Tag: 2 timothy

WHY ADVENT? PART 1

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The word Advent means ‘Coming’ in Latin. In reference to our This is the coming of Jesus into the world. Christians use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas. … Some people fast (don’t eat anything) during advent to help them concentrate on preparing to celebrate Jesus’s coming.

  • Embrace Change – just as the leaves change colors, reflecting the beauty of our Lord’s creation and design, so does life.  Almost every aspect of a genuine believer’s life is in a state of transformation as one’s grows spiritually, becoming more and more like Christ. (See II Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:29, 12:1-2) We, as Christ’s followers, fully understand and comprehend that not all change is good.  Today, there is an awful lot of unwelcome and unwholesome change in our world. Moral and societal changes really bother us …  we see it everywhere, with almost no exceptions. On top of that, we are painfully aware that the children and youth of this era are growing up in a world far different from the one we experienced as children, youth and young adults.

Then there are those changes that impact us as individuals — children leaving home, the passing of dear friends/family members/loved ones, and even perhaps the slow, steady decline in our vitality and health. Sometimes we may even feel “outdated” at work.  But amidst all the changes, one thing, one Person, stays constant in His existence, purpose, and character … our eternal Lord! To fully embrace God’s purpose(s) in our lives genuinely requires significant, on-going modifications in one’s thinking, understanding, and actions/behavior. Therefore, as one looks upon the ever-present physical changes revealed in our world through Autumn/Fall, consider the marvelous, omnipresent work/molding Christ desires to accomplish in you.  Yield to His touch in the same way the leaves of the tree submit to His ultimate design and persistent resolve.

  • Let Go – just as the trees and grass are unable to hang on to their radiance from Spring and Summer (if rained upon and/or watered), maturing Christians must release the bonds of the past in order to fully participate in the adventures that Christ has prepared for His people to pursue and walk/live in.  (See Luke 9:62; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:8-12; Philippians 3:13-14; I Corinthians 9:24; II Timothy 1:8-11) As one observes the variations in nature brought about by Autumn/Fall, perhaps one should ask the Lord what needs to break loose, be raked up, and intentionally/purposefully and permanently discarded from one’s life!  The past only comes back to haunt us if we make provision for it, and allow it impact our spiritual lives and progress!  As a new creature in Christ, are you allowing old things, particularly those things of one’s fleshly/worldly nature, to continually fall off, pass away, die? (See II Corinthians 5:16-17) Sadly, and yes, destructively, many genuine believers are having difficulty distinguishing the difference.
  • Be Grateful – you’ll never have everything you want and/or absolutely perfect unless the desires of your heart are completely modified by the Lord, and that your definition of good and/or perfect somehow comes into alignment with God’s definition of those things in your own life. Simply put, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” — I Timothy 6:6-9.  I’ve continually found that individuals who are content, which doesn’t mean they are lazy or lack drive to be successful, are generally grateful for whatever they have. That’s proven to be true in my experience, with those who have an abundance, as well as those that may have little, or are lacking, as defined in the eyes of our western culture. In addition, I’ve also found many who have more than they could ever use or want to be ungrateful, as well as those that have little to sulk in their want and greed. Too often the formula of greed or covetousness resulting in poverty is forgotten.  Psalm 10:3 declares, “For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire (rather than the desires being birthed and shaped by the Lord), and the greedy man curses and spurns the Lord.”  Proverbs 28:22 makes it pretty clear, “A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth and does not know that want (poverty) will come upon him.”  While our God is certainly able to give us the desires of our heart (See Psalm 37:4-5). I suspect He is willing to do exactly that when and if our desires glorify Him and are conferring His purposes!

My prayer is that God’s Autumn/Fall 2018 will speak loudly to each of us!  –PF  

FAITHFULNESS

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Isn’t this the genuine life-mission of every true follower/disciple of Jesus Christ?  The word “faithfulness” appears in both the Old and New Testament biblical texts, primarily addressing two main themes:

  1. The faithfulness of God
  2. The faithfulness of God’s people  

THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD can simply (perhaps overly simplified) be defined as His determined loyalty to keep His word and fulfill all His covenants. Psalm 25:10 clearly and unmistakably links our God’s faithfulness to the concepts of love and truth … “All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies” … for all those in relationship with Him.   However, His faithfulness, fully displayed in love and truth, extends far beyond those who believe — to every aspect of His creations!    Psalm 57:10 – “For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens and Your truth to the clouds.”

