I know this is going to aggravate a few people, but can I just ask a few questions without being painted with a specific brush or by attracting a firestorm of response?
There has been a lot of talk recently in certain evangelical circles on idolatry. I remember talking with someone who had just read Greg Beale’s book, We Become What We Worship. The young man reading the book basically summed it up by saying that the root of our sin is idolatry. I countered that I thought that the root of our sin is our selfishness. It could then be countered that our selfishness is when we elevate our desires above our desire for God, thus we become idols unto ourselves. Or, the things we desire become the idols.
I read Keller’s very helpful book, Counterfeit Gods. I greatly benefited from it. Keller defines an idol as: anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give. A counterfeit god is anything so central and essential to your life that, should you lose it, your life would feel hardly worth living. It is what you spend most of your passion and energy, your emotional and financial resources on without a single thought. “If I have that, then I’ll feel my life has meaning, then I’ll know I have value, then I’ll feel significant and secure.”
I understand that and I even agree with it to an extent. But, I still don’t understand the idolatry language. I’ve been studying Mark 7 and Jesus’ renunciation of what the Pharisees called “The Tradition of the Elders” (Jesus called them the traditions of men). I would imagine that Keller, Beale and others who agree with this kind of thinking would say that the traditions of the elders became the idols of the Pharisees, and those like it. This takes me back to my original question, why call it idolatry. Jesus doesn’t call it idolatry. In fact, as far as I can tell, the terms idol, idols or idolatry are not found in the words of Jesus or the gospels themselves. In fact, when idols or idolatry is used in the New Testament, overwhelmingly it is referring to literal pagan idol worship. There is one place in Col. 3.5 that does use idolatry as way of discussing greed (or it could be sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires as well, which are lumped together in that verse).
My main question is, why do we have to be so quick to label issues like this so quickly and not examine the texts and see how idolatry is defined. I am not saying that books like Beale’s and Keller’s aren’t helpful, I’ve already stated my appreciation for Keller and his book. But can’t I ask this question without being put into a camp or being shouted down. I just want to discuss these issues. It seems if you disagree with certain popular teachers or camps, you get criticized and your orthodoxy is questioned. (I fall into this camp with some of my favorites). Anyway, I don’t have a proper conclusion to this rant, but my study of Mark 7 got me thinking, “Why didn’t Jesus refer to sinfulness as idolatry?”
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Commands of Jesus: "Go home...and tell..."
The Commands of Jesus: Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you (Mark 5:19).
The Context: Mark 5:1-20 – Jesus restores a demon possessed man.
[Either read this passage or recap it].
Jesus is in the region of Gerasenes. It is a heavily Gentile (non-Jewish) area. This man is more affected than other people that he has encountered with demon possession. He could not be bound by chains (verses 3-4). Again, as Jesus approaches, he runs to him and confronts him.
Verse 7 – What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God…Don’t torture me.
Jesus asks the demon for its name. Legion, for we are many. Could be Jesus displaying his knowledge of the tactic of gaining the name of an opponent in spiritual warfare.
The demons beg Jesus to send them into the herd of pigs rather than cast them out into space. It is thought that perhaps the demons would prefer to possess any kind of body instead of being without a body.
The pigs run down the side of the hill into the lake and were drowned. The reaction is curious. The man is in his right mind and calm next to Jesus. The people become afraid. They are not astonished or amazed. They are so fearful that they want Jesus to leave.
We’ve seen Jesus heal a man possessed before (Mark 1.21-29). This seems to be more of a challenge according to verses 3-4. Was also called Legion, for they were many. A legion represented 1000 soldiers in a Roman army.
Jesus sends the demons into a herd of pigs. The people are afraid. Why? This was a region of Gentiles. They did not think that pigs were unclean. These pigs were probably their property or someone’s way of life. They were probably more concerned about their livestock than about someone’s well being. They want Jesus out of there. Asking Jesus to leave was probably a mixture of things. One, is the fear of losing more livestock. One could have been they just didn’t know what to do with this man who had so much power and so much authority. They may not have had a very well developed understanding of the God of Israel. They just knew that Jesus was more powerful than the most powerful demons. What could he impose on them to do? Could he dominate them like Legion dominated the man?
The man wants to follow Jesus (and rightfully so). Jesus tells him to go home? Why do you think he doesn’t let him follow him?
Jesus, in other healings, told people to not tell anyone (see Mark 1.44; 5.43). Why did Jesus tell this guy to go to his people and tell them what had happened?
Jesus is heading back to that vicinity (see Mark 7.24-37). Perhaps this man’s testimony is preparing the way for Jesus to visit?
The people who live in the man’s area responded to his testimony. They were amazed at what Jesus had done for him. They were amazed at the man sharing what God had done instead of amazed at amazing signs and wonders.
We see this in John 4 with the story of the Samaritan woman at the well that Jesus encounters. Jesus shows insight into this woman’s life that he could only know through some sort of prophetic revelation. Read John 4.28-30, 39 (Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.)
