The Bible and Its History
Do Everything Through God
Do Everything Through God; The Simple Message of Philippians
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
The Apostle Paul sits in a Roman prison, after completing his three missionary journeys. During this imprisonment he wrote three letters to the Philippians. Now you might ask, I thought there was only one letter written to the church in Philippi. Well, there were actually three and the book of Philippians we read in the Bible is a combination of all three. While all three letters were written by Paul, skillful editing by an unknown scribe many centuries ago created this great letter out of three. A wonderfully positive and uplifting book in the Bible that I highly recommend for all.
And what makes this letter most remarkable, are the optimistic and encouraging sentiments, written while Paul was sitting in Jail!. A letter of thanksgiving written to the Philippians for their financial support and their positive growth as new Christians.
Imagine ourselves, sitting in a jail in the first century, uncertain of our future and then crafting the letters that make up one of the most uplifting books in the New testament. And that is the point of Philippians, no matter how dire our circumstances, we can be optimistic because of our faith in God. Or as Paul says, I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Christians, Get Along with Each Other!
Christians, Get Along with Each Other!
Epistle to the Ephesians
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
If I had to sum up the message of Ephesians, I would say that it is for Christians to get along with each other. Not just socially, but also in the church and with family. The starting point for why this letter was written is once again for the newly converted gentile Christians and Jewish Christians to get along. While this theme keeps getting repeated in Paul’s letters, it provides a great example that is more universal than just the dispute between these two groups. In a way these disputes acts as an example of how we should all get along. In other words, we shouldn’t just look at the dispute between the gentile Christians and Jewish Christians as isolated and act amused at their inability to get along. Rather, we should look at our lives and see where we have created barriers with others, just because they are different.
The Book of Romans
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:13
Near the end of Paul’s three journeys throughout the Mediterranean world, he wrote The Epistle to the Romans, or more commonly known as the Book of Romans. While this is the first of Paul’s letters in the New Testament, it is actually the last one he personally wrote, sometime in 57AD. This letter is considered to contain the most complete theology of all the letters in the New Testament.
In fact, its message is so rich in thought, that I recently had someone tell me they are part of a Bible study group that would review the Book of Romans for a full year. Yes, every week for a full year!
Every sentence in Romans is so deep in explaining our Christian faith, I can easily see how this would be possible. Even a year might not even be enough!
What’s more remarkable, is that while the letter is addressed to the Christians who lived in Rome, Paul had not been to Rome at the time of this writing. So you might ask, why did Paul write this letter? Well the answer is a little complicated.
Galatians: We Are All Equal In Christ!
Galatians: We Are All Equal In Christ!
There is neither Greek or Jew, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male or female, for you are all one in Jesus.
Galatians 3:28
A friend of mine came to me overwhelmed by the complexity of the Book of Romans. I suggested she should read Galatians first. Here was my reasoning, it was written before Romans and is considered a primer to Romans. Certainly less burdensome in its length and the deeply elegantly prose written by Paul in Romans is replaced with a simpler to the point prose of Paul. So while Galatians isn’t as theologically rich, it is far more accessible. By comparison, Romans has sixteen chapters and Galatians has six. But both contain many of the same thoughts.
The letter was written to a church in Galatia, a region of present day Turkey. The date of the letter is late 40’s AD, maybe 50 AD. This one of Paul’s first letters. What I personally love about this letter is a verse in chapter 3-verse 28, where is says; There is neither Greek or Jew, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male or female, for you are all one in Jesus.
I would call this a foundational statement by Paul. A statement that we can use to measure other writings or verses written by Paul. Here it is a well-crafted sentence written for the Galatians that tells all about how Paul thinks. He believes that All people, and I cannot stress ALL enough! His message is that ALL are equal and worthy to Jesus. It doesn’t matter where you come from, your gender, what you believed before you were born again, we are ALL equal. And we ALL start as Christians first and everything else second.
A new phrase in modern times is called binge watching. A new television series comes out and we watch all the episodes from beginning to end, sometimes in one sitting or perhaps two or three. It makes me think of how worthy some of the books of the Bible would be to binge watch. Certainly, Genesis with its great stories like Noah’s ark, Joseph in the well or the intrigue between Jacob and Esau. A book filled with subplots, hero’s and villains. Certainly, The book of Acts is the same.
In Acts, we have jail cells collapsing. A missionary braving dangers, and wanders for close to twenty years to spread the good news about Christ. We have the Holy Spirit teaching people to talk in tongues. And a story of the first Christian Martyr. Hollywood could easily make this book into a series. I know I would binge watch it in one sitting.
