Saturday, January 30, 2010

Holy Priesthood

When I was growing up as a Catholic, we looked upon priests somewhat with awe being the focal point of our budding spiritual life. In that context, it was always us and them, a clear separation.

I have been mulling over last weeks bible discussion of 1 Peter, Chapter 2, and a light bulb clicked on as to what should be our true identity or purpose we are being groomed for here on earth. We have discussed in the past that we exist for God's purpose rather than for our own purpose. Here again, this message rings out clear and loud as follows:

"4As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— 5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."[1Peter 2:4-5. NIV]

Wow, our true identity are priests in God's holy house,where our purpose is to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Ok, this begs the question what spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to God? This implies a direct personal connection in making such sacrifices (i.e., not by someone else). As briefly discussed, we collectively identified actions such as words (worship prayer)or good works as being possible sacrifices that could be offered to God. I dare say,all of our actions if centered or done with a motive to glorify our God, could be acceptable sacrifices.

Easier said than done. The ongoing spiritual warfare, results in us falling short more times than not in aspiring to be full time living sacrifices in the glory of our God. Yet, there is urgency, because of our finite life time on earth, and time is running out to get it right for ever and ever in our eternal lives in heaven. John shared a vision of the throne in heaven as follows:

"9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
{Revelation 4:9-11, NIV]

I see the task before us, and pray that the Spirit will prune or groom the branches of each of our spiritual trees, to give such glory to our Lord and God.

Monday, January 25, 2010

TO SAVE A LIFE

Sally and I just saw a new movie "To Save a Life". This is a new Christian movie that was released last Friday. Unfortunately, there were only four of us at the Caste Rock theater 2:30 pm show.

I challenge all of us to support this film. I would not recommend pre-teen (<16) attendance unless accompanied by a adult.

The message is current,and deals with how being Christ like can affect the people around you. We need to support this movie.

PS: I must confess that I may be bias because our daughter (Laura Black) is in this movie. That said, lets show Hollywood, that we need more main stream films based on Christian values.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Some considerations on natural disasters

I spent all day on a blog about Pat Roberston's comments and some Biblical concepts that I think need to be considered when we look at natural disasters. You can find it here. As always I welcome your comments.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

BADTHINGS HAPPEN

First I would like to apologize to the Wednesday's Bible study group for distracting the morning attention away from 1 Peter. Perhaps we should return to having our prayer requests toward the end of the morning.

As suggested I did find a video online to hear what Pat Roberson actually said about Haiti, and the alleged pact with the devil.

1Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." [Luke 13:1-5, NIV]

That said, I recognize that I have a "plank" in my eye. Nevertheless, bad things will continue to happen around the world including this country, and I ask what would Jesus say about such events? I would venture based on Luke 13 above, he would redirect our attention to evaluate our own state of grace, and need to repent rather on whether the victims were worst sinners or more guilty and deserved what they got. I recognize that only by the grace of God, that I am not going through the pain and loss the people of Haiti are enduring currently.

I pose the question: Can our attitude of righteous misled us into expecting justice or wishing punishment in this world on our brothers or sisters because of their perceived sins or lifestyle? Although I am an accountability sort of guy (Dirty Harry) in how I look at the world, lately I have been trying to turn that around in my walk with Christ. Simply because, I too will be accountable, and by my own omission, am a sinner, and only by the grace or mercy of God through Christ have been forgiven (i.e., grace is independent of good works).

Yes, by discernment (i.e., judgment), I chose not to follow certain lifestyles, and choose life over death spiritually. I can not speak on God's purpose on what happened in Haiti, or when bad things happen in general that it was God's wrath per say, but I am striving to try to recognize the opportunities to do what God would have me do after such events. I do agree with Pat Robertson's assessment that there will be opportunities in Haiti for God's work to be done, which was the case prior to the earthquake although perhaps more limited due to possible corruption of their governing authorities.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Psalm 11

I just finished an article on Psalm 11 that some of you might find encouraging. You can find it here.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

My notes on 1 Peter

After starting on antibiotics last Monday I've been feeling better each day. I heard the group is starting 1 Peter and thought I'd pass on my research notes for what it's worth. I admit it may take some work to get used to navigating around my mind-map. It's very much a work-in-progress. Sort of a mud-on-the wall approach. I gather all kinds of info and make notes, then arrange, weed-out and edit as I go along. (Click on the post title to get to my web site where you can access the map)