There is tremendous power in our testimonies. Sometimes the best form of witness for Jesus that we can give is to tell others what the Lord has done for us. Sometimes we simply need to tell of how he has had mercy on us.
The Context: Mark 5:1-20 – Jesus restores a demon possessed man.
[Either read this passage or recap it].
Jesus is in the region of Gerasenes. It is a heavily Gentile (non-Jewish) area. This man is more affected than other people that he has encountered with demon possession. He could not be bound by chains (verses 3-4). Again, as Jesus approaches, he runs to him and confronts him.
Verse 7 – What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God…Don’t torture me.
Jesus asks the demon for its name. Legion, for we are many. Could be Jesus displaying his knowledge of the tactic of gaining the name of an opponent in spiritual warfare.
The demons beg Jesus to send them into the herd of pigs rather than cast them out into space. It is thought that perhaps the demons would prefer to possess any kind of body instead of being without a body.
The pigs run down the side of the hill into the lake and were drowned. The reaction is curious. The man is in his right mind and calm next to Jesus. The people become afraid. They are not astonished or amazed. They are so fearful that they want Jesus to leave.
We’ve seen Jesus heal a man possessed before (Mark 1.21-29). This seems to be more of a challenge according to verses 3-4. Was also called Legion, for they were many. A legion represented 1000 soldiers in a Roman army.
Jesus sends the demons into a herd of pigs. The people are afraid. Why? This was a region of Gentiles. They did not think that pigs were unclean. These pigs were probably their property or someone’s way of life. They were probably more concerned about their livestock than about someone’s well being. They want Jesus out of there. Asking Jesus to leave was probably a mixture of things. One, is the fear of losing more livestock. One could have been they just didn’t know what to do with this man who had so much power and so much authority. They may not have had a very well developed understanding of the God of Israel. They just knew that Jesus was more powerful than the most powerful demons. What could he impose on them to do? Could he dominate them like Legion dominated the man?
The man wants to follow Jesus (and rightfully so). Jesus tells him to go home? Why do you think he doesn’t let him follow him?
Jesus, in other healings, told people to not tell anyone (see Mark 1.44; 5.43). Why did Jesus tell this guy to go to his people and tell them what had happened?
Jesus is heading back to that vicinity (see Mark 7.24-37). Perhaps this man’s testimony is preparing the way for Jesus to visit?
The people who live in the man’s area responded to his testimony. They were amazed at what Jesus had done for him. They were amazed at the man sharing what God had done instead of amazed at amazing signs and wonders.
We see this in John 4 with the story of the Samaritan woman at the well that Jesus encounters. Jesus shows insight into this woman’s life that he could only know through some sort of prophetic revelation. Read John 4.28-30, 39 (Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.)
There is tremendous power in our testimonies. Sometimes the best form of witness for Jesus that we can give is to tell others what the Lord has done for us. Sometimes we simply need to tell of how he has had mercy on us.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Commands of Jesus: "Take up your mat..."
The Commands of Jesus: Mark 2:1-12 - Take up your mat and go home. (Your sins are forgiven)
Context: Jesus’ teaching, healings and exorcisms are drawing crowds. While teaching in Capernaum, a group of friends, who know the power of Jesus, bring their paralyzed friend to be healed by him.
Verse 5 – When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
In verses 6-7 we see some members of the crowd quite aggravated by Jesus’ statement. They recognize that by “forgiving this man’s sins” he is claiming to be able to do something that only God could do. They think he is blaspheming. (And if he cannot forgive sins, then he definitely is blaspheming and was liable to be stoned according to the Law of the OT).
Jesus’ response? Which is easier? (Ask, which would have been easier, to heal a paralyzed man or forgive sins?).
Both are pretty difficult.
Verse 10 – Jesus points to his authority on earth by healing the man (he reveals his power as God’s Son in power).
What do you think the man needed more: to be able to walk or to have his sins forgiven?
Your answer depends on your state of spiritual need. Do you realize that you need your sins forgiven? What does that mean?
The Bible says we are all sinners.
Read Rom. 3.23 –
In this chapter, Paul is talking about our relationship with God.
In verse 22, righteousness refers to an unbroken relationship with God.
In verse 24, justification refers to being declared “not guilty” or “acquitted” of our transgressions against God. We have been redeemed, that is delivered from one status (being guilty of sinning against God; a broken relationship with God) to another (being acquitted of our sins; a healed relationship with God).
Verse 25 – Atonement – “At – one –ment” – that is what this word literally means. It refers to a healed relationship. We are now at one with God because of what Jesus has accomplished.
In the OT, atonement was accomplished by animal sacrifice. God forgave the people their sins with the performance of this sacrifice. The sacrifice symbolized that sin is costly and cost something its life. The worshiper (the one who offers the sacrifice) is represented by the animal (by placing his hand on the head of the animal). This was performed every year as a symbol.