Our New Testament scriptures also affirm God’s continued faithfulness which is ultimately, powerfully, permanently, and finally, confirmed in Jesus Christ our Lord.  I Corinthians 1:9 declares, “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Here, one sees God’s continued determined loyalty to  lovingkindness and truth through the continuation of His gracious unalterable covenants. God fully demonstrates His care for all humanity in II Corinthians 1:18-22 –

But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no.  For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us — by me and Silvanus and Timothy — was not yes and no, but is yes in Him.  For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.  Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.

This pledge, of His Holy Spirit, further proves His faithfulness!

THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD’S PEOPLE is also prevalent in both the Old and New Testament scriptures!  In Numbers 14:24-25 a noticeable and distinct example of faithfulness results in God’s blessings upon all of Caleb’s descendants! 

But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it.

There are numerous examples of “faithfulness” like this in the biblical text that provide illustrations and patterns of this valuable attribute for our lives as authentic believers. Nonetheless, does our God’s faithfulness somehow demand a response of faithfulness from His people … those redeemed and called by His name?  That’s a question one must answer.

See, God’s prophet, Samuel spoke openly with the Lord’s people in I Samuel 12:24 –

Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.

The New Testament refers to human faithfulness as a God-granted virtue/asset/quality. In Galatians 5:22 it is listed as fruit in one’s life — resulting from the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit!  I Timothy 3:11 exhorts godly women be “faithful in all things.”  Matthew and Luke both reference the concepts of the faithful servants and faithful stewards (Matthew 24:45; 25:21,23; Luke 12:42; 16:10-12; 19:17). “Faithful” here is very much role-relative; but the point of the parables is not that the Christian should allow role expectations to determine totally his or her behavior, but that one should be faithful to God and give that loyalty precedence over all others.

In I Timothy 1:12, the apostle Paul gives the reason for his appointment as “faithfulness,” according to Christ’s judgment. He also instructed Pastor Timothy to find “faithful men” and to appoint them to the role of teachers in Christ’s Church (II Timothy 2:2). However, in every one of these examples, faithfulness in a particular role meshes inseparably with faithfulness to the Lord, as is seen by the frequent addition of epistemological phrases such as “in Jesus Christ.”

Now, brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, please meditate on this one for a few days & nights …

It is a trustworthy statement: If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

II Timothy 2:11, 13

That’s our Lord!                                                         

His & Yours, PF

ABRAHAM’S BOSOM

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In Luke 16:22, one finds a distinct contrast in the temporary destiny of two individuals after each of their physical deaths. One, Lazarus – a poor man, is found in “Abraham’s Bosom,” while the other, a rich man, is found being tormented and bound up in a place called Hades (the place of departed souls or aka – hell).

According to verse 23, there is a great separation or distance  (a great, permanently-fixed chasm according to vs 26) between the rich man (who is experiencing on-going suffering and unquenchable, insatiable thirst … “in this flame” – vs 24) and Lazarus (who is resting in the comfort of Abraham’s Bosom – vs 25).

In this biblical text, Jesus is teaching within the framework and context of Hebrew / Jewish / Rabbinical understanding, which divides the place where departed souls abide … allowing only two very distinct categories.  One holding place is for the righteous — known as the Bosom of Abraham or Abraham’s Bosom, and one for the unrighteous … known as Hades, Hell, Death’s Domain, the Underworld and / or Realm of the Dead. Here, the lost await the 2nd resurrection unto judgment (the Great White Throne -Revelation 20:11-15) and ultimately, as well as finally, the Lake of Fire.

However, the New Testament presents a different perspective for genuine believers, with our souls departing to be in the presence of Christ (Philippians 1:21-23, John 12:25-26, 2 Corinthians 5:6-9, 2 Timothy 6:4-8) while awaiting the continuation / completion of the first resurrection unto life and reward.

