​Today we will continue reading Romans 15 with verses 8-33. I think that many people both inside and outside the church, consider God to be exclusionary. On the outside, you have people thinking that only the goody-goodies go to church, the bleeding hearts, those with a stick up their backs, or those narrow-minded haters. There are many more categories of exclusion by the world’s view, most of them represent the experience of the person holding the view either in his attempts to go to church, talk to a Christian, or seek God through some channel other than church. Within the church the exclusions may be denominational, the Baptists thinks the Methodists are not really saved, the Catholics think they are the only ones “getting it right” and the Charismatics believe all the rest of them are missing most of the experience. The enemy loves that our segregated mini-churches created a divided macro-church.
Believer, the church is one church, with one faith, one baptism, one Lord and one Spirit (Ephesians 4:3-6). He is not one thing to some and someone else to others. There is One God, He is Steadfast, and Faithful, and He has not changed (Isaiah 45:5, Malachi 3:6).
The divisiveness of the church was happening back in Paul’s day as well, even in the first century church with leaders who had known Jesus and learned first hand from Him or those who were learning from those who had learned first-hand, humanity crept in, lies crept in and brought elements in which caused quarrels and division.
Much of what upset Paul was about the Jewish followers of Christ, requiring the gentile followers to follow Jewish traditions and laws in order to be included in what they considered the one true church. Paul wrote time and again that those laws had no value for salvation and that choosing to follow the law meant being judged by the law (Romans 2:12). The church is one church, not many. On one church directory website, which I assume are churches who choose to pay to be a part of it, there were 425 churches under 43 different denominations listed in Orlando, FL, the city I live near and attend church in. It is no wonder that Joe who is a new Christian looking for a church, or Jane who is seeking someone to answer questions about God, think Christianity is some restricted and discriminative country club.
But this is where we are, this is the world we live in. We who are the church need to do our best to represent Christ, not as exclusive to our denomination and not as discriminatory of who may enter His gates, but as the God who desires all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4) who offers one simple way to come to Him with no strings attached. Yesterday we finished reading with Romans 15:5-7,
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Harmony with one another and Christ and unity of one voice to glorify the Father is possible with Christ, His Spirit makes it possible. I have been there and seen it, when we drop our denominations and come together to worship the Lord. I have seen  who we can be together. I have heard us praising Him with one voice, one word Jesus Christ, one accord to glorify God. It is powerful and beautiful, and all around you there is worship, and joy, and love is over and through it as the Spirit permeates everyone.
I have also been at gatherings of multiple churches where some service is being performed and the work is being done by people from those multiple churches but the banner over the work, the seal on the box of goods, and the delivery stamp have the name of the one church who organized it and for some reason, it is this church who is taking credit and making themselves look good rather than giving God the credit where it belongs. It’s like a record being played and the crowd is singing along with happiness and purpose and, someone slaps the seal of the church on the box and the needle is pulled off the record, creating a deep scratch in the surface of the vinyl. All these people who thought they were glorifying God, now find they were glorifying the church and pastor on the corner, the joy and love are sucked out of that space as fast as the music was stopped. The churches segregate themselves to their corners, grumbling over why the church of Bob is getting credit for the church of Lee’s hard work.
Our best work is done when we work as one. When we use our individual gifts in harmony with the body. The fingers doing their part, the eyes, dong theirs, the legs, theirs and so on and Lee takes no credit, nor does Bob, because the hand knows it couldn’t do the job without the eye, and the foot knows it couldn’t do the job without the lung. The whole body knows without the head, who is Christ, there would be no body and it is His name and His banner which are flown.
The early Jewish Christians had an important role as they do now, and the gentile church had an important role as it does now. The part each plays is meant to further glorify (that is reflect, make famous, and bless) the Lord. Verses 8-9 read,
For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
    and sing to your name.”
What does that mean? It means Jesus served the Jewish people while He lived. He rarely spoke to a gentile during His ministry. One such exchange is recorded in Matthew 15:21-28.
And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” 23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Although she was not an Israelite, she had faith in Jesus and her daughter was healed.
Jesus came for the Jews to fulfill the prophesies and promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Isaiah, Daniel, and Jeremiah. He fulfilled the law and the prophecy so that Israel would recognize their Messiah had been sent. But that is not all. He did that also so that the gentiles would also glorify God. Jesus spoke almost exclusively to the Jewish people, but His words and actions were for all of us. They were no longer Jews or gentiles, but now they were the Church, the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ. Not Hebrew, Greek, Roman, and Asian but one people in Christ Colossians 3:9-11 reads,
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self[a]with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
And Galatians 3:26-28 says,
for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 
The Jews before Jesus considered God to be for them only and many Jewish Christians of Paul’s day considered following Jesus to be for Jews only. Yet, Paul reminded them of the Scriptures which said the gentiles would glorify God as well, which spoke of the peoples worshipping God, not the one people, but many. Verses 10-12 read,
10 And again it is said,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”
11 And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
    and let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse will come,
    even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.”
The hope of Israel is not about government and land, but about the Messiah, the King of kings, Jesus. He is the hope of all nations. He is our life, eternal and abundant and free. He is our savior, who purchased us for freedom and gives us all we need and does more than we can imagine, not to live a light fluffy life, but to live an eternal significant life in the Light. Our hope is eternal life, our hope is New Jerusalem, our hope is conforming to the image of Christ. Jesus is eternal life, He is the City of God, He is our new self.
Verse 13 is a blessing, a prayer that Paul asks for us on our behalf,
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
It is not merely a good wish for us, it is a promise that If we are filled with the God of hope by believing with joy and peace following that belief, then the Holy Spirit will abound in hope. The Holy Spirit is God and He does fill those who believe. I think some people erroneously think that we can be partially or half filled by the Spirit. No, He fills fully. Now whether we respond and let Him flow and work and be God in us is one thing, but there is no trickling, no fractional filling. He is God, He is bigger than we are. He fills. And if we choose to quench His fire, He will be quenched. If we choose to grieve Him, He will be grieved, but He doesn’t leave! He doesn’t shrink back. He remains. We can choose to live as if He does not fill us, but that doesn’t change the fact that we are filled.
He is God and His filling us is not meant to further leave out anyone from the church, dismiss some in the church, or reject anyone except who rejects Him. No, His filling of us allows us to work together for God’s glory and build the church, both expanding it and building it up, not the building, but the people of the Kingdom who are the church. Verses 14-21 read,
I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, 21 but as it is written,
“Those who have never been told of him will see,
    and those who have never heard will understand.”
Perhaps, like Paul rather than reject people because the Christian culture is new to them, because they don’t know what the Lord’s Supper is, or understand why it is unacceptable to make a living by stealing or any other of the things that are normative to so many of us, we ought to love them enough to teach them, model the image of Christ, and help them to follow Him correctly rather than follow the lies of hedonism, asceticism, or Gnosticism. Do you think that those practices are not prevalent today? I think they are and they all detract from following Christ.