Jesus becomes the once and for all sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. His sacrifice provides our “atonement” with God.
Hebrews 10:8-10 – we’ve been made holy through the sacrifice of Jesus. Holy means set apart, cleansed, righteous before God. Our sins have been forgive because Jesus became the once for all sacrifice that takes away our sin once for all (not to be performed every year like the OT sacrifice).
We don’t need to take up our mat (like the command of Jesus) but we do need our sins forgiven (our relationship restored with God).
Do you understand what it means to have your sins forgiven?
Do you realize what you’ve been forgiven of? If not, what do you need to know about your sinfulness?
Do you feel like you have an unbroken relationship with God?
If Jesus can do this (heal a paralyzed man, or more importantly forgive sins), what does it say about how we relate to him?
If he can do this, do we obey what he ask of us?
Context: Jesus’ teaching, healings and exorcisms are drawing crowds. While teaching in Capernaum, a group of friends, who know the power of Jesus, bring their paralyzed friend to be healed by him.
Verse 5 – When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
In verses 6-7 we see some members of the crowd quite aggravated by Jesus’ statement. They recognize that by “forgiving this man’s sins” he is claiming to be able to do something that only God could do. They think he is blaspheming. (And if he cannot forgive sins, then he definitely is blaspheming and was liable to be stoned according to the Law of the OT).
Jesus’ response? Which is easier? (Ask, which would have been easier, to heal a paralyzed man or forgive sins?).
Both are pretty difficult.
Verse 10 – Jesus points to his authority on earth by healing the man (he reveals his power as God’s Son in power).
What do you think the man needed more: to be able to walk or to have his sins forgiven?
Your answer depends on your state of spiritual need. Do you realize that you need your sins forgiven? What does that mean?
The Bible says we are all sinners.
Read Rom. 3.23 –
In this chapter, Paul is talking about our relationship with God.
In verse 22, righteousness refers to an unbroken relationship with God.
In verse 24, justification refers to being declared “not guilty” or “acquitted” of our transgressions against God. We have been redeemed, that is delivered from one status (being guilty of sinning against God; a broken relationship with God) to another (being acquitted of our sins; a healed relationship with God).
Verse 25 – Atonement – “At – one –ment” – that is what this word literally means. It refers to a healed relationship. We are now at one with God because of what Jesus has accomplished.
In the OT, atonement was accomplished by animal sacrifice. God forgave the people their sins with the performance of this sacrifice. The sacrifice symbolized that sin is costly and cost something its life. The worshiper (the one who offers the sacrifice) is represented by the animal (by placing his hand on the head of the animal). This was performed every year as a symbol.
Jesus becomes the once and for all sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. His sacrifice provides our “atonement” with God.
Hebrews 10:8-10 – we’ve been made holy through the sacrifice of Jesus. Holy means set apart, cleansed, righteous before God. Our sins have been forgive because Jesus became the once for all sacrifice that takes away our sin once for all (not to be performed every year like the OT sacrifice).
We don’t need to take up our mat (like the command of Jesus) but we do need our sins forgiven (our relationship restored with God).
Do you understand what it means to have your sins forgiven?
Do you realize what you’ve been forgiven of? If not, what do you need to know about your sinfulness?
Do you feel like you have an unbroken relationship with God?
If Jesus can do this (heal a paralyzed man, or more importantly forgive sins), what does it say about how we relate to him?
If he can do this, do we obey what he ask of us?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Commands of Jesus: "Be quiet! Come out of him!"
The Commands of Jesus: Be Quiet! Come out of him!
Mark 1.21-28 – Jesus is teaching in the synagogue and the people begin to recognize his teaching authority.
He is confronted by a man possessed by an evil spirit.
The man asks, “What do you want with us?”
Jesus speaks a word and the evil spirit comes out of him.
Again the authority of Jesus is recognized, this time in his command over evil spirits.
No matter what the people knew to be true of Jesus, they saw him as a new kind of teacher.
His authority is recognized and the word of the unique nature of his authority spread.
In verses 29-33 we see that Jesus heals many of physical and demonic issues.
In verse 40-42 he heals a man of leprosy (again, through a simple statement, “Be clean!”)
In verses 2.1-4, the crowds gather even more.
In 5.1-20, Jesus heals a man possessed of many demons (legion, for we are many).
What stands out in each of these episodes is Jesus’ authority over the powers of Satan and sickness.
There were Greco-Roman and Jewish healers and exorcists. But Jesus’ exorcisms were distinctive – no lengthy list of gods, recites no formulas or incantations, uses no magical paraphernalia to cast his spells. A simple word of rebuke (Mark 1.25).
Recognition of Jesus by the demons – early on, only the demons grasp Jesus’ full identity. Jesus always rebukes these proclamations.
Spiritual warfare – one of the keys to gaining supernatural power over an opponent is to invoke his name (Jesus’ own strategy, in Mark 5.9). They are not confessing Jesus, it was a defensive tactic.
