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To The End in 2010!
This year, beginning January 1st, we invite you to join us in reading the Bible together here at EPBC. There are great benefits to reading the Bible as a community. We can participate in the shared experience as a body and be encouraged as we faithfully read through God's Word together. Also, with friends and small groups, we can learn and be challenged from each other by sharing what God has shown to us in our reading.
Consider joining us as we seek to know and serve God more by corporately reading through the Bible throughout 2010. We want to encourage the entire church to participate in as many ways possible.
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Here are several ways you can get involved with us as we read through the Bible in 2010. |
- Read the Bible passages corresponding to the schedule of the One-Year Bible. The reading schedule will also be available weekly in the bulletin. You may also visit here and click on the appropriate day.
- As you read, spend some time each day/week interacting with the information and questions that can be found here.
- Share your questions or insights God has shown you with friends and other small group members by making comments in the forum below. This is one benefit of everyone reading the same passages at the same time.
- Sign up to receive the weekly One-Year Bible reading email.
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Note: You can also go to www.oneyearbibleonline.mobi from your mobile phone to access the same readings. |
187 COMMENTS POSTED
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August 17, 2010
15:05 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
Psalm 35:1-3 "Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."
What a comforting message one can receive from God. "I am your salvation." I think about all the stress that I've allowed myself to endure, wrestling with thoughts, shaving years off my life, I'm sure. All the while, I should just have given that over to the Lord much earlier. I should have said, "God, I just want to give this to you. I don't know how to fix the situation. God, do your thing. I'm going to stop worrying so much about this." It's a lot easier said than done, though. Honestly, sometimes I don't trust God. "I am your salvation." The God of the universe cares about my small issues, my earthly conflicts. He's said that he'll fight for me. He'll handle my burdens. "I am your salvation." Not just one of many potential sources of my salvation, He is THE source. "I am your salvation." My prayer is that I would trust Him more than I often do. I need to pray that, when all I want to do is fight, and yet He whispers to me, "I am your salvation," I'll listen and obey His other command to be still and know that He is God.
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August 4, 2010
09:09 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
1 Corinthians 1:10- "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas[a]"; still another, "I follow Christ."
Admittedly, this passage is a difficult one for me. We have here a church body or bodies that seek a shepherd, a front man, a leader of spiritual clout. I can imagine they were disputing over issues that may or may not have had any worth in arguing about. I can also imagine that each of these Christian leaders at the time may not have even wanted to have their name dropped into the debate.
As usual, with church conflict comes division. Eventually someone throws down the "I follow Jesus" trump card as if to say that no else is following Jesus. We also have to remember that when this was written they didn't have the word of God, all they had was these guys who proclaimed the truth, a message which was back up by miraculous signs, God's way of saying, "Trust these men." In modern day, we are not left without guidance from God. Unlike these early followers, we have the very Word of God. When we take our eyes off of it, we find ourselves in all sorts of conflicts.
I've always tried to err on the side of caution when it comes to the Word of God. I haven't always succeeded in this effort, but I'm thankful for all the people in my life who have created a passion to pursue excellence in interpreting God's word. It doesn't happen often, but on the occassion when there are questions between what the Word of God says and what the Word of God means, I tend to want to take the human input out of the equation. This is what is meant when we say that a church is conservative or liberal. Liberal means that we believe that we have freedom to trust in our interpretation more than what is actually said. It's not always easy to teach what God's word says. People often want to change the parts that don't preach well to make it easier to digest. In so doing, one can unintentionally rob it of its power. I don't think you can go wrong with doing what the Word of God says and especially if the issue is backed by the rest of Scripture. When we move away from truth, when we divert from the path even the slightest bit, down the road we find ourselves a lot further from it than we ever intended, fighting each other about how to get back on track.
It's so important that we not follow people more so than we follow the truth of God's Word. Paul said, 'Leave my name out of it! Don't glory in me. I'm hear to preach the Gospel, not the wisdom of men.' (1 Cor. 1:17) May we all have the same mindset. If there is ever a question about who you should follow, just throw down the "What does the Bible say?" trump card. I think you'll find most conflicts will become slightly easier to decide...slightly.
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August 2, 2010
09:18 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
Romans 15:1 - "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
Through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
Do not think it a small thing that Christ bears our insults. I've crashed and burned on occassion trying to share my faith. I've said the wrong things. I've been caught off guard by questions from those I seek to lead to Christ. I've been insulted. I've been laughed at. My small moments of humiliation are nothing compared to what the first Christians experienced. With that being said, however, Christ bears all those burdens. It's for his name sake that we continue to spread light in an increasingly dark world.
The scriptures say that we are not to be crippled by the taunts of a deceived world. In Christ, we have hope. The obedient life is going to be hard, but we are going to endure, empowered by the Word of God, and continue forward even when everything seems backwards in our world. Why is it so important that we continue to get up and try again? Why is hope so important? Paul's answer is this "It's for the gentiles!" You can insert here, "People who haven't heard or received the gospel yet." It's for them. We push through the insults and maybe through harm's way, so that those who do not have a relationship with God might have new life. Live in the hope that is in Christ's name.
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July 30, 2010
15:08 CST
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CESAR FREEMAN said:
As we're reading through the OT accounts of the kings of Judah it's sad to see how certain kings did well in obeying the LORD, then the next one didn't do well at all. Jehoshaphat did well in obeying the LORD, but his son Jehoram didn't. Joash did well in obeying the LORD, but then he turned at the end of his life and his son Amaziah follows him in disobeying the LORD.
What comes to my mind is Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and how Israel is called to commit their lives to God. "Memorize his laws and tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you're at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning (vs 6-7, CEV)."