Some have asked me why does Acts exist or what is its purpose. Simply, it is the bridge between the Gospels and the great Christian Epistles in the New Testament. It is also the history of the early church and its development from 33AD to 60AD. A support system to moving from the Gospels to the letters written by Paul and other great early Christian writers. Without it we would have to rely on circumstantial evidence to get the whole story.
Is Love ALL We Need
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
1st Corinthians 13:4
In 1st Corinthians 13:4 it says, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, written by the Apostle Paul. This is a familiar verse used in many marriage ceremonies. We have all heard it and perhaps used at our weddings. But there is a deeper story and purpose behind this phrase and 1stCorinthians, not written for just weddings, but a statement of our Christian attitude to each other.
Paul wrote this letter to the church that he helped found in Corinth. The letter is dated around 55AD, a few years after the church had started. Like many new things that arise, they got a little off track and Paul specifically wrote this letter to help them get back on course.
Some things got a little confused. We find this in one of Paul’s early statements, where he writes; Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. The reason Paul wrote this is that he had heard that some people were following a fellow named Apollo, others followed Paul or even Peter. A few did get it right that and said they followed Christ. This was causing quarreling in the church. Threatening the unity of the church in Corinth. Paul as usual wanted to nip things in the bud. He makes it clear that they follow only Christ, by saying; Is Christ divided?
Great Christians of the Past
Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
John 20:18
In 591AD Pope Gregory 1, declared in a sermon, that Mary Magdalene was a sinful woman. Setting off a centuries long belief that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. While this was dismissed by Pope Paul IV in 1969, it is still part of the myth that surrounds Mary Magdalene. A simple misguided and poorly researched statement by Gregory has clouded for modern Christians the real Mary Magdalene.
Discovering the real truth about Mary Magdalene is hard, because there are few writings about her or from her. Much of what has been written is opinion and speculation. Sometimes wildly dramatic images, like the one from Gregory. Others have even speculated that perhaps she was Jesus’s wife! Well none of these hold up when we carefully review the only document that contains references about her; the Holy Bible.
Perhaps the best description we get of her is in Luke 8:1-3, where is says; The Twelve were with him,2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Jesus said to Peter the Apostle; And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.
It was true that Peter built the church after Christ rose into heaven. It was simple enough, on Jesus’s part, to say this and for it to happen. But there is more to Peter than just being The Rock.
Find out the person who identified the 27 books of the New Testament and was instrumental in creating the Nicean Creed.
A man from the fourth century who rose to become the “Pillar of the Church” and became a role model for all future church leaders.
Discover his valiant life efforts to defend the Trinity and wrote many landmark books defining Christian Theology.
Learn about a man of great virtue who endured five exiles during his 48 years of being one of the first Christian Bishops.
Spend a Year with Jesus
Picking Our Life Treasures
Picking Our Life Treasures
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21
As a final reflection during the period of Lent, let us consider our hearts desire. What do we desire in and of life? Do we desire a heart filled with compassion and empathy? Do we desire a gentle and generous spirit that reflects a sincere kindness towards our neighbor? Do we desire a connectedness with heavenly things that bring peace and certainty? A heart pointed towards these things will instantly reject that which is material, self-interested, and seeking personal gain. In rejecting that which will tempt us away from our life’s purpose, we put away those things of the world that inevitably lead to discontent.
Avoiding a Life of Uncertainty
Avoiding a Life of Uncertainty
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Jesus came to provide an alternative life. One free of uncertainty and scarcity. A way of life with straight roads and peace. All that is required is a heart open to be filled by the message of Jesus. When we fully live this life, we will never be wrong in our choices. We can always be certain we are traveling the right road. Along the way, voices will come to distract us from our appointed way. Voices that will dispute God’s existence. Voices that will tell us to want more. Voices that will try to give us a reason to desire unquenchable ways. Our straight and forward movements combined with our faith through daily prayers will protect us from the noisy voices we will hear. Through Jesus we will have an abundant life.
Choosing Your Path in Life
Choosing Our Path in Life
Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”
Matthew 4:10
After Jesus’s third and final test in the desert, he sends the evil one away, declaring with a faithful certainty that he is choosing the path of life that walks with God. He unequivocally renounces a life dependent on materialism, want, and self-interest. His only desire is to serve humankind and live in the ways of God. It is a rejection of a way of life that would only serve the world and leave Jesus constantly wanting more. A rejection of the kind of life that is never quenched and filled with goals that can never be achieved. In Jesus’s final day in the wilderness, he declares these words as a repudiation of temptation for us to model.
