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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-114024972016-06-02T08:53:56.115-07:00John T. WillisJohn Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-90333565458259323292015-08-13T07:06:00.000-07:002015-08-13T07:06:32.017-07:00God Watches the Motives, the Words, and the Actions of all Human Beings--Psalm 33Psalm 33 is a beautiful psalm. The poet reminds every hearer that Yahweh is always watching from heaven above to observe the motives and desires, the words, and the actions of every human being (verses 10-11). In this context, he addresses "the righteous," "the upright," those who desire to serve Yahweh faithfully (verse 1). This psalm falls into four parts.

I. The composer exhorts his hearers to praise Yahweh. Psalm 33:1-3.
 He specifically enumerates FOUR ways God's people are to praise God.
 a. Worshippers must praise Yahweh WITH THE LYRE. God has created each human being with certain innate gifts. Many have the skill of using musical instruments. In such cases, Yahweh expects these people to praise Yahweh with their musical instruments. Here the psalmist particularly mentions the LYRE. 33:1a.
 b. Worshippers must MAKE MELODY TO YAHWEH WITH THE HARP OF TEN STRINGS.
The verb "make melody" in the entire Bible means to use musical instruments. The Hebrew verb for "make melody" is zamar; the Greek equivalent is psallo. Many texts throughout the Bible naturally connect "sing" with the voice with "make melody" with musical instruments, as in Psalm 33:2b and Ephesians 5:19.
 c. Worshippers must SING TO YAHWEH A NEW SONG. The Hebrew verb for "sing" is shir; the Greek equivalent in the Newer Testament is ado, again as in Ephesians 5:19. Singing with the voice and making melody with musical instruments are two ways in which worshippers express the feelings and desires of the heart. If singing or using musical instruments is not genuine from the heart, it is not acceptable to Yahweh, as Amos 5:23 emphasizes. 33:3a.
 d. Worshippers must PLAY SKILLFULLY ON THE STRINGS, WITH LOUD SHOUTS. When God gives us a gift, it is essential to use that gift, whether it be singing or using musical instrumentsor praying or preaching or helping the poor or whatever that gift may be. Of course, Paul emphasizes this important point in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. 33:3b

II. The Psalmist emphasizes Yahweh's Power in Creation. Psalm 33:4-9.
 a. "The word of the Lord" in verses 4 and 6 is not the written word of God recorded in the Bible, but God's oracle proclamations orally in creation, in history, and in all life. Yahweh's dynamic, spoken word in creation show that it is upright, faithful, righteous, just and full of steadfast love. 33:4-5.
 b. In creation, Yahweh made the heavens and their host: the sun, moon, and stars, "by the word of the Lord," that is, "by the break of his mouth." Yahweh brought everything into existence not by some great deed which he performed but simply by speaking his will. 33:6.
 c. Planet earth is surrounded by powerful oceans over which no one has control. The psalmist emphasizes that Yahweh gathered the waters of the sea in a bottle and put the deeps in storehouses or silos. Yahweh alone is in control of the mighty waters on earth. 33:7.
 d. As a result of this undeniable truth, the psalmist summons "all the earth," that is, "all the inhabitants of the world," to fear the Lord, which means to stand in awe of him, to respect him completely, to honor him. The reason for this is that Yahweh spoke, and it came to be. For example, God said, "Let there be light," and there was light (Genesis 1:3). God commanded, and it stood firm. 33:8-9.

III. The Psalmist emphasizes Yahweh's Power in History. Psalm 33:10-19.
 a. Nations, presidents, emperors, powerful human beings have made great plans and schemes to carry out their purposes and desires. This NEVER WORKS, BECAUSE YAHWEH ALONE is in control of all history. The psalmist declares: "The Lord brings the COUNSEL OF THE NATIONS TO NOTHING, HE FRUSTRATES THE PLANS OFTHE PEOPLES." ONLY the counsel and plans of the Lord will prevail. History has proved again and again that this is the case. 33:10-11.
 b. Only the nations who trust in the Lord will prevail. 33:12.
 c. As KING OF THE UNIVERSE, Yahweh constantly looks down from his heavenly throne in heaven to see ALL HUMANKIND, ALL THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH to evaluate and judge their thoughts, their words, and their deeds. NO HUMAN BEING can avoid this reality, no matter how smart or how powerful a person may think he or she may be. 33:13-15.
 d. Through history, kings have amassed great armies, great warriors have fought strong battles, and very sophisticated weapons have been made, but none of them has prevailed. ONLY GOD has prevailed, and this will always be true. 33:16-17.
 e. "The eye of the Lord" wants to deliver all people, and those who fear him, hope in his steadfast love, will be the recipients of Yahweh's deliverance. 33:18-19.

IV. The Psalmist concludes by encouraging all people to trust in Yahweh alone. Psalm 33:20-22.
 a. The psalmist and his comrades declare that they "wait for" the Lord and "hope in" his steadfast love and "are glad" in Yahweh, and "trust in" his holy name, and in no one and in nothing else. These worshippers set an example for all others. 33:20-21.
 b. Finally, the psalmist addresses Yahweh himself. He implores Yahweh to let his steadfast love be on all true worshippers as they "hope in" him and in no one else. 33:22.

What a POWERFUL, BEAUTIFUL psalm. These thoughts should change our hearts and our lives.

Share YOUR prayers and dreams and ideas and setbacks and experiences with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

 John Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-63150961030910693622015-08-11T15:20:00.002-07:002015-08-11T15:20:56.376-07:00Who Can Understand the Heart?--IThe Hebrew word for "heart" is lebh or lebhabh. It occurs 860 times in the Hebrew Bible. Obviously the human heart is predominant in godly Christian living. In the next several blogs, we will deal with some of the concepts in the Bible about the role of the heart in the Bible.

One should begin with the broad perspective of the heart in Proverbs 4:23:
 KEEP YOU HEART WITH ALL VIGILANCE,
 FOR FROM IT FLOW THE SPRINGS OF LIFE.

I. God has "wired us" so that we cannot avoid our inner being.
 a. People often attempt to PRETEND they are one kind of person while IN THEIR HEART is very different. We have the capacity of "masking" or "camouflaging" who we really are. Accordingly, we have the ability of DECEIVING many people in life.
 b. Jeremiah approaches Yahweh with this question:
 Why does the way of the guilty prosper?
 Why do all who are treacherous thrive?
 You plant the, and they take root;
 they grow and bring forth fruit;
 YOU ARE NEAR IN THEIR MOUTHS,
 YET FAR FROM THEIR HEARTS. (Jeremiah 12:1c-2).
 c. The composer of Psalm 55 describe one of his close friends who pretended he was true to him but in his heart planned to destroy him. Psalm 55:20-21 says:
 My companion laid hands on a friend
 and violated a covenant with me
 with SPEECH smoother than butter,
 but WITH A HEART SET ON WAR;
 with WORDS that were softer than oil,
 but IN FACT were drawn swords.
 d. Paul tells Titus about the reality of dishonest Christians in Titus 1:15-16:
 To the pure all things are pure,
 but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure.
 Their very MINDS and CONSCIENCES are corrupted.
 They PROFESS TO KNOW GOD,
 but they deny him BY THEIR ACTIONS.
 They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

II. These texts demonstrate that the HEART has to do with a person's intentions and desires.
 a. The reason that Yahweh destroyed humanity at the flood is that "every INCLINATION of the THOUGHTS of their HEARTS was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5; 8:21).
 b. When the Pharisees and the scribes rebuked Jesus because his disciples were eating with defiled hands, Jesus responded in Mark 7:20-23:
 "It is what comes out of a person that defiles.
 For it is FROM WITHIN, FROM THE HUMAN HEART.
 that EVIL INTENTIONS come:
 fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit,
 licentiousness, envy, slander, pride folly.
 All these evil things COME FROM WITHIN, and they defile a person.

III. It is typical of human beings to emphasize GOOD external words and deeds.
 a. A big topic for everyone is politics, the election of the new president of the United States.
 b. Another big topic is sports: baseball, football, track, hockey, tennis, soccer, etc.
 c. Another big topic is the movies.
 d. Another big topic is new novels.
 e. Another big topic is all types of digital materials: iPhones, iPads, Verizon, Dell, etc.
 f. All these and many other external things are interesting and seize the imagination of many people, but God's people MUST get above and beyond all these external activities, and focus on the HEART.

Share YOUR experiences and surprises and dreams and beliefs and reversals with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis
John Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-14341462285726369022015-08-10T15:28:00.001-07:002015-08-10T15:28:22.640-07:00Personal Experience of Sin and Forgiveness--Psalm 32Psalm 32 is brief, but powerful. Several specific ideas suggest that this psalms is a Wisdom Psalm.
 1. "Happy" in verses 1-2 is characteristic of Wisdom :iterature--see for example, Proverbs 3:13; 8:34; 20:7.
 2. The admonition in verse 6 is common in Wisdom Literature.
 3. The composer of Psalm 32 says he will "instruct" and "teach" his audience is verses 8-9. This tone is clearly that of a wise person teaching a class.
 4. The contrast between the righteous and the wicked in verses 10-11 is common in Wisdom Literature.

The Psalmist's approach is compelling an persuasive. It falls into three natural parts.

I. The composer begins by giving the conclusion, the point, he wishes to emphasize. Psalm 32:1-2.
 a. The poet wants to persuade his audience that Yahweh's forgiveness of human sins makes the sinner happy.
 b. Here the psalmist uses the THREE terms for sin in the Bible: transgression (verses 1, 5); sin (verses 1, 3, 5 [2x]), iniquity (verses 2, 5). It would be a mistake to try to sharply distinguish between these three terms. They are simply synonyms; they mean essentially the same thing.
 c. The psalmist uses THREE terms for Yahweh's forgiveness: Yahweh "forgave" his transgression (verse 1) and the guilt of his sin (verse 5); Yahweh "covered" his sin so that no one would ever see it (verse 1); Yahweh "did not impute" his iniquity on him (verse 2).
 d. The point in verses 1-2 is that Yahweh does not hold it against the sinner his sin as a large debt which he owed him.

II. The composer gives his own testimony about his experience with sin. Psalm 32:3-5.
 a. The psalmist confesses that when he first committed his sin, he tried to hide it, to pretend that it had never occurred, as if he had done nothing wrong. But the harder he tried, the more miserable he became. The human conscience will not allow a person to hide his sin ultimately. Yahweh's hand is heavy on the human heart when we sin. It is miserable every day to try to hide our sins. 32:3-4.
 b. After many struggling days, the psalmist finally came before Yahweh and confessed his sin. And when that happened, Yahweh graciously forgave him of his sin. 32:5.

