Mark Conner's Space

The Most Important Book Ever Written: The Bible

The Bible is the most important book ever written, yet often it remains unopened and unread. The Bible is totally unique. It is different from all other books, having no like or equal.

1. In its composition. It was written over a period of 1,600 years by 40 different authors and in three different languages yet it speaks with a common voice. It has an internal consistency and theme that is nothing short of amazing.

2. In its circulation. It is the most published book in history. It has been at the top of the best seller list yearly for 200-300 years. Billions of copies of this book have been printed over the years and millions continue to sell year after year.

3. In its translation. The Bible has been translated into over 1000 different languages and many more are on the way. No book comes close to this.

4. In its reliability. We hold in our hands the Word of God, a revelation of his character, his purpose and principles for right living. It is inspired by the Holy Spirit and has been miraculously preserved through the years of copying and translation so that we can be sure of its trustworthiness and reliability.

5. In its durability. The Bible has survived bans and burnings, ridicule and criticism by opponents. It lives on. People have risked their lives to continue to spread Bibles where they have been banned.

6. In its effect. It has a depth that causes people to never finish reading it. They want to keep reading it over and you keep seeing new things. People have multiple copies. They study it and carry it around. What people learn transforms their lives and values.

Click here to access a wide variety of articles on the Bible, with topics such as: the Jesus story, parables, proverbs, devotional Bible reading, Bible translations, Bible software, and tools for Bible study.

Eat this book!

The Jesus Story

The Jesus Story

Matthew’s begins his story about Jesus with a family tree that any first century Jew would have been pretty impressed with. It includes heroes such as Abraham and David, but also some surprise inclusions such as Boaz (son of Rahab the prostitute) and Solomon (born out of the adulterous relationship of David and Bathsheba), hinting at the unexpected ways God often works. Jesus (a popular boys name, similar to Joshua, which means “the Lord saves”) came to “save his people from their sins (Matt.1:21-23).” Jesus would rescue people not from slavery in Egypt (like Moses did) but from the slavery of sin.

John the Baptist then appears as the forerunner to Jesus, preaching a message of repentance (which literally means to “turn to God”) and the coming kingdom of God (Matt.3:1-3). When Jesus arrives on the scene, he turns out to be much different than expected, even surprising John by asking to be baptised and, in doing so, identifying with God’s people. Jesus then began his own ministry, preaching a similar message of repentance and the soon-arriving kingdom of God (Matt.4:17). Two themes emerge immediately as we read the Jesus story – salvation and kingdom.

Salvation – a Cross

Jesus came to save people from their sins. This mission fits within the larger story of history that includes creation, fall (sin) and redemption. The Jesus story climaxes with his death, burial and resurrection. Jesus is not just a teacher of ethics or a social reformer. Jesus understood that humans have a sickness of heart, which all attempts at improvement cannot fix (see Jer.17:9). That sickness had to be dealt with and Jesus came as a doctor with a cure for the deadly disease of sin. He came to offer us forgiveness and a way to become children of God. This is the good news (‘gospel’). However, saving us from our sins was designed to serve a larger purpose, the purpose of God’s kingdom.  

Kingdom – a Throne

The ‘kingdom of God’ was central to everything Jesus was and did. This term is dynamic and refers to the activity or rule of God. For Jesus, the character of this kingdom was much different than most people expected. It was revolutionary but not in a violent military sense. It was a kingdom of peace, healing, and forgiveness. God’s reign looked very much like God himself.

Jesus didn’t see this kingdom coming all at once. From its small beginnings in Jesus’ own teaching and activity, the kingdom would ultimately blossom into a universal reality. In one of his parables, Jesus compared the kingdom to a mustard seed, which was known as the smallest of seeds. With his customary hyperbole, Jesus said that it eventually grows into the ‘greatest of all shrubs.’ In Jesus’ own ministry, insignificant though it might seem in the grand perspective of world history, God really was sowing the seed of his coming kingdom.

Salvation and kingdom must be kept closely together. To focus only on forgiveness and going to heaven in the afterlife can lead to escapism and a neglect of the work that God desires to do through us on earth right now. To focus only on the kingdom now can lead to utopianism, forgetting that the ultimate consummation of the kingdom will occur when Jesus returns for the second time. Today, we live between the ‘already’ and the ‘not yet’ – what Jesus has already done and what he is yet to do. The kingdom comes in two stages, just as Jesus does. Jesus is already ruling the world but this does not mean that the world is already completely as Jesus intends it to be. We live between Election Day and Inauguration Day, between D-Day and V-Day. In the meantime, we are called to carry the kingdom project forward as God’s ambassadors.

Kingdom Stories

Kingdom Stories

Jesus parables are among the best-known and most influential stories in the world. Even if people know nothing about Jesus, they either know about his stories or have encountered their impact in expressions like “prodigal” or “Good Samaritan.” The importance of the parables of Jesus cannot be over-estimated. Jesus was the master creator of story and nothing is so attractive and so compelling as a good story. Children (and adults) do not say, “Tell me some facts.” They want a story. Stories are inherently interesting. They entertain, involve, motivate and mirror our human existence.

