I’d like to share a link with you—http://worship.livetohonorGod.com. IF you follow this link you will find a short, guided, worship experience on the theme of trusting God. I plan to add more as God leads me. I hope God will use this to bless others as I was blessed while posting it. Praise the Lord, for he is amazing.
Blessings
Tim
Posted by Tim on September 13, 2011 | Permalink
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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
This is an amazing passage that is rich with many lessons for someone who wants to have a deeper relationship with God.
The first thing we see is “therefore.” This always refers to important information that occurs in the passages prior to the one you are reading. In this case, “therefore” is referring to the many people who demonstrated their faith in God as described thoroughly in the 11th Chapter of Hebrews. In Chapter 11, people are commended for the practical way their faith was expressed in what they did. An example is found in verse 7, “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.” The phrase, “by faith…” is used 22 times in Chapter 11. Many people call it the “Hall of Faith.” I like how it is translated by the Holman Christian Standard Bible—“by trusting…” I like this because the word “faith” is so overused in our society and used to refer to so many things that don’t honor God at all. I think it has lost some of it’s potency when used to refer to God. People are encouraged to have faith all the time but not necessarily faith in God. “By trusting in God, Noah, when he was warned…” I like how clear it is; Noah trusted God and received the appropriate reward.
So, with that in mind, we can move on past “therefore” and get to the heart of what the writer is saying. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Let me share my paraphrase: “Since there have been so many people who trusted God and were rewarded for their trust, we need to follow their example and make a point to avoid anything and everything that would hold us back, such as, giving in to temptation and doing things we know we shouldn’t do. Sin is such a dangerous trap that will keep us from doing right. We need to continue to do everything in our power to follow the path God has marked out for us.”
This is a powerful passage that shows us several things about our relationship with God.
Verse 2 says, “let us fix our eyes on Jesus.” This is a key to fulfilling God’s plan—we have to keep our eyes on Jesus. You have probably heard the statement, “keep your eyes on the prize.” Jesus is not only our example for how to live and relate to God and the world around us but, He is truly, the prize. There is no greater prize. Our relationship with Jesus is what this life is all about. Receiving Him as LORD and Savior is absolutely, the most important thing you will ever do.
This verse goes on to say Jesus is “author and perfecter of our faith.” I love this verse and what it means for us. These two words, author and perfecter, are very interesting.
The original Greek word for author can also mean chief leader, captain, or prince. The word translated as perfecter also means completer or finisher. In addition to being our Savior, Jesus is also our Creator, Chief Leader, Prince and the one who makes us complete. The bottom line is this, Jesus is the beginning and the end and everything in between.
The rest of verse 2 basically describes, in a nutshell, how Jesus finished his work to be the perfecter of our faith. “For the joy set before him endured the cross,” refers to joy it gives our LORD to offer us salvation. Think about that, Jesus went to the cross, with joy in his heart so he could offer you salvation. Even though Jesus suffered great pain and shame on the cross, he was glad to do it for us. And now, he sits “at the right hand of the throne of God.”
God is honored when you keep your eyes focused on Jesus and work to avoid the trap of sin and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in God’s plan.
Blessings,
Tim
Posted by Tim on August 17, 2011 | Permalink
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For several years now I have been in the habit of reading the Bible all the way through. This is not the only Bible reading I do but I believe it is very important. Here are some of the reasons why I think it is so important:
There are many ways to read through the Bible. I like to use a Bible that is divided into daily readings with an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage, a Psalm passage, and a Proverb or two. I have several versions of this type that I have used. I am currently reading The One Year Bible NLT (One Year Bible: New Living Translation-2)
The first Bible I used to read through the Bible in a year was The Oswald Chambers Daily Devotional Bible: 365 Daily Readings from the Author of My Utmost for His Highest (New King James Version)
Blessings
Tim
Posted by Tim on August 10, 2011 | Permalink
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In Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia, Paul confronts some distorted beliefs about Jesus and the Gospel. Let’s look at a short passage – Galatians 1:6-10:
[6] I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— [7] which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! [9] As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
[10] Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
The first thing we notice here is that Paul confronts the Galatians regarding “deserting the one who called” them and “turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.” So, what is the gospel? Paul shared a quick summary in this letter in verses 3 and 4 of this chapter:
[3] Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, [4] who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.”
