How effective is your FILTER?

Today’s reading:  2 Thessalonians 2

Paul begins the second chapter of his second letter to the Thessalonian church addressing concerns about false teaching.  Specifically, some teachers of the day were asserting the second coming of Jesus Christ had already taken place.  Further, they claimed this message had come from Paul himself.   The Thessalonian Christfollowers were confused and were worried they had been left behind.

In his usual way, Paul addressed their concerns head on.  He reviewed the known facts around the second coming, helped the Thessalonian Christfollowers realize the account given by the false teachers didn’t line up, and reminded them false teaching is a product of Satan.  Paul spends a good part of 2 Thessalonians 2 describing the Anitchrist, who is coming to earth do the work of Satan.  Based on the timeline laid out in scripture, the Anitchrist must come and assert his influence BEFORE Jesus returns to overtake him and claim victory over evil forever.  I’ll be honest, verses 10-12 are pretty unnerving, especially when you get to verse 11.  God is going to allow people’s hearts to become hardened because they refuse to accept the truth.  Did this make your belly hurt?  It did mine.  Falling into the trap of false teaching has pretty serious consequences.

He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.  So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

Have you ever encountered false teaching?  More importantly, are you positive your interpretation of Biblical passages is accurate?  How can you be confident you aren’t spreading false teaching?  In late 2015 when B.J. and friends launched the idea of biblejournal.net and asked me to be a writer, I had this concern.  I reminded him that I really didn’t have the credentials to be holding myself out as an expert on God’s word – I didn’t go to Bible College, I’m not a Biblical scholar, and I don’t really have a whole lot of experience.  In response to my concern (and the concerns of a few others), B.J. shared the Eastview Preaching/Teaching FILTER for us to use as a guide.  It is pretty straight forward to use – if the interpretation of God’s word doesn’t line up with all of these six tenets, it is likely false.  You need to study a little more and ask God to reveal his message to you more clearly before proceeding.  This guide helped us step into the biblejournal.net authorship journey with confidence.  May I share it with you?  This FILTER is a powerful tool you can use to sniff out false teaching and/or to give you confidence as you share Biblical truths with those around you.

(F) First Importance – Does the teaching affirm the Gospel message as of first importance?  For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 5:3-4).

(I) Inspired Word – Does the teaching underscore the inspiration and authority of scripture? All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

(L) Lordship of Christ – Does the teaching point to the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus? He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent (Colossians 1:15-18).

(T) Triune God – Does the teaching elevate the triune God?  He exists in three equal persons:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, perfectly, submissively, joyfully, and in full unity as One.  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

(E) Essential Unity and Maturity in Christ – Does the teaching support the local church / body of believers?  We are shaped by the Triune God’s unity, the vision He has given us, and the ongoing spiritual growth He desires.  And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13).

(R) Respect for the Bride of Christ – Does the teaching respect the church by protecting her from division, corruption, and cultural seduction? If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).

As Christfollowers, we are called to share Jesus’ salvation message with all the world.  May you find the Eastview Preaching/Teaching FILTER a guide to help you along the way.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Worthy of His Calling

My prior post inquired about being worthy of imitation and also asked “Are we living a life worthy of our calling?” When writing that post I hadn’t read the scripture for today’s post yet (which is 2 Thessalonians 1), and was completely surprised to find the following regarding being worthy of God’s calling:

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, (2 Thessalonians 1:11)

This week my job has “called” me to visit Italy. The countryside, architecture, and historical sites are stunningly beautiful. Even more important than the physical beauty, our hosts are bending over backwards for us; setting aside their work and even their personal schedules to accommodate our every need.

Our hosts have been driving us around, booking our hotels, shifting plans on short notice, being patient with our inability to speak Italian and also teaching us Italian, offering coffee at least every hour and engaging us in work-related conversation (well and lots of talk about food) during three to four hour dinners very late into the night.

Our host just today after lunch offered to take me golfing “right now” and he was dead serious (had to decline that but going to plan for it next time), invited us to dine at his home tonight (hopefully his wife is aware), introduced us to the chef/owner of one of his favorite restaurants, introduced us to the owner of our hotel (along with the owner’s family), and offered to help us find the right school for our kids.