Jesus was not the first or the only person to use parables. Parables are and virtually always have been a human means for persuading and enlightening. So Jesus’ parabolic teaching was not unique but we do not have any evidence that anyone prior to him used parables so frequently or forcefully as he did. He did not create the parabolic method; he honed and mastered it.

Parables make up about 35% of Jesus’ teaching in the Synoptic Gospels. There is little agreement on the number of parables, ranging from 37 to 65. Most of them are in Matthew and Luke, with only a few in Mark and none in John.

Stories enable us to see reality. They often force us to see from a new perspective. From this “other world” we are invited to understand, evaluate and hopefully, redirect our lives. Apart from personal experience, stories are one of the quickest ways of learning.

Jesus always had an agenda, an ‘intent,’ for every story he told. He used them to explain what God is like (who he is and how he acts), what the kingdom of God is like, and God’s intentions for humans (what they should and may become). This intent of Jesus (the teller or the author) must always be the goal as we seek to interpret any parable. We look to discover the intent of Jesus to his contemporaries – his disciples and his fellow Jews. The question for each parable is: “How did Jesus seek to change attitudes and behaviours with this parable?”

We must avoid allegorising the parables by turning them into something Jesus never intended for them to be, reading into a parable our own church’s theology. Parables are among the most abused and mistreated stories ever told. They have been twisted, subverted, realigned and psychologized for centuries by pastors and scholars alike, making them mirror theologies Jesus that never intended them to communicate.

Jesus parables have been described as works of art and as weapons of conflict with opponents. His teaching delighted and brought instruction to many while also causing offence to others.

Parables are more than stories. A common definition is that a parable is “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” Although there is some truth in this saying, parables are much more than illustrations and although some are concerned with future eschatology, they are not about heaven. They are directed to life on this earth.

Parables are expanded analogies using comparisons and contrasts with the intent of convincing and persuading. They create an imaginary world that reflects reality.

Parables are a form of indirect communication that give a person handles for understanding truth. Through their creativity, they engage our attention and interest then force us to think in fresh ways. Their ultimate aim is to awaken insight, stimulate the conscience (through reflection) and move to action. [A good parable creates distance, provokes and appeals. By creating distance it gives the hearer/reader space to reconsider] Jesus wanted people to stop, reconsider their ways, and change their behaviour. They seek to goad people into the action that the gospel deserves and the kingdom demands.

Examples:

Direct communication about the kingdom might say, “The kingdom is of supreme value and is worth everything you could give.” The Parable of the Treasure in the Field is double indirect communication in that it does not speak of the hearer/reader or the subject at hand. It uses another person (the one who finds) and another subject (the treasure) to address the hearer indirectly.

The story of the Prodigal and Elder Brother is double indirect communication. It is about a man and his sons, not the hearers/readers, but it uses other people and another subject (their relations) to speak of God, relation with God, and relations among humans. We see this indirection over and over.

Bible Reading Tools

Reading your Bible each day is a terrific way to experience God as well as to learn his ways and wisdom for life. This year our church is reading through the New Testament and the books of Psalms and Proverbs. As we read the written word (the Greek word logos), we position ourselves for the Holy Spirit to give us a quickened word (the Greek word rhema) specific to our situation. 

As we read, some days may seem more relevant and powerful than others, but like any meal, God's Word does us good, whether we are aware of it or not. Also, as we read, some parts of the Bible are easy to understand while others can be more difficult. To assist us with those times when we aren't sure what the Bible means, there are a number of excellent tools available. Here are some of my favourites.

1. Begin by choosing a good Bible translation. For my devotions, I like the New Living Translation, The New International Version (2011 edition) or the Message Bible. I like to change it around a bit each year just so I see things in fresh ways. When selecting a Bible, consider purchasing a good Study Bible. I love the NLT Study Bible and the NIV Study Bible as they both provide a wealth of helpful information right there in the text.

2. For some extremely helpful devotional comments from a scholarly author you can't go past the long time classic New Daily Study Bible series by William Barclay or the recent New Testament for Everyone series by Tom Wright. Both series are worth every penny. 

3. For a more extensive commentary series, check out the NIV Application Commentaries, available as individual books from the Old and New Testaments or as a set (the NT is complete). Other more scholarly commentary series include The Expositor's Bible Commentary (EBC, 7 vols), The Word Biblical Commentary (WBC), The Tyndale Commentaries, the New International Commentary.

4. For help reading the Wisdom and Psalms books, I really like the new Baker Commentary of the Old Testament series. Check out both Psalms and Proverbs, which are excellent.

5. For help with Bible interpretation, check out How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, as well as Introduction to Biblical Interpretation.

6. For some help in reading the Bible devotionally, I highly recommend The Divine Mentor and Living by the Book.

7. Finally, most of these tools and more are available in digital formats - for computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones - at far cheaper prices. Check out eSword (free) and Olive Tree for starters. The most extensive programs are Logos (for Windows and MAC) and Accordance (for MAC). Also, worth mentioning is PC Study Bible and Quickverse. For free online Bibles check out Bible Gateway and YouVersion.

