24 is God’s response. He gave them over or gave them up, abandoned men and women to their perversions. Like the father of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), He releases the rebellious child. Ironic, the very thing we seek, control of our own lives, is what He gives us up to. Man’s punishment is God’s abandonment. Instead of freedom we find sin’s bondage. Your answer, in a nutshell: God gave them up to control their own lives.

What does Leviticus 19:28 mean?

Leviticus 19:28 (NIV) " 'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.

Response to come.

When we live contrary to God’s will, will we lead others away also?

Response from Sue Thomsen: One of my Dad’s favorite sayings was, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Spiritually speaking it plays out like this: The spiritual laws of God’s universe determine that the path away from God will always be downhill. It doesn’t necessarily take the encouragement of others to lead us downhill, we are capable of choosing that path on our own (wanting to be in control). In v. 24-28 Paul marks this downward spiral of the human race by noting God’s abandonment of humanity to: 1) sexual impurity, 2) shameful lusts, and 3) a depraved mind or thinking. At the end is a mind so depraved that it begins to think that what is bad is actually good and that what is good is actually bad. Good is evil, evil is good. By abandoning God, the human race has made earth into a hell.

Is there a point where we’re too far gone to return to God? If God give us over time after time, can we always come back?

Response to come.

8. Brett used the term “Christlikeness” a couple of weeks ago. That is an issue I have considered and struggled with for some time. I led a Bible study group for several years, and in one series, we discussed how we can live like Christ. There may be a very subtle difference or perhaps in some people’s minds it is just a matter of semantics, but I’ve always thought there is a distinction.

It seems to me that to say one is “Christlike” is to try to place oneself in the same category or at the same level as Christ, to almost assume the same status as Christ. (It seems a bit presumptuous to say we are or can be Christlike.) On the other hand, to try to be like Christ is to try to model one’s life and actions after Christ, to try to emulate Him, but not to suggest in any way that we are of the same status. There is clearly a unique relationship between God and Christ as father & son, as part of the Trinity, as God become flesh, and there is also a unique relationship between each of us and Christ as God’s children (along with Christ) as well as between each of us and Christ – as Savior and saved. It seems to me that to try to be like Christ helps us maintain that humbleness that we ought to show to Christ as our Savior. Submitted by Jim Brown

Here is how I (Tim Johnson) have embraced my desire to follow Christ and allow more of Him to direct me:

Philip. 3:7-17 (NIV) But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. [10] I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. [12] Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. [15] All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. [16] Only let us live up to what we have already attained. [17] Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

Jim, each of those underlined parts are what is driving my relationship with Christ. As I develop my relationship with Christ, my lifestyle and attitudes are slowly changing to be more in line with a life that is under the influence of Christ…hopefully revealing itself in Christ like behavior. I do not think of myself like Christ…not in the least; however, I do know that there are times when I am more under the influence of Christ than under my own will…that is my hope…to be under the power and direction of Christ more and more.

My prayer becomes: John 3:30 (NIV) He must become greater; I must become less.

All of that to say, when I think of being Christ-like, it is not an action to be obtained, but more of a lifestyle of being under the influence of the power of Christ and putting my own self to death more and more.

What do you think? Does this make sense or muddy the water for you?

Additional Questions for July 20 Called

2008-07-30T17:01:00.003-05:00

1. If God initiates the relationship with us, can we still be catalysts or do/say something that will create situations that God can use?
Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. [14] "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. 2 Cor. 5:17-20 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! [18] All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. [20] We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
John 13:35 (NIV) By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
I believe that God has given us the privilege of being used by Him to draw people to Christ. As the verses stated above, we are Christ's ambassador. He uses us to be His hands, His feet, His voice to bring a heavenly environment for the Spirit of God to draw people to Him.