Christianity is not exclusionary. Jesus Himself said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20).
He didn’t say “Go to the Western Hemisphere, make Baptists, and hope they figure it out. He didn’t say go everywhere except where they have polytheistic religions, drop some pamphlets, and hope they get the gist”. He said, “Make disciples of all nations…teaching them…I am with you always.” He didn’t leave out anyone, He wants us to make disciples, Christ followers, not people who say they follow but people who do follow. He said of all nations, not just the ones like us, but the ones who are not like us as well. He expects teaching and baptizing in the fullness of who is as His representatives in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He didn’t add anyone else for us to represent, we don’t represent a list of demigods, saints, churches, or pastors, we represent God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
In unity as the worldwide church, we care about the worldwide church. We continue to make disciples and teach until they are able to make to disciples and teach, even then we don’t just push them from the nest and never consider them again. We are all a part of one another, we belong to Christ and we are part of one another (Romans 12:5). Paul gave us an example of this in verses 22-29,
This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
Paul was bringing aid to the church in Jerusalem, aid he had collected from churches all over. He requested it from some, had it gifted from others, and it was delivered by others so that the church spread all over could collectively help the Christians in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-3).
2 Corinthians 8:1-7 is a beautiful example of the church being the church without division.
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.
Paul was going to bring Rome blessings, not only materials but fullness of blessings, that would have included teaching, greetings, praying, laying on hands, encouragement, and exhortation as seen in his letters and the epistles of the other writers of the New Testament. He did not think of the church as the various building where people met. He didn’t consider the churches of the different cities to be different churches. He knew that the church is made up of the believers walking in Christ together, be they 1 foot, 1 mile, or 100 miles apart, they were the church. In verses 30-32 he asked them to pray for him.
I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Although he had not yet been able to come to them and hoped to come to them soon, they were still His brothers and sisters, members of the same church as he was, followers of Christ, members of Christ, and united by the Holy Spirit.
Let us unite, wave the banner of Christ. God is our Banner, His name is Jehovah Nissi and that means He reveals Himself as God, Jehovah (Exodus 17:15). So, we glorify God, not ourselves. It is His banner which calls the lost to Him (Isaiah 5:26). It isn’t who we are who saves, but who God is. His banner over us is love (Song of Solomon 2:4), that love brings together, provides, cares, and cherishes. We lift His Banner, not our own.
I think it will be a difficult matter to drop our church banners and lift the banner of Christ, yet I also think it is ultimately important that we do that. Whether you believe Jesus is returning today at 3:33 PM or in this generation, or in 752 years, the truth is this, His coming is closer than it was, and people are lost. People need to know who Jesus is and how deeply He loves them. There are many peoples out there who need to be welcomed into the body of Christ. As long as we’re fighting over titles and doctrines which have nothing to do with the Gospel, as long as we wave church signs instead of the banner of Christ, we will be short-changing the lost by our own in-fighting.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Today’s Bible devotional is a reprint from August 30th 2015
What does loving one another look like? What should the body of Christ look like? I would venture to say the body of Christ should look like Jesus. Our traits as individuals and as a whole should be conformed to His image. His Holy Spirit in us should be evident and fully functioning among us. Our love should be apparent. And we shouldn’t resemble the world.
The world doesn’t like to submit to authority or recognize the people who work so hard behind the scenes. They want to show up to a church without being part of the church. They want to be served and not serve themselves. They expect the pastor to give them a nice little message, listen to their whining, give them what they need, and then ignore them for the next 6 days. But the people who do that, though they may come to church are not of the church they are still of the world. There is no unity with the body. Verses 12-13 read,
“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.”
Paul urges us to respect the people who work among us. We are to regard their work, note it, and give the workers reverence. There shouldn’t be anyone whose work is going unappreciated, but too often there is. Too often the person who cleans the meeting place, who opens her home for fellowship, or who makes the calls to the visitors and absent are overlooked. But when everyone in the church is serving, then most of us will remember to appreciate all the others, and the burden on everyone is lightened. We are all expected to serve. Our gifts were given to us for a reason. Ephesians 4:11-16 says it like this,
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
We are also to give deference to those who are over us, submitting to their wisdom, maturity, and leadership as they guide us toward completion. Hebrews 13:17 says,
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
In submitting to, respecting, and esteeming one another and the contributions each of us makes to the body, we have peace among us. We don’t need to be jealous, envious, or disrespectful of each other. We are in it together, sharing the same Spirit and the same mission. We want the best for each other. We are family, we are interwoven together, each thread is needed and adds to the beauty of the tapestry.
We cannot in love, let someone waste their gifts or remain a new born who never experiences the fullness of Christ during this life. Verse 14-15 puts it this way,
“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”
Our unified walk as the body of Christ does not stop at the church doors. We are good to one another, but we also must be good to the world. We should be beneficent, that is intentionally doing good in a concrete way. We deliberately ensure we are not being maleficent, which is to cause harm. Nonmaleficence should be just as premeditated as beneficence.
Hebrews 13:15-16 reads,
“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
It is an act of worship and praise to be charitable and kind. It is glorifying Christ, which is reflecting Jesus, being like Jesus to do good for people. Verses 16-18 say,
“Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
When do we rejoice? When do we pray? When do we thank God and what do we thank Him for? Always, continually, and all the time, for everything. The Holy Spirit wants to shine through us. He wants to glorify Jesus in us. He wants to fill us to overflowing and show us He can’t be exhausted. Verses 19-22 read,
“Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.”
He cannot be exhausted, but He can be quenched, that is stifled, smothered, and left to smolder instead of burn bright. How do we do that? We do it by not rejoicing, praying, and thanking God. We do it by not recognizing that our circumstances have the purpose of conforming us to the image of Christ. (Romans 8:26-30). We stifle the Holy Spirit of God when we disregard His work, or we accept all works that might be from God are and do not discern Godly from worldly. (1 John 4:1-6). We douse His fire in us when we take part in the desires of the flesh instead of the desires of The Spirit.
The muffled and subdued Spirit will not produce the fruit that makes it evident we are sons and daughters of Abba God. Galatians 5:16-26 reads,
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
The fruit of The Spirit is the image of Christ. As we walk, we become more and more mature, showing more and more the character of Jesus. One day we will be instantly perfected but that doesn’t mean we do not strive toward that goal now. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Philippians 3:12-14). We trust the Lord to complete us and keep us. Verses 23-24 read,
“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
God does this great work in us. He perfects us. He doesn’t and won’t do it against our will. We have to be in a relationship with Him. We have to want it. And so we pray, we love, we walk, and we strive, not in a futile struggle, but in the peaceful rest of Jesus’ grace. Verses 25-28 close the letter.
“Brothers, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
​

