Repentance: can the unsaved turn from a sinful condition to get saved? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10,

"They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and
true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the
dead--Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath."

Paul observed that the folks in Macedonia, Achaia and everywhere
reported back to Paul what they had heard of the Thessalonian's
response to the gospel Paul had given them. This, together with the
power, the Holy Spirit and the deep conviction, verse 5, these
believers evidenced when Paul evangelized them, were the convincing
proof to Paul that they had become a part of God's "chosen" ones. When
Paul proclaimed the gospel to them, they embraced it in faith. God has
chosen for himself all who will place their faith in him and so these
believers joined God's family.

I note that the Thessalonians turned from false gods, idols, to serve
the "living and true God." This is the classic meaning of
"repentance." Repentance is a change in direction. When we embrace
Jesus Christ in faith, we turn from whatever direction our life was
going in favor of the new direction: following Jesus as our Lord.

In English, the term has evolved into something a bit different. It
has come to be understood as being sorry or remorseful. Of course, you
can see the correlation between taking a new direction at the expense
of rejecting the old as sorrow for having pursued the old, the wasted
time and expense, etc. However, rejecting the old may not always be
born of sorrow for having pursued the old as much as it is the
excitement of a new opportunity, a new direction not previously known.
Embracing Jesus Christ because of the wonderful opportunity of eternal
life he provides and his tremendous love he has for us, rather than,
or in addition to, being sorry for what was previously pursued can be
equally thought of as repentance. Repentance, in the Scriptural sense,
is not necessarily sorrow, but it is necessarily a change in
direction. The change in direction may be due to sorrow or it may be
due to being drawn to something much better, or both, but it is the
change in direction that is the repentance.

In Acts 2:38 we read Peter telling his unsaved fellow Jews on
Pentecost, when they asked "Brothers, what shall we do?", he said,
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of your sins." We read his listeners "were cut to
the heart." As we read the message Peter gave them we see he accuses
the Jews of crucifying Jesus, the One that God the Father has
appointed "both Lord and Messiah." He is not asking them to gin up
sorrow for what they do not appear to feel sorry about, personal sins,
etc. but telling them to take this new direction, to embrace the
Messiah they had crucified, to embrace the gospel he was preaching in
order to be forgiven sins, to be saved, to join God's family.

What difference does this make? It seems like a splitting of the hairs
here, but there is something important to this point.

Consider the example sentence Merriam-Webster provides for
"repentance", "repentance was the first step on the path of
redemption." This, in fact, is how many churches teach repentance in
relationship to salvation. I have often seen "lists" of things people
need to do in order to be saved, and typically repentance is at or
near the top. What is meant is that we need to be sorry for the sin in
our lives in order to be saved.

The problem with this theology is that it is the Holy Spirit that
dwells within us that causes the sorrow and the disappointment within
us when we sin, "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit,
and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict
with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."
Galatians 5:17. When we sin, we grieve the Holy Spirit, "do not grieve
the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of
redemption." Ephesians 4:30.

The Holy Spirit is the source of sorrow and grief for sin in
believer's lives. If repentance is required for salvation (and it is),
how can people be asked to do that to become what they need to be in
order to do it? How can we be sorry for sin when we don't have the
Holy Spirit yet? Can an unregenerated person, an unsaved person feel
sorrow for sin, for what comes naturally as a sinner?

I think anyone can feel sorry they stole something, or committed a
rape or burglary. But the essence of our sinful natures is not going
to be something we feel sorry about unless we have the Holy Spirit
dwelling within.

The turning Paul and others observed in these Thessalonians was from
one thing to another -- from idols to the living and true God. This
was the repentance, the change Paul observed. Without that change in
direction, salvation doesn't happen. Unfortunately, some will cling to
their sin in preference to turning to God. However, if we tell people
they need to be sorry for their sin and stop sinning as a precondition
for salvation, then we are telling them their salvation is by works
and not by faith.

I know many are concerned about what they refer to as "easy
believe-ism." I have every confidence that when we turn to God, join
his family and become indwelt with the Holy Spirit, we will turn from
sin as God works within each of us. After all, he has predestined us
just for this, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be
conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn
among many brothers and sisters." Romans 8:29.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just
respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Strengthening and encouraging our faith - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3,

"We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials."

Following Paul's evangelizing Thessalonica, from Athens he sent Timothy back to provide strength and encouragement to their faith as these new believers faced opposition. With the opposition encountered there, Paul had reason to be concerned the fledgling church in Thessalonica be strengthened, even given the time Paul had already spent there. Even following Timothy's report back to Paul, Paul told the Thessalonians, "Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith." 1 Thessalonians 3:10.

Paul clearly felt believers need to be strengthened and encouraged from time to time. He goes on to say, "Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you", verse 11, even though Timothy had come back with a good report on the spiritual condition of the folks in Thessalonica.

To the church in Rome, Paul said, "I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith." Romans 1:10-12. There is always room for encouragement and strengthening. No matter how spiritual strength be quantified, there is always room for additional growth, refreshment, strengthening.

In addition to building up what was strong, Paul also desired to visit others for correction, "Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?" 1 Corinthians 4:18-21.

