Powerful points from a powerful history: Joseph in Genesis

The entire story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis is so powerful. [For reference, here are the chapters in Genesis in which to find them: 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47] Compared with just about any other event early in Biblical history, this one stands out. While there is no one who is perfect like Jesus (the Bible records times when every other main character had sinned), Joseph comes close. He dared to trust God even when things appeared hopeless and bleak. This history records how God moves, and how He used not only Joseph, but also other people, to ultimately set Joseph up to rule over Egypt during what was then going to be a critical time in that empire’s history.

As I’m reading through the Bible this year, I’m of course coming across quite a few passages that I’ve read before. One curiosity that continually comes up is the question of what either will jump out to me this time as I read, or what God will reveal that I hadn’t seen before (or simply He wants me to know at this time). As such, out of the entirety of Joseph’s history as recorded in the Book of Genesis, Judah’s plea to Joseph is that passage, at this time:

¹⁸ Then Judah went up to him and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, let me speak a word to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, though you are equal to Pharaoh himself. ¹⁹ My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ ²⁰ And we answered, ‘We have an aged father, and there is a young son born to him in his old age. His brother is dead, and he is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’

²¹ “Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me so I can see him for myself.’ ²² And we said to my lord, ‘The boy cannot leave his father; if he leaves him, his father will die.’ ²³ But you told your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’ ²⁴ When we went back to your servant my father, we told him what my lord had said.

²⁵ “Then our father said, ‘Go back and buy a little more food.’ ²⁶ But we said, ‘We cannot go down. Only if our youngest brother is with us will we go. We cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’

²⁷ “Your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons. ²⁸ One of them went away from me, and I said, “He has surely been torn to pieces.” And I have not seen him since. ²⁹ If you take this one from me too and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in misery.’

³⁰ “So now, if the boy is not with us when I go back to your servant my father, and if my father, whose life is closely bound up with the boy’s life, ³¹ sees that the boy isn’t there, he will die. Your servants will bring the gray head of our father down to the grave in sorrow. ³² Your servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father. I said, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, I will bear the blame before you, my father, all my life!’

³³ “Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. ³⁴ How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come on my father.”

Genesis 44:18-34, New International Version

This whole history is so powerful that, if I could, I would post it in its entirety. However, it is spread over a few chapters within the book of Genesis, and I would have to split it into about 3 or 4 blog posts just to really dig into it. (And, due to how fast the readings go on a day-to-day basis, doing so is just not possible right now.) But this section, Judah’s plea to the leader in Egypt who he did not yet know was his own brother, really speaks, enough for me to comment on at least this part. At least this is what has jumped out to me powerfully this time reading it.

First, the passage above is a sign of Judah’s growth. [You’ll notice I omitted Genesis 38 in the link dump at the beginning of this post. That’s because it focuses on Judah’s story, and not Joseph’s. Click here to read more.] Even though Judah was among the conspirators to sell Joseph into slavery and deceive their father into thinking their brother was dead, as the Bible records, it is Judah who continues the line from Abraham to King David. God saw something in him, and his story with Tamar, his dead son’s wife, revealed that, unlike his other brothers, Judah developed and showed good character that proved him worthy enough to God to be considered for continuing the family line.

Second, Joseph could have chosen to have all his brothers imprisoned and/or executed. After all, Pharaoh had placed him second-in-command in all of Egypt, and Pharaoh certainly would’ve allowed the green light for their execution, if that’s what Joseph so desired. And Joseph certainly dealt with them harshly! He accused them of being spies, got them to bring Benjamin to Egypt, and held Reuben captive for only God knows how long while the others returned to Canaan to eat their food until they needed to purchase more. Upon the close of the brothers’ second visit, Joseph even refused to return Benjamin with them, which led to Judah’s plea.

What speaks to me is the depth of Joseph’s anger at his brothers (save for Benjamin). He had every right to be: they did, after all, sell him into slavery, and while they weren’t directly responsible for sending him to jail later, it likely wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t been sold in the first place. He was angry, and he leveraged it.

Right after I left my manufacturing job (they relocated and I decided not to follow them), I got a part-time job as a rehearsal accompanist for a musical production titled “Master of Dreams.” A fellow member of my previous church whose passion is the theatre, and who makes a living teaching, directing, performance acting, and composing – and who also is saved – composed this musical based on Joseph’s history, from the moment Joseph’s father Jacob/Israel gifted him that coat, to the point when his entire family (including his father) joins him in Egypt once and for all. It was a fun gig, and a very powerful story. I still picture the actors’ faces when I think of each of the brothers. Anyway, the most powerful moment in this musical takes place right after Joseph hears Judah’s plea to let Benjamin return with them, with Joseph’s line: “help me now to forgive!” It was most definitely a powerful and cathartic moment in the musical (right at its climax), but also in Scripture.

Joseph sent all his Egyptian guards and attendees out of the room so that he could be alone with these strange foreigners, these folks from Canaan.