This makes me question if great leaders like Jehoshaphat failed to teach his son how to live by faith, and therefore Jehoram went away from God. While Joash was young, Jehoiada the priest guided him in the ways of the LORD. But after Jehoiada died, Joash went away from the LORD. Does this mean that Jehoiada failed to teach Joash how to live by faith?
Having these thoughts makes me question how we are teaching the younger generations. Are we just telling them the laws and stories and the things God has done and can do? Or are we truly teaching them how to have a life of faith, to "love the LORD you God with all your heart, soul, and strength (v 5)?"
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July 21, 2010
10:06 CST
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ED LEESE said as a reply to comment posted below:
Posted by Nicole [go to post]
April 22, 2010 11:03 CST
In Joshua 20:41 it says, "41Then Jesus said to them, "How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David? David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:
" 'The Lord said to my Lord:
"Si... |
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It is a neat premise if you think about it. In the Book of Matthew...how can Joseph, while in the manger area, be holding his son and his heavenly Father at the same time?
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July 21, 2010
10:03 CST
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ED LEESE said:
It is a neat premise if you think about it. In the Book of Matthew...how can Joseph, while in the manger area, be holding his son and his heavenly Father at the same time?
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July 21, 2010
09:59 CST
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ED LEESE said as a reply to comment posted below:
Posted by Sam Totman [go to post]
July 21, 2010 08:23 CST
Romans 7:13-"Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! But in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the command... |
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I agree. When a new convert is faced with a new lease on life, they suddenly come to the realization that they have been wretched sinners compared to Gods perfect standard.
" The wages of sin is death.(Romans 6:23)" Since "sin is transgression of the Law.(1 John 3:4)", a new convert should immediatly understand that going against the grain of God and His will, they deserve nothing but hell.
When I speak with somebody one on one, I bring them to the verse: Gal. 3:24 "Wherefore the Law is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. (in His blood)"
Paul said " I have not known sin but by the Law." That is why it is so important that we preach on the Law from the pulpit, that shows sin for what it is. This knowledge of sin is what brings about contrition,that leads to repentence. For if we do not preach the Law from the pulpit, people will not know what sin is, and not repent. Thus there will be no salvation. At this point we will have many "coming to Christ" lacking repentence ,without which they will not be saved. They will have false hope because of their false conversion. Romans 2:15 also brings to light that "since they show the requirments of the Law written on their heart,their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing , now even defending them
All this being said, I believe that the Biblical connection of the link between the Law and sin is via the conscience. When we as teachers,preachers, or pastors need to make sin personal as Nathan did for David ( 1 Samuel 12:7,9) in saying "You are the man", "Why have you despised the Command of the Lord by doing what is evil in His eyes?" Davids conscience was telling him that what he was doing was wrong. He knew what sin was. The Law of God is written on all of us. Psalms 19:7 reads" The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Isn't this what we want to see?their soul converted? How much do we have to hate someone not to use the Law to bring the knowledge of sin,so they repent and trust the Savior,thus converting their soul toward God? David didn't say that he sinned against Bathsheba,or Uriah, or the Ammonites. David said, "I have sinned against the Lord." When we teach that their sin (breaking of the 10 Commandments) is primarily verticle (toward God), and Christianity is about Jesus Christ our Savior, then I believe that the tares will be transformed into wheat that will flurrish. But this will only happen when the Law of God ( 10 Commandments) is preached."...all have sinned... (Romans 3:23)" is Scriptural, but is all too often taken out of context and used as a blanket statment.
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July 21, 2010
08:23 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
Romans 7:13-"Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! But in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful."
The connection between death and righteous lies in the holiness of God. In every true child of God, repentance and conviction always possess the power to bring death in the believer. As one is drawn in to the very nature of God, as a new believer begins to realize their sin, the nature of that sin grows. It becomes darker, more insidious. Driven by the Spirit of God, the believer wants nothing more than to rid himself from it. It is bitter. It is, as Paul descibes it here, death.
It would be easy for someone to experience this transformation and blame the very law of God that made it apparent, but it is not the law that brings these intense emotions. It's not the law, but the battle that commences between our wills and the will of God. Instead of frustration with God's standard, let us take great joy that God, in his mercy and grace, has seen to it that we might be restored to him in holiness and ultimately in glory.
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July 19, 2010
09:09 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
Romans 5:16-17 - "The gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. "
The Sin of Man vs The Gift of God
The sin of man brings condemnation, the gift of God, justification. Innocence to declared guiltiness, guiltiness to declared innocence. I'm quite sure we have no idea of the depth of God's love and the gift that he has freely given to us. Free because we would never be able to enjoy it otherwise. Notice who or what reigns in each of the scenarios. A apart from the grace and righteousness of God, it is death that reigns. I don't know if that's where you find yourself, but it's no way to live. Death drains the life out of all creation. Sin has consequence. It doesn't make God any less loving. Should we blame God when we experience the results of our choices? The whole time, God's saying, "There's a better way. There's a better way. There's a better way. There's grace. There's righteousness. There's a blessing in waiting. There's a gift for the taking." God is not bound by the reality of your situation.
Here's where this gets exciting, the place where we find the Gospel, the good news. In Christ, death loses its power. Notice who reigns in the aftermath of the Cross. The Scriptures tells us that death no longer reigns, but those who God has placed his provision of grace and righteousness.
This is by no means to say that we have risen above Christ who reigns on high, but only to say that in Christ, death has no power over us. No power to rob us of life, joy, or peace. As we shared in Christ's death, so shall we share in Christ's exaltation. For those who have placed their trust in Christ Jesus, sin is no longer the dominating force in their lives. We must never forget through whom this incredible gift has been made available. Jesus Christ is the good news in a world that never ceases to bring bad news. Share it because He has shared with you.
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July 15, 2010
08:51 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
Today was an excellent reading, really timely for me. Several verses stood out to me and at the risk of taking them out of context, I'd like to make some connections.
