Modern people are overwhelmed with choices, exhibited by the common response of indecision. One way to get past that problem is prioritizing critical choices; this is what Jesus does for us. In this last section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus sets before us four pairs of critical choices, and getting them right sets [...]
Jesus’ invitation for anyone to ask anything and receive presents one of the most daring and potentially disappointing teachings on prayer. Is Jesus offering us a blank check? Are we being duped? How do we make sense of such hope?
Study Guide: 03.07.10 Ask
We live with two seemingly conflicting realities in our modern world when it comes to judgment. The first is the belief that we shouldn’t judge. The second is the fact that we can’t stop passing judgment. Jesus takes us a different way – one that leads to good judgment.
Study Guide: 02.28.10 Good Judgment
The number of Americans who report suffering from some anxiety disorder has risen dramatically in recent years. It’s evident not only by the continual stream of books and seminars on stress, but also in the establishment of academic centers devoted to both identifying and treating anxiety. And, while it’s important to treat the physical symptoms, [...]
The recent economic collapse has exposed more than cracks in our financial system; it has exposed our hearts. And not just the hearts of those who took big bonuses or made bad loans or took their lives in despair, but all our hearts. As Jesus teaches on money, he does more than scold us for [...]
There is nothing more basic than food. As one philosopher said, “Man is what he eats.” We take food into our bodies and it becomes life. This is one reason why God has always used food as a way for us to know Him. As Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life.”
Study Guide:01.31.10 Knowing [...]
The Sermon on the Mount challenges how we understand things like happiness, sexuality, marriage, anger, retaliation – even good deeds or righteousness. There is a greater stress on doing good deeds in our current culture, and Washington is a city where people are drawn toward public service and committed to good causes. However, have we [...]
In this second sermon on the ministry of Grace DC, we consider how the purpose of the church works in our personal and public lives, through community groups, culture and vocation.
Study Guide: 01.17.10 The Ministry of Grace DC, Part II
As Grace DC grows its ministries we must remember our primary purpose. It’s so very easy for individuals or churches to ‘miss the forest for the trees’; to look back and realize your life was just a series of latest trends. In the fourth chapter of Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus (a city [...]
Sometimes a gift is left unopened under the Christmas tree because someone couldn’t make the celebration. But how strange it would be if a gift remained unopened for 6 months… a year… 3 years – because gifts were made to be opened. The gift of God’s grace may go down in history as the [...]
Understanding the original setting of the first Christmas songs help us to really appreciate what it’s about. The songs came to and through people who were oppressed, politically occupied, aching with longing and smarting from shame, yet who saw a marvelous promise come true – the birth of God’s Savior. And the scope of the [...]
Songs about snow, family gatherings, and gift-giving have their place; they help us celebrate the beauty of winter, community and generosity. However, they do not speak to those questioning, waiting or even doubting. You have to go the original songs of Christmas for that. As we listen in on Zechariah’s song, we learn that Christmas [...]
Christmas has undergone a makeover in the past decades, from a story of salvation to nostalgia. The music reflects it: “Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your hearts be light” vs. “Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.” And, in this way, Christmas has become exclusive. If you don’t have a light heart, [...]
If you have been around this church for a while, you have heard us talk about Grace DC starting a new congregation in the city with Duke and Paula Kwon as its leaders. This is a several step process that is now being kicked it into high gear. This really is a celebration of a [...]
The highest command of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is found in the call to love one’s enemy. It is perhaps the defining mark of a follower of Jesus. We may be able to pull off being religious, moral, self-disciplined, and even kind to those like us. But the will and ability to love [...]
One person has said that this part Sermon on the Mount is the ‘most admired and most resented’ of Jesus’ teaching. Not only is it a hard teaching for us, it also raises all sorts of questions. Is Jesus a pacifist? Is Jesus opposed to self-defense or the state using force? What we find is [...]
“He’s got commitment issues!” “She’s got commitment issues!” This is a common complaint in dating culture. But the truth is, all of us have commitment issues. As Jesus talks about the practice of people taking oaths/vows he gets to the heart of commitment.
Study Guide: 10.18.09 Living Like Royalty: Commitment Issues
While divorce rates have gone down among a select group of people, everyone would agree there are far too many divorces. Yet the solutions to reduce divorce don’t seem to help. As Jesus teaches on divorce, he points us to a solution: the oneness of marriage.
There is no Study Guide for this week’s sermon. [...]
As Jesus warns his followers about lust, the modern listener can easily interpret his words as primitive, prudish and perhaps proof that the Bible is against sexuality. However, the more we come to understand what is at the heart of lust, the more we begin to see why his warning is so appropriate.
Study Guide:10.04.09 Living [...]
Righteous (good) anger is found throughout the Bible; God himself is the model of what it looks like. However, much of what we understand to be ‘righteous’ anger is in fact the opposite – unrighteous (bad anger). Jesus identifies this as a major problem in his day and ours is no different. Yet what we [...]
We tend to have a love/hate relationship with the Law. We want it around to protect us but not to catch us. We are glad for the order it brings, yet resentful for the way it limits us. We bring all of these attitudes and more when it comes to our feelings about God’s Law. [...]
Washington DC is known as a city of significant influence. It is also a city that prizes influence – sought after as a precious commodity. How does Jesus Christ, the most influential man in history, understand influence?
Study Guide: 09.13.09 Living Like Royalty Inevitable Influence
The other Beatitudes don’t seem as ‘necessary’ as this one: Blessed are the Peacemakers. We don’t have to look to far to see horrific conflict in the world, arguments on our city streets, tension in our relationships with family and friends. The need for peace is obvious. How then do we move forward?
Study Guide:08.30.09 The [...]
This beatitude may be the most uncomfortable to read. Immediately we feel vulnerable. Who of us would claim to be pure? Who can see God without being seen themselves? Yet, Jesus doesn’t pronounce this word as woe, but rather as a blessing. Happy are the pure in heart.
