“A Slave Forgiven”

July 10, 2024

July 10, 2024

Read 1 Samuel 2, Isaiah 16, Philemon

The topic of slavery and the Bible is a complex topic. The type of slavery practiced by Israel was voluntary to pay off a debt owed. It had limits and the Mosaic laws protected the health of the servant to being set free if even a tooth was injured. The Old Testament also discussed other types of slavery such as prisoners of war and those outside of the nation of Israel. In a sentence, the Bible far and above all other cultures and laws held human life and dignity above all others. In the first century the Roman Empire had slaves and it was completely different than what the Old Testament described. The New Testament addresses slaves and their relationships to their masters in a manner that helps them walk out their faith in Christ as a slave. But probably the strongest discussion of slavery comes from the letter Paul wrote called Philemon. If you would like a more detailed summary of slavery and the Bible you can click https://wp.me/prUzS-xl and read my blog about it.

In the letter to Philemon Paul wrote to ask him to consider Onesimus, a former slave who had left Philemon, to come back to him not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. “Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord” vv. 15-16. Paul even asked for a favor, if Onesimus owed him anything for Philemon to forgive him or that Paul himself would pay the outstanding debt owed. “So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self” vv. 17-19.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you.
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Posted by John Weldon

“The End of an Act”

May 5, 2024

May 5, 2024

Read Deuteronomy 19, Psalm 150, Acts 28

Do you have a favorite play or show that you have seen? I have been to see “Wicked” at the Fox Theatre a couple of times and enjoy the storyline from one of my favorite movies growing up, The Wizard of Oz. Screen plays and shows often come with acts, which are large sections of the play that contain several scenes often tied together by a similar theme.

When the ship that Paul was traveling on wrecks into the beachhead at Malta the people of the island have all sorts of opinions about who Paul is. First they think Paul is a murder for having such bad luck from being bitten by a viper, but then when he survives, they view him as a god. “When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god” vv. 4-6. Paul had a really wide first impression from the people, both of which were wrong.

Paul finally arrives in Rome and he gets back to what he has always been doing, sharing the gospel with anyone he can. “For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain” v. 20. He stays there for two years preaching the gospel allowed to live in a house under a Roman guard.

Here in the last chapter of the book of Acts we find the end to Paul’s story. It is left a little unfinished as we do not read about the fate of Paul. Tradition tells us that he was martyred for his faith there in Rome. How will you end your final act? None of us may know, but we can make sure like Paul that our trajectory is one that serves the Lord. Will we be faithful like Paul to serve him until our last breath?

What else do you see in these chapters? What words or phrases, or stories stand out to you?
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Posted by John Weldon

“When Jesus Messes with Your Money”

April 26, 2024

April 26, 2024

Read Deuteronomy 10, Psalm 140-141, Acts 19

I have learned in life that many people often vote in politics or make decisions based on what the bottom line is with their money. “Candidate A” wants to raise or lower my taxes or “Candidate B” wants to give my profession a raise for examples. Having good finances is important but it’s not the most important thing we should make our decisions on when it comes to politics or laws being passed.

We find a case of this in Acts 19 when Paul came to Ephesus. In Ephesus many of the people had a living from the temple of Artemis and the things connected to it. They worshiped this god of Artemis which was some how likely connected to a meteor that had fallen in the past and the people viewed it as some type of godly act. They made shrines and other objects people could take and use. “A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the craftsmen. 25 He called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: “Men, you know we receive a good income from this business” vv. 24-25. The people were threatened by the work of Paul and his companions. If more and more people became believers in Christ, they would lose their business and livelihood. What comes first in our lives? Is it obedience to the Lord or is it something personally important to us?

One more final thought. It is so easy for us to read through the book of Acts quickly and get the fast summary of what Paul and the other disciples went though and where they went. But don’t let this seem like a 1-2 week mission trip for them. Verse 10 really puts it in perspective for us. “This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” Paul stayed in Ephesus for two years ministering to the Jews and the Greeks there. This speaks about his faithfulness and his level of commitment to share the gospel. Can we say we have the same level? What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
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Posted by John Weldon

“Criticize or Participate”

April 18, 2024

April 18, 2024

Read Deuteronomy 2, Psalm 124-125, Acts 11

Have you ever been criticized for something you have done even when it was the right thing to do? In Acts 11 we find a story about some Christians who criticized Peter for doing what God called him to do in Acts 10. Think about this again. Peter had gone to the home of Cornelius a Gentile centurion shared the good news with them and many of his family and friends believed and were saved. “Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days” vv.46-47. In the next paragraph we find out that some of the Jewish believers became critical rather than rejoicing about the Gentiles who became believers. “So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3 and said, ‘You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them’” vv. 2-3. These Jewish Christians had their minds on the wrong thing. It was not on the main thing, that many got saved, only that Peter had eaten with Gentiles. Peter explained himself and these Jews corrected their attitudes. They had much to learn, and it started from Peter.

A little later in the same chapter the church gets their chance to redeem themselves and they nail it! “Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus” vv. 19-20. Now there mission endeavors to the Greek in Antioch. The message of the gospel was spreading more and more. This time, instead of complaining the church decided to help out and be a part of the work of God. “News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” vv. 22-23. The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to help the new believers and to encourage them.