Don't be overwhelmed by all the books and helps available, including the cost. Just select one or two tools. Use them well, then add to your collection over time. 

As the apostle Paul said to his young protege, Timothy ... "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (2Tim.2:15)." After all, we don't live by bread alone but by every word that comes from God's mouth (Matt.4:4). May you hear his voice clearly today. 

God's Blessings - the Beatitudes

The Gospel of Matthew records five main teaching discourses from Jesus. Matthew 5-7 is Jesus' call to righteousness, which is about doing the will of God. Jesus is teaching his disciples and the multitudes from the mountain.

Jesus begins with what is commonly called The Beatitudes which are the blessings of God (Matt.5:1-12). The Latin word for "blessed" is beati.  

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. NLT

In pronouncing these blessings, Jesus is not saying "try hard to live like this." He is saying that people who already are like this are in good shape. They should be happy and celebrate because of the work that Jesus is now doing.

These are not timeless truths about how the world is. Mourners often go un-comforted, the meek don't always inherit the earth, and those who long for justice often find it eludes them in this life. This is an upside-down world. But Jesus is bringing good news with the proclamation of his kingdom. No matter what our condition, God is on the move. A new covenant is about to be put in place. New promises are being made. God's kingdom is near. We can enter it and live under it's rule right here, right now. That's good news.

Devotional Bible Reading

Every year, we encourage our church to read through the Bible. There are a variety of reading programs available online. This year we will read through the New Testament, as well as the books of Psalms and Proverbs. Click here for the complete reading program. 

There is a great benefit in using a devotional format for Bible reading aimed at hearing from God daily and responding to his leading. The goal is not to just ‘get through’ your Bible reading but to allow God’s Word to ‘get in’ to your heart and life, bringing about personal growth and positive change.

As you do your daily reading, consider using the following devotional format:

Scripture – write out a verse or two that speak specifically to you today.

Observation – make a note of what you observe in the text. What was happening back 'there and then'?

Application – write out how God’s Word applies to your life. What does this mean to you 'here and now'?

Prayer – write out a prayer of response to what God has said to you.

You can do this by yourself, with your family, with some friends or as part of your Life Group. As you make your time with God and his Word the priority of your day, you will experience a tangible ‘washing of the Word’ in your heart and life.

P.S. Click here for some other helpful resources.

Jesus in all the Books of the Bible

Luke tells us a story of two disciples who were sad and discouraged by the recent events they had experienced in the city of Jerusalem (Luke 24:13-35).They had hoped that this man called Jesus would have been the Messiah - the one who would deliver Israel.There were so many expectations raised by the birth of this child just a few decades earlier - barren women giving birth in old age, angels appearing, wise men coming from the East and prophetic words being given. But now Jesus was dead. Instead of overthrowing the pagans, he had been crucified by them!

Suddenly, a stranger joins them as they journey on the Road to Emmaus. Amazingly, he begins to show them that the whole story (not just a few isolated, random texts), from Genesis to Chronicles (the last book of the Hebrew Bible, the prophets came earlier), was about what Jesus had just accomplished. They had been reading the Bible through the wrong end of the telescope. They had been seeing it as the long story of how God would redeem Israel from suffering, but it was instead the story of how God would redeem Israel through suffering. NO ONE had seen that.

We're not sure what this stranger actually said, but maybe it was something like this ... 

Tom Wright for Everyone

Tom Wright (also known as N.T. Wright) has achieved global recognition as a biblical theologian through his academic and popular publications. He is a leading New testament scholar and former Bishop of Durham in the Church of England. His most academic work is his Christian Origins and the Questions of God series, of which three editions have been released so far. These include The New Testament and the People of God, Jesus and the Victory of God and The Resurrection and the Son of God. Tom also has also written a commentary series on the entire New Testament called For Everyone, as well as a contemporary translation. His more popular books include Simply Christian (likened to C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity), Evil and The Justice of God and Surprised by Hope.

Because of the number and size of Tom's books, few people have engaged fully with his thought and grappled with the implications. Stephen Kuhrt has done us all a favor through the release of his new book Tom Wright for Everyone. He provides and excellent summary and overview of Wright's theology in a broad range of areas, then describes in detail the way in which he has sought to put this theology into practice through the ministry and mission of his own local church, Christ Church in New Malden, England. This is a terrific book, well worth reading.

On a personal note, while on holidays in the UK recently, I was priviledged to have a coffee with Tom at St. Andrew University in Scotland, where he now resides (see pic). I found him warm, friendly, insightful and a joy to converse with. 

P.S. Visit the unofficial N.T. Wright page here, where there is a wealth of articles, lectures and links.

 

Reflections on the Parable of the Talents

Jesus came to earth as the long-awaited Messiah to die on the cross for our salvation and for the redemption of humanity. He also came to establish the kingdom of God on the earth, which he saw as beginning small and somewhat unimpressive, like a mustard seed, but eventually blossoming to cover the entire earth. When teaching, Jesus often used indirect forms of communication that appealed to the imagination of people and provoked further thought. As a result, he often left his hearers puzzling and pondering over the implications of his message.

