This past Sunday we started a sermon series in the book of Hebrews titled, Jesus is Greater. In the very first sermon we learned that Jesus Christ is God’s supreme revelation to mankind. As such, Jesus Christ is superior to the angels.
Angels are mentioned frequently in the teaching portions as well as the narrative portions of Scripture. They are mentioned 12 times in the book of Hebrews alone alone with one reference to the devil. This brings up the question of how believers are supposed to relate to these mighty spiritual beings? What does the book of Hebrews add to our understanding of angels?
1. We should not obsess over them (Hebrews 1:5-13, 2:1-9). Angels are created beings just like humans. They may have supernatural powers, but they are not to be worshipped. When John encountered an angel in the book of Revelation, the angel refused to be worshipped (Revelation 19:10). Instead, we should view them as agents working to advance God’s will.
2. We should be aware of them (Hebrews 12:18-24). Angels inhabit the heavenly realm. As God’s redemption story unfolds in real time, we are all moving towards a place where angels are common place. They are part of the created world and part of God’s plan. We should not treat them like myths or relics of the past.
3. We should “entertain” them (Hebrew 13:2). There were a number of people in the Old Testament who interacted with angels in human form without realizing it (Genesis 18 and 19). This possibility is used in Hebrews as motivation for hospitality. We should welcome and care for others as if they were a representative of God.
A biblical view of the world includes a biblical view of angels and demons. They are supernatural beings made for our benefit and God’s glory. We would do well to treat them accordingly.
This past Sunday I celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ with my church family at Northside Baptist. As we studied the Bible together, I challenged those in attendance to find proof of Christ’s resurrection and assurance of their faith in the first four books of the New Testament known as the Gospels. In particular, we looked at the Gospel of Luke which was written to provide a consecutive and orderly account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:1-4). The final chapter of Luke contains an encounter where Jesus explains all about Himself from the Old Testament. I closed our study with a plea for listeners to read the Gospel of Luke for themselves as a way to find hope and assurance.
Below is a two-week, selected Bible reading plan in the Gospel of Luke. When read consecutively, these passages give a clear and compelling testimony of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The goal of this reading list is to help readers find hope and assurance in Jesus Christ.
Day 1: An Introduction and Jesus’ Birth (Luke 1:1-4, 2:1-20)
Day 2: Jesus Visits the Temple (Luke 2:39-52)
Day 3: The Temptation and Public Ministry (Luke 4:1-30)
Day4: Jesus Calls His First Disciples (Luke 5:1-11)
Day 5:Jesus Rescues Two from Death (Luke 7:1-17)
Day 6: Jesus Feed 5,000 (Luke 9:12-27)
Day 7: Teaching about Prayer and the Resurrection (Luke 11:1-36)
Day 8: The Parables of Loss (Luke 15:1-32)
Day 9: Jesus Heals Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-21)
Day 10: Two Final Miracles (Luke 18:35-19:10)
Day 11: The Triumphal Entry and the Lord’s Supper (Luke 19:28-40, 22: 14-23)
Day 12: The Arrest and Trial (Luke 22:54-23:25)
Day 13: The Crucifixion and Burial (Luke 23:33-56)
Day 14: A Resurrection Appearance on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)
Uncertainty is the enemy of hope. God’s Word gives us the evidence and instruction we need so that we don’t have to live without hope.
Leave a comment below if this reading plan was helpful.
God recently led me and my family into a time of transition. This transition includes a change of jobs (for me), a change of cities (for all of us), and a change of schools (for my kids). Changes can be exciting, but they are also stressful.
Our move has taken longer than originally anticipated. That requires a lot of patience and persistence. It has also caused me to ask, “What can I do to maximize this time in my life?”
I believe that God has a purpose for everything that happens to us in life – the good as well as the bad. This delay is part of God’s plan for me so I want make the most of it. I also don’t want to become passive, wasting the days I have between now and whenever.
You may also be experiencing a season of delay. You are tried of sitting on the sidelines and you want to make the most of your time. What can you do while you wait?
Learn Something New. Transitions and delays are a great times to upgrade your knowledge or skills. Read a book or take a class. Take a trip or start a new hobby. Israel’s King David learned all kinds of things while he waited to ascend to the throne.
Grow Your Faith. Abraham and Sarah waited for 25 years for a biological son. They made several mistakes along the way, but they eventually saw God’s promise come true. They exercised their faith in ways they never thought possible when they began their journey with God.
Rest and Relax. Life can be hectic and draining. We don’t always take advantage of the natural rhythms of life that God had provided to sustain us. Waiting forces us to slow down for a season which can provided some much needed rest. Jesus expected a lot out of His disciples, but He also showed them how to rest.
