Let's take a stroll through 1 Timothy 1: Day 1. READ! Please read 1 Timothy more than once (5-6 readings? - you might spread this out over several days/weeks?), and in more than one version; KJV, NASB, NLT, HSB, ESV, etc. (or more than one translation if you are multi-lingual);. Also, you would be wise to invest in a solid study bible if you haven't already (I have always been partial to the NIV study bible, but have enjoyed the Archeological Study Bible as well as some others). Day 2. High Level What is the major theme of the chapter? How do you know? How does this chapter fit into the overall flow of the book? What themes or reoccurring messages prick your heart personally? For me it is themes like modesty, money and wealth, gentleness, and teaching and preaching. Day 3. Setting The Pace (1 Tim 1:3-5) In the very beginning of Paul's first letter to Timothy (written somewhere between 62-66 A.D. while Paul was away from Timothy and Timothy was left leading a growing congregation in Ephesus, c.f. 1 Tim 1:3), he mentions that the advancing of God's work is by faith (contrary to by our efforts alone) - c.f. 1 Tim 1:4. And that Paul's ultimate goal of his instruction to Timothy is love (c.f. 1 Tim 1:5). We would be wise to remember in our day to day Christian lives, that the goal is always love (c.f. 1 Jn 3:18). Day 4. Growing Humility (1 Tim 1:15-16) As you trace Paul's life throughout the writings of the N.T., you see him continually growing in his humility. Starting out as Saul of Tarsus (c.f. Acts 7; 9) who was a Hebrew of Hebrews etc. (c.f. Phil 3:4-6), wrestling with his "thorn" in 2 Cr 12, to being here the "worst of all sinners" toward the later parts of his life. This is perhaps reminiscent of the elders walking away first when challenged by Jesus to throw the first stone (c.f. Jn 8:9). Ask God, yourself, and others close to you; are you growing in your humility, both outwardly and inwardly? Day 5. The Source of Humility (1 Tim 1:12-17) Paul gives us insight into where his growing humility came from; God showing him mercy. In order for you and me to grow in humility we must have a keen awareness and honest sobriety about our own sin and shortcomings, otherwise there is nothing in need of mercy (compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm). - c.f. Mrk 2:17) #biblestudy

A friend recently started a conversation with me in which he asked me to post my thoughts on the topic of the ministry as a profession, and the effects of secularism upon it today.  He also asked that I share some of my personal experiences as I have been a paid minister of the gospel for 8 years now. I must say that there are some “occupational hazards” working in the vocation of the ministry.  The office of the pastorate is typically referred to as something that one is “called” into, which I would agree with generally, although that terminology is usually more ambiguous than it is helpful.  Obviously God rarely “calls” in some physical or audible way, but I believe the “calling”  essentially means you feel completely confident and determined, to do the work of the ministry, no matter how hard it gets.  And hard it can be.  Dealing with people, it is most always messy, and hardly ever goes according to plan.  Therein lies the inherent beauty, and the inherent frustration, depending on your perspective.  However, there can be an enticing appearance of glamour and glory (particularly in some denominations and church cultures) and an allure to leadership because of it’s spot light.  But we would be wise to remember how Christ dealt with the spot light (Jn 6:15, Mrk 10:45, etc.). Even the ways in which ministry success is judged holds with it an inherent pitfall, the pitfall of secularism and humanistic thinking.  Much like the business model of the capitalistic West, ministry and pastoral success can be measured by the size of the church, numbers in attendance, public speaking ability, financial prowess, political and social influence, the rate of “growth” in the church, or even the numbers of people that “get saved” at a particular event or gathering.  These things are all fine and good to judge the trajectory of a company by, the only problem is; they are not of God.  Nor are they found to describe Jesus Christ’s ministry, the church in the New Testament, or God’s prophets and proclaimers throughout history. Think: who was an eloquent speaker or some influential leader when God called them (Ex 4:10-12, Acts 4:13, 1 Cr 1:26)?  Even Jesus’ ministry itself ended with only a hand full of disciples around His cross, the rest fleeing for their lives (Jn 19:25).  Even after His resurrection (the greatest miracle of all time) there were only 120 disciples still willing to devote themselves to His cause and follow (Acts 1:15).  Does it mean that if someone leads a big church they are a better Christian (or one at all) than one who leads a small church?  