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Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered His people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. Jude 5 (Jude)

This very short letter was written by Jesus and James’ younger brother Jude, also known as Judas. He was preparing correspondence regarding Salvation when word came to him of wicked men who had infiltrated church leadership and turned God’s Grace into a license for lasciviousness. These false prophets denied Christ while exalting Christian freedom. In this address to a Jewish audience, Jude uses Old Testament references and known Jewish historical facts to give evidence of God’s intolerance to sinful behavior.

The history of the church has often suffered from men such as these. We must resist those who seek to exploit Christianity and Christians. Jude’s doxology reminds us we are not defenseless, but it is imperative we use the Truth, Power and Light of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us.

Love,

Gretchen

8/10/22 

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (James 1-5)

It is believed James, the brother of Jesus, who became the leader of the Jerusalem Church, is the author of this letter sent to the general population of Jewish converts.  While Jesus was on earth, James did not believe in His deity or Lordship, but following the resurrection he found a great faith that sustained him through thirty years of ministry and a final martyrdom.  His words offer practical advise for Christian living, a book of Christian proverbs is you will. James was well known as a prayer warrior. It was said his knees were callused from hours spent praying. It was a worthy endeavor James instructed the world to embrace.

It seems as if there is conflict between Paul’s teaching of justification by faith and James’ insistence on good works. There is no disconnect, but rather, a supplementary relationship between the two. Real faith transforms. Transformation is evidenced in the way we think, regard ourselves and treat others. James gives specific comments pertaining to the tongue which expresses our heart and personality. There must be consistency between Christian faith and Christian behavior. Whether we like it or not, we are measured by our conduct, but don’t despair, conduct is our strength against temptation.

Ananus, the High Priest and the scribes and pharisees were infuriated with James’ works among the Judean Jews. As persecution in Jerusalem escalated he was bought to the steps of the Temple and pressed to denounce the Messiahship of Jesus. Instead he proclaimed His glory and was stoned. As he drew his final breath, tradition says he prayed the same final prayer as his earthly brother and eternal King, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” Indeed, the prayers of the righteous are powerful.

Love,

Gretchen

Here is a trustworthy saying:  If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him.  If we disown Him, He will also disown us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself. II Timothy 2:11-13 (II Timothy 1-4)

Paul has been arrested and brought back to Rome to be executed. Nero, Rome’s Emperor, burned the city to the ground so he could rebuild a bigger, better imperial metropolis. To cover his crime he blamed the unpopular Christians. Christians were not prestigious or influential people of means. They were vulnerable, marginalized and by Nero, victimized.

This is Paul’s final correspondence. From prison he sent a letter to Ephesus, carried by Tychicus, asking Timothy to come, while his courier remained as interim pastor. It is not known if Timothy arrived in Rome before Paul’s execution. Many of Paul’s supporters deserted him when Nero’s persecution reached its zenith of cruelty. In his darkest hour he reached into the future and called on tomorrow’s Church to be dedicated, disciplined and to preach the Word. Evil will inevitably be exposed, so rise above quarrelsome talk and remain true to scripture.

Chapter four is labeled Paul’s valedictory. He ran the race valiantly with no regrets. He had seen Christ in His glory, what he believed, he lived, and he knows beyond doubt he will soon exist beyond pain and sorrow’s grasp. His future is secure and sure.

In the hope of Christ’s example and the faith in things yet unseen, Paul and many others were martyred for crimes they were not guilty of. The gate of hell is a destination most will likely encounter on life’s journey. Will you face it down in Glorious Victory, or refuse discomfort or inconvenience on this earth. Paul’s faith can be your faith. Don’t gain the world and lose your soul.

Love,

Gretchen

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8 (Titus 1-3)

Titus is one of Paul’s inner circle. He was previously sent to sort out the theological mess in Corinth and did with great success. He was a man of strength and great character. From Macedonia, Paul wrote to Titus who was in Crete facing challenges as a pastor. The people of Crete had a horrible reputation for hot headed, unruly, volatile and untruthful behavior. These habits permeated their Christian example. This book is very similar to I Timothy and was written about the same time.

Paul knows his early life is nearing its end. He diligently prepares those he has converted and led to succeed and achieve the reward that awaits all who persevere. While we know we are not saved by any action of our own, but through Mercy and Grace.  These gifts compel us to zealous good works.  The Christian’s life, throughout all its seasons, is to be beautifully lived. Social and community harmony tells of the love we have for each other and the love our Savior first modeled. Our actions can credit or discredit the Christian message. Through discipline, obedience and respect for others, we show the world the face of our Redeemer and Conquerer. We are called to live blamelessly so others may see Truth and find their way.