III. Having shared his own experience, the psalmist urges his fellow-worshippers to follow his example. Psalm 32:6-11.
 a. Sin is so powerful that it feels like "mighty waters" overwhelm and drown the sinner. So the psalmist urges his comrades to offer prayer to Yahweh in confession of their sins. 32:6.
 b. The only protection from sin is Yahweh. He alone is the sinner's "hiding place." It is futile to try to hide oneself. Yahweh has the power of "surrounding" and protecting all who come to him in trust. 32:7.
 c. As a loving, faithful teacher, the psalmist declares he will instruct and teach his audience. The instruction is: "Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle." All human beings want to be independent, to do their own thing. This never works. The psalmist urges all of us to quit rebelling against God in pride, and turn to God in trust and seek his forgiveness. 32:8-9.
 d. The psalmist reminds his audience that the torments of the wicked are many. If one digs in and becomes hard-hearted, his heart and life are doomed. Only Yahweh's steadfast love "surrounds" everyone. Thus, the message is: trust in Yahweh alone, and you will rejoice in his deliverance. 32:10-11.

Share YOUR experiences and questions and confessions and shortcomings and reversals with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-2935856155464270062015-07-29T15:15:00.000-07:002015-07-29T15:15:27.126-07:00The Ant, the Flea, and the FlyIt is interesting that the Bible uses different insects to declare God's message. Three of these insects are the ant, the flea, and the fly. Here are some of the biblical ideas.

I. The Ant is an Example of Industriousness.
 a. Proverbs 6:6-11 is a paragraph emphasizing the sin of laziness.
 Go to the ant, you lazybones;
 consider its ways, and be wise.
 Without having any chief or officer or ruler,
 it prepares its food in summer,
 and gathers its sustenance in harvest.
 How long will you lie there, O lazybones?
 When will you rise from your sleep?
 A little sleep, a little slumber,
 a little folding of the hands to rest,
 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
 and want, like an armed warrior.
 b. Paul was deeply troubled about Christians who would not work. He says in 2 Thessalonians
3:6-13:
 Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
 to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that
 they received from us.
 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, we were not idle when we were with you,
 and we did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it;
 but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you.
 This was not because we did not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate.
 For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work
 should not eat.
 For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work.
 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly
 and to each their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.
 c. True Christians work hard under God's guidance and motivation.

II. The Ant is an Example to show that Small Things are VERY IMPORTANT.
 a. Proverbs 30:24-28 uses FOUR examples of creatures who are small but wise.
 Four things on earth are small,
 yet they are exceedingly wise:
 the ants are a people without strength,
 yet they provide their food in the summer;
 the badgers are a people without power,
 yet they make their homes in the rocks;
 the locusts have no king,
 yet all of them march in rank;
 the lizard can be grasped in the hand,
 yet it is found in kings' palaces.
 b. There are numerous examples of SMALL PEOPLE in the eyes of other human beings, but in the eyes of God they are exceedingly important. Size and wealth and power mean nothing to God. God's concern is the heart.

III. The Flea is an Example of Humility.
 a. Only two texts in the Bible refer to a flea. Both of them have to do with the attitude of David. When Saul was trying to kill David, David repeatedly refused to kill Saul when he was able, and declares that Saul was the Lord's anointed, and that David felt like he was only a single flea.
 b. When David and his men hid in the cave at En-gedi, Saul came into the cave to relieve himself. After he left, David called out to him from a distance, and said in 1 Samuel 24:14:
 Against whom has the king of Israel come out?
 Whom do you pursue?
 A dead dog? A single flea?
 c. The same thought also appears in 1 Samuel 26:20. After David could have killed Saul when Saul was asleep with his soldiers, David went up on a hill and called out to Saul, saying:
 Now therefore, do not let my blood fall to the ground, away from the presence of the Lord;
 for the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea,
 like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.
 d. Ungodly people will often attempt to persecute and destroy people they do not like. When this happens, David is an outstanding example. He pictures himself as very insignificant, like a single flea.

IV. The Fly can be a Plague on Ungodly People.
 a . Several passages in the Bible relate the Fourth Plague that God sent on Pharaoh and the Egyptians when they refused to let the Israelites go out of captivity. Exodus 8:24 gives this description:
 Great swarms of flies came into the house of Pharaoh and into the officials' houses;
 in all of Egypt the land was ruined because of the flies.
 b. Here in West Texas, we are covered with flies, especially in the summer. So we can relate to this situation.
 c. Psalms 78:45; 105:31 allude to this event to emphasize Yahweh's power to punish wicked people.

Share YOUR experiences and thoughts and dreams and setbacks and successes with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

 John Willishttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-13730821981736669212015-07-26T05:31:00.000-07:002015-07-26T05:31:35.240-07:00One can trust in God, because he is our Refuge--Psalm 31One can quickly resonate with the feelings of the author of Psalm 31. He is burdened with many challenging problems. (1) He is very sick--verses 9-10. (2) He feels that God is punishing him because he has committed some terrible sins--verses 10, 22. (3) He has strong enemies who are plotting schemes against him and are trying to figure out how to put him to death--verses 4, 11, 13, 15, 17-18, 20, 21, 23. (4) His neighbors and close relatives avoid him because they are convinced his hardships are the result of God's punishment for his sins--verse 11. Psalm 31 falls into three parts.

I. The psalmist trusts in God to deliver him from his afflictions as God had done in the past--Psalm 31:1-8.
 a. 31:1-3 is almost verbatim with Psalm 71:1-3. It also contains thoughts similar to Psalm 18:1-2. The psalmist implores Yahweh to rescue him from his distresses. He seeks refuge in God. He asks God to deliver him. He beseeches Yahweh to incline his ear to him, rescue him quickly, be a rock of refuge and a strong fortress for him, lead him, and guide him. 31:1-3.
 b. The psalmist praises Yahweh for his righteousness, and because Yahweh is the psalmist's rock and fortress. 31:1, 3. Many biblical texts call Yahweh "ROCK"--cf. Deuteronomy 32:4, 15, 18, 30-31, 37; 1 Samuel 2:2; Psalm 18:2, 31, 46; and often.
 c. The speaker asks God to take him out of the net. He praises God for being his refuge, and because he had redeemed him in the past. Thus he proclaims: "Into your hand I commit my spirit." Jesus quoted this line on the crucifixion (Luke 23:46). 31:4-5.
 d. The psalmist gives God THREE REASONS why he should answer his pleas.
 1. The psalmist's enemies are worshippers of idols--v. 6.
 2. God had delivered him in the past--vv. 5, 7-8,
 3. The psalmist commits God's care into his hands and totally trusts in him--vv. 1-7. 31:6-8.

II. The psalmist portrays a detailed description of his troubles--Psalm 31:9-18.
 a. First, the psalmist explains that he has been very ill for a long time. His whole body wastes away with grief. His life is spent with sorrow and sighing. His strength fails and his bones waste away. His whole life--physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually--is tormented with sickness. 31:9-10.
 b. Second, his close relatives and neighbors avoid him and scoff at him because of his terrible condition. Almost completely separated from all his acquaintances, he feels like he is dead, he is like a broken vessel. 31:11-12.
 c. Third, wicked enemies are devising conniving plans to destroy the psalmist.
 1. The poet is surrounded by his enemies, they terrify him, they whisper evil things about him, but do not speak to him face to face; they get together and scheme against him, they plot to take his life. 31:13.
 2. The psalmist's enemies are liars, they speak insolently against the righteous, they are filled with pride, arrogance, and contempt. 31:18.
 3. In the face of these enemies and their wicked plans, the psalmist still trusts in God. He knows that Yahweh holds his times in his hand. Thus, he beseeches Yahweh to deliver him from his enemies and persecutors. He rests his life on Yahweh's steadfast love to save him from his enemies. He implores Yahweh to put the wicked to shame and bring them down into Sheol, the grave. 31:14-17.

III. The poet exhorts his fellow worshippers to trust in Yahweh. Psalm 31:19-24.
 a. Yahweh has answered the psalmist's prayers. Now the poet praise Yahweh for all he has done for him. First, he praises Yahweh for "laying up" or "storing" his goodness to bring forth in behalf of the faithful. The psalmist has taken refuge in Yahweh, and now Yahweh showers him with his goodness. 31:19.
 b. Second, the psalmist declares that Yahweh has "sheltered" him from his enemies who had devised evil plots and spoken against him with contentious tongues. 31:20.
 c. Third, the poet felt that he had been like a city under siege against enemies, and that his enemies had driven him far from God's sight. And yet, Yahweh manifested his steadfast love when he cried out to him for help. 31:21-22.
 d. Finally, the psalmist turns directly to "all his faithful saints" in his community, encouraging them to be strong and take courage in the power of Yahweh, especially when their enemies act haughtily and seek to demean and destroy them. 31:23-24.

Share YOUR experiences and surprises and reversals and intentions and fears with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis John Willishttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-83361974584807057302015-07-24T09:57:00.000-07:002015-07-24T09:57:05.197-07:00Majoring in Minors--VIIIThroughout history, God's people have focused on specific issues and lost the big picture of God's work in the world and God's plan for human beings. Here are only a few reminders of this spiritual myopia.

1. Baptism.
 a. When I first became a Christian at the age of 14, the preacher emphasized the necessity of being baptized by immersion for the forgiveness of sins. He stressed the importance of Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-4. It is true that God wants all people to be baptized by immersion for the remission of sins. But there is much more to Christian living than being baptized.
 b. 1 Corinthians 1:14-17 troubles many Christian people. Here Paul said:
 "I thank God that I baptized non of you except Crispus and Gaius,
 so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name.
 (I did baptized also the household of Stephanas;
 beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)
 For Christ did not sent me to baptize
 BUT TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL,
 and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power."
 c. Obviously, many early Christians focused on their baptism rather than focusing on the cross of Christ. It is very easy for each one of us to turn in on ourselves rather than keep our hearts and minds on Christ--his incarnation, his life, his death, his burial, his resurrection, and his continuing work in the lives of human beings throughout eternity.

2. Conversion from sin.
 a. When a person was not raised in a Christian family and in time realized that he or she was a sinner, that person need to be converted from sin to God. Texts like 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10;
1 Timothy 1:12-17; and related passages show the importance of conversion from sin. At the same time, Christian living is much more than being converted.
 b. Most of life has to do with being formed in the image of Christ, which takes a lifetime to occur. Paul writes to Christians who were already converted from sin to God in Galatians 4:19: "My little children, for whom I am again in the pain of childbirth UNTIL CHRIST IS FORMED IN YOU." Roman 12:1-2 contains the same thought: "DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MINDS."
 c. The history of the Church of Christ denomonation has been plagued by denying what they have called "social religion." As a result of this, numerous Church of Christ churches have denounced the importance of working to help needy people. They have refused to help needy people UNLESS they listen to their message and be baptized by immersion for the remission of sins. It is clear that Jesus would NEVER entertain such an idea. God through Jesus Christ is PRIMARILY concerned with the needs of people. The ONLY TASK of God's people on earth is to try to help and support and encourage people in distress, in hardship, in severe disease, in setbacks, in needs of all kind.