2. Seemingly, why is God the Father "written into our hearts," that is, more easily or readily accepted, acknowledged, but Christ, the Son, also, God, is not?
I believe that many people are not "offended" by the concept of God, but get very concerned/anxious when Jesus is brought into the discussion. Almost all religions will refer to their higher being as "God" but only we Christians refer to Jesus as the Son of God who is also God. And, as you would expect, we Christians are considered very exclusive and narrow minded due to our stance that Jesus is THE only way to heaven. Jesus did say:
John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
And, Peter, the Apostle said:
Acts 4:12 (NIV)Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
It would be very convenient if there were numerous ways to enter into relationship with God and to ensure Heaven as a guarantee as the final resting place for us. But, that is NOT what the Bible teaches and that is why Paul was so driven to share Christ with anyone who would be open to the Gospel of Christ.
Romans 1:14-17 (NIV) I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. [15] That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome. [16] I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. [17] For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

Text /Questions from July 27th Righteousness

2008-07-30T14:57:00.004-05:00

1. What if I have a heart that needs enlarging (Romans 1:8-10)?
One revealer of a small heart is that our prayers/concerns consist of issues dealing with ourselves instead of praying for others. One of the best things to do is to discipline yourself to spend time praying for others before you move to your own issues. There is nothing wrong with praying for yourself, but if your prayers are only for yourself, that really narrows your world. Paul models for us what it could look like to have a "Kingdom Minded" heart for the world.
Romans 1:9 (NIV) God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.

2. How do you know if your obligations are God driven or self-driven?
Ephes. 5:18 (NIV) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Applying this verse will really help you to be under the influence of Jesus in your life. Each day, if you would pray that your life will be under the influence of the Spirit of Jesus, you will be able to ascertain much more easily if you are being led by the Spirit of Christ or under your own influence.
I also will pray these verses frequently:
Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Philip. 3:14-15 (NIV) I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. [15] All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
These verses are revealing that God will bring to our minds anything that is not pleasing to Him and if we are headed in ways that are not where He wants us to go, God will reveal that to us.
Back to the original question, I do believe that God puts desires within us and has created us with passions that He wants us to develop. The key is to make sure that we are staying connected to Christ in order to hear His voice clearly on a daily basis.

3. What is the Righteousness Paul is referring to in verse 17?
The word righteousness is referring to God's saving activity towards humanity.

4. How do you love people whom you don't like?
This is such an honest question and one most struggle with.
The following verses are ones that I attempt to embrace and let direct me in loving those who are difficult to get along with:
Matthew 5:44 (NIV) But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Luke 6:27 (NIV) "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Luke 6:35 (NIV) But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
Col. 3:13 (NIV) Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Philip. 4:13 (NIV) I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Matthew 5:43-48 (Msg) "You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' [44] I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, [45] for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. [46] If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. [47] If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
[48] "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.

5. Should I express my faith in the workplace even when I'm treading on unstable ground?
I believe expressing one's faith is much more than using only words. Words are important, but are not the only means by which Christ can shine through us. Many people tend to think that the only legitimate way to share Christ is a face to face conversation ending with an "invitation" for someone to commit to being a Christ follower.
Jesus put it this way:
Matthew 5:13-16 (Msg) "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. [14] "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. [15] If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. [16] Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel, and if necessary use words."
I also believe that there are times when words are to be used and when they are, I lean on this verse to help me say the right things:
Luke 12:11-12 (NIV) "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, [12] for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
I do realize that there are restrictions placed upon us in some of the places where we work and I believe we should respect the rules that are in place.

6. What's a hyperbole (verse 8)?
A hyperbole is an overstatement used to make a point...an exaggeration of sorts. Paul said that the Roman's faith was being reported all over the world. "...all over the world" was an exaggeration to make a point that the Romans' faith was becoming well known. This was a normal way of writing in the first century.

7. Were Greeks considered foolish (verse 14)?
“to Greeks” This referred to the civilized, cultured people around the Mediterranean Sea. Alexander the Great and his followers had Hellenized the known world. The Romans had taken over and assimilated the Greek culture.
“to Barbarians” This (onomatopoeia) term meant the uneducated or uncultured people groups, usually to the north. It was used of people who did not speak Greek. Their speech sounded like “bar bar bar” to the Greeks and Romans.
“‘to the wise and to the foolish’” It is possible that this is parallel in Greek, to “barbarian,” but not necessarily so. This may be another way of referring to all people groups and individuals.
Bob Utley, freebiblecommentaries.org
I believe Paul was simply contrasting how large his mission was.