​1 Thessalonians 3
Today, I am going to return to Paul’s first letter to the church at Thessalonica and our regular routine of devotionals until at least we finish this book.
Your life is a testimony. Do you know what that means? When we talk about your life being a testimony it means that the way you live, respond, and behave, and what you choose to do affects people around you and shows your faith more clearly than merely your words. Do you know how much your life lived as a testimony can encourage the brothers and sisters around you? I have experienced that, especially lately.
Paul wanted very much to visit the church and see how himself how they were doing, but he was unable to so he sent Timothy. Verses 1-5 read,
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
Timothy’s life had a great impact on people. His faith and perseverance was a great comfort to Paul. He knew he could trust this man because Timothy proved his trust worthiness in how he lived. Paul described Timothy as “our brother.” He meant that clearly Timothy’s life was a testimony to Jesus Christ. No one could question his salvation. He meant that they were united and together with the church a family with God as Father. Ephesians 4:23-25 reminds us we are new and belong to one another.
assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 
 
Paul called Timothy “God’s coworker” not just his partner or a fellow worker to the church but God’s coworker. When we are pursuing God’s will, when we are fulfilling the great commission, we are working with The LORD. God’s will is for our sanctification, that all people be saved, and that we have a genuine relationship with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 2 Peter 3:9, Hosea 6:6). We are going about our Father’s business. Have you ever considered yourself that way? We are family and we are partners and collaborators with God! And Timothy’s life proved that unity of Spirit and purpose.
It is not only our lives lived as individuals that encourages others, but our lives lived as the church that encourages. Verses 6-10 read,
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
 
Both as individuals and the body we need to remember one another. Not simply think of others but act on those thoughts, reach out, make a phone call, drop an email, send a text or a message, or visit. Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica and the Thessalonians sent their regards and thoughts to Paul. While I was recently absent and unable to do these devotionals I had people reach out to me and it was so encouraging to know I was loved and cared about. People called me, visited me and wrote me messages to check on me. there were times when those texts, calls or visits came at times when I desperately needed the comfort. You, my brothers and sisters and coworkers with God answered the call of the Holy Spirit and I thank you. This is something I hope and strive to do and I hope that we all try to do more intentionally.
Standing fast in the Lord as the Thessalonians did can also be a comfort and encouragement to people. First, let me clarify what standing fast in the Lord means. It means to firmly remain, to hold your position, or persevere and refuse to be defeated. So it means we are not giving into temptation, letting difficulty and pain overwhelm us, or allowing circumstances to falter us. How can that be an encouragement to others? 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 says,
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
When I see your faith remain in the face of hardship, I see what the Lord is doing for you and in you and that reminds me of what He can do for me. I met someone recently who went through a horrific ordeal. She was of course shaken and hurt but she was still faithful. While I was supposed to be comforting her, she was encouraging me and she had no idea. Her faith bolstered mine and mine bolstered hers. I know so many people who are suffering terribly, yet they stand fast. They are models for me to follow. They are inspirations to keep walking the walk myself.
We give thanks for each other. As we pray throughout the day, we remember one another and give thanks to God for each other. This is one way we pray for each other but it is another way that God increases our joy and strengthens our faith. As I thank God for each of you, I am reminded I am not alone. I am part of a body, part of the church, and a member of a family.
Why do we do this? Verses 11-13 read,
Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
 
The more we live as a testimony to Christ, the more our love will grow for each other and the world. We will grow the Kingdom of God that way. People will take note of that awesome love which is so different from anything the world knows and they will want to be a part of it. John 13:34-35 says it this way,
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Not only that but as our love abounds, we become more conformed to the image of Christ, which means we become sanctified, purified like Jesus and we will be ready for that wonderful day when Jesus returns. 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 reads,
But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
 
Believer, are you living your life as a testimony? Are you living as a member of this family and a coworker of God? Are you standing fast? Is your love growing day by day? 