[A side note: Just that act in and of itself was considered huge in Egypt. Like most dominant empires in human history, anyone who was a foreigner visiting the land of said dominant empire, with few exceptions, was considered lower or lesser, simply because they were not of the race of that of the empire. Egypt was no different: in their mind, Egyptians > non-Egyptians. Simple as that. So for Joseph to send away who his guards and attendees considered “his fellow Egyptians” so he could be alone with these strange “non-Egyptians” was unusual, to say the least. But they complied. No idea if they started wondering if something was up with their leader for him to do that. Fortunately (I think) we never had to worry about that.]

What jumped out to me about this passage, about Judah’s plea, is that it answered a question I didn’t realize I had, which was: why did Joseph reveal himself? He knew they were his brothers. And even though, to this moment, they had complied with everything he had demanded of them, he was still angry enough to want to punish them by keeping Benjamin for himself. So why did Joseph finally let go?

Judah’s line about their father, Jacob, is what did it. Jacob, the same man who when he was younger stole his brother Esau’s birthright and blessing and later wrestled with God during the night while on the road, spent thirteen of his older-age years believing that his favorite son was dead and grieved it deeply. Everyone in the family knew that Joseph was their father’s favorite. As such, Joseph surely knew that it wasn’t his father’s fault that he was sold into slavery, plus everything that happened afterward. From what I could tell all these times having read through this history, Joseph was never angry at his father; he was only angry at his brothers, Benjamin excepted.

In his anger, Joseph wanted to repay his older brothers for what they had done to him. However, he also lost sight of how his actions would impact his father, Jacob, until Judah brought it up:

³⁰ “So now, if the boy is not with us when I go back to your servant my father, and if my father, whose life is closely bound up with the boy’s life, ³¹ sees that the boy isn’t there, he will die. Your servants will bring the gray head of our father down to the grave in sorrow. Genesis 44:30-31, NIV

If Joseph continued trying to push the edge on how far he could break his brothers, he would have also caused grief to his father, which, given Joseph’s next actions, was something that he did not want to cause. As angry as he was at his brothers, he clearly still loved his father, and as such did not want to cause him more pain than what he had already suffered. Hence the line from “Master of Dreams,” “help me now to forgive!”

That’s the beautiful thing about receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. One of the prime adjectives ascribed to Him is that He is our Redeemer. By dying on the cross as a blood sacrifice to God for our sins, He redeemed all of us, all those who were and are ready to believe Him and receive Him. Even though Joseph’s history took place centuries before Jesus’ crucifixion, redemption clearly is still a major theme in this story. I don’t know how God was able to get ahold of Joseph’s heart in this moment, but He did. And here we get to see, in the same way that God used Joseph’s circumstances to put him second-in-command in Egypt, God allowed all his brothers to be restored into Joseph’s good graces, and to bless them with some of the best homes in Egypt.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9, NIV

Questions of basis for judging human morality

This post is not quite as organized as I’d like it to be, but I also don’t want to wait more than a week to post it if that’s how long it takes for this to look nice and polished. Ergo, I share it in its half-baked state.

I will momentarily hold you in suspense as for why I’m posting this post. I want to begin with Scripture, specifically as it pertains to the title: questions of basis for judging what is right vs what is wrong as it pertains to human morality. Especially when it relates to something largely outside the Bible.

First, a reminder that God is the ultimate judge on what is right and what is wrong:

I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place. Isaiah 28:17, NIV

 

⁷ Thus He showed me: Behold, the Lord stood on a wall made with a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. ⁸ And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?”

And I said, “A plumb line.”

Then the Lord said: “Behold, I am setting a plumb line In the midst of My people Israel; I will not pass by them anymore. ⁹ The high places of Isaac shall be desolate, And the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste. I will rise with the sword against the house of Jeroboam.”

Amos 7:7-9, NKJV

Now, some of you may be wondering: what is a plumb line? Below is an entry from the online dictionary:

plumb line

noun

a cord with a lead bob attached to one end, used to determine perpendicularity, the depth of water, etc. Compare plumb (def. 1).

plumb rule.

Some of you may also ask what a plumb is, since the definition for “plumb line” does not seem to make a whole lot of sense without it. Below is an entry from the online dictionary on the word “plumb”:

plumb

noun

a small mass of lead or other heavy material, as that suspended by a line and used to measure the depth of water or to ascertain a vertical line. Compare plumb line.

adjective Also plum .

true according to a plumb line perpendicular.

Informal. downright or absolute.

adverb Also plum .

in a perpendicular or vertical direction.

exactly, precisely, or directly.

Informal. completely or absolutely:She was plumb mad. You're plumb right.

verb (used with object)

to test or adjust by a plumb line.

to make vertical.

Shipbuilding. horn (def. 32).

to sound with or as with a plumb line.

to measure (depth) by sounding.

to examine closely in order to discover or understand:to plumb someone's thoughts.

to seal with lead.

to weight with lead.

to provide (a house, building, apartment, etc.) with plumbing.

verb (used without object)

to work as a plumber.