Reconnect with Loved Ones. Social media and electronics have given us the false impression that we can stay in touch with everyone all the time. That is simply not possible because there are only so many hours in the day. Season of delay might be just what you need to look up someone you haven’t seen in awhile. The apostle Paul used the transitions between his mission trips to reconnect with the believers that sent him out into ministry.
Seek Clarity. This might be the toughest option because you may not be able to get the kind of clarity you are hoping for. Sometimes God explains the reasons for delay and sometimes the rationale doesn’t come until later. Nevertheless, it never a bad idea to lean into your relationship with and ask Him for wisdom and understanding.
Don’t have to waste your wait! Use it as an opportunity to prepare for what’s next. Use it as an opportunity to partner with God.
What else would you suggest to someone who is experiencing a time of transition? Join the conversation and leave your comment below.
This is a guest post from Brad Callaway, the Minister of Youth and Education at Unity Baptist Church, where he has been serving for the past 14 years. He lives in Ashland Kentucky with his wife and three children.
A lot of resources and information has been developed to help church leaders navigate the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Most of that information, however, is focused on the church as a whole. But what about youth and student ministry?
This is a perfect season to take stock and refocus for the days ahead. Here are five pro-tips for student ministry from a ministry veteran.
1. Don’t Unplug! – As easy as it is to unplug from people during isolations, don’t. You’re students need you, if not more than ever right now!
2. Nurture Your Soul – Time has shifted during this period. What time you spent doing other things has surely opened a door to focus more on your spiritual health. If not, make that time. Teaching from the overflow of God’s grace is what your students need from you.
3. Be Aware of God’s Presence – Just because we are all running this life race at a different pace now, doesn’t mean God has stopped working and moving in our midst! He is so active around us!
4. Be Creative in Relational Opportunities – You’re students NEED to not just get text from you, but they need to see you and each other! Think outside of the box a little more and provide opportunities for students to safely build relationships.
5. Don’t Lose Heart – There is a calling upon your soul to lead students right now! Will things ever be the way they were before COVID? Probably not. Will your group look the same? Probably not. Will students fall away? Probably so. The harvest is ready, and you are a harvester. Go harvest souls for Christ. Lean into Christ and mentors for encouragement, guidance, and healing.
What did I miss? Leave a comment in the comment section below to continue the conversation about student ministry in these changing times.
There’s a new virus spreading across America and its effects are much more deadly than COVID-19. The new sickness that’s spreading is fear. People are afraid to leave their homes because they might catch the COVID-19 virus and die. In some communities, they are afraid to leave their homes because they might get caught up in a violent protest. Friends and neighbors are hesitant to look at each other in the eye at the grocery store for fear of being judged for not taking enough precautions or for taking too many precautions. Unfortunately, the nation’s politicians and news outlets are fanning the flames of fear to grab headlines and boost their ratings. Make no mistake about it, COVID-19 and racial injustice are serious threats – but fear is the greatest threat in our country right now.
Those who are familiar with the Old Testament will remember another time when fear was a great threat to God’s people. Joshua stepped up to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land in the first chapter of the book that bears his name, and he was afraid. The Israelites had already failed once to enter the Promised Land and the people there were fierce and powerful. Even though Joshua had some good reason to be afraid, he chose faith over fear. As we follow his example in this chapter, we find four ways to choose faith over fear in our present situation.
Experience God’s Presence (vv. 1-6).
God wanted Joshua to know that He was the one leading Joshua before He called Joshua to lead His people. In other words, God promised that He would always be with Joshua. The newly-appointed leader’s success didn’t rest on his performance, but on God’s sovereign presence and power
The same is true today. God takes care of His people like a loving Heavenly Father. There is nothing that happens to us that does not pass through His sovereign hedge of protection. Even when we can’t understand why He allows something painful to happen, we can trust that He has a plan.
Establish God’s Word as a Priority (vv. 7-9)
God promised Joshua success if he obeyed The Law – God’s Written Word. He was to be so focused on it that he would not deviate from it to the right or the left. Even though Joshua was involved in a military and political operation, God wanted Joshua to know His heart.
I am not trying to minimize the dangers we are facing right now. I am saying that it is much easier to walk by faith in God when we read and study His Word regularly. Political crises, healthcare emergencies, and natural disasters will come and go, but God’s Word remains forever (1 Peter 1:25).
Embrace Biblical Community (vv. 10-15).
Once God prepared Joshua, he shared his plans with the rest of the Israelite people, even the Reubenites, Gadites, and part of the tribe of Manasseh. These three tribes had made special arrangements to settle on the east side of the Jordan River. But Joshua knew that if they were to be successful, they would need everybody to be involved.