​Genesis 10 and 11:1-9
The tenth chapter of Genesis gives and account of the offspring and the nations who came from Noah’s sons. There are some interesting things to note. Ham’s descendants became nations like Cush, and Egypt, Canaan and the Philistines, all who faced defeat at some point in time by the nations which stemmed from Shem. This was Ham’s curse for shaming his father. All the nations came from these three men and they spread across the earth to their own in their lands, each with his own language, by their clans and in their nations.
But before they dispersed with their own languages, they were one united people, with one language. Chapter 11 verses 1-4 read,
Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”
The advances this united people were making was really something. They had found a way to make bricks. They could build permanent structures and be protected from the elements. But what did they choose to do with this great new advancement? The people said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” It seemed like a good thing on the outside. Unity, a magnificent and complex plan, seemed good. But they were in opposition to God, who had commanded them to populate the earth, not the valley. They were opposed to the purpose of glorifying the Lord (Isaiah 43:7) and being in a relationship with Him (Hosea 6:6). They were placing themselves as the center of life and not The Lord.
They chose to make a name for themselves by building a monument to themselves and be remembered for future generations. The people who decided to build this tower were not the ones who called on the name of the Lord, built altars to Him and remembered Him. They were the people who looked to themselves and to nature for gods. I always get the impression that these were Ham’s progeny, these were the future Egyptians, Incas, and others whose advanced civilizations still astound us today. These were the people who would leave their mark on history, but not God’s mark. What would this great tower be but something used to worship the self, some person, the sun, or some other imagined deity.
The Lord noticed of course and He went to inspect their endeavors. Verses 5-6 read,
And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. 6 And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.”
The Lord is not against societal and technological advances, but He did want to slow it down a little. He wanted the people of the earth to spread across the entire earth and not stay together in one place building monuments. If He had done nothing the city of Atlantis might have become a reality but it would not have been the utopia Plato described. Without the Lord, true paradise cannot exist. He wanted the advancements they made to have good purposes. Together they could do great things but instead they were wasting time building monuments to themselves. So the Lord took action and chose to disperse them. Verses 7-9 read,
“Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.” 8 So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. 9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.
God’s purpose of populating the whole earth would not be deterred. He would also not tolerate idolatry. He had to separate their unity for their own good and ours. He said, “Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.” He divided them for their own good, to disperse them and give the future nations they would begin a chance to thrive and to stop this great idolatry, to remind them He is the LORD, they were not.
This act seems to clash with God’s desire for our unity but it didn’t, it laid the foundation for unity in Him. Our unity is supposed to be based on one Lord, one Spirit and one God, not on things as trivial as language or as detrimental as glorifying ourselves.
How many thousands of years passed until the day when the Jewish people were gathered in Jerusalem just a couple of months after Jesus had died and resurrected? The people gathered there spoke many different languages. Some were in Jerusalem because the law required it. Some were there because they hoped to please God. Some were there because Jesus had told them to wait there for His Promise. In Luke 24:49, just before He ascended He said, “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
That day came on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:1-4 reads,
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
There were Jews gathered from many different countries with many different languages. But as the Believers spoke, they each heard their own language declaring God’s great works! It was not a language which unified them, it was God’s Holy Spirit speaking His Word to them. Acts 2:5-13 in The Message reads,
5-11 There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck. They couldn’t for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, “Aren’t these all Galileans? How come we’re hearing them talk in our various mother tongues?
Parthians, Medes, and Elamites;
Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia,
    Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
    Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene;
Immigrants from Rome, both Jews and proselytes;
Even Cretans and Arabs!
“They’re speaking our languages, describing God’s mighty works!”
12 Their heads were spinning; they couldn’t make head or tail of any of it. They talked back and forth, confused: “What’s going on here?”
13 Others joked, “They’re drunk on cheap wine.”
 
Because of the Holy Spirit indwelling the Believers that day, Peter preached the Gospel to people who would not have been able to understand it and three thousand people received the Word of God, Jesus (Acts 2:41). They were united in Christ, with a mission to glorify God. They returned to their own countries and they spread the Gospel in their own languages. Acts 2:42-47 describes the unity they shared.
 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
We can do great things when we are united. God said that if people are united, “nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them” (Verse 6). As Spirit-filled believers we are supposed to be so united we are like one body. We share one Lord (Jesus Christ), one faith, and one baptism (The Holy Spirit) and one God and Father. We are called to one hope. (Ephesians 4:3-6). The unity that glorifies the Lord is awesome. It brings people into the kingdom of God, it transforms people, and it strengthens the body of Christ.
 

Romans 16
Being a part of the Body of Christ, His church is one of the most precious aspects of my life. I personally can tell you, the depth of love I have for the people, my brothers and sisters who go to the same local church with me is immense. I love these people as if they were born in the same blood family, I love them more. I would not hesitate to lay down my life for anyone of them. The joy of seeing God work in them is huge; the thrill of seeing God work through them is massive. I love them as if the same blood runs through our veins.  I guess in one way, it does, Jesus’ blood has been poured over us, His blood covers us. We share the same Spirit. We were adopted by the same awesome Father. We are connected in so many ways. In verses 1-16 of Romans 16, Paul greets and sends his love to a long list of brothers and sisters, each serving God and the church with their gifts. His love for them is evident, his concern for them is apparent. He longed to come to visit the Roman believers but could not get there because his ministry kept him going to other places (Romans 15:22-33). That was one of the reasons he wrote them this letter. If he could not teach them in person, he would do it in a letter or via messages through trusted friends and fellow believers.
The love I have for the body of Christ goes beyond the Christians in my local church, it goes beyond the Christians I know personally. One friend and I were talking about meeting people and yet recognizing the Holy Spirit in them. It is as if on both sides, He rejoices to see another one of His children, like He reaches out and spiritually hugs this other person. We recognize Him in people and we are already connected. We delight in seeing a family member, we have not yet met, but know and love anyway.
Another friend and I were talking about the thrill of speaking to another believer, and how The Lord loves to use us to speak to, instruct, encourage, exhort, and love one another. Sometimes, He gives us prophetic words through our fellow believers, other times He teaches us through their actions, or service, or prayer.
The church really is the body of Christ. We are united by our Father’s call, Jesus’ Blood, and the Holy Spirit’s power. It is an awesome testimony for each other and for the world. Because of that great strength, the adversary wants to wreak havoc and do whatever he can to weaken us, steal from us, destroy our progress and God’s work, and if nothing else, kill us. He cannot have the world, his prisoners see the beauty and power of Jesus Christ in us. They’ll want freedom and he wants to keep them shackled and blind. Verses 17-18 reads,
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
 