After entering Jerusalem the final time (Mt.21:1-11) and weeping over the city of Jerusalem for their refusal to accept him and his kingdom message (Mt.23:37-39), Jesus gave some final instructions to his disciples for the days ahead of them (24:1–25:46). Through a series of parables, Jesus warned them to be watchful, prepared, faithful and productive during this time. One of these parables was The Parable of the Talents or The Parable of the Three Servants.

The Parable of the Three Servants (Matthew 25:14-30)

This story moves along with a rhythm that creates a sense of expectation. But there is a twist at the end. The decreasing quantities of talents given (a ‘talent’ was a large amount of money) simple serve to build the story to a climax. Surely the one given the least would have the easiest time of all making good use of it. But, no! This third servant is not only severely reprimanded by the master; what he has is taken away and given to another. In many ways this story is a tragedy.

The parable raises many questions. Who is this ‘wicked and lazy servant?’ It is a disciple or not? ^[1] What is Jesus trying to say to his disciples … and to us? Is the end of life like a big final exam? Aren’t we saved by grace not by works? We know that God is loving and kind, but is he also hard and stern at times too? What does the parable tell us about God?

No doubt, the master is this story represents God and the servants represent various types of people and their response and relationship to God. In most parables, Jesus is endeavouring to teach his listeners a number of lessons. Let’s look at a few of them together.

A Prayer of David

Despite his imperfections and failures, King David will always be remembered as the man after God's own heart. What was it about him that God so loved? Here is a prayer that David prayed after collecting a generous offering for the Temple which his son, Solomon would build:

David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.” [1 Chron. 29:10-19. NLT]

What do you notice about David? What character qualities emerge in his prayer? What do you learn about his inner world - his heart?

I observe: loving devotion to God, gratitude, humility, sincerity and an eternal perspective on life. 

May we too be people after God's own heart today. 

400th Anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible

Yesterday was the 400th anniversary of the most printed book of all time - the King James Version of the Bible. The KJV has been printed billions of times. The majority of these printings have been funded not by commercial interest but by people who love this Book. 

Tradition holds that on May 2nd, 1611 the King's printer Robert Barker presented the first copies of an English text that would shape our world today. The Bible in the English language has influenced the way we speak, the way we govern, and the way we worship. 

No other literature touches the influence of the KJV. It's well-worn pages have been read at weddings and funerals. Presidents and Kings have quoted from it. Soldiers have found hope and comfort in it. Its words have been referred to in our music and acted out in our movies. This sacred work has solidified the English language and spread its words and phrases around the globe. 

Although God is not an Englishman, through this translation, English-speaking all over the world have come to know who God is. Although the original manuscripts were written in Hebrew and Greek, the KJV has brought God's Word to many people. 

Personally, I am thankful for the more contemporary translations available today that speak with greater relevance to our generation, but I grateful for the impact and influence of the KJV on our world over so many centuries.

Learn more about the celebrations here and here. 

A Subversive Poem

In the opening of his letter to the Christians at Colossae, the apostle Paul pens a subversive poem that would have grabbed the attention of his listeners and aroused a variety of strong emotions (1:15-23). He was intent on promoting the supremacy of Christ. He did this by showing that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and the head of his body, the church.

The authors of recent commentary on Colossians (Colossians Remixed by Keesmaat & Walsh) have paraphrased this poem into a targum - something that conveys the kind of message in our culture that would be comparable to what the original listeners might have heard in their context. Here it is (with a few Australianisms added in by my wife, Nicole):

“He is the source of a liberated imagination, a subversion of the empire because it all starts with Him, and it all ends with Him. 

Everything, All things.

Whatever you can imagine.

Visible or invisible.

Mountains or atoms.

Outer space, urban space and cyber space.

Where it be the Australian Government and Prime Minister, Vegemite, Microsoft, Telstra or McDonalds.

Whether it be institutionalized power structures of the state, the educational system or the market.

All things have been created in Him and through Him.

He is their source, their purpose, their goal.

Even in their rebellion, even in their idolatry.

He is their sovereign one. 

Their power and authority is derived at best, parasitic at worst.

In the face of the empire.

In the face of presumptuous claims of sovereignty.

In the face of imperial and idolatrous forces in our lives.

Christ is before all things.

He is sovereign in life.

Not the pimped dreams of the global market.

Not the idolatrous forces of nationalism or even religion.

Not the insatiable desires of a consumer culture.

In the face of a disconnected world.

Where home is a domain in cyberspace.

Where neighborhood is a chat room.

Where public space is a shopping mall.

Where information technology promises a tuned-in, reconnected world.

All things hold together in Christ.

The creation is a deeply personal cosmos.

All cohering and interconnected in Jesus.” 

Colossians

This coming weekend, we begin a series of messages at CityLife Church entitled: ‘Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire.’ The apostle Paul recognised that living under a global empire presented a number of challenges for Christians living in the 1st century. This series will consider similar questions for those of us seeking to live for Christ in the 21st century. God’s Word is living and active, speaking powerfully into our lives in a practical and inspirational way. As we gather together we are praying and believing for God to continue to work and move amongst us.

