Wednesday, January 28, 2009
1 Peter 1:2
1 Peter 1:2
“…who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”
Is there anything better than being chosen? Whether it’s a game of kickball in 3rd Grade or the love of your life saying, “I choose you forever”; being selected – another word for elected – is one of life’s great pleasures. This verse begins by stating the unbelievable truth that God the Father has chosen us. Contemplate that for a moment: the perfectly Holy God has chosen you; sinful, prideful, and selfish you.
Why has He chosen us? God has chosen us to be His children, co-heirs with Christ, AND to do His work on earth. We tend to forget that as God’s children, we have a responsibility to obey Him…
A word about “foreknowledge”. That term means that God knows what will happen before it occurs. God lives outside of time. He experiences yesterday, today, and tomorrow just like we experience right now (this is a probability – we don’t really know how God works). So as you are deciding what to do after lunch today, God knows what you will do because He is not bound by time.
This is a way many people explain election and predestination. God doesn’t make someone follow Him, He simply knows who will choose to follow Him – that group becomes the elect. This verse seems to follow this thought. Peter states that because of God’s foreknowledge, we have been chosen.
“through the sanctifying work of the Spirit,”
Sanctification. That is a great spiritual word! What does it mean? Let me start with this: “sanctification” is the same Greek word as holiness, “hagios”, which means separation. In short, sanctification is the process by which we become holy; separated for Christ.
Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit – we cannot sanctify ourselves, no matter how good or obedient we are – it is God’s work within us. I believe the Holy Spirit is kind of overlooked; here are some other things He does: convicts the world of sin (John 16:7-11), reveals truth (John 16:13), gives us Spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12); produces fruit in our lives (Gal. 5:22-23); the Holy Spirit is also our helper, comforter, an guide.
“for obedience to Jesus Christ and the sprinkling of his blood:”
You and I have been chosen by God for the purpose of being obedient to Jesus and to be forgiven by His sacrifice. Christ’s redeeming and forgiving work has been accomplished, but it is our work to obey His teaching, confess our sins and repent so that we might receive forgiveness of our sins. How are you doing with that? Is there sin in your life that needs to be confessed? You will find no peace until you do…
Some great background from my commentary… “The reference to obedience and sprinkling takes us back to the inauguration of the covenant at Sinai, especially Exod. 24:7-8: ‘Then he [Moses] took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, ‘We will do everything the Lord has said, we will obey.’ Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.’”
“Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”
“Grace and peace” is a little bit like “Aloha” – it can be used as a greeting or a conclusion. Either way, it is an amazing blessing to speak over someone. “Grace” is God’s unmerited love toward men, and the beginning and end of the Gospel – and peace is the culmination of God’s grace. Peter prays abundant grace and peace over the readers of his letter –which includes us! My you feel God’s grace and peace today…
Monday, January 26, 2009
1 Peter 1:1
Wow - we got over a foot of snow this weekend - it is beautiful! I'll try to take some pictures tomorrow to post...
Don't worry, the discussions won't always be as long as today's...or tomorrow's for that matter. These two verses are super meaty.
1 Peter 1:1
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia…”
Our introduction dealt with most of this verse – Peter the apostle of Jesus, Peter the author, and the provinces of Asia Minor. So I’ll touch on the points that we haven’t talked about yet.
“to God’s elect”
Nothing like easing into the discussion with one of the most controversial points of Christianity. Election – does God choose who will follow Him? And if He does choose, does that mean the chosen have no choice…and those who are not chosen have no chance? I’ll give you the two main ways to look at this issue:
1. God chooses, or predestines, who will follow Him. Those who are chosen have no choice – God’s grace is irresistible – and those who are not chosen have no chance to have a relationship with God. This seems harsh to us, but since we are all worthy of death because of sin, isn’t it merciful for God to save some? And as Paul says, who are we to question God’s ways… This is a Calvinistic argument (point of fact – John Calvin did not create this theory – this theory had been around long before Calvin).
2. God’s grace is available to all, but it is up each individual to choose to accept it. “God’s elect” are those who have accepting Christ’s redeeming work on their behalf. Salvation is by grace alone, but God has given us free will to choose. This theory attempts to find a balance between the passages dealing with election and the passages dealing with humanity’s free will. This is part of the Arminian theory – named after the theologian Arminius.
Which is it? Nobody really knows – both sides make good points based upon biblical evidence; strong theologians and lovers of Jesus have different opinions on this topic. Respectful dialogue and discussion is well worth the time, but it should never lead to a break in fellowship. Speaking of which, Romans 14 gives helpful instructions on how to deal with touchy debates with Christian friends.