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Matthew 4:7
After Jesus’s second test in the wilderness, He declared to the evil one: “I will trust only God and not be unsure in my faith.” Likewise, for us, we are tempted repeatedly to question the presence of God in our lives. Is God real and is God with us? These questions are not the result of God’s absence in our lives, but of the temptation to question God’s presence. When our faith wanes, we search and question if God exists. By questioning if God will help and if God cares, we become tempted to test God. Instead, Jesus wants us to be fully aware that God is a loving and caring God whom we have no need to doubt or test. Having this faith strengthens us to meet those tests that show up in our lives, including our Lenten goals.
Words of Life
One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Matthew 4:4
These words of advice were spoken by Jesus after his first test by the evil one, while in the wilderness for forty days. Our Lenten period is symbolic of this test faced by Jesus. Jesus tells us and the dark forces of the world to not rely on those things of the world, but on God. When we are famished and thirsty, God will provide. When we are spiritually drained, God will again provide. When we are tempted, our eyes and hearts should be pointed to the ways of God to receive all that we need. Jesus wants us to live simply, listen constantly, and know the words of God. It is a simple message that is tempted daily, if not hourly, but, as they did for Jesus, the words of God will sustain us.
Inspirational Christian Stories
The Story Behind Our Ministry
A Closer Walk With God
“Indeed, our lives are guided by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7
One day last week, three very good friends asked me to explain my ministry or what are you trying to achieve. Now when I get the same feeling or question three or more times in a day, I know God is up to something. So I thought about this question harder.
This has been a persistent question to me for the better part of ten years. A good question, that at first I couldn’t answer. Always goal driven, I tried to search for my answer in numbers and results. I even have tried various ministry assignments to help with this discovery. Never fully getting the answer to this question.
During my seven or so years in Theological school, I was always the outlier who couldn’t fully explain what I felt I was called to do for Jesus. Every attempt I tried never seemed right. I have given sermons, counseled the poor in spirit and fed the poor. All noble and worthy ministries. But I never felt this was what God called me to do.
But at least I knew better than to just blurt something out to satisfy others. But this day I was able to clearly tell these three friends what my ministry was.
As an outgrowth from my doctoral thesis, I set up a digital media company to test delivering messages to the world at large. Certainly not a local or tangible ministry. But a ministry in the ether of the internet.
I never really intended this to be my life’s ministry nor did I know this is where I would find my place with God.
A Bumblebee of Faith
A Bumblebee of Faith
Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.
Mark 5:36
When I was in Theological school, I would turn to my professors and fellow students for answers regarding theological questions. All wonderful resources to ask and gain insight.
These were people who studied faith, in prayer a lot and knew a lot. We were all being taught; what to say and how to say our opinions. We were being trained to be teachers of faith.
For many their future roles were to become ministers and priests. Sent off to lead congregations throughout our world. A mission to help guide small and large pockets of Christians.
For a smaller group, like myself, we left the world of theological resources to help carry on ministry in non-traditional ways. Some went to help the addicted. Others to work in non-profits to make a better world. For me, it was off to the internet to spread the word of God.
The internet is a different world. No longer was a title or your education an automatic acceptance of what you have to say. A pure place, where ideas reign and not credentials. Folks on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram are tough judges. Each idea you float is either rejected or accepted. Millions of messages are spread every day. The ones that resonant get shared and liked.
Faith and Reducing Coronavirus induced Panic
Faith and Reducing Coronavirus induced Panic
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
This Saturday, while having lunch at a local restaurant, the general manger came to our table to ask us how my wife and I were doing. We replied, very well; How are you? Our reply set off a lengthy explanation of his panic. He was afraid he might have to close the restaurant with his business off seventy five percent. In his eyes, I could see real fear. The kind of fear that unsettles our stomach, weakens our knees and causes us to labor on the easiest of tasks.
With our friends and family, we also have heard and seen fear. Supermarket shelves are being emptied. Hand sanitizer is being sold on the street for fifty dollars a bottle. True panic seems to abound.
A disquieting sense of being seems to be present in all that we see and hear. Panic caused by a lack of control of people’s lives and events.
Each announcement of school and store closings seems to raise the fear level higher. Watching television, you hear even more information that stiffens your body. The stock market is violently swinging in turmoil, causing people to wonder; how much will their savings go down? All around us fear seems to be growing faster than the Coronavirus itself, which is at the root of people’s fear.
