Monday, March 25, 2024

Titus Bible Sketches

Is infinity imaginable?

 

How about immeasurable or inexhaustible?

 

It takes faith to look forward to everlasting eternal life.

Before the beginning, God promised perfection in an unending life! No lie. God’s plan is to save us according to His mercy.

Titus 1:2

in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began Titus 1:2
in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began Titus 1:2

The devil messes with us in this world.

The goal of Satan and his minions is to attack the faith. The devil will impose whatever devious tricks he can, motived to distract us from Scripture and lead us astray so far as to forget or discard the faith. People who reject the Holy Spirit’s gifts by their own choice, separate themselves from God’s grace. Without mincing words, they’ll spend eternity in hell.

Here are a few samples of lies which tempt us to embrace what could end up dividing us from God’s grace. 

  • By nature, humankind struggles by making and elevating our own lower-case-gods (self, other people, things, activities) to a higher position than worshiping our Creator. 
  • Stumbling in dangerous, dark areas of sin, we’re capable to give in to inconsiderate malice, envy, judgement and hatred. 
  • Muddling through a broken world, even though God’s good commands are written on our hearts, no one does all perfectly. What’s worse is refusal to admit wrongs, and instead, openly continue to purposely repeat the same sins without regret. 
  • In false belief that God’s love must be earned, what outwardly appears to be good words and deeds, actually inwardly come from impure hearts and selfish motivation. God doesn’t need good works to supply salvation, nor does He notice anything done with a heart that lacks the faith in Christ.
  • Some who say they know God, actually deny Him by adding rules which trouble families, implying that the finished work of Jesus is not enough. 
  • Some pick-and-choose Scripture they like and discard parts they don’t want. 
 

Prayerfully let it go. God is in control.

If a self-righteous person refuses to cease and desist to stir up division after two warnings, those who are united in the true faith are advised by God’s Word to avoid warped distracting controversies about the law, so not to get bogged down by worthless quarreling regarding rigid attacks on the Gospel.

Titus 3:5

he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5
he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5

Jesus crushed the evil one. 

Jesus suffered and bore sin, guilt and shame of all people, past/present/future. Our Father delights in all who are united as His children by the faith, through His Son’s sacrificial death and being risen to save us. Consoled in Christ’s care, On the Sufficiency of Scripture, the faith brings

  • repentant living
  • rescue from penalty
  • healing from the effects of sin
  • growing readiness for life
  • present joy
  • eternal blessings of certain hope in a new life
 

Credit belongs to our Creator for giving us freedom to focus on doing what’s good and acceptable. 

The faith guards us from those who insinuate doubt about the promises of God whose own Son empowers us with His mercy, grace and counsel. Our Savior brought goodness and loving kindness for us at the lowly birth of Jesus who was swaddled in a manger in Bethlehem. Before we were born, God planned work for us to do. The gift of faith equips us to hold onto the Truth as we devote ourselves to take up His opportunities for us to do good and treat everyone with dignity. When, by the faith, we gladly hear, read and learn God’s Word, He opens eyes to see Light shining grace for us. Christ, who has authority to judge, not only forgives those who fear Him, He also

  • supplies confidence to fight natural rebellion
  • encourages honesty
  • makes gratitude meaningful
  • serves us Himself in the bread and wine of Divine Worship
  • provides zeal for carrying out what is healthy and helpful to others
  • motivates respectful, gentle and courteous behavior toward all people
  • creates joy which lifts the spirit
  • establishes patience through suffering
  • sustains the weary with rest and strength for each day
  • assures proper trust 

Jesus loves you and wants to connect with you.

By the treasure of water included in God’s command to wash in/with the Word (the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit), Holy Baptism does what Jesus says it does. By the one true faith, Christ serves us forgiveness in the sight of our Father in heaven. We were conceived in sin and born sinful. The solution to our sin is God’s rich grace in Christ for us and for our children. This new birth of God is a gift to be received once for all its benefits of His salvation for us. As an adopted child of God in Baptism, we become an heir of eternal life. It’s not my promise to God; it’s His promise to me by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. God’s mercy is for each of us who practice freedom in our baptized holy life of faith in Christ Jesus who paid the same price for all people. Joy for each new day comes in remembering Baptism’s continuous on-going effects are for us who are covered in His grace!

We are blessed.

Nine months before Christmas, I’m posting this on a day observed in my church body as the time when the angel Gabriel visited the blessed Virgin Mary to announce that the eternal Son of God would take up human flesh in her womb!