As a pastor, I get to see and, many times unfortunately, experience conflicts within the church. Sometimes its due to a clashing of personalities, sometimes a clashing of wills, and sometimes its just clashing, godless noise serving only to distract His people from carrying out his wonderful plan in their lives. It's not an easy thing to confront or to solve because often times conflicts grow like a virus until no one really knows from where or who they started. As David penned thousands of years ago..
"Look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart." (Ps 11:2)
The shadows often seem daunting. The bad thing about the shadows is that it becomes impossible to evaluate the threat mounted against you. Here's the incredible thing about God, however, that I think should be a game changer for all of us. God has told us that He'll take care of the shadows. He's told us to leave Him room to do His thing (Romans 12).
We put ourselves in a disadvantage when try to take life into our own hands. We beat against the wind when we return fire into the shadows. We act out from a state of fear because shadows are everywhere. Often times, the reason people hide in the shadows, is that they too are living in fear. So fear rules the day instead of the God who has sovereignty over all.
David's army found themselves in a battle and not just any battle, they were surrounded on all sides. I've been there. Well...not really, but I think I can relate. Sometimes it seems like life is mounting its attack and you are surrounded by threats on all sides. But Joab's command was so moving to me and I think it will be for you as well if you find yourself in a similar situation.
Joab said, "Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good in his sight." (1 Chron. 19:13)
Be strong. The Lord will do what is right.
We don't have to fight the shadows. Conflicts and stress don't have to be the victors in our life. God will do what is right. Whatever happens, God will bless his people. Yes, we will have to defend ourselves and God's people, but ultimately God will bring about his perfect will in our lives. David's army came out victorious that day. Their attackers fled. As God exposes the darkness, those former enemies, who want out of it, will be redeemed and reconciled. Those who want to remain in the darkness will flee to find it.
The Lord will do right. He is on the throne. He is an active presence in your life and He is fully aware of everything that is happening or not happening. Trust Him and live in the expectation of His hand.
"How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings." (Psalm 36:7)
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June 16, 2010
08:54 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
1 Kings 15-17. Thought I would add a comment on our reading for today. Last night I watched The Book of Eli movie with Denzel Washington. It was a man who had been entrusted with the last remaining copy of the Bible. The rest had been destroyed. The basic plot of the movie was that the Word of God had the power to bring restoration or continued destruction depending on who possessed it. The villian wanted the book so that he could corrupt its message but will its power.
As I read about the kings of Israel and how they had the power to draw a whole nation back to God, but many, instead of putting God's word into the hands of the people, chose to waste their time with other pursuits. Even if God was one of many gods in their arsenal, He would never grant them the favor they sought, or the power they hungered for. Their legacy was their evil deeds. But out of the darkness, God would raise up good kings, kings who's one passion was to bring restoration, to return to the God they loved.
Just as a sidenote. The Book of Eli (R) was a good movie but it did have some language and certainly violence.
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May 27, 2010
13:20 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
Psalm 119:74 "May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word."
I'm reminded of the feeling one experiences when seeing a long separated family member or friend. While there are missing pieces of the puzzle, there's something about the kindred relationship between to believers that is unique and special. There is a trust that neither needs to be earned or motivated. We trust, we love, because of our common faith in Christ. We know each other beyond our earthly relationship, because we are both in the process of becoming more like Christ. We are headed in the same direction, the same mold. We come to expect certain things from authentic fellow believers even without observing them in the person. Why? Because we know Christ. It's unlike any other kind of relationship in the world. It's innate intimacy. It's amazing if you ask me.
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May 26, 2010
09:19 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
The Origin of Hate is Love.
John 15:22 "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'"
There is some danger here of misinterpretation. The guiltlessness of sin in which Christ is refering doesn't mean that if Jesus hadn't come or if they hadn't heard of him that they would be guiltless. Rather, this is the specific sin of rejecting God's truth and will. Jesus had done so many things to prove his deity and messiahship that it was undeniable who he was, and yet many still rejected and reject Him. Even the Pharasees questioned how someone who was not a man of God could perform the miracles that Jesus did. In spite of their logic, they acredited his acts as demon empowered. They're hate of Jesus led them to seek his life.
There is a sacred hate. It is a characteristic of God. When our loved ones are harmed, when good is questioned as evil, there is a holy hatred that wells up in each of us to motivate us to fight for righteousness and justice. It is an act of love. Conversely, there is a ungodly hatred of which Jesus refers to in this passage. It also originates in love...the love of oneself...the love of ones sin. It wells up in each of us when we seek the need to defend ungodliness and injustice in our lives. Many could not look beyond it to engage the love of God, to feel its embrace. Huge life lesson there.
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May 26, 2010
08:35 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said as a reply to comment posted below:
Posted by Cesar Freeman [go to post]
May 25, 2010 22:26 CST
I had a question from today's readings. In 2 Sam 8:18 we read "and David's sons were priests." How? David was from the tribe of Judah and only the Levites could be priests. Even Samuel, from the t... |
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Other translations use differing terms here. NIV - Royal Advisers. KJV - Chief Rulers. NLT - Priestly Leaders. This does not seem to be the official priest role but rather a secular role of an adviser. Don't read into the word secular here as worldly. Secular as in not a part of the levitical line. They were more like advisers.
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May 25, 2010
22:26 CST
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CESAR FREEMAN said:
I had a question from today's readings. In 2 Sam 8:18 we read "and David's sons were priests." How? David was from the tribe of Judah and only the Levites could be priests. Even Samuel, from the tribe of Ephraim, didn't act as a priest but only as a prophet and judge. Why would David's sons be allowed to serve as priests? I'm sure David knew the Law and understood only Levites could be priests. Maybe I'm missing or misinterpreting Scripture.