One final thought; as my pastor in Houston would say, “Do you believe in predestination? Yes. Do you believe in free will? Yes. I don’t understand it, but in God’s economy – I believe they are both true.” God’s ways are much higher than our ways. If we could understand everything about Him, He wouldn’t be much of a god. When in doubt, we leave these questions in the hands of a loving God.
“strangers in the world”
I love this phrase, though it challenges me. Am I a stranger in this world? Do I live in such a way that it is evident that I believe there is more to life…than this life? Would those around me think that there is more to my life than chasing after grades, relationships, and money? Am I a stranger in this world or have I become too cozy here?
How do you spend your time and your money? What do you listen to, watch, and talk about it? What we see and hear affect us more than we will ever know. Is there any evidence that Jesus is the most important part of your life? That is a hard question to ask yourself…its even hard to answer honestly.
A couple of verses for you:
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world.” – 1 John 2:15
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Don't worry, the discussions won't always be as long as today's...or tomorrow's for that matter. These two verses are super meaty.
1 Peter 1:1
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia…”
Our introduction dealt with most of this verse – Peter the apostle of Jesus, Peter the author, and the provinces of Asia Minor. So I’ll touch on the points that we haven’t talked about yet.
“to God’s elect”
Nothing like easing into the discussion with one of the most controversial points of Christianity. Election – does God choose who will follow Him? And if He does choose, does that mean the chosen have no choice…and those who are not chosen have no chance? I’ll give you the two main ways to look at this issue:
1. God chooses, or predestines, who will follow Him. Those who are chosen have no choice – God’s grace is irresistible – and those who are not chosen have no chance to have a relationship with God. This seems harsh to us, but since we are all worthy of death because of sin, isn’t it merciful for God to save some? And as Paul says, who are we to question God’s ways… This is a Calvinistic argument (point of fact – John Calvin did not create this theory – this theory had been around long before Calvin).
2. God’s grace is available to all, but it is up each individual to choose to accept it. “God’s elect” are those who have accepting Christ’s redeeming work on their behalf. Salvation is by grace alone, but God has given us free will to choose. This theory attempts to find a balance between the passages dealing with election and the passages dealing with humanity’s free will. This is part of the Arminian theory – named after the theologian Arminius.
Which is it? Nobody really knows – both sides make good points based upon biblical evidence; strong theologians and lovers of Jesus have different opinions on this topic. Respectful dialogue and discussion is well worth the time, but it should never lead to a break in fellowship. Speaking of which, Romans 14 gives helpful instructions on how to deal with touchy debates with Christian friends.
One final thought; as my pastor in Houston would say, “Do you believe in predestination? Yes. Do you believe in free will? Yes. I don’t understand it, but in God’s economy – I believe they are both true.” God’s ways are much higher than our ways. If we could understand everything about Him, He wouldn’t be much of a god. When in doubt, we leave these questions in the hands of a loving God.
“strangers in the world”
I love this phrase, though it challenges me. Am I a stranger in this world? Do I live in such a way that it is evident that I believe there is more to life…than this life? Would those around me think that there is more to my life than chasing after grades, relationships, and money? Am I a stranger in this world or have I become too cozy here?
How do you spend your time and your money? What do you listen to, watch, and talk about it? What we see and hear affect us more than we will ever know. Is there any evidence that Jesus is the most important part of your life? That is a hard question to ask yourself…its even hard to answer honestly.
A couple of verses for you:
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world.” – 1 John 2:15
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Friday, January 23, 2009
1 Peter Intro
1 Peter – A Letter of Hope
Introduction
Thank you for taking the time to read this! My prayer is that God will use this exploration of His Word to encourage and challenge us. I promise to work in as many stories and make this discussion as personal as possible. Some days will lend themselves to that, others won’t. I image some days will be “better reads” than others – but every verse is God’s Divine Word to us – so we’ll hit them all. Without further ado, here's an introduction to 1 Peter.
Author and Date: 1 Peter was most likely written by Peter the Apostle during the early 60’s AD. Scholars always debate the authorship of the books of the Bible because, come on, what else do they have to do. But most scholars agree that Peter was the author of 1 Peter with Silvanus, aka Silas, doing the actual writing. (One of the reasons some think Peter isn’t the author is that it is written in high quality Greek. Peter, an uneducated, Jewish fisherman, wouldn’t be able to write in such a manner…but Silas, who Peter tells us assisted in him (1 Peter 5:12) could. So the common belief is Peter dictated the letter and Silas wrote it down it Greek.)