The greatest source of community and encouragement in the New Testament world is the Church. The COVID-19 crisis has made it difficult to meet face-to-face the way we always have, but that doesn’t mean we should give up the practice altogether. Faith is encouraged and fear is kept at a distance when we know we are not alone.
Energize Yourself and Others to Move Forward (vv. 16-18).
The Israelites responded positively to Joshua’s instructions. But Joshua knew they needed more than good intentions to conquer Promised Land. He reminded them of God’s promises and pushed them to move forward.
Fear tends to paralyze us. We can fight that tendency by moving closer to our goals, even if it is only one small step at a time. Giving up and giving in to fear is not an option if you know that God has a great plan for your life.
Joshua’s courageous example inspires us to choose faith over fear. As we read in the 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment” (HCSB). We must use the power, love, and common sense that God has given us to vaccinate ourselves from the virus of fear that has infected so many in these times.
In his Primer for Pastors, Austin B. Tucker ties pastoral ministry to the ministry of Jesus. “The first miracle of Jesus…was at a wedding where he turned water into wine (John 2:1:11) The last miracle was at the grave of his friend, Lazarus, where ‘Jesus wept’ before he restored his friend to life (John 11:35). Every pastor who walks with his people will have his own mixture of joy and sorrow.”
I have had the privilege and blessing of officiating more weddings and funerals than I can count. As a minister of the gospel, I have always tried to highlight the power of God’s Word during these milestone moments with couples and families.
Here are two guides that I have developed, one for each end of the spectrum of life. One is for Christian couples who are about to get married. The other is for someone who is planning or participating in a funeral for a family member or friend.
This past Sunday I preached a sermon from Proverbs 1:8-19 on avoiding bad company, especially those who are fascinated by violence and greed. I focused the message around the corrosive character of trouble-makers as well as their ultimate destiny. I warned the young and the old in the congregation I serve to avoid violent people or you will become the victim of their own crime. I encouraged them to set their sights on living a God-honoring life and to distance themselves from anyone who might distract them from that goal.
But what about living as a missionary? Aren’t Christians called to live as “salt and light” among those who lost and spiritually separated from God (Mathew 5:13-16)? Didn’t Jesus spend at least some of his time with sinners and other “unsavory” people (Mark 2:14-17)? Didn’t Jesus commission his followers to live like missionaries in neighborhoods and nations around the world (Acts 1:8)?
At times, there is a tension between avoiding bad company and living like a missionary. Here are three questions to balance out that tension.
1. Is this a voluntary or involuntary association?
You can’t choose your family members, but you can choose your friends. This means you may have to make the most of an unpleasant relationship with a relative. You can’t (or shouldn’t) disown a family member just because he or she is not receptive to the gospel. You may want to rethink friendship, however, that is consistently pulling you away from the things of God.
2. Is this a short-term or long-term connection?
There is more at stake with a long-term partnership than a short-term acquaintance. You will have a much great opportunity to influence someone while you work on a work or school project together than by sitting beside them at a one-time social function. The longer timeframe will also give you an opportunity to assess the health of the situation.
3. Are you in a position to influence or be influenced?
Peer-to-peer relationships involve people who have the same level of influence, while superior-to-subordinate relationships involve two different levels of influence. Knowing where you stand in relation to those around you will help you assess your ability to persuade others. You may have a lot more control over a positive relationship with a co-worker than a negative relationship with your boss.
There are many other factors to consider in the tension between these two goals. Is there any kind of abuse or criminal activity involved in the relationship? Are you actively praying for the spiritual wellbeing of the person or persons you are trying to reach? Are there any cultural or communication barriers that are obscuring relational goals?
What other questions would you ask in balancing out the tension between living like a missionary and avoiding bad company?
Last Wednesday, the Lt. Gov. of Texas, Dan Patrick, said what many born-again, Bible-believing Christians were thinking – that you can’t cure racism and injustice without first accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior. This opens the door to a change of heart and a change character which allows individuals to love their neighbors as themselves.
There are no simple solutions for the racism and injustice that has been exposed by George Floyd’s death, but spiritual revival is a place to start. This approach reminds me of the connection that is made in the first chapter of Proverbs between reverence towards God and wise living. In verse 3, the Biblical author claims the righteousness, justice, and equity can only be achieved through obedience to God’s Word. Justice and equity are values we all really need right now.
Verse 7 is the theme verse for the whole book of Proverbs: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (NIV). It is repeated again 9:10 and 15:33 to emphasize the connection between fearing God and living rightly. When someone starts with a personal relationship with God and does their best to follow the path of life laid out in the Scriptures, they are much more likely to live overcome racism and injustice, in their heart and in their community.