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May 25, 2010
11:48 CST
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KRIS said as a reply to comment posted below:
Posted by Bobby [go to post]
May 25, 2010 09:33 CST
Heather made an interesting comment that I had never thought of...of all the "men of God" in the Bible, Samuel seems to be the only one we have no record of him ever turning away from God. Unlike Davi... |
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I don't know of any area of indiscretion in Samuel's life. His children do not "walk in his ways," (I Sam 8:3) but that is not necessarily an indication of indiscretion on the part of Samuel. I've thought in the past on this subject of people who honored God throughout their lives. A couple who come to my mind are: Joseph (except for some youthful arrogance at the beginning), and Joshua.
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May 25, 2010
09:33 CST
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BOBBY said:
Heather made an interesting comment that I had never thought of...of all the "men of God" in the Bible, Samuel seems to be the only one we have no record of him ever turning away from God. Unlike David, a man after God's own heart, and his sin with Bathsheba...
Am I missing any stories of Samuel's indescretions?
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May 25, 2010
08:19 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
2 Samuel 7:11 - "'The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: 12 When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."
It's interesting that David wanted to build God a house but God turns it back and tells David that instead He will build David's house, his kingdom. This truly was a unique relationship with God because God wasn't just blessing a nation. He was giving special attention to one man, His chosen king. David's calling was not to establish God's house. David's call was to lead Israel. This is a model for good versus great. It would have been a good thing to build God a greater dwelling, but not the best thing, not the great thing. The great thing required God's provision and favor. The great thing could not have been possible without God. Anyone can build a house. Not just anyone could lead a nation, conquer all the surrounding nations, and build up treasury which would eventually be used to build God's house. All these great things required supernatural power, and because of David's great kingdom, God received extraordinary glory; a glory which He shared with David. What an incredible priviledge for a shepherd boy!
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May 24, 2010
11:46 CST
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KRIS said as a reply to comment posted below:
Posted by Michael [go to post]
May 20, 2010 15:38 CST
Okay Kris, I've got one for you. Give me some theology on this passage:
1 Samuel 28:6-20
What's up with a woman able to conjure up Samuel? How does this relate to modern-day "mediums", etc.? ... |
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Michael,
The witch of Endor is, of course, a tie in to the Star Wars Movies. Remember, the ewoks were on Endor, this passage links the epic story of the Bible with C3P0 and R2D2. OK, that is compltely made up but if you like Star Wars it sounds good!
Anyway, what is going on with this witch being able to "conjure" Samuel? First, the Bible indicates that demonic powers are real. Sometimes we try to sweep that under the rug as Chrsitians, but Satan does have power, not on the same scale as God, but some power nonetheless. I looked through some other references where God warned his people against consulting spiritists or mediums and the striking thing about those warnings is not that God said spiritists and mediums couldn't consult the dead, but that God said consulting the dead is a form of idolatry. This makes sense. Seeking the wisdom of those beyond the grave bypasses God's all-encompassing wisdom and "worships" the dead, not unlike Eastern religions with their ancestor worship.
So, can spirits contact people in heaven? Here it appears that the woman did contact Samuel who I would assume was in heaven or the precursor to heaven. One important aspect of this story is that Samuel speaks Truth to Saul. It seems that God uses the "medium" to reveal Truth. So, God shows His power over the demonic.
I would agree with you that most mediums today are charlatans who play on emotion for a quick buck. I would guess, and it would be purely a guess, that the only way that someone "in heaven" could be contacted would be with God's approval. However, since God prohibits that sort of contact it would be highly unlikely, unless God wanted to use the situation for His glory to reveal Truth as He did with the witch at Endor.
As to where Saul and his sons "went" at their death, you could assume that Samuel was simply talking about them becoming like him (dead), or that they would in fact join him in heaven or some precursor to heaven. Even though Saul went crazy, the Bible seems to imply that the craziness was God induced.
Hopefully this makes sense.
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May 24, 2010
08:57 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
2 Samuel 4:7 - "They had gone into the house while Ish-Bosheth was lying on the bed in his bedroom. After they stabbed and killed him, they cut off his head. Taking it with them, they traveled all night by way of the Arabah. 8 They brought the head of Ish-Bosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, "Here is the head of Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, your enemy, who tried to take your life. This day the LORD has avenged my lord the king against Saul and his offspring."
This was the second time someone thought they were doing David a favor and yet it was exactly the opposite of what David desired. David respected God's will in chosing Saul for the Israelites. He wanted nothing to do with his death or the harm to his family. He called Saul the Annointed of God. I think this is an incredible model of authority and submission. Even though David had been shown God's will, he knew God's timing was equally important. He knew God would bring about His will and that God didn't need evil acts to accomplish that will. David would have no part in an alliance with foolish men who were willing to take matters into their own hands and commit murder. He had them cut down. He removed the evil doers from his kingdom and in so doing established kingdom over all of Israel by displaying genuine integrity.
We can learn a lot from this passage. 1) We need to respect God's leadership. 2) We need to avoid those who don't. 3) Living life God's way, will always lead to God's favor. David didn't have to campaign for the throne. He sought God and in God's timing, God gave him not just the throne of Israel but the hearts of men.
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May 20, 2010
15:38 CST
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MICHAEL said:
Okay Kris, I've got one for you. Give me some theology on this passage:
1 Samuel 28:6-20
What's up with a woman able to conjure up Samuel? How does this relate to modern-day "mediums", etc.? I believe that people in this day and age can legitimately sometimes hear from "spirits" who are actually Satan's demons. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think sometimes Satan uses things like this as stumbling blocks for people wanting to believe in something, etc.