 

Praying in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit—One God with us now, always, and in the end will make all things new:

“I praise You, O God, for giving me grace and peace in Christ Jesus my Savior! Make me a sincere and faithful child in the communion of saints. • Jesus, purify me with Your righteousness so that I may lead my family and serve faithfully among your people. •  Jesus, adorn my life with works and confession worthy of the Gospel. • O God, Your Word and Sacraments sustain, guide, and nurture me in the one true faith. Guard me against all error. • Entrust me, dear Lord, with the opportunity to tell another person of Your redeeming love. Amen.” —from notes on Titus, The Lutheran Study Bible

Wait, there’s more! :)

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

2 Timothy Bible Sketches

Are you afraid?

 

Have you received the Spirit?

 

Where does power come from?

Love cares, comforts, protects, provides and is there for us; yet it’s not coercive and doesn’t hold us from walking away. In freedom, we may think and act as we wish. God’s love is the source of reconciliation when we wander or cut ourselves off.

 

2 Timothy 1:7

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
 

God gave us a spirit of love in Holy Baptism which unites us with Jesus. Self-control is provided so we don’t deny God’s power, but rather worship Him. The unchanging Word identifies right from wrong and explains how we’re redeemed from punishment we deserve. Our burdens are lifted and fears are removed by the gift of faith in Christ.

Some, misguided by various mythsthat we’re born innocent, a personal decision is required for baptism, or by trying hard enough we can perfect our behavior—are probably left wondering if they’ve done enough.

Actually, all people were conceived and born in sin. We’re naturally selfish and can’t free ourselves from entanglement in many ways we fail, related to various types of sin which we might stray into. Chronic abuse takes power and control by distorted entitlement or domineering thoughts and actions. Vows are thoughtlessly broken. Rules which have been set in place for our own good are carelessly ignored. Just one example, the commandment you shall not murder not only means that we shouldn’t hurt or harm another, but also, we should fear and love God so we offer help and support to them in every physical need. We may fail to give of our time as we should. By rejecting help or asserting a closed-ears and hard-heart position, we cancel relationships and isolate ourselves. The unrelenting harsh tone of excessive inconsiderate words hurts people; so does neglecting to say kind things, express thanks, offer assistance, prayer, or comfort. Holding grudges, simmering resentment and unhealthy thoughts are only a few ways which prove how broken we really are. All humankind has inherited sin.

2 Timothy 1:9

who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2 Timothy 1:9
who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2 Timothy 1:9
 

Christ strengthens us when we repetitively receive healthy doses of God’s glory. 

Our Good Lord’s merciful gifts of correction and repentance for us come by the faith God grants for forgiveness of sin. Learning about gentleness is among many blessings from our compassionate Creator. Truth is gained by Spirit-guided focus into the full context of the Bible. The author of faith and life reveals Himself as our specific path to perfect love, self-control and forgiveness. God lowered Himself to be born as Son of Man. Jesus literally sweat blood, died, rose from the grave and ascended to heaven to complete for us the rescue we need to be prepared for Resurrection Day. Believing we are forgiven in Christ, we live in God’s peace and joy, knowing that eventually we’ll outlive death when we’re raised up to praise Him forever in paradise where tears are completely wiped away and there will be no more sin.

2 Timothy 3:1-7

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:1-7
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:1-7
 

Jesus’s wounds and sufferings are our sins.

God doesn’t need our good works; yet we definitely need His finished work. Sinners, just like us, violently crucified Jesus at the cross, yet God’s Word assures that He rose and endures forever. Through Baptism we are made one with Christ—unified into His death and resurrection for us. The Holy Spirit, by grace,

  • pours forgiveness upon us
  • enables belief which trusts Christ’s mercy
  • shields the believer who is caught in the line of fire
  • outwits the tempter’s false claim that we fully (or partially) could rely on ourselves for salvation
  • lovingly covers the baptized with certain hope of a heavenly future

Christ’s body and blood, in/with/under bread and wine served at the Lord’s Table, strengthens and forgives. Our faithful Heavenly Father provides a Church family of believing friends and relatives to

  • pray for each other
  • shine the Light of Christ in our darkest places so to build each other up
  • express Truth we confess together
  • remind one another of our Savior’s love for us

Jesus became sin to give us victory over sin, completing us by the faith The Holy Spirit supplies us for cleansing, rescue and wisdom in hearing. No matter what physical/mental/emotional brokenness and difficulty arises, all who are baptized and receive the Word of God are patiently and sufficiently