Our unity is an awesome and unique thing. It shows people we truly do share one Spirit. We are not lemmings with no individual will or mind. We are distinctive individuals with one Spirit and the mind of Christ, expressed through our diverse and matchless personalities. We are one, but unlike the Star Trek’s, Borg, we are each individuals within the one. Satan wants to destroy our unity. He sends people in who with their smooth talk and charming personalities can make what they say sound like the word of God. New Christian’s, trusting and immature believers can easily fall victim to these predators. How do we defend ourselves, the faith, and the church? Verse 19 reads,
For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 
First, we must remain obedient to the Lord. In order to obey, we have to know the commands that we are following. So we must know God, seek Him, listen to Him, and read the Word He gave us. That requires time in prayer, time spent communicating with God expressively and receptively. It means spending time with the Body, because as I said earlier, He often chooses to speak and work through His children. As Paul points out, our obedience gives him and many others the opportunity to rejoice over us. People are watching us. Our lives are a witness to the truth, evidence of God, a testimony to salvation and eternal life. The author of Hebrews described it like this in Hebrews 12:1-2,
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Additionally, Paul said, we should be wise as to what is good and innocent as what is evil. What does it mean to be wise to good and innocent to evil? We have to understand what it is to be good, what goodness looks like and how it is expressed. There are two “lists” I think of first which describe righteousness. Both are descriptions of Jesus and how we express His Spirit in our lives. Galatians 5:22-23 also known as the fruit of the Spirit and 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the description of love. But there are numerous descriptions, virtues, and words which show us how to live. The best way to know them is to read the Bible, meditate on the Word, and be instructed in the Scripture regularly. Jesus’ described goodness this way in Matthew 5:3-12
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
 
 
What does it mean to be innocent as to what is evil? It means not to be guilty of evil. We are not to practice evil, which in essence is gratifying one’s basal desires or loving one’s self to the point that the person has only disregard left for others. But furthermore, it means that we must be declared not guilty by the Judge. Jesus Christ calls us righteous, because He died, rose, and lives! He took our sin (all the wrongs we ever committed or will commit) and declared himself guilty and paid the price. We are forgiven and declared innocent. Romans 5:1-2 in Young’s Literal Translation says,
Having been declared righteous, then, by faith, we have peace toward God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have the access by the faith into this grace in which we have stood, and we boast on the hope of the glory of God
 
How else will we overcome the schemes of Satan who wants to obliterate our unity and try and end God’s glory and plan? We will trust God to be God and carry out His plan. Verse 20 reads,
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
 
Read that verse again, did you catch whose feet Satan will be crushed under? The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. He will use you and me to defeat the accuser!
Believer, we have to remain united, we have to fight for one another, love one another, and defend the faith together.
As Paul wrapped up his letter to the Roman Christians he once again sent greetings this time from the people with him to the Romans. Verses 21-23 read,
 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you
 
Paul was not alone. No matter where he was, he stayed in fellowship with believers. Paul is considered one of the greatest Christians who ever lived. He was an apostle. He saw Heaven. He wrote 13 out of the 27 books of the New Testament. He spread the Gospel to gentiles across the ancient Eastern world. But he was not above the need to be with other believers, to be sharpened and supported by them. Don’t fall for the lie that you do not need to be an active member of a local church.
Our unity goes beyond the brothers and sisters we share our communities with. It extends to believers across our cities, states, provinces, countries, and the earth. But it also extends to the Kingdom of God both on the earth and in Heaven. We cannot leave God out of our community of faith. Verses 25-27[i] read,
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
 
Dearly loved Brothers and Sisters, I encourage you today to cherish the unity we have with one another, to fight for it and defend it against the schemes of the enemy who will try and destroy it. Pay attention to one another. Do not neglect meeting together, reading and studying the scriptures, or serving God and serving each other. Be obedient witnesses. Cling to the hope of eternal life and the awesome promises of God.


[i] Verse 24 is not included in most manuscripts it reads, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen
​