The Book of Acts

Our church is currently reading through the Book of Acts. This is one of my favorite New Testament books as it tells us the story of the church, as God intended it to be. It was a church birthed by the Spirit, made up of normal everyday people and led by leaders who lived lives of dependence on Jesus for direction and guidance. It was not without challenges, both internally (in the form of sin, false doctrine and division) and externally (in the form of persecution). As we read the narrative, there are so many lessons to learn and principles to glean for being Christ's community in our time and culture. Try to re-imagine what jesus had in mind for his church.

P.S. Click here for a few of my devotional notes from the Book of Acts.

A New Online Bible

LifeChurch.tv has launched a free online Bible called YouVersion. YouVersion has been growing by hundreds of thousands of users each month. Almost 7 million people are reading the Bible through one of their mobile apps, including the iPhone and the newly released iPad. Check out their BLOG here.

In addition to multiple translations being available, you can put together your own personal reading plan, create journal notes, and interact with other people about their learnings.

Worth checking out!

Did Jesus really walk on water?

It was fun to visit the Sea of Galilee recently and see the place where Jesus conducted so much of his ministry while on earth. It is a such beautiful place. The sea covers a surface area of 166 square kilometers (21 km north to south and x 11 km east to west) and is 200 meters below sea level. It is usually quite calm, although an afternoon wind blows down on to the sea each day causing the water to become quite choppy. 

The Gospel writers tell us that during a storm, Jesus came to the disciples walking on the water (see Matthew 14:22-36). A few years back, a scientist came up with a natural explanation for this, claiming that Jesus actually walked on a a floating piece of ice, during an unusual cold spell (read report here and here). Of course, this doesn't explain how Peter walked on water or how the boat continued to float. Most theories raise more questions than they can answer.

I think it takes more faith to believe some of these theories than it does to believe that Jesus did walk on water - because He is the Son of God!  

The miracles of Jesus should stir our faith to believe in him - but not to act in presumption like the preacher who drowned trying to walk on water himself (read the tragic story here).

Dare to be a Daniel

This month our church is reading through the book of Daniel. It's a interesting book containing six stories followed by four incredible visions. We've also been sharing a series of messages entitled Living in Babylon.

I think Daniel was a remarkable person. As a teenager he was taken from his family in Jerusalem and exiled to Babylon. Babylon was a pagan city where his captors sought to indoctrinate him and his friends in their philosophy and worldview. Would Daniel survive? Amazingly, Daniel not only survived ... he thrived ... in Babylon ... for over 60 years!

Here are some principles we can learn from Daniel and seek to imitate in our lives as we live in our contemporary world.

1. Develop a personal relationship with God. Daniel had a strong faith and this outworked itself in his daily life. He was a person of prayer (Daniel 2:18-19; 6:11; 9:3, 20-23) and he also meditated on God's Word. Through these daily disciplines he was able to connect with God, gain wisdom for his daily work, and keep perspective on his life - even in the midst of busyness. We too should seek to connect with God daily.

2. Excel at your work. We are told that Daniel and his friends were ten times better than the other advisers to the king of Babylon (Daniel 1:17-20; 2:14). This excellence was a combination of God given ability along with disciplined learning and development. As Daniel applied himself to his job and duties assigned to him, he developed wisdom, insight and understanding. He became a highly competent and proficient leader. This excellence led to his promotion to a position of great influence within Babylon. We also should seek to be the very best we can be – not in some competitive or egotistical manner – but in order to fully develop the potential God has placed in us in order to better serve in our role in society. Whatever our work may be, we should do your very best for God and do everything for his glory.

3. Walk in integrity. Daniel was a person of integrity (Daniel 6:4). Daniel walked the talk. Who he was publicly matched who he was privately. He refused to compromise. He was a person of upright character and moral excellence. He was a man of convictions and he was willing to stand for them no matter what the cost. He was willing to be different if necessary rather than just following the crowd. He resolved to do what God wanted regardless of the consequences. Daniel's integrity was tested many times and he came under attack through the criticism, jealousy and even conspiracy of other people. He ended up in a lion’s den because of sticking to his convictions. Walking in integrity doesn’t mean everything will always go smoothly for us but God promises to watch over us and bring us through each challenge.

4. Don't travel alone.Daniel had three friends - Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (whose names were changed to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego). We see them spending time together quite often through the narrative of the book of Daniel, and especially during times of pressure and crisis (Daniel 2:16-18). We too need some good friends who are traveling companions to us. Yes, life can be lonely at times, but none of us are meant to go it alone.

5. Understand and Rest in God's Providence. I’m sure if Daniel was here today he would tell you that his life did not turn out as he expected it would or even as he planned that it would. His life was affected by dramatic circumstances and changes of events that took him totally by surprise beginning with him being taken as a prisoner from his homeland and right through his time in Babylon. He learned to trust and rest in God's providence (Daniel 4:25; 5:21). In the same way, each person’s journey has unexpected terrain and turns. We need to embrace a balanced viewed of human responsibility and divine sovereignty. A few centuries later, the apostle Paul put it this way ... "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28. NAS)

Dare to be a Daniel!