  • covered by grace, forgiven of unhealthy/insufficient thoughts, words and actions
  • equipped to thank and praise God; to pray for, encourage, share the Light by telling others of God’s finished work and healthy purpose in Jesus to satisfy all people with hope and a future 
At times we may have to endure very bad days; without a doubt, death. Mindfully, we can reflect on the cross our Lord endured for the whole world—a sacrifice which we can never make. Counsel exists within the pure Gospel for us to live along side others during these end times while we’re faced with opposition in a world that’s not yet our final home. Thankfully, we’re motivated by the Spirit with an eagerness to do work He’s prepared for us before we were born. Only in Him can we be kind and gentle toward everyone.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

More on Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy

Prayer of the Day • Lord God heavenly Father, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, Your servant Moses proclaimed the resurrection to the children of Israel to give them hope in the midst of their darkness. As we journey to the darkness of the cross, give us hope to look beyond it to the light of the resurrection; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. (1006) Treasury of Daily Prayer

Monday, March 11, 2024

1 Timothy Bible Sketches

Why should I care?


What should I do about it?


Reckless or dull consciences take irreverent journeys.

Breaking rules blows the good purpose of having them. The law shows safe, proper and good ways; it proves the need for grace. 

Bad habits, physical conditions, mental exhaustion and emotional weakness may overwhelm us to low places, if they’re carelessly left unchecked or unattended—without repair, rest, pardon and healing.

Misusing the law pretentiously produces oblivion to the Truth of the Gospel. It’s an unhealthy path to be on since perfection isn’t attainable by our sinful nature. 

Grumbling only magnifies negativity—a downer that brings temptations within the distress it causes those who have to hear it. 

Wallowing—in brokenness, conceit, pride, selfishness, self-pity—is far from God’s good design to give it up to the Lord in prayer and let go of it. 

Beyond bad vibes of pain, illness, coldness, bitterness, confusion, chaos, dysfunction, anxiety—these frustrations get worse by refusal to admit there are personal issues to address, and by snubbing the person who has come clean. Irresponsible blame-shifting, making excuses, plus, rejection of help and forgiveness, keep us either spinning in circles or stuck in the mud.

Having free will to make decisions makes possibility to fall for the devil’s lies that would have us completely ignore, deny, abandon or minimize gifts of the Holy Spirit by saying things like

  • I don’t care what the Bible says
  • I don’t need the Church
  • I don’t believe Jesus died to save me
  • I don’t need God 

By impenitently making choices which are hostile to the Holy Spirit, people may severely isolate themselves into a state of unbelief. By their own turning away from receiving God’s grace freely offered to them, unless they turn back to Truth, they face death apart from God’s everlasting love and end up suffering forever. That’s a horrible way to go into eternity. 

Keep reading, there’s hope …

1 Timothy 1:15-16

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16
 

Minds carefully sharpened by the Word enjoy life now with certain hope for a perfected paradise.

Thankfully, the story goes beyond this beautiful, yet broken place mixed with sadness and sin which we all have.

God sacrificially loved us with His life. Lowering Himself to be born and live among us, He personally taught us how to live. In Christ, we also may offer others beneficial grace. The atoning work of Jesus rescues and comforts sinners with God’s peace. His merciful forgiveness clears the guilty conscience. The believer is filled with bold confidence to have hope in God’s promises for an extraordinary life now and eternal future without tears! 

Our loving Creator is present—fully aware of every detail in this life. No matter what our regret of

  • shortcut taken
  • opportunity ignored
  • responsibility shirked
  • correction dodged
  • offense made
  • dishonesty cheated
  • breakdown failed
  • positive action avoided

…plus, no matter what wrongs others have done to us or good actions left undone—Christ has power and authority over it. He already finished the work which saves us from indulging in depression. Jesus is all about taking our burdens at the cross and removing our regrets. Helping us through dangers, hard work and traps—He brings us to a state of peace which surpasses understanding. He desires that we honor and join Him in everlasting paradise! He’s already worked it out for us to go! Everyone influenced by Christ’s work is mysteriously guided through the process He sees fit. In this world we are to expect suffering. God allows us to endure difficulties, yet He lovingly works things out in ways which build-up character and create powerful saving-trust in Him

Faith is created when we hear God’s Word. By the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, along with the water of Baptism, He makes us His own children. As we grow, God speaks to us through healthy doctrine and hymns. He feeds us strength and forgiveness during our fellowship in the Lord’s Supper given for us in Divine Worship

The Holy Spirit creates repentant living, filled with Truth. As we enjoy good conscience in Christ, He hears our prayers for help to forgive one another. By faith, in humility before God, we confess inability to fix things and acknowledge our dependency on Him. Joyful warm, soft, caring hearts sincerely thanking God for His love, strive to gently help people. No matter what type of work the Lord calls us to, we completely rely on His grace, mercy and peace.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Pray for the will of the Creator.