However, how does relate in dealing with God? Does God actually allow psychics or mediums to contact people in Heaven? Just a little confused about this one. And when Samuel says that Saul and his sons will join him after dying, where are they going? Is Saul going to be in Heaven with Samuel or is this the pre-Christ "holding place" or whatever that I've heard about. A little explanation would be much appreciated...
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May 20, 2010
11:39 CST
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TAYLOR PEEVY said:
John 11:7-10:
"7Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."
8"But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?"
9Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light. 10It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light."
First of all, I just love how Jesus was so FEARLESS here..I mean, think, would you go back to Judea if the very day before that, your own people tried to stone you? I'm not gonna lie..I probably wouldn't. Christ doesn't even give it a second thought when his disciples question why he would go back. He just replies with verses 9-10.
Also, the reason why Christ went back to Judea was to raise his friend, Lazarus...Jesus went back to the place where he was almost stoned the day before to raise his friend..bring him back to life. What love Jesus has for his people!
For some reason, all I am thinking of when I read this passage is how God loves us so much that he sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to earth, a place where people would laugh at him, spit in his face, physically beat him, and ultimately crucify him..just so we could be raised into heaven to spend an eternity with Him.
God's love for humanity....
I don't know why, but Ive never read this story before and thought about it like I am now.
I just cant get over it. GOD OF THE UNIVERSE SENDS HIS SON TO BE BEATEN BRUTALLY AND DIE A SINNER'S DEATH....all because he. loves. us.
That love that Jesus had for his friend, to the point of weeping, mourning his friend's death, is the love God in heaven has for all of us.
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May 19, 2010
08:34 CST
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CESAR FREEMAN said:
Why is it that we can learn so much from David's life? In today's reading we see that David spared Saul's life and then spared the life of a person that insulted David and the servants of that one person. What I learn from both instances deals with out desire for revenge or vindication from who we see as our enemies.
I think in America we have a high sense of justice and right/wrong. When we see someone wronged we want justice, we want the truth to be told, we want the situation corrected. I know I feel this way. But it was the same thing with David. Saul came to kill David and David could have sought justice by attacking Saul. Nabal insulted David and his men when they had protected Nabal's property.
But instead of seeking justice by attacking his enemies what did David do? David acknowledged Saul as God's chosen king and refused to attack him. Abigail saw how angry Nabal's insults made David and went to calm him so that David wouldn't sin by killing innocent people. In both instances David could have sought retribution from those who had hurt him, but instead he left the situation in God's hands. This is hard, we want revenge. We want the situation corrected and the wrong doer punished.
Leviticus 19:18 says, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." The LORD knows we don't want situations unresolved when someone insults us or wrongs us. But He instructs us not to harbor that desire for revenge or to hold that grudge. We are to love that neighbor.
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May 18, 2010
11:13 CST
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TAYLOR PEEVY said:
I finally have a name and login for the website! I think this is a great way to get people talking about what God has revealed to them in bible study and also to hopefully get some feedback on questions people might have(especially me). This seems like a really cool way to get people talking about our awesome God!
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May 18, 2010
08:42 CST
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CESAR FREEMAN said:
I'm really encouraged today from the reading in 1 Samuel. David is on the run, Saul is chasing him, and all David has is 400 men and is hiding out in the desert and in caves. But even though things are bad for David, God is still active in his life.
God provided safety for his parents through the King of Moab (22:3-4). While running for his life, David was still called by God to battle the Philistines, to bring glory to God (23:1-5). And God provided encouragement to David through a close friend, Jonathan (23:14-18).
David was going through a rough time in his life, but it's amazing to see that God's work didn't stop. God still had things to do, and specifically, things for David to do. And because David remained faithful, God encouraged David and lifted his spirits.
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May 18, 2010
08:29 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
John 10:14 - "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."
Think about the diversity of creation. God created a people for himself but through various circumstances and as a part of the divine plan of God those people separated themselves from each other. Whether by language, or religion, or region, these people, tribes, and nations, moved or moved by God away from his chosen people. God set a part his people to demonstrate his power and holiness among the world. He gave them special attention, but like the rest of creation, they too splintered and some chose to go their own way, to listen to a different voice, a king, a friend, a desire. But in story of God's people there was always a remnant, a select few who heard the voice of God and listened, even if it meant captivity and risk. Along the way, God opened up his special kind of relationship to those who while not being a part of the original family, not only heard his voice but obeyed this god, the God, who was not of their own people. It is here that I marvel at the divine will of God. What is it about God's voice, that amidst all the noises of the world, God's people stop and listen? We are pulled to and fro by the business of the day, but when God speaks, every other voice becomes less important. And to think, people from all over the world experience this phenomenon. God's people hear his voice, stop what they're doing and obey.
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May 14, 2010
08:33 CST
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CESAR FREEMAN said:
1 Sam 15:22 from today's reading says "'tell me,' Samuel said. 'Does the LORD really want sacrifices and offerings? No! He doesn't want your sacrifices. He wants you to obey him.'"
This is inspiring to me. God cares more about my obedience than about what sacrifices I make to please Him. The sacrifices are good, don't get me wrong. But when I have to choose between sacrificing something for God and plainly obeying His word, obeying pleases Him much more.
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May 13, 2010
09:13 CST
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CESAR FREEMAN said:
There is something that's confusing from today's reading, Saul's instruction for the soldiers not to eat was a foolish decision, but God called out Jonathan for sinning. The soldiers stood up for Jonathan and didn't let Saul kill him, why?
I understand Jonathan was faithful in knowing God would lead the battle and give them victory, but God called him out on a sin. Why didn't God call out for the punishment of that sin?
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May 13, 2010
09:12 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
John 7:33 Jesus said, "I am with you for only a short time, and then I go to the one who sent me."