Study Guide:08.23.09 The Beatitudes: A See-Through Heart
When Jesus says “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” he doesn’t give a necessary condition for receiving God’s mercy, but he does give a necessary consequence of it. If someone lacks the impulse and actions to show mercy they have missed something essential about the Christian gospel. What does Mercy involve? [...]
Study Guide: 08.09.09 The Beatitudes: Holy Thirst
In a challenging economy and competitive job market, literature on how to promote yourself abounds. Some of the literature is good, however, plenty of it is suspect: “promote yourself without looking like you’re promoting yourself”, etc. In this third beatitude Jesus basically teaches the polar opposite: Blessed are the meek (those who do NOT promote [...]
Usually this Beatitude (“blessed are they that mourn”), is most often found in the sympathy section on the card racks. While God has a special zeal to comfort his children in their losses, the verse belongs in the ‘repentance’ section rather than the sympathy section- for it describes mourning over moral and spiritual failure primarily. [...]
In recent years there has been a rising interest in “happiness”. University psychology departments offering courses on “happiness”, books being written on the topic, conferences held among professionals. The interest flows from a new approach in psychology called “Positive Psychology”, and raises, among many things, the question of how to become happy. In Matthew 5, [...]
David Plotz, author of Good Book, summarizes well the thoughts of many upon reading Genesis 6-9. “When I have quizzed Christian friends about Noah and the planet-wide devastation, they have given me some version of this answer: The Flood is just God teaching a lesson; He’s giving us a powerful reminder to obey Him; etc, [...]
After sin enters the world, God, like any good parent, seeks to prepare Adam and Eve for what lies ahead. Part of which involves his informing them that life will be a battle. That battle will hit close to home for them, as it does for us.
Study Guide: 06.07.09 Foundations of Faith: The Battle for [...]
As you read the early chapters of Genesis you get a sense of how things were meant to be: we were meant to understand the world not as a glorious accident, but a glorious gift; we were meant to experience work not as a never ending episode of the “Office”, but as significant; we [...]
When you read the early chapters of Genesis you see that our “work” is unique, significant and even sacred. God takes his work seriously and so should we. But, he also takes His rest seriously- do you?
Study Guide:
05.24.09 Foundations of Faith: Work and Rest
These early chapters of Genesis teach us much- the meaning of the world, our place, and ourselves. And throughout we hear God’s delight in it all, until chapter 2. It is the first time we hear the declaration- “it is not good”. Why? Not because God made a mistake or moral evil has entered, but [...]
In our day, image and identity is approached as something we create, manage, or spin. Every individual is free to re-invent themselves. So the question arises: Is there anything that’s non-negotiable about who we are? Anything non-negotiable about our identity? Could it be that in trying to find yourself you can actually lose something [...]
If you’ve ever been on plane which is descending or ascending over your part of town, you immediately begin to look for landmarks that might help you find…your home, your place. That’s a good instinct to apply in reading Genesis 1-2, because God didn’t just make an “earth” or a “world”, he was making [...]
A runner can’t run, a dancer can’t dance, a builder can’t build, unless they have foundation. The same is true for us. Unless our thinking, living and believing has a foundation we will lack confidence, vision and freedom. Genesis 1-11 was written for that very purpose.
Study Guide: 04.19.09 Foundation of Faith: Creation Questions Part 1
Death as chains or bonds is a familiar metaphor. Death binds all- great and small- and none escape. But, we feel the tug of the chains all through our lives in the form of our grief, guilt and fear. When Jesus resurrects from the dead he doesn’t just offer a promise of after life, [...]
If you were to offer a final message/prayer for a loved one what would you include? Whatever you said it certainly wouldn’t be trivial! The most essential and important things you would want to pass along. This is exactly what Jesus does in offering his goodbye prayer for his followers. A prayer for them to [...]
The are literal storms and there figurative storms: but a storm is storm. And they feel like it: the pounding waves of physical illness, the tsunami’s of social upheaval, the thunder of relational conflict. It feels like we’re over our heads, sinking further and further down; or shipwrecked off to the side of life. As [...]
Growing up in Pittsburgh Steeler football country I learned that a good defense is how you win the game–the same principle is at work in Acts 25-26. The Apostle Paul lands in an extraordinary and dramatic moment as he defends himself before the royalty and nobility of Rome. As he does we learn something of [...]
The life we experience and the life we lead are tied together. Therein is the struggle: I often want a life I don’t lead. I want to be healthy, but I don’t want to exercise; I want to be wise, but I don’t like others telling me what to do. In Acts 20, as [...]
All of us have a way of life. Sometimes we’re not aware of it until someone with a different way of life shows up. And the strength to which we cling to our way of life reveals that we’re hoping for a lot from it. It is, in fact, the “way” to security, happiness, [...]
In the book of Acts, we find the starting of new churches (especially in cities) flowing from Jesus’ vision for His Kingdom, and according to His command. For this reason, Grace DC understands church planting as both essential to fulfilling Jesus’ mission and for our future ministry in Washington, DC.
Study Guide: Church Planting
All of us have a success story that we’re writing. And, there’s often a ‘gap’ between the one we write, and the one God does. And, in that gap lies our frustration. We tend to believe: If I were more talented or favored by God I wouldn’t face as much frustration. Looking at the story [...]
Recently a well know atheist said: “How much do you have to hate someone to not proselytize?” This is a surprising statement not only because it was said by an atheist, but also because in our day (increasingly so) evangelism or proselytization is seen as out of line, immoral, even a violation of people’s rights. [...]
Every nation experiences turning points and often there are critical debates leading up to them. Similarly, the early church’s debate in Acts 15 is one which leads to a pivotal turning point. What might appear to be wrangling over incidental religious customs is really about the heart of the Christian gospel and thus the future [...]
