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1 Corinthians 15:51-52

I Love A Mystery!

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 12, 2024

I did a search through my entire theological library on “The Problem of the Trinity.” It had 23 different articles that referred to the Trinity as a problem.  I think that is a major problem (no pun intended!). Gabriel Marcel made a very helpful distinction between a problem and a mystery.  He suggests that problems demand a solution, whereas mysteries call for meditation. This clarifies the issues surrounding any discussion regarding the Trinity. Marcel goes on to suggest that problems often demand extensive study (like knowing words to solve a crossword puzzle), but mysteries demand a different kind of reflection. Geisler says it requires “intensive” study as opposed to “extensive” study.  Intensive study focuses on the facts; extensive study seeks new facts.

Geisler’s summary is interesting. He says, “In view of this distinction, the Trinity should be treated as a mystery, not a problem. Once the basic elements are understood, we should not attempt to unscrew the inscrutable. We should not analyze it but admire it; we should not dissect it but devote ourselves to it. It is an object of worship, not scholarship. As has been well said, if one tries to understand it completely (as a problem), he may lose his mind, and if he does not believe it sincerely, he may lose his soul! Once we understand God’s attributes and ineffable nature, we need more reverence, not more research.”

The Bible uses the term “mystery” several times.  But it doesn’t mean what we usually think of when we hear the term. J. V. McGee said, “What is a mystery in Scripture? It is not a whodunit or a mystery story, and it is not something you wonder about, like, was it the butler who committed the crime? It is not something Agatha Christie wrote or a Sherlock Holmes story by any means. A mystery in Scripture means that God is revealing something that, up to that time, He had not revealed.” McGee goes on to say that one of the key ingredients of a biblical mystery is that “It cannot be discovered by human agencies, for it is always a revelation from God.” One of the more profound mysteries in Scripture is the mystery of the resurrection. Paul says, in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” Mysteries are to be believed, not understood! I love a mystery!

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Deuteronomy 6:4, Various

From The Many: ONE!

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 11, 2024

We might say that from the “three” persons of the Godhead comes the one God. In some strange, difficult way, three persons become one God. Throughout Church History, people have argued about the very essence and nature of God. The scriptures speak to us of one God but existing in three persons. The word “trinity” is not in the bible, yet the concept is unmistakable. Understanding it has always been our problem. It doesn’t teach that there are three Gods. John Philoponus taught this view. He asserted that there were three Gods, but they were only loosely connected like Peter, James, and John were Jesus’ disciples. They were only loosely connected to each other through the common faith in Jesus. This error denied the unity of the Trinity and has been rejected by orthodox believers. On the other hand, Sebelius taught the opposite. There is only one person of the Godhead, but that single person manifests himself in three ways: father, son, and spirit. Sabellianism or Modalism has also been rejected by orthodoxy.

The Shemah is a passage in Deuteronomy recited ritually and regularly by Jews worldwide. Many of us, while touring Israel, purchased a mezuzah. It’s a small box that’s attached to the frame of the door entering into a residence. Inside this small box is the Shemah (along with other passages).  It is usually engraved with the first letter of the word “hear” in Hebrew, Shemah. The Shemah, Deuteronomy 6:4, says, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God; the Lord is one.” The Hebrew word for one is “echad.”  It also means united, consistent, whole, or a unity of parts. This statement stresses not only the uniqueness of God but also the unity of God. James uses the Greek equivalent when he writes in James 2:19, “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”

 The essential oneness of God does not deny the existence of three persons within the Godhead. It emphasizes unity. They worked completely together and said the exact same things at all times. Jesus said this to his distractors at least four times.  Jesus said all his deeds were the same deeds as the Father. For example, in John 5:19, Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” He acknowledged that He taught only what the Father taught. In John 12:49, Jesus says, “For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak” (see also John 8:28, 14:10).  Please do not miss Jesus’ prayer for us. In John 17:21, he prayed for you and me. He said, “I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one so that the world will believe that you sent me.” It’s only in this unity that people will see God.

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1 Thessalonians 4:17-18, Various

Coming Along Side!

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 10, 2024

It’s often hard being a pastor. After about 40 years in that role, I speak from experience. People really expect a lot from us, but we’re not all equipped with the same gifts. We don’t all serve in the same ways. I believe Paul was aware of that when he explained the responsibility of those with certain gifts. He says God “gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Paul realized that if one person, or even just a few people, were called upon to do all the “work of the ministry,” they would do a poor job and eventually burn themselves out. I’m of the conviction that a pastor’s role should be to equip the congregation to care for the needs of the many members. How the congregation is to care for itself is expressed in the many “one another” passages in the bible. One way we are called to take care of one another is through encouragement.