Location: 1 Peter was most likely written in Rome. Peter says “your sister church in Babylon sends you greetings”; Babylon is typically a code name for Rome. The great Christian persecution by Nero – he who fiddled while Rome burned – was only a couple of years away, so Peter was prudent to not mention that he was in Rome.
Readers: The dispersed church – Jews and Gentiles alike. The locations listed: Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia are provinces in Asia Minor. More than likely, this letter was a circular letter; Ephesians was also circular. A circular letter was the email forward of the day. A carrier would deliver the letter to the leaders of one particular church, then take it to another church, and so on. If you look at the map in the back of your Bible, you will notice that the provinces listed by Peter would make a very logical order for delivery – a nice circular route.
Purpose: Allow me to give you the purpose of 1 Peter in a simple outline:
1. Blessings of God’s redeemed: 1 Peter 1:1 – 2:10.
2. Duties as Christians in the world: 1 Peter 2:11 – 4:11
3. The trials of Christians in the world: 1 Peter 4:12 – 5:11
Peter knew that persecution was coming. So he wrote this book to remind the readers that any earthly suffering was temporary while their blessings in Christ were eternal. That is why this has often been called the Epistle of Hope. No matter how bad things get, we have an inheritance that is eternal and secure in Christ.
Do you feel hopeful today? Regardless of how life treats you today – you have hope because the everlasting God sent His Son to die for you so that you might live eternally. The first few verses of 1 Peter will focus on this truth...
Hopefully you feel properly introduced, we’ll tackle verse 1 in a couple of days!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Prayer Guide
Wind River Ranch
Prayer Guide
“Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, O Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place.” - 1 Kings 8:28-29
Those words were spoken by Solomon at the dedication of what has historically (and mistakenly) been called Solomon’s Temple. It’s true that Solomon built the Temple, but it was always God’s Temple. Likewise, while we build, work, and serve at the ranch, we know that it is not ours – Wind River Ranch belongs to God.
Because the ranch belongs to God, we rely on Him to sustain these 110 acres that He has set aside for his work. We ask that you will join us as we petition Jehovah Jireh – God our Provider - to continue to bless this place.
The following is a simple plan to pray for the ranch. I’ve included some suggestions for prayers – don’t feel compelled to pray every single thing, simply pray as you feel led!
Sunday: Pray for the Board of Directors and the owners, Ron and Paige Crosby.
Pray for the board as they make decisions about the future of the ranch. Pray that there will be unity in purpose and vision and an openness to discuss differing opinions. Pray that they will have one mind and one purpose: what God wants for the ranch. Pray for their families.
Pray that the Crosbys will continue to find joy in their role as owners of the ranch. Pray that God will give them a vision of what this property can become. Pray that there will be clear communication between the Board, the Crosbys, and the ranch. Pray for their family.
Monday: Pray for Don, Nick, Becky, Rob and families.
Pray for our marriages and families. Pray that we’ll make time for our spouses and for our children. Pray for time to rest and enjoy the property during the slow times. Pray that we will not grow calloused to the unbelievable privilege of serving here. Pray that we will continue to feel a sense of calling to this ministry. Pray that we will have a vision for what God wants in our areas of influence. Pray that we will be unified in purpose and vision. Pray that we will continue to have fun together.
Tuesday: 2009 Guests and Speakers
The best thing for the ranch is a full summer of guests. Please pray that even in this year of financial stress, that God will bring a full compliment of guests. Pray that God will begin working in the guests’ hearts for what He wants to teach them here. Pray for their marriages and their relationships with their children. Pray that God will touch them in an amazing way while they are here. Pray that God will bring His salvation to one or more guests this summer!
Pray that the speakers will begin to know what God would have them share while they’re here. Pray that they will speak God’s Word clearly and boldly. Pray that they will have time to enjoy their wives and children. Pray for their ministries at home.
Wednesday: Donors
All non-profit ministries rely on donors. Pray that God will direct people with a passion for this ministry to WRR. Pray that some of these partners will have the means to give financially to this ministry. Pray that some will be able to give large amounts to continue God’s work here. Pray that we will discover other ways of raising money – grants, fund raisers, etc. Pray that Don will have favor with every potential donor that he talks with.
Thursday: Summer Staff 2009/Summer Staff 2008
Pray that God will hand-pick the staff for 2009. Pray that the returning staff will model the very best of being a WRR staff member. Pray that the staff will be unified in purpose and vision. Pray for a drama-free summer (God can do ALL things – even that!). Pray that the staff will be healthy and safe. Pray for God to change the lives of each staff member.
Pray that the staff of 2008 will know whether they should return in 2009 (and let Rob know quickly) or whether God has other plans for them this summer. Pray that the seeds planted in previous summers will continue to grow. Pray that they will notice friends who would make great WRR staff. Pray that God will shower blessings on their lives for their faithful service!