Does it mean the guy that has more books, Facebook friends, or Twitter followers is more spiritual than the guy who has less (or none)? I know I struggle with these very things.  Of course there is nothing inherently wrong with big churches, books, Facebook, or Twitter.  But what’s wrong is what is in my heart (Mat 15:19).  The selfish ambition, the desire for recognition, acclaim, prestige and prominence.  And yet in the ministry, particular “occupational hazards” offer just those things: public speaking, being in front, people looking to you for decisions to be made, giving you the credit when things go well, and conversely the blame.  Do I think I am spiritual and being fed by God’s word when I am only studying the bible in order to teach it to someone else?  Do I look at the scriptures through the lens of how to apply it to someone else’s life, instead of my own,  to my own peril (Mat 7:21-23)? A word to those who are interested in pursuing ministry as a vocation: allow your heart to be sifted, test to see what impure motives lie inside of your desire (Prov 17:3, 27:21).  The mark of true leadership is suffering and humility (Phil 2:5-8, 2 Cor 6:4-10, 2 Cor 11:16-30).  Both, I fear, we can desperately lack. Psalm 139:23-24 #ministry

Living a Godly life is not without its difficulty, but it is often more simple than we suppose. The natural simplicity of godliness is that it amounts to the peaceful management of the individual moments that come to us, one at a time. Some of these moments are certainly harder than others. Powerful desires can surge up and threaten to overthrow our conscience. When our principles are tested, we may find that we don’t have as much commitment to them as we thought we had. Or we may find that we’ve just been fooling ourselves and that the principles we’ve been professing are not really our true principles after all. But despite the difficulties, no single moment asks of us anything impossible. Our tests come in single file, and if we take them as they come, we learn to manage our moments more effectively. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, we are assured that temptation’s difficulties will never be more than we can bear. however strongly we’re tempted, there will always be a “way of escape.” But the key to doing what’s right is managing the moments, which means breaking down the larger difficulties into decision that are small enough for us to handle. God is willing to help us, but only with the actual needs of the present moment. “One is given strength to bear what happens to one, but not the one hundred and one different things that might happen” (C.S. Lewis). God doesn’t protect us from all possible problems; He helps with our actual problems. No matter how formidable our difficulties, the right step to take at any moment will always involve the doing of something that is quite doable. Freedom means that we can take this step, and responsibility means that we should take it. If we fail to exercise the freedom that we’ve been given, we’ll lose it and end up as slaves to the flesh. How infinitely better it would be if we learned to manage our moments with wisdom, strength, and peace. “Character is distilled out of our daily confrontation with temptation, out of our regular response to the call of duty. It is formed as we learn to cherish principles and to submit to self-discipline. Character is the sum total of all the little decisions, the small deeds, the daily reactions to the choices that confront us.” Sidney Greenburg From: Diligently Seeking God” Gary Henry #spirituality

Does the bible condone slavery? This is certainly an important topic, especially in regards to apologetics and those looking for reasons for faith; for who would want to put their faith in a God whom they could not trust is good, loving, and just? As I was reading in Titus 2 today, I thought about this issue again and thought it might be good to offer some thoughts. I do not believe the bible condones slavery, at least not in the sense of slavery as injustice, abuse, and inferiority. But there is the truth of slavery existing all throughout the bible, in both testaments, even a cursory reading of the bible will reveal that it does not outright condemn slavery as a practice. And as difficult as this all may be, it is important to understand the fundamental differences of slavery then and now (for an introductory treatment of this click here). “It’s really important for us not to confuse God’s USE of an institution to accomplish something good, with God’s APPROVAL of an institution as something inherently good.” Not to mention slaves comprised 65-90% of the Roman empire up until the first century A.D. So does God condone slavery? No. So does Jesus (or other N.T. writers) condemn slavery as a practice? No. So where does this leave