Paul's movements were at times designed to provide certain believers correction, and for others to strengthen and encourage, no matter what their condition. I have never read Paul saying that certain ones had reached a milestone in their walk with the Lord and did not require further strength and encouragement. I feel we all need a continual strengthening and encouragement to our faith, no matter where we are in our spiritual maturity. Resting on earlier attainments will just not do. Yesterday's growth, yesterday's maturing, yesterday's strengthening is yesterday's, not today's.

What will we do for our faith, for our spiritual strength, today? How do I feed my faith today, for today? Is what I am doing to feed my faith worthy of the gospel and of God? I believe nothing in this world can possibly bring a more fulfilled life!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

What is this world coming to? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4,

"Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief."

At the end of this age, when Jesus Christ returns to planet Earth, he will take the world by surprise. As life appears to continue from day to day for the people of the world as it has for millenia, folks will be unaware when this life comes to a sudden end. As Paul says, "the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." Jesus taught us, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." Matthew 24:36-39.

Paul tells us that believers "are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief." This doesn't mean believers know exactly when the Lord is returning as Jesus taught above, however, Jesus also taught, "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it ["the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory"] is near, right at the door." Matthew 24:32-33. In the Matthew 24 passage, Jesus provided signs to look for, such as "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." Matthew 24:6-8.

Believers will know when the "season" arrives and to be expectant, even if they do not know the specific timing. Not so the world. The unsaved of the world will have the second coming of Jesus Christ come upon them in a total bewildering surprise. Let alone being tone-deaf to the signs of the times around them, they have no idea the Lord is returning.

For the world, Jesus Christ's return is a dark and foreboding event, a day of darkness and gloom. Listen to this passage from Zephaniah 1:14-18,

"The great day of the Lord is near—
    near and coming quickly.
The cry on the day of the Lord is bitter;
    the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry.
That day will be a day of wrath—
    a day of distress and anguish,
        a day of trouble and ruin,
    a day of darkness and gloom,
        a day of clouds and blackness—
     a day of trumpet and battle cry
against the fortified cities
    and against the corner towers.

'I will bring such distress on all people
    that they will grope about like those who are blind,
    because they have sinned against the Lord.
Their blood will be poured out like dust
    and their entrails like dung.
Neither their silver nor their gold
    will be able to save them
    on the day of the Lord’s wrath.'

In the fire of his jealousy
    the whole earth will be consumed,
for he will make a sudden end
    of all who live on the earth."

For the believer, however,

'"Hallelujah!

Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
    for true and just are his judgments.
He has condemned the great prostitute
    who corrupted the earth by her adulteries.
He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.'

And again they shouted:

'Hallelujah!
The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.'

The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:

'Amen, Hallelujah!'

Then a voice came from the throne, saying:

'Praise our God,
    all you his servants,
you who fear him,
    both great and small!'

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

'Hallelujah!
    For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad
    and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
    and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean,
    was given her to wear.'

(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

Then the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' And he added, 'These are the true words of God.'" Revelation 19:1-9.

Takes your breath away, doesn't it?!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Treating prophecy with contempt - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22,

"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but
test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil."

We often think of prophecy as the prediction of future events, a
foretelling. While much prophecy from the Lord is such, the
foretelling of future events is really only a "subset" of prophecy.
Prophecy is the intermediate telling of something God has said,
anything he has said, to an intended audience through someone, whether
a foretelling of future events or anything else God has to say.
Picture someone out of a group is on the phone with God. God has
something to say to the group and so the person on the phone with God
turns around to tell the group what it is God said. This is prophecy.

Consequently, Peter speaks of the Scriptures as prophecy, 2 Peter
1:19-21. Paul speaks of the prophets as those who wrote the
Scriptures, Romans 1:2. As such, our Bibles contain the written
prophecy of God, his message to us. In Peter's passage, he speaks of
the forty-some men who wrote the various books in our Bibles as being
"carried along by the Holy Spirit," such that what is written is not
from their thoughts or interpretations of things, but communication
from God given them to give to the rest of us.

Paul tells us to test prophecies. The nice thing about our Bibles is
that the material found there has already gone through the "testing"
process and deemed by the early church as that which is genuinely from
God. Other books and writings were rejected as not having been from
God, like the gospel of Thomas or the Didache, etc. However, the
twenty-seven books of our New Testament, as well as all of the Old
Testament have been recognized as divinely inspired, the prophecy of
God.

Merriam-Webster defines "contempt" as "a feeling that someone or
something is not worthy of any respect or approval." When we are
exposed to passages of Scripture that we disagree with or ignore
either through our comments or actions, we sit in contempt of what God
says. Consider the following passage, "Therefore, as God's chosen
people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and
forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on
love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians
3:12-14. Here is a passage that can be quite challenging for many of
us on occasion. I have this feeling that for us to struggle and
wrestle with this passage in a given challenge is one thing. However,
to blow the passage off as something to dismiss or reject is
altogether a different matter. That is when I believe we treat
prophecy with contempt.

Treating any prophecy of God with contempt is a matter of not fearing
God appropriately. When we esteem him for all he is and what he is
capable of, when we take to heart what he has provided us through his
prophets in the Scriptures, when we embrace them sincerely and give
them the attention and focus they deserve, we honor God.