Friday: Horses and Property.
Our horses are a huge draw at the ranch – they are also a huge expense. Please pray that our horses will remain healthy through the offseason. Pray that we will find high quality hay at a good price. Pray that we won’t have any horse related accidents this year. Pray that Nick and Emily will continue to find good horses to add to our herd.
Please pray that the cabins will survive the winter in good shape. Pray that we will make wise decisions as we improve and plan for the future. Pray that the pine beetles will not kill any more trees. Pray that God will give us a unified vision for the master plan.
Saturday: Water and Septic Issues/Safety -
Our water and septic continue to be a huge headache and expense. Please pray that we will find a solution to our iron water (we spent over $3500.00 on bottles of water for the cabins last year). Please also pray that our water won’t freeze during the winter, or that we won’t run out of water. Septic is just as costly and time consuming, but not as appealing to discuss.
Pray that Nick and Rob will be safe as they work during the winter – and for the summer staff as well. Pray that the climbing wall will continue to be safe place for families to share experiences. Pray that the Olympics and other ranch events will be free from injury. Pray that we won’t have any accidents with vehicles. Pray that there will be no injuries in the pool (speaking of which, the new pool is going to be amazing!).
Prayer Guide
“Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, O Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place.” - 1 Kings 8:28-29
Those words were spoken by Solomon at the dedication of what has historically (and mistakenly) been called Solomon’s Temple. It’s true that Solomon built the Temple, but it was always God’s Temple. Likewise, while we build, work, and serve at the ranch, we know that it is not ours – Wind River Ranch belongs to God.
Because the ranch belongs to God, we rely on Him to sustain these 110 acres that He has set aside for his work. We ask that you will join us as we petition Jehovah Jireh – God our Provider - to continue to bless this place.
The following is a simple plan to pray for the ranch. I’ve included some suggestions for prayers – don’t feel compelled to pray every single thing, simply pray as you feel led!
Sunday: Pray for the Board of Directors and the owners, Ron and Paige Crosby.
Pray for the board as they make decisions about the future of the ranch. Pray that there will be unity in purpose and vision and an openness to discuss differing opinions. Pray that they will have one mind and one purpose: what God wants for the ranch. Pray for their families.
Pray that the Crosbys will continue to find joy in their role as owners of the ranch. Pray that God will give them a vision of what this property can become. Pray that there will be clear communication between the Board, the Crosbys, and the ranch. Pray for their family.
Monday: Pray for Don, Nick, Becky, Rob and families.
Pray for our marriages and families. Pray that we’ll make time for our spouses and for our children. Pray for time to rest and enjoy the property during the slow times. Pray that we will not grow calloused to the unbelievable privilege of serving here. Pray that we will continue to feel a sense of calling to this ministry. Pray that we will have a vision for what God wants in our areas of influence. Pray that we will be unified in purpose and vision. Pray that we will continue to have fun together.
Tuesday: 2009 Guests and Speakers
The best thing for the ranch is a full summer of guests. Please pray that even in this year of financial stress, that God will bring a full compliment of guests. Pray that God will begin working in the guests’ hearts for what He wants to teach them here. Pray for their marriages and their relationships with their children. Pray that God will touch them in an amazing way while they are here. Pray that God will bring His salvation to one or more guests this summer!
Pray that the speakers will begin to know what God would have them share while they’re here. Pray that they will speak God’s Word clearly and boldly. Pray that they will have time to enjoy their wives and children. Pray for their ministries at home.
Wednesday: Donors
All non-profit ministries rely on donors. Pray that God will direct people with a passion for this ministry to WRR. Pray that some of these partners will have the means to give financially to this ministry. Pray that some will be able to give large amounts to continue God’s work here. Pray that we will discover other ways of raising money – grants, fund raisers, etc. Pray that Don will have favor with every potential donor that he talks with.
Thursday: Summer Staff 2009/Summer Staff 2008
Pray that God will hand-pick the staff for 2009. Pray that the returning staff will model the very best of being a WRR staff member. Pray that the staff will be unified in purpose and vision. Pray for a drama-free summer (God can do ALL things – even that!). Pray that the staff will be healthy and safe. Pray for God to change the lives of each staff member.
Pray that the staff of 2008 will know whether they should return in 2009 (and let Rob know quickly) or whether God has other plans for them this summer. Pray that the seeds planted in previous summers will continue to grow. Pray that they will notice friends who would make great WRR staff. Pray that God will shower blessings on their lives for their faithful service!
Friday: Horses and Property.