Colossians 4
We, the body of Christ are a community of people who love one another in real and tangible ways. Without the fellowship of the church, it is very difficult for a Christian to be comforted through sufferings, mature in Christ, or walk in the Spirit. The final chapter of Paul’s letter to the Colossians begin with a continuation of the picture of how maturing Christians should behave. Verses 1-6 read,
“Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Verses 18-25 of chapter 3 talk about the maturing Christians’ relational behavior and verse 1 of this chapter carries that thought on. Paul directed: Wives, submit to your husbands. Husbands, love your Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.  Fathers, do not provoke your children. Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
Our behavior, the way the new-self lives as the image of Christ, continues from how we relate to one another to how we relate to The Lord. How we relate to the Lord enhances how we relate to one another. We are told to pray steadfastly being watchful and thankful. Steadfastly means persistently consistently, unwaveringly, with conviction, and faithfully. We pray not only for ourselves, being aware of our deficits and being thankful for all things in our lives but we pray for one another. We pray for our ministries, for the spreading of the Gospel, and our sufferings.
Mature behavior, that is behavior that exemplifies Christ also impacts how we relate to the world. We walk in wisdom toward non-Christians. The Greek word for wisdom sofia means higher spiritual understanding, clarity, insight, skill (human or divine), and intelligence. The time we have with non-Christians may be limited, they may only cross our paths once. We are called not to waste that time foolishly but to make the best use of it. The best use of that time is to embody The Lord, The Word of God and His Spirit to His glory. We therefore act in graciousness which is defined in Strong’s as kindness through the Lord’s influence on our hearts, expressed as accepting, benefice, favor, giving, mercy joy, liberality, pleasure, and being worthy of thanks. We are to speak seasoned with salt, the saving power of Jesus Christ so that we can answer each person.
Every meeting we have is an opportunity to share Jesus. It may not be an obvious recitation of the Gospel. It could be a few sentences of testimony, an act of love, or a show of kindness in Jesus’ name but it should always be to God’s glory. Peter said,
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.  For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:14-17).
Paul lived out what he wrote to the churches. He wrote this letter and so many of his others from prison. He never let an opportunity to glorify Jesus pass him by. He loved the body of Christ. His letters show his deep feeling for his brothers and sisters, his spiritual children, and his co-workers for Christ. They show his deep devotion and ardor for The Lord. They show his willingness to tell every person he came across about Jesus.
Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ, called after Jesus ascended to Heaven, who is responsible for carrying God’s will of salvation to the gentile world did not live his Christian life alone. He lived it with his brothers and sisters in Christ. Verses 7-18 show us that very clearly.
“Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.”
Tychius, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, Demas, and Nympha are all mentioned by name as being his beloved brothers and sister, co-workers, and co-servants giving him comfort and praying for the church.
Tychius and Onesimus most likely delivered this letter to the church at Colossae and they would also tell the church all that had happened during their visit to Paul in prison. We joyfully share the work of our ministries with each other so as to encourage, embolden, and instruct one another.
Onesimus was a slave to Philemon but had run away, met Paul and become a believer. Because of Paul’s intervention Philemon did not punish Onesimus as he could have (Philemon). It appears that Philemon may have released Onesimus from his servitude and or at least let him serve Paul. Either way, Philemon and Onesimus were master and bondservant in one life and brothers in their lives in Christ. We may have employers, mothers, and fathers in the world but when we are Christians they are our brothers and sisters. Our position in the world is not the same as our position in Christ. In Christ there is no Greek or Jew and no slave or master; we are one in Christ, equals with each other (Galatians 3:28).
Mark had at one time deeply disappointed Paul and for some time Paul did not let Mark work with him (Acts 15:36-41). But Mark learned, he matured and the two reconciled. Paul directed the church to welcome him and no longer hold his past against him. We too cannot hold pasts, present immaturity, or sins against one another. Mark and Justus had been the only comfort from the Jewish Christians that Paul had. We have to ignore denominational lines and remember we are one church, one body with one Spirit. Ephesians 4:1-7 reads,
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.”
Paul pointed out the sincerity and intensity of Epaphras’ prayers for the church and their maturation. We too should care that deeply for one another’s walks as much as our own to pray for one another with the grace of Epaphras.
Nympha hosted a church in her home. She opened her home so that people could meet together, fellowship, learn and mature. Her hospitality made the church in Colossae possible. We have to care enough to meet together. It is in gathering together that we are able to mature in Christ and walk steadfastly in The Spirit. Hebrews 10:24-25 reads,
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Believer, you cannot walk in Christ without His body. You cannot mature and so become the image of Christ without the example of who He is around you teaching you to love as He loves. You cannot be comforted and honed by the Spirit if you are the not around those who share His Spirit with you. You need the church and the church needs you.

Leviticus Chapter 25 Verses 35-46

There are many things that changed from The Old Covenant to The New Covenant. The way we see the laws, the meaning of the rules, and often whether those laws apply to us. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the purpose of those laws and how we express our love for the Lord and treat our brothers and others. Remember that the entire law hinges on and is covered by two laws. Jesus said it in Matthew 22:37-40

“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Leviticus 25 talks about how we are to treat one another in the love of brotherhood. We are to take care of each other. Verses 35-38 read,

“If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. 36 Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. 37 You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit. 38 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.”

We are responsible for one another. We can’t just let a brother suffer. Note also that we are to treat the stranger, the outsider with kindness and hospitality as well. Jesus said to love another as He loves us. Paul wrote to the church at Galatians in chapter 6 verses 8-10,

“For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

We have a special responsibility toward our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are one body, united, so if one of our brothers has a problem it affects us all. It is our problem. We are to bear one another’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2)

We don’t care for our brother for our own profit. We care for them without profit. We can lend him money, but we are not to charge interest. We lend not to become richer on earth, but to edify and build one another up. We know our treasure is in Heaven. We know we have all the riches of God. we don’t look for monetary repayment, or any other kind of repayment. The good we do for others does bless us but that isn’t why we do it.

We have the same Lord. We have the same Father. We have the Same Spirit. Enslaving a brother is enslaving ourselves. God gave him freedom just as He gave us freedom. Slavery comes in many forms. Lording over another the “gifts” you’ve given and the “good” you’ve done for them puts them in your servitude. We serve one another out of love and freedom, not to oppress and not to gain. Verses 39-43 says,

“If your brother becomes poor beside you and sells himself to you, you shall not make him serve as a slave: 40 he shall be with you as a hired worker and as a sojourner. He shall serve with you until the year of the jubilee. 41 Then he shall go out from you, he and his children with him, and go back to his own clan and return to the possession of his fathers. 42 For they are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as slaves.43 You shall not rule over him ruthlessly but shall fear your God.”

