1 Corinthians 16:5-18 An On The Move Bishop

1 Corinthians 16:5-18 NIV
Paul's first letter to the Corinthians is about to close. I would characterize Paul, among other things, as an on the move Bishop. He was out there moving among the people proclaiming the gospel, teaching and encouraging the followers of Jesus. As far away from someone as he might be, without the use of phones or internet; without the use of cars or planes, he stayed in touch with those whom God had called him to serve. Where he could not be, he sent others.

The early church grew because of men who were willing to reach out across the miles to all people. They were willing to set aside the comforts of a home. They were willing to be persecuted by those who hated them and Jesus. They were willing to give it all for the sake of the Gospel.

Go and make disciples of all people, of all nations. But, in order to do that you must first be a disciple willing to take up your cross, die to self and follow Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 17:1-9 Guilt By Association?

Acts 17:1-9 NIV
I was wondering: Could you be found guilty of associating with Jesus or with his disciples?

Jason welcomed Paul and Silas into his home. Although many people, in Thessalonica, heard and believed the evidence that Paul offered that Jesus was the Messiah; others did not. These others were jealous and encouraged a mob mentality towards Paul and Silas. Not being able to find Paul and Silas, the mob rushed Jason's home and had him arrested. He was considered guilty by association. Again I ask, would any one know that you are guilty of associating with Jesus or any of his followers? How would they know?

May our lives be such that all people might know we believe that Jesus is the Messiah and that we are friends of Him and his followers.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 6:60-71 Follower or Not?

John 6:60-71 NIV

Jesus had many followers. He had many more disciples than just the twelve. But, not all of them believed. Some thought his teachings were to difficult to keep, so they ended up leaving him.

It is not so different today. There are many who claim to be followers; disciples of Jesus. But, they follow for a time and find that his teachings are too difficult; carrying one's cross is a bit harder than anticipated; and, so they leave the church or worship sporadically in order to keep up the appearance of having genuine faith; of following Jesus. Either, you follow Jesus or you do not. Choosing when and where and how you will follow just doesn't work. There is only one way. Jesus is the Way!

The words that Jesus spoke are spirit and life. Receive them and live life in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 1:29-42

John 1:29-42 NIV
"Look, the Lamb of God!"

Twice, John see Jesus' and witnesses to those around him that Jesus is the Lamb of God. He testifies that Jesus is God's Chosen One. Because of John's testimony Andrew and his brother Simon Peter became followers Jesus. They became his disciples.

Have you told anyone about the "Lamb of God" lately? How many disciples can say it was your testimony that pointed them to Jesus? Remember the "Great Commission"?

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of  the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (John 21:19-20)

Go and witness to the love of God in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Go and witness to what He has done for us in giving His life for us. Go and make disciples for surely the "Lamb of God" the great "I AM" is with you always.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 9:48-62 Friends and Followers

Luke 9:48-62 NIV
According to Jesus, his friends and followers were not necessarily those who others would consider to be his friends. He didn't always act in the way that we would expect. Little children were the greatest. People who did not welcome him, he simply left alone and went elsewhere where he might be welcomed; where his message would be heard. Those who wanted to follow him were called to leave everything, everyone behind.

Jesus had a mission. He was focused. He expects those who would be his friend or follower to be focused as well; focused on the Kingdom and the work of the Kingdom. The road is not always easy. There will be times when we might want to do what the world expects. But, we are not of this world. We live in it. Yet, the Kingdom, for you, is not of this world. Jesus' Kingdom was not of this world. (John 18:36)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 15:1-32 The Horror Of It

Mark 15:1-32 NIV
Words cannot adequately describe the horror of how the world turned against God the Son the day that Christ was crucified.

He had been deserted by his friends; the church turned against him; the people wanted him crucified; the soldiers and even the criminals hanging with him mocked him. "The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews." (vs 26)

What do you want done with this one whom you call your king, Pilate had asked. Crucify him, the people replied. Indeed he was; he is, a King. He is our King. What would we do with this one we call our King? Often, we, as they did the day of his crucifixion, continue to turn our backs on him. There are days when it is as though we would rather have him hanging on a cross than interfering in our worldly lives. Our king, our gods, are of this world and Jesus is just in the way. Crucify him! Oh, I know you probably don't think in those terms. But, how often do we act as though he is not our King. After all, aren't we suppose to honor our King in all that we say and think and do?

Crucify Him, the people shouted. What would we say (what do we say) when he calls us to follow Him today? Crucify him? Words cannot adequately describe the horror of how the world (even His followers) have turned against God the Son; the Son of God, this day. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 14:1-11 - Get Rid of Him; Betray Him

Mark 14:1-11 NIV
Get rid of them! Yep! That's what you do if you don't like the way someone is or does something. Get rid of them!

Not every who was present when the woman anointed Jesus' head with expensive perfume appreciated Jesus' allowing her to do that. What a waste of money! Judas, as the treasurer, was especially not happy about it. So what did Judas do? He plotted to get rid of him. Jesus did not act or do exactly like Judas thought he ought to be behaving so he went behind Jesus' back and betrayed him.

How often we see this happen! When those whom we have entrusted with leadership positions in the church or community make choices that we would not make, how often are their plots to be rid of them? From what I hear and see, it happens more often than we'd like to think. Don't like what the Pastor or Council or other leaders in the church do because it's not exactly like we want it and we plot to be rid of them.

Jesus did not usually act like society would expect him to. What makes people think that his followers; his servants would act like society expects them to?

Jesus was pretty generous in accepting people as they were and are. I often hear that he was not judgmental. But, how judgmental are we when we refuse to accept Jesus and his followers as they are?

God's Peace - Pr. J