I wonder what the discussion with his father was like when Jesus stepped back into the realms of heaven. He had just experienced the wrath of his father on the cross and felt the grip of the grave for three days. I wonder if the Father and Son reminisced about what had just been accomplished. I wonder if there was an unspoken pride about everything being set right again. There is certainly a unity within the trinity and perhaps nothing needed to be said because God had experienced each of these events as a whole, the Trinity.
That doesn't sound very personal to me for God is indeed a personal God. He has personality. I would think that would spark some of these conversations between the father and son. I wonder if there were apologies made. I don't want to be heretical here, so perhaps these are really bad questions to ask. Certainly neither the Father nor the Son sinned in any way during the process of the cross, and no need for asking forgiveness for anything. I would imagine though after an experience like the crucifixion, something would be said between the Son in the Father. "Son, I'm sorry I had to put you through that." or "Dad, I'm sorry I questioned You." The crucifixion was absolutely necessary but difficult none the less. I could imagine that moment the Son appears before the Father. I imagine the Father smiling, beaming with pride (or maybe that's just his glory). Maybe nothing would need to be said at all.
Regardless, I look forward to having some of those kinds of discussions with Jesus some day, a conversation I'm sure will continue on into eternity.
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May 12, 2010
12:49 CST
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KRIS said:
In the reading from Psalms today the psalmist starts with a positive, upbeat refrain marveling in the glory and wonder of God. It is not until later in the psalm that you discover the psalmist is stressed and frustrated. I believe this should inform our prayers. When we begin by marveling at God's glory, the aggravations of life seem less intense and less daunting. Reminding myself that God is able to do all things certainly strengthens my time with Him.
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May 12, 2010
08:33 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
Interesting how the Old and New Testaments dealt with the same issue of God's timing in today's reading.
1 Sam. 13:7-13
Samuel told Saul to wait until he arrived but upon seeing his men, 3000 in all, start to disperse, he gets nervous. The issue is not that he gave the offering, it was his timing. God said to wait, Saul acted as if the victory in this battle was determined by his action. The Scriptures say that he got down to 600 men, double the amount Gideon had, but it wouldn't have mattered if he alone was left to fight. God said to wait, He didn't.
I had a student come to me recently about a decision he was in a lot of ways trying to force. He believed God had asked him to do something but that everything seemed to be fighting against him from taking action. So my advice was to let God handle it. Sometimes we try to force God's timing. Like Saul, we have a pretty good idea what God wants to happen, but then we take the controls when life get's tough. So I told this student, "If God wants that to happen, trust and wait. He will open the door when it's time." I think we often miss out on God's blessings because we are unwilling to obey God's direction to get us there. We act foolishly as Samuel told Saul and miss out on the rewards of an obedient life.
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May 11, 2010
10:07 CST
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MICHAEL said:
How cool is God? I mean really...just think about how cool and loving towards us crazy humans that He really is. The Israelites consistently put Him on the shelf time and time again (umm...thinking we might do that today too!). Then, they say they need an earthly king like "all the other people have". No, God, you're not good enough---we need a man to lead us. Really, a man?
But, what does God do? Does he wipe them out again? No, he says fine and gives them Saul as king. And, not only that, but he puts his spirit of power on him so that he leads them to a great victory over the Philistines. Even in their rebellion, God uses it to try to glorify Himself and do them good and turn them to Him.
How often do we rebel against God and yet He still chooses to do something good for us and try yet again to get our eyes focused back on Him? And how often do we completely miss it and think that we've done something awesome and forget Him again? It's easy to poke fun of these crazy Israelites and think of how thick they must be to miss it time and time again, but the truth is that we all still do it everyday ourselves. Forgive us, God, for constantly missing your amazing love and forgiveness, and for consistently choosing other things over You. He is enough, always!!
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May 10, 2010
09:00 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
Thoughts on John 6.
I have to admit. Sometimes I really like being on the other side of Jesus in history. That way I get to self-righteously look down on the disciples as they try to figure out who this Jesus guy is. Apparently the Jewish leaders understood what He was talking about. No one get's mad over bread, it's just bread. Chill Out! Say you are God's Son though, that might raise an eye brow or two. Who wasn't getting it? His disciples. I'm sure it went something like this...
Jesus: "It's not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
Disciples: "Okay...so...where's the bread again?"
Jesus: "It's..(insert frustrated tone)....I'm the Bread. It's...It's me. The Father sent me here to save the world."
Disciples: "OOOOOhhhh!! I'm hungry."
Jesus would have to show his power for them many times over and they still didn't fully believe or at the very least understand a lot of the time. Like a comedian who has to explain the punch line of his own joke, Jesus says..."I'm the Bread. It's me." He was no joke though. Jesus was the real deal. Truth is...I would have been right there with the disciples. The reason I understand what he was saying is that I've read further in the novel of history. They had to work out their faith, their reason, their understanding of God's Word. Jesus didn't pick Bible scholars to follow him, he picked average, normal people. I'm thankful that Jesus is a God who can relate with the average person. I'm thankful that Jesus is understanding and long suffering when I'm just not getting what he's trying to say to me. Sometimes it may take a few God moments to understand where's he's taking me, but praise be to the the God whose mercy and grace preceeds Him.
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May 7, 2010
08:32 CST
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CESAR FREEMAN said:
In John 5:10-18 we read that the Jewish leaders got upset with Jesus because He healed someone on the Sabbath. It's always easy to look back at the story and say, "Seriously?!? You're worried about an amazing miracle happening on the Sabbath?!?"
But to be honest I find myself in the same boat as the leaders. I know there are things in my life where I care more about doing things the way they've always been done instead of following the moment to see what God does. I guess what I'm saying is I read passages like this and instead of wanting to down the Jewish leaders, I feel like I need to stand beside them and say, "yeah, me too Jesus, I do the same things they do too."
