Some people who don't believe that the Bible is the word of God or perhaps are just looking for an excuse to discount the Bible, will pick out random verses that "disagree" or seem to contradict each other. As I have been reading through the Gospels it struck me that these same people would not find it odd that two people observing a current incident might have a different take on what happened.
I have heard law enforcement people say that many times witnesses to crimes give very different descriptions of people or cars or who was where.
I say that to say that if the Gospels were more "identical", if every story used exactly the same words, if every writer saw the event the same way, I would be more inclined to think it was all just copies of copies of copies and not a uniquely inspired version of the same event. Even the fact that some of the events surrounding Jesus are in each book and some in only one, tells me that God used each man's personality and perspective to say just what God would have him say.
The fact that every verse does not "agree" is not a reason to discount the Bible. Rather it is a reason to celebrate the unique giftedness of the men God used to give eye witness testimony of His story.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The One You Have Chosen
Perry started a new preaching series at NewSpring this week. The series is aimed at singles primarily and is titled "Don't get married until..." This first message was "until...you hear from God."
As Perry was reading the scripture from Genesis 24 one phrase that really stuck out to me was in verse 14. As Abraham's servant was talking to God about how he would recognize the woman from Abraham's family and be able to make the correct choice, he said, "...let her be the one You have chosen for your servant Isaac." The one YOU have chosen.
Yes, Abraham's servant had conditions - she needs to say and do this and that - but ultimately he wanted the woman that he believed God had already chosen for Isaac. And when Rebecca came along, she said and did what the servant had asked for. And then the servant bowed down and worshiped God.
When it's all about God, He comes through in a big way. I don't have to stress over stuff, just seek His face knowing that He already knows, that He already has plans, that He loves me passionately and wants only the best for me...in all areas of life, not just marriage.
As Perry was reading the scripture from Genesis 24 one phrase that really stuck out to me was in verse 14. As Abraham's servant was talking to God about how he would recognize the woman from Abraham's family and be able to make the correct choice, he said, "...let her be the one You have chosen for your servant Isaac." The one YOU have chosen.
Yes, Abraham's servant had conditions - she needs to say and do this and that - but ultimately he wanted the woman that he believed God had already chosen for Isaac. And when Rebecca came along, she said and did what the servant had asked for. And then the servant bowed down and worshiped God.
When it's all about God, He comes through in a big way. I don't have to stress over stuff, just seek His face knowing that He already knows, that He already has plans, that He loves me passionately and wants only the best for me...in all areas of life, not just marriage.
Christmas Offering
Perry mentioned today that we will be taking a December/Christmas offering. He told us to begin praying about what we would give. Not just a "$5 thank you Jesus" offering but a real expression of God's faithfulness and my gratefulness.
As soon as he said "give", a dollar figure came into my head so I'm pretty certain that figure is what God would have me give back to Him. But that doesn't mean my mind is closed to what God might want me to do. I am open to whatever God wants from me. God may increase the figure but I certainly don't believe He would ask me to give less. I like it when God speaks and I am listening!
I agree with Perry that I need to give more to my local church than para-church organizations. Not that these organizations are unworthy, just that God asks me to support His church before everything else. Giving is as much an expression of my worship of God as any song I might sing, of any service I might perform, of any words I might speak.
Thank you, Jesus, for caring for me; for providing me with a job and income that I might give back to you. I want to be like the widow who gave out of her poverty - giving until it hurt - rather than those who had plenty and only gave a little.
As soon as he said "give", a dollar figure came into my head so I'm pretty certain that figure is what God would have me give back to Him. But that doesn't mean my mind is closed to what God might want me to do. I am open to whatever God wants from me. God may increase the figure but I certainly don't believe He would ask me to give less. I like it when God speaks and I am listening!
I agree with Perry that I need to give more to my local church than para-church organizations. Not that these organizations are unworthy, just that God asks me to support His church before everything else. Giving is as much an expression of my worship of God as any song I might sing, of any service I might perform, of any words I might speak.
Thank you, Jesus, for caring for me; for providing me with a job and income that I might give back to you. I want to be like the widow who gave out of her poverty - giving until it hurt - rather than those who had plenty and only gave a little.
Who Touched Me?
There is a story in the Gospels about a woman who had suffered from a "discharge of blood" for 12 years. During this time she had gone to many doctors and no one was able to heal her even though she had spent a lot of money. Basically, that means she had an incurable disease.
As the crowds pressed in around Jesus, this woman - who was trying to remain unseen (possibly because of the type of illness she had) - believed with all her heart that just touching the fringe of Jesus' garment would be enough to heal her. And she was right!
Jesus immediately knew something had happened and asked, "Who touched Me?" The disciples seemed to think this was a pretty silly question to ask because of all the people trying to get close to Jesus. But Jesus knew this touch was different. The woman confessed what she had done - and why - and Jesus blessed her for her faith
What about me when I try to "touch" Jesus? Is my reaching out to Him superficial? Am I seeking Him with pure motives? Do I really believe He has the power and the desire to do what is best for me...to bring HIM glory?! Would Jesus look at my faith and bless me?