Life in Christ thankfully prays to build others up and generously share the faith using whatever we’re entrusted—everything we call our own—to the glory of our Creator.

Praise the Lord for each and every person eager and able to help us make progress in understanding the richness of God’s grace. Clearly, people of faith want everyone to have the contentment and joy they have in Christ Jesus!

Taking steps toward weekly involvement is the best habit anyone can form. It’s wise to persistently immerse ourselves in Bible study. The more we know about the Bible, the more we realize we don’t know. If you haven’t yet, I pray you’ll connect with a congregation for help. Call the pastor, visit and ask questions. Once you start catching on to what kind of peace and forgiveness comes in God’s loving presence, you’ll long to be repeatedly reminded. Our Savior offers a quiet dignity which is like no worldly experience you could achieve apart from Him.

1 Timothy 2:3-4

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Thank the Savior of all people!

To fight against the devil’s temptation to get into vain discussions, we pray to meekly act appropriately toward others in

  • honoring
  • encouraging
  • treating respectfully
  • gently loving
  • careful testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ
  • sharing mercy and grace

Praise the Holy Name of Jesus

Remember the gift of contentment which the Holy Spirit produces in Truth that depends on Christ. Be alert, aware and cautious of those who are deceived in an ignorant and unbelieving world; not all have seen the Light yet.

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you. 1 Timothy 6:3-8,20

More on 1 Timothy

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

2 Thessalonians Bible Sketch

Who needs eternal comfort?

 

Who needs good hope through grace?


Out of love for us, God puts His Name on us and unites us to Christ in baptism. 

Hope is energized when we remember who we are, marked with the cross of the One who forgives, makes us worthy of God’s love, and saves us from sin, death, and Satan. To affect spiritual growth, the Holy Spirit supplies the Word to work within and nurture us, to create a clean heart that trusts and loves God. As sinners who lead a repentant life, we confess our faith and stay connected to Truth by regularly hearing the Word preached. We’re forgiven and strengthened by entering the presence of God in the Lord’s Supper, focusing on the Lord Jesus and all He has done for us. Church-family across the world worships, sings, thanks and praises God in unity! Faith motivates good goals as we pray for God’s will. Toward others, we prayerfully seek to be actively

  • kind
  • forgiving
  • loving
  • encouraging
  • consoling
No matter what disaster, puzzling situation, difficult issue, rejection, illness or unique hardship tests our faith or wounds us—as we ponder God’s love for us, by grace, the Holy Spirit stirs our hearts with gratitude!

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.
2 Thessalonians 1:3

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Jesus is dependable to eternally care for all who believe.

As we wander around in a sinful world ruled by the devil, our natural fallen human nature is easily led astray in thought, word and deed. Our Father in Heaven chooses to use His power and authority through His presence in our lives to guard, protect and deliver us from evil. The Holy Spirit’s work is vital to get us through thick/thin, good/bad, happy/sad, birth/death and beyond as life goes on. The Lord’s peace keeps us safe and guides us away from hanging out in harmful situations.

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Status now and forever—when God sorts things out and brings justice.

The life we know will pass and we can look forward to new things. Either the worst is yet to come for unbelievers separated to endure everlasting suffering, or, the best is yet to come for believers gathered in the new creation in a state of never-ending blessedness. We are fully known by our Creator. Jesus will identify some to have chosen to minimize sin, refused to repent, rejected grace by faith, given Him the cold shoulder; others to have received the Holy Spirit’s gifts of faith in Him, grasped grace to repent, embraced forgiveness, thanked Him, endured hardships while trusting and loving the Word

“That Christ will be the Judge is good news, since He is the one Who died and rose again for the salvation of all. Those who fill are clothed in His righteousness will meet Him as the Savior, whereas those who rely on their own righteousness will meet Him as their condemning Judge.” projectwittenberg

We see God by the faith He freely offers; God sees us through Christ-goggles.

When God looks at us, He sees His Son who bled for us to pay the price of punishment we deserve for our sin. The Creator’s design of faith establishes for us good hope, good work and word. Believing, we’re being made holy by Jesus to the glory of God’s perfection and comforting presence forever!