Something to consider. Are we treating any prophecy with contempt? Do
we "pick and choose" what it is we will honor in Scripture? Or do we
recognize it all as coming from God and worthy of expending ourselves
for?

Something to think about today...

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just
respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Accusations: what energizes ministry? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6,

"For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority."

Paul presented the gospel to the folks in Thessalonica, to both Jews and Gentiles. As he did so, it was "in the face of strong opposition." Verse 2. We know that opposition followed Paul from Philippi to Thessalonica and sought the support from the locals who would listen to them there. I have to think the opposition had to address Paul's motivation for bringing this new teaching of the gospel to these parts if it was bogus.

If Paul was actually energized and empowered by God to preach the gospel, it would explain why Paul was there doing what he was. If he wasn't representing God, why would he be evangelizing the area? What was his purpose? Paul's opponents would have to address Paul's motivation if they wanted to gain traction in their opposition to Paul in the minds and hearts of those in Thessalonica. Not only was there a need to point to what they considered error in the gospel Paul preached, there was likewise a need to explain why Paul was preaching the gospel if it was a sham.

What fascinates me is that the issues raised by those who opposed Paul point to the very same things we see around us today. As Paul presents his defense in this letter, we can see what Paul was accused of. When Paul claims he was not trying to please people, but God, as he brought the gospel to Thessalonica, he is saying that he was not trying to establish a following for himself. Just as there are preachers today who appear to be more concerned with the size of their following, their influence among a broad group of people, and the fame it all brings, so Paul was accused of it. Unfortunately, I suspect there are not as many today with the sincerity of purpose Paul had when preaching the gospel. The gospel is legitimate and true, and so were Paul's motivations.

When Paul says he did not "put on a mask to cover up greed", I have to think he was responding to an accusation of bringing this new gospel message in an effort to fleece the folks financially. In other words, he was accused of something he had observed in others at another time in speaking of those with a corrupt mind, "who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain." 1 Timothy 6:5. Again, here is an accusation that is as fresh today as it was in Thessalonica then. Preachers who preach out of avarice, preachers who attempt to separate people from their money. Again, I suspect there are not as many today with the sincerity of purpose Paul had when preaching the gospel.

In short, I do believe there are many hustlers out there, in local churches, on Christian TV and radio who could be legitimately accused of the kinds of things Paul was in his mission work. Where Paul was entirely innocent of these accusations, I suspect many are not in our day. Many today are guilty of the very things articulated by Paul's opponents two millenia ago.

I find it interesting that some things never change, and that often times those who would oppose our sincere and genuine efforts at preaching the gospel will often accuse us of things that may be of legitimate concern, thanks to the foul motives of others who use the gospel as a vehicle to achieve their own selfish ends.

But, no matter. The gospel remains as powerful today as it was in Paul's. As we continue to promote the message we find God continues to build his kingdom out of those who respond in faith.
 
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

The tenacity of spiritual conflict - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 2:2,

"We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition."

The historical account of Paul's treatment in Philippi is provided in Acts 16. The "strong opposition" he encountered in Thessalonica is given in Acts 17:1-9. So great was this opposition that folks there started a riot and attempted to keep Paul from sharing the gospel with the Gentiles "so that they may be saved." 1 Thessalonians 2:16. Additionally, they followed Paul to Berea and began to agitate the crowds there against him. None of the opposition that Paul faced, whether in Philippi, Thessalonica or Berea kept him from proclaiming the gospel message. Paul was tenacious, very tenacious.

In Acts 17 we read there was a synagogue in Thessalonica and that Paul went on three Sabbath days to reason with the Jews from the Scriptures. He explained and proved to them that Jesus was the Messiah, that he fulfilled the prophecies of his suffering and resurrection. We are told some of the Jews were "persuaded" and joined Paul and Silas. Additionally, a "large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women" joined them as well. These formed the fledgling fellowship there in Thessalonica.

The conversion of some of the Jews and the many Greeks caused other Jews to be jealous and so they started a riot in Thessalonica. The believers sent Paul and Silas off to Berea at night, but when the hostile Jews heard of it, they followed them and agitated the folks against them there as well. Paul's opponents were likewise tenacious.

My perspective of this tenacity of both Paul and his adversaries manifests the reality of the spiritual conflict that has its impact on planet earth. God and Satan are adversaries and the conflict spills out here on planet earth as God's agenda is pursued. Paul was committed to carrying out God's purpose of building his family, his kingdom. Satan and his minions make their attempt to bring disruption to that effort.

I make this point as I marvel at hearing of these troublesome Jews. Not content with attempting to stop Paul in Thessalonica, but are so compelled, so driven, they travel the fifty miles (without the use of a car!) to Berea to carry on their opposition to Paul there! That is tenacity!

We read something of this spiritual conflict in Revelation 12:7-9, "Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray."

A word to the wise as we consider our outreach. Engaging in spiritual conflict, which the propagation of the gospel enjoins, requires the anticipation of push back and opposition. We must be bold, we must be tenacious, we must expect opposition. Evangelism is an aggression in the spiritual conflict between God and Satan. This requires us to have strong backbones and a resolute spirit - just what the Holy Spirit provides us!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Opposing God - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 2:16b,

"In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last."