The above definitions for “plumb line” and “plumb” may have been a little more than what you were expecting, but I like to provide context. I don’t like the reader to be lost in the dust as it pertains to understanding what I’m saying here.

As I was saying, as our world continues to change, particularly in how we judge one another’s actions seems to continue changing both rapidly and drastically, I thought it important to note a few key points. First, it seems that our idea of right and wrong has changed drastically over the last twenty to thirty years. Back then, it was considered that racism was right and homosexuality was wrong. Now, it is being considered that racism is wrong but homosexuality is right. The vast majority of bluster and hubris related to these topics, among countless others, is rooted largely in feelings and sentiment. If something feels right, it therefore must be right; if something feels wrong, it therefore must be wrong.

On these grounds, we need a plumb line. That’s why in my posts, as much as possible, I keep preaching the Bible. It’s because only the Bible can be an accurate plumb line, independent of our feelings and sentiments which change from generation to generation like the wind. Only the Bible, and its author, the God of the Bible and in the Bible (remember: all those human “authors” took dictation from God Himself. They didn’t randomly decide to sit down and pull something out of their butt to write about God) can be trusted to articulate thoroughly what is right and what is wrong, even when thoughts and feelings and popular sentiment change. And for the record, both racism and homosexuality are wrong. But I digress.

The big news this week was that in baseball, David Ortiz was elected to the Hall of Fame, while Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were denied entry on their tenth and final time on the ballot. Bonds and Clemens were the two best players during what has been referred to as the “Steroid Era.” The two men set records for hitting and pitching, respectively, two of which were records related to home runs hit. I still remember the day the Mitchell Report came out in 2007: both men, according to the report, were allegedly found guilty of steroid use. Bonds had already been suspected; Clemens came as a complete surprise to all. Nonetheless, 2007 was the last year either man played the sport, capping what were long careers for each (Bonds played 22 seasons; Clemens played 24 seasons).

For many years, I was staunchly opposed to either man, among many others from that era, being elected to the Hall of Fame. I was taught from a young age that, on principle, cheating was wrong. It didn’t matter what the circumstances were, what the methods were, or what the results were: whatever you do, you do it honestly and learn to live with the results. Generally speaking, I still try to live by that, although this way of living involves Jesus a lot more now than it did then.

One thing I did notice that seemed off about the judging process even then, was that at one point, the US government tried to throw Clemens in jail because, according to Mitchell’s report, he used steroids. I applauded then, and still applaud today, Clemens’ “not guilty” verdict. I’ll admit, I thought (and still think) that he was in fact guilty, but, I thought that trying to throw him in jail was too extreme. I figured, yes, Clemens still needed to be punished not only for his actions but also his persistent denials (even well after the truth was exposed), but as far as I was concerned, keeping him out of the Hall of Fame was punishment enough. The guy took steroids to improve his performance, stats, longevity, etc.; he didn’t rob a bank or commit murder, after all.

Recently, this article got my attention. The author took a strong stance against the baseball writers’ association’s repeated decisions to not elect Bonds or Clemens, calling it a “failure” if neither man was elected this time, which I still disagree with. The author’s primary point is that the point of the Hall of Fame is to tell the story of each era of the sport. On this point, I can compromise. What was being called into question was and is the Hall of Fame’s position regarding playing “morality police,” which I think is more than fair to seriously examine every now and then.

If I had a vote, and I were voting in a vacuum of relativism, I would completely overlook any transgressions that any player had, whether it was Ty Cobb’s racism, or Pete Rose’s gambling, or Barry Bonds’ steroid use. If the point of the Hall of Fame is truly to tell a story of the game, and the only way to truly tell the story is to include all the greats, then the only thing that would determine eligibility is a standard strictly based on in-game impact, with very specific parameters set in stone.

However, if I had a vote, and I was voting with Biblical principles at the forefront, I would keep everyone who cheated out. I think that as long as Ty Cobb wasn’t found guilty of gambling or performance-enhancing drug use, or even sign-stealing, I would keep him in. It wouldn’t matter whether I liked the person or not. If a person’s play warranted enshrinement, he would get in, as long as he didn't cheat.

After all, the Bible, which is the plumb line, does have something to say about cheating: (aside from adultery)

You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ” Mark 10:19, NKJV

You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” Mark 10:19, NIV

You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’” Mark 10:19, New Revised Standard Version

(bold emphases mine)

Like I’ve mentioned in previous posts about other athletes in other sports, Bonds and Clemens need Jesus. So does Ortiz, who made it into baseball’s Hall of Fame. In the end, God is a much better judge than any of us can ever hope to be, but through His Word we can learn how to judge according to His principles instead of our own feelings and sentiments.

On a lighter note, please peruse from this website a lesson on cheating and how to handle things when someone else cheats (for kids and for playing games).

Sermons from Good News: be a witness

Church 1/26/2022

Sermon message:

Jesus’ last words that He spoke

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 28:18-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2028:18-20&version=NKJV

Thesis: Be a witness.

Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
Mark 16:14-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2016:14-20&version=NKJV

Repeat/emphasis: “The Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following.”