Our horses are a huge draw at the ranch – they are also a huge expense. Please pray that our horses will remain healthy through the offseason. Pray that we will find high quality hay at a good price. Pray that we won’t have any horse related accidents this year. Pray that Nick and Emily will continue to find good horses to add to our herd.
Please pray that the cabins will survive the winter in good shape. Pray that we will make wise decisions as we improve and plan for the future. Pray that the pine beetles will not kill any more trees. Pray that God will give us a unified vision for the master plan.
Saturday: Water and Septic Issues/Safety -
Our water and septic continue to be a huge headache and expense. Please pray that we will find a solution to our iron water (we spent over $3500.00 on bottles of water for the cabins last year). Please also pray that our water won’t freeze during the winter, or that we won’t run out of water. Septic is just as costly and time consuming, but not as appealing to discuss.
Pray that Nick and Rob will be safe as they work during the winter – and for the summer staff as well. Pray that the climbing wall will continue to be safe place for families to share experiences. Pray that the Olympics and other ranch events will be free from injury. Pray that we won’t have any accidents with vehicles. Pray that there will be no injuries in the pool (speaking of which, the new pool is going to be amazing!).
Thank you for praying for the ranch! Don’t feel bad if you miss a day or two (or three), just jump back in on whatever day is next. The ranch would not be the ranch without your service and prayers…
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” – 1 Peter 3:12
Friday, January 2, 2009
The Truth about You
Happy New Year!
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic New Years Eve! I checked out the pictures of the New Years Party at the Eudy's - it looked like good times. Lynda and I wish we could have been there...
I've been contemplating what to write about at the dawn of 2009. It's the first post of the year - a fairly momentus event. So the question I asked myself was this: What is the most beneficial thing I can share today? And the following is my answer:
You are not who you think you are. You are not the sum of your mistakes and failures. You are not unloved, unlucky, or a loser. You are not who your peers, parents, or professors say you are. You are who God says you are - and that is a fact.
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ - this is who you are (if you are not a follower of Christ - this is who you could be if you choose to follow Christ):
Now go back and read each one slowly and ask yourself two questions:
1. Do you believe it? Deep down at the core of your soul?
2. How does that truth affect your life?
Its one thing to know the truth. Its a different thing altogether to accept the truth and live accordingly. Do you accept that list of attributes about yourself?
I don't know if you are a resolution maker, but if you are, or even if you aren't, resolve to believe what God says about you in 2009. God wants to do amazing things in you and through you this year - let Him start by changing your perception of yourself.
You are a son or daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! You are a co-heir with Christ! Your sins are forgiven and your guilty stains washed away! Your life counts because God loves you and wants to work through you!
That is the most important thing I can share with you on this second day of the new year.
** List taken from Louie Giglio's "Christ in You" DVD series. http://www.268generation.com/
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic New Years Eve! I checked out the pictures of the New Years Party at the Eudy's - it looked like good times. Lynda and I wish we could have been there...
I've been contemplating what to write about at the dawn of 2009. It's the first post of the year - a fairly momentus event. So the question I asked myself was this: What is the most beneficial thing I can share today? And the following is my answer:
You are not who you think you are. You are not the sum of your mistakes and failures. You are not unloved, unlucky, or a loser. You are not who your peers, parents, or professors say you are. You are who God says you are - and that is a fact.
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ - this is who you are (if you are not a follower of Christ - this is who you could be if you choose to follow Christ):
I am loved by God and I am in the beloved
I have the life of Christ in me
I am a holy one - a saint
I am completely forgiven
I am alive
I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing
I have been chosen by God
I have been made the righteousness of God
I've been adopted into God's family
I've been raised up and seated with Christ in heaven
I have been made complete
I am a new creation
I have been sealed eternally by the Holy Spirit
I have the mind of Christ
I am God's handiwork, created for good works
I am free from sin's power
I have been delivered from darkness into light
I have peace with God
I have the power of Christ
Now go back and read each one slowly and ask yourself two questions:
1. Do you believe it? Deep down at the core of your soul?
2. How does that truth affect your life?
Its one thing to know the truth. Its a different thing altogether to accept the truth and live accordingly. Do you accept that list of attributes about yourself?
I don't know if you are a resolution maker, but if you are, or even if you aren't, resolve to believe what God says about you in 2009. God wants to do amazing things in you and through you this year - let Him start by changing your perception of yourself.
You are a son or daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! You are a co-heir with Christ! Your sins are forgiven and your guilty stains washed away! Your life counts because God loves you and wants to work through you!
That is the most important thing I can share with you on this second day of the new year.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17
** List taken from Louie Giglio's "Christ in You" DVD series. http://www.268generation.com/
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