The food here is incredible; the best I’ve ever had. Same with the wine. There is so much.. I’m speechless (and very, very full).

Saying all of this, I can see how easy it can be to get distracted by the pleasures of this world. Food, wine, scenery, friendship, fun… these are all good things, but we all need Jesus, and this week my “work-related” calling includes building relationships, but my eternal calling has nothing to do with food, and everything to do with spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. I feel the pull and empty promises of the worldly things, so I am so thankful for what is not empty: the promises of God, for his holy truth, for being “found” whenever we seek him, for God being my rock, and my true comfort.

For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14)

2nd Thessalonians Introduction

Today I am introducing the second letter to the Thessalonians. This is a letter written to the Thessalonian church about a couple things. First off, this letter is short. It only has three chapters and it’s written to the church to give hope and to teach. There are three parts to this letter. The first part talks about the people of this church thinking that Christ had already come, the second part is an encouragement to stay strong in the persecution, and the third part talks about idleness.

 

PART 1

The Thessalonian church was struggling with something. There were people who were coming into the church and spreading lies. They would speak for Paul by bringing letters that they said Paul had written. The problem is that no one knew he didn’t write those letters. These false writings were basically explaining to the church that Christ had already come and they missed the cut. This was hard to hear because this church was constantly under stress and persecution. Their only hope was that one-day God would return and get them out of this persecution. Paul found out that about these false teachings people were told in his name and had to write this letter. He reminded them that the coming of Christ is a good thing and that the signs would be hard to miss. He spoke on the signs again and encouraged them to stop listening to these false teachings.

 

PART 2

Like I said in the first part, the Thessalonian Church was heavily persecuted. They needed encouragement to keep on this path because it was hard for them to keep choosing to be persecuted for Christ. Paul understood this from his own experience. He also encouraged them by letting them know that the other churches respected their church and that he talks about their church all the time to other people.

 

PART 3

The last part talks about idleness. Basically, since the church was being so heavily persecuted people stopped working. Some thought it was because Christ was going to come back really soon so they didn’t see the point. Paul writes to the church to let them know that idleness is wrong and that they should all be working to earn their keep. He reminds them that when he was visiting, he also had a job and worked to earn his keep so that they didn’t have to support him while he was there.

 

Those three parts explain the short letter to the Thessalonian church. It is a quick book to read but it has so many important points to learn. We can’t wait to dive into this book the next three days with you! Be on the lookout of 2 Thessalonians Chapter 1 tomorrow morning!

3 Stages of Christian Growth (and how to avoid them)

Quenching and grieving the Spirit is the topic today, but first a little context on the role of the Spirit in our growth as followers of Christ.

We learned from Philippians 1:9-11 that there are 5 essentials in Christian growth.  We also learned that what sets this growth in motion is the Christian’s focus on God’s glory.  Lastly, we learned that what aids this growth is the Spirit.  If God’s glory is our focus, the Spirit will be at work in us – helping love abound in us, producing spiritual excellence in us, establishing personal integrity in us, and empowering genuine good works in us – all to God’s glory.

Simply put the Spirit’s work in us is to move us along a path to holiness.  Holiness means separate.  His work is to separate us further and further from sin, from temptation, from a preoccupation with the things of the world and thus closer to God.  This is the sanctifying work of the Spirit.

Today’s reading issues a warning not to retard the work of the Spirit.  (1Thessalonians 5:19)  Today we will cover three things with a quick summary of each: 1.) the three stages of Christian growth, 2.) quenching the Spirit and 3.) stoking the Spirit.

The 3 Stages of Christian Growth:

  1. Babes. Babes in Christ know the name of Jesus.
  2. Young Men. Young men in Christ are strong. They know the Word and use the Word (the truth) to overcome the deceiver.
  3. Fathers. Fathers in Christ know God.