What this wrath was that came upon those who opposed the gospel message must have been horrific. I have this feeling that God seldom performs "moderate" feats, but appears to me in the Scriptures as one who moves in bright bold colors, high intensity, peak passion. As an example, look what took place when Jesus died on the cross, Matthew 27:45-54. Just reading it takes my breath away.

In any event, those who opposed the proclamation of the gospel in Thessalonica found there is a terrible price to pay for opposing God. Paul says they heaped up their sins "to the limit" in their efforts to keep Paul from sharing the gospel with their fellow countrymen. Now they have had God's wrath fall upon them.

As we read our Bibles we discover the purpose of this life is to populate God's family for all eternity. New humans are created in this life, not in the next. Those who come into this life are to be evangelized so that as many as will embrace Jesus Christ in faith are welcomed into his family. John 1:12. God is building his family, his kingdom. This life is like the obstetrics ward in a hospital, we are here to bring new life into being. This life's purpose is to build a kingdom, a family for God. This is why all life is sacred. Life has its purpose as found in God's purposes, God's agenda, God's intentions. The taking of human life and the preventing of the proclamation of the gospel are antithetical to why we are here and will certainly invoke God's wrath as Paul speaks of here.

We often think in terms of this life existing for the purposes of what we find important. Nothing could be further from the truth. We didn't put ourselves here, God did. And he did not put us here for what we may find important to us, but for his intentions. Much in this life that we consider important takes a back seat to God's purpose in building his kingdom. If I had become a sports figure, a highly successful business man, an icon in the pop culture, if I earned that degree, etc., all these kinds of things are subordinated to my primary purpose in this life: to build a kingdom for God. I do that by responding to the gospel and helping as many others as I possibly can to do the same.

Folks who oppose the purposes of God will pay a horrific price. Positioning oneself as an opponent of God is a foolhardy choice that will certainly bring his wrath. As the writer of Hebrews warns us, "It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:31.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

The command to kiss - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 5:26,

"Greet all God's people with a holy kiss."

We read about kissing in the Scriptures. Kissing is associated with greeting one another as well as expressing relationship. In Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12 and 1 Thessalonians 5:26, we are told to greet one another with a "holy kiss." Peter tells us to greet one another with a "kiss of love." 1 Peter 5:14. And, we read of the Ephesian elders who embraced and kissed Paul in their grief over the news they would never see him again (in this life), and to send him on his way to Jerusalem, Acts 20:37.

Those who have studied this point out the kissing here was men with men, women with women, and men with women within the fellowship.

Over the years I have heard of differing activities found in Scripture that have been focused on as proving one is "in the faith" or at least a "member in good standing." I have seen lists concocted that purport the contents must be scrupulously followed or fulfilled (in the "lister's" understanding of "how to") if one is to have any hope in eternal life, let alone a good standing within the fellowship. I'm sure you have run into these things as well.

For instance, baptism must follow certain guidelines on order to qualify the "baptized" for eternal life. Not settling for that, others have verbal formulas which must be recited in order for the required ordinance to be "legitimate."

I think we are all too familiar with our charismatic brothers and sisters who insist we must all be speaking in tongues. Hey, they did it in the New Testament, didn't they?

Mass, the Lord's Supper, Communion, the Agape Feast, whether considered as a sacrament or an ordinance is understood by many to have to be done in certain ways, else, it just may not be "legit". Almost always the Scriptures are pointed to as the grounds for whichever position, even when the interpretations conflict.

I think you get my point here. Many things may be done in the church today due to how something is perceived in the Scriptures. Often times, things done differently become the "distinctives" that set one group apart from others, and in some cases, at odds, with other groups. I'm sure we have all seen these things. And I am sure we have all scratched our heads in wonderment over both the direction and the tenacity with which some groups promote their "distinctives." 

I have to say, though, I have never run into a kissing fellowship. There is an abundance of distinctives regarding baptism, communion, the "charismatic gifts", elder rule, etc. One might think, with the same logic and the same approach, some groups might adopt kissing as the demonstrable manifestation that one is "in the faith, in good standing."

Of course, kissing, in our culture, is a bit different from the kissing we read of in Scripture. In our society, kissing is typically reserved for either romance or expressions of affection within the immediate family. I'm certain there are exceptions, but the practice of kissing in Paul's day is not quite the same as ours today. It is an interesting subject to take up when attempting to understand cultural issues in Scripture as they apply to the church in our culture today.

Why no kissing in our churches? If it was "good enough for Paul", shouldn't we? And, isn't the literary formula that tells us to kiss one another couched the same way as what many consider as "commands" when speaking of other things?

I know I'm being a bit of a smart aleck here. But I think it helpful to consider these kinds of things as we insist others follow us. Maybe we might not be on as firm a ground as we assume... And, truthfully, given our culture, I would not suggest we begin kissing each other as was practiced in Paul's day. 

After all, what might the neighbors think?

 

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

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Potential danger in the fellowship - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 3:5,

"For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain."