8. How can I apply righteousness to my every day life?
Righteousness is the saving activity of God...GRACE. I believe the best way to apply righteousness is to remember that you have been invited into relationship with Christ through God's grace and not due to anything that you have done. When you keep in mind that you are in relationship with God due to His work and not your own, it gives you a paradigm of life that frees you to offer that same grace to others as well.
Satan does not want you to live in that kind of freedom and will keep reminding you of all your past sins.
Romans 8:1 (NIV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
2 Cor. 10:4-5 (NIV) The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. [5] We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Wall paper your mind with these verses in order to apply righteousness to your life.

9. When Paul uses "spiritual gift" in verse 11, does he mean the same concept that is talked about in 1 Cor. 12?
The phrase “spiritual gift” was used in the sense of spiritual insight or blessing (11:29; 15:27).

10. What does it look like to live by faith?
Lets define faith first:
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.
Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
I believe that living a life of faith is like this:
Romans 12:1-2 (Msg) So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. [2] Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Pray these verses as you start out each day and ask God for strength to live these verses in every situation you face during the day. Living a life of faith is choosing to please God in your every day experiences, choosing to obey Him instead of choosing the easy or less complicated way of living.

"Righteous" Romans 1:8-17 Message Notes

2008-07-27T08:02:00.002-05:00

Romans 1:8-17
What would have been like to be a First Reader?
1:8-13 The Romans are on his heart.
1. Thanks to God
a. It is typical of letters in 1st Century to have an opening salutation that includes a thanksgiving, blessing, or prayer to the “gods.” Body; Doxology.
b. “Whole world” is hyperbole but true
2. Introduces theme of “the Gospel”
a. “Gospel” (Gk. euangeliion) Good News
b. Wholehearted… Spirit
3. Prays for Romans
a. Never met them but knew strategic global opportunity
Rome was capital of the Empire. 1 million (100,000 Jews)
b. Mutual encouragement - Sp. maturity≠self-sufficency or superiority; =reciprocal relationships
c. Desire: Pay attention; pray over. Heart was for the Gentiles.
APPLICATION: Pray the desires of your heart.

1:14,15 His motivation is God’s call for his life.
v14. Obligated (ophiltetes) – duty bound
a. His conversion experience Acts 9:15,16
Call is a profound impression with lasting results.
Call establishes parameters for life. It protects and guides.
a. For Greeks and non-Greeks (barbaros) not Jews—Gentile humanity
v15. Therefore “Eager” (Gk. prothumos) willing, ready, eager A MODEL for us!
a. To preach the gospel….aren’t they Christians already?
b. Gospel is broad term…
What if someone was in the Gathering Space needing the Gospel?
What would you give them?
1. Plan of Salvation
2. Word of Encouragement
3. Discipleship: Instruction and correction
4. Need money or medical attention YES ALL OF THESE ARE "THE GOSPEL"
APPLICATION: Look at your passions… your passions will reveal your calling.
1:16-17 His worldview is the Gospel.
A worldview is a lens through which you interpret and react to reality.
v16. Not ashamed of the Gospel (or the shame of persecution)
a. Power of God for salvation (Past, present, future)
1) His own life & The lives of others
2) Powerful; Transforming; Comprehensive; Simple but not simplistic
b. Jew first and then for the Gentile
v17. In the Gospel….. RIGHTEOUS…3 times in one verse.
“Righteousness” (Gk dikaiosune) justice
a. What is righteousness?
1) It is Revealed. (Not man made)
2) It is Judgment. (Sin requires separation from God.)
3) It is God’s Forensic Solution to sin. (Jesus died for our sins.)
4) It is the Saving Activity of God. (The kingdom of God is inside of believers.)
b. How does mankind become righteousness?
Righteousness by faith – relationship with God through Jesus
PERSONAL and RELATIONAL
“Faith from beginning to end”
"1. The gospel is a person. We must welcome Jesus!
2. The gospel is truth. We must believe the message!
3. The gospel is a changed life. We must pursue Christlikeness!
They are all true and must be held together for a healthy, sound, biblical Christianity. If any one is over
emphasized or depreciated, problems occur.” Dr. Bob Utley, Free Bible Commentary
c. What is Paul’s worldview?
“The righteous shall live by faith.” Hab. 2:4
The problem with the world is not horizontal…vertical.