Verse 7 also underlines the chaos that comes from marginalizing God and ignoring His Word. Lt. Gov. Patrick also spoke of the efforts of some to “kick God out” of our country. Those who discount faith in Christ and the wisdom of God’s Word should expect turmoil, confusion, and violence – and that’s exactly what we have right now in our country.
Once again, there are no simple solutions for racism and injustice and America, but there is a cure. Those who change their hearts towards God and the Savior that He sent, Jesus Christ, will be uniquely equipped to love their neigbhors as themselves, regardless of the color of their skin.
Do you agree with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick? What other connections do you see between faith in Jesus Christ and justice and equity?
It has been a turbulent year. The COVID-19 crisis caught us off guard and threw the whole world into a panic with a rising death toll, social distancing restrictions, and a slumping economy. The recent protests, rioting, and civil unrest sparked by George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis has proven racism and injustice are alive and well in our country. This is also a presidential election year, which means we will also be confronted with all of the political issues that divide us as we move close to November’s election.
The Church was always been an “essential” element of society, whether it was recognized as such or not. But now more than ever, we need strong, healthy, revitalized churches in America. We need churches to grow past their disunity and dysfunction so they can make an impact on the world for Jesus Christ and the gospel.
Here are three reasons why we need revitalized churches now more than ever.
The reputation of the church is tied to God’s glory.
The local church gathers in God’s name and for His glory. Like the Israelites of old, New Testament believers belong to God and are called by His name (2 Chronicles 7:14). New believers are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
If the reputation of the church “stinks,” so does people’s impression of God. That is especially true in a neighborhood or community where a church is perceived as uncaring, quarrelsome, or snobby. An unhealthy church robs God of His glory.
The church is a place to model healthy, diverse relationships.
All people are made in God’s image and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect (Genesis 1:26-27). Those who have a biblical worldview should lead the way in loving those who are different than themselves. The church is an ideal place for those relationships to happen. In fact, if Christians can’t model healthy, diverse relationships in the church, what does that say about the gospel we say we believe?
Strong, healthy churches are a blessing to the communities that surround them.
In Reclaiming Glory, Mark Clifton explains that one of the characteristics of a dying church is that “they cease, often gradually, to be a part of the fabric of their community.” Conversely, revitalized churches and the people who belong to them look for ways to meet emotional, physical, and spiritual needs within their community. This outward focus allows believers to showcase their reason for hope – the gospel of Jesus Christ.
These turbulent times provide a wonderful opportunity for the church to become the best version of herself. Christ Himself is calling churches all over our country to shake off their apathy and to put His Word into practice (Ephesians 5:26). Not just for themselves, or their children, but for the sake of the cities, towns, and neighborhoods in which they have been planted.
What reasons would you add for the need for revitalized churches? Please leave your response below. I would love to hear from you!
As the old saying goes, “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” The Coronavirus quarantine has forced Christians to change the way they express their faith (at least for a little while). Who would have thought earlier this year that believers would have follow Jesus while staying 6 feet or more from everyone else.
Here are three biblical habits that become more important during the Coronavirus quarantine:
1. Gathering for Worship
Church attendance has been in decline for decades, but during the quarantine the faithful have been clamoring to get back to church. Even those who rarely attended before have shown an increased interest in starting to attend when in-person services are resume.
The church I pastor is scheduled to resume in-person services this Sunday. We will be taking many precautions to keep our people safe, like maintaining social distancing, encouraging that people wear masks, and discontinuing long-help traditions like passing an offering plate or shaking hands. Even with all of these changes, I get the sense that those who are able are ready to get back to church.
2. Preaching and Prayer
Even though we haven’t been able to meet together for the past few months, we have still been able to connect through technology. We have had a strong response to our online worship service that features singing and preaching. I have gotten a steady flow of online comments and personal notes thanking me for the messages that I have been able to share via video. I have also had many phone call with people in our congregation. While I appreciate the opportunity to hear about their lives, it’s the time we have to pray together that matters most.
3. Serving Others in Jesus’ Name
There is never a bad time to serve some in Jesus’ name, but the current pandemic has added extra emphasis to the action. I have been encouraged to hear about all kinds of things that have been done to help those in need around our church and across the country, from delivering food to a family in need to setting up a field hospital in Central Park New York (thank you Samaritan’s Purse.)
The Coronavirus quarantine has undeniably changed some things in our lives, some for the good and some for the bad. I hope a renewed emphasis on gathering for worship, preaching and prayer, and serving others in Jesus’ name are here to stay.
What about you? Are there some biblical habits or spiritual disciplines that have become more important to you during the quarantine? Please your answer below in the comment section. I’d love to continue the conversation.