The good news of the gospel sets us right. We’re prone to make things and people far too important–elevating them like a god. As Paul and Barnabas preach to a group of religious pagans concerning who God is, and what He’s done, they apply the gospel to our most basic struggle.
What Good News Does: Meeting [...]
Before Jesus ascended to heaven he instructed his followers to be witnesses not only within Israel, but also to the ends of the earth, translation: ‘I’m building a multi-racial/national church’. However, they are slow to do this, in part due to racism and unhealthy nationalism. We modern folks are no different. Our hesitation to accept [...]
Glenn Hoburg talks us through the Christmas story.
Stars have long since fascinated us. For many, the first song they learn sings of this fascination (“Twinkle, Twinkle…”). The Greeks developed elaborate system of constellations. Some, like the Magi of Matthew 2, believed they contained secrets. God thinks highly of stars as well. All throughout the Bible they are used by God to [...]
The time after an election and before the inauguration is unique. It may be the most enjoyable for a president-elect: a blank slate, time of creativity, honeymoon. All leaders enjoy this time: when optimism is high and they’ve done no wrong. There was no time in Israel more glorious than when Solomon ascended to the [...]
The idea of conversion in our culture is viewed with fear, suspicion and as abnormal. But, the truth is we are all converts of some kind- to sports teams, authors, political parties, social causes, etc. And, conversion can be a return to normalcy. Another surprise is when we learn that the great conversion story of [...]
How the good news of God’s grace spreads, and to whom it spreads, tells us much about it’s character; namely, it is a disruptive grace. This is what we see in the early church as they face persecution, however, the disruption leads to expansion. Instead of the opposition stamping out the church, it is propels [...]
In the face of death our essential beliefs rise to the surface. Everything else, by necessity, is shaken off and what we’re left with is our fundamental hope, vision and trust. This is what we find observing the death of Stephen: the first Christian martyr. And, the contrast between his trust, vision and legacy in [...]
The power of the early church was not only due to the good news which they had to share, but also how that news was shared: in Word and Deed. These have always been the twin power, the two wings of the message of God’s grace, and when only one is presented it is a [...]
How we face threat is telling not only about ourselves, but our prayer life. In Acts 4, as threat begins to bear down on the community, their impulse is to pray together. This is very different than our usual response, which is often self-retreat or self-reliance, but far more effective. Considering how they pray, and [...]
Whenever Jesus healed someone’s body, He also sought to address their soul. Peter does the same in Acts 3: he heals a man and then preaches “repent and believe”! For God to give us everything on our wish list, yet not call us to do this would be to ignore our souls; as He does, [...]
Religion in America is seen as something for organized groups; spirituality, on the other hand, as something for individuals. Many will say: I’m spiritual, but not religious. However, in the life of the early Christian church, you find an organized religion having a tremendous spiritual experience. What makes this so unique? And, what does [...]
The historic Christian church has always made a big deal out of Acts 2; the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is celebrated in what’s called “Pentecost Sunday”. When we understand who He is and the significance of His coming, we understand why it’s a big deal. God is now unleashed in the world as [...]
The book of Acts is about the early church taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. The word “gospel” refers to the good news of God’s grace. So, in short Acts is about: Good News on the Move. But, before the church is instructed by Jesus to get moving, He gives them their [...]
Glenn Hoburg takes us deeper into Colossians 3.
Study Guide: 08.31.08 Spiritually Alive: Part II
All of us have things we want in our lives and those we want out – this is especially true when it comes to character traits and habits. Most of the advice we get leads us to find just the right secret method or level of self-discipline so we might change. However, when it comes [...]
The second half of the Lord’s Prayer concerns “petitions” or requests, that is, the bringing of our needs to God. The fact that Jesus invites us to bring our needs before God teaches us much about who we understand God to be, but also who we understand ourselves to be. It
also raises questions: Should a [...]
All of us have a vision of the world. So, does the Bible: it’s called the Kingdom of God. A Kingdom for which Jesus instructed his followers to pray. But, understanding how to pray for this, means we must know something of what it looked liked in Jesus life and ministry.
Note: Due to unforeseen circumstances [...]
As Jesus teaches his followers how to pray to God he tells them to “hallow” God’s name. This may be the least understood part of the Lord’s Prayer, yet the most natural to us. Meaning, we all “hallow” things all the time; that is, lift things up as all-important and great. The question is, in [...]
The more we are confronted with real life, the more apt we are to pray, yet, at this very point we feel at a loss. Either not knowing how to pray, or sensing the weakness of our prayers. Jesus meets His disciples at this very point. When the admit they don’t know how to pray, [...]
Embedded deep within our hearts is a desire to have a great leader- also to be one. God has made us after His image, therefore, leadership is part of our nature. However, we often have to de-learn the model of leadership which we’re accustomed to, and re-learn the one Jesus modeled. By understanding who Jesus [...]
The prospect of death raises three questions for us: 1) What about the way I’ve lived (or not lived)? 2) What about a life after death? 3) What about the people and things I’m leaving behind? As we look at
the death of Moses we find God addressing all three. And how, like Moses, we might [...]
The choices we make really matter. They end up prospering or destroying us. And the Bible teaches that they effect our eternal destinies. And, yet we’re also reminded daily of our inability to choose what is good, right and true. Moses holds out hope for the Israelites and us. He speaks of God’s Word coming [...]
Everyone sees life through a lens. And, that lens, in many ways, is our view of God. Who we understand God to be has everything to do with how we see the landscape of our lives; especially our fears. As Israel draws near to the land there are two distinct responses and two distinct view [...]