3. The Lord's Supper.
 a. Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper shortly before he was arrested and crucified. He told God's people to commemorate this until he returns in his Second Coming. So keeping the Lord's Supper, the Eucharist, is very important. See Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:14-23; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. At the same time, observing the Lord's Supper is ONLY a small aspect of Christian living.
 b. One can partake of the Lord's Supper physically without having a true heart. How does a person live during the week? How does one treat a "foreigner," a "rejected individual," like the so-called "Good Samaritan." The Jews denounced Samaritans. They were not acceptable to them. Luke
10:25-37.
 c. One can USE the Lord's Supper to condemn others. A classic example of this is John Calvin. He opposed the understanding of a fellow-Christian named Servetus, and Calvin was so powerful at that time in Geneva, he had Servetus executed because of his understanding of the Lord's Supper. It is very difficult for me to accept the idea of DEBATING over the Lord's Supper. What an oxymoron!!!

Share YOUR concepts and reversals and insights and fears and experiences with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis
 John Willishttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-45281909212363705162015-07-23T06:03:00.000-07:002015-07-23T06:03:02.345-07:00God Changes Mourning into Dancing--Psalm 30The poet of Psalm 30 is confronted with enemies who attempt to destroy him (verse 1) and with a threatening disease (verses 2, 9). He prays to Yahweh to deliver him from his afflictions, and God rescues him. When this happens, the psalmist goes to an assembly of God's people and summons them to praise God for what he had done for him (verse 4). He is full of thanksgiving for God's gracious intervention. Psalm 30 naturally falls into four small paragraphs.

I. The composer extols Yahweh for delivering him. Psalm 30:1-3.
 a. At the very beginning, the speaker addresses Yahweh as "O Lord" and as "O Lord my God." Because of his enemies and his severe disease, the psalmist felt that he was drowning. But God the great spiritual SAFEGUARD "drew the poet up" from drowning and "brought up his soul [him] from Sheol," the grave, the Pit. What a graphic picture of God saving people in danger! 30:1, 3.
 b. When the psalmist was in deep trouble, he did not seek help from other people. Instead, he "cried to the Lord for help." Yahweh is a very dependable resource when we are in great distress. It is always best to turn to God for help and deliverance. 30:2.

II. The poet encourages his fellow worshippers to praise Yahweh. Psalm 30:4-5.
 a. After addressing Yahweh directly, the writer turn to his fellow worshippers, Yahweh's "faithful ones." While we depend on Yahweh, it is always helpful to turn to reliable faithful followers of God to support and encourage us. The psalmist admonishes his fellow worshippers to praise and thank Yahweh for what he has already done for him. 30:4.
 b. Like all people, the psalmist committed sins, and Yahweh punished him demonstrated by his anger. But God's anger is "but for a moment," while God's steadfast love is "for a lifetime." A loving parent chastises his or her son or daughter in order to refine that person's heart and life. Hence, weeping is often necessary for a brief period of time, but in time joy comes in the morning. 30:5.

III. The psalmist gives a brief testimony of his own experience with God. Psalm 30:6-10.
 a. The psalmist explains that for a long time in his life, he experienced great prosperity under God's guidance. At that time, he concluded, "I shall never be moved." Because of God's favor, God had established him as "a strong mountain." It appeared that he was invincible. 30:6-7b.
 b. But because of his pride and attendant sins, the psalmist sinned, and thus God hid his face and the psalmist was dismayed. In this dark period of his life, the psalmist besought Yahweh, reasoning that there would be no profit in his death. So he prays fervently that God will be gracious to him and help him through this difficult situation. 30:7c-10.

IV. The poet praises Yahweh for delivering him from his troubles. Psalm 30:11-12.
 a. When Yahweh rescued him from his afflictions, the psalmist addresses Yahweh directly:
 "You have turned my mourning into dancing;
 you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy." God is so powerful that he can change hearts and lives from bad to good. Often, people go through challenging setbacks, and miraculously and surprisingly God intervenes and gets us through. 30:11.
 b. Because Yahweh has been so gracious, the psalmist concludes by praising him for what he has done and to give him thanks for all his great works. 30:12.
This psalm is a great encouragement for everyone who encounters reversals, serious problems of all kinds, losses, fears, and setbacks.

Share YOUR inclinations and concerns and beliefs and insights and responses with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-78253321178360779822015-07-21T06:14:00.001-07:002015-07-21T06:14:58.047-07:00Majoring in Minors--VIIAll human beings have the capacity of deceiving others. When Samuel assumed the next king of Israel is the oldest son of Jesse, Eliab, God essentially told Samuel that he was deceived. He said: "Do not look on his [Eliab's] appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; THEY LOOK ON THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE, BUT THE LORD LOOK ON THE HEART." 1 Samuel 16:7.

The composer of Psalm 55 struggled with close friends who attempted to deceive him. For example, in verses 20-21 he explains:
 My companion laid hands on a friend
 and violated a covenant with me;
 with speech smoother than butter,
 but with a heart set on war;
 with words that were softer than oil,
 but in fact were drawn swords.

Like most people, I have had close friends who took the opportunity of stabbing me in the back to get what they desired to gain and to attempt to hurt or demean me. Other people may TRUST such people, but SORRY, I cannot. When people lie through their teeth, they are obviously untrustworthy. One striking example of this is when Joab "took Abner aside in the gateway to speak with him privately, and there he stabbed him in stomach. So he died for shedding the blood of Asahel."
2 Samuel 3:27. Another striking example is when Judas Iscariot came to Jesus and kissed him to indicate to the Roman soldiers who Jesus was so he would be crucified. Matthew 26:48-50; Mark 14:44-46; Luke 22:47-48. No true Christian should be surprised that a "trusted friend" might betray him or her for his own gain and to demean or hurt that person.

Most of the Judean people around Jeremiah CLAIMED that they were faithful followers of God, but their hearts and daily lives contradicted their claim. Jeremiah 12:1b-2 contains one of Jeremiah's complaints about this situation:
 Why does the way of the guilty prosper?
 Why do all who are treacherous thrive?
 You plant the, and they take root;
 they grow and bring forth fruit;
 YOU ARE NEAR IN THEIR MOUTHS
 YET FAR FROM THEIR HEARTS.

Paul says to Titus in Titus 1:15-16:
 To the pure all things are pure,
 but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure.
 Their very minds and consciences are corrupted.
 THEY PROFESS TO KNOW GOD,
 BUT THEY DENY THEM BY THEIR ACTIONS.
 They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

In the present culture in the United States, the emphasis is on digital works and expressions of all kinds, impressive buildings, great highways, unrealistic movies, and all types of politics. What God desires is true hearts and pure lives. When this does not happen, history has shown that such a nation, a community, a church, a family, is doomed.

Share YOUR concerns and shortcomings and concepts and fears and hopes with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-18009601422396708952015-06-09T14:06:00.000-07:002015-06-09T14:06:12.764-07:00Yahweh's Storm--Psalm 29Since 1929, Ugaritic texts from the 13th century BCE contain poems which are very similar to Psalm 29. In these Ugaritic texts, Baal, the god of the Canaanites and the Canaanite storm god, sends a storm. Apparently, Psalm 29 is very early. The composer intentionally mimics the picture of a storm by declaring that Yahweh, and not Baal, is the only true God, who is in control of all nature, including thunderstorms. Psalm 29 lays out a vivid picture of a typical thunderstorm in Palestine or Israel. A typical storm began over the Mediterranean Sea, then moved in eastward onto the Lebanon and antiLebanon mountains in the north, which deflects the storm southward to move through the Jordan River Valley into the wilderness of Kadesh in the south, where the storm finally dies out. The storm is usually very strong and leaves much water. Between the introduction and the conclusion, there are three movements of the thunderstorm.

I. Introduction. Psalm 29:1-2.
 a. The psalmist addresses the angelic armies of Yahweh. Literally, verse 1 designates them as "sons of God," and the New Revised Standard Version translates "heavenly beings." It is important to realize that biblically, there are numerous invisible intelligent powerful beings in the heavenly realms. 29:1a.
 b. The composer charges the angelic beings to ascribe to Yahweh what he already has: his glory and his strength. They summons them to worship Yahweh in holy splendor. Yahweh's glory is his magnificence, splendor, grandeur, majesty. Like human beings, angelic beings must constantly worship Yahweh.

II. The Storm is over the Mediterranean Sea. Psalm 29:3-4.
 a. The theme of Psalm 29 is "the voice of God." In this psalm, "the voice of God" is thunder. Verse 3a-b makes this very clear by the synonymous parallelism. As in verses 1-2, in verse 3 the emphasis is still on the "glory" of God. The waters or the mighty waters are clearly the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. 29:3.
 b. Thunder [the voice of Yahweh] is powerful and full of majesty. Anyone who has experienced a thunderstorm knows firsthand the power and majesty of God. 29:4.

III. The Storm is over the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains. Psalm 29:5-6.
 a. Deflected southward by the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountains in North Israel, the wind and thunder of the storm breaks the cedars of Lebanon. The cedars of Lebanon are famous for their texture and strength. Solomon had workers float cedar trees from North Israel to the shore to the west of Jerusalem to bring them to build the first temple. 1 Kings 5:6-12. 29:5.
 b. As lightning flashes all around, viewers imagine the mountains to skip like a calf or a wild ox. Sirion is another name for [Mount] Hermon. Deuteronomy 3:9. 29:6.

IV. The Storm moves through the Jordan River Valley into the Wilderness of Kadesh. Psalm 29:7-9.
 a. Thunder [the voice of Yahweh] is accompanied by lightning, here called "flames of fire." Most people have experienced such thunderstorms. 29:7.
 b. As the thunder roars and the wind blows, Yahweh shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. Again, thunderstorms usually contain very strong wind. 29:8.
 c. As the wind blows, it strips bark from the trees on the mountains and in the wilderness. It twists and uproots mighty oaks when the wind is very strong. In Yahweh's heavenly temple, all the heavenly angelic beings shout again "GLORY." 29:9.

V. A Flood and a Calm after the Storm. Psalm 29:10-11.
 a. Ordinarily after a drenching thunderstorm, two things happens. First, water surrounds everything. It is like a flood. The "flood" in verse 10 is not Noah's flood, but the flood deposited after the thunderstorm. Most people have experienced this type of God's magnificence. 29:10.
 b. Second, the loud thunder, lightning flashes, and powerful wind subside, and people experience a striking silence or calmness or peace. This is all very refreshing. Thus, the psalmist concludes by declaring: May Yahweh give strength to his people just as he has demonstrated his strength in this thunderstorm (see verse 1); May Yahweh bless his people with peace just as he produced peace or calmness after the thunderstorm. 29:11.

For approximately six weeks, Abilene and all West Texas rejoiced many thunderstorms, and brought water to a much higher level than it has been for a long time. We know firsthand of Yahweh's power in thunder, lightning, wind, and thunderstorm. It would be difficult to find a more vivid picture of a thunderstorm than in Psalm 29.