Love,

Gretchen

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  I Timothy 6:7 (I Timothy 1-6)

Paul has been released from house arrest and is in Macedonia when he writes this Pastoral Epistle to his friend, the young leader of the Church of Ephesus. Ephesus had become the numerical and geographical center of Christendom, but Timothy was a soft spoken and gentle man, the son of a Jewish mother and Greek father. There were no church buildings, so this large congregation met in hundreds of personal homes, each led by an elder/bishop. Since the early church had to grow their own preachers, Timothy was tasked with the tremendous responsibility of training, guiding and supervising these Shepherds and their flocks. The letter is meant to give Timothy the authority of Paul’s voice and presence even in his absence.

Timothy was dealing with matters of prayer, attitude toward and role of slaves, false doctrine, women in church, qualifications of deacons and support of widows. Under Nero, Christians throughout the Roman Empire were suffering greatly, including Paul, yet Paul directs Christians to live prayerfully toward their governmental leaders, good or bad. As for false teachers, remember it is more entertaining to distract with obtuse topics than to devote to Christian living. Don’t be fooled or misled. Solid ethical and moral lives were the qualifications of church leadership.

As for a woman’s role, yes, Eve brought sin into the world, but the Savior came through woman by no means of man. This fundamental gave women a significant upgrade, but not a license for gregarious, arrogant or offensive conduct. The Temple of Diana had female priestesses. They were prostitutes, so the Christian women of Ephesus were directed to be conduct conscious and aware of the optics. Understated humility was the order for appropriate behavior.

There is nothing in this age that will travel into the next. We will leave a great deal, agreed, but your knowledge, education, talents, work ethic, opinions, habits, and STUFF, will all cease to matter for you on the day your heart is fully examined and your eternity is determined. Essential versus superficial matters when Christians’ feet hit the ground and make tracks. May they always lead to the Throne of God.

Love,

Gretchen

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3 (Ephesians 1-6)

Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians is probably a circular correspondence with many copies, sent to a general population of congregations with the opportunity to make each letter personal by inserting the Church’s name. The message delivered was universal; the relationship between Christ and His Church is purposeful and Holy and should transform the lives of those who call themselves Christians.

Because of the bitter disputes and prejudices between Messianic Jews and Gentile converts, Paul teaches love and Christian brotherhood, a Oneness in Christ.  God’s eternal purpose, through His everlasting kindness, is forgiveness, redemption and adoption. The invitation to accept these gifts is universal. It excludes no one. Those who have accepted are new creatures, set apart from the dark environment around them. Their morals to not align with the world, relationships follow the paradigm of Christ’s submission to His Father, and they dress themselves differently as they daily don the Full Armor of God.

In the Man, Jesus The Christ, Conqueror of death, there is room for diversity, of culture, gender, ethnicity, social status and opinion, to become unified and live in harmony. There is no human gulf too great for God to bridge. However, we are His tools and we must allow His blue print and mallet to shape us as He wills.

Love,

Gretchen

8/3/22 

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8 (Colossians and Philemon)

One of the prison Epistles, this letter to the Church in Colosse focuses on the Godhood of Christ. Pagans insert a Risen Savior into their belief, while clinging to the security of other gods and practices. They looked to their false gods to ward off evil spirits and bad karma. Angels were considered intermediaries and mysticism was common. To believe that Christ defeated death is to be transformed from the things of this world and join in celebration of an everlasting, victorious state.

It wasn’t just as simple as, “Really!? That many gods?” The Colossians prided themselves on a deeper, and higher school of thought, blending Greek, Jewish and Oriental religions. Every spiritual base was covered and everyone was happy. BUT! God does not need addendums. He is the whole picture, The Creator of all things created, not a little piece of the puzzle.

Set your heart and mind on Christ, the invisible image of God. You need no other, He is sufficient.

Love, 

Gretchen

P.S. The letter to Paul’s wealthy friend Philemon is regarding Philemon’s slave that stole property and money and made his way to Rome. There, Onesimus became destitute and went to Paul. He finds salvation and must make amends for his crime. Paul encourages Philemon to accept Onesimus’ restitution, and for them to reconcile, not as master to minion, but Christian to Christian, just as we as sinner are reconciled to God.

Love Ya!