We are called to two simultaneous, but difficult things with respect to the burdens of others. One, is helping others bear burdens, the other learning where that responsibility begins and ends. How do we know when we’re over-burdening ourselves? Moses helps us see. He is
showing signs of being over-burdened. And, God lifts his burden [...]
When we understand there is a purpose to pain, we’re willing to endure it. Athletic training is an example – enduring the pain for the sake of victory. Or, the way our bodies communicate to us via pain, letting us know that healing is needed. God is seeking to teach Israel that lesson. We often [...]
A pattern emerges in the life of the people of Israel: they find themselves thirsty, and then instead of crying to God they complain, instead of reflecting on his faithfulness, they accuse. And, we find ourselves doing the same. In the areas where we feel thirst of soul, our temptation is follow the path of [...]
Many of us are aware of our need for human mediation, that is, someone to stand between ourselves and another to reach agreement; perhaps it is a friend standing between ourselves and another friend, a boss standing between ourselves and a co-worker, or a counselor standing between ourselves and a spouse. But, we don’t often [...]
As we read through the Ten Commandments, we see some start with actions (do not kill, steal), some with attitude (honor your parents), but only one starts with the hidden heart – “You shall not covet”. This is often the sin that upstanding, religions folks are most prone toward – because it’s the only one [...]
As we look for help while battling the vices in our lives – anger, controlling others, running to alcohol or pills, constantly fearing others opinions – we often don’t think about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. How could that event have relevance for my ongoing, dark
struggles? But, this is exactly where the Bible goes. In [...]
“Language is a community’s lifeblood”. The Bible teaches that God has endowed humans with an elevated gift of words – and those words are powerful. The way our words go is the way our relationships go. And, so the ninth commandment – “You shall not bear false witness” (pertaining to all lying), means a lot [...]
It’s not often that we see our view of God’s goodness and generosity effecting whether we steal or not, but it does. It’s also not often that we understand lack of generosity to be a breaking of the eighth commandment, but it is. You Shall Not Steal, brings us straight to our understanding of who [...]
The Sixth Commandment is the one to which most folks respond: “Well, at least I haven’t done that”. But, when we grasp the long reach of these commandments we understand that isn’t true. In fact, according to Jesus, it’s likely we transgress this commandment everyday. Early on in the history of men, murder was introduced [...]
“Honor your Father and Mother”–is there any commandment that pushes our buttons more? Why, of all relationships, does God highlight one so complex and with such history? There is no relationship like that of parent and child, and, as we read the Bible we see that it’s not only central to our lives, but actually [...]
On the one hand the idea of a “Sabbath” (holy day to God) seems like a leftover from ancient culture or even a killjoy (the command to sit around all day in a church). On the other hand, the signs of our failure to rest are seen everywhere – physical and emotional burnout, anxiety; our [...]
Often the third commandment – You shall not take the Lord’s name in vain – is understood to mean you should not curse with God’s name. Now of course, that’s part of it but it really goes much deeper than that because names are more than names. We know this from our own culture and [...]
Most modern people hear the Second Commandment, which forbids making images of God for worship, and reason that we’re in the clear. Not many folks have gold or silver statues for worship around the home. However, that’s really a surface understanding of what God is talking about, it is rather any man-made representation of God [...]
Laws always tell you something about the lawmaker–something of their character–this is true for the 10 Commandments. So, what does the First Commandment (‘have no other gods’) teach us about God? Is it that He’s insecure and controlling? No. What we find is a God more personal than we’ve ever imagined. A God whose jealousy [...]
What does the “law of God” mean to you? An ancient set of standards that once ruled a small nation? The representation of a strict deity who micromanages our lives? What about a story? This is how God understands it. He says to Israel–when your children ask: What does [...]
Todays views of God leave little room for a Mt. Sinai God – the thunder, rumbling, fear, trembling, commandments to stay back–are seen as primitive and beneath us. Yet, at the same time the gods of our design seem no greater than us, and not very involved. The God of Mt Sinai shows himself to [...]
If you’ve returned to your childhood home or neighborhood, perhaps you found yourself thinking or saying to another: “And, over there where those houses stand, was a great sled riding hill. And, on that block was the best pizza joint. And, do you see this stump–it was once a great apple tree”. [...]
Israel goes from 400 years of bondage, to supernatural deliverance and defeat of her enemies, to now 40 years in the desert. Is this a cruel joke of God or an act of love? God leads Israel into the wilderness so he might further deliver His people–and the wilderness
is perfect setting for that work. The [...]
Throughout history there are what we might call Decisive Days. Days that determine destinies, such as Bastille Day, D-Day, Independence Day. Days of deliverance for some, defeat for others. Days of judgment and salvation. The Bibles usage of the phrase “Day of the Lord” functions in a similar way. In its full and final meaning [...]
American culture is rooted in the idea that “freedom comes at a high cost”. We often refer to the many men and women in the military who have made sacrifices, especially those who have payed the highest cost in shedding their blood. And, while the idea that someone would shed their blood to protect me [...]
John Calvin brought forth the idea that our knowledge of God and knowledge of ourselves is closely tied, actually inextricably bound. And, the question which Pharaoh of Egypt poses to Moses– “Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice?” is very relevant in this respect. God answers that question by demonstrating and stating [...]
Have you ever done everything within your power to avoid doing something? Although you know it’s the right thing to do, still you seek to avoid it at all costs. If so, you know how Moses feels. The way that Moses seeks to counter and avoid God’s call teaches us much
about ourselves, [...]
In the life of Moses we learn that the Call of God often doesn’t play out like we think. We might imagine “If God called me everyone would know, things would be easier…”–but Moses’ call looks much like ours–it comes on the heels of failure, it involves training which is less than glorious, and [...]
As Moses tells us of his birth story, he makes one point clear: He needed saving–and so did Israel. We don’t always live in light of the reality that we need saved, so sometimes God has to send reminders (maybe even severe ones). But, in those moments we have the possibility of coming to know [...]