Share YOUR experiences and thoughts and questions and failures and doubts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-40175562293830622015-05-29T06:43:00.001-07:002015-05-29T06:43:34.793-07:00Majoring in Minors--VIThroughout human history, human beings have always been fascinated and engrossed with building GREAT buildings. Only a few examples in the Bible should be sufficient, but there are many.

1. The Tower of Babel--Genesis 11:1-9. After God initially created human beings on planet earth, people first spoke only one language, and in time the population grew greatly. At Babel in the ancient Near East, the people met together and decided in unison: "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and LET US MAKE A NAME FOR OURSELVES, otherwise we will be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." Genesis 11:4. God intervened and came down and scattered human beings abroad and forced them to speak different languages. Obviously, he was not pleased with their self-centered attitude rather than lifting their hearts and eyes and hands to God. Have human beings, nations, Christians, churches changed about this over the centuries?

2. David planned and Solomon built a significant temple in Jerusalem--2 Samuel 7; 1 Kings 8. When the temple was completed, Solomon delivered a very important prayer before all the people of God. Among other things he said:
 "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you,
 much less this house that I have built? Regard your servant's prayer and his plea, O Lord my God,
 heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today; that your eyes may be open
 day and night toward this house, the place of which you said, 'My name shall be there," that you
 may heed the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of your servant and
 of your people Israel they they pray toward this place; O HEAR IN HEAVEN YOUR
 DWELLING PLACE; heed and forgive."
 Impressive cathedrals, beautiful church buildings, well-laid out and attractive campuses draw the hearts and lives of all kinds of human beings to certain localities and situations. All of this is nice and compelling, but in the eyes of God, they mean nothing at all unless the hearts and lives of the people involved are engaged.

3. An impressive period in North Israel's history was during the reign of Jeroboam II, who expanded all Israel from Lebo-hamath in the north far beyond Dan to the Sea of the Arabah in the south far beyond Beer-sheba, which was the only time in Israel's history that this happened except in the time of Solomon. 2 Kings 14:23-29; 1 Kings 4:21, 24. During Jeroboam II's reign, the richer became richer and the poor became poorer. The rich built beautiful homes with beautiful furniture. This was very impressive. Some even had houses and beds of ivory. But God through Amos strongly condemned these people for their wealth and their injustice toward the poor. Several texts in Amos announce that all these houses will fall--Amos 3:15; 5:11; 6:1-7, 11.

4. In spite of all this, we still emphasize the importance of building new buildings. We feel this is necessary. But should God's people place emphasis on building buildings? If we set our minds and hearts on the things above and not on the things on the earth (Colossians 3:2), hopefully we will begin to emphasize the great truths taught and emphasized in the Bible. God alone is our leader and king. Let us follow him.

May God bless YOU in your hearts, your lives, your aspirations, your pursuits.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-77288088741909320772015-02-28T13:26:00.001-08:002015-02-28T13:26:49.320-08:00God's Protection from Enemies--Psalm 28The composer of Psalm 28 beseeches Yahweh to protect him from dangerous, malicious enemies. All godly people encounter evil people who attempt to destroy their reputation, their character, their very lives. The prayer in Psalm 28 is very helpful for godly people. This psalm naturally falls into three parts:

I. The worshipper implores Yahweh to answer his cry. Psalm 28:1-2.
 a. The psalmist begins abruptly, "I call to YOU," O Lord. He calls Yahweh "MY ROCK," a very common term for Yahweh's protection and support. See e. g., Deuteronomy 32:4, 15, 18; Psalms 18:2, 31; 144:2; 1 Samuel 2:2. The poet beseeches Yahweh not to "refuse to hear" him and his cry. He says that if Yahweh is "silent" by not responding to his prayer, he will go down to the Pit, to Sheol, the grave. 28:1.
 b. The psalmist repeats his desperate cry, and states that he needs Yahweh's "help." Using the common practice of prayer, the psalmist "lifts up his hands" to seek Yahweh's response at the sanctuary, the Jerusalem temple. On this important practice in prayer, see e. g., Psalm 141:2; Lamentations 3:41; 1 Timothy 2:8.

II. The worshipper asks Yahweh to repay his enemies according to their wicked deeds. Psalm 28:3-5.
 a. God often assures his faithful people that he will punish the wicked. Exodus 34:6-7; Romans 2:1-11. First the psalmist describes the practices of the wicked. They are workers of evil. They speak peace with their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts. Wicked people normally use gentle, smooth speech to deceive innocent people in order to harm them in any way possible. A great example of this practice is in Psalm 55:20-21:
 My companion laid hands on a friend
 and violated a covenant with me
 with SPEECH SMOOTHER THAN BUTTER,
 but with a HEART SET ON WAR;
 with WORDS that were SOFTER THAN OIL,
 but IN FACT WERE DRAWN SWORDS.
It is so unfortunately that many WOULD BE CHRISTIANS speak one way and live another. Psalm 28:3 deals with the very same problem:
 They SPEAK PEACE with their neighbors,
 while MISCHIEF is in their HEARTS. 28:3.
 b. Accordingly, the poet implores Yahweh to repay the wicked according to their work, their evil deeds. God in his own way doles out retribution on the wicked. 28:4-5.

III. The worshipper rejoices that Yahweh answers his prayers. Psalm 28:6-9.
 a. Apparently, since the psalmist uttered his prayer in verses 1-5, Yahweh has somehow answered his pleas. Thus he praises Yahweh that he is his STRENGTH and SHIELD. The word "shield" is a common metaphor in the Bible symbolizing protection. Thus, the poet "trusts in" Yahweh. Naturally he "gives thanks to" him. Unfortunately, we often fail to stop and thank Yahweh for all the ways he blesses us in so many ways. 28:6-7.
 b. The psalmist repeats in verse 7 that Yahweh is his STRENGTH, and then declares that Yahweh is his REFUGE, another common term for protection. Yahweh blesses not only the psalmist, but Yahweh's people and Yahweh's "anointed one," the earthly king. 28:8.
 c. The composer concludes by asking Yahweh to help his people in FOUR ways:
 1. Save your people.
 2. Bless your heritage, your people.
 3. Be their shepherd. The Bible often compares God with a shepherd, and we are the sheep. See e. g., Psalms 95:7; 100:3.
 4. Carry his people forever. Like a shepherd often carries his sheep in his arms, Yahweh carries his people when they are weary, lame, or lost. For this picture, see Isaiah 40:11.

Share YOUR insights and thoughts and experiences and problems and hardships with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

John Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-83932057245912597122015-01-31T14:39:00.002-08:002015-01-31T14:39:43.780-08:00Majoring in Minors--VJesus spent much time dealing with would-be religious people majoring in minors. One great text that emphasizes this truth is Matthew 23. Here we focus on Matthew 23:23-28:
 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
 For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglect the weightier matters of the law:
 justice and mercy and faith.
 It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others.
 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!
 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
 For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate,
 but on the inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.
 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean.
 Woe to you, scribes, and Pharisees, hypocrites!
 For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful,
 but on the inside they are fully of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth.
 So you also on the outside look righteous to others,
 but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

I. It is clear that God is concerned about the heart, and not about external religious acts or practices. If we can ever examine and change our hearts, we will naturally serve God in our singing, preaching, deeds, and everything else.

II. The louder a religious person shouts, the clearer it is that that person has a very deep person which he or she is trying to hide. There are many stories about this hypocrisy. Religious people often seek attention and praise and approval. This attitude is radically opposed to God's will. Greed and self- interest and self-indulgence drive many people.

III. A major concern for many people and many churches is the way they look to other people. We all want to appear to be righteous. If anyone has to PROVE that he or she is righteous, that person is self- centered and needs lengthy counseling and deep repentance.

IV. The true focus of true godly people is on God, not on oneself, not on the church, not on the nation, not on anything or anyone else, but on God. Paul strongly declares in Colossians 3:1-3:

 "So if you have been raise with Christ, seek the things that are above,
 where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,
 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Share YOUR temptations and feelings and successes and failure and doubts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis
John Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-60057495178812542352014-12-30T15:50:00.000-08:002014-12-30T15:50:47.557-08:00The Lord is the Antidote of Fear--Psalm 27The superscription of Psalm 27 says only: "Of [To, For] David," and thus gives no information about the situation lying behind this psalm. The psalm itself makes clear that the psalmist is faced with malicious enemies who utter slanders against him and bear false witness against him. Worse than this, his father and mother have abandoned him either because they believe his enemies' slander and false witness or they are unwilling to stand against people who seem to have power and influence in the community. In spite of all this, the psalmist boldly remains confident in Yahweh and rejoices in this. Psalm 27 falls into two parts. In the first section, the psalmist speaks ABOUT Yahweh in the third person; in the second section, he addresses Yahweh directly in the second person.

I. The poet is confident in Yahweh. Psalm 27:1-6.
 a. The composer begins by declaring that Yahweh is his light, his salvation, and the stronghold of his life. Thus, he is not afraid of any people or situations which confront him. This thought recalls Psalm 118:6, which the author of Hebrews quotes in Hebrews 13:6 and applies to Christians experiencing similar circumstances. 27:1.
 b. The poet continues, saying that when his enemies attack him to devour his flesh, they will stumble and fall. "Devour the flesh" is apparently an idiom meaning "utter slanders against another person," as indicated by Daniel 3:8; 6:24. 27:2.
 c. The speaker's enemies are like an army encamped against him to go to war against him, but he is not afraid because Yahweh is faithfully with him. 27:3.
 d. The psalmist's one desire in life is to live in the house of the Lord throughout his life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. The beauty of the Lord in this context may refer to the ark of the covenant, and to inquire of the Lord probably means that the worshipper used the Urim and the Thummim of the ephod, which apparently were stones or pieces of wood cast as lots to determine whether the answer of the Lord to a particular question was Yes or No, as suggested by texts like 1 Samuel 14:41-42; 23:9-12; 28:6, or that he asked a prophet to reveal Yahweh's will or that he used dreams to determine it (see 1 Samuel 28:6; 1 Kings 3:5, 15). 27:4.
 e. The poet is confident that Yahweh will shelter him in the day of trouble, conceal him under the cover of his tent, or set him high on a rock safe from the threat of enemies. 27:5.
 f. Because of this, the psalmist declares that his head is lifted up to stand secure in the presence of Yahweh (see Genesis 40:12; Psalm 3:3) above all his enemies around. Now he will go to the Jerusalem sanctuary and offer sacrifices to Yahweh with shouts of joy. He will sing with his voice and make melody with musical instruments to Yahweh. 27:6.