us? I believe it leaves us right where God wants us, stuck in the middle of the gospel; inward, of the heart, and not merely the outward (Mat 23, etc.). Let me offer this quote: “Herein lies the point at stake: Is the N.T. about social change first or is it about change of the heart? As much as I believe that Christians should become involved in several aspects of society (we are, after all, "the salt of the world"), when we exchange the gospel for a merely social agenda we contaminate our mission. I believe there are social implications of the gospel that are quite extensive, but let us never forget that our primary task in relation to the world is not to change political structures, but to offer forgiveness of sin in the name of Jesus Christ.” (reference) So whether we are engaged with our friends, co-workers, family members, and classmates in an apologetic conversation concerning the nature of God, or simply wrestling through it ourselves; let us continue to work on the inner man, a heart truly submitted to the authority of God, allowing that to determine our relation to other human beings in love no matter what societal or cultural circumstance we find ourselves in. For someone is truly only a slave to what has mastered them (2 Pet 2:19). #culture #spirituality

This week we will take a look at the New Testament book of Ephesians. Ephesians, written by the apostle Paul about 60 A.D. likely when he was imprisoned in Rome (perhaps near about the same time he wrote Colossians) to the church in Ephesus and probably a circular letter intended for other churches in addition to the one in Ephesus. The city of Ephesus was the most important city in Western Asia Minor (now Turkey) and boasted a pagan temple dedicated to the Roman goddess Diana (Greek Artemis) (cf. Act 19:23-31). Paul made Ephesus his base of operations for over two years, during which he and his associates evangelized Western Asia Minor (Act 19:10). Read Ephesians this week in at least two other versions than you normally read. Day 1. Chapter 1 The obvious language of "predestined" in Eph 1:5-11 (Grk: proorizō - to predetermine, decide beforehand) can cause some difficulties with ideas of predestination vs. free will, once saved always saved, and other related theological issues. Without going into detail here, I might offer a quick suggestion: has God 'predestined' us in the sense that we have no free will and doesn't matter what we choose etc. (cf. Rom 9) or has he 'predestined' us in the sense that he decided beforehand that He would adopt His children into sonship after the fall through His perfect Son Jesus Christ, yet through His 'predestination' of this plan, we still have choice in participating in His 'predetermined' plan? Eph 1:18 - Pray with Paul today that the "eyes of your heart" may be enlightened in order that you may know... Day 2. Chapter 2 Eph 2:1 - One of the primary tenants of Christianity; you must recognize that you are dead in your transgressions and want life that you cannot provide for yourself (cf. Rom 5:6; Heb 11:6). Are you able to find other passages that help to explain how we are “made alive with Christ” (Eph 2:5), “raised up with Christ” (Eph 2:6), and “brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph 2:13)? Do any of these seem to be contradictory to Eph 2:8-9? If so, how can we harmonize and reconcile them? Day 3. Chapter 3 Who can you pray for as Paul did (Eph 3:14-21) other than yourself? Pray this prayer for them today. Day 4. Chapter 4-6 These chapters describing Christian maturity will keep us busy for the rest of our lives. What instruction on Christian living jumps out at you in these chapters? Pray for strength and talk to someone close to you in the faith to help you in these areas. Day 5. Chapter 6 We are indeed in a struggle; however let us remember it is not against people, even when it feels that way. Putting on the full armor of God is no easy task and takes great effort and dedication, but He has given us all we need to be victorious (cf. Rom 8:37-39; 2 Pet 1:3). ​Please pray for me as Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him (Eph 6:19). #biblestudy