Jesus’ final word to his followers and the community called the “Church” involves witness. This word causes various responses from those within and without the church–fear, guilt, enthusiasm, expectation–to name a few. In this beginning chapter of the book of Acts we learn much about the concept of witness–what it consists of, how it’s empowered, [...]
“It’s impossible to be truly religious and socially indifferent”. Would you agree with this quote? More importantly does God agree with it? The prophet Isaiah would lead us to believe so. And, taking it seriously means the church must as well. Our core values of Service and City remind us of this.
In the life of Zacchaeus we see how the grace of God finds people and then finds its way into every area of their lives. When this lost man’s soul was saved, not just his soul was saved–he stepped into a new Calling and Kingdom. The gospel of Jesus means to do no less for [...]
The good news (gospel) of the Christian faith is all about God–through stunning sacrifice–bringing us into relationship with Him, but that’s not all. He also brings us into relationship with a community. When someone is reconciled to God they are then reconciled to others. The church is a reconciled community. Gospel [...]
The ending of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians contains final remarks on various matters–his travel, a collection to be taken, a last charge, etc.
The advantage of having this is it gives us a ‘behind the scenes’ view of what ministry looked like day to day, and so we learn for ourselves what it should look [...]
Even the most remarkable spiritual gifts–such as prophecy and tongues–are subject to love. This is the Apostle Paul’s message to a church endowed with many supernatural abilities. And, the sign of their gifts being used in love will be evidenced by how they build up others and make room for others. This is a rare and radical thing in our day.
The supremacy of love is seen in that it is the final victor–”Love never ends”. And, love never ends because God never ends, and God is love. Our hope that we might become more loving, and that love will endure, are both founded in God.
If someone offered you a wish: To be greatly gifted and have those gifts recognized by the world, or to be known as a quiet and loving person—which would you choose? While we all affirm the importance of love, in our culture we tend to believe that being talented is a more beautiful or excellent [...]
It is so easy for us to judge ultimate value and worth through the lens of gifts and abilities. Rather than celebrating and honoring all gifts and those who have them, we tend to venerate a few, and ignore the others–this is occurring in the 1st century church of Corinth and the Apostle Paul understands the threat. So, God provides the Corinthians, and us, with a different vision of how gifts and people might operate in community.
It is ‘hardwired’ into us to want to make a contribution. This is why identifying and using our gifts/abilities is so important to us. And once we do discover and exercise our abilities it will result in one of two attitudes—pride or humility. We will either stand up—chests puffed out with pride—or fall on our knees in humility. The former is happening in the church in Corinth. As they begin to use their spiritual gifts the results is comparing, competition and pride. And, so Paul draws their attention to a different place—not the gift and the self, but the Giver and the purpose for the gift.
This particular passage is notorious for raising questions and controversy. Does it reveal the trivial nature of Christianity- concerned with haircuts and hairstyles? Does it reveal the narrow-mindedness of the Bible? Does the Bible teach women are inferior to men? Was Paul a chauvinist? None of these gets to the heart of the issue. Rather, [...]
When someone you know falls morally, how do you assure yourself it won’t happen to you? “I’m smarter than that…I don’t do ‘that’ sort of thing…I come from a strong Christian heritage…I have good theology…I’m a leader”? None of these can really help us in the face of temptation—Paul points this out to [...]
Our society sees self-control as either extremely negative—repressing authentic desires; or, as something for personal benefit only—e.g. “Be self-controlled in eating so you can live longer, or attract the person of your dreams”. The Apostle Paul introduces two different motives: 1) Self- control for the benefit of others—to extend to them the grace of God. [...]
Is the body and sex something pleasing to God? Do married people owe each other sex? Are there appropriate reasons for divorce? Is being a single person superior or inferior? The Apostle Paul addresses all of these questions in this section of his letter to the Christian community in Corinth and [...]
Sexuality today is viewed only as a “body” experience and mostly an expression of our appetite. Our thinking goes: “What I do with my body in sex doesn’t effect my soul”; and just as when we’re hungry we eat, when we’re are aroused we have sex. The only problem is we’re not made [...]
In 2005 it was reported that there were 20 million lawsuits filed in state courts—an estimated 4 to 8 million by professing Christians. This demonstrates that the church is not immune from the American obsession with personal rights. In light of this, the Apostle Paul brings some challenging and hopeful words and a challenging question: [...]
When Jesus appeared to his followers—risen from dead—they were reeling. It was on no ones radar in the ancient world that a bodily resurrection would occur. And this then became the core of the Christian witness. But it was not just a witness of a resurrected man, but rather a confirmation that the [...]
…the spiritual discipline which the Bible envisions offers a remedy in an age enslaved to personal freedom and individualism, and deliverance from the destruction which occurs as a result.
In Ephesians 1.15-23, Paul offers three prayer-wishes for the church at Ephesus—to know hope, spiritual riches, and power.
We experience confrontation all the time—but rarely in a healthy way.
The message of Christianity—Jesus and the cross—appears foolish to the culture; however, in the end, those who understand it will be seen as wise.
The standards of acceptance which we embrace and live by, are the very ones we will use to judge others. However, this becomes a problem when the standards are false standards and they promote a judgmental attitude—this is the case in the Corinthian church. Paul seeks to give them a rightful understanding of both the position and privileges which Jesus has afforded them with respect to God, and how this might change their judgmental attitude.
Imagine stepping into a community were people view their accomplishments honestly and accurately; where no one cares about who gets the credit; where people see their work as one.
Our words say a lot-more than we know. They not only express our thoughts, they reveal our hearts.