Why was the spiritual condition of this Thessalonian fellowship something that beguiled Paul so? He could not stand not knowing about their condition when he was separated from them, 2:17 and experienced an "intense longing" for them, and so, sent Timothy to find out how they were doing. 3:1-2.

We read that Paul worked hard among the folks in Thessalonica as he preached there. He recalls that in addition to sharing the gospel with them, he shared his life as well, 2:8. He worked night and day while there so as not to be a financial burden to them, 2:9. Paul speaks of being like young children among them, rather than exercising apostolic authority, and treating them as a nursing mother, 2:7, and a father, 2:11.

Having left Thessalonica, he became concerned for them after just a short time, 2:17, but "Satan blocked our way", verse 18, and prevented him from returning. "For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. Paul states his concern this way, "I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain." 3:5b.

Obviously, his concern rested in the possibility that such a thing could occur. I don't understand Paul to say that he was concerned for the salvation of these believers, but that in his heavy personal investment in building up this fellowship, he did not want to see it torn apart. He desired the best for these he had given so much for and wanted to see this fellowship flourish.

I am not of the persuasion that when we have embraced Jesus Christ in faith, sealing our eternal life in him, that it is possible to lose that salvation. I read that God will keep us safe in him till the day he comes for us. He will keep us strong to the end, "He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:8-9. God stakes the reputation of his faithfulness on this. However, this does not mean the fellowship we are in cannot be disturbed, disrupted, and destroyed by the forces of spiritual darkness. Else, why Paul's concern and frustration in not knowing the condition of this fellowship?

Groups of believers are not immune to the temptings of Satan. No fellowship should feel they are beyond the devil's reach, and should be mindful that they can fall into a condition where the work invested in it can come to naught. "I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain."

Can't God prevent these kinds of things from happening? Certainly. It isn't a question of God's ability to do whatever it is he wishes, the question rests on will he? Will he always intervene to keep bad things from happening in a fellowship? The answer is clearly no. Else, Paul's concern would be unfounded. Not that God never does intervene, but apparently he has left us with some responsibility here.

The community of the redeemed has a responsibility to order itself around the truths of God's word to maintain a healthy spiritual vitality. Even if their individual salvation not be in jeopardy, the spiritual health, effectiveness and fitness for redemptive work is vulnerable to spiritual attack. This accounts for Paul's concern. A brief survey of church history bears this out.

What God has done is to make a way for us into his family. For those who respond to the invitation, they have also been invited to participate in God's program of redemption in meaningful ways. God doesn't give us things to do just to keep us busy, but he has determined he will carry out his plan of redemption in an amazing collaboration with those who respond to it.

We all have a responsibility to participate in and to insure the spiritual health and welfare of our fellowships. God has gifted each of us in an anticipation we will use those gifts within the fellowship. See 1 Peter 4:10, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."

In addition to these wonderful Thessalonian believers causing him great joy, may Paul be excited to see our fellowships healthy and thriving on the day Jesus Christ returns for his own.

 

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

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Male and female he created them - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12,

"Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you... For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children..."

Paul likens his comportment among the Thessalonians first as a nursing mother and then a father. Why the extra ink and not just combine his thoughts with the metaphor "parents"? Apparently Paul wanted to articulate both the aspects of a mother's care for her children and the nurturing qualities of a father's care, which would include encouragement, comfort and prompting (urging). He wanted to point to qualities of the two genders, qualities not necessarily shared to the same degree and generally known (by honest people) to be present in one gender of parents over the other.

It appears distinctions between what a father provides children and what a mother provides children is to be rejected in many quarters today.  We live in a day where seeing the differences between motherhood and fatherhood is simply unacceptable in polite company. With the irrational rise of feminism, and the subordination of that which is exclusive to the male gender, differences are not to be thought of. We have a generation today, that when raised, the boys were encouraged to play with dolls and girls were encouraged to play with toy trucks. 

It appears to many that masculinity is the culprit and cause of much that is wrong with half the population today and therefore the eradication of it will lead to many social ills being eliminated. Note the attack on football, the attacks on movies that showcase masculine strengths portrayed in combat, etc. Those of us who find this perspective absurd and frustrating refer to the "wussification of America." One popular radio talk show host refers to men who have bought into this notion as members of "the new castratti".

I will take up Paul's rejection of such notions. When it comes to ills in our society, Paul recognized that all people are sinful. Every one of us. Male and female. Real social ills are a result of our individual sinful natures expressed individually and corporately. Since the world rejects the notion of "sin", as it looks about for an explanation of the problems in our culture, masculinity has become one of those things offered up as the cause for what plagues people.

As we know, God created us male and female. When he created us he said, "that's good!" Good became bad when Adam and Eve rejected God, turned their backs on him and sinned. Mankind's fall in the garden resulted in some horrific changes. One of those was the acquisition of a sinful nature by both Adam and Eve they would pass down to future generations. Maleness and femaleness was not the cause of the fall and have nothing to do societal ills today. It may be that the corruption of maleness and femaleness has caused problems in the world, but the same can be said of being a human with a sinful nature. Gender identified traits given us by our Creator are not the problem. The Scriptures acknowledge both genders and, beyond recognizing the very real and legitimate differences, point to them, as Paul's passage here does. The Scriptures never suggest that sin or "social problems" arise from gender specific qualities. Rejection of God is always identified as the cause of sin.