It is our healthy fear of The Lord, our deep respect for Him that allows us to submit to one another. We don’t expect others to submit to us. We submit to others as a manifestation of love. That is humility. The ability to think of others more highly than ourselves. Philippians 2:1-5 says,

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,”

Remember loving one another as Jesus loves us is epitomized in our unity. The early church carried that out by making sure there were no needy among them. When someone had a need, it was met. One person didn’t eat filet mignon while his brother begged for a crust a bread. We are one body, a community, and a family. We are of one household.  God never told us to stop our unity or stop caring for each other. Acts 2:42-47 describes the early church. It should describe us as well.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Philippians Chapter 2 verses 1-11

Humility, the ability to submit to one another, and concern for what others want and need are key to the unity we should have within our fellowship of believers. The more mature and the more we have to be prideful about, the more humble we ought to be. Arrogance and pride serve only the self and too often hurt those around us. Paul encouraged s this way in verses 1-4,

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Humility and unity show the world a picture of the Kingdom of God that is more intricate than any spiel or sermon. The way we treat one another is a testimony to Jesus. Is there encouragement in Jesus? Do we have reason to be hopeful, joyful, and steadfast?

Do we have participation in the Spirit? Is He actively working in our lives, are we working with Him? Is He transforming us with our cooperation or is He dragging us kicking and screaming from the flesh to the Spirit? Is He manifested in our lives through the traits of Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit?

How humble are we? Imagine a group of people who all behave and think with humility, considering themselves as the least important, concerned with each other’s interests. That group of people would glorify the Lord, serving Him, not so they look good, but to show how good and great Jesus is. That group of people would not have a needy person among them. That is how our church is supposed to be. It is how we are supposed to be. We can’t wait for the entire church to repent and be humble before we are willing to be humble. We have to be like Jesus first. We have to be humble, serving, compassionate, kind, and patient regardless of whether there are one or two or twenty among us who are not.

We could tell someone how Jesus saved us and Jesus loves them until we are blue in the face. But when they see how we respond to hardship, hate, and hurdles with joy and love it speaks volumes. And they will wonder, and they will ask. Then when we answer they’ll listen because they’ve seen it for themselves in our hope, actions, and relationships.

When we were adopted as sons of God, He gave us His name, His nature, and His mind. Maybe some ignore these gifts, but He gave them to us and He wants us to exercise them. Jesus Christ, the Son of God came to earth not be served but to serve. We His children, His brethren, and His friends have so much less reason than Jesus to be proud or self-serving. We must exercise His nature and mind and be as unassuming as Jesus. We must remember how He served, even to the point of the worst kind of death imaginable, and serve like He did. Verses 5-8 read,

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

We are capable of serving and loving the way Jesus did, because we have His nature, His Spirit, His name, and His mind. While the world looks to see who can have the most power, recognition, and stuff, we strive to be humble and united giving all glory to God. We have the mind of Christ to enable us to understand the deeper value, the treasures and mysteries of the Gospel, and the Kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 says,

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”

Jesus lowered Himself to servant. He was and is God, He could have come with fanfare. He could have come with His angel armies and simply destroyed and cut down all who refused to bow to Him. But instead He came as baby, born to a poor couple, raised in a poor town. He told people and showed people the truth through His service and wisdom. He gave everyone a chance to submit. If anyone ever had the right to be proud, to expect people to serve Him it was Jesus. But He served instead. He cared about others needs and trusted the Father to meet His needs. Verses 9-11 read,

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The name of Jesus Christ is the name above all names. He is so awesome that even His name is Holy and powerful. We only have to call on His name and He answers. We pray in His name because our will aligns with His and His righteousness is ours. He gave us His name! We are Christians, emulators of Christ, ambassadors of Christ, and brothers of Christ.

And one day He will come with all the fanfare He deserves. Trumpets will blow to announce Him. The clouds will carry Him. He will ride His horse and carry His sword. He will lead the angel armies and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. All those who were proud will be on their knees in submission. All those who loved Jesus will be on their knees praising Him.

One day every person will acquiesce to the Truth. It is better to do so now in faith and of free will, then to do it then when it will not take any faith to see the King of kings and bow down to the Lord God of Hosts.

Are you living the humble life Jesus did? Are you serving others? Are you as concerned with others’ needs as much as your own? Are you trying to be important? Are you exalting yourself or Jesus? Are you participating with the Spirit?

Philippians Chapter 1 Verses 12-30

Paul was in prison. Prison during Paul’s day was not a cake walk. It was deplorable. Prison was not a sentence anyone received as punishment. It was where the accused awaited trial or sentencing. And since there was no promise of a speedy trial that meant that sometimes the defendant waited for months or even years to be heard. There were no beds, no lights, and no promise of three meals a day. There were shackles and stone walls and floors. The prison Paul was believed to be kept in was dug out of solid rock and was underground. There was a manhole type opening which was used to lower prisoners, guards, and supplies. Lights were provided by lantern and fires. The Roman historian Sallust, described it this way, "[The dungeon] is sunk about twelve feet under ground. Walls secure it on every side, and over it is a vaulted roof connected with stone arches; but its appearance is disgusting and horrible, by reason of the filth, darkness and stench." Prison was no picnic for Paul and it was dangerous for those who visited him and showed him kindness. Visitors opened themselves up to interrogation by the Romans in order to gather evidence against the prisoner awaiting trial. Roman interrogation was often accompanied by beatings. Visitors were forever associated with the accused in the eyes of Rome and the public. (Fraser, n.d.).

But through his incarceration, Paul rejoiced. He was willing to suffer, not in order to be a martyr or victim, but because he knew the good that was coming out of it. Verses 11-14 read,

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

He could have reacted selfishly, ‘poor me, pity me.’ He could have responded by telling everyone who would listen how unfair his situation was, but instead he wrote letters to the churches, he taught, he proclaimed Christ. The entire imperial guard knew Paul was there because of Jesus, some even became followers of Christ. And Christians everywhere were emboldened by Paul’s situation to spread the Gospel fearlessly. And people like Timothy and Mark, and the others who visited Paul and helped him through this time, they also had a part in encouraging the believers. They risked beatings and their reputations by ministering to Paul.