The essential part in this passage being “the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us.” There is more to the gospel of salvation through Jesus but this is the important part for this discussion in this letter.
As you continue reading this letter you come to realize the different gospel Paul was referring to is the importance they were placing on legalism and observance of specific rules for salvation rather than faith in Jesus as Savior (Chapter 3). Paul says the teachings they were following amounted to a “perverted gospel” and was really “no gospel at all.”
I believe this is a trap that is too easy to fall into. In our society you find many denominations with different beliefs and practices that can cause division among Christians. I am not saying it is wrong to be a member of the different denominations. The problems come when the differences become more important than the similarities and specifically when what I do becomes more important to my salvation than what Jesus did for me. For example, rather than arguing about the type of baptism a believer should have let’s rejoice that God gives us the opportunity to proclaim our faith and trust in Jesus as our Savior and the fellowship we experience with other Christians through baptism.
We must keep our focus on Jesus and our salvation through faith in Him and what He did on the cross. In another letter Paul spells out what the one, true gospel really is:
“[1] Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. [2] By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
[3] For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance*: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Peter,* and then to the Twelve. [6] After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, [8] and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
There is only one gospel. Stay focused on Jesus and what the Bible teaches and you will avoid confusion and be able to spot perversions of the gospel. No matter who preaches it, if it doesn’t line up with the Bible is not the gospel.
Blessings
Tim
Posted by Tim on August 08, 2011 | Permalink
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Why do we worry about honoring God? Is it something God expects of us? Or, is it just something God would like us to do but not a requirement? Let’s see what the Bible has to say about this.
“But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” Numbers 20:12
In this passage, God is explaining to Moses and Aaron that they would not be joining the nation of Israel in the “promised land” since they did not honor God by complete obedience regarding the water at Meribah. The LORD told Moses to “speak to the rock” before the assembly and it will pour out water. But, Moses gathered the people and said, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Then Moses struck the rock with his staff and the water poured out.
At first, I didn’t really understand why it mattered that Moses struck the rock rather than spoke to it. But, I think the key is what Moses said before he struck the rock. He said, “must we bring you water out of the rock?” And then, he struck the rock. So, who is “we"?” Moses and Aaron. Who caused the water to come out of the rock? Obviously, God did…but, to the people gathered it appeared that Moses did by hitting it with his staff. Moses took the honor away from God by his words and his actions. The miracle did not appear to happen because of the abundant love and grace of God but rather, because of the anger of Moses.
God was not honored and as a result Moses and Aaron did not set foot into the promised land. Clearly, in this passage, “honoring God” was more than just a suggestion. Honoring God is serious business for a disciple of Jesus.
Here is another passage found in Malachi 2:1-2:
“And now this admonition is for you, O priests. If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not set your heart to honor me.”
Very plainly, God says, “if you do not set your heart to honor my name…I will send a curse upon you.”
There are many other passages speak about the importance of honoring God.
Why should we honor God? God expects his people to honor him. But even more than that, God is worthy of all honor. I stopped trying to honor God to avoid punishment many years ago. Now, I want to honor God because I love God and I truly want to please him. It is one of the greatest desires of my heart—to live my life in such a way that God is honored. Am I always successful? No. But, if I don’t try I will never be successful.
Leave a comment and share why you honor God. Also, share any other passages you have noticed that speak about why we should honor God.
Blessings,
Tim
Posted by Tim on August 04, 2011 | Permalink
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If you are like me, you have bought a lot of books over the years. I have found many that looked interesting while browsing in the bookstore but until you get it home and start reading you never know how useful a book or study tool is going to be. A few years back I bought “A Simplified Harmony of the Gospels”
Here are some additional features I really like about this harmony of the Gospels:
I have taken the time to share about A Simplified Harmony of the Gospels
If you have a desire to dig deeper into the life of Jesus I highly recommend getting this book.
We honor God when we study His word and learn more how to live like Jesus.
Blessings
Tim
Posted by Tim on July 11, 2011 | Permalink
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“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:6-10
Like Paul, I see many people in our society that are deserting sound doctrine (what is found in the Bible) and are including many ideas that are not consistent with Christianity. I see people all the time in TV and movies who present themselves as Christian and then do things that are not consistent with Christian teaching. This is a problem since it seems we are getting farther and farther away from what the Bible teaches.