Money-Wise: Principles of Financial Management from Proverbs (Pt.2)

Here are three more principles ...

4.      Say “No” to Debt.

Proverbs has much to say about avoiding debt. Debt puts a person in bondage and enslaves a person to their creditor (Prov.22:7). Advertising endeavours to make people unhappy with what they have now so that they buy something new or better. This often leads to impulse buying or the purchase of things that are not really needed. Society encourages people to go into debt and tries to make it as easy as possible. Debt can put a person under great pressure as a person which can destroys their peace and their joy. All debt is to be frowned upon except debt for an appreciating asset (such as a mortgage for a home or a start up loan for a good business opportunity). A person is in trouble when they’re spending more money than they are earning. Getting out of debt may require obtaining financial advice, forming a budget, and making some lifestyle changes.

 

5.      Say “Yes” to Savings.

Wisdom says to prepare for the future by establishing a savings and investment plan (Prov.21:10). Only a fool spends all that they have earned. Saving is making provision for tomorrow and is a mark of wisdom. Savings can create freedom, reduce pressure, increase joy, be a powerful witness and enable giving. Becoming a saver requires making a decision to do so, creating a savings plan and then having the discipline to save consistently. Wisdom advises being a steady plodder when it comes to investing (Prov.21:5). If a person spends less than they earn, then saves and invests the difference over a long period of time then their wealth will grow. Consistency over the long haul is they key not just quick bursts of enthusiasm. Financial growth takes time and continued effort. If a person is faithful with what they have now, God promises to give them more.

 

6.      Be a Generous Giver.

Wisdom teaches the importance of being a generous giver both to God’s work and to people in need (Prov.3:9-10). Generous giving is the key to further financial blessing not the result of it (Prov.11:24-25; 22:9). Wisdom teaches a person not to wait until they have a lot of money to start giving, but to give now of what they already have. Wisdom also teaches that it is right and proper to give to the poor and the needy (Prov.14:21; 19:17; 21:13; 28:27; 29:7; 31:20).

 

These financial principles are very much interrelated. When a person is in debt and has no savings, they miss giving opportunities. When they are moved with compassion to help needy people, they are not able to do it. The Good Samaritan had resources to help a needy person (Lk.10:25-37). Applause should be given not just to his compassion but also to his financial management, which caused him to have discretionary funds to meet the need at hand and more.

 

God wants his people to have money, but he doesn’t want money to have them. Riches can be a threat to a person’s relationship with God. Money is not the problem. It is the attitude towards it. Money is essential for survival and the expansion of God’s kingdom. God is very interested in money matters. It’s important to Him. He wants to bless individuals and his church too. It depends on a person’s motives, priorities and values.

Money-Wise: Principles of Financial Management from Proverbs (Pt.1)

The book of Proverbs contains some excellent wisdom for managing your finances.

 

Proverbs are not absolute rules for life but rather they are general principles that usually lead to a blessed and happy life. Here are six principles that I gleaned from my reading ...

 

 

1.      Live a Righteous Life.

Wisdom teaches that God watches over those who are righteous and who walk before him in integrity (Prov.13:25; 22:4; 10:22). This does not mean that the righteous will never experience poverty, adversity or suffering (e.g. Job). Life may appear to be unfair at times, especially when righteous people are poor and suffering while ungodly people are rich and blessed. However, in the long run, the righteous will be blessed and the ungodly will be punished. Character lasts forever while wealth is transient and there is coming a day of judgment where all wrongs will be righted (Prov.11:4; 13:22; 23:4-5). There are many more important things than wealth, such as wisdom, knowledge, honour, a good name, and the fear of the Lord (Prov.3:13-16; 8:10-11, 18-21; 16:16-17; 22:1-2). Even a little with these things is better than wealth without them (Prov.15:16-17; 16:8; 17:1; 19:1, 22; 28:6). Unfortunately, our contemporary culture often sees being well off financially as more important than living a godly life. Success is determined more by what a person has than who they are. Many people assess their self-worth by their net-worth. Today’s heroes are often the rich and famous. However, as Jesus once said, “… one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions” (Lk.12:15). Wealth and possessions are only temporal (Prov.11:28).

 

2.      Work Diligently.

Proverbs praises diligent hard. Hard work leads to God’s blessing. Diligence brings wealth and profit, as well as personal satisfaction and promotion (Prov.10:4; 13:4; 14:23). Proverbs also condemns and ridicules laziness. Slothfulness frequently results in poverty and scarcity, slavery and bondage, and it never satisfies. Proverbs rebukes the lazy person, often referred to as the “lazybones” (Prov.6:6-11; 20:4; 21:25-26; 24:30-34; 26:14). From the beginning, human work is the God-ordained means by which a person can generate the income necessary to live their life (see Gen. 2:5, 15; Ex.20:9-11). God has given each individual person skills and abilities so that they can use them to serve others in exchange for income (Deut.8:17-18). Christians today should work diligently as unto the Lord, doing their very best to the glory of God (Col.3:23-24). They should develop their skills and abilities, taking responsibility for their own growth and development so that they maximise their God-given potential. Work done well and with a good attitude is rewarded and often leads to promotion (Prov.22:19). When a believer excels in their work, God is honoured. However, work holism and striving to be rich should be avoided (see Prov.23:4-5).