12 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.  13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.  I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.  14 I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father.  I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.  I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.  15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. – 1John 2:12-16

Quenching the Spirit:

1Thessalonians 5:1-11 and 1Thessalonians 5:6-22 give us instruction on Christian living.  In this instruction, there is a warning not to quench the Spirit.  Throughout Scripture, the Spirit is revealed to us as fire.  When a believer quenches the Spirit, the Spirit is grieved. (Isaiah 63:10, Ephesians 4:30)  When the Spirit is grieved it slows the Christian’s growth.  It is as if the Christian says “I’ve got this” to the Spirit by ignoring it and tosses a bucket of water on the fire.

Stoking the Spirit:

Stoking the Spirit is a term to illustrate the opposite of quenching the Spirit.  Here are three simple steps to stoke the Spirit.  The three steps for the recovering Christian:

  1. Read the Bible. (reading the Bible feeds the Spirit.)
  2. Listen to the Spirit. (quiet your life to be able to hear the still small voice and test what you hear against the Word.)
  3. Obey. (Luke 11:28, James 1:25, if there were a fourth step it would be: rinse, repeat.)

Stoking the Spirit is valuing the Spirit.  It is recognizing the Spirit as the source that empowers us to glorify God.  The Christian’s heart seeks God’s Glory, the Spirit sees it through. 

God, we need You.  Fill us with Your Spirit LORD.  May You reign in our hearts and may our eyes be Yours and Yours alone.  Amen.

Living and Loving Each Day

Today’s Reading:  1 Thessalonians 4

I think its amazing how many watches or other devices can count each step you take during the day and give you feedback.  They can even provide you with goals and/or acknowledge your accomplishments.  What if these watches could give you feedback on how you were living your life for Christ?  Wow! If you were given reflections of each step, what did these steps look like? What about when I rise? What are some of the first things I do?  Do I put on God’s Armor? Ephesians 6:10-18 Do I praise God or thank Him for His grace? Ephesians 1:6   Do I submit the day to Him? James 4:7 As I take each step how is my day filled? What are my actions, words, thoughts? How do you end your day? Do I have a thankful, grateful heart?  1 Thessalonians 5:18 Now just think, that is one day. Add a week, a month, a year.  How has God changed your life?  Paul convicts, challenges, and encourages me to make my walk with God progressive and more Christ centered each day.

As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

God provides us with all the instructions we need.  His living word gives us an example of how to live. Think of how Paul instructs timothy in 1 Timothy 4  Now as I sit in Brooklyn with our own Spread Truth Ministries or at home in Bloomington-Normal  it can be easy to allow my earthly desires and cultural influences to flood our minds.  But here or at home I know we need to always read, apply, and pray to do my best to follow and listen. Jeremiah 33:3

Now as we walk through our lives no matter where we are at, I pray that we just live and show the simple act of love. Love on all people daily. Follow God’s instructions to lead.

1 Thessalonians 4:2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

What we do and don’t do every step matters.  I pray that as we walk this journey together each step is closer to God.  It’s not always the number of steps, but what you do in those steps.  Let’s walk together closer to God each day!

Faith and Affliction

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3

“For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.” 1 Thessalonians 3:4-5

 I’m on my way to an electronic free vacation for 8 wonderful days. As I type the cell signal is waning and I’m aware that we’ll be cut off from the world in the Boundary Waters between Minnesota and Canada. We take this trip every year with our children and my parents and it’s always a beautiful time to deepen our relationship and truly be present with one another.  When I read 1 Thessalonians 3 today, I really connected with the Thessalonian people. There were no cell phones or face time for them to connect with Paul to seek counsel or encouragement.  Instead there was simply distance. Silence. As I head up north I’m aware that I’ll have the opportunity to experience that distance and silence in the next week. We’ve had some really difficult life circumstances leading up to this trip. We’ve had those moments of “why us, God” in fact the phrase we’ve heard most often lately is, “you guys just can’t catch a break can you!” But here is, right here from Christ’s apostle Paul: we kept telling you…we were to suffer affliction…and it has come to pass.  Sometimes, I think as Christian’s we have the attitude that we are not meant to suffer since we are His chosen ones. When things get dark in our lives, it’s easy to come undone and focus on the unfairness of it all. But Paul tells us here in verse 5 that it’s our tempter that encourages us to doubt God’s sovereignty in these moments.