Ask: Why do you think these demons confronted Jesus in this way? Perhaps they knew that judgment was on the way.
What do these episodes reveal about Jesus?
His mercy? His power? His authority? (Yes to all of these)
His healings were signs that he was accredited by God (see Acts 2.22).
Also, it seems that his power was displayed to attack the devil and it was a sign that the power of God was with him (see Acts 10.38).
What we see in this passage (and others like it) is that Jesus is battling Satan on his turf. The NT reveals that Satan in the prince of this world and his judgment is coming with the victory of Jesus, see John 12.31 and John 16.11.
These victories over Satan and his “spirits” show Jesus to be the Son of God.
We see that because Jesus can drive demons out, the kingdom of God has come near (read Matt. 12.28).
What can we learn about this command of Jesus? This (most likely) is not a command that directly applies to us. If we are believers in Christ, we cannot be demon possessed. But these episodes can reveal something about Jesus and how we relate to him.
Jesus reveals the power of God with great authority. His assault on Satan (on his turf) shows that Jesus is inaugurating his kingdom.
We have no need to fear the demonic, because Jesus has overcome the power of Satan. He is still in the world, and has power, but he cannot possess us, only harass us. And yet we need to remember, great is he (Jesus) that is in me, than he that is in the world (1 John 4.4).
Mark 1.21-28 – Jesus is teaching in the synagogue and the people begin to recognize his teaching authority.
He is confronted by a man possessed by an evil spirit.
The man asks, “What do you want with us?”
Jesus speaks a word and the evil spirit comes out of him.
Again the authority of Jesus is recognized, this time in his command over evil spirits.
No matter what the people knew to be true of Jesus, they saw him as a new kind of teacher.
His authority is recognized and the word of the unique nature of his authority spread.
In verses 29-33 we see that Jesus heals many of physical and demonic issues.
In verse 40-42 he heals a man of leprosy (again, through a simple statement, “Be clean!”)
In verses 2.1-4, the crowds gather even more.
In 5.1-20, Jesus heals a man possessed of many demons (legion, for we are many).
What stands out in each of these episodes is Jesus’ authority over the powers of Satan and sickness.
There were Greco-Roman and Jewish healers and exorcists. But Jesus’ exorcisms were distinctive – no lengthy list of gods, recites no formulas or incantations, uses no magical paraphernalia to cast his spells. A simple word of rebuke (Mark 1.25).
Recognition of Jesus by the demons – early on, only the demons grasp Jesus’ full identity. Jesus always rebukes these proclamations.
Spiritual warfare – one of the keys to gaining supernatural power over an opponent is to invoke his name (Jesus’ own strategy, in Mark 5.9). They are not confessing Jesus, it was a defensive tactic.
Ask: Why do you think these demons confronted Jesus in this way? Perhaps they knew that judgment was on the way.
What do these episodes reveal about Jesus?
His mercy? His power? His authority? (Yes to all of these)
His healings were signs that he was accredited by God (see Acts 2.22).
Also, it seems that his power was displayed to attack the devil and it was a sign that the power of God was with him (see Acts 10.38).
What we see in this passage (and others like it) is that Jesus is battling Satan on his turf. The NT reveals that Satan in the prince of this world and his judgment is coming with the victory of Jesus, see John 12.31 and John 16.11.
These victories over Satan and his “spirits” show Jesus to be the Son of God.
We see that because Jesus can drive demons out, the kingdom of God has come near (read Matt. 12.28).
What can we learn about this command of Jesus? This (most likely) is not a command that directly applies to us. If we are believers in Christ, we cannot be demon possessed. But these episodes can reveal something about Jesus and how we relate to him.
Jesus reveals the power of God with great authority. His assault on Satan (on his turf) shows that Jesus is inaugurating his kingdom.
We have no need to fear the demonic, because Jesus has overcome the power of Satan. He is still in the world, and has power, but he cannot possess us, only harass us. And yet we need to remember, great is he (Jesus) that is in me, than he that is in the world (1 John 4.4).
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Commands of Jesus: Come, Follow Me
The Context of this command: Mark 1:16-20
In Mark, Jesus is beginning his ministry. He is calling his “disciples.” in this context, being a disciple meant being a “follower,” “adherent” or “student” of a great master. They obviously learn a great deal from listening to his teaching, but they also learn a great deal by simply observing: with attentive eyes they observe all that the teacher does and then proceed to imitate him. Students would then flock around the great Rabbis of Judaism. And such a group formation – teachers and students – become something of an extended family. The teacher is the spiritual father, the students his spiritual children. They spend their time with him, they follow him, and they serve him. But they also learn a great deal by simply observing: with attentive eyes they observe all that the teacher does and then proceed to imitate him.
Here Jesus calls Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John. They were fishermen practicing their trade. James and John actually left their father and his hired men in the boat in order to follow Jesus. It seems these men left their families and trades for an itinerant ministry based on faith support.