Romans teaches this astounding truth: The God of the universe is willing to accept us as his own through our faith.
APPLICATION: Examine your life. Is the Gospel is your worldview; the lens through which you see life and reality?

Text Messages from July 20 "Called"

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Questions from Romans 1:1-7
Add your comments. Refer to which question number you are commenting on.

1. How is Christ able to be both man and God at the same time? Romans 1:3,4

Check Podcast…answered on stage

2. Predestination: are any not called?

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3. If people can’t come to God unless they are called, how should we pray for them and minister to them? What if God never calls them?

Romans 2:14-16 addesses this question. The call has gone out into the world to all people through creation, human conscience, the story of the people of Israel, and finally through Jesus Christ. We pray for their eyes to be enlightened to see the goodness and mercy of God.

2 Peter 3:9 tells us that God is wanting everyone to come to repentance. We should be praying for those around us to repent of following their own gods and to place their trust in the Creator of the Universe.

The call of God comes first and our responsibility is to respond positively. We should be praying for our friends to respond in a positive manner to the numerous ways God is drawing them to Him. As we will see in Romans 1:18ff, God has been revealing Himself to humanity all through His creation.

4. Are all people called or only those who are saved?

Check Podcast…answered on stage

5. Was the Bible written by man or God? How did man know what to write? Did God tell him directly or did God inspire him what to write?

This is a huge area to discuss. The actual writing of the Bible was by men (except the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20). The idea of inspiration is more on the right track than dictation. Inspiration means that God inspired and carried along sinful men to put into words His truth. Some have asked, “Are the ideas inspired or the words inspired?” As best we know, the answer is, “Yes, both are inspired!” How did this work? We really do not know. We do know that the earliest Christians believed the entire Old Testament was God’s inspired word (See 2 Tim. 3:16). We also know that they read and held as Scripture written by Paul. (See 2 Peter 3:15,16) Just like the divinity of Jesus and predestination there is a duality here: God and man.

Lee Strobel has written The Case For Faith that would be a great resource to address this in greater detail and in easy to understand language.

6. Paul had a vocational calling. How common is that and how do you tell?
Calling and vocation are two different things. It was clear to Paul from the moment of his conversion (Acts 9) that God had a purpose (calling) for his life to witness to the Gentiles. This calling was not so much vocational as it was a limiting call: not to the Jews but to the Gentiles. This clear directional calling that comes early in the Christian life is not very common.

Paul’s vocation was a tentmaker. He likely enjoyed it and was likely good at it. In the book of Acts from time to time we find that he worked as a tentmaker while he planted churches and discipled people. His vocation never took precedent over his calling; it served his calling. His calling is what he was passionate about and what he was willing to suffer for.

God always takes the initiative in calling, electing, and wooing believers to Himself (Eph. 1:4-5,11). The term “calling” is used in several theological senses:
A. We are called to enter into relationship with Christ (Rom. 1:6-7; 9:24;10:9-13; I Cor. 1:1-2; II Tim. 1:9; II Pet. 1:10; Acts 2:21; 22:16;).
B. Believers are called to kingdom leadership (Romans 1:1; Eph. 4:1; Phil. 3:14; II Thess. 1:11; II Tim. 1:9)
C. Believers are called to ministry tasks (Romans 1:11,14-15; Acts 13:2; I Cor. 12:4-7; Eph. 4:1).

7. What is the difference between a Jew and a Gentile?

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8. What if a person says they are called or a believer but their actions do not show it? Can Satan show up this way?

Rom 1:5 mentions faith and obedience. The next to last verse Romans 16:26 addresses “believe and obey.” This is one of the things that Paul addresses through the book. In Romans 7, he addresses his struggle with wanting to disobey God. In the final analysis we are saved by faith alone. And one of the evidences of faith is obedience and a changed life. Deception is one of the ways Satan shows up. Paul says in Roman 16:20 that if the Roman Christians embrace Jesus and the gospel that Satan will be crushed under their feet.
1 Cor. 12:3 & Matthew 7:13-23 would be worth pondering as well.