It clearly was not an easy thing to endure. Socrates and many other Roman prisoners chose to end their lives with hemlock. Archeological digs found the evidence of many suicides of prisoners. But Paul knew he couldn’t and wouldn’t take the easy way out. He bore the hardship of prison, keeping in mind the Gospel and the promise of eternity with Jesus. Verses 19-20 read,

“for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”

This should be our attitude as well. Most of us will never have to suffer as deeply as did the Apostles and the other first century Christians. But some do. People across the globe are tortured, imprisoned, and killed for their faith in Jesus. The time is coming when even in America and Europe we will suffer like that for Him. Regardless of the degree, we are promised to suffer. We can respond by putting the focus of ourselves or on Jesus. We can rejoice because we know the endgame or we can moan because we want sympathy and pats on the back. Read those verses again, hold onto them, keep them in your heart and let them encourage you to respond with godliness, nobility, and faith.

What is the worst thing that will happen if we suffer so horrendously? We might die. And for the believer death is not awful, death is rewarding. Believers will be with Jesus in paradise! Living is rewarding as well. We get to keep spreading the truth, glorifying Christ, and doing His work. This was Paul’s dilemma. His agony had gotten so bad that he knew he could die. If he simply gave up in his spirit, he would pass away. Verses 21-26 put words to his predicament.

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.”

Paul knew it was not up to him to decide to be finished and die. He knew that as long as he had work to do, living for Christ was more important than dying for Christ. God would decide when Paul died, and until that time he would live a life worthy of Jesus. Paul was not alone, not only did he have the Holy Spirit with him, but he knew he had his fellow believers. His life and his reaction to his torment affected others. He knew too that his suffering was not unique. Many of the believers would suffer just as he had, and many would come to a point of questioning if life was still worth living. So he encouraged them. Verses 27-30 read,

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”

We have a responsibility to one another and to the many lost to respond to situations in a manner that honors the Lord. We are united, standing together. Are we holding each other up? Are we remaining faithful and steadfast? Are we glorifying the Lord? And when we get to the point where we would rather die than go on for one more minute, can we look to our obligation to one another and the lost and choose to live for Jesus?

Does your response to trials and tribulations impact the Kingdom of God for the good, or does your response focus on you and even dishonor your Lord?

References:

Fraser, B. (n.d.). Prisons in Paul's world. Retrieved from Meyers Park United Methodist Church: http://www.mpumc.org/uploads/file/Prisons%20in%20Paul.pdf

Philippians Chapter 1 Verses 1-11

Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi begins with an affectionate note. Verses 3-5 reads,

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Paul not only thinks about the church but whenever he does, he prays for them and thanks God for them. Do we do that for one another? Regardless if we know the intimate details of a brother’s life, we can and should pray for him. We are one with our fellow brothers and sisters united in Christ and partners in our mission to make disciples.

We know too that our brothers and sisters are suffering. We know that because they are on the same path we are, and it is filled with suffering, trials, hardships, and other tribulations meant to transform us, strengthen us, and glorify Jesus. The encouragement we can give to one another is priceless. It is such a good thing to know we are not alone in our struggles and someone is praying for us.

Those struggles have a purpose. They mature us and strengthen us in Christ, they bring us closer to the Lord and they transform us to His image. Verse 6 reads,

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

It is a good work that the Spirit is doing in us. That work ought to be evident. One day that work will be completed. We will be completely transformed in an instant, but for now we praise God, we rejoice that we are being transformed. Each day we are more mature, steadfast, patient, kind, joyful, and loving. Each day we look a little more like Jesus.

That is part of the grace we received from God. He forgave us. Jesus covered us in His righteousness. And the Spirit conforms us to Jesus. When one of our fellowship suffers, we suffer with him. When another rejoices we rejoice with her. We are one, united and sharing the same Spirit, God’s Awesome Holy Spirit.

Paul was in prison. Prison was a horrible place to be, yet he understood the reason he was there and he was acutely aware of all the good coming from it. He also knew that his beloved children in the churches he had planted loved him and were praying with him. The church at Philippi was not in prison but they like Paul used the situation to grow closer to God and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Verses 7-8 say,

“It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

The church was one with Paul and because of that he knew that they suffered with him over his imprisonment and they understood the good coming from it. He also knew that they were not letting his punishment stop them from defending and confirming the gospel, in fact they used Paul’s incarceration to uphold and prove the Gospel.

Paul encouraged the church to actively and deliberately pursue godliness. Verses 9-11 read,

 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

As the Spirit transforms us, we show more and more of the characteristics of Jesus that we call the fruit of the Spirit or the fruit of righteousness. But we have to exercise those traits to show them. We have be patient, we have to have faith, and we have to be kind. These are intentional choices made possible because we have the Holy Spirit and we have God’s grace, and Jesus’ righteousness. Paul encouraged the church to abound or overflow, proliferate and thrive in love more and more.

He also included that that love should be accompanied by knowledge and discernment. Knowledge of God and His word is key to being able to love like He does. Discernment is vital to our maturity and to remaining steadfast and on the right path. It keeps us following the truth and revealing the truth instead of falling victim to heresies.

We, the church are united. We, in our local church are knit together tightly. We are responsible for one another. We are not all at the same place on the road to maturity. Some of us have more discernment, some have studied the Bible much more, and some know God on a much deeper level than others. Since we flourish in love for one another, we aren’t going to allow the weaker to follow the wrong path because their wisdom or discernment isn’t as developed as ours. We are going to trust the elder when he exhorts us, teaches us, and guides us.

Remember, we are in this together. If one of us is suffering, we all are. We all face trials of various kinds. We have one another. We pray for one another, we cry with one another, we rejoice with one another. We grow together increasing ever more in love, knowledge and discernment. We are not alone. We have one another. We have our Lord.