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Luke 6:38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%206:38&version=NKJV

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:7-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%206:7-10&version=NKJV

Point #1: Being “religious” does not save you; receiving Jesus does

There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
John 3:1-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:1-8&version=NKJV

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Genesis 1:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Genesis%201:1-2&version=NKJV

Point #2: Good works does not save you; receiving Jesus does

Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Matthew 19:16-22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2019:16-22&version=NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%202:8-10&version=NKJV

Point #3: Riches do not save you; receiving Jesus does

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:23-26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2019:23-26&version=NKJV

Sermons from Good News: the natural and the spiritual working together equals power

Church 1/22/2022

Offertory scripture:

And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%204:16&version=NKJV

Sermon message:

Church is not the building. It’s the people. It’s a family.

Thesis: the natural and the spiritual working together equals power.

Point #1: what we (allow ourselves to) hear is important.

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Psalm 1:1-3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%201:1-3&version=NKJV

Hearing and reading the word of God regularly is important.

Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
Mark 4:24-25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%204:24-25&version=NKJV

Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.”
Luke 8:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%208:18&version=NKJV

Even scientific studies say that what you hear impacts your mental health, emotional health, and even physical health.

Point #2: What you hear affects what you think about

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Joshua 1:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Joshua%201:8&version=NKJV

Emphasis on listening and what we think about

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2012:2&version=NKJV

Let God transform you by changing the way you think.

As a man thinks, so is he.

Get in the Word. Drink in the Word. It’ll keep you in a good spot mentally, emotionally, and spiritually even when things around you are going poorly.

Point #3: What we hear and think about affects what we believe

E.g. God is good. Think about it.

Who do you want to control what you think about? Let it be God impacting what you think. Let it be His word and what He says. He wants to bless you and prosper you.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2010:17&version=NKJV

Point #4: what we hear affects our attitude and our actions

And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.
Luke 9:54-56 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%209:54-56&version=NKJV

There is much more violence in our country and our world today than ever before. It’s because of what people hear that affects their attitudes and actions. We need to be of the right spirit.

The prayer is that the Bible will impact people’s lives in a positive way.

To wit: David and Goliath—most people know the overall story but not some key details.

Every time we go back over a familiar story it’s an opportunity for God to highlight a detail we may not have seen before.

Point #5: David was an ordinary person with great faith in an extraordinary God

We can learn from David in how to grow our faith. The secret is this: spend more time with God. Spend more time in His word.

An example: One time David was a shepherd; a lion took one of his lambs, but David relied on natural resources to get the lamb back. His faith in God allowed him to trust in the resources God gave him.

David experienced problems but believed God was bigger. And he did what he could with what he had—he took action.

Point #6: David faced Goliath with what he had and put faith in God. Both the natural and the spiritual led to power.

Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”
1 Samuel 17:37 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Samuel%2017:37&version=NKJV

So the Philistine said to David, “ Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.
1 Samuel 17:43-51 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Samuel%2017:43-51&version=NKJV

Point #7: Later, David had more natural weapons but kept his faith in God

Still taking lessons from the book of Job

[[ Before I begin this post, I feel the need to share a very important note: when I share in these posts vulnerably about some of my private moments with God (as you'll see below), specifically my worst moments, I do this not to boast about it. Generally, I do not and will not encourage people to yell at God. Yes, He can take it, because He loves us so much that He wants to reach us, including when we are hurting. But, I've also encountered, both personally and in the lives of a few people I've known over the years, situations where yelling at Him and giving Him the "what for" becomes an indulgence. I specifically remember one friend from a previous era of life sharing about plans he had made with another friend to go on a retreat for the express purpose of yelling at God. This friend went on to share that, although he identified as a Christian, he felt closer to this aforementioned friend (a non-believing, non-practicing individual of Jewish heritage who just happened to know about God because of his heritage) than he did to any other Christians. As such, he was particularly looking forward to bonding with this person over yelling at the Lord. As it turned out, due to other circumstances, the retreat was canceled. I took note of that. I believe that God still judges our hearts. It's one thing to vent to Him when we are genuinely in pain (emotional, spiritual, physical, whatever). It's quite another to vent to Him because we think that by doing so we can manipulate Him into doing for us what we want. In my story, I've crossed the line over from the former to the latter. As you'll read below, particularly in Reflection #4, I want you to bear this note in mind. I share about these experiences not to boast about what I've done, but rather to highlight what God has done for me in those moments, out of His great mercy, and not because of any magic combination of words and feelings that I expressed. ]]

Reading-wise, I'm now deep into the book of Genesis, and the below reflections are at least a week or so old. But, the book of Job has resonated, triggered, affected, and given me lessons from which to take, years after my first experience with it. In I dive with what has come up in my most recent pass through the book:

Reflection #1: God is always still good, and I've read this book a number of times that I know the outcome at the end. And yet, even though I know the outcome after not only all the trials Job went through, and even though I know the outcome after God in His glory and might calls Job out for his lack of faith, that God restores everything to Job once he repents of his words and actions...