The rejection of how God made us, male and female, is to reject God as our Creator. Folks who would eradicate the differences between the genders in our society (a project certainly doomed to failure) become a cause of problems in our culture as they rebel against God as Creator in their promotion of sin (as in the "gay" movement, etc.)

Here are a few passages that acknowledge our differences as male and female, with differing instructions for each: 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:1-8; 1 Peter 3:1-8.

If you are a woman, celebrate your femininity! If you are a man, celebrate your masculinity! Be a woman! Be a man! God made you to celebrate life in him, the life he designed when he made us male and female! 

Excuse my French, but Vive la différence!

 

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

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Hostile to the gospel? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16,

"For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved."

Why would some be hostile toward the gospel and attempt to keep others from hearing It? Why would unbelievers care who might hear its message? If the gospel is just a fantasy or a deception, as they must think, why the concern? The efforts at attempting to keep others from hearing the message suggests a few thoughts to me.

First, the power of the gospel message is a threat to those hostile to it. If the gospel was an impotent message, if it was ineffective there would be no effort to keep people from hearing it. Enemies of the gospel witnessed the power it had in people's lives. Their active opposition reveals their fear of it and its power.

Secondly, the primary reason folks reject the gospel is because they choose to cling to their sin. When Jesus explained this to Nicodemus, he did not reference a supposed incapacity some might have in exercising faith. Jesus said these simply choose to cling to their sin rather than embrace the Lord in faith. I think this is an important truth that is misunderstood in many places. Jesus said, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed." John 3:19-20. Due to their own embrace of sin rather than turn to the Lord, when others respond to the gospel, being left behind becomes threatening to them.

Another thought that comes to mind is the conflict of spiritual forces prompts unbelievers to oppose the gospel. The devil is seen as a predator of believers, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:8-9. This conflict is seen in heavenly places, "Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him." Revelation 12:7-9. It is in this context that some unbelievers become hostile in their opposition to the gospel being proclaimed.

We see it in our day. The "war" against Christmas waged every year, the hostility toward any representation of the nativity within the public square. The expulsion of the Scriptures and the gospel from schools and many places of business and work. The growing and aggressive attack on religious liberties seen recently in the political issues of our day. It is not that the gospel is simply rejected, it is that there is a hostility and an attempt at repressing its message.

We should not be surprised as we witness the opposition to the gospel and attempts at silencing its message. We live in a world that is influenced and often ordered by spiritual forces. It has always been this way. In an interesting comment observing the hate the world has for those who have responded to the gospel, John says, "Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you." 1 John 3:12-13.

I think this aggressive opposition to the gospel, and understanding the underpinnings of why it exists, has a way of motivating many of us, challenging us, causing us to enjoin the battle. Spiritual realities expressing themselves in our world have a way of compelling us to take up the opportunities the Lord has given us to participate in the execution of his grand redemption.

 

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

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A most powerful message! - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5,

"For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction."

How powerful can a message be? We often think in terms of a message as simply information. The gospel is different. Look at how this message impacted those who accepted it in Thessalonica. It was accompanied with power. It came with the Holy Spirit and it brought deep conviction. Real deep conviction. The evidence of this is pointed to by Paul as he observed that these folks welcomed the message in the "midst of severe suffering with joy..." Verse 6. It resulted in these believers becoming a model to all believers in the area and everywhere, verses 7-8.

This message was life-changing for these folks in Thessalonica. It caused them to turn from the heritage they were brought up in and championed by their culture and society. They turned from what they worshiped to serve "the living and true God." Verse 9. The impact was such that it became a matter of public report throughout Macedonia and Achaia and everywhere.

This is a very powerful message! Paul speaks of the unique power this singular message has. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" Perhaps the greatest explanation of the power of this message is seen in Paul's comment when he speaks of the righteousness that is revealed in the gospel.

We read in Proverbs 11:4, "Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." All the things we may wish to accumulate to ourselves in life are meaningless to us in death. Nothing in this life holds importance if we are dead: family, friends, fortune, fame, whatever. Whatever is important is only important if we are "there" to embrace them, to enjoy them. The biggest lottery win, the greatest accolades, the acquisition of the very best "stuff", the most wonderful marriage, the happiest family, the greatest career, the best children hold no importance to us if we are dead. Proverbs 11:4 informs us that nothing we can accumulate can deliver us from God's wrath and the death we are due for our sins. For each of us life is everything, existence is everything. Because righteousness can deliver us from God's judgment, from eternal death, and bring us eternal life, righteousness becomes the most valuable of any currency in existence. How do we obtain it? Only through the gospel and its message of faith.

This makes the gospel the most powerful message in existence. It brings righteousness to those who embrace it. It brings eternal life to those who place their trust and faith in Jesus Christ. A most powerful message!

Paul tells us it is the gospel message itself that provides the opportunity for faith. It is when we are exposed to the gospel message that we have opportunity to consider its claims and to respond to its call. Many subscribe to all kinds of theology promising what only the gospel can provide. For me, I hold to the gospel message and what faith brings. This is what God has provided us. Here is Paul's perspective: "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."