9. What is the definition of a saint?

This holy living is possible because believers are fully accepted and forgiven through Jesus’ life and work and the presence of the Holy Spirit in their minds and hearts. This establishes the paradoxical situation of
1. being holy because of Christ’s imputed righteousness
2. called to live holy because of the presence of the Spirit
Believers are “saints” (hagioi) because of the presence in our lives of (1) the will of the Holy One, (the Father);(2) the work of the Holy Son (Jesus); and (3) the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The term “saints” referred to the believers’ position in Christ, not their sinless-ness. It should also describe their progressive Christ-likeness. The term was always PLURAL except in Phil. 4:21.

10.How do you know if it is a call from God?

First read what the Bible has to say about God’s call and purpose for all believers. He has called all to be like His Son, Jesus. He has called all to be involved in taking Jesus to all the people groups on the earth. He has called all to be a part of a local body of believers. The list goes on.

God also uses our desires. (See 1 Tim. 3:1) If you have a desire from God to be involved in ministry leadership, then you should pursue that. Honor the desires that are in your heart. Just because you have a desire and sense of calling does not mean it will automatically happen. (See Romans 1:13)

The body of Christ will affirm that call if it is for leadership. It will be clear to you as well as to others in the body. (See Acts 13:1)

Too many times we narrow the definition of call and assume that God only calls us to “vocational ministry” when in fact His call is to live our daily lives for Him. The Message Paraphrase gives a great description of what the “call” looks like on a practical basis. Romans 12:1 (Msg) So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.

11. How do you know if you are chosen? Is it the pull on your heart?

If you are a believer and follower of Jesus then you have been drawn by God and are chosen. (See John 6:44) It is not so much an emotion as it is transformation of belief and behavior.

12. If you are not chosen and you still think you are a follower and when you get there is it just too bad?

If you are following Jesus and believe in Him, then Romans 10:9-13; John 1:12 are the assurance that you are in fact chosen. The scene described by the question does not exist. What does exist is the tension between believing and obeying. There is a dissonance between what we desire in our deepest heart and what our sinful flesh desires. (See Romans 7)

13. Is that why it is so important to pray for others so they can be chosen?

Paul urged us to pray that “the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened”. (See Eph. 1:18; 3:15,16) Prayer enables people to see Jesus and His calling on all people to come to Him. (See 2 Peter 3:9)

A paradox and tension exists through the book of Romans. For example, Jesus is both man and God; you are chosen and need to believe; both Jews and Gentiles are welcome in God’s family; the flesh and Spirit are vying for your life, believing and obeying, and many more paradoxes. God does not offer a tension free faith. He offers us mystery and relationship.

14. What if your life is not committed to God. Why would he want to call you?

The way this question is written would seem to suggest that God’s love deepens for those who are committed to Him and lessens for those who are not “sold out” to Christ, when in fact, God’s love does not ebb and flow according to our level of commimtment. Romans 5:8 tells us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Rom. 3:10 says that no one wants or seeks God on their own. God calls everyone. The fact that someone wants to learn about God or follow God is evidence of His calling. This is part of the worldview that Paul presents in Romans. Man without God does not want God, but God is creating desire and interest in people for Himself. This is part of God’s call.

15. If no one is too far from God to be called, why does he call only some of us?

A more biblical way to look at it is, “Why do so few respond to God’s call?” His call has gone out to all mankind. God has mobilized his body to proclaim His glory to all the nations. Yet people are not responding. God will not violate the will and choice of people. There is also a spiritual warfare dimension to this question. The enemy is blinding people. (1 Cor. 4:4)

Suggested Resources

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We will be adding to our list of resources as we immerse ourselves in Romans; here are a few resources that we have used and might be of some interest to you.

The Communicator's Commentary, Romans, D. Stuart Briscoe
Bible Study Commentary, Romans, Curtis Vaughan & Bruce Corley
The Letter to the Romans, William Barclay
Life Lessons/Romans, Max Lucado
Find Freedom/Romans, Bill Hybels
Word Pictures in eh New Testament, Epistles of Paul, A.T. Robertson
You Can Understand the Bible, The Gospel According to Paul: Romans, Bob Utley

Below is a short introduction from Dr. Bob Utley, a professor and Bible teacher. His materials can be found at freebiblecommentaries.org.