Abraham’s Bosom is a place of rest and peace, with the idea being born out of genuine fellowship / relationship. The custom of reclining on couches at a table was prevalent among the Jews, as well as some other middle eastern cultures. This type of seating arrangement brought the head of one person almost into the bosom area of the one who sat or reclined above, beside, or behind another. Thus, to be in the “Bossom of Abraham” meant to be comfortably enjoying that arrangement / alignment in the happiness and rest of whatever event, celebration, or banquet had brought everyone together. In Matthew 8:11, Christ makes reference to this symbolic arrangement, “recline (or dine) at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”

Each person leaned on his left arm, as to lay, in the bosom of the next.  The highest place of honor was this position in the bosom of the honored guest, or the master of the host house.

This is clearly depicted in John 13:23 –

There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.

To be in, lie in, or rest in Abraham’s Bosom, was a phrase illustrating the most highly-blessed repose in close nearness to the patriarchal father of the faithful at a feast / celebration in paradise!

This is a beautiful image for God’s people, but our promise as New Testament believers seems more delightful as we come to rest in the presence of the Creator (Colossians 1:15-20) … and that, my friends, is certainly something worthy of all our praise … and indeed, something to shout about! 

His & Yours, PF  

SUFFERING

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, suffering is defined as undergoing something painful or unpleasant, to endure, bear affliction, to allow, permit or tolerate pain, harm, injury, or loss. A great variety of Greek expressions, too large to be enumerated here, have been translated in our Bibles as “suffer(s),”and/or “suffering(s).” However all forms seem to be derived from the same root verb, “pascho” (Greek N.T. Strongs #3958).

In Mark 5:26, we find suffering associated with illness or disease when a woman who “had suffered (or endured) much (many things) at the hands of many physicians,” and “had spent all that she had,” not receiving any help at all, but “rather had grown worse.” Moses, in Hebrews 11:25, chooses to endure ill-treatment (suffering and affliction) with the people of God, rather than “enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.” This potentially represents several types of suffering, from mental and emotional to persecutions related to his position and opportunities in life, as well as that of physical need. In II Timothy 2:9, Paul, speaking about his own life and ministry, declares that for the Gospel of Jesus Christ he suffers “hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.”

The Psalmist, David uses the first one-third of the 22nd Psalm (which includes graphic descriptions of suffering and exactly coincides with the sufferings of Jesus Christ) as a lamenting and disconsolate cry of anguish from his persecution by King Saul. Amazingly, his words progress to a trustful cry for help, and then end in vows of thanksgiving which spring from his deliverance (like Christ’s victorious resurrection). No other Psalm demonstrates such an accumulation of excruciating outward and inward suffering which is shown pressing in upon God’s servant who is perfectly innocent. What an illustration of Christ’s agonizing situation – the Crucified One is presented before our eyes in verses 15 through 18: The spreading out of the limbs, the naked body, the torturing pain in both hands and feet, and the burning thirst which our Redeemer suffered in order that the Scripture(s) might be fulfilled. Then He announces in a cry, “dipsoo’ “(Greek – NT word #1372 from John 19:28), “I thirst!”

Consider Christ’s sufferings, both emotional and physical. He suffered in almost every aspect of human life: one of His closest companions denied even knowing Him; other close friends couldn’t manage to stay awake, watch, and pray in a time of His deepest need; His own nation (people) rejected Him; His siblings and other family members considered Him crazy; most of the religious leaders in the community despised Him and spoke openly against Him, conspiring to destroy both His life and His message; a member of His own inner circle (discipleship group) continually stole from His ministry and ultimately betrayed Him; in total innocence, He was charged and found guilty of crimes against both God and the state; He was publicly displayed and crucified as a wretched, heinous criminal, and in His final hour, His Father turned His back. Truly He was a man of many sorrows and much suffering. Yet all to please His Dad and bless humanity as no other could achieve!

How can one refuse the ministry and gift of such a faithful suffering servant? How shall we respond to this Servant when asked to bear a little pain because we identify with His name, or endure suffering for His cause of truth and life?

Just think about it! Hope to see ya Sunday, Pastor Frank