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May 6, 2010
09:53 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
Most people who have spent any time under the instruction of the church, know about David. King David, one of, if not the best, kings that ever lived. Described as being a man after God's own heart. God's choice to lead Israel into victory after victory. An accomplished warrior. A great dad who taught his son the value of wisdom and the pursuit of it. A king by which all other kings would be compared. The lineage through which the King of the World, the Messiah, would be born. David. Truly impressive by any standards. But very few have heard of Obed.
Without Obed, there would be no David. What a great story about redemption. Here we have a man, who upon hearing that a moabitess would become apart of his family, quickly passes off his obligation to another, Boaz. Boaz is more than happy to gain the privilege of being a kinsman redeemer, risking his own reputation. A small price to pay to show his love for this young woman. The Lord blessed them with a son - Obed. Then scripture ties obed to Jesse, the father of Israel's future king, and the stump by which the world's future King would come (Isaiah 11).
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May 6, 2010
09:23 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
John 4:42 - "They said to the woman, 'We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.'" This is a great depiction of discipleship. You don't have to be perfect. You can even be a woman who's had five husbands. You don't have to have a perfect plan. She just told them what Jesus had done for her and directed the people back to Jesus. They in turn took their focus off her for "spiritual leadership" and put their trust in the Christ. Beautiful.
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May 6, 2010
08:56 CST
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CESAR FREEMAN said:
I have a question from today's reading. In John 4:48, is Jesus scolding the official saying he needs to see a miracle before he believes? If He is scolding the official, then why does He still perform the miracle?
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May 5, 2010
09:14 CST
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CESAR FREEMAN said:
What really stuck out to me from today's reading is the verse that ends the book of Judges, "In those days Israel wasn't ruled by a king, and everyone did what they thought was right" (21:25). It's the part of "everyone did what they thought was right" that's really ringing in my head.
I saw a movie with a friend last night, "Law Abiding Citizen" that made me really think about this. In the movie a man seeks justice for what he's experienced. At one point the character said that everyone is to be held accountable for their actions. But the questions is, by whom? Who will hold us accountable?
What scared me from the movie was the desire in my heart for the character to find justice (revenge) and almost rooting for him to find it in the way he saw best. This is exactly what is in the book of Judges, people found justice by what they thought was best. Why? Because the nation of Israel had turned its back on God. It's when I've turned my back on God that my sense of right and wrong become more and more skewed, and I start judging everything based on what I think, instead of by what God thinks
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May 3, 2010
09:40 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
Where love ends, condemnation begins.
John 3:17 "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
I talked with a man named Bob this past Saturday. He's a semitruck mechanic who had been out of work since last October. I spent some time talking to him about his family and about life. He asked why we were out giving out free food and clothing. I told him we were out just trying to show the love of Christ to our community. I told him that too many people hide in the church and never get out where there is actually need. It was like a light bulb lit up in his head. He was shocked that I would admit something like that. What a few east pickens were accomplishing out in the parking lot of the Miracle Hill Thrift Store was the unexpected. We were loving on people. No catch. No hook. No ambush in waiting. We were just there to show love. It was refreshing.
I'm sure we didn't say all the right things. I'm sure we could have said more, presented the gospel more efficiently. I didn't lay out a five point presentation of why Bob needed to know Jesus. All I said was that no matter where we are in live every single one of us is in need, in need of a Savior that is found in Jesus Christ. I think little acts of kindness move us closer to being in the image of Christ. Jesus ate with sinners. He spent time with those who were less fortunate. He didn't bring wrath, but instead became the object of it. He brought hope to us who were without hope.
Let me encourage you, if you are without hope, Jesus is the answer. If you know this hope, then make sure that you are letting hope go before you and not condemnation. May the reputation that proceeds you be one of love and mercy, knowing that without love and mercy you stand just as guilty. Apart from Christ, we have nothing, but with him, we have everything.
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April 30, 2010
08:18 CST
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CESAR FREEMAN said:
I love that we are at the opening chapter of John, there were two verses that really stuck out to me. Verses 3-4, "And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created received life from him, and his life gave light to everyone."
It reminds me of the creation story. "Everything that was created received life from him," all creation received life from God, from Christ. But was is really cool, what always makes me go "WOW" is the next part; "And his life gave light to everyone." In the creation story, God made everything by speaking it into existence and speaking life into it, except man! God BREATHED life into man. The end of verse 4 reminds us of that. We didn't receive a generic spoken life as the rest of creation, instead we received a personal life, His life, when we were created.
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April 29, 2010
08:51 CST
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KRIS said:
Judges 10:14 - Go cry out to your other gods and see if they will save you. Trials force us to do a god-check. Many of the idols and gods that we worship, (money, status, family, etc...) are exposed for frauds in the midst of testing. For example, in this economic recession, many are discovering that thei job and their paycheck are not All-Powerful or All-Present!
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April 28, 2010
08:42 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
Baal-Berith: Some assembly required.
Some parts of the reading struck me as odd today. First, Judges 8:24 - (It was the custom of the Ishmaelites to wear gold earrings.) Suddenly I'm picturing the boy band of people of all with their earrings. Since the Ishmaelites were arabs I doubt they were anything like NSYNC, or stand in extras for justin timberlake, but it was enough for a small moment of laughter even if it was just in my mind.
Which leads to a second thought...how invasive sin can be sometimes. It's not as though we are unaware that it is there. I think its more that we are unaware of our vulnerability to it. Before we realize that we've even been infected by it, we find ourselves in sin, leading to guilt, leading to shame. But we are not victims. Gideon didn't just throw these rings into a microwave and out popped an idol. This idol was fashioned. It took time. There were many opportunities to come to his senses as there are in our lives. Along our sin paths are opportunities to turn back, but we choose to stay to the course. We choose to continue to build our idols, to chart our spiritual journey to whom or to what that path takes us.