It is easy to say we are all sinners and look the other way and count it as just a mistake. You can always repent later and receive forgiveness. But, the problem is when these mistakes become a regular part of our daily behavior—with no remorse and no desire to repent. Before you know it we begin to tell ourselves God understands why we do these things and live the way we live. When we begin seeing these non-Christ-like behaviors as part of who we are and how we act we begin to pervert the gospel. That may sound a little harsh but I believe it is very true.
God clearly describes acceptable behavior in the Bible. Some Christ-like behavior is spelled our in the commandments, the Gospels, and the letters of the New Testament. But, there are also many examples of what is acceptable and not acceptable in the lives of the many people and stories found in the Old and New Testaments.
When you watch the news or talk shows you frequently see or hear conservative Christian beliefs being ridiculed as old fashioned and even humorous or ridiculous. But the truth is Christ-like behavior is never old fashioned. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” What was acceptable Christian behavior 2000 years ago is still acceptable Christian behavior. And, what is not is still not acceptable, even though our society wants you to believe it is.
In this passage, Paul is talking about some specific doctrines that were being taught in some of the churches of his day. He says, “they are really no gospel at all.” Today, there are many specific beliefs and doctrines that are not Christ-like and yet they are presented as part of the package of “what a Christian in 2011 should do.” Some of these are big things like the idea that there are many ways to be saved—that Jesus is not the only way. To clear this up, the Bible says Jesus is the only way—I choose to believe what the Bible teaches since I believe it is the Holy Spirit, inspired Word of God.
On the other hand, it could be something small and seemingly insignificant but it is significant. Small things add up and become big and overwhelming. This is how Satan has deceived many people in our day—he sneaks in with something small and bides his time till more small things are added to the whole. Eventually, even big things seem small and before you know it you are completely deceived and living a life that is not at all Christ-like. As Christians we are called to live Christ-like lives.
The key to living a Christ-like life is being close in your relationship with Jesus, spending time in the Bible and prayer everyday and allowing the Holy Spirit to work and grow in your life. Here are some other posts that might help with this:
Honoring God in Our Work – Part 1
Honoring God in Our Work – Part 2
How Tolerant Should a Christian Be?
5 Ways We Fail to Honor God in Our Daily Life
8 Things I Have Learned About Doing God’s Will
Honoring God When You Don’t “Feel” Like It
I want to encourage all who read this to take a good look at their life and evaluate the way you live to see if it agrees with the Bible. Maybe there are some life changes you need to make.
Blessings
Tim
Posted by Tim on June 28, 2011 | Permalink
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A Simplified Harmony of the Gospels is a great resource for studying the Gospels. I use it frequently and highly recommend it. Another plus is it is easy on the budget. Well worth the price.
The Thompson Chain Reference is an excellent study tool. I bought my first copy of it in 1984. It was my first leather bound, "preaching Bible." The Chain reference is such a wonderful study tool. I highly recommend it." -Tim
This guide to prayer is a little formal for some but I have found it to be a great resource for my personal devotions. I need something to help me keep my mind focused and guide works well for me. Suggested Bible readings in this guide follow the Common Lectionary which will allow you to study all parts of the Bible. I highly recommend this to any serious student of the Bible.
A Celebration of Discipline is a wonderful study through the many practices of Christian, spiritual devotion. Richard Foster really opens the door to a more complete understanding of these disciplines. Even though you may never participate in some of these it is great to learn about them. I highly recommend this book.
The Visual Bible - Matthew is incredible. The first time I saw it I watched all 4 hours straight through in one sitting. It made quite an impression on me. I recommend it.
Something to Sing About is my favorite of the evangelistic movies presented by Billy Graham. It is a good family movie.
The Road to Redemption is a great story and a fun family movie. This is one of the evangelistic movies presented by Billy Graham.
Facing the Giants and Flywheel are two of my favorite movies. They both have great stories which present the Gospel of Jesus in the lives of two very different men, but, in both, God is honored. You need to watch these if you haven't already seen them.
Praying God's Word by Beth Moore is an incredible book. I frequently use it in my personal prayer life and have for years.
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