II. The composer prays confidently that Yahweh will answer his prayer. Psalm 27:7-14.
 a. The psalmist begins by beseeches Yahweh to answer his prayer for help and protection. He implores Yahweh to be gracious to him. He seeks Yahweh's face, his presence, and begs him not to hide his face from him. He addresses Yahweh as "the God of my salvation," and beseeches him not to turn him away in anger or cast him off or forsake him. 27:7-9.
 b. Apparently, the poet's parents have forsaken him for some reason, but he is confident that Yahweh will take him up and support and protect him in this situation. 27:10.
 c. Since his enemies are strong and threatening, the psalmist beseeches Yahweh to teach him Yahweh's way and lead him on a level path. His enemies have brought false witnesses against him, and are breathing out violence. Thus, he implores Yahweh not to give him up to the will of his enemies. 27:11-12.
 d. Finally, the psalmist addresses one of his comrades [in the singular]. He announces that he believes he shall see the goodness of Yahweh, and encourage his comrade to "wait for" [that is, trust in] Yahweh, to be strong and let his heart take courage in light of these present difficult circumstances. 27:13-14.

Share YOUR experiences and fears and encouragements and reversals and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-44699613411222928212014-12-13T15:26:00.000-08:002014-12-13T15:26:09.201-08:00Majoring in Minors--Part 3 continuedOne matter that some people have considered as MAJOR in the Church of Christ Denomination is that it is unscriptural and thus against the will of God for women to participate orally in a church assembly. This has included (1) sharing thoughts on the Lord's Supper, (2) passing the Lord's Supper, (3) leading singing or music; (4) teaching; (5) preaching; (6) serving as a deacon; (7) serving as an elder; (8) leading the assembly in prayer; (9) baptizing another person; (10) giving a testimony. Depending on an individual and a local church, this list may be much longer.

I. This is based on two New Testament texts: 1 Corinthians 14:33-36 and 1 Timothy 2:8-15. Of course, one is free to study numerous scholarly articles and commentaries and Bible Dictionaries and monographs on these two texts. One will discover a wide variety of interpretations. Only one blog will never cover or satisfy every thinker. Here are only a few ideas for consideration.
 a. 1 Corinthians 11:5 clearly states that for Paul it was perfectly fine for a woman to "pray or prophesy" in the church as long as her head is veiled. To prophesy clearly means to preach. Thus, at the Corinthian Church, women lead public prayers and they preached. Is this a contradiction to 1 Corinthians 14:33-36. Is Paul contradicting himself? It is more logical to recognize that the problem Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 14:33-36 has to do with speaking in tongues, NOT with leading prayers or preaching. The problem in 1 Corinthians 12-14 is SITUATIONAL or OCCASIONAL. Paul NEVER dreamed that what he was proclaiming was for all churches at all times in all circumstances.
 b. 1 Timothy 2:8-15 is also SITUATIONAL or OCCASIONAL, not an eternal teaching for all churches in all places in all times. Carefully write a list of the instructions Paul gives in this text.
 1. Men should pray, lifting up holy hands. How many churches insist that men lift up their hands when they pray? On the contrary, many people and churches have declared that such a practice is against God's will--against the Bible. How ironic is such a thought!!! Verse 8
 2. Women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing--note that what follows clearly has in mind wearing too much clothing as a show. Verse 9
 3. Women should not have braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothes. How many people and churches demand that women not have braided hair, wear gold, pearls or expensive clothes? Verse 9
 4. Women should do good works. Paul does not specify what good works involve. This leaves this idea wide open. Verse 10
 5. Women should learn in silence with full submission. Women should not teach or have authority over men. Women are to be silent. Does this mean that a woman cannot engage in a dialogue with a man in church? What is the real issue that Paul is trying to get at? A simple example might be helpful: Was it a sin for Priscilla [a Christian woman] to teach Apollos [a Christian man] to teach the Way of God more accurately? Acts 18:24-26. Verses 11-12
 6. Women will be saved through childbearing. Is Paul saying that if a woman cannot have a child, she cannot be saved? Verses 13-15.
 c. There are several clear texts in the New Testament which show that Jesus, Paul, and composers in the early church taught that women are to preach, teach, and lead God's people. Here are ONLY a few examples.
 1. The four unmarried daughters of Philip who had the gift of prophecy or preaching--Acts 21:8-9.
 2. Peter announces that when the church is established:
 God declares: I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
 and your sons and YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY,
 and your young men shall see visions,
 and your old men shall dream dreams.
 Eve upon my slaves, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN
 in those days I will pour out my spirit;
 and THEY SHALL PROPHESY (Acts 2:17-18).
 3. Paul says in Romans 16:1 that Phoebe [a woman] was a DEACON of the church at Cenchrea.
 4. Paul emphasizes the important role of two women in the church at Philippi: Euodia and Syntyche, worked side by side with Paul in the work of the gospel along with some men as well. Philippians 4:2-3.

II. An equivalent biblical teaching from Jesus Himself is that his followers must WASH ONE ANOTHER'S FEET.
 a. Just before the Jewish religious leaders arrested and crucified Jesus on the cross, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper and during that event, Jesus washed his disciples' feet. Then he said to them: "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord--and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." (John 13:12-15). How many individuals and churches follow Jesus' example and commandment in this text? It is inconsistent to make a major issue about women praying and prophesying in the church and not make a major issue about true Christians washing one another Christian's feet.
 b. 1 Timothy 5:9-10 contains this teaching: "Let a widow be put on the list if she is not less than sixty years old, and has been married only once; she must be well attested for her good works, as one who has brought up children, shown hospitality, WASHED THE SAINTS' FEET, helped the afflicted, and devoted herself to doing good in every way." How many individuals and how many churches insist that they help a widow of that widow has washed the saints' feet? It is inconsistent to make an issue about women participating freely in church assemblies and not make an issue about washing one another's feet.

III. At least five New Testament texts contain the commandment: "Salute or Greet one another with A HOLY KISS--Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26;
1 Peter 5:14.
 a. How many Christian people and churches obey this commandment to salute one another with a holy kiss? They insist that the proper way to greet people is by a hug or a handshake. This is NOT what the Bible teaches. Why do we not follow the Bible on this matter?
 b. It is not consistent to make a MAJOR ISSUE out of the function of women in church assemblies and not make a major issue about the greeting or saluting one another with a holy kiss.

IV. All of this is to say that throughout history, Christian individuals and churches have Majored in Minors. One of these is diminishing the role of women in the church.
 a. The REAL issue is treating all human beings with honor and respect as creature of dignity because every human being on earth is created in the image and likeness of God. Genesis 1:26-27.
 b. It has ALWAYS been common to make mountains out of mole hills, to EXAGGERATE a belief or a concept or an idea and to oppress, mistreat, desecrate, disrespect human beings--whether this be a person of another race, a child, a woman, a blind person, a lame person, etc. The Bible emphasizes this truth consistently throughout all scripture, Old and New Testaments.

Share YOUR ideas and reversals and misgivings and dreams and experiences with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

 4. John Willishttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-12880905116018533842014-12-06T15:40:00.000-08:002014-12-06T15:40:24.468-08:00Standing on the Solid Ground of Integrity--Psalm 26The superscription of Psalm 26 contains on the term: "Of [To, For] David." Thus this superscription gives no clue about the historical situation. The composer of Psalm 26 has been falsely accused by his enemies. He begins by pleading with Yahweh to vindicate him so that he will not be "swept away" with sinners, whose devices are evil and who are full of bribes. This psalmist presents four proofs of his innocence. Naturally, Psalm 26 falls into four tiny segments.

I. The innocence of an examined heart. Psalm 26:1-3.
 a. The psalmist wastes no time to address Yahweh: "Vindicate me." He never tells the hearers or readers the alleged crime of which the poet is supposed to be guilty. 26:1a.
 b. The poet's first proof is that he has walked in his integrity, and trusted in Yahweh without wavering. 26:1b-c.
 c. To make sure that he is not hypocritical, he beseeches Yahweh to "prove," "try," "test" his heart and mind. These three verbs come from the practice of putting a precious metal just taken from the ground in a very hot fire so that the alloys may be sluffed off to retain the pure metal, as silver or gold. The same language appears in Psalm 17:3 and 139:1-6. 26:2.
 d. Then the psalmist declares that he is depending only on Yahweh's steadfast love and faithfulness--a major theme occurring throughout the Psalter. 26:3.

II. The psalmist's second proof is that he does not associate with sinful people. Psalm 26:4-5.
 a. The writer of this psalm describes the wicked using four terms. The wicked are worthless and hypocrites. They pretend that they are godly, when in reality they are very evil. 26:4.
 b. In the next two lines, the poet defines the ungodly as evildoers and wicked. These terms appear often throughout the Psalter. 26:5.

III. The poet's third proof is that he has washed his hands with innocence. Psalm 26:6-7.
 a. The composer affirms that he has performed the ritual acts in the temple prescribed for one accused of his crime. "Washing one's hands" is a symbolic act for innocence. This appears in Deuteronomy 21:6-7; Psalm 73:13; Matthew 27:24. The psalmist declares that he has gone around Yahweh's altar at the temple. He has joined in process with his fellow worshippers (see Psalm 118:27). 26:6.
 b. The author of Psalm 26 sings loudly thanksgiving to Yahweh, and tells the gathered worshippers all of Yahweh's wondrous deeds. 26:7.

IV. Fourth and Finally, the composer professes that he genuinely loves the temple. Psalm 26:8-12.
 a. The psalmist declares that he loves the temple because this is where Yahweh dwells and his glory abides. 26:8.
 b. The poet begs that Yahweh will not sweep him away with sinners, who are full of evil devices and bribes. 26:9-10.
 c. As in verse 1, the psalmist proclaims that he has walked in his integrity. 26:11a.
 d. The psalmist then beseeches Yahweh to redeem him and be gracious to him. To "redeem" means to save a person from the death penalty which his accusers are desiring. 26:11b.
 e. With great conviction, the psalmist concludes by confident feelings: His foot stands on level ground, and he will bless, i. e., praise Yahweh, in the great congregation. 26:12.

Share YOUR intentions and shortcomings and dreams and faults and determinations with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-19730608040914131512014-11-30T08:18:00.000-08:002014-11-30T08:18:15.207-08:00Majoring in Minors--Part 2It is very easy for well-meaning Christian people to focus on a "religious" issue and totally miss the "big picture" of "real life" under God our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus and many other biblical speakers and composers emphasize this same problem, because this is an ongoing human problem. In the previous blog, we discussed two issues: wealth and beauty. Let us continue here.

3. Speech.
 a. In every generation, many individuals develop eloquent speech. In doing this, they move and persuade large audiences. This is great IF the speaker is genuine and if the message is God-centered.
 b. Jesus addresses the public practice of prayer in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:5-8:
 "And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray
 in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others.
 Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward.
 But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is
 in secret;
 and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
 When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do;
 for they think that they will be heard because of their many words.
 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
 c. Proverbs 28:9 contains this warning:
 "When one will not listen to the law,
 even one's prayers are an abomination."
 d. Proverbs 15:8 says:
 "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
 but the prayer of the upright is his delight."
 Similarly, Proverbs 15:29 says:
 "The Lord is far from the wicked,
 but he hears the prayer of the righteous."
 e. Obviously, in God's eyes, what counts in prayer is not eloquent words, but genuine hearts, righteous lifestyle, integrity in daily living. Our emphasis must not be on external eloquent speech, but a godly life and a pure heart.