The Greek word for encouragement is “parakaleo.” It literally means “to come alongside.” While in the Navy, I made a Mediterranean cruise and two Western Pacific cruises. When at sea for a long time, ships often run low on fuel, food, or fresh water. They may also need a particular part because of some damage.  We always want mail also. These needs are met by other ships that “come alongside” and transfer to the depleted vessel whatever is needed to get on with its mission. It’s the same for us Christians. In the course (cruise) of life, we, too, run low on resources. We need other Christians (vessels) to come alongside and help us out. We often need to be refueled, resupplied, or fixed.

There are three kinds of encouragement we might need. The first is when we suffer a loss in life or are “broke” by life’s painful circumstances. Paul addressed the Thessalonians when they saw their loved ones die. He explained that we need not let the grief of such a loss overwhelm us. He wanted them to know that their loved ones were not lost but with the Lord, and we’d see them again one day. He said, “We who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” He adds, “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18). We are also called to encourage one another in their service to the Lord and God’s people. We need to be refueled at times.  The author of the book of Hebrews tells us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…(Hebrews 10:24-25) Further, we are to encourage one another to live godly lives as well and stay away from sin’s ravages. Hebrews 3:12-13 says, “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

 

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Romans 12:4-6

Lead, Flap, Or Honk

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 9, 2024

There were three temples in Israel built on the same sight. The first is the most famous and was built by Solomon and is called Solomon’s Temple. The temple during Jesus’ day was Herod’s temple because Herod the Great was the one who built it for the Jews. The second temple was Nehemiah’s temple. The book of Nehemiah documents all the work that was done by the Israelites in rebuilding the wall around the city before getting to the actual work of rebuilding the temple. According to chapter three, he starts with the North wall and sheep gate. He proceeds counterclockwise to the west, then to the south, and then to the east part of the wall. Ten gates are repaired along the way. The work was done by all! Each person, from the Priests to the royal officials to the lowest of citizens, contributed to the rebuilding of the wall. There was a place for everyone. The rebuilding of the entire wall was accomplished in record time.

There’s no telling what can be accomplished if people embrace a common goal and work together to accomplish it. Paul tells us that each of us has a different function to serve in the church today and that each of us is a necessary part of it. He compares the church to a human body, with each part having a specific role to fill. When one part of the body fails to accomplish its purpose, the whole body suffers. But when all parts function under the unified direction of a common cause, good things always happen.  In Romans 12:4-6, Paul says, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…”

We’re not nearly as productive when we try to stand alone as we are when we unite with others for the accomplishment of a common task.  Geese en route to warmer climates often travel thousands of miles. Swindoll mentions several in-flight habits geese have that make this possible. Those in front rotate. When the lead goose gets tired it slips back into the “V” formation, and another moves up to take its place. They flap in such a way that each flap of the wings creates an uplift for the bird immediately following it. According to one writer, the whole flock gets a 71 percent greater flight range than if each goose flew on its own. The geese at the rear of the formation are the honkers. It serves to announce their presence and to encourage those leading the way. Whether we’re leaders, flappers, or honkers we’re on this journey together! Lead, flap, and honk away!

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Proverbs 15:14, Various

Eating Our Vegetables

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 8, 2024

We belong to God by creation. We belong to Christ by redemption, and we belong to the Church as a whole, being part of God’s family.  1 Timothy 3:15 says, “The family of God is the church of the living God. It is the pillar and foundation of the truth.” Paul tells the Ephesian believers that they are not Jewish, they are not Gentiles, they are not strangers to one another any longer, but they are “citizens together with God’s holy people.” He then says to them, “You belong to God’s family.” (Ephesians 2:19-20). It’s interesting that the language of the New Testament regarding entrance into God’s family uses two key phrases. We are born into God’s family by faith. Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to be “born again” to enter into God’s family. It also speaks to us about being adopted. We are not part of God’s family until we come to faith in God’s Son, Jesus, at which time we become brothers and sisters in one big happy family of God’s redeemed children.