8/1/22 

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23:11 (Acts 21-26)

Within a week of arriving in Jerusalem with an offering for those suffering loss due to their conversion, strict Jews stirred rumors, incited fury and attacked and arrested Paul. He was taken into protective custody by the Roman authority. As the Jewish court system plotted to have Paul put to death, he asks to address those who are rioting, gave his testimony of dramatic conversion and argued Jewish history, doctrine and tradition. By doing this he turned his enemies on themselves. The Pharisees and Sadducees do not agree on anything except their denial of Jesus’ resurrection and now Paul takes their vast knowledge and uses it to deflate their arrogance among each other. Still fearing he will never leave Jerusalem alive, God shows up and makes His plan known.

Under arrest, Paul is stretched out to be flogged and questioned. He made his Roman citizenship known, as a Roman he had rights beyond the Jewish legal system. He is removed from Jerusalem, taken for safety’s sake to Caesarea and held in Herod’s palace by the Governor, Felix.  Felix goes to Paul often and hears the Gospel, but he is really looking for a bribe. He neither accepts Christ as Savior or pads his pockets, but two years come and go before Festus replaces Felix. Festus finds no guilt when again Paul gives account of his Jewish heritage, conversion and commitment to carry the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul makes his appeal to Caesar but Festus cannot send him to Rome without a written accusation and so, Agrippa II is consulted. Agrippa is the son of Herod the I who martyred James, brother of John. His grandfather was Herod Antipas the murdering leader who had John the Baptist beheaded and mocked Christ as He faced execution. It gets worse, Agrippa’s great-grandfather was Herod the Great who had all baby boys of Bethlehem put to death to safe guard his throne. But wait…There’s more!  Agrippa is living in an incestuous relationship with his sister, Bernice. 

Luke accompanied Paul throughout his trials and writes his Gospel. He has time and opportunity to interview first hand witnesses and Apostles, including Mary the mother of Jesus. What a valuable time these years proved to be. The Gospel spread. Even though the feet that carried the Word were stilled by shackles, the voices echoed over the world. The very worst of humanity heard the Salvation story. Many did not accept, but they were given opportunity by a loving God who makes a way to do the impossible!

Love,

Gretchen

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35 (Acts 20-21:14)

Paul knows the anger and antagonism against him is growing. He is leaving Greece, headed to Jerusalem to take the benevolence offering he has gathered. It is important that he go because the Jewish Christians believe he favors the Gentiles, but by this act he wishes to unite them in love. His good byes are emotional as he does not expect to see these friends again. Twelve years of missionary work are ending.

This message to the Ephesian elders is the only address Luke, the author, heard Paul give first hand. Paul clearly sees the troubles the Church will have and gives appropriate warnings. Revelations 2:2 shows these leaders heeded Paul’s words.

Determined to complete his mission, Paul finally turns toward Jerusalem. His physical future is uncertain, but his spirit is secure in the work of the Lord’s Gospel.

Never grow weary of doing good and giving. It’s what Jesus did, and would still do today.

Love,

Gretchen

I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.  Romans 16:17-18 (Romans 13-16)

Having given direct instructions on Christian conduct, Paul now turns to living peacefully in community with believers and nonbelievers. Not an easy task for a people set apart from the standards and motivations of this world. He instructs Christians to submit themselves to civil government because all earthly dominions are allowed by God.  This does not condone possible evil conduct, but places them in the cosmos of God’s created order. The Church is not tasked with building roads, amassing armies and erecting prisons, so we must gladly pay taxes so these benefits and more can be sustained. There will be times when Christian integrity will conflict with government. Many believers around the world worship and protect the marginalized in secret, knowing they could suffer severe consequences if found out, but they are willing and we must all consider there may come a time for a similar choice (Acts 5:29). God promises that Satan and all wickedness will one day be crushed. Be careful who you hitch your wagon to.

The diverse Roman congregation was faced with issues that offended the Jews but not the Gentiles and it was serious to communal peace.  Meat sold in the markets was most likely sacrificed to pagan gods. This was a huge offense of the Jews, but the Gentiles ate without a thought. Paul directs them to be considerate of each other, absenting judgement toward one another in anything. This carried into all aspects of life. We are given great freedom as Christians, but it is a BIG responsibility. Our privileges must never oppress or antagonize anyone. Paul iterates that one’s personal rights should never compromise healthy, functional relationships with our neighbors.

Paul closes his letter with greetings and commendations to friends and shares his plan to visit after he delivers the offering from Macedonia to those hurting in Jerusalem. In teaching the nature of Christ, he taught the value of Christian love and friendship. It is not our place to create distress and disfunction.  All sins committed are against God and He’s got everything under control and in His time…. so, we are fully free to love.

Have a Great Weekend Eve,

Gretchen