We dread few things more than being exposed as weak and foolish. When someone does question our competency or expertise we often lash out, lie, worry, weep—we also try and look good. Every culture has its version of ‘looking good’, and the Roman city of Corinth had a standard that looks much like ours—seek status and avoid weakness. The Apostle Paul says that those who seek to live and look good according to the culture standard risk missing the wonderful experience of God’s grace.
Scandals are commonplace these days. By scandal we refer to something immoral and shocking which offends us—it is the word which Paul uses to refer to Jesus’ death. In the west, where for thousand of years the cross has served as an accepted and even revered symbol, it’s hard to imagine it being an offense, but its offense is not confined to one age or culture. The cross shouts out loud than we can’t save ourselves—either through our power or wisdom. This is what Paul begins to develop in this section of his letter to the Corinthians.
Many times when groups experiences division and splits it is passed off as a breaking over the truth. Sometimes this is true, but more times than we’re willing to admit the division is more personality-driven, than theology (truth)-driven. If we really want to maintain unity, we need to address this issue—it is where Paul begins in his letter to the Corinthian community, and must be our beginning point.
In the general sense, our “call” is our mission, purpose, reason for being. Usually it is formed more by our family tradition and culture, than by the God who made us. But, it stands to reason that we’ll never really understand our call apart from God. This is what’s occurring with the church at Corinthian—they are becoming more Corinthian than Christ-like. Paul begins his remarks by reminding them and us: From where our call comes, What it involves, and What God gives us to live it.
Last words are always significant. King David, instead of leaving his people with words looking back, he gives them words for the future. A glimpse into a Kingdom of righteousness and life; justice and prosperity—a Kingdom that David’s greater descendant -Jesus Christ -would bring about. And, so he leaves them with more than last words– he leaves them with hope.
We are very prone to love in theory only, instead of like Jesus in Word and Deed. The Bible teaches that holding together both the Word (proclamation of Jesus), and the Deed (demonstration), are critical—words without deeds are powerless, and deeds without words are meaningless. The permanent office of the Diaconate in the church reminds us that we must love in deed.
Is it possible to love someone too much? In a sense, yes. But, in the end when our love for someone compromises our love for God, we really have ceased to love them. David is facing this. His love for his son is challenging his ability to live well for God: to love boldly, live gratefully and long righteously.
The idea of repentance brings to mind for many words like: regret, admitting mistakes, making atonement. But, these fall short of the Bible’s understanding. One of the reasons they fall short is that they fail to lead to renewal—a new start, freedom from guilt, joy. In the Old Testament books of 1 & 2 Samuel, two kings fall, but only one experiences renewal—because only one understands repentance.
How can a man who wrote inspired songs to God, resisted vengeance when his very life was threatened, achieved great successes for God, fall into the worst immorality in matter of seconds? In the Life of David we’re confronted with this question and the reality that every one of our hearts is more vulnerable than we care to admit. In the fall of David we’re reminded of what the Bible has taught all along, there is only One Savior which can deliver us.
David was a warrior, king and artist—musician and songwriter. We sing about what captivates us. David is captivated with the character and deeds of God—a God worth singing to. Can you say the same about your God?
Ironically, in an age of instant messaging and cell phones, we long more than ever for the company of the people who matter most, including the One we were made to in friendship with – God Himself.
As more of us are mobile, and away from our families, we look to our friendships to get what we need. Friendships have become more necessary and important. The Bible places a high value on friendship and the story of David and Jonathan is a great example of such. But, their friendship is more than two people with things “in common”, it is a friendship shaped by God, and so an Uncommon Friendship. These are the kind of friendships which we need and God makes possible.
Our lives are riddled with fear. Fear of the world around us. Fear in daily conversations over being misunderstood or uninformed. Fear motivating our career, schedule and relationship decisions. We’re often given methods for managing fear, but how about getting free from it? In the classic story of David and Goliath we find a different approach to dealing with fear.
When we go looking for a leader, charisma and a resume outweigh content of the heart. We are so taken with outward beauty and abilities—surface qualities—we’re swept off our feet and out to sea. We spend our days trying to attain what is fleeting. Watching God choose His leader in 1 Samuel 16 gives a new view and a new hope.
Recently I was with one of my former seminary professors. This man possesses such genuine humility, that my own self-R was apparent to me on more than one occasion. Self-Righteousness is rampant in our lives and culture.
“What is Life about?”—a huge question. Who wants to get it wrong? Jesus says the best way to understand what life is about, is to contemplate death….
Every culture has a way it does hospitality and meals. And those customs link up with other values which a society cherishes. The same is true dining with God…
It
When we think about learning we focus upon our minds�developing, expanding, and filling them. This is appropriate�but what about the heart and soul?
If someone asked us: Is it possible to love God and not love other people? Most would say
When we understand and embrace who Jesus is and what he has done, our self-opinion changes and our relationships follow…
How do you replace a vice with a virtue? This is an age old question that has occupied mankind from the beginning.
In this day and nation freedom is discussed and debated on various levels: political, civil, personal. However, the discussion grows thin when we come to the topic of spiritual freedom.
The Bible makes the case that there are really just two spiritual approaches and experiences. One approach seeks to achieve blessing and acceptance according some standard or law, and the experience is being enslaved to our fear and failure.
From the Bible’s standpoint, idols are never merely wooden statues that pagans worshipped. Rather it is anything which is elevated to god-like status in our lives�so it may be a career or person; an inordinate desire to appear competent or creative. Paul argues that the gospel liberates us personally and relationally from these things.
A child who is secure in their status–accepted and loved–does much better in life than one who is not. The principle applies to our relationship with God as well. The Apostle Paul teaches that Jesus’ unique status as God’s Son is the doorway to ours. And, in the end, is the only basis upon which you and I can be assured of our place in God’s family as dearly loved children.
There is probably no question more relevant to us personally than
�Christianity is first a declaration of what God has done, before it is a direction of what we must do�. This statement is quite different than the spiritual/religious approaches of our world, which usually begins with ourselves as the starting point�doing rather than trusting.