It’s not enough for a Christian to believe.  Being a “believer” is not the end of it all. Every believer must also be a “belonger.” It is through belonging to a family that we grow up. We learn to relate to one another, to forgive one another, to understand one another, to serve one another, and to care for one another. It requires good, healthy nourishment for us to grow up spiritually strong and mature in God’s family. We need the truth to grow up. God’s Word is our food. Jeremiah says, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name…” That means he’s in God’s family. Job said, “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.” Jesus also said that His food was to do the will of the Father (John 4). God’s Word, the Bible, is often referred to as food. God’s Word is bread (Matt. 4:4), milk (1 Pet. 2:2), meat (Heb. 5:12–14; 1 Cor. 3:1–2), and honey (Ps. 119:103). As we meditate on God’s Word, the truth is “digested” inwardly, and we receive strength ( Josh. 1:6–9). When we are babes, we receive the Word from others who have “digested” it for us (1 Thess. 2:7–8), but as we grow spiritually, we learn to feed ourselves and enjoy the full diet of the Word. We can enjoy the “meat” as well as the “milk.”

I wanted my sons to eat right. I try hard to get my grandsons to eat healthy food, drink their milk, and eat their vegetables and meat. But too often, they only want Mountain Dew and candy! (So do I!) But God, being the good father that He is (Perfect!), wants what’s best for us. I love the way The Message translates Proverbs 15:14. It says, “An intelligent person is always eager to take in more truth; fools feed on fast-food fads and fancies.” As members of God’s family, He wants us to grow up and learn how to live with each other in the way that pleases Him and brings a healthy and wholesome relationship with the rest of God’s family.

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Ephesians 2:19-22, Various

All In The Family

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 7, 2024

The Bible makes our belonging clear. We belong to God. He made us! We belong to Jesus; he redeemed us and bought us back! We belong to the Family of God, the Church, and we also belong to each other. That truth must affect the way we live together. That’s why Paul exhorts the Ephesians to “tell each other the truth because we all belong to each other in the same body.” You belong to me. I need you! I belong to you. You need me! There are a lot of reasons why I need you, and you need me. I need you to work with me. The wisest man in the world wrote in Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two people are better than one. They get a lot more done when they work together.” The verse says, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Also, I need you to watch out for me as I watch out for you. Paul tells the Philippians, “Let each of you not only look out for your own interests, but for the interests of others as well.

 I remember that during the night of the first Passover, each family was to take one lamb into their house, and then they were to share it at a meal together, one lamb per family. When John the Baptist appeared on the scene at the opening of a brand new era, he pointed at Jesus and explained that Jesus was the one lamb, the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. The Passover sacrificial lamb was all pointing directly toward the one “lamb of God.” There’s a great communal truth found in the Passover lamb. Out of Egypt, that is, out of the world, God called a people for His very own. They were to become a new family, a new nation, a new kingdom of priests. They were no longer slaves but set free! They now “belonged” to each other in a very special way as they shared the “one lamb” for the entire family. I’d argue that Christians belong to each other more than they belong to their nation. They belong to each other more than they belong to a sports team. They belong to each other more than they belong to their race. They belong to each other more than they belong to the human race as a whole. There is a kingdom within a kingdom, so to speak. We are a new people in an old world. We are a new family called out of a kingdom in slavery to sin. We are a new “construction” in which each part is totally dependent on the other parts. You see, there is only one lamb for the whole family, the Lord Christ Jesus. In Ephesians 2:19-22, we read, “You are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him, you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto! (Johnny Depp makes a terrible Tonto!) He really wasn’t the “Lone” Ranger at all.  Even the Lone Ranger of my youth was really, at best, the “Almost Lone Ranger.” But even then, in every episode, he was helping out others and serving the cause of justice. I’m sure he knew that a campfire is a lonely place if you have no one to share it with. God made us to depend on each other and to need each other. From the very beginning, he said, “It’s not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). David Jeremiah wrote, “Loneliness is a warning light on an inner gauge that confirms we’re running short on a primary fuel we require to run efficiently.” We need each other in the same way we need food, water, air, and shelter.

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Galatians 2:10

Eager To Serve

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 6, 2024

In the strife associated with the incorporation of Gentiles into the newly formed church, a church council was held and reported in Acts 15. The result was to open wide the doors of ministry to the Gentiles. When Paul excitedly reported this truth to the believers in Galatia, he said that his ministry to the Gentiles was endorsed by Peter, James, and other apostles in Jerusalem, but it was accompanied by a solemn request. Galatians 2:10 gives us that request: “Only, they asked us to remember the poor…”  It was an interesting request because Paul finishes this verse by saying that serving those in need was “…The very thing I was eager to do.” When I pastored a church, I was always eager to do that as well. I set up and maintained a “benevolent” fund to help alleviate needs that could arise in any family. My church also participated in the Food Pantry in our city and the rescue mission that is located in a larger city not far from us. We send teams on foreign trips as well to serve others. Indeed, we are eager to help meet other’s needs also.  Anyone can do this! Our sons went on mission trips in the summer to places around the world where relief of some kind was needed. Nothing is more rewarding than helping to take care of someone else’s needs.