OPENING STATEMENTS

A. Romans is the most systematic and logical doctrinal book of the Apostle Paul. It was affected by circumstances in Rome, therefore, it is an “occasional” document. Something occurred that caused Paul to write the letter. However it is the most neutral of Paul’s writings, in that Paul’s way of dealing with the problem (possibly the jealousy between believing Jewish and Gentile leadership) was a clear presentation of the gospel and its implications for daily life.
B. Paul’s presentation of the gospel in Romans has impacted the church’s life in every age: Augustine was converted in A.D. 386 reading Romans 13:13-14.. Martin Luther’s understanding of salvation was radically changed in A.D. 1513 as he compared Ps. 31:1 to Rom. 1:17 (cf. Hab. 2:4). John Wesley was converted in A.D. 1738 by hearing Luther’s sermon on the introduction to Romans.
C. To know Romans is to know Christianity! The letter shapes the life and teachings of Jesus into
bedrock truths for the Church of all ages.

AUTHOR

Paul was definitely the author. His typical greeting is found in 1:1. It is generally agreed that Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was bad eyesight, therefore, he did not physically write this letter himself, but he used a scribe, Tertius (cf. 16:22).

DATE

The probable date for the authorship of Romans is A.D. 56-58. This is one of the few New
Testament books which can be dated fairly accurately. This is done by comparing Acts 20:2ff with Romans 15:17ff. Romans was probably written at Corinth toward the end of Paul’s third
missionary journey, just before he left for Jerusalem.

RECIPIENTS

The letter states its destination as Rome. We do not know who founded the church at Rome:
A. It may have been some of the people who were visiting Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost and were converted and returned home to start a church (cf. Acts 2:10);
B. It could have been disciples who fled the persecution in Jerusalem after the death of Stephen (cf. Acts 8:4); or
C. It could have been converts from Paul’s missionary journeys who traveled to Rome. Paul had never visited this church, but he longed to (cf. Acts 19:21). He had many friends there (cf. Rom. 16). Apparently his plan was to visit Rome on his way to Spain (cf. Rom. 15:28) after his trip to
Jerusalem with the “love gift.” Paul felt his ministry in the eastern Mediterranean was finished.
He sought new fields (cf. 16:20-23). The bearer of the letter from Paul in Greece to Rome seems
to have been Phoebe, a deaconess, who was traveling in that direction (cf. Rom. 16:1).

Why is this letter, written on the back streets of Corinth in the first century by a Jewish tentmaker, so valuable?

Martin Luther called it “the chief book in the New Testament and the purest Gospel.” The value
of this book is found in the fact that it is an in-depth explanation of the gospel by the converted
rabbi, Saul of Tarsus, called to be an apostle to the Gentiles. Most of Paul’s letters are strongly
colored by a local situation, but not Romans. It is a systematic presentation of an Apostle’s faith.
Did you realize, fellow Christian, that most of the technical terms used today to describe
“faith” (“justification,” “imputation,” “adoption,” and “sanctification”) come from Romans? Pray
for God to open to you this marvelous letter as we search together for His will for our lives today!

PURPOSE

A. An appeal for help for his missionary trip to Spain. Paul saw his apostolic work in the eastern
Mediterranean finished (cf. 16:20-23).
B. To address the problem in the Roman church between believing Jews and believing Gentiles. This was probably a result of the expulsion of all Jews from Rome and their later return. By then the Jewish Christian leaders had been replaced by Gentile Christian leaders.
C. To introduce himself to the Roman church. There was much opposition to Paul from sincere
converted Jews in Jerusalem (Jerusalem Council of Acts 15), from insincere Jews (Judaizers in
Galatians and II Cor. 3, 10-13), and from Gentiles (Colossians, Ephesians) who tried to merge the gospel with their pet theories or philosophies (i.e. gnosticism).
D. Paul was accused of being a dangerous innovator, adding recklessly to Jesus’ teaching. The book of Romans was his way of systematically defending himself by showing how his gospel was true, using the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus (the Gospels).

Romans Reflection

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When Tim suggested we study and then teach the book of Romans, I thought, "Wow. That is like a huge book with difficult passages. Maybe Philippians would be better." Now that we have been soaking in Romans for several months and discussing it, I really think it is the right book for New Cov at this time in our journey together. It is such a grounding book in terms of a biblical worldview. Paul wrote it while he was in Corinth during a transition in his ministry. I think it is a capsule of his best thinking about how to view reality after years of ministry and persecution.