Galatians 2:11-21
Christianity is an historical religion. In some faiths it’s not so important that the events happened or people existed
The good news that through Jesus, God has done everything necessary to make us acceptable to Him, wields great power. Because it is the opinion of God it transcends all other opinions, and as we begin to understand that, it transforms us. This is the story of the Apostle Paul and can be our story as well.
We are a world beset with disunity�globally, locally, personally. The issues over which people divide our endless�immigration, school choice, politics�just to mention a few. Does the message that God, through Jesus, has done everything to make us acceptable before him, have an relevance to this? In chapter 2 of Galatians we observe how the gospel brings unity.
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the churches in the Asia Minor region of Galatia is one of his boldest. Why? Because the good news of Christianity
When we hear a certain person is coming to visit, immediately, unconsciously we experience and emotional reaction depending on our relationship to them. What do you experience at the thought of God’s return? The final words God leaves us with concern the second coming of Jesus Christ. And, these are the words we are to cherish until that time. Can you say them with confidence?
We all carry in ideal world within our breast. And, from time to time we get a taste of it
Puritan Pastor, Richard Baxter, concluded that we ought to mediate on heaven for thirty minutes everyday. Some people would say that’s not only impractical, but harmful. Isn’t that the problem with Christians–withdrawing from the world and its problems to contemplate a translucent world with gold streets? But, this sort of withdrawal is alien to the Bible. The Apostle John wrote the book did so from a Roman prison colony, and the original readers were undergoing terrible hardship. It was the vision of heaven that enabled them to press on.
The dread of death and judgment isn’t something only the ancient world struggled with, we do as well. It lies behind our obsession with staying young, staying busy, staying up on the
The Bible is often viewed as an ancient religious text, history of Israel and the Church, moral guide, etc., but perhaps
Do you ever dream of a day when evil, oppression and abuse will be done away with? Do you realize that justice and judgment are necessary for that to happen? Is God’s judgment vindictive like the gods of mythology, or is it the result of a burning heart for justice? Through the songs of heaven and earth we find that answer as well as strength to sing of a day to come.
As one surveys history and reflects upon current culture a pattern emerges: When people turn from God Institutions and Ideologies become their god�the way to realize heaven on earth and to be saved. Revelation 13 suggests that this isn’t a fluke, but rather a spiritual tactic of Satan.
To understand a story it’s necessary to know who the main characters are and how they relate to the plot. The same is true for the story of history. In Revelation 12 Christ, Satan, and the People of God serve as the main characters. And, the plot is what God has done to silence our accuser.
The witness of the Church is the mystery of grace revealed through Jesus. And, because the witness is about grace it is opposed
How can God permit evil and suffering? How can he use it as judgment? Why does he do it? These are questions that continue to surface age after age. Revelation 8-9 addresses these important questions and depicts God’s judgment upon a world which ignores and opposes him, but with the aim of driving them to his breast.
The Bible has a realistic view of evil and suffering: it is inevitable and God alone can sustain us through it. If we are na
The idea of worship comes from a middle English word
Sometimes our commitment to a particular quality of life [ideal job, relationship, standard of living, etc], threatens to kill our relationship with God and others
Sometimes being oblivious or clueless is endearing
When we
Our lives can be spent (really for years) simply reacting to the next thing. So, our choices and actions don�t really have a long-term goal in mind, or if we have long-term goals they�re not long enough, that is reaching beyond this life. The goal of the Christian faith is not so much a place, but a person. And, the reason for finishing well is the prospect of being with God our Creator, Sustai
When those of Jesus
Can you envision a city that represents every nation on earth, is full of joy and dancing, where there is no shame, nor thirst? A city full of former enemies of God, yet built upon the Son of God�s death for those enemies? God can. We find it in Psalm 87.
Whenever we give money toward a cure for AIDS, care about education reform, weed a garden�we seek renewal. But, seeking the renewal or welfare of your enemy�the people that oppress and enslave�that is different. Yet, it�s the very thing to which God calls Israel in Jeremiah 29.
Through David�s kindness to his arch enemy�s grandson we�re reminded of the mercy of God–mercy which is surprising and counterintuitive. David�s mercy is seen in the way he offers protection, provision and position to Saul�s grandson, and we are given a model for showing it to others.
Message for the Occasion of Duke Kwon
God relishes being the advocate of His people. He purposely puts us in situations where He can show off this way. And in this way he teaches us that our faith has much to do with how we view him, rather than ourselves. Jesus presents a view of God in Luke 18 that draws out our faith.
If someone asked you what you fed yourself today, chances are you could tell them. But what does your life feed upon? That is, how would you answer the question: Life is about_________. Is it your family being healthy? Career? A relationship? Jesus gives us his perspective in John 6.
Jesus didn�t say, �Together we can do all things,� but �Apart from Me you can do nothing.� When the grace of God is your life force, it results in a rare power that reverses the course of leadership: it glorifies God and lifts up other people.
Jesus demonstrated a leadership of downward mobility. His death being the ultimate act of a leadership. Anybody that aspires to leadership, or the task of elder is called to the same.
Failures of leadership in the church have become so common place people view them as status quo. Jesus offered something different. And, understanding that produced different kinds of leaders.
Human beings have an incredible capacity toward self-deception. One level we can say we believe or agree with something, yet show little evidence of it in our lives. James says that if a person has really heard God’s Word, they’ll be able to see God’s Word in their life.
One of the rallying cries of the 60’s was: Love is the answer. The Beatles wrote a song called “The Word” saying that the Word was Love. Moses would have agreed. However, the definition of love and how it is fulfilled would have differed.