But our fear, is just that, fear. People are forgetting that fear breeds fear. Fear is not tangible or something you can touch. But a vicious psychological marauder that seeks harm. Not physical harm, but emotional.
Panic causes bad decisions, when more than ever good ones are required. Panic causes unsteady steps, when the steps of life need to be sure.
3 Ways Being Like Jesus Will Help Your Career
3 Ways Being Like Jesus Will Help Your Career
The son can do nothing on his own accord, but only what he sees the father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.
Luke 5:19
This year when I was doing my speeches on college campus’s I wanted to try some different. Instead of preparing an intricately weaved message, I would focus on only three points and keep repeating them using different examples each time. My message this year was how to find a job and become a great employee. Simply, there are three ways, be positive, be trustworthy and pursue excellence. That’s it, no sophisticated weaving to make the point at the end, just keep repeating the same message.
Well, it worked! When I got the feedback and reviews back from my college visit at Theil College in Western Pennsylvania, the students overwhelmingly repeated the message in their reviews and used the explanations to support their reviews.
The message is simple, you only need to be three things to be a great employee. Yes, only three; being positive, trustworthy and committed to excellence. When I explained this to a friend, he said, But my employee appraisal given by my employer had forty three different measurements! I told him this wasn’t that unusual; many companies make the mistake of over-complicating evaluating employees.
So, I asked him to give me his appraisal form. He did and we placed all forty three review items into one of three categories; Being Positive, Being trustworthy and Committed to excellence. And yes, everyone could fit into one of the three categories!
The Elevator of Faith is Boring
The Elevator of Faith is Boring
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
Part of my day is reading and more reading. Mostly to find how other people think about faith; and to find interesting and helpful historical Christian facts. All to pass on to other people to help them have a closer walk with God. While doing this recently, I came across an article named, My Boring Christian testimony. As I read the article I was anything but bored. Essentially, the testimony was written by a woman named Megan Hill, a married mom and writer. The point of the article was that she didn’t feel her faith was real, because she didn’t have a dramatic conversion process or incredible faith stories.
As I read the article, I discovered a very normal life. As a young person, her parents took her to church. She asked to join the church when she was twelve. As she entered college, when most young people drift away from the church, she stayed. After marriage and having children, she started the same cycle with her children, by taking them to church. Seems pretty normal, certainly nothing to be ashamed of.
But through the years she doubted if her faith was real. She saw other people have dramatic moments of faith. She heard wonderful testimonies of people curing their addictions through faith. Others who had led an immoral, struck by God. On and on this drumbeat went, leaving her feel if she had done something wrong.
“Don’t Let The Old Man In!”
But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.
Psalm 92:12-14
A good friend of mine was discussing his weekly workout routine and why he works outs even though he has no upcoming athletic event. He told me; I don’t want to let the old man in. It wasn’t that he was angry at some old person, but more that he didn’t want to give in to old age. He didn’t want anyone telling him he was old, even though he is getting older. He felt that if he gave in to being old it would be giving in to not living a productive life.
My friend knows he will age and knows there are somethings he cannot do athletically anymore. He will never swim an under 1 minute 100 meter butterfly again. But he can still swim a mile every day. This is what my friend was getting at. Sure those of us who are aging know our chances of competing in the Olympics are gone, but it doesn’t mean we should give up and let the old man in.
As I have gotten older, I see the slow creeping of aging. The unrelenting enemy of all is lurking to slow us down farther than we want. I myself know that my ability to retain information and then retrieve it isn’t as good as my younger self. But I have learned how to compensate, by writing more down and by using word association to retrieve important information. Each day, something new is lost, but each day a new way is found.
That is what my friend was saying when he says don’t let the old man in. Not a voice against the aged, but a personal life plan to stay as vital as he can be.
Do to others as you would have them do to you
Luke 6:31
When I had just released my first book; Jesus & Co, I received some interesting criticism. At one church I visited, the senior minister stated what I had done was wrong. He explained that mixing business and Jesus was sinful. Never one short for words, I tried to explain to him that the book was about the Golden Rule and that businesses that follow the Golden Rule are the best places to work. He politely said I see and quickly sent me on my way.
Well, now I have proof. There is a new category to measure a business’s commitment to environmental, social and governance. In other words how to measure how well a company treats other and the environment. It is called the ESG measure. In fact, the very best companies receive an award called The Seal Awards.