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. … Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5,16

Regardless of what the devil is doing in the world to plant worry and sadness, God’s peace that passes understanding is for us through the blood of our Savior. In Jesus Name we can forgive and pray for His peace to come to others, not cursing, but blessings for our enemies and those we don’t like or who do us harm.

“O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.”
Collect For Peace—LSB p233

Want to read or listen to more?

Thursday, February 29, 2024

1 Thessalonians Bible Sketches

To what do you aspire?

 

How do you mind your own business?

 

What is reality?

Aspiration is great; yet, reality hits the moment we struggle with temptation, distraction, weakness, and personal failure. Perfection is over-our-heads to comprehend, let alone achieve. Apathetic, irritating, stubborn and nosy behaviors aren’t helpful. Retaliating wrong for injury happens—if maliciously, unintentionally, out of fear, or by misunderstanding. Unless the spirit of selfless love motivates our actions, the good things we do are tainted by impure motivation. In this broken world, we seem to think we can alter what isn’t ours to fix rather than concentrate on cleaning up our own act. 

Only innocent Jesus did the perfect will of God in order to save us through faith by grace. Because of His great love, God lowered Himself to be born of a virgin woman. God the Father gave up His Only Son to take punishment for the underachieved aspirations of the world. God has defeated the devil at the cross where Christ suffered, died, was buried, on the third day rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven to intercede for us with God the Father—all this to redeem and protect you and me. 

In the faith, His Word supplies wisdom, entrusts and reminds us to

  • pray the Lord would fill hearts with healthy desire
  • resist selfish quarreling, whining, complaining
  • be cautiously alert about evil all around us
  • flee from evil
  • in good times and bad, act and respond appropriately 
  • focus on Jesus for hope
  • initiate and kindly welcome tender, gentle communication
  • encourage anyone who is willing to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ
  • pause
  • forgive
  • confess sinfulness
  • thank God
  • appreciate God’s joy and peace
  • know the loving Lord is in control

Kindness isn’t guaranteed to be received. 

Well-meaning actions might be harshly rejected. Planted seeds may not come up, grow at the rate, nor in the season we expect them to flourish. Our salvation, and that of anyone, is not up to us. We rest upon Scripture’s assurance; it’s the Holy Spirit who connects each individual person to Jesus. In receiving the faith, we’ll grow up to desire God’s gifts. When disappointments show up, by grace, we’ll pray for help and that things will improve. We’ll do our best to take a warm, soft, patient approach to follow the golden rule with ethics of reciprocity (not necessarily treating others how they actually poorly treat us).

Born sinners, we behave badly due to our human nature. 

Sin and its consequences first entered God’s perfect creation in the Garden of Eden. The tempter wanted Adam and Eve to lose faith and everything which is good. Although they knew better, they failed—and our hearts know right from wrong, yet we still make wrong choices. Life gets messy and chaotic when we and others fall for the devil’s lies. Humanity has nothing to offer God because no one does good at the standard of our Lord’s perfect goodness. Thankfully, we may have peace because Christ died for us to cleanse us in body and soul. Forgiveness is available for nearly every sin (Matthew 12:31).

The Holy Spirit does the work to provide faith which protects and helps people grow.

Our Creator welcomes prayers offered by the faith, hope and love which God gives through the Gospel’s power in the Holy Spirit. We are free to ask to be forgiven, for proper work to do, for discernment, plus, for encouragement to treat everyone with dignity as we also forgive and pray for them. We pray for strength, a way out of temptation, direction to address situations and how to proceed cautiously. Our Lord wants us to ask Him to fill us with loving desire to gently restore each other without creating embarrassment and for patience as we live alongside people with whom we disagree.

Aspiring to fulfill the Creator’s purpose for our lives involves receiving the gift of forgiveness He provided at the cross. 

By the means of God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense (GRACE), spiritual blessings and gratitude are established within us. Capability to trust the Creator is placed into us by grace. When life gets complicating, the Holy Spirit remains with us in the middle of painful circumstances He allows in order to accomplish His purposes. Mercy we show others flows from God’s mercy for us. Love is bold to genuinely apologize and care; it’s not noisy, manipulative, prideful, deceptive, or greedy for an award.

1 Thessalonians 4:19-11

 
Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11
Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,
1 Thessalonians 4:9-11

Where does inspiration come from?