A reporter, Ron Wilson, wrote this story for the San Antonio Express-News (August 5, 2006): Jackson Rogers, ten, raised enough money to put up a house for the homeless. The young entrepreneur said he took on the fund-raising project for Habitat for Humanity in February when he accepted $100 and a challenge from his pastor at First Presbyterian Church. “My pastor gave me a hundred dollars and told me to do something good to help someone,” said Jackson, one of several congregants who accepted their pastor’s challenge. They were told to use the money for good and then report on what they did. At first, Jackson’s father was hesitant about letting his son take up such a daunting task, but Jackson was determined. “I was discouraging him from volunteering because I didn’t know what the pastor intended. But he pulled away from me and ran down there,” the father said. Jackson knew he wanted to help a homeless family. But he wasn’t sure how to do that, so he asked his dad. What they came up with was a letter-writing campaign asking for donations to raise $50,000 to build a house through Habitat for Humanity.

Jackson then wrote a letter in his own handwriting on notebook paper. “I used the hundred dollars to buy stamps and paper,” he said. He then sent out letters to friends and family. One woman was so touched by his letter that she passed it on to several of her friends and colleagues. Soon, people from Tennessee, Virginia, and Idaho were sending in checks. The 170 people who responded contributed a total of $43,000. When the congregation at First Presbyterian learned the little miracle worker was $7,000 short of his goal, people chipped in the rest. “A little person can do something really good. You don’t have to wait to be an adult,” said Jackson’s mother.

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1 Corinthians 12:12, Various

One Body – Many Parts

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 5, 2024

Paul used the body as an illustration to picture the need to work together with the Corinthian believers and with us as well. In 1 Corinthians 12:12, he talks about the one body composed of various parts. He writes, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many are one body, so it is with Christ.” Actually, the first 30 verses of Chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians could be neatly outlined using the “one body” idea. Verses 12–14: one body, each part doing what it should, when it should, communicating with the head. Verses 15–19: one body and diversity—desiring one another’s gifts.  Verses 20–24: one body and discrimination—disparaging one another’s gifts. Verses 25–27: one body and development—depending on one another’s gifts. Verses 28–31: one body and discretion—desiring the greater gifts. This was a pretty important subject that Paul addressed to the believers in Corinth because they were not working together very well.

Sir Michael Costa was conducting a rehearsal in which a great chorus joined the orchestra. About halfway through the session, with trumpets blaring, drums rolling, and violins singing their rich melody, the piccolo player muttered to himself, “What good am I doing? I might just as well not be playing. Nobody can hear me anyway.” So he kept the instrument to his mouth, but he made no sound. Within moments, the conductor cried, “Stop! Stop! Where’s the piccolo?” It was missed by the ear of the most important person of all. The other instrument players may be so wrapped up in their own performances as not to miss a piccolo player, but the great conductor, the one who’s leading us, the one to whom we all must give an account, always hears our solos.

The whole point of Paul’s body illustration is to drive home the truth of how much we need one another to be as effective as God wants us to be. Dizzy Dean, the famous baseball pitcher, once was hit by a line drive directly on his toe. Not too big a deal. But he didn’t give it adequate time to heal and instead kept pitching. Because of the pain he felt whenever he put any weight on that toe, he changed his delivery. This put additional stress on his pitching arm and forced him into retirement. A “little thing” like a stubbed toe ended up having major and unforeseen consequences. Kistemaker wrote, “A stubbed toe impairs one’s ability to walk and thus affects the entire body. Filling one’s stomach with delicious food satisfies all the parts of the body, but the pain of a stomach ulcer has the opposite effect. Similarly, when a member of the congregation mourns the death of a loved one, the entire congregation grieves with the mourner. When one member receives recognition for either an accomplishment or an anniversary, the rest of the members surround the recipient with joyful adulation. The Christian community mourns with those who hurt and rejoices with those who celebrate.”[1]

[1] Kistemaker, Simon J., and William Hendriksen. 1953–2001. Exposition of the First Epistle to the Corinthians. Vol. 18. New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

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