I do hold in high regard the rich heritage we have in the patriarchs of the church. I value the teachings of the various theologians, leaders, pastors, teachers and preachers throughout the history of the church. However, nothing of what Augustine or Calvin or Arminius or any other has to say can possibly be on a par with the pristine message of the gospel given us by God through his apostles he appointed. That is where power comes from. 

And, that is where eternal life may be found. 

 

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

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Who is Paul talking to? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 

"Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you."

I note Paul addressed his letter to this church "in God the Father" and "the Lord Jesus Christ."

He didn't address it to the Baptists in Thessalonica, not to the Episcopalians there, or the Presbyterians. I don't see he wrote it to the charismatics, the Calvinists or the Arminians. Paul doesn't mention the Roman Catholics or the Eastern Orthodox. I don't see the Pentecostals listed in this passage or the Methodists either. He addresses his letter to the church "in God the Father" and "the Lord Jesus Christ." Paul doesn't mention the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Jehovah Witnesses, the Seventh Day Adventists or the World Wide Church of God. He doesn't mention the church the "completed Jews" fellowship with. He addressed his letter to the church "in God the Father" and "the Lord Jesus Christ."

As God's apostle, as his emissary, Paul wrote to communicate to true believers. I suspect Paul would have had little interest in Baptist doctrine and theology and those who promote it, but in God's doctrine and theology and those who promote it. I suspect Paul would have had little interest in Pentecostal doctrine and theology and those who promote it, but in God's doctrine and theology and those who promote it.

All claim to follow God and all claim to have the real scoop on the things of God. But when we begin to discover "distinctives" that set us apart from the rest of God's family and stick a label on ourselves, identifying us as such, we commit the same error Paul addressed to the church in Corinth, with their desire to separate themselves into differing groups.

Paul didn't acknowledge different groups. He condemned them."My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, 'I follow Paul'; another, 'I follow Apollos'; another, 'I follow Cephas'; still another, 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?" 1 Corinthians 1:11-13. Who Paul addressed in this letter were the true believers of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and called them the church in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I also note that Paul considered the church to be made up of believers. Real believers. Real believers constituted what Paul considered to be the church "in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." We live in a day where there are many groups who call themselves churches but don't pass muster as believers. Many may have come from a heritage of real believers, but when those "distinctives" became the priority, faith in the living God became replaced with something else. 

In a group claiming to be a church, the "pastor", in the Easter "worship service" questions the literal reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is not the church Paul would recognize. In a group claiming to be a church, homosexuality is embraced, weddings performed and the teaching of God rejected. This is not the church Paul would recognize. In a group claiming to be a church, the "historical Jesus" is promoted, stripping the gospels of all that is miraculous, sifting through the Scriptures to reject all that is found "objectionable." That is not the church Paul would recognize.

The true church to Paul was that group made up of folks who embraced Jesus Christ in faith. Not a Jesus of their own definition or imagination, but the Son of God who came to earth to die a miserable death to pay the penalty for our sins. The Son of God who performed miracles, who fulfilled prophecy, who confounded the wise and shamed the corrupt men of the day.

Paul's letter to the Thessalonians is for true believers. The Scriptures belong to believers, it is God's mail to them. Many claim it is theirs... but only those who have embraced Jesus Christ in faith, the true Son of God as presented us in the Scriptures, can legitimately call it theirs.

 

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

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Got family? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 2:1,

"You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results."

Paul recalls for the believers in Thessalonica how productive his visit was with them. It turned out to be a fruitful effort, in spite of the things suffered by Paul in order to bring them the gospel. As he reminds them, he calls them "brothers and sisters." 

The earlier translation of the NIV and many other translations simply provide "brothers" but with the 2011 edition, in order to help modern readers understand that the Greek for "brothers" here actually refers to both genders within the fellowship, this newer version renders it this way. Put simply, Paul is calling all the believers in Thessalonica his siblings. For Paul, and for the Scriptures in general, participation in the kingdom of God is a family thing.

Paul uses the term "brothers" or "brothers and sisters" fifteen times in this letter. He also calls Timothy a brother (as well as co-worker), 1 Thessalonians 3:2, and in 4:6 he admonishes the fellowship not to take advantage of a "brother or sister".

He also likens his treatment of these believers when he was with them as "a nursing mother cares for her children", 2:7. He viewed his conduct among them as a loving father, "encouraging, comforting and urging..." 2:11-12. From Paul's perspective, participation in the kingdom of God is participation in a family. In 2 Corinthians 6:13, Paul addresses the fellowship as if he were speaking to his own children and spoke of his relationship with them as like that of parents and their children, 2 Corinthians 12:14.

Jesus himself made wonderful comments in this regard, calling his followers his family, "He replied to him, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?' Pointing to his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.'" Matthew 12:48-50. In Matthew 23:8 he told his disciples, "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers."

Paul considers believers as "children of God" Romans 8:14, and points to the inheritance that is ours as God's children, 8:17. In Romans 9:26, Paul quotes Hosea 1:10 in speaking of believing Gentiles as "children of the living God." He also declares in Galatians 3:26, that through faith, all are children of God. In Galatians 4:7 he says that since believers are a children of God, they are also heirs, Galatians 4:7, "So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."