Inspired by the Bible, God’s chosen people aspire to imitate His Son, our Savior Jesus who perfectly obeyed His Father. The trouble is, we can’t perfectly do this; yet, that does not stop us from trying. Thankfully, there’s a place called God’s House to congregate, worship, receive forgiveness and absolutely leave refreshed and motivated time-after-time. It’s important to find a church that teaches the Bible is the only source of revealed truth—concerning Jesus Christ, faith and salvation—by which the church is governed. God’s Word is for us. It connects us to the faith and fills us with promises to be fulfilled on Resurrection Day. Have you read the book of the 1 Thessalonians in the highly recommended Bible? There’s no end to growing in God’s love blessing all people in the congregation at His House! 

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
 

Why always, without ceasing, in all circumstances?

Why not? Jesus is always there—our only hope—wants our prayers and deserves praise! Our Creator, who cannot fail, became a Substitutionary Atonement: We only live because He died. He emphatically understands our every emotion, trouble, temptation and distress as well as each happy moment. His Spirit enables us to believe, live joyfully, and have peace! 

Our Compassionate Judge expects us to apologize to others and is generously merciful when we approach Him in regret and sorrow. He desires to hear us ask for help to increasingly live life the perfect way He designed for us. Repeatedly and patiently forgiving our failures, He persistently renews us with His grace. No one is alone. God supplies wisdom to spiritual leaders and physical/mental health professionals trained to help as well as Christian friends who share His love.

Life is a process in which Jesus is the way to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances! We do none of these things without the faith and counsel the Holy Spirit establishes in us through His Word. Faith, forgiveness, life, and salvation are gifts received in Baptism—we are united with Jesus’ death and resurrection—regenerated, dying to sin and rising to new life as we remember the gift every day.

The good virtue of patience is learned by experiencing distressing times. 

Like adoption, we become children of God through Baptism; not by the work of our choice or actions, but in Him choosing to set us apart and make us holy. His marvelous Light delivers us from the power of sin and frees us to love Him and one another. 

Mercy and power for us at the Lord’s Table strengthens our endurance and assures us with the peace of His holiness. While we are suffering, we receive His affection, comfort, growth and maturity in the faith. Christ absolves and rescues His brothers and sisters who call out for His help.

We see dimly now. Christ, at any moment, will return to restore believers asleep in the grave and receive those still alive who are guarded by His redemption! Everyone will look up to God who will completely wipe out the sin and tears of those who trust Him! In the everlasting new heaven and earth, all will clearly see the glory of His perfect character!

Good News!

By continuously hearing and experiencing God’s Word, the Holy Spirit feeds the body, mind, and soul with unlimited benefits. Be aware though, there’s a bad news option…

Quenching the Spirit.

To snuff out Divine Energy which keeps us spiritually alive would be to intentionally lose our way and end up dead to God. It is possible to take an option to consciously, continuously reject Him. To not trust Jesus for salvation by our own choice, thinking we must earn our own way or by denying our desperate need for Him—actually choosing to stay away from the church, in effect, ignoring the Holy Spirit’s gifts—is to quench the Spirit, refuse God’s mercy, determine one’s own unsafe path toward the deathly destination everyone deserves by God’s wrath, justly separated for eternity in hell. Jesus did the work to save us and sent us the Spirit which we may reject (bad choice), however, for redemption we must receive it thankfully—not quench it!

It doesn’t seem fair that Jesus took our punishment. 

Christ’s loving purpose for us is to be our Substitute to save us from sin, death and the power of the devil. God’s grace is good for us. The Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s faithful mercy so we have joy in this life and certain hope for paradise everlasting.

For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.
1 Thessalonians 5:5
In gratitude for being kept completely blameless in Christ, we are privileged to share the overflowing love of God’s Word. As Baptized children of light who study how, when and where the Lord guides us, we seek to take a posture of humility as we encourage and are at peace beside each other. Anchored in the faith given to us, prepared, informed through the Word, as we wait, we’re confidently ready for the unpredictable moment when what will happen when Christ returns happens!

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, 28

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

Colossians Bible Sketches

Why pray first?


How is love genuine? 

 

What do you believe about the source of love?

Love is from our Creator—the Bible tells us so. Since Jesus taught us to pray, it makes sense to ask Him for help to genuinely love Him and others. We can also ask grace-filled friends to pray for us in the middle of life’s complications. Prayerful encouragement is a beautiful gift to share. 