... I still hate that this happened:

Satan Attacks Job’s Character

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. 7 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?”

So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”

8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”

So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

Job 1:6-12, NKJV

...and this:

Satan Attacks Job’s Health

1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?”

Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”

3 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.”

4 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

6 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.”

7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.

Job 2:1-7, NKJV

Still, it's a good early lesson for teaching the harsh reality of being a sinner living on an evil planet, even a sinner redeemed by grace. Trusting God is paramount, and He rewards those who walk the walk of trusting Him. But a harsh reality I've had to learn (and am still learning, sometimes still resisting to learn) is that it doesn't automatically mean a good life the rest of the way. In fact, Jesus promised that there would be suffering. Peter, Paul, and the rest of the apostles, anointed with Holy Spirit power, did many miraculous deeds. But they also endured much suffering, persecution, and even a painful death.

Reflection #2: What I'm also finding about reading the book of Job is that reading it is a good litmus test for any Christian. Between myself and others I've chatted with in the past about this book, it's not a very popular book. But every time I either find myself reading through Job again, or hear someone preach on it, I always learn something new, and it's pretty much always been good. One key crucible to my faith over the last couple years has been differentiating between when God is doing something vs when Satan is doing something. I grew up with the idea that just because God is all-powerful, He causes absolutely everything to happen, both good and bad. But as I've grown I've learned that to be a false belief. While God does test us (or allow things to happen to us) it's for our personal growth and development which can lead to reward. When Satan attacks us there is no purpose except to tear us down. Interestingly, this difference is played out early in the book of Job. Job 1:6-12 and Job 2:1-6 (shown above in Reflection #1) show the dialogue between God and Satan. Satan wants to tear down Job; God allows it but in the text God still defends Job. God is still on Job's side. Why this jumps out to me, I contrast this to a verse (Job 1:20) where Job speaks/prays: "the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away." Job is not privy to the conversation between God and Satan, as we the readers are. Job assumes that God is behind all this, and over the course of the rest of the book his friends tell him that he's being punished because he did something wrong.

Thing is, I wrestled with this for a long time, too, and for that reason in the past I had a hard time reading when God yelled at Job toward the end. Along the way, I did learn that Job gradually got more and more jaded as his "friends" tried to advise him, and it's something I've known for a while now. But now, it's fascinating to read through it and see that Job appears to make a critical judgment error from the beginning. From Job 1:20 it appears to me that he thinks that God caused his children and slaves to be killed, and his livestock to be stolen.

Reflection #3: Job's faith was the last thing he had, which he managed to hold on to even as he lost all his assets, his children, and even his health. However, his judgmental "friends" pushed him over the edge, to the point that God needed to yell at him. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar kept challenging Job when he was vulnerable and low, causing him to fight back, and over the course of the lengthy conversation, cause Job to lose even his faith. He had already lost everything else, but at least when his "friends" first came to try to comfort him, he still had his faith. It was just that he then lost his faith when they tried to "help."

Ironically, when I read through the part where God yelled at Job for daring to challenge Him, I felt peace. A sermon that the current senior pastor at my former church preached, before he had become the senior pastor when he was preaching as a guest preacher, was about how God yelling at Job was a way of Him showing His presence. The point was that, when we go through incredibly hard times, we think we want answers, but what we really want (and need) is presence. Specifically, God's presence. To further illustrate it, this pastor, when his children were little, one of them had scraped their knee and (naturally) began crying. This pastor went on to explain that trying to explain to the little one why they were in pain and what they needed to do to avoid it again next time wasn't going to make them better right in that moment. What the child needed, this pastor explained, was the comforting presence of a parent. Even in adulthood, this doesn't change. When we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, we become God's children. Yes, we also become men and women of God, but we are still His children, because, even as Job confessed to God after being chewed out, that the things that God does is indeed far too wonderful for any of us to comprehend. Job went on to admit that his complaining (circumstances aside) was rooted in ignorance and not knowing what God was up to (or trusting Him, for that matter), and repented. To wit, the passage itself:

1 Then Job answered the Lord and said:
2 “I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’
5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You.
6 Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”
Job 42:1-6, NKJV

Reflection #4: I myself had kind of a "Job 40" moment, not one where I lost everything and God yelled at me, but one where I saw an image of Jesus' face, and everything changed. I was on my way to a friend's wedding out of state a few years back, had stopped for lunch, and got upset over something insignificant that I don't remember. I started yelling at God about it (I might have even crossed the line into cursing Him; I don't remember). It happened while I was in my car after having stopped for lunch. I was seated in the driver's seat, and I hadn't started the car yet. This image of Jesus's face was a very sad one. It had the look of either: "why are you cursing Me?", or, "what's wrong?", or both. I stopped immediately. I didn't say another negative word the rest of the drive up. On the drive back, though, it was gradually revealed to me that a very deep pain that I had been holding onto for almost four years (and if I'm honest, off and on for much longer than that) was behind why I had not only said harsh words against God that weekend, but also a number of times over the previous six months or so. I was in the wrong for what I had said, but I was also hurting, and that moment showed me that, contrary to my assumptions, He had not forgotten me, nor had He forgotten about me.

