Author: pastor.gerooney@gmail.com

And his affection for you is all the greater when He remembers that you were obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 2 Corinthians 7:15

This seems a strange verse to pull out for a devotional, but as always I encourage you to read the passage in its full context.

Paul is referring to his associate missionary Titus, a gentile, converted to Christianity, who did not observe orthodox Jewish practices, a serious offense to some early church members. Paul was preaching a salvation based on faith rather than works and Jewish law. He sent nontraditional Titus to Corinth to correct some evil behaviors in the new church. This young congregation of believers was so eager to hear the Good News that they willingly accepted Titus and his message. Paul is ecstatic that the Gospel is continuing and his brother in Christ was accepted without bigotry.

It is possible for every Christian to be bogged down in the petty things of life. Satan loves it when God’s Word is sifted through prejudices to the point that the message it carries never gets delivered. Do not filter the life of Jesus through human behavior. Instead, filter human behavior through the life of the greatest love, that of a Savior’s. Live and love as Christ and let the Gospel shine through.

Gretchen

Since the children have flesh and blood,  He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death-that is the devil. Hebrews 2:14 (Hebrews 1-5) 

The author and audience are not declared in the opening statements of this letter, but it was written to Christians who had an educated knowledge of all things Jewish. Hebrews is a magnificent defense of the Christian faith. The writer logically and systematically argues Christ’s superiority over all the Jews hold dear, the prophets, angels, Moses, Joshua, Levitical priesthood, covenants and sacrifices.

Jewish converts believed the resurrection of Christ would assure Jerusalem a place as capital of the world. Instead, it would soon be a pile of rubble at the hands of Roman persecutors, and with the destruction of The Temple, all that was left of their heritage and traditions would soon be gone. These believers needed to know the covenant with Abraham, from one nation will come the blessing for all nations, has been fulfilled. In addition, they must understand what Christianity really is and what pleases God. They habitually look to spiritual leadership as an administrative role but now their eternal lives depend on the hope of things unseen.

Jesus became the least of all things to cure the sin problem we have. As The Sacrifice, no others are needed. The Temple can lay in a heap without consequence to man’s soul, because the Holy Spirit has built His dwelling in the hearts of the faithful and true. Suffering is a time for maturity and confidence in what you have seen and know. The faithful Father of Jewish history is the same God who will see each of us to a Sabbath’s rest, in this life and beyond.

Blessings,

Gretchen

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. I Peter 2:11-2 (I and II Peter)

These two letters are the only reference to Peter’s later life and were written not long before his death during Nero’s terror. He writes to the dispersed Jews of Asia Minor. It was a time of great hostility toward Christians everywhere. As Nero poured tar on believers and lit them on fire to light his evening portico, it did seem and sound as though Satan was roaring like a lion who would completely devour The Church.

This Rock, whom Jesus would build His church upon, instructed perseverance by arming oneself for suffering. Many fell away during this time. In addition, there were those who exploited and mocked Jesus’ works and prophecies and turned them into a license for perversion and lasciviousness. (At the same time Jude addressed these very issues.) He addressed the question of God’s actions toward those who reject His ordinances. The God that cast rebellious angels from His presence, saved only Noah and his family while all other men perished in the flood and later, rid the earth of Sodom and Gomorrah’s residents for their perverse behavior, will NOT excuse sin!

Peter urged his readers to live as though this world was not their home, for their hope was in Heaven where Christ is the center of all that is Holy. Peter’s favorite adjective was precious; precious blood, precious faith and precious promises, but Christian Love was the supreme virtue. 

To know God is to share His nature. As the Redeemed, we have the responsibility to Glorify God. For those that seek to find you guilty of sin, leave them no evidence to convict you.

Happy Mid Week,

Gretchen

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

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 advice 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 brought 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 tomorrow’s Church to be dedicated, disciplined and 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 earthly 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. 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 Conqueror. 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 be very 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

 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 (Philippians1-4) 2:6-11 is POWERFUL! Read them too!

Paul has found his message more powerful and widely carried in his incarceration than it would have been in his freedom.  He is filled with humble gratitude and joy.  What makes others bitter and contentious, brings praise from this missionary/evangelist.

Throughout his work, Paul has supported himself as a tent-maker. The objective was to prevent any false prophets from declaring personal gain or agenda in Paul’s motives. However, the Church of Philippi has generously given an offering delivered by Epaphroditus, who nearly died along the journey. Paul accepted this gift with graciousness, then commissioned Epaphroditus to return to Philippi with this letter addressing specific concerns and personal matters.

In the most perfect of churches, and Philippi was a good and loving congregation, dissension and trouble arises. Two women leaders, Euodia and Syntyche, have had a falling out and their personal animosity was toxic to the growth and call of The Church. Also, the issue of faith plus law, versus faith only, was still a divisive source of contention.  Paul declares he is proof there is NO confidence in the flesh. He was circumcised and zealous for The Law, yet he was NOT righteous. To know God, through faith, results in a change of heart and is witnessed in action!

Christ’s example, in becoming man, was to humbly put others first. He was noble, true, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. This is the prescription for healing to a lost, sick and broken world full of dysfunctional relationships. Paul reminds this group of faithful followers to be mindful of their actions toward one another. The pagans are watching, and making life changing decisions according to what they observe.

Put pride aside, it has no place in the Kingdom where the Sacrifice/Servant to man sits enthroned.

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 us. Our morals do not align with the world, relationships follow the paradigm of Christ’s submission to His Father, and we dress ourselves differently as we 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 blueprint and mallet to shape us as He wills.

Love,

Gretchen