John points to the love God has for us that he considers us his children, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" 1 John 3:1. He considers believers as God's children in the present time, not at some future date, "Dear friends, now we are children of God..." 1 John 3:2.

There is something unique about being a family member. Yes, we are members of the kingdom of God. But our membership in that kingdom is not to be viewed as that of simply a vassal, not to be viewed as that of simply a subject, and not to be viewed as that of simply a friend. While we may be all these in the kingdom of God, there is more, much more: we are family!

Family members are loved. Family members have a place at the table. Family members share in a unique intimacy that is particular to the family. Children have a special bond with their parents and parents have a special bond with their children. Siblings share in a unique relationship among themselves. As I think of my participation in God's kingdom as a family member, the more I think about it, the more excited I get!

 

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

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Joy in the Holy Spirit - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 1:6,

"You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."

I note that joy is given by the Holy Spirit. We are told the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us when we embrace Jesus Christ in faith, 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5. It is that indwelling of the Spirit as God's presence in our lives that brings us joy.

We are told that Jesus himself, when he was here, experienced the joy the Holy Spirit brings, "At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said..." Luke 10:21. Likewise, the early church experienced joy in conjunction with the Holy Spirit, "The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." Acts 13:52. Paul tells us joy in the Holy Spirit is ours as members of God's kingdom, Romans 14:17.

Joy is innate in our relationship with God. It is who God is and what he is like that produces joy within our hearts. The wonderful things God does, the splendor of his very nature brings joy. To approach God, to connect with God, to sense God's presence brings an indomitable and insurmountable joy. The scriptures are rich in expressing this wonderful joy that is ours as we embrace God. Peter tells us, "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy..." 1 Peter 1:8.

We are told that joy is one of the many things the Holy Spirit brings us as God's children, Galatians 5:22. This joy is such that the painful and difficult experiences we have in life cannot separate us from it. Not that we will be spared possible grief, bereavement, pain and so forth. But in the midst of even the painful experiences we have, joy from God is there to provide us comfort and aid in our time of need. Note that it was in the midst of "severe suffering" Paul observed this joy in the lives of these Thessalonian believers.

To know God, to embrace him in our lives, brings us a joy like nothing this world can provide. This speaks to me of how wonderful and magnificent our God is - a reflection of his matchless nature when we come to know him.

It is no wonder this gray world views us as odd-balls!

 

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

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Meeting the Lord in the air - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18,

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words."

Paul provided comfort and assurance for those who had lost believing loved ones. These believers, as all have, had been told that placing their faith in Jesus Christ would bring them into God's own family. This being the case, it sets an anticipation for the Lord's return for us to bring these things to fulfillment. But what of those who had by now passed away, believers, whose bodies were now degenerating in the ground? Are they going to miss out on meeting the Lord when he comes for us - the big event? Not at all! As a matter of fact, they will rise first, while those who are still alive when the Lord comes for those who are his, will join them "in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." Wonderful news!!

Not just wonderful, but very exciting! Exceedingly so! And we are to be encouraging one another with this coming event.

This scene that Paul provides of us of believers meeting the Lord in the clouds, rising to meet the Lord in the air, is the very same scene described to us when Jesus was last seen, at his ascension into heaven. When Jesus left this world following his resurrection, we read, "After he [Jesus] said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'" Acts 1:9-11.

Paul, who was not a witness to Jesus' ascension on that day, provides for us the completed picture. Just as the Lord rose in the air, up in the clouds to go to heaven, so he "will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." And we, likewise, will rise in the air to meet him when he comes from heaven for us. There is nothing in these accounts that lend them to some kind of a metaphorical interpretation, but are presented us as quite literal accounts of what happened when Jesus ascended and what will happen when he comes back for us from heaven. In my mind, although separated by millenia, the two accounts are really two halves of the same account - Jesus leaving to go to heaven in the clouds in the air and then returning for us in the same way, but this time with us all joining him in the clouds in the air.

"And, so we will be with the Lord forever."

Somehow, I don't think my fear of heights will be an issue on that day... 

 

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

What's on your list? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13,

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones."

Here are some things Paul credits God for or looks to God for in his prayers to him and in his involvement with the believers in Thessalonica:

-- joy Paul received from these believers

-- to see the Thessalonians again and to clear the way to make that happen

-- to supply "what is lacking" in the Thessalonians faith

-- to increase the Thessalonians love, that it might overflow to everyone

-- to strengthen the Thessalonians hearts, that they might be blameless and holy at the Lord's return

How important might these things be today? I suspect very important. The thrill of joy is often missing in many believer's lives. Who can say their faith cannot be broadened and deepened? Who can say we have enough love amongst believers? Who cannot use the kind of strengthening that results in holiness found at the Lord's coming?

All of these things were sought of the Lord by Paul for these Thessalonian believers. I would submit they are things we should seek from the Lord today as well. Just as Paul sought these things from the Lord, we should for one another as well.

Possibly our prayer lists might need some updating if these kinds of things are missing.

So... what's on your list?

 

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com