In preparation for an Emmanuel House class in May, I read the book The Paul Quest by New Testament scholar Ben Witherington. That book helped me see Paul's life in perspective with his time and culture. It is totally amazing that God has preserved for us this amazing letter from Paul.

I hope New Cov will embrace the truths in this letter and the person of Jesus Christ. Paul was totally committed and convinced that the only life worth living is the one that is trusting in, loving, and obeying Jesus. If we join him in that commitment, God will be glorified and we will be used for His glory in Lincoln and around the world.

Welcome

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I cannot tell you how excited I am about our study of Romans! I truly believe that this will be an opportunity for our church family to wrestle with some difficult passages as well as solidify our foundational beliefs based on God's Word.

Brett Yohn & I will be inviting other people to join us in addressing the questions that arise as well as contributing to our study.

One of the best exercises you can do right now is to read Romans in one sitting if at all possible over the next couple of weeks. This will help you get a good overall picture of what Paul was attempting to communicate to his readers. If you have access to The Message Paraphrase or to The New Living Translation or New Century Version Bible translations, you might get a better feel for the overall idea of Romans.

We will do our very best to stay current in addressing the questions that arise but keep in mind you are dealing with some novice bloggers to say the least.

Interaction

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Hopefully you've learned a bit about the layout and navigation of this blog. Now for the fun part. We really want you to participate in the content of this site. Read through the posts, then respond! Leave a comment or a question. Here's how:

At the end of the blog entry you'll find a link to comments. Click on that link to read through other comments.
On the comments page the left column features existing comments. On the right is a field where you can type your own comment or question.
Below that field, select how you'd like to be identified. If you've got a Google or Blogger account, enter your login and password so your name will be a hyperlink to your profile and your profile pic will show up with your post. Ditto if you use another blog tool and have an OpenID account. If you don't have either, you can put your name and webpage (optional), or you can just remain anonymous.
All comments are moderated (we want to prevent spam) so it might take a little time before your post shows up.

Another way you can interact is by sending posts to friend who you think might be interested. At the bottom of each blog entry is a letter icon: Click on it to bring up a page that will let you email the post along with a personal message to a friend.

If you really want to stay in the discussion, you should consider subscribing to the posts and/or comments. If you use Google Reader, Bloglines, or NetVibes, this is a no-brainer. If you don't use these services, you might want to start! Each of these tools allows you to keep track of your favorite blogs. Whenever a blog updates, you're notified. It's a very convenient tool.

That's pretty much all you need to know! Enjoy this blog, and be part of the conversation so we can grow together, challenge each other, and encourage each other to go deeper, to immerse ourselves in Christ.

Navigation

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How about a crash course on navigating this blog? First, you might want to learn a little about the layout. If you're not used to it, you may not know where to start, so here are a few important hyperlinks to remember:

Title and timestamp. Found at the top and bottom of any blog entry, this will bring up a page featuring only that blog entry, along with comments below. From this new page, you can return to the main page via links at the top and bottom.
Comments. At the bottom of each blog entry is the word "comments." Click on that to read comments or leave your own.
Blog Archive. Down on the right column you'll find an archive of all blog posts. Click on the triangles to browse through the posts, sorted by year and month. Then click on the title of the entry you'd like to view to go directly to that entry.

Once you've got that figured out, learn how to be part of the conversation on Immerse.

Layout

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If you've never visited a blog before, you might be wondering what you're looking at. Maybe we should start with how a blog works.

Blog is short for "web log" and is simply a log of thoughts, comments, or journal entries. Each blog entry is dated, just like you'd find in a journal. Some blogs, including this one, are authored by multiple people.

So, as you look at this page, you'll notice a couple things...

Blog entries are on the left. At the top of each blog entry is the date and title. At the bottom of each blog entry you'll find the author and some other options we'll explore as we talk about navigating the blog.
Other useful information is on the right. For instance, you'll find an archive of all the posts (sorted by date), a list of contributors, and links to subscribe to posts or comments. Keep your eye out for updates. In the near future, we'll start sorting posts by topic, and we'll be adding links to other blogs or websites that you might find interesting.

Now on to finding your way around the blog!