We have the same choice today. We can either complain or criticize things that we might not like but where God is moving, and people are being saved or we can choose to be a part of the movement and come along side others and help them by participating in the work too. It’s your choice.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, verses, or themes stick out to you?
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Posted by John Weldon

“Take a Vow”

March 17, 2024

March 17, 2024

Read Numbers 6, Psalm 76, Colossians 4

What is something that you have made a vow to do? A wedding vow? A vow to never do something that you did in your past? A vow to some conviction that you hold dearly in life? Numbers chapter 6 is the instructions for anyone, man or woman who wishes to become a Nazarite. Samson and Samuel were Nazarites according to the Scriptures and many people believe that John the Baptist was also a Nazarite, even though the Bible doesn’t specifically call him one. John the Baptist’s ascetic lifestyle seems to imply that he was one. Nazarites were to abstain from drinking alcohol, coming into contact with a dead body, and they were not to cut their hair in a specific way.

You might not consider the Nazarite vow for yourself today but is there something in your lifestyle that you set apart as a sign of obedience to the Lord or to show reference or respect for the Lord’s commands. Growing up in a culture that seems to have a “no boundaries” approach to life, Christians can easily be swayed into following all the practices of the world or what is deemed acceptable in culture. The idea of denying ourselves some pleasure or seeking to remain holy for the Lord’s use is a rare task for many today.

Paul gives some wise final instructions in Colossians 4. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” v. 2-6.

Just like a Nazarite who devotes himself to the Lord, Christians are to devote themselves other spiritual practices like prayer and sharing the gospel. In verse 4 Paul asks for prayer in sharing the gospel, “that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” v. 4. He also challenges the believers to “Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” v. 5. This could mean a variety of specific things but would include how we treat and relate to others. Are we being good salt and light to others around us or… are we pushing anyone away with our attitude or harshness. We should make a vow to have conversations that are seasoned the perfect amount. If you have ever had French fries that were too salty or not salty enough you know what reaction it brings to you. The right balance is the way to go. What else do you see in these three chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
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Posted by John Weldon

“All of You”

March 10, 2024

March 10, 2024

Read Leviticus 26, Psalm 69, Philippians 1

Sometimes we enjoy activities or hobbies individually. Reading, crossword puzzles, or mindlessly playing on our phones. Sometimes we enjoy them with other people. Board games, sports, or family trips to name a few. We all have time in our lives for each type, individually or together. What activities or hobbies do you like to alone and which do you like to join in with others to do?  The church is one part of our faith that we cannot do alone. The church is not a building, it is the people who make up the church.

In Philippians 1 Paul starts his letter off to the church in Philippi with a greeting and thanking them for their “partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” v. 5. The church had come to Paul’s aid and supplied and supported him in his mission efforts. Even though Paul was in prison, his heart was full of joy for the believers in Philippi whom he was writing to. Four times in six verses Paul used the phrase “all of you” to express his joy and thanksgiving for all the Christians who had partnered with him.

In his letter to the believers in Philippi Paul says “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” v. 6. There are a couple of things to note from this verse. First, it is God who started the work in us, not ourselves, not other Christians. Second, we are not done yet. We are still working on our sanctification and maturity in Christ. The truth is that until we breathe our last here on earth, we will always have room to grow in our walk with God. If we find ourselves being stagnant and not growing in our faith it might be because we have adopted an attitude that we have arrived and know everything we need to know. Nothing could be further from the truth. The other danger is that we could become frustrated with our spiritual growth. We might grow impatient with our struggles and the slow speed that we are walking with the Lord. Do not fall into this trap either. Remember our walk with the Lord is like a marathon and not a 50-yard dash. We must pace ourselves to make the whole race.

What else do you see in these three chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stick out to you?
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Posted by John Weldon

“I opposed him to his face”

February 28, 2024

February 28, 2024

Read Leviticus 15, Psalm 59, Galatians 2

Technology is great, except for when it’s not. We live in a world that boasts about being connected more than ever before. We can communicate with someone halfway around the world in a matter of seconds. One of the side effects of online communications is that too much of it and not enough personal contact will create certain behaviors and build character traits in us that might not be all that good. One of these side effects is a lack of desire for personal confrontation. It is east to hide behind a screen and argue a point but if we are void any relationship it usually ends bad.

In Galatians 2 Paul talks about his personal testimony of coming to Christ with the church in Galatia but then he discusses a confrontation that he had with Peter about his behavior. “When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong” v. 11. He goes on to explain that Peter was being hypocritical with his beliefs and his actions depending on who he was around. “Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray” vv. 12-13. It had gotten to the point where even Barnabas had been misled by Peter’s actions.

Some people are more outgoing than others, but I don’t know anyone who likes confrontation. Paul knew what he had to do to set things right. Think about a time when someone came to you and properly tried to correct you. Maybe it was your beliefs or maybe it was your behavior. We might not like the time of correction, but we all needed it. I thank God for the people in my life who have taken me out to lunch or pulled me aside to have a conversation with me. Another question we could ask is, “Are we approachable or a teachable person?” Do we put off an air of arrogance or come across so confident that we are beyond a teachable person.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.

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Posted by John Weldon