4. Correctly Performed External Isolated Acts of Religion.
 a. It is well-known that the Church of Christ denomination has emphasized the necessity of baptizing adult people by immersion in order to be saved. Without going into a discussion of this affirmation, two important truths stand out.
 b. First, if a person is baptized by immersion, this is at the very least ONLY a TINY aspect of Christian living. To cite just one example, Paul addressed this very issue in 1 Corinthians 1:14-15:
 "I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that none can say that
 you were baptized in my name."
 Paul emphasizes that what is important in NOT baptism ONLY, but THE WHOLE GOSPEL. He says in verse 17: "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power." Many people in Churches of Christ have been baptized by immersion, and their marriages are in shambles, their lives are corrupt, their ways of life are darkness and not light to a gloomy world.
 c. Second, if anyone carefully studies Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, he finds that Jesus calls his followers to "MAKE DISCIPLES" of all nations. Baptism is ONLY the first step of discipleship. What follows baptism is that one must "TEACH all nations to OBEY EVERYTHING that Jesus has commanded." This calls for a lifetime of commitment in heart and life. To submit oneself to go into water and be immersed is very simple. The challenging aspect is to LEARN and to OBEY God through Jesus Christ.

To be continued

Share YOUR thoughts and shortcomings and reversals and experiences and fears with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

John Willishttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-81975746398984352312014-11-09T15:34:00.000-08:002014-11-09T15:34:35.623-08:00A Psalmist Prays for Yahweh's Forgiveness and Protection--Psalm 25Psalm 25 is an acrostic. Each verse begins with the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet: 'aleph, beth, gimel, daleth, he, etc. The superscription contains only: "Of David." No one knows whether this is inspired or not originally. Two themes run throughout Psalm 25: The psalmist asks Yahweh to forgive him for his sins; the psalmist beseeches Yahweh to protect him from all his troubles. Throughout this poem, the composer speaks of himself in the first person singular, but in the last verse, he beseeches Yahweh to redeem all of Yahweh's people. The path through Psalm 25 falls into four parts.

I. The Psalmist asks Yahweh to teach him his ways. Psalm 25:1-5.
 a. The psalmist begins by imploring Yahweh to keep him from SHAME. He begins by declaring: To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. Then he proclaims: in YOU I trust. Then he asks Yahweh: Do not let me be put to SHAME or let his enemies prevail over him. He asks that Yahweh will not let those who WAIT FOR [i. e., trust in] Yahweh be PUT TO SHAME. In contrast, he prays: Let those who are wantonly treacherous BE ASHAMED. 25:1-3.
 b. Since the psalmist WAITS FOR [. e., trusts in] Yahweh, he beseeches Yahweh to MAKE HIM KNOW Yahweh's ways, TEACH him Yahweh's paths, LEAD him in Yahweh's truth, and TEACH him. What an important prayer for all of God's people in every generation!!! 25:4-5.

II. The Psalmist implores Yahweh to forgive him of all his sins. Psalm 25:6-15.
 a. The psalmist turns to address his sins. He beseeches Yahweh for his MERCY and STEADFAST LOVE. This is Yahweh's nature from the very beginning (see Exodus 34:6-7). Because of Yahweh's STEADFAST LOVE, the poet asks him not to remember the sins of his youth and his transgressions. This is not because the psalmist is good or righteous, but only "for Yahweh's goodness' sake." 25:6-7.
 b. The psalmist extols Yahweh's nature to forgive sinners. Yahweh is GOOD and UPRIGHT. Therefore, he alone INSTRUCTS sinners in the way. Yahweh LEADS the humble in what is right. He TEACHES the humble Yahweh's way. ALL THE PATHS OF YAHWEH are STEADFAST LOVE and FAITHFULNESS for those who keep Yahweh's covenant. 25:8-10.
 c. The psalmist then addresses Yahweh. He admits that his guilt of sins is GREAT. Thus he beseeches Yahweh to PARDON his guilt, not for the goodness of the psalmist, but for Yahweh's name's sake. Then he asks: Who are they that fear Yahweh? Yahweh will TEACH them the way they should choose. He seeks Yahweh's guidance all the way. This brings this bold promise that those who follow Yahweh's forgiveness and guidance will abide in prosperity, their children will possess the land, the friendship of Yahweh will be upon them, and Yahweh makes his covenant known to them. Thus the poet concludes with the resolve: My eyes are always toward Yahweh, because Yahweh will pluck his feet out of the net. 25:11-15.

III. The Psalmist beseeches Yahweh to relieve him from all his troubles. Psalm 25:16-18.
 a. The psalmist begins with the simple request: Turn to me, O Yahweh, and be gracious to me. He admits that he is lonely and afflicted. This poem does not go into detail about WHY the psalmist is lonely and afflicted. Clues in this psalm imply that this is because of the danger of his enemies and the feeling of guilt of his sins. But probably, many other issues reside in his heart. 25:16.
 b. The psalmist continues: Relieve the troubles of MY HEART, and bring me out of my distress. The troubles and distress are unclear. This leaves this psalm open to be applied to our personal lives and feelings of heart. 25:17.
 c. The psalmist concludes: O Yahweh, PLEASE consider my affliction and trouble, and forgive ALL MY SINS. The psalmist is greatly troubled, and seeks Yahweh's presence and help. 25:18.

IV. The Psalmist concludes by beseeching Yahweh to deliver him from all his enemies. Psalm 25:19-22.
 a. The poet reveals the fact that his enemies are very serious and dangerous. His enemies are MANY; they HATE the psalmist with VIOLENT HATRED. Obviously, they are determined to destroy the psalmist. Thus, the poet turns to Yahweh for help. 25:19.
 b. The psalmist TAKES REFUGE IN Yahweh. Accordingly, he beseeches Yahweh to GUARD his life against his enemies, DELIVER him from his dangers, and LET HIM NOT BE PUT TO SHAME--thinking back to verses 1-3. 25:20.
 c. The psalmist WAITS FOR [i. e., trusts in] Yahweh, and thus he prays that his integrity and uprightness might preserve him. 25:21.
 d. Finally, the psalmist thinks of his associates--all of God's people. Thus, he beseeches Yahweh to REDEEM Israel out of all her troubles, like he had besought Yahweh to deliver the psalmist. 25:22.

Share YOUR insights and beliefs and shortcomings and reversals and fears with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-89503529076443086552014-11-01T15:29:00.000-07:002014-11-01T15:29:00.219-07:00Majoring in Minors--Part 1Through the centuries, all churches have been plagued by focusing on matters which are of no significance to God. People always support their views by quoting various texts or explain texts away from what the Bible actually says. The Church of Christ denomination is no exception. In the next few blogs, we will briefly address only some of these issues in which we "major in minors."

I. Wealth.
 a. Like all churches, WEALTH has always played a huge role in the hearts and lives of our churches and institutions. We desire BIG churches. The bigger the church, the better the church. Yes, we explain all this away, using this argument or that argument. But Jesus taught us very clearly that wealth is meaningless in the eyes of God. For example, Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:19-21:
 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your HEART will be also.
 Universities cater to the wealthy. Their real concern is not in focusing on God, learning and following the Bible seriously, and engaging in difficult issues, but in keeping their constituents content and satisfied. Administration, faculty, and staff meetings rarely discuss difficult heart issues of life. The concern is to have bigger and better buildings, a well-kept campus, plenty of entertainment, food, supplies, etc. But where is the serious thinking and praying and living in the lives of all who attend?
 b. Paul teaches in 1 Timothy 6:6-10:
 Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

II. Beauty.
 a. Beauty attracts all people. God is the giver of every beautiful person and thing. But it is very easy for all people to focus on external beauty rather than on the heart. When Yahweh told Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be the next king of Israel, Samuel brought out the sons of Jesse. The oldest son, Eliab, was tall and handsome, a very good looking individual. Samuel immediately said:
 "Surely the Lord's anointed is now before the Lord. But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
 b. A clear example of this principle is the existence of divorces in the United States, and in all the churches. A person often marries another person because that person is handsome or beautiful physically or externally. If one will just take time to learn the heart of that person, many marriages will be averted. God's picture of marriage is Jesus and the church in Ephesians 5:22-33. One must carefully restudy all the aspects of that relationship in this text.

Share YOUR insights and concerns and relationships and shortcomings and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-25280347177036419002014-10-28T15:33:00.000-07:002014-10-28T15:33:01.455-07:00The King of Glory--Psalm 24The superscription over Psalm 24 is very brief: "Of David. A Psalm." Obviously, this give no information about the background or purpose of this poem. Psalms 24 is very brief; it contains only ten verses. It naturally falls into three parts. The fundamental theme is "Yahweh is the King of Glory."

I. Everything in the Universe belongs to Yahweh. Psalm 24:1-2.
 a. The poet begins with the proclamation: "The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world and those who live in it. This psalm assumes [like the rest of the Hebrew Bible] that Yahweh rules not just over the people of Israel but over all the earth, including all nations. 24:1.
 b. The proof that everything belongs to God is that Yahweh founded the universe on the seas, and established it on the rivers. This calls to mind the account of creation in Genesis 1. 24:2.

II. Preparing Hearts for Worship. Psalm 24:3-6.
 a. As pilgrims wind their way from their homes to gather at the Jerusalem temple and worship Yahweh, when they approach the gates or doors of the temple, they ask the official priest: "Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand on his holy place?" The Jerusalem temple was built on Mount Moriah at the Threshing Floor of Araunah (2 Samuel 24:18-25; 2 Chronicles 3:1; cf. Genesis 22:1-18). So, all the worshippers had to walk UP the mountain to get to the temple. 24:3.
 b. The priest responds with THREE comprehensive necessities for all worshippers:
 1. Worshippers must have clean hands and pure hearts. A person's heart lies at the center of all life. Proverbs 4:23 says: "Keep your HEART with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." The hand is the God-given means of carrying out what the heart directs. James 4:8 highlights this truth: "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. CLEANSE YOUR HANDS, you sinners, and PURIFY YOUR HEARTS, you double-minded."
 2. Worshippers must not lift up their souls to what is false. There are many enticements to lure godly people away from focusing on God alone. All such enticements and allurements are false. They lead to nowhere and accomplish nothing. Thus, true followers of God must avoid all such temptations at all cost.
 3. Worshippers must not swear deceitfully. Making promises to God is important and solemn. Each worshipper must choose carefully the decisions he/she makes in life. One must follow true and honest opportunities and guidelines. 24:4.
 c. When worshippers follow these three powerful, simple instructions, they will receive blessing from Yahweh and vindication for God our Father. This is the company of those who seek Yahweh. 24:5-6.