 

3.      Avoid Trying to Get Rich Quickly.

Wisdom teaches avoidance of the pursuit of any activity that promises quick riches (Prov.12:11; 28:20-22; 20:21; 13:11). Wisdom seeks to help a person grow in maturity as their income increases. People who want something for nothing don’t always develop the character necessary to handle it wisely. This can be observed by considering what happens to a person after they win a lot of money through gambling.  Usually within a few years, they are back to where they were before. Getting rich quickly seems to be diametrically opposed to God’s financial plan as he connects the acquisition of money to hard work. As they work diligently, their income grows and they can handle it because they’re growing in character and maturity. There are a plethora of schemes today that promise a quick dollar, yet often result in disappointment and financial loss. Believers would do well to exercise wisdom and caution in all their financial dealings and seek to generate income through hard work and wise investments not through get rich quick pursuits.

 

More tomorrow ...

Some More Favourite Proverbs

Okay, so I have to have 31 favourite Proverbs.

What are yours?

Here are my final eleven:

Prov 19:2. Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.

Prov 19:3. People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.

Prov 20:4. Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.

Prov 21:5. Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Prov 21:23. Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

Prov 22:1. Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

Prov 22:4. True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.

Prov 27:2. Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth - a stranger, not your own lips.

Prov 27:17. As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Prov 27:15. A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day.

Prov 28:13. People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Wise people apply knowledge. They bridge the 'knowing - doing' gap. Knowledge doesn't change the world - action does. Most Christians are educated beyond the level of their obedience. Let's be doers of God's word, not hearers only :)

More Favourite Proverbs

How are you enjoying the book of Proverbs?

I have more favourite Proverbs ...

Here are another ten: 

• Prov 15:33. The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.

• Prov 16:3. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

Prov 16:32. Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

Prov 17:17. A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Prov 17:22. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.

Prov 17:27. A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

Prov 18:10. The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. 

Prov 18:12. Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.

Prov 18:15. Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.

Prov 18:21. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

More wise advice!

 

My Favourite Proverbs

Our church family is reading through the book of Proverbs this month - a proverb a day.

For some thoughts on Bible reading, click here and here. Click here for some links to some terrific resources for your Bible reading from our church's web site. Want to know more about Bible translations? Click here. Bible software? Click here.

As we're reading through the book of Proverbs this month, I thought I'd share a few of my favourites (all from the New Living Translation):

Prov 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Prov 4:23. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Prov 10:9. People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.

Prov 13:4. Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.

Prov 13:10. Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

Prov 13:18. If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.

Prov 15:1. A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Prov 15:22. Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.

Prov 15:28. The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

Prov 15:31. If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.

Wise advice!

Proverbs: Wisdom for Life

As a teenager growing up I read the book of Proverbs through about 20 times in a period of a few years. The way I did this was to read a Proverb a day according to the date of the month. I sure gained a lot of wisdom for life through my reading and reflection. I learned about important things such as the importance of words, diligent work, handling temptation, anger, financial management, successful relationships and lots more.

During the month of May, which starts today, our church family will be doing the same – reading through the book of Proverbs. Why don’t you join us? We’ll also be sharing a new series of messages on ‘Wisdom for Life’ beginning this coming weekend.

Click here for Bible reading resources, including devotional notes.

The Amazing Race

Here's a paraphrase by Tom Wright of a well-known Bible text from Hebrews 12:1-3. The book of Hebrews was a letter written to some followers of Christ in the first century who were feeling discouraged because they were experiencing difficulty and persecution in their spiritual journey. How relevant these words are for us today too ... 

 

"What about us then? We have such a great cloud of witnesses all around us! What we must do is this: we must put aside each heavy weight, and the sin which gets in the way so easily. We must run the race that lies in front of us, and we must run it patiently. We must look ahead, to Jesus. He is the one who carved out the path for faith, and he's the one who brought it to completion.

He knew that there was joy spread out and waiting for him. That's why he endured the cross, making light of its shame, and has now taken his seat at the right hand of God's throne. He put up with enormous opposition from sinners. Weigh up in your minds just how severe it was; then you won't find yourselves getting weary and worn out."

Bible Software

 

Through the wonders of modern technology it is possible to read and study the Bible on your computer. Here are some of my favorite programs:

 

 

 

1. PC Study Bible from Biblesoft. I've been using this software for many years now, through its various versions and upgrades. It's really easy to use and it has many outstanding features and add-ins. I currently use the Advanced Reference Library with PC Study Bible version 5.0.

2. E-Sword is an outstanding FREE Bible software package. It is definitely worth checking out. After using this software you may choose to make a voluntary on-line donation to this excellent ministry.