God’s love is perfect; He knows our love is far from perfect. He tells us to pray continuously. So, we lift up 

  • self
  • friends
  • teachers
  • pastors
  • leaders 
  • providers
  • protectors
  • family members
  • everyone everywhere 

Desiring to give and receive genuine love comes by faith hearing God’s Word. The Holy Spirit keeps us safely moving forward by grace and helps us recognize dangers that would mislead us to hell. By the faith God provides, we know the seriousness of failure and weakness. Turning toward God, fully admitting truth, we’re thankful to be forgiven. Unless we outright resist the Helper, Christ prays for us, supplies us with needed strength, and draws us near Himself. While our freedom to move away from Him remains optional, the Good Lord desires to hold us close, show mercy, comfort, encourage, and fight for us. He wants us to pray and have mercy on those who doubt his goodness. 

Faithful prayer wants God’s best for all. 

Since we are sure that Christ, alone, faithfully keeps promises that deliver us from evil, baptized believers want everyone to be comforted in the One Way that we are saved. We share Truth. Harmony flows by Christ’s grace, not by our accomplishments. Wisdom gained within the complete context of Scriptural principles points us to mindfully practice them, as we should, because we are so thankful! Trusting God’s will be done to mercifully protect those who follow Him, we’re safe. Depending on Jesus to intercede for us when we don’t know exactly what to pray, lightens the burdens we are bound to have because of our sin. Privileged to embrace forgiveness, our peace is in Christ.

Lies of the devil, ways of the world, our fallen human nature—these are always at work to crack and wreck the faith. 

Rebellious behavior started in a garden and affected humanity as a whole. The glorious picture of God’s perfect creation broke when Eve was deceived by Satan to doubt God’s love for her. Historically, God gave people chance to repent and clean up their act, yet destruction fell on those who didn’t heed His good advice. Help is utilized when we are willing to receive God’s grace, yet it’s refused when an arrogant attitude does without God. Selfish knowledge that strays from Truth may entice us to wander so far as to take the devil’s dangerous hook that pulls us into deep trouble. People carelessly lingering in rejection of the faith, risk separating themselves from their Creator. Almighty God judges the living and the dead, saving from damnation only those whose faith thanks and trusts His beloved Son who did the work to make the way to eternal paradise for us.

Colossians 1:9

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 1:9
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 1:9

How are you filled?

The Creator’s gifts and opportunities fill up each need, one-moment-at-a-time.

  • gas for a car
  • water for hydration
  • food for energy
  • seasoning for taste
  • friendly time for emotional support
  • the Word for forgiveness, life-saving growth and spiritual health

The Helper provides faith in the Water of Baptism and Word. Faith-opened-minds are eager to be continuously filled with wisdom which consistently recognizes the need for Jesus.

Since our Creator loves us so much, He patiently orchestrates opportunities for us. 

The omnipresent God is just, loving, safe and good. He calls us to hear we have a desperate need for a Savior; plus, about grace we don’t deserve. We can’t save ourselves. Jesus first loved us so we may inherit blessings that belong to Him alone.  

Learn about how to listen to or read the Bible which is God-breathed. Unity allows us to give and receive encouragement to face challenges. Christ of Scripture picks us up since we fall short of expectations. Jesus was born to work for us. He finished all that was necessary to remove our sin and give us His righteousness. He says his body and blood are given for us, faith believes in, with and under the bread and wine, we experience the divine heavenly reality of our Savior. He keeps us alive, empowered and connected to mercy. When we fail, being sealed by baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection, nothing can separate us from the love He has for us. Our freedom either receives or rejects the Truth. To reject the Holy Spirit’s gifts would be our own fault.

Colossians 1:9-10

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Colossians 1:9-10
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Colossians 1:9-10
 

Everyone is needy.

Our own and others’ failures consequentially affect lives. How do we deal with it? Each of us needs what Christ supplies: cleansing of sin for deliverance from evil and the certain hope—security of salvation. 

To ignore personal sin and difficulties which extend from it while imposing a demanding attitude upon others would be considered an attempt to usurp authority that belongs to God. An arrogant, apathetic or vengeful heart makes bad choices that hurt the message of the Gospel. Rejecting the Holy Spirit’s gifts of faith (Word and Sacraments) by purposely being inactive and unfed allows spiritual weakness to set in. Starving oneself this way risks division from God for eternity.

Jesus sent the Counselor to live within all people. 

“and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:20

Everyone who is willing to receive help, grasps the fullness of Scriptural knowledge and is filled with understanding that love and goodness comes from our Creator. Nothing we could ever think, discover, or do on our own matches or tops the pure, magnificent, meaningful, purpose of the ultimate ruler of the universe Jesus Christ. Trusting God’s concern for us, Faith calls us to pray for others as Paul writes,

“that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. …as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority” Colossians 2:2-4, 6-10

Jesus died and was raised from the dead for us. He will never die again.