When I was almost home from this weekend trip, after another small rant but this time telling God what was really behind my sinful attitude, He gave me a sign: a license plate that basically said "forgive me." I pulled over and broke down. It was a direct answer to my last rant. I pulled over and let myself grieve, because I knew that God was interacting directly with me regarding this particular pain, after years of feeling like He had been completely ignoring it.

I didn't get off scot-free, though. I had already lost my previous relationship, likely in part because despite my ex's efforts, my faith wasn't really growing (if anything, it was shrinking). My music career was falling apart, and by the point of my experience with God while on the driving trip, I had been in this place of "we may be out on the street in a month," for many months already. A few key friendships had already splintered, with a couple having already ended while a few others were in dire straits. And I had recently decided I was "done" with a lemon of a car that I had bought 2 1/2 years earlier, after pouring money into it hoping that this one repair would finally take care of everything. (I had borrowed my dad's car for the trip.) 

And then, over the next year, when He blessed me again with a bunch of new things, there was one aspect of one of those things (a big change that was being asked of me) that I got angry enough to yell at God again in my prayer life over it. He responded by showing me that hell still existed, in case I'd forgotten. I shut up. That may have been the closest in recent memory to a "Job 40" moment. But looking back, when I finally agreed in my heart to make the change (one that I was previously very resistant to making), I'm glad I did it. Even in the heat of anger, I experienced an aspect of God's presence, His firmness yet again, but also once again His love and care and protection. His command was -- and is -- for my good. Just like His command long ago was for Job's good. I still may strongly dislike that God allowed Satan to cause torment to be over Job, but in the end, God restores everything double.

And in the end, in his absolute worst moment, Job got the one thing he needed most: God's presence. And we get to see how His presence more than reversed everything bad (no matter its depth) that ever happened to him.

I'm still taking lessons from the book of Job.

Sermons from Good News: if you cast you will last

Church 1/19/2022

Sermon message: If you cast you will last

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%206:9-10&version=NKJV

Point #1: cast a net for the lost

Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%204:19&version=NKJV

A fisherman catches fish and supplies nourishment for himself and his family. Similarly, when you fish for the lost and bring them into the kingdom of God, you get nourished also.

Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
Luke 10:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2010:2&version=NKJV

“The fish are great but the fishermen are few.”

Our call is also to pray for more believers to “fish” for more of the lost.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
Romans 10:9-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2010:9-14&version=NKJV

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Luke 6:38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%206:38&version=NKJV

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 28:18-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2028:18-20&version=NKJV

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
Mark 16:15-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2016:15-20&version=NKJV

Exhortion: Don’t get tired of casting nets.

After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
John 21:1-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2021:1-6&version=NKJV

Point #2: cast cares on God

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%204:6-7&version=NKJV

casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%205:7&version=NKJV

2022 Bible reading check-in, first edition

It's been a couple weeks (?) since I last wrote to check in on the Bible reading. After wrapping up with Genesis 4-11, we jogged over to the Book of Job, read through that in its entirety, and are now back in the next segment of Genesis.

[A caveat: unlike most of my posts (aside from the sermon notes), this post is going to be rather casual compared with what I typically write when it involves the Bible. The brief reason is that the readings go by fast. I may come across something profound in one Biblical book, and if I have a busy week (which I have had), by the time I'm ready to write about it, my Bible reading program is already into the next book or two after. So, there may be times when my posts are Bible passage dumps and casual thoughts, rather than the serious thoughts which I still hope to put forth.]

The Book of Job is still not one of my favorites, due to the history it records, but I do at least come away having gotten something from it. This time, as I read through it, I found myself soak it in when God yelled at Job. The truth is, none of us are God. None of us created the heavens or the earth. (And even though the events in the Book of Job way preceded Jesus' crucifixion and death (and resurrection), one could argue that, in the same way we didn't create the heavens or the earth, we didn't have to endure our own son dying on a cross with the full weight of all humanity's sins on him -- but God did. Or to take it a step further, since Jesus is also God the Son, we didn't ourselves die on a cross with the full weight of all humanity's sins on ourselves.)

[I have to add the above for myself, because, I confess I still want to wrestle with God sometimes, even though I know that I know better. One of my lines I've taken to yelling is "don't make me die on a cross for everyone's sins! I'm not God, you know! Just because I choose to follow Jesus, doesn't mean I want to die on a cross just like He did!" ... But the truth is that that's my insanity, believing a chain of lies that began with a twisting of something true. And Jesus never said for us to pick up His cross in order to follow Him; only our own. (Matthew 16:24) At the same time, He also offers us to take on His yoke and His burden, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light. (Matthew 11:30) And to be clear, His burden is not the same as His cross. .... But I say "my insanity" also because in those moments I still want to live for myself. But the truth is, every time I've tried to live for myself it not only hasn't worked out very well, but I've never felt close to God in those times. True joy and true relationship means laying those dreams down -- surrendering daily -- and then trusting God that He will do something better, even if 1.) it makes no sense, and 2.) it ends up being the complete opposite of what I want. When I actually spend time in the Bible, and pray, and do these things earnestly, it really does make a difference, and instead of yelling what I mentioned above, I'm thanking Him and praising Him and being quiet because I'd rather read and listen instead of making Him hear what I "have" to say.]