Others were given this opportunity. Read Luke 9.57-62 (especially v. 58). This was not an easy decision.
Question: Why did these men leave it all to follow Jesus?
It seems they were already spiritually minded. They may have been influenced by the teaching of John the Baptist. In John 1.35-42, we already see evidence of two unnamed disciples of John leave and follow Jesus as John pointed toward Jesus. We see Andrew (and Simon) listening to John as well. John the Baptist was a powerful preacher/prophet who pointed to someone greater. They were listening and eager to find the Messiah.
What did they leave? In the passage (Mark 10.17-31) where Jesus is confronted by a rich man about the requirements of inheriting eternal life, Jesus tells the rich man to sell everything, give to the poor and then follow Jesus. The rich man goes away sad, knowing the cost of discipleship is high. Peter (verse 28) reminds Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you!” Jesus then acknowledges that the rewards of following him may come at great costs (verse 29, leaving home or brothers or sisters of mother or father…for me and the gospel).
Why did they stay? In John 6.43-58 Jesus confronts his followers with some challenging words. He speaks metaphorically about eating his flesh and drinking his blood.
The response? Verse 60 – This is a hard teaching, who can accept it?
Verse 66 – many of his followers turned back and no longer followed him.
Verse 67 – Jesus turns to his core, “Do you want to leave?”
Here is why they stayed, verse 68 – You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe you are the Holy One of God.
When Jesus says, “Come, follow me”, who is he talking to, just the Twelve?
Mark 8.34-5 – Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. *Whoever* Is it worth it?
Read verses 36-38 – gaining the world versus losing your soul.
We need to investigate more closely what being a disciple looks like. That is one of the reasons why we are looking at the commands of Jesus. What do they teach us about Jesus? Do they reveal how we relate to Jesus? Do they always apply to us?
Remember David Platt’s challenge from last week – Do I believe Jesus? And am I going to obey Jesus?
Have you ever thought that these calls applied to you?
Are you ready to apply these commands if/when they come if they do?
What are you prepared to sacrifice for the Kingdom of God?
Let’s look at these questions together and see how we can help each other follow Jesus and keep his commands.
John 14:15 – If you love me, keep my commands.
In Mark, Jesus is beginning his ministry. He is calling his “disciples.” in this context, being a disciple meant being a “follower,” “adherent” or “student” of a great master. They obviously learn a great deal from listening to his teaching, but they also learn a great deal by simply observing: with attentive eyes they observe all that the teacher does and then proceed to imitate him. Students would then flock around the great Rabbis of Judaism. And such a group formation – teachers and students – become something of an extended family. The teacher is the spiritual father, the students his spiritual children. They spend their time with him, they follow him, and they serve him. But they also learn a great deal by simply observing: with attentive eyes they observe all that the teacher does and then proceed to imitate him.
Here Jesus calls Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John. They were fishermen practicing their trade. James and John actually left their father and his hired men in the boat in order to follow Jesus. It seems these men left their families and trades for an itinerant ministry based on faith support.
Others were given this opportunity. Read Luke 9.57-62 (especially v. 58). This was not an easy decision.
Question: Why did these men leave it all to follow Jesus?
It seems they were already spiritually minded. They may have been influenced by the teaching of John the Baptist. In John 1.35-42, we already see evidence of two unnamed disciples of John leave and follow Jesus as John pointed toward Jesus. We see Andrew (and Simon) listening to John as well. John the Baptist was a powerful preacher/prophet who pointed to someone greater. They were listening and eager to find the Messiah.
What did they leave? In the passage (Mark 10.17-31) where Jesus is confronted by a rich man about the requirements of inheriting eternal life, Jesus tells the rich man to sell everything, give to the poor and then follow Jesus. The rich man goes away sad, knowing the cost of discipleship is high. Peter (verse 28) reminds Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you!” Jesus then acknowledges that the rewards of following him may come at great costs (verse 29, leaving home or brothers or sisters of mother or father…for me and the gospel).
Why did they stay? In John 6.43-58 Jesus confronts his followers with some challenging words. He speaks metaphorically about eating his flesh and drinking his blood.
The response? Verse 60 – This is a hard teaching, who can accept it?
Verse 66 – many of his followers turned back and no longer followed him.
Verse 67 – Jesus turns to his core, “Do you want to leave?”
Here is why they stayed, verse 68 – You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe you are the Holy One of God.
When Jesus says, “Come, follow me”, who is he talking to, just the Twelve?
Mark 8.34-5 – Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. *Whoever* Is it worth it?
Read verses 36-38 – gaining the world versus losing your soul.
We need to investigate more closely what being a disciple looks like. That is one of the reasons why we are looking at the commands of Jesus. What do they teach us about Jesus? Do they reveal how we relate to Jesus? Do they always apply to us?
Remember David Platt’s challenge from last week – Do I believe Jesus? And am I going to obey Jesus?
Have you ever thought that these calls applied to you?