The recipients of the letter of Hebrews were struggling with the apparent silence of God amidst their suffering, and so their pastor wrote them a letter and began by reminding them–God spoke. The Way God speaks and Why He speaks carried them through, as it will us.
All of us approach life from a particular viewpoint, and that viewpoint is formed by the words that we have come to believe. The words we believe have everything to do with how we hand the temptations and trials of our lives.
Many times people begin with the question: Why should I trust the Bible? And, yet never get the question: How should I trust.
What happens when Monday morning diffuses into the rest of our lives? In the midst of this Jesus cries: Behold, I make all things new. And, Paul can hardly contain himself as he contemplates Jesus resurrection. Herein, lies our hope for newness.
John Calvin called God’s providence his ‘watchful, ceaseless, total, personal, holy governing’ the world and all his creatures. Joseph believed this and so he was able live a certain way amidst relational disappointment. He was able to live with honesty and grace.
When you face significant disappointment you can never stay the same. It will either weaken and wear you down to nothing, or refine and make you more brilliant.
The Bible reveals that God not only fights for His people, but sometimes against them. Jacob experiences this personally and it changes him forever.
When you have a relationship with God you have to learn a different way of relating (or communing).
What theologians call the doctrine of Divine Election [God's Prerogative of Grace] is often handled like a doctrine of controversy rather than comfort. But, it is God’s sovereign choice that makes sure that grace is both unmerited and successful–an immense source of comfort.
In the struggle between “the flesh and the spirit” we are confronted with the question: Do I know how to be weak?
Mountain Top Experiences [MTE's] are often experienced as “Aha!” moments, or spiritual highs. Abraham has a MTE, however it revolves around a test.
In the film Amadeus, F. Murray Abraham plays a composer who all his life is tortured by the greatness of his contemporary Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
We all are trying to find our way into ‘inner rings’, or dream of being invited into the closed door meeting.
Sometimes the day after Christmas you find one gift left over–pushed back behind the tree.
When babies are born a birth announcement usually follows in the mail. It gives us the name, arrival time, and other specs.
Laughter can be a signal of redemption (or of grace), but we are also aware another kind of laughter–that which is full of scorn and derision.
If you asked God what His relationship is like to His people, He responds without hesitation: We’re married. And, then gives a sign of His promise. Abraham learns this.
Learning to trust in God’s gracious promise enables us to deal justly in our relationships and bear injustice.
The growing sentiment in our culture is that there cannot be one, true religion. With Abram we find another approach. One where God takes center stage.
Plan “A” is our ideal plan, our first choice. Yet, because our wisdom is finite and we are subject to circumstances beyond our control all good planners have a Plan “B” for contingencies. However, God is different.
We are faced with open doors all the time. Sometimes its hard for us to ‘read’ open doors-discern whether they are an invitation to blessing or demise. Open doors can be opportunity or temptation. Abram faces such a situation in Genesis 13 and 14 and his response is instructive.
The Call to follow God involves a call “from” and a call “to”. When Abram was called to follow God it meant losing a sense of place, community and identity. Many of us of have felt the same. But, Abram begins to discover that the call “to” a promising a God and a personal God, can’t keep him away.
We often fall in spiritual conflict because we stand in our armor instead of God’s armor. Being clothed like Jesus in spiritual conflict, as well as understanding the individual parts of God’s armor, help us to stand in new way.
Some of us under-spiritualize reality. We receive truth only if we can touch, see and quantify it. Some of us tend to super-spiritualize reality…
Some of us see work as “punching the clock”–drudgery that finances the leisure of our lives. Others of us see work as self-fulfillment. Both are forms of using, not valuing work. The Bible says that God values work and that He values work that values Him. This is the message of Ephesians 6.5-9
The portrayal of family today usually depicts parents who are either out of touch and inept, or live by the creed: “Because I’m the parent, that’s why!”. On the other hand, kids are depicted as navigating their worlds without adults–really the competent ones to call the shots. Is this the best we can do? The Bible says a family is more glorious than that.
Is marriage more than two people merging their goals and agendas? A oneness that is deeper and more profound? One that is both a demonstration and experience of glory? This is the message of Ephesians 5.
In Ephesians 5 Paul gives us the way back to the glory which God intended in marriage. In their make up and roles men and woman offer a distinctive picture of God’s glory–given to compliment one another. However, that glory now comes with a rub.
When it comes to the discussion of gender and roles in society at large, and marriage specifically two tendencies dominate: One is oversimplification of gender and roles, the other obliteration. The Bible avoids both and presents the glory and mystery of men and women, husband and wife.
The glory of romance is most often depicted outside of marriage. Marriage itself as boredom and drudgery–the end of romance. Yet, Ephesians 5 teaches the opposite. It says apart from the commitment of marriage, the glory of romance is superficial and short-lived. And, the intimate and lasting love for which we long, can only be experienced in the commitment of marriage. No Guts, No Glory.
Many religions call us to walk to the light (find our way to God). Christianity teaches us to walk in the light because the Light has already found us in our darkness. Wisdom is learning to walk in light of Jesus, the Light of God.
Having a new identity means new attitudes and actions in the areas of our words, rights, responsibilities, and sexuality. The new self which God recreates is never experienced in a vacuum, but in community.
To approach life with a
Community is Common-Unity–easier said than done. Have you ever stood outside the Church and wondered how unity is possible? Have you ever stood within the Church and wondered the same thing? Ephesians 4.1-16 speaks to both a basis for unity and maturing in it.
There isn’t one person–dead or living–who hasn’t longed for more power. If you could pray for power concerning one thing–what would it be? Fix some circumstance? Change someone’s heart? Would grasping the long and wide love of God make the list? This passage offers and unlikely source for power.
We tend to have a “that’s far enough view” view of grace–the way we extend grace reveals this. God is quite different. His grace calls unlikely messengers, and reaches beyond “reasonable” borders.