Matthew 9:9-13 Jesus’ words here are so cutting; exposing the depth of human’s sinful nature … PRIDE. To examine further, I went to the source of Jesus’ reference to Hosea 6. For as Adam (Hos 6:6-7), we have all rebelled and like sheep have gone astray (Isa 53:6). In context, the prophet Hosea is rebuking the northern kingdom of Israel for unfaithfulness and ‘prostituting’ themselves to other gods (namely Canaanite gods). He is calling them to repentance and to return to God (the liking of which Hosea knew personally due to God’s instruction to marry a prostitute, Homer, in chapters 1-3). I believe Jesus brought this passage up in order to remind the Pharisees that they too, like their ancestors, had been unfaithful to God, in this case their unfaithfulness of heart. The Pharisees would have certainly known this passage in Hosea and the clear call to the unfaithful people of God to turn back in repentance. No wonder people wanted to kill Jesus, he is emphatically calling the most religious people of his day spiritual adulterers! I think this passage (Mat 9) is especially meaningful for me as an ambassador of Christ, living in a place where religion is so popular and commonplace, indeed apart of the very culture. For Jesus tells me it is the sick that need to get well, ‘not those who think they are already good enough’ (NLT). I’m sure Matthew was very appreciative of the fact (being that he was a hated ‘tax collector’) that God wanted to show mercy, and therefore produce mercy and love, instead of being worshiped in a heartless and mechanical religion. Jesus came to institute a relationship with God, in which we can cry out Abba, Father! (Rom 8) Jesus told them to ‘go and learn what this means’, and I think it would be wise of me to continually learn what this means in my life as well. Questions to ask: Am I motivated and acting through mercy, or sacrifice? (Prov 16:2) Am I following in Jesus’ (and Hosea’s) footsteps in calling out spiritual adultery, not matter who is the perpetrator, even if it is myself? (Is there anyone in my life to call this out?) Do I see myself as ‘healthy’ or ‘sick’? (Lk 7:36-50, Lk 18:9-14) #spirituality #biblestudy

Last week we discussed our culture's (really our human condition) infatuation with physical appearance and beauty and how this can distract and even derail our spiritual lives. We also discussed the impact that media has on this process in our hearts. This week, I wanted to introduce the inverse that can happen. Interestingly, while our culture (human hearts really) is infatuated with body image and beauty, paradoxically this country is also one of the most obese in the world, fraught with health issues and disease (issues arising from sin in the human heart). As Christians we must be aware and beware of this, for gluttony I fear is something we too seldom talk about. We can tend to have an almost gnostic view of our bodies and spirituality, where if we are "doing well spiritually" (usually defined by us as some litany of items such as; consistent quiet times, evangelism, church attendance, and abstaining from some set of particular sins, i.e. sexual impurity, etc.) then we can ignore other areas of our lives (i.e. other sins we tend to not focus on, gluttony, greed, materialism, etc.) Day 1. What is shaping your convictions about your dietary habits and nutrition? Why are these your convictions? Is God's word primarily influencing this or something else (i.e. the media, culture, your own body image insecurities, etc.)? (cf. 1 Cor 3:16-17; Jam 4:4-5) Day 2. What are your convictions about exercise and activity? Living in a non-agrarian, sedentary society is fraught with dangers. We must be much more intentional about our activity and physical movement, God has given us one body to live in, one earthly tent (2 Cor 5:1), so he expect us to be good stewards of what He has given us (cf. 1 Pet 4:7-11). Day 3. Listen to a great lesson on this topic here Day 4. Identify your own Why (make sure your 'why' for nutrition and exercise is Godly {i.e. to serve him better and enjoy life as He designed it} and not worldly {i.e. vanity and pride}), What (your specific plan of action), How (a thought out decision about how your what will happen), When (figuring out your critical moments when your what and how can be thwarted) Day 5. Enlist some help from others in your life (the 'Who') on your journey to a healthier lifestyle #beauty #training

With our culture's love and infatuation for athletics, sports, and beauty, it's no wonder that we tend to have fit bodies, but shallow souls. I certainly don't cast the first stone (or any stone), but we put so much stock in charm and beauty yet the Bible teaches us that it is deceptive and fleeting (Prov 31:30). So why do we do this? Even in the church we tend to value the things that we know inherently will not last, like beauty. I assert that our culture influences us more than we realize. 