“You have been made new, for you have “been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. (Col. 2:12). We have been buried and raised with Christ.  We are “in Christ” and thus Christians are a new creation!” in.lcms

Read more about the universal renewal. 

Jesus will be back. 

By that time, everyone will have had opportunity to embrace the faith that is set on heavenly power. The original glory of creation will be fully restored to perfection, including complete healing of all believers, dead or alive, who are protected with grace and Scriptural guidance to life everlasting. Whoever abandons the faith sets themselves up to be harshly judged along with unbelievers who reject it.

Colossians 3:2

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2

Faith kills fixation on negativity—redirects focus into the Word of eternal life.

God hates whining, complaining and blaming. Expecting perfection of ourselves and others, idolizing ourselves and others as objects to satisfy selfish purposes—this doesn’t work. God loves us while we are yet sinners—fully knowing we don’t have capacity for perfection because of sin in our lives. He designed us to be able, by faith, to appreciate and trust He is perfectly true, good, and right.

Christ took all punishment for our weakness, failures, and abuse. The Holy Spirit instills a deep desire to put on Christ’s compassionate heart toward everyone. Despite the chaos of this temporary world and our human nature, we get help by regularly studying His Word. We can pray not to indulge temptations of body and mind and ask for opportunities to forgive, encourage and comfort each other. Thankfully opportunities exist to repent and place gratitude where praise is due.

Living in Faith is … Setting Our Minds on Things Eternal

Colossians 3:12-13

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13

Season speech with God-pleasing grace in Jesus over the reality of sin.

Tell it transparently, gently, so people will want more of the hope He provides for us. We all need to be reminded eternity is coming! For those who love Jesus, every tear will be wiped away. For those who have not yet received faith in the Savior, we pray their chance will be grasped before it is too late. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit fills us, stirs souls—opens eyes, ears, hearts and minds—to humbly receive God’s Word. 

Live and rest patiently with joy knowing you are loved by God.

When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:4

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Pausing to add the one single ingredient of gratitude changes the flavor of everything. 

Pray first—it’s the way of Christian living!

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, Colossians 3:23

Remember, or learn if you have not yet heard, how heartily the Lord works for us.

Purely out of His generosity, God shows His love for sinners. His Son was born on earth to suffer and take on all sin at the cross. The work of Jesus—tempted, yet remained purely innocent—selflessly, willingly endured a tortured death so the sovereign power of His resurrection redeemed humanity and the corruption of the entire world. Believers may repent! Forgiven, delivered from the domain of darkness, presented with the blessed certain hope of His glory—not because we deserve it in any way, shape or form—by growing in the grace God supplies in His Word. The Holy Spirit’s gifts keep us trusting Jesus. By faith, the Gospel continuously instills knowledge that He

  • completely knows each high celebration and every low situation we face
  • moves, shapes, transforms us
  • calms anxiety with His peace
  • cancels debt of sin for which Christ paid at the cross
  • intercedes for us
  • clears guilt
  • is always there for us to hear and answer prayers 
  • equips us to work and give
  • guards, protects, guides by the Word
  • provides contentment and confidence 
  • reveals the purpose our Creator designed within us
  • promotes growth and rest
  • patiently renews our will to trust His help to endure until He makes all things new
Truth of our loving God’s grace for us, by the energy of Christ, enables us to  
  • put heart into work he gives us to do so we, thankfully, do it for the Lord
  • pray with thanksgiving
  • recognize lies of the devil
  • resist evil of the world
  • flee temptation
  • suffer and wait while thanking God that His will be done
  • be renewed in knowledge that His ways and timing are higher than ours
  • take up worship opportunities to hear the Gospel
  • be built-up for the walk in Him according to His Spirit
  • believe promises
  • remember blessings of being reconciled to God
  • look forward to the final resurrection when Jesus returns
  • reflect Light that generously shines on, lives in and penetrates through us
  • forgive, bear with, and carry out compassion through kindness toward others
  • plant seeds that might win hearts
  • keep peace
  • carefully be wise during this existence among all people
  • celebrate unity and encouragement among believers
  • teach about faith, hope and love in cold, dark places of life on this earth

The atoning sacrifice of Jesus for us means thankful living in every circumstance of this life. Loving gifts come by the faith provided for us to have a thankful

  • clear conscience in Christ
  • heart filled with joy even in sorrow
  • soul looking forward to a bodily resurrection for eternity with our Savior
  • voice praising Jesus and inviting others to join
  • creative mind and helpful hands equipped to work for the Lord

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