Are you ready to apply these commands if/when they come if they do?
What are you prepared to sacrifice for the Kingdom of God?
Let’s look at these questions together and see how we can help each other follow Jesus and keep his commands.
John 14:15 – If you love me, keep my commands.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Commands of Jesus: Repent and Believe
I haven't posted to this blog since middle of October. Got to get back on it. At least once a week. I am starting a new Bible study at Mizzou this semester. We will be looking at the Commands of Jesus as we survey the gospel of Mark. When we see that Jesus issues a command, we will stop and look at it, examine it in context and ask "how does this apply to us?" The first lesson is "Repent and Believe" (Mark 1:14-15).
I was reading the book, Radical by David Platt and he discusses two questions that confronted him as he examined his call to pastor a huge church against the reality that Jesus spent his time “shepherding” a smaller group of about 120. And Jesus gave those early followers (and those on the outer edge of his inner circle) some very serious commands. The questions that confronted Platt were, “Was I going to believe Jesus?” and “Was I going to obey Jesus?” We are going to try to ask those same questions as we look at what Jesus demanded of his followers.
Repent and Believe – Mark 1:14-15
Context – The writer is setting the stage for the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He calls his story about Jesus “good news” (or the gospel). Mark immediately connects this story of Jesus to God’s story in the OT as he tells about John the Baptist. The OT prophets prophesied that there would be a forerunner to prepare the way for God to visit his people.
Read Mark 1:2-3 – Mark shows how John the Baptist fulfills this role of a forerunner who was predicted in two OT passages, Malachi 3.1 and Isaiah 40.3. If we go back and read those passages, we see that it was God himself who was going to come and visit his people. The one who would follow after John (Jesus, the presence of God himself) would give the power of the Spirit to those who would believe.
Read verse 4 – John’s message was one of “repentance for the forgiveness of sins”. The word for repentance here means “to change one’s opinion, feelings, (more importantly) change one’s purpose.”
John’s call to repentance was in line with the OT prophets. Their call for repentance meant:
1. Obedience to the will of God (Hos. 6:1; Jer. 34:15a)
2. Trust in God in rejection of all human help and false gods (Jer. 3:22-23)
3. Turning aside from everything that is ungodly (Jer. 26:3; Ezek. 18.26-27)
Keep all this in mind as well look at the first commands of Jesus.
John has prepared God’s people for this message of turning away from your own agenda, purposes and will. Jesus comes and preaches a message in line with John’s.
Jesus declares that the Kingdom of God is near. In what manner has the Kingdom of God come near? Mark has declared that Jesus is Messiah/Christ. To the ears of the hearers, Mark was declaring that Jesus was King. The Kingdom has come near because the King was near.
And because the King was near, Jesus is calling his people to repentance. Jesus was calling for a “once for all” turning to God in total obedience. Anything that might be put before God must be renounced. Repentance applies to everyone, demanding a complete commitment that seeks forgiveness (regret for our former way of disobedience) and full trust in surrender to God’s will. Why should we repent, change our agenda for God’s agenda? Because Jesus is King and deserves our obedience and allegiance.
After our call to obedience, the next command is to believe. Believe what? Believe that this is good news.
So, we are called first to repent, that is to change our agenda, our way of life, our purpose to conform to God’s agenda, God’s way of life, God’s purpose. Why, because the King is here.
We are called to believe that this is “good news”. An important feature in this “good news” is that Jesus gives us the power to change our agenda to follow his.
Read Mark 1:8 – I (John) baptize with water, but he (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. This baptism with the Holy Spirit is the bestowal of the power of God to enable you to change your agenda and follow God’s.
Questions:
Do you believe that Jesus is King? That is the basis of following the commands of Jesus, because you believe he is king.
Does this passage apply to us? If it does, then have you made a break from the past? Have you turned to God in total obedience? Do you reject the help and wisdom of human and false gods? Do you turn aside from everything that is ungodly? Do you follow God at the expense of your desires and purpose?
Maybe you don’t have enough information yet to believe that Jesus is King. If that is so, then stick around let’s look at the claims of Jesus and his commands. Maybe we’ll see together that he is worthy of our allegiance and obedience.
I was reading the book, Radical by David Platt and he discusses two questions that confronted him as he examined his call to pastor a huge church against the reality that Jesus spent his time “shepherding” a smaller group of about 120. And Jesus gave those early followers (and those on the outer edge of his inner circle) some very serious commands. The questions that confronted Platt were, “Was I going to believe Jesus?” and “Was I going to obey Jesus?” We are going to try to ask those same questions as we look at what Jesus demanded of his followers.
Repent and Believe – Mark 1:14-15
Context – The writer is setting the stage for the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He calls his story about Jesus “good news” (or the gospel). Mark immediately connects this story of Jesus to God’s story in the OT as he tells about John the Baptist. The OT prophets prophesied that there would be a forerunner to prepare the way for God to visit his people.