I digress. Enough about me. The most impactful passage from the Book of Job was the following:

25 I know that my redeemer lives,

and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

26 And after my skin has been destroyed,

yet in my flesh I will see God;

27 I myself will see him

with my own eyes—I, and not another.

How my heart yearns within me!

Job 19:25-27, NIV

I love it because, in his pitiful state (and I don't just mean his circumstances -- as his friends continue accusing him, even his faith erodes), he still holds on to hope and a belief that God will redeem him, even though circumstantially it appears unlikely.

In the section of Genesis since wrapping up with Job, the passage that has stood out to me the most has been one that I've been very vaguely familiar with since I was a child, but have never, ever heard a sermon preached on it in any church I've ever been to. In a previous blog post I mentioned about some churches I went to in the past tending to avoid sermons about "uncomfortable" passages. I think this would qualify. It's the story of Lot and his family fleeing Sodom. Maybe it's because it's an uncomfortable thing to preach on (or for a congregation to listen to), or maybe it's because, for a long time we haven't really had to worry about cities as wicked as these. Frankly, I think that either is beginning to change, or has already changed. Nonetheless, here is the passage:

4 Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. 5 They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.”

6 Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him 7 and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. 8 Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.”

9 “Get out of our way,” they replied. “This fellow came here as a foreigner, and now he wants to play the judge! We’ll treat you worse than them.” They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door.

10 But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. 11 Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house, young and old, with blindness so that they could not find the door.

12 The two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, 13 because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.”

14 So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, “Hurry and get out of this place, because the Lord is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.

15 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.”

16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. 17 As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!”

18 But Lot said to them, “No, my lords, please! 19 Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can’t flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, and I’ll die. 20 Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small, isn’t it? Then my life will be spared.”

21 He said to him, “Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. 22 But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.” (That is why the town was called Zoar.)

23 By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. 24 Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land.

Genesis 19:4-25, NIV

[Yes, I'm aware that Lot's wife became a pillar of salt for turning around. That was explained in verse 26. I didn't include it because I felt like the meat of the story -- what captivated me -- about the wickedness of Sodom and why God needed to destroy it, was from verses 4 through 25. As for why the destruction against Sodom (and Gomorrah), check out verse 13 from the above passage. Don't forget, many people were crying out to God for justice against whatever it was that the people of Sodom were doing to them. My sense is they had been crying out to Him for a while. What the people of Sodom were guilty of doing, I'm not entirely sure, although verses 5 and 9 seem to give a decent snapshot of what these people were like.]

My first Bible study is this Friday. I'm starting to pray over this meeting (and the following meeting over Zoom the following week). Looking forward to seeing more of what God will highlight!

Sermons from Good News: This year run free

Church 1/15/2022

Offertory scripture:

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%206:9&version=NKJV

When times get tough, don’t give up. Keep believing; keep going. It’s not based on OUR gift; it’s our faith in God.

Sermon message:

Thesis: This year run free

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%2012:1-2&version=NLT

It’s one thing to be freed. It’s another thing for us to REALIZE we are free.

For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Colossians 1:13-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Colossians%201:13-14&version=NLT

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
John 8:36 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%208:36&version=KJV

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%208:32&version=NLT

Jesus gave us freedom.

who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
1 Timothy 2:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Timothy%202:4&version=NLT

Being saved means the kingdom of darkness has no more power over you.

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%202:6&version=KJV

Don’t contradict God. Contradicting Him keeps us from walking in freedom.

Point #1: run free. God loves you.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:16-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:16-18&version=KJV

The life of Jesus shows us that God loves us.

Jesus fed people. He forgave people. He healed people. He encouraged people.

Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?
John 14:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2014:9&version=NLT

Even Jesus’ suffering shows us that God loves us.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2015:13&version=NLT

Don’t listen to lies. Don’t contradict God. He loves you.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2016:15&version=KJV

To every creature… God’s love is for everyone. God’s free gift is for everyone. Don’t contradict God.

Point #2: run free. You are forgiven.

Satan loves to beat you up. He will tempt a person to sin, and then condemn that person for sinning. That’s not God. You may feel guilty because you are guilty. But you may also feel guilty because you may not realize that God has forgiven you.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%203:23&version=KJV

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%206:23&version=KJV

God offers free gift of forgiveness. It’s a terrible thing to not feel forgiveness. But this is a free available gift.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%201:9&version=KJV

Do not contradict God.

Point #3: run free. God wants you blessed.

It’s in the Bible. Receive the truth in the word of God.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 John 1:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=3%20John%201:2&version=KJV

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Matthew 7:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%207:11&version=NLT

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%204:19&version=NLT

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
Romans 8:31-32 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%208:31-32&version=NLT

Point #4: run free. God makes all things possible.