1. Media Consumption How does the culture influence you through media? Have you considered how much media consumption you have in an average day (the national average is around 13hrs/day)? What are some of the primary messages and teachings that influence you through media? How are these contrary to the word of God? Are you willing to consume less media in order to make your spiritual life healthier? (media consumption, and gaming especially, possess addictive qualities that must be treated with great caution) 2. Beauty In The Media What is the archetype of beauty consistently portrayed in the media? How does this shape and influence your perception of yourself, as well as what you find physically attractive? How does this model compare to other time periods, cultures, and societies models of beauty? What do you think causes these shifts of social norms in what is considered beautiful and attractive? How will you let the word of God reshape your thinking (Rom 12:2) about what you find attractive and beautiful? (cf. 1 Pet 3:3-4) This is a battle that must be fought, and fought consistently, as it is ever at our doorsteps, or should I say fingertips. Pray for me, as I pray for you, that we may together resist the influence of the world, in our own lives as individuals as well as the corporate body of Christ, and become renewed to have not only fit bodies, but fit souls as well (1 Tim 4:8). #beauty #training

This week we are taking a look at the book of Titus. Penned by the apostle Paul sometime in the 60's A.D. to his apprentice, younger evangelist and leader Titus. Paul's short letter to Titus instructs him in many practical ministry applications such as apppointing elders, rebuking false doctrine, and proper Christian living,. Read the book of Titus every day this week in a different version. Day 1. Grace & Peace (Titus 1:4) Why would God inspire Paul through His Holy Spirit to open almost every letter he wrote in our N.T. with the words "grace and peace"? What is God wanting for us to take from this? Is your life characterized by grace and peace? Day 2. Claiming To Know God (Titus 1:16) Paul says that there were some who were claming to know God but were not actually living it. By their actions they denied God (cf. 1 John 2:3-4; John 14:23-24). What actions, behaviors, patterns, or addicitons in your life cause you to live in such a way that you 'deny' God? What steps of faith, repentance and obedience can you take? Day 3. Sound Doctrine (Titus 2:1) Paul was emphatic about the teaching of sound doctrine, especially to his young preachers (cf. 2 Tim 4:1-4). This is contrary to our current religious culture that seems to de-emphasize sound doctrine; that you can believe all sorts of things and still be 'sound'. The universalists view of 'all roads leading to God' whether they be through Jesus, Buddha, Mohhamad, (or any other religious leader - even yourslef!) have become mainstream and the dominant spiritual current of our times. This must be rejected! In the context here, Paul is speaking about those who are teaching to return to the practices of Judiasm (circumcision specifically) in order to enter through Christ to God (cf. Titus 1:10-16), but what do you teach that is not in accord with "sound doctrine"? If the apostle Paul were to hear you present the gospel to someone, would he be inclined to say that you were unified in the Spirit with him (cf. Eph 4:1-6)? Day 4. Grace (Titus 2:11; 3:5-8, 15) Grace is a dominant theme of the entire bible, and most epsecially of Saul's converted life to Paul (cf. 1 Cor 15:10). Profoundly, Paul here speaks of grace playing a critical role in our overcoming of sin, ungodliness, and worldliness. How are you motivated by grace in your struggle again sin (cf. earlier WBS posts on grace)? As a side note, can you articulate the "sound doctrine" of Titus 3:5 in what Paul is saying ('God saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit') to someone else? Day 5. Applying Titus How does this letter of the apostle Paul to his younger protégé Titus apply to your life today? Share these things with a trusted friend in the gospel and continue to allow God's grace to teach you to say "no" to all ungodliness. #spirituality #biblestudy

As we have seen from last week's study we can reasonably trust and believe that God has divinely revealed himself to us. But can we trust that the bible has been inspired by God and is the place he has primarily revealed himself? This in no way can be a comprehensive study of the subject, but only a primer. For further study see these resources: "How We Got The Bible" Lightfoot "The Canon of Scripture" Bruce "Who Wrote The Bible?" Freidman "The Bible Jesus Read" Yancey "Compelling Evidence for God & The Bible" Jacoby "By genuineness we mean that a book is written by the person or persons whose name it bear or, if anonymous, by the person or persons to whom ancient tradition has assigned it, or if not assigned to some definite author or authors, to the time to which tradition has assigned it. A book is said to be forged or spurious if it is not written at the time to which it has been assigned, or by the author professed by it. A book is considered to be authentic when it relates facts as they really occurred. It is corrupt when the text has been in any manner changed." "A book is credible if it relates truthfully the matter which it treats. It is said to be corrupt when it presents text varies from the original. Credibility then embraces both the ideas of truthfulness of the records