This woman was a "nobody" in her day but she reached out to Jesus and her life was changed forever. Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today and forever, is still in the business of changing lives for all eternity.
As the crowds pressed in around Jesus, this woman - who was trying to remain unseen (possibly because of the type of illness she had) - believed with all her heart that just touching the fringe of Jesus' garment would be enough to heal her. And she was right!
Jesus immediately knew something had happened and asked, "Who touched Me?" The disciples seemed to think this was a pretty silly question to ask because of all the people trying to get close to Jesus. But Jesus knew this touch was different. The woman confessed what she had done - and why - and Jesus blessed her for her faith
What about me when I try to "touch" Jesus? Is my reaching out to Him superficial? Am I seeking Him with pure motives? Do I really believe He has the power and the desire to do what is best for me...to bring HIM glory?! Would Jesus look at my faith and bless me?
This woman was a "nobody" in her day but she reached out to Jesus and her life was changed forever. Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today and forever, is still in the business of changing lives for all eternity.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Glory to God in the Highest
I like the fact that God's first public announcement about the birth of His Son was to shepherds out in the field. Plain, ordinary men who were doing plain, ordinary work on a plain, ordinary day that was made extraordinary by the appearance of a multitude of angels singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!"
It pleases me that God did not plan to go to "church" or to the priests or the religious leaders or the political leaders to make this world changing announcement. I don't know why that is except that it helps to assure me that God really cares about ordinary people living ordinary lives...which means me. His salvation is for ALL people. His Word is to be shared with ALL people. People without the training or "learning" to understand but who simply believe.
When the angels left, the shepherds said let's go find this baby and see what has happened in Bethlehem. No questioning, no hesitation just an immediate trip into town. My prayer is that I would respond with the same urgency, the same faith when God speaks to me. Luke 2:8-20
It pleases me that God did not plan to go to "church" or to the priests or the religious leaders or the political leaders to make this world changing announcement. I don't know why that is except that it helps to assure me that God really cares about ordinary people living ordinary lives...which means me. His salvation is for ALL people. His Word is to be shared with ALL people. People without the training or "learning" to understand but who simply believe.
When the angels left, the shepherds said let's go find this baby and see what has happened in Bethlehem. No questioning, no hesitation just an immediate trip into town. My prayer is that I would respond with the same urgency, the same faith when God speaks to me. Luke 2:8-20
God's Faithfulness
Mary's response in Luke 1:46-55 to God's startling revelation that she would have a son who would be the Son of God and her cousin Elizabeth's confirmation of this, is a beautiful expression of God's faithfulness. I wonder if I would have that much faith and trust if I had to face something so life changing or life shattering.
A few verses later, God unloosens the tongue of Zechariah as soon as Zechariah agrees with God about the birth of John the Baptist, the son born to Zechariah and Elizabeth in their old age. Gabriel had told Zechariah that he would not be able to speak until after the child was born because he, Zechariah, questioned whether he would actually have a son.
God always does what He says He will do. Always has, always will. I don't know why it is so hard to remember that at times.
A few verses later, God unloosens the tongue of Zechariah as soon as Zechariah agrees with God about the birth of John the Baptist, the son born to Zechariah and Elizabeth in their old age. Gabriel had told Zechariah that he would not be able to speak until after the child was born because he, Zechariah, questioned whether he would actually have a son.
God always does what He says He will do. Always has, always will. I don't know why it is so hard to remember that at times.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Help My Unbelief
As Jesus went around the countryside healing the sick, Sometimes He said don't tell anyone about this but the people were so excited that they could not keep the news to themselves. (Mark 1:40-45)
Other times Jesus told them to tell others (Mark 5:18-20). Whether Jesus said be quiet or tell others, everyone had to tell someone because Jesus had touched their lives. Do I keep Jesus to myself or do I tell everyone I know?
Sometimes I think that maybe I don't recognize the touch of Jesus on my life. I should recognize that my health, my job, the air I breathe, my family, my friends, my church...every good thing is a gift from God.
When the disciples would question Jesus, more than once He asked do you not understand? Even after walking with Him every day, they still did not always understand how or why He did what He did or who He really was. Unfortunately, I am that way too. I have walked with Jesus for lots of years and sometimes I just don't have a clue. I can imagine Jesus shaking His head saying, "Nancy, do you not yet understand?" And then I want to cry out, "I believe, help my unbelief!"
Other times Jesus told them to tell others (Mark 5:18-20). Whether Jesus said be quiet or tell others, everyone had to tell someone because Jesus had touched their lives. Do I keep Jesus to myself or do I tell everyone I know?
Sometimes I think that maybe I don't recognize the touch of Jesus on my life. I should recognize that my health, my job, the air I breathe, my family, my friends, my church...every good thing is a gift from God.
When the disciples would question Jesus, more than once He asked do you not understand? Even after walking with Him every day, they still did not always understand how or why He did what He did or who He really was. Unfortunately, I am that way too. I have walked with Jesus for lots of years and sometimes I just don't have a clue. I can imagine Jesus shaking His head saying, "Nancy, do you not yet understand?" And then I want to cry out, "I believe, help my unbelief!"
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