This short chapter from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is a powerful reminder to us that our Father is all powerful, all knowing and loves us unconditionally. We can show Him our commitment and obedience to Him by honoring Him and trusting in Him in our darkest times. It’s not an easy task. But just as Paul rejoiced in the good news that Timothy brought, so will our Father rejoice in our unwavering faith. As I sit by the water and breathe in His stillness, I’ll pray for you and your dark hours. I’ll pray for all of you that your endurance in your faith and commitment to Him will stay strong even in the hardest times. I’m grateful to this community for giving me an opportunity to write so that I too may be strengthened by the knowledge that our faith multiplies when we are together and encouraging one another in our Christian journey.

Peace and love to you readers

Living From Abundance

1 Thessalonians 2

Most of us go through life working hard, trying to get ahead.  We all define “getting ahead” differently.  Some strive for money, others look for more time, we even throw family into the mix.  We think that having more of this one thing will give us the life we dream of.  We think it will bring us abundance.  Sadly, it never comes.  In fact, the harder we chase it, the more elusive it becomes.  For example, our toil for more money never reaches abundance.  John D. Rockefeller confirmed it.  When asked, “how much is enough?”  He replied, “just one dollar more.”   The Apostle Paul, however, knew better.   Simply said, Paul worked out of his abundance, not for abundance.

In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul tells us how he works from abundance.  To start, he reminds us of his terrible sufferings and mistreatment.  How can that be abundance?  Obviously, Paul’s definition of abundance did not look like ours.  His definition sounds more like righteousness.  Now before you check out because you are not righteous, consider this.  Paul references the righteousness of Abraham in Romans 4:21.  He says that Abraham was granted it by having “no unbelief to make him waiver concerning the promise of God” and that he was “fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.”  The result was righteousness.  Paul shared in God’s righteousness as well.  This righteousness is exactly what allows him to live abundantly in any situation.

When we are fully convinced, like Abraham and Paul that God is able to do everything he promises, we too will be able to live from abundance.  In fact, Jesus promises it specifically in John 10:10.  Like Paul, when we live in abundance, no adversity, no pain, no suffering or mistreatment will ever discourage or destroys us.

 

Imitators

Today’s reading is 1 Thessalonians 1.

Our small group leader and Bible Journal writer, David LaFrance, is currently leading our group through the “Life As We Know It” booklet published by Spread Truth Ministries. The booklet is an exercise where each person writes about their beginning, obstacles, hope, and future. It’s really neat to hear each person’s story and how their story fits into God’s story. One of the things that stuck out to me in writing my personal story was the impact others have had on my life, especially my family and older mentors in the beginning stage.

A few years ago, I read The Resolution for Men which I really feel is a must read for all men (there is also a version for women). One topic the book discussed was that many of us many come from a background where our parents and family have a generational history of addiction, abuse, shunning God or other bad habits, but it just takes one person to be a “chain breaker” to set future generations on the right path to follow God and his will for our lives. Someone must step up. Paul discusses in 1 Thessalonians 1:6 how the Thessalonians became “imitators.” Who is a “chain breaker” or another mentor who’s impacted you that your should give thanks to God for as Paul does in 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3?

As I reflect on this question, I’m extremely grateful for both of my grandfathers who were “chain breakers.” My grandfather on my mom’s side was one of six kids. His dad left him and his siblings at a young age and to our knowledge they did not attend church growing up. He became one of the kindest, gentlest men I’ve ever known and was an amazing father and husband. He established a foundation in his family rooted in faith and the Word who would attend church not once, but three times per week. As a side note, I’ve always wondered and would like to thank the person who invited him to church or asked him if he had a relationship with Jesus. My grandfather on my Dad’s side had a father who was only really present in the physical form. He was abusive and left my grandfather to work for even his basic needs as a young boy after my great grandmother passed, despite having the financial resources. My grandfather essentially raised himself, obtained his degree, and was a great husband and father who raised my dad and uncle in a Christian household. Of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention my grandmothers who deserve a lot of credit for not only helping them get on the right path, but who were also strong in faith and a spiritual rock for their spouses and my parents growing up. Behind every great man is a great woman.