III. Exalting the King of Glory. Psalm 24:7-10.
 a. As companies of pilgrims carry the ark of the covenant as a symbol if Yahweh's presence as king, they beckon the Most Holy Place of the temple: "Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in." A more detailed picture of this approach of worshippers appears in 1 Kings 8:1-13 [note especially verse 11]. 24:7, 9.
 b. Finally, the worshippers reflect on the identity of Yahweh, saying: "Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle," and again: "Who is the King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory." This gives the picture of Yahweh as King as commander of the hosts or armies of Israel as they boldly move forward against any enemies to be victorious under the leadership of their heavenly King and Lord. See the similar picture in Numbers 10:35-36;
1 Samuel 4:3-4. 24:8, 10.

Share YOUR experiences and concepts and reversals and aspirations and dreams with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-5205247811034988852014-10-18T14:50:00.000-07:002014-10-18T14:50:13.994-07:00Elders and Deacons--Part 3The role or function as a deacon is as unclear and ambiguous as is the role of an elder in the church of Jesus Christ as presented in the New Testament. It is not clear at all that Acts 6:1-7 has to do with deacons.

I. The Greek word for "deacon" is "diakonos." Obviously, the English word "deacon" is NOT a translation, but a transliteration. The same is true of the Greek word "baptizo," which is transliterated into English as "baptize." The translation of "baptize" is another matter.
 a. "Diakonos" occurs often in the New Testament, but only very rarely of a person who functions in some capacity in the church. The verb "diakoneo" means "to minister, to serve," cf. Matthew 4:11; 20:28; Acts 19:22; Romans 15:25; and often. Consult a good concordance. The cognate Greek noun "diakonia" means "ministry, ministration, ministering," which also appears often, e. g., Luke 10:40; Acts 11:29; 2 Corinthians 3:7-9; and often. Consult a good concordance. "Diakonos" occurs in many texts which clearly does not mean a designated functionary in a local church--see e. g., Matthew 22:13; John 2:5; 1 Corinthians 3:5; and often. Consult a good concordance.
 b. The ONLY possible understanding of "deacon," therefore, is a person whose capacity in the church is to serve or minister to other people. Where there is a need, there must be a deacon, a servant, a minister.

II. The only text which gives a description of a deacon is 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The qualities described here are almost identical with the qualities of an elder. Two VERY IMPORTANT truths appear in this text.
 a. 1 Timothy 3:11 clearly states that both men and women are to be deacons in the church. The qualities of elders and deacons in 1 Timothy 3 are essentially parallel to the qualities of "widows to be put on the list" in the church in 1 Timothy 5:9-10.
 b. This proves that the quality "be married only once" in 1 Timothy 3:2, 12 cannot be gender specific. This quality has to do with fidelity in marriage whether the individual is a husband or a wife.

III. Romans 16:1 openly declares that Phoebe was a "deacon" in the church at Cenchreae.
 a. Biblically, these texts show that men and women can function as elders or deacons in local churches.
 b. Along the same line, there are numerous texts which emphasize that women are to be preachers in God's Church. Acts 2:17-18 says: "In the last days . . . your sons AND YOUR DAUGHTERS shall prophesy . . . Even upon my slaves, both men AND WOMEN, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy."
 c. Acts 21:9 says that "Philip had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy."
 d. Throughout the Bible, God raised up WOMEN to prophesy, that is, to preach God's word, including Miriam in Exodus 15:20, Deborah in Judges 4:4, Huldah in 2 Kings 22:14-20, etc.

Summarizing: The role of elders and deacons in the church is to serve God and serve others. They are NEVER ABOVE anyone else in the church, but humble servants to honor God, the Creator and SUSTAINER of everyone and all creation.

Share YOUR fears and concerns and thoughts and feelings and beliefs with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-43722803054543761172014-10-17T14:43:00.001-07:002014-10-17T14:43:53.975-07:00The Lord is My Shepherd--Psalm 23Psalm 23 contains only six verses, but is well-known and well-loved throughout the world. The Superscription says only: "A Psalm of David." Obviously, this give no information about the background or setting. The anonymous author had recently been delivered from a severe illness from he almost died (verse 4), and from enemies that sought to kill him (verse 5). Knowing that Yahweh has delivered him from sickness and danger, the psalmist comes to the Jerusalem temple (verse 6) to thank Yahweh for intervening to save him from his troubles. He accomplishes this by using two very common ancient Near Eastern metaphors: (1) a shepherd (vv. 1-4); and (2) a host (vv. 5-6). This little psalms naturally falls into two parts.

1. Yahweh is My Shepherd. Psalm 23:1-4.
 a. Here the poet uses the metaphor of Yahweh as shepherd to emphasize his appreciation and gratitude for Yahweh providing all his needs and dealing with all his problems. It is possible that the composer is a king because he refers to Yahweh as "shepherd," and a king is frequently called a "shepherd" of his people in the ancient Near East. In Israel, the ideal earthly king would willingly subject himself to the rule of Yahweh, the real king. The verb "anoint" in verse 5 may suggest he is a king because the normal way of making an Israelite king is that a prophet anointed the chosen person to be the next prince or king of Israel. 23:1.
 b. The statement "he [Yahweh] makes me lie down in green pastures" communicates the idea that when a sheep is full and satisfied, he or she will lie down to rest and sleep. God's people are like "sheep" (see Psalms 95:7; 100:3), and Yahweh is like a tender, loving "shepherd," who guides his sheep into lush, green pastures so they will have plenty to graze and know they are safe. The statement "he [Yahweh] leads me beside still waters" suggests that Yahweh leads his people away from troubled waters to keep them in slow-moving streams. This is a perfect picture of peace. 23:2.
 c. The word "soul" throughout the Bible does not mean a spiritual part of the human body, but rather the whole person. Thus, the expression "he [Yahweh] restores my soul" means "he revives my overwhelmed or dejected spirit when I am down and out" (see Psalm 19:7). In this context, Yahweh has done this by delivering the psalmist from his illness and his enemies. The psalmist continues: "Yahweh leads me in right paths for his name's sake." This is a picture of a spiritual journey. "Right paths" are good and safe paths in the spiritual sense. 23:3.
 d. The psalmist explains that he has walked through the darkest valley. But since Yahweh is WITH him, he will fear no evil. "Evil" here means calamity, affliction, danger, and the like. Study the word "evil" in a good concordance. As a good shepherd, Yahweh carries a "rod" to correct a straying sheep and a "staff" to move a lagging sheep to move forward more quickly. Thus, Yahweh"s rod and staff comfort and strengthen the psalmist. 23:4.

II. Yahweh is My Host. Psalm 23:5-6.
 a. In verses 5-6, the poet introduces a second metaphor, comparing Yahweh with a host. Yahweh prepares a table in the presence of his enemies, Yahweh anoints the guest with oil, and the guest's cup overflows. Yahweh is the great GIVER of everything. We are all recipients. Let us constantly be thankful for all of Yahweh's gifts and blessings. 23:5.
 b. The "house" where this feast will take place is the Jerusalem temple, "the house of the Lord." Leviticus 7:11-17 states that the sacrificial meal connected with the offering of thanksgiving that the worshipper brings to express his gratitude to Yahweh for what he has done for the worshipper. It was a common courtesy to anoint the guest with oil (Luke 7:36-50, especially Luke 7:46) and to give him a full cup of wine with his mean (Genesis 14:18; 27:25; 1 Samuel 16:20; 25:18; 2 Samuel 16:1-2). This demonstrates the genuineness of the host's hospitality and the generosity of his character. The poet is astonished at the limitless generosity of Yahweh's love and care throughout his whole life, and he is certain that this will continue all the days of his life. All of this comes from Yahweh's "goodness and mercy." 23:6.

Share YOUR insights and reversals and problems and dreams and aspirations with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-64976257761624696482014-10-04T15:05:00.000-07:002014-10-04T15:05:09.262-07:00Elders and Deacons--Part IIOut of the six terms for elders in the Bible itself: 1. Elder; 2. Presbyter; 3. Overseer; 4. Bishop; 5. Shepherd; 6. Pastor, the function or role of an elder is not clear at all. For example, "elder" or "presbyter" might mean an older person physically or an older person spiritually. The Bible does not tell anything about this. "Overseer" or "bishop" is not clear at all. This could mean a co-ordinator, a person appointed to do a specific job. The Bible does not make this clear at all. A text like 1 Peter 5:1-4 makes clear that none of these means a dictator or a boss of any kind. The best chance one has to determine the function or role of an elder is the term "shepherd" or "pastor." Great texts in the Bible describe the role of a shepherd. The most important texts are Ezekiel 34 and John 10. Anyone can study these great texts. One will find that the role of a shepherd is:

1. To lay down one's life for the sheep. John 10:11, 15, 17.
2. To lead the flock into green pastures and beside calm waters. Psalm 23; John 10:3-4.
3. To strengthen the weak. Ezekiel 34:4, 16.
4. To heal the sick. Ezekiel 34:4.
5. To bind up the injured. Ezekiel 34:4, 16.
6. To bring back the strayed. Ezekiel 34:4, 16.
7. To seek the lost. Ezekiel 34:4, 16.
8. To feed the flock with justice. Ezekiel 34:16.
9. To destroy the fat and the strong.; to overthrow those who rule harshly Ezekiel 34:4, 16.

Peter emphasizes that elders are not to "lord over the flock in your charge, but be examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:3.

It is obvious that biblically, a church or a group of people must not elevate or set apart elders from the rest of the church, leaving the impression that they are more important or more spiritual or better trained or nearer to the heart of God. On the contrary, every good elder will always be in close contact with the flock to be an example for all. The purpose of all elders meetings is to deal with the issues which exist in the church of which they are a part. Their role is not to take the role of God the Father or Jesus Christ our Lord. We are all servants--period.

Share YOUR reversals and issues and concepts and fears and feelings with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-52998384048105179642014-09-29T08:17:00.000-07:002014-09-29T08:17:29.613-07:00God has Forsake me--Psalm 22The setting and ideas of Psalm 22 are very similar to Psalms 6 and 30. The superscription of Psalm 22 is not helpful. It reads: "To the leader: according to the Deer of the Dawn. A Psalm of David." "According to the Deer of the Dawn" seems to be a familiar tune for the singers or praise leader. The superscriptions of the Psalms are later additions. The psalmist of Psalm 22 is confronted with three serious problems: (1) He feels that God has deserted or forsaken him; (2) He is very ill physically; and (3) His enemies have unleashed a malicious attack against him. This psalm naturally falls into two parts.