and purity of the text." (Thiessen, Systematic Theology) "Is is improbable that God would reveal a fact or doctrine to the human mind, and do nothing towards securing an accurate statement of it. This is particularly the case when the doctrine is one of the mysteries of religion. Such profound truths as the trinity, the incarnation, vicarious atonement, etc., require the superintendence and guidance of an infallible Spirit to secure an enunciation that shall not be misleading. Hence it is more natural to suppose that a prophet or an apostle who has received directly from God a profound and mysterious truth inaccessible to the human intellect, will not be left to his own unassisted powers in imparting what he has received. Especially is it improbable that communication from the deity would be veiled in extravagant and legendary costume. (Shedd, Dogmatic Theology) Objections To The Inspiration of Scripture: Day 1: Quotations of Ignorance or Error Does the writer's ignorance or error prove lack of inspiration? (Acts 23:5; Job's comforters faulty views of God, etc.) - Paul merely admits his ignorance and does not deal with the question of inspiration, the record of this statement is fully inspired. For Job's comforters inspiration guarantees the accurate recording of these speeches, not the truthfulness of the contents of the speech. Day 2. In Science & History (see also: "Genesis, Science & History" Jacoby) The bible is not a textbook on either science or history; but if it is verbally inspired, then we expect it to speak truthfully whenever it touches on either of these subjects. Archaeological discoveries have done much to confirm the historical accuracy of both the Old Testament and New Testament. Hammurabi, Sargon II, the Hittites, Belshazzar, Quirnius, Lysanias, Paulus, and Gallio have all been identified, thus proving the historicity of the accounts. Day 3. In Miracle and Prophecy In light of the fulfillments of prophecies concerning Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, concerning Israel, concerning Christ, and concerning the character of the present age we ought not to be skeptical concerning the possibility of predictive prophecy. What are regarded as errors in prophecy are usually but false interpretations of it. Parts of Dan 2, 7, 9, 11, 12, parts of Zech 12-14, and most of the Revelation are still awaiting fulfillment. Day 4. In Quoting & Interpreting the O.T. Did the N.T. writers wrongly quote or use the O.T.? Many difficulties will vanish if we observe several items: 1.) Sometimes N.T. writers merely express their ideas in words borrowed from n O.T. passage without pretending to interpret the passage (cf. Rom 10:6-8; Deut. 30:12-14). 2.) Sometimes they point out a typical element in a passage that has not been generally recognized as typical (cf. Matt 2:15; Hos 11:1) 3.) Sometimes they give credit to an earlier prophecy when they really quote from a later form of it (cf. Matt 27:9; Zech 11:13) 4.) Sometimes they quote an apparently false translation in the Septuagint on the ground that the mistranslation conveys at least one of the meanings contained in the Hebrew text (cf. Eph 4:26; Ps 4:4 LXX) 5.) Sometimes they combine two quotations into one and assign the whole to the more prominent author (cf. Mark 1:2; Isa 40:3, Mal 3:1) "If we believe in the possibility of a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of man, then we ought not to find it difficult to believe in the possibility of a supernatural operation of the Spirit in the production of the Scriptures." Day 5. In Morals & Religion Bear in mind: 1.) the sinful acts of men may be recorded, but they are never sanctioned (ex. Noah's drunkenness - Gen 9:20-27; Lot's incest - Gen 19:30-38; Jacob's falsehood - Gen 27:18-24; David's adultery - 2 Sam 11:1-4; Solomon's polygamy - 1 Kings 11:1-3; Esther's severity - Esther 9:12-14; Peter's denials - Matt 26:69-75) 2.) Some evil acts appear to be sanctioned, but it is really the good intention of or accompanying virtue that is recognized and not the evil act itself (ex. Rahab's faith, not her duplicity - Josh 2:1-21; Heb 11:31; Jam 2:25; Jael's patriotism, not her treachery - Judges 4:17-22; Samson's faith, not his vagabondage - Judges 14-16; Heb 11:32) 3.) Some things were permitted as relatively, not absolutely, right (ex. divorce - Deut 24:1; Matt 5:31; Matt 19:7-9; retaliation - Ex 21:23-25; Mat 5:38; Rom 12:19-21) 4.) Some prayers and divine commands express but the purpose of a sovereign God, who frequently uses men to carry out his designs (ex. the imprecatory Psalms [35; 69; 109; 137] and the command to destroy the Canaanites [Deut 7:1-5, 16; 20:16-18]) The bible is in fact inspired by God, and is useful for teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thouroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17) #spirituality #biblestudy