Because of their choices to be great husbands, fathers, wives, and mothers rooted in a foundation of faith in God, my mom and dad chose to follow their example and do the same for my brother and me. For that, I’m extremely grateful to them and our parents. I pray that my niece and nephews and Shannon and my children will stay close to God and continue this relationship with Jesus in their lives and their kids’ lives impacting generations to come.

Let us only thank those who have helped us, but let us not forget that there will be “imitators” of us which Paul mentions in 1 Thessalonians 1:6. These “imitators” may not only be our family as I have discussed, but also could be neighbors, co-workers, or others we mentor by design or default. We must ask ourselves if we are being a good example in our daily lives, and are we inviting them to have a relationship with Jesus? It will not only impact their lives, but also the lives of their friends and family for generations to come!

“For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere…..” 1 Thessalonians 1:8

Stand firm in your faith

We have the opportunity to hear from Paul again in 1 Thessalonians. As we have been reading along, it amazes me as to how many different audiences, followers and non-believers Paul tried to touch in his preaching and his writings. A few posts ago, I wrote about how meek Paul was in person yet Bold in his writings. We have another chance to see Paul in action. Here, he is on his second missionary journey and faced opposition right away from Jews and Gentiles, yet still managed to teach the young people to stand firm in their faith.

As background, Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia. Thessalonica was a seaport along a trade route between Rome and Asia Minor. A wide variety of religions and cultures existed and the believers were struggling to survive under the pressures of others in the community, including stoning and other forms of torture. These young believers were taught by Paul to be tough, to stand firm in their faith. This introduction does not sound that much different than living in today’s world. People are persecuted for their beliefs and yet they stand firm. We are all standing firm in our faith, living through many different and difficult circumstances.

As we begin to read 1 Thessalonians, we see Paul’s message being one of encouragement, comfort and strength for the church. Paul wants us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He props up his group, reminding them of the second coming of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:23
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

As we read on, Paul left earlier than planned due to the duress of being there. Eventually, he could stand it no long and sent Timothy back to check in and to continue bolstering the believers. While no apostle or leader was present, the believers bonded together and kept their faith. They were one in community of Christ. Paul went on to encourage them to continue their grow in their faith through his letters. He also presented them with something to look forward to in the future: the second coming of Christ.

I look forward to reading these messages as this book already appears to relevant to us every day.

 

 

 

Watchful & Thankful

I’m not sure why, but when I was younger, I was in the (admittedly awesome) habit of praying one verse before I went anywhere or hung out with anyone. Big or small – an event or a trip to the grocery store – I, for some reason, would always remind myself to pray the verse, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer,” beforehand (Psalm 19:4). I can’t help but be reminded of that verse and that habit when I read Colossians 4. Colossians 4:2-6 says,

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

What my junior high heart probably didn’t quite realize when I would pray that verse was that I was asking for God’s help to make Colossians 4:5-6 come true in my life that day. As a follower of Jesus, I deeply desire to make the most out of every opportunity I have in this life and to glorify God with each opportunity. I want to be known as someone who lifts others up in conversation and someone who is known for her gracious words. I might not pray for that as often as I used to or as often as I should, but I so deeply want those things for my life.

Yet, so often, my conversation is NOT full of grace and I let opportunities slip through the cracks. I fall short because I am a broken human being, and I know that I will continue to mess up. You likely know this about yourself, too.

Thank goodness, we serve a God who is infinitely more gracious towards us than we often are to ourselves. Whereas I tend to beat myself up for the ways that I fail, my God sees me through the lens of Jesus and He just asks me to come to Him and ask for help… and Colossians 4:2 tells us how. That verse says, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” That’s it. No “try harder” or “work more” or even a simply “be better” is found in those verses. Just an encouragement to PRAYER. I love that. Prayer truly can allow us to watch for those opportunities and remind us to watch our tongues, and no amount of our striving or our effort can match the power of devoted prayer.

Today, I want to encourage you to start your day with some prayer time and ask God to help you as you go about your day. I’ll be praying Psalm 19:14 over my conversations and interactions today, along with those first few verses of Colossians 4. Perhaps you’ll do the same.