Read Mark 1:2-3 – Mark shows how John the Baptist fulfills this role of a forerunner who was predicted in two OT passages, Malachi 3.1 and Isaiah 40.3. If we go back and read those passages, we see that it was God himself who was going to come and visit his people. The one who would follow after John (Jesus, the presence of God himself) would give the power of the Spirit to those who would believe.
Read verse 4 – John’s message was one of “repentance for the forgiveness of sins”. The word for repentance here means “to change one’s opinion, feelings, (more importantly) change one’s purpose.”
John’s call to repentance was in line with the OT prophets. Their call for repentance meant:
1. Obedience to the will of God (Hos. 6:1; Jer. 34:15a)
2. Trust in God in rejection of all human help and false gods (Jer. 3:22-23)
3. Turning aside from everything that is ungodly (Jer. 26:3; Ezek. 18.26-27)
Keep all this in mind as well look at the first commands of Jesus.
John has prepared God’s people for this message of turning away from your own agenda, purposes and will. Jesus comes and preaches a message in line with John’s.
Jesus declares that the Kingdom of God is near. In what manner has the Kingdom of God come near? Mark has declared that Jesus is Messiah/Christ. To the ears of the hearers, Mark was declaring that Jesus was King. The Kingdom has come near because the King was near.
And because the King was near, Jesus is calling his people to repentance. Jesus was calling for a “once for all” turning to God in total obedience. Anything that might be put before God must be renounced. Repentance applies to everyone, demanding a complete commitment that seeks forgiveness (regret for our former way of disobedience) and full trust in surrender to God’s will. Why should we repent, change our agenda for God’s agenda? Because Jesus is King and deserves our obedience and allegiance.
After our call to obedience, the next command is to believe. Believe what? Believe that this is good news.
So, we are called first to repent, that is to change our agenda, our way of life, our purpose to conform to God’s agenda, God’s way of life, God’s purpose. Why, because the King is here.
We are called to believe that this is “good news”. An important feature in this “good news” is that Jesus gives us the power to change our agenda to follow his.
Read Mark 1:8 – I (John) baptize with water, but he (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. This baptism with the Holy Spirit is the bestowal of the power of God to enable you to change your agenda and follow God’s.
Questions:
Do you believe that Jesus is King? That is the basis of following the commands of Jesus, because you believe he is king.
Does this passage apply to us? If it does, then have you made a break from the past? Have you turned to God in total obedience? Do you reject the help and wisdom of human and false gods? Do you turn aside from everything that is ungodly? Do you follow God at the expense of your desires and purpose?
Maybe you don’t have enough information yet to believe that Jesus is King. If that is so, then stick around let’s look at the claims of Jesus and his commands. Maybe we’ll see together that he is worthy of our allegiance and obedience.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Review: Sufjan Stevens' "The Age of Adz" (cd and concert)
My wife and I made the two hour drive to see Sufjan Stevens in concert at the Uptown Theater last Sunday evening. This was a concert I’ve been eagerly anticipating for over five years. His release “Illinois” was one of my favorites of the last decade. His songs are both fun and poignant and some are even worshipful. He has not been afraid to express his spirituality in his music and his release “Seven Swans” was filled with Christian imagery and allusions.
If you are familiar with his past few standard releases (“Illinois”, “Michigan”, “Seven Swans”, outtakes from Illinois: “The Avalanche” and his Christmas cd) you know his style of “orchestral folk pop.” His new release “The Age of Adz” is a complete departure from that (although not from some of his past stuff like “Enjoy Your Rabbit”). Instead of banjos and violins, it is filled with electronics. It is deeply heavy at times and reveals a man who has experienced a dark period of perhaps doubt and loss. At one point in the concert on Sunday he revealed a little bit about the departure from his recent past. He said that the art of songwriting had “betrayed” him. He had trouble composing the typical three to five minute songs that comprise standard cds. That was played out on the last song he played from “Adz”, “Impossible Soul” which checked in at 25 minutes. “Impossible Soul” is like 5 different songs strung together by a theme of two lovers evaluating their recent past and debating whether to go forward. It starts out well, bogs down to the point that it almost becomes comical. The band and the crowd had fun with it, but it went on too long for me.
In a surprise move, Stevens opened the concert with “Seven Swans”. It was much heavier than found on the cd and played live in the past. It contained the light, banjo strumming story of a family seeing apocalyptic imagery in the night sky but had forceful interludes that truly carry out a sense of foreboding and doom. It is one of his most worshipful songs for me. But his version this evening revealed that perhaps he is distancing from his overtly Christian focus of some of his music. He changed the words from “He said…” to “She said…I am Lord, I am Lord, I am Lord” and in the climatic crescendo he changed “He is the Lord” to “She is the Lord”. I am not saying that a Christian can’t imagine God as female, but the song for me is about the Christ as revealed in the book of Revelation, that is Jesus. It has always been worshipful for me and that little twist tweaked me a bit.
