Sonshine!

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

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. While this population embraced the security of other gods and practices, Paul presented a Risen Savior into their belief, a One True Savior. 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.

As ridiculous as this culture seems to today’s Christianity, it wasn’t 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 visible 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 who 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, the sinner, are reconciled to God.

He said, “Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” Isaiah 6:9-10 (Acts 28-29)

In the custody of Roman officer Julius, Paul, Luke and Aristarchus set off for Rome to make Paul’s appeal to Caesar. A two-week storm ship wrecks him and all passengers alive and well on the Island of Malta. For the three months Paul is marooned, he heals and bears witness to the Good News. The Maltese people had not yet been exposed to the news of a Resurrected Savior. God once again revealed His plan to Paul in a dream and Paul was able to boldly encourage those around him.

The weather finally cleared and Paul made his way to Italy where a Christian welcome greeted him. In Rome he was placed under house arrest in his own living quarters with one single guard. He had freedom to preach to those who came in and out of his lodging. Included in those numbers were Jewish leaders. Some believed, others did not. This frustrated Paul as he spoke these words, “It is the hope of Israel that I am bound with these chains.” Acts 28:20b But it is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that completes Paul’s calling to the Gentiles.

Without leaving the confines of his house, Paul boldly preached and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. He continued ministerial care of the churches he founded, writing the letters we know as Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon and possibly Hebrews. It is generally accepted and tradition supports that Paul was finally acquitted and went to Spain, but soon returned to Greece and Asia Minor. He was rearrested, taken back to Rome and beheaded under the persecutions of Nero.

From persecutor to proclaimer, Paul exemplified one who experienced Mercy and Grace and was not content until every human on earth heard the message of hope. His zeal and devotion continue to light the flame that guides a lost world to God’s loving plan.

Thank you Paul, for giving to the Lord,

Gretchen

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 asked to address those who were 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, 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 the baby boys of Bethlehem put to death to safeguard 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 wrote 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 goodbyes 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 it 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 the 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 a serious threat to communal peace.  Meat sold in the markets had most likely been 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.  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 dysfunction.  All sins committed are against God……. and He’s got everything under perfect control, so we are fully free to love.

Have a Great Wednesday,

Gretchen

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:10 (Romans 9-12)

The Jews were zealous for The Law, but not the Messiah that actually came to fulfill it.  They rejected Jesus at every point and were bitterly antagonistic toward all who delivered the Good News. This broke Paul’s heart to the point he would have given his own soul to change his nation’s behavior. As he writes to the Messianic Jews and Gentile converts in Rome, he addresses works versus faith and God’s sovereign authority contrasted with man’s free will and righteousness of the heart.

In Chapters 9-11 two theologies collide. God is absolute and has complete control over His creation. It is His right to allow and disallow at His pleasure. However, man was created with free will and God does not restrict or interfere with this gift. Both doctrines are plainly taught and so, we must accept we will not clearly understand until there comes a time of complete clarity, an advantage we do not enjoy today. Paul speaks of seeing in a glass darkly. In other words, as we look through a window into darkness, we see a back lit past of a world going on around us, and a mirror reflects an exact moment, but neither gives answer to the future. Forward we step in faith, knowing God is already there, for He is not bound by our limitations of time.

And just when it seems we will never understand…… BAM! Paul hits us with chapter 12! His words echo Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and ends the theological discussion by setting forth the manner of Christian Life. All we can and will do, depends on the Mercy of Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

It comes down to humility of heart. We must become less so others can be more, as we are nothing but what God designed us to be, A Reflection of Himself to a dark and lost world.

Love,

Gretchen

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (Romans 5-8)

God has done what The Law could not. He set us free from the control of man’s sinful nature.

Paul uses the language of the Jewish judicial system to illustrate the work of Grace that is God’s alone. In the Jewish court system there are only the accused, the accuser and a judge, no litigators. When the judge hears all evidence he finds the party guilty or he acquits. The person acquitted is described as ‘justified’ or ‘righteous,’ not as a moral statement, but as their status before the judge.

Adam, one man, brought sin into the world by a single act of disobedience, and doomed us all to death. Jesus’ one act of righteousness has made our acquittal available and life eternal is ours, free for the asking. Through faith, we are justified by God, our Judge.

We are not only the recipients of life everlasting, but we can exist today, in peace, with hope, through the presence of the Holy Spirit. He is active and alive in everyone who chooses to believe. Through this we can be like Christ in character and restored to our original, created likeness to our Father. Do not be defeated by your instincts and past sins. You are so much more than that; a new creation with infinite hope.

Love,

Gretchen