For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1:37 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%201:37&version=KJV

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
Mark 4:38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%204:38&version=KJV

Believe God. Don’t believe the lies Satan says.

Point #5: run free. You can have peace.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%2012:1-2&version=NLT

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:6-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%204:6-9&version=NKJV

Point #6: run free. You have a say.

Don’t contradict God. Instead, contradict Satan by using the truth of God’s word.

Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
Proverbs 6:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%206:2&version=KJV

Agree with God and His word, and speak it. Confess it.

Sermons from Good News: letting go

Church 1/12/2022

Sermon message:

Thesis: letting go

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%204:7&version=NKJV

Submit: to give over or yield to the power or authority of another (often used reflexively).

Resist: to withstand, strive against, or oppose:

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:32 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%208:32&version=NKJV

who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%201:4&version=NKJV

Submit to God. Resist the devil.

Our desire to resist the devil, by itself, is not enough. We also need to submit to God.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
1 Peter 5:8-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%205:8-9&version=NKJV

Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, “Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.” Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses.
Exodus 1:8-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Exodus%201:8-11&version=NKJV

Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Psalm 4:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%204:4&version=KJV

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
James 3:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%203:17&version=NKJV

Let go of whatever is bothering you; lay it at Jesus’ feet. Spend quiet time with God; and talk to Him about the things on your heart and just be with Him.

Sermons from Good News: what is a Biblical Christian?

Church 1/8/2022

Offertory scripture:

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Luke 6:38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%206:38&version=NKJV

God uses the measure we give to bless us back. He doesn’t force us to give but allows us to decide what we give. He wants to bless us, but to do so we must give cheerfully.

Sermon message:

Thesis: what is a biblical Christian?

Reason for discussing this to address some of the new forms of Christianity

Social justice - focus on good works
Red letter - focus on part of the Bible
Conversation - question biblical truths
East vs west - all gods are the same/gurus
Pantheism - God is in everything (east)
New age - cosmic - contemplative

In 2008: 70% of churchgoers say many religions can lead to heaven

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
2 Timothy 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Timothy%203:16&version=NKJV

Doctrine
Reproof
Correction
Instruction

Jesus warned us about the coming deception

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. … Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
Matthew 24:3-5,11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2024:3-5,11&version=NKJV

Apostle Paul also warned us:

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!
2 Corinthians 11:3-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%2011:3-4&version=NKJV

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Timothy%204:3-4&version=NKJV

How do we keep from being deceived?

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
Acts 17:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Acts%2017:11&version=NKJV

DNA statement (“we found Jesus’ bones”) vs 1 Corinthians 15:17

And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!
1 Corinthians 15:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Corinthians%2015:17&version=NKJV

Some deceptively tantalizing questions:

How can a God of love send people to eternal damnation and punishment?

How can god ask us to forgive people when He refuses to forgive and sends them to hell?

These questions are based on a false assumption!

Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
Romans 5:18-19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%205:18-19&version=NKJV

Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.”
Luke 4:5-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%204:5-7&version=NKJV

The devil lied, saying the kingdoms were handed over / delivered unto him. Well, Adam through his sin did hand the earth and to humanity over to Satan. This is why it was a temptation even to Jesus although He successfully resisted.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:16-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:16-18&version=NKJV

Why is the non-believer already condemned?
Because of what Adam did.

But through Jesus, God can get you out of it.

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
John 3:36 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:36&version=NKJV

Why is God’s wrath on the non-believer?
Same as before. B/c of what Adam did.

Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
John 8:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%208:24&version=NKJV

Why will the non-believer die in their sins?
Same as before. B/c of what Adam did.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%206:23&version=NKJV

God provided eternal life for all through Jesus!

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
1 John 5:11-13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%205:11-13&version=NKJV

Eternal life with God is only through Jesus!

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2014:6&version=NKJV

Jesus Himself says He is the only way to our heavenly Father!

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
1 Timothy 2:3-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Timothy%202:3-5&version=NKJV

Jesus: mediator, go-between, reconciler

Why doesn’t everyone believe?

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%204:3-4&version=NKJV

The Bible calls Satan the god of this world.

Your enemy Satan wants to destroy you

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
Luke 8:11-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%208:11-12&version=NKJV

Eternal life is only for believers in Jesus!

What do you and your family believe?

Remember the Bible clearly teaches:
Because of what Adam did we were born under a damnation sentence. Our eternal destination was hell and punishment.
This is the current status of non-believers.

But the Good News is this:
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
Romans 5:8-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%205:8-9&version=NKJV

God showed Hid love for us by sending Jesus to die for our sins and provide believers with eternal life!

Do you believe in the Biblical Jesus?

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Romans 1:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%201:16&version=NKJV

This message is so simple but so powerful!

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Corinthians%201:18&version=NKJV

What is a biblical Christian?
Believes that Jesus is the Son of God, was born of a virgin, died on the cross as a substitute, for our sins, then rose from the dead, and is our only way to heaven.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2010:9&version=NKJV

Amen!