3. Logos Bible Software is the grand-daddy of all Bible study software packages. I have the Scholar's Library Gold edition (running on the Libronix Digital Library system version 3.0) which was given to me as a gift.

4. If you have a Palm, Blackberry, iPhone, iPod, Pocket PC or Smart-phone, there are also some excellent Bible programs and other resources available. Check out Laridian Bible Software and Olive Tree Software, as well as E-Sword.

Enjoy!

"Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another — showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." [2 Tim 3:16-17. The Message Bible]

Reading through the Old Testament

Like physical fitness, spiritual fitness is the result of engaging in certain spiritual exercises, including a proper diet (spiritual food) and regular exercise (obedience). Have you been eating your 'daily bread' (Matt.4:4)?

This coming Saturday, December 1st, our church family begins a chronological reading through the Old Testament. We'll be doing this over the next 14 months. We will use a devotional format which aims at hearing from God each day then applying what he says in our life.

A copy of our reading plan, as well as a variety of other resources including links to Bible translations, a devotional template, recommended reading, and weekly devotional comments, are available on our CityLife Church web site under the Resources tab.

You'll also find a free mp3 of last weekend's message on How to Read and Enjoy the Old Testament featuring an interview with Cheryl Catford, who lectures at Tabor College Victoria. There are also free mp3s of the three part series of messages entitled Fit for Life which gave back in November 2006 to launch our reading through the New Testament . These messages provide some practical teaching and instructions for getting the most out of your Bible reading.

Also see the Bible category section of my blog for other articles on Which Bible Translation? and Devotional Bible Reading.

As you read, may you have experience of Jeremiah ...

"Your words are what sustain me. They bring me great joy and are my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty." [Jer.15:16-17. NLT]

Which Bible Translation?

The majority of the books of the Bible were written in Hebrew (the Old Testament) and Greek (the New Testament). Eventually the Bible was translated into other languages such as Latin and German, and then English. In 1611, the King James version (KJV) of the Bible was released and it remained the most popular English translation for over 300 years. In the last 100 years, there have been many other English translations, resulting in literally dozens being now available. 

Essentially, there are three types of translations:

1. A Literal Translation - this is an attempt at a direct 'word for word' translation. The New King James Version (NKJV) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) are literal translations.
2. A Dynamic Equivalent Translation - this type of translation endeavors to translate the broader sense of the phrases, not just the literal words. The New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT) are dynamic equivalent translations.
3. A Paraphrase - this is a translation into modern English. The Good News Bible (GNB) and the Message Bible (MB) are paraphrases.

Each of these types of translations have to try to balance readability with faithfulness to the original text. Because of this, there is really no fixed boundary between these three types of translations. They simply represent a range of translation methods.

The New Testament was written in Koine or 'common' Greek, which was the local street language of the day used for speaking with your neighbors or shopping at the market NOT in classical or 'proper' Greek, which was used for writing history, philosophy or poetry. As Eugene Peterson says, 'Our Bible was not written in the educated and polished language of scholars, historians, philosophers and theologians but primarily in the common language of fisherman, prostitutes, homemakers and carpenters." It was said about Jesus, "... and the common people heard him gladly (Mark 12:37 NKJV)." The Bible is meant to be readable as it is. It is not a book of secret knowledge accessible only to the academic elite. It is written plainly for plain men and women.

So which is the best translation? The Hebrew and Greek, of course! But unless you read these languages, you'll need an English translation. The best translation depends on your purpose. For something closer to the original words, use a literal translation. For something more readable, use a dynamic equivalent translation. For something fresh and contemporary, use a paraphrase.

The King James Version (KJV) was ‘contemporary’ 400 years ago. Unless you still speak to your neighbors like this - “Yea, verily, whither dost thou goest and how art thou?” ... it's probably time to move on.

The main Bible that I use is the NIV, but I also really like the NLT, as well as the Message Bible.

For further information on choosing a Bible translation, I recommend the following two books:

• NEW: How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth - A Guide to Understanding an Using Bible Versions by Gordon D. Fee and Mark L. Strauss (Published Oct.2007). This excellent book has extended and up-to-date information on all current Bible translations, including the TNIV.
• How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart
• Eat this Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading by Eugene Peterson

Thankfully, with powerful Bible software anyone can now discover the meanings of Bible words in the original languages and do all sorts of interesting background studies. I recommend PC Study Bible.

Read through the New Testament

Like physical fitness, spiritual fitness is the result of engaging in certain spiritual exercises, including a proper diet (spiritual food) and regular exercise (obedience). Have you been eating your 'daily bread' (Matt.4:4)?

This year our church community is reading through the New Testament chronologically. A copy of our reading plan, as well as weekly devotional comments posted by me, are available on our CityLife Church web site under the Resources tab.

You'll also find free mp3s of the 3 part series of messages I gave back in November 2006 entitled Fit for Life. These messages gave some practical teaching and instructions for getting the most out of our Bible reading program.

Additional resources on the web site include: links to Bible translations, a devotional template and recommended reading.