I. The Poet describes his afflictions, and pleads with Yahweh to deliver him. Psalm 22:1-21a.
 a. The psalmist begins by expressing his deep feeling that God has forsaken him. He desperately needs God's help, and he repeatedly groans over his anguish. He cries to God by day and night, but God does not answer, and the psalmist has no rest. There are times in everyone's life when we share this same type of feelings. 22:1-2.
 b. In his attempt to persuade Yahweh to respond, the poet compares his own situation with Yahweh's faithful responses and help in the past. He praises Yahweh because he is holy and confesses that Yahweh is enthroned as king on the praises of Israel. The ancestors of the psalmist trusted in Yahweh, and Yahweh delivered them. They cried to Yahweh, and Yahweh saved them. They trusted in Yahweh, and Yahweh did not put them to shame. Why doesn't Yahweh respond in the same way with the psalmist? 22:3-5.
 c. Then the poet reflects on his own miserable situation. He feels like he is a "worm and not human." His enemies scorn and despise him. They mock at the psalmist, they make horrible mouths at him, they shake their heads to symbolize he has no hope, they mock him, saying, "Commit your cause to the Lord, let him deliver--let him rescue the one in whom he delights!" These are obvious sarcastic words. When a person is down and out, sometimes other people throw salt into the wounds. 22:6-8.
 d. The psalmist turns back to address God. He reminds God that God is the one who took him from the womb and kept him safe on his mother's breast. The psalmist has been Yahweh's God from his birth. Thus, he pleads that Yahweh will not be far from him, because trouble is near and there is no help but from God. 22:9-11, 19.
 e. The poet then describes his enemies. He compares them with "strong bulls," "ravening and roaring lions," and "vicious dogs" surrounding him to destroy him. 22:12-13, 16, 20-21a.
 f. Finally, the psalmist paints a vivid picture of his physical illness. He declares that he is poured out like water; all his bones are out of joint, one can count all his bones because he is so thin, and people stare and gloat over him. The psalmist says that his heart is like wax and is melted within his breast; he is very depressed. His mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and his tongue clings to the his jaws, he is near death. He is completed dehydrated. His enemies are convinced that he will die at any moment, and so they divide his clothes among themselves after his death, and each person receives different pieces of his clothing by casting lots. 22:14-15, 17-18.

II. The Psalmist praises Yahweh because Yahweh has heard his prayer and has delivered him from death and all his afflictions. Psalm 22:21b-31.
 a. The whole tone between verses 1-21a and verses 21b-31 stand in bold contrast. Apparently, between the first stanza and the second stanza, Yahweh intervened and delivered the psalmist from all his afflictions. It is also possible that a messenger of God [a priest or a prophet or a wise person] delivered an oracle to the psalmist after the psalmist's complaints in verses 1-21a.
 b. The poet praises Yahweh for "rescuing" him from his enemies, "the wild oxen." 22:21b.
 c. The psalmist then resolves to go to his "great congregation" to tell them how Yahweh has delivered him from all his afflictions. The psalmist "tells" of Yahweh's name to his brothers and sisters, "praises" Yahweh in the midst of the congregation. He encourages his brothers and sisters to "fear Yahweh," "praise him," "glorify him," "stand in awe of him." The structure in verse 23 is chiastic: abba. To fear Yahweh is the same as to stand in awe of Yahweh; and to praise Yahweh is the same as to glorify Yahweh. Then, in bold contrast to his complaints in verses 1-21a, the poet declares in verse 24:
 Yahweh did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted,
 he did not hide his face from me,
 but heard when I cried to him.
Often, we have similar experiences. We are very depressed, and suddenly God intervenes and changes our hearts, our situations, our lives, and turns us upside down. 22:22-24.
 d. John Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-36789863987870048802014-09-27T13:43:00.001-07:002014-09-27T13:43:37.233-07:00Elders and Deacons--Part IAs we continue our study of the history of the Church of Christ denomination, the "role" of elders and deacons has paid a MAJOR role. In this and following blogs, I am giving ONLY my own experiences and my own view as I understand the Bible. I will try to make this as clear as I can, and would appreciate responses. Remember, I was baptized at Highland in Abilene, Texas in 1947. I taught 15 years at Lipscomb in Nashville, Tennessee from 1956 to 1971. I became a member at Highland again in 1973, and became an elder at Highland in 1976. Thus, I have been an elder for 38 years. I will strive to make each point clear, first about elders, then about deacons.

I. The Bible gives us ONLY a very few texts, and almost all of them are not very helpful about the work or function of elders or deacons.
 a. The texts for elders are: Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4; 20:17-38; 21:18; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:17-19; Titus 1:5-9; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1-5; 2 John 1; 3 John 1. Almost all of these texts do nothing but allude to elders. In addition, Philippians 1:1 uses the term "overseer" for "elders," again only as an allusion. The ONLY substantive texts are Acts 20:17-38; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9;
1 Peter 5:1-5. All these texts describe the QUALITIES [NOT QUALIFICATIONS] of an elder, and state almost nothing about their function or role in the church. [It is significant that there are several references to Jewish elders in the New Testament as well as the "elders" in the heavenly realm in the Book of Revelation. Those texts are not relevant for this discussion].
 b. The texts for deacons are: Romans 16:1; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Some would like to add Acts 6:1-7, but this is extremely questionable. Again, these texts do not discuss the role or function of deacons in the church.
 c. This brings us to a VERY IMPORTANT point. Church of Christ people have written numerous books and articles about elders and deacons. But the ideas in these books and articles come primarily out of the minds of the writers, not out of the Bible. Most controversies and practices and beliefs in the church [this is true of the Church of Christ denomination and other churches] are not rooted in the Bible, but in the ideas of prominent, influential people in different churches. This is a fact that no one can successfully deny.

II. Most local Churches of Christ think of "elders" as little popes. No one would express this thought, but this is the reality. Ordinarily [not always], Churches of Christ ASSUME that we have a hierarchy. The ordinary RANKS are:
 a. God the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord.
 b. Elders.
 c. Deacons.
 d. Teachers and/or [often PAID] Staff Members.
 e. The ordinary members of the church.
There is a DEEP problem about this view. There is NO FOUNDATION AT ALL for the ASSUMPTION that we have a hierarchy. On the contrary, EACH MEMBER of the Body of Christ is on the SAME STATUS. Each member is alike: a member of the body--Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; etc. Each member has an very important FUNCTION in the body, the church. The eye is NOT more important than the hand; the ear is NOT more important than the foot. It is contrary to God's will to think that some in the church have a more important role than others in the church. Philippians 2:1-4 emphasizes this point, stating:
 "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit,
 but in HUMILITY REGARD OTHERS AS BETTER THAN YOURSELVES.
 Let EACH ONE OF YOU look not to your own interests,
 but to the interests of others."

III. The Bible uses SIX terms to describe ELDERS.
 a. Presbyter. The Greek word "presbuteros" means "older person." In the ancient Near East, including the Hebrew Bible, people of older age were usually respected by younger members of the community, and thus they were called "presbyters" or "elders" or "older people."
 b. Elder. This is the English equivalent of the Greek word for "presbyter."
 c. Bishop. The Greek word "episkopos" means "overseer." In the ancient Near East, including the Hebrew Bible, people who "over saw" or "co-ordinated" or "arranged" or "organized" or "put together" a project of some sort, whether it be a cooperative effort or systematically organizing a city or collecting data for trying to carry out a plan, etc. Over time the word "episkopos" was shortened in English to the word "bishop."
 d. Overseer. This is the English equivalent of the Greek word for "episkopos."
 e. Pastor. The Greek word for "shepherd" [poimen] was translated into Latin as "pastores." From this Latin word came the English word "pastor." Thus, a pastor is a shepherd. For some reason, in English we do not use a word built off of "poimen."
 f. Shepherd. This is the English equivalent of the Greek word for "poimen."
These SIX terms are synonyms. They supply ONLY a TINY bit of information about the function or role of elders. It is incorrect and very divisive to be dogmatic about the role or function of an elder. Our only hope about this is a little common sense.

[To be continued]

Share YOUR insights and thoughts and reversals and fears and experiences with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-11402497.post-62821275000842416472014-09-26T08:05:00.002-07:002014-09-26T08:05:30.532-07:00Yahweh Blesses a Faithful King and Destroys His Enemies--Psalm 21The superscription of Psalm 21 is brief: "To the leader. A Psalm of David." This gives no information for the content of this psalm. Psalm 21 does not allude to a specific event, but rather deals with a general issue facing every king of Israel. On the one hand, the earthly king must TRUST in Yahweh alone. On the other hand, when the king trusts in Yahweh, Yahweh overthrows any of his enemies. Psalm 21 naturally falls into two parts. The composer of this psalm is not the king, because he refers to the king in the third person. He is probably a priest or a prophet or a member of the king's court. Throughout this psalm, the composer consistently addresses Yahweh in the second person singular.

I. The Psalmist praises Yahweh for blessing the earthly king of Israel. Psalm 21:1-7.
 a. The psalmist begins with exuberant voice: "In YOUR [Yahweh's] strength the [earthly] king [of Israel] rejoices, O Lord." The king greatly exults in Yahweh's help. 21:1.
 b. The poet proclaims that Yahweh answers the prayers of the king: rich blessings, a crown of fine gold of his head, life, and length of days "forever and ever." The term "forever" in the Bible occasionally means "endless time," but MOST passages in the Bible have in mind "a long period of time in contrast to a short period of time." An excellent example of the use of "forever" is 1 Samuel 1:22, in which Hannah uttered this prayer:
 "As soon as the child [Samuel] is weaned, I will bring him,
 that he may appear in the presence of the Lord, and remain there FOREVER."
Later, 1 Samuel 1:28 makes clear that "forever" means "as long as he lives." 21:2-4.
 c. The psalmist declares that Yahweh BESTOWS [gives] the king "glory" and "splendor" and "majesty" and "blessings" and "joy." None of this comes from the king, but ONLY from GOD!!! 21:5-6.
 d. The reason for all this is that the king TRUSTS in Yahweh, not in himself, and thus through the STEADFAST LOVE [Hebrew--hesed] of Yahweh the king will not be moved. 21:7.

II. Yahweh will DESTROY and SWALLOW UP his enemies. Psalm 21:8-13.
 a. The composer suddenly turns from talking about the earthly king to talk about his enemies. He assures the king that he will "find out" all his enemies, those who hate him. The verb "find out" means something like "defeat." The king will be like a "fiery furnace" against his enemies, not because of his own power, but because Yahweh will SWALLOW them up in his wrath and fire will consume them. 21:8-9.
 b. The poet continues to assure the king that he will DESTROY the descendants of his enemies. When his enemies PLAN evil and DEVISE mischief against the king, they will not succeed. Instead, the king will put them to flight and aim at their faces with his bows. The king here is like an archer who shoots arrows to defeat his enemies. 21:10-12.
 c. The psalmist concludes by praising Yahweh for his strength and power. 21:13.

Share YOUR concepts and beliefs and reservations and expressions and feelings with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John WillisJohn Willishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com