The judgment wagon seems to be prevalent these days which is a shame. Christians should be known for what they are for and not always what they are against. With that being said, don't forget to judge yourself to work out your salvation. Pursue holiness. Make sure that the life that you are assembling brings honor to God.
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April 28, 2010
07:39 CST
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CESAR FREEMAN said:
The story of Gideon and his family is very confusing. Sam had a great post yesterday about how Gideon was an unqualified leader for the army, but today we see Gideon turning his back on God even before all the dust settles from the battle. I guess it's less confusing and more frustrating to see Gideon do this when he was supposed to be a good judge for Israel.
What's sad and aggravating is that this happens in my life too. I trust in God and want to obey Him and as soon as He's led me into a small victory where I trusted Him, I automatically run back to my idols and sins when the excitement is over and it's back to my every day life.
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April 27, 2010
12:35 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said:
A few thoughts on leadership and the will of God from today's reading in Judges 7&8.
Gideon was not even remotely qualified to lead this army to take on the Midianites. In fact, he wouldn't have even made it pass the first cut. He was terrified to accept God's will for him, evidenced by his several attempts to test God and the clarification of His plan. God told Gideon to let those who were afraid to go back to camp...an interesting act on God's part for sure. I wonder if Gideon started heading back, and God had to say.."um...not you Gideon." Im sure this fear continue to grow as God continue to strink his already feeble army. He was terrified after these tests, as God provides him with even more evidence to trust Him. He tells Gideon, if he's afraid, go down to the camp and listen in. Gideon was a no name, nobody, from a weak tribe. There was nothing about Gideon that would incite fear in anyone one, much less a superpower like the Midianites, and yet, what does he find when he enters their camp...fear.
As disqualified as we would think Gideon to be He was God's man of the hour. How many have missed out on God's blessing because they wouldn't follow God's man, regardless of how unqualified he seemed to be? The truth is....he was a perfect leader. Perhaps we need to redefine our perceptions of leadership.
Everyone wants to be included in the leaders plans, if not be a part of the planning themselves. The Ephraimites rebuked Gideon for his delay in calling them. He pacifies them by stroking their egos, but he could have very well claimed the will of God and they would have just had to deal with it. They were not apart of God's plans until the appointed time. It wasn't Gideons fault, it was God's...though one could hardly call it a fault. Perhaps purpose is a more fitting word here. It was for God's purpose that a "weak" leader, with a "weak" army, "without" a hope of being victorious, could defeat such a large army. God didn't need any of those things. He used a leader and a few hundred willing followers to accomplish only what He could accomplish.
So if you find yourself in Gideon's shoes, or within a shrinking army, or perhaps in the Ephraimite camp, know this...God is God. There is hope in Him. There is strength in Him. In Him, though the worlds armies build against us, we have victory both in present and the age to come.
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April 27, 2010
07:50 CST
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CESAR FREEMAN said:
Psalm 98 from today's reading is really encouraging. "Sing a new song to the LORD...tell everyone on this earth to sing happy songs...make music for him...sound the trumpets and horns and celebrate with joyful songs."
Verses 7 & 8 are what really stood out to me though, "command the ocean to roar with all its creatures, and the earth to shout with all its people. Order the rivers to clap their hands and all the hills to sing together."
I love having music at church, I love the praise and worship time, and I love it loud and energetic. But what's awesome is that all of creation is ready to be that same way with us! That is just an amazing thought to have a praise and worship time and to see creation joining in!
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April 26, 2010
08:32 CST
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CESAR FREEMAN said:
The story about Gideon brings up a question in my mind. Gideon questioned God when Gideon saw the messenger and later asked for signs of proof before heading off into battle (to me it seems weird to ask for more proof once your getting audible instruction from God). But my question is how can we be discerning about God's will without being hesitant and wanting proof like Gideon?
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April 24, 2010
15:33 CST
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KRIS said:
Today's reading from the book of Judges rips your heart out! After all that God had done, now the children of Israel completely turn their back on Him. In only one generation they forget about God! This reminds us of the importance of passing along a real, vibrant faith. The rebelliousness of humanity is consistent from generation to generation. In spite of all God's miraculous wonders we forget about Him.
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April 23, 2010
10:34 CST
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SAM TOTMAN said as a reply to comment posted below:
Posted by Nicole [go to post]
April 23, 2010 09:56 CST
Ohhh. okay! Thanks for answering that! But now I have another question- Why did people expect Jesus to be a great military leader?... |
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Think about what they had experienced in their past. For example the Book of Judges. Most were military leaders. After the judges, there were kings who led Israel into battle can defended them from their enemies. After the kings, we see that some of the prophets were military leaders. Just about everyone who God had sent to lead Israel in the Old Testament took on this kind of military/political role. So it was just a natural progression of thought to think that the messiah would be this same kind of person.
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April 23, 2010
09:56 CST
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NICOLE said as a reply to comment posted below:
Posted by Sam Totman [go to post]
April 23, 2010 08:41 CST
Luke 20:41-43: All the religious "experts" had been questioning Jesus to try to trip him up in his teachings. When Jesus gets them to a point when they are afraid to say or question anything anymore, ... |
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Ohhh. okay! Thanks for answering that! But now I have another question- Why did people expect Jesus to be a great military leader?
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April 23, 2010
09:53 CST
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NICOLE said as a reply to comment posted below:
Posted by Kris [go to post]
April 23, 2010 08:33 CST
Nichole, the question that Jesus poses refers back to a Psalm of David. The people of Jesus' day rightly believed that the Messiah would be a son of David. However, they wrongly assumed that the Mes... |
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Thank you Pastor Kris! I will definitely print this out and show it to my family! Also, you ARE NOT old! haha
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