The bulk of the rest of the evening was devoted to music from “Adz”. I will admit that I was initially put off by a lot of the electronic blips, bleeps and loops on the release but I could always hear the beauty of the songs beneath the electronic layers. And that beauty came forth on the live versions of the songs. Songs like “Too Much” and “I Walked” have decent pop song foundations with depth as well. The highlight for me was title track. So powerful and awe inspiring as it accompanied by apocalyptic imagery on the screen behind them. The art was inspired by an obscure sign painter named Royal Robertson, a self proclaimed prophet (and probably a diagnosed schizophrenic). Knowing that Robertson was Stevens’ muse in this project should tell you where his mind may have been composing this project.
The eleven piece band were wonderful, with three trombone players, two drummers, bass, guitarist, piano player, two backup singers (who also performed choreographed moves behind him) and Stevens himself on various guitars and synthesizers.
He acknowledged that there were probably fans of his at the show that had no idea what was going on if they hadn’t sampled “Adz” yet and were expecting songs from “Illinois” and “Michigan” but they probably weren’t disappointed. Especially when he closed the show with three songs from “Illinois”: “Chicago” (which got a huge reaction and sing a long from the crowd); and the encore of “Concerning the UFO Sighting near Highland, IL” (which is a song about the incarnation of Christ [to me anyway]); and the eerie “John Wayne Gacy”.
I would have probably preferred more songs from “Illinois” and “Seven Swans” but I don’t think the concert would have stayed with me like the live experience of “The Age of Adz.” I still find the songs from that evening playing in my mind. It was a powerful experience and has caused me to embrace the new work even more.
If you are familiar with his past few standard releases (“Illinois”, “Michigan”, “Seven Swans”, outtakes from Illinois: “The Avalanche” and his Christmas cd) you know his style of “orchestral folk pop.” His new release “The Age of Adz” is a complete departure from that (although not from some of his past stuff like “Enjoy Your Rabbit”). Instead of banjos and violins, it is filled with electronics. It is deeply heavy at times and reveals a man who has experienced a dark period of perhaps doubt and loss. At one point in the concert on Sunday he revealed a little bit about the departure from his recent past. He said that the art of songwriting had “betrayed” him. He had trouble composing the typical three to five minute songs that comprise standard cds. That was played out on the last song he played from “Adz”, “Impossible Soul” which checked in at 25 minutes. “Impossible Soul” is like 5 different songs strung together by a theme of two lovers evaluating their recent past and debating whether to go forward. It starts out well, bogs down to the point that it almost becomes comical. The band and the crowd had fun with it, but it went on too long for me.
In a surprise move, Stevens opened the concert with “Seven Swans”. It was much heavier than found on the cd and played live in the past. It contained the light, banjo strumming story of a family seeing apocalyptic imagery in the night sky but had forceful interludes that truly carry out a sense of foreboding and doom. It is one of his most worshipful songs for me. But his version this evening revealed that perhaps he is distancing from his overtly Christian focus of some of his music. He changed the words from “He said…” to “She said…I am Lord, I am Lord, I am Lord” and in the climatic crescendo he changed “He is the Lord” to “She is the Lord”. I am not saying that a Christian can’t imagine God as female, but the song for me is about the Christ as revealed in the book of Revelation, that is Jesus. It has always been worshipful for me and that little twist tweaked me a bit.
The bulk of the rest of the evening was devoted to music from “Adz”. I will admit that I was initially put off by a lot of the electronic blips, bleeps and loops on the release but I could always hear the beauty of the songs beneath the electronic layers. And that beauty came forth on the live versions of the songs. Songs like “Too Much” and “I Walked” have decent pop song foundations with depth as well. The highlight for me was title track. So powerful and awe inspiring as it accompanied by apocalyptic imagery on the screen behind them. The art was inspired by an obscure sign painter named Royal Robertson, a self proclaimed prophet (and probably a diagnosed schizophrenic). Knowing that Robertson was Stevens’ muse in this project should tell you where his mind may have been composing this project.
The eleven piece band were wonderful, with three trombone players, two drummers, bass, guitarist, piano player, two backup singers (who also performed choreographed moves behind him) and Stevens himself on various guitars and synthesizers.
He acknowledged that there were probably fans of his at the show that had no idea what was going on if they hadn’t sampled “Adz” yet and were expecting songs from “Illinois” and “Michigan” but they probably weren’t disappointed. Especially when he closed the show with three songs from “Illinois”: “Chicago” (which got a huge reaction and sing a long from the crowd); and the encore of “Concerning the UFO Sighting near Highland, IL” (which is a song about the incarnation of Christ [to me anyway]); and the eerie “John Wayne Gacy”.
I would have probably preferred more songs from “Illinois” and “Seven Swans” but I don’t think the concert would have stayed with me like the live experience of “The Age of Adz.” I still find the songs from that evening playing in my mind. It was a powerful experience and has caused me to embrace the new work even more.
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