Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Love-of-God Priority

LOVE-OF-GOD PRIORITY


Revelation 2:1-7

Vv. 4-5: “Yet I have this against you: You have forgotten your first love. Remember the heights from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first; If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.”



The week before the beginning of school, sixth-grader, Wanda, met her friend, Cassie, (who’s entering fifth grade), at the swimming pool. Spreading her blanket on the ground, Wanda complained, “Do you believe that summer’s almost over?”

“Yeah, summer’s disappearing right before our eyes!” Cassie agreed. “So, what are your plans for this last week of vacation?”

“I’m babysitting Tyler Robinson on Friday night. He’s the cutest baby!”

“You just like flirting with his big brother, who’s even cuter.” Cassie insisted.

“Right. The job is a two-for-one.”

“Huh?”

“Well, I arrive for babysitting Tyler in my new outfit, and maybe David will open the door. How could he resist smiling, eager-to-please me?”

“That’s not how it works, Wanda!”

Cassie’s correct. The opening Scripture is clear. Everything we do ought to come from love for the Lord, instead of selfish gain. Jesus’ removing the lampstand from the church at Ephesus, is about immediate judgment! Wouldn’t you agree that’s stern warning?

While the Ephesus church began marvelously (love for God enabled the people to endure persecution, spread the gospel, and challenge false prophets), their priority changed. Good works, originally performed out of love for each other and for God, was replaced with self-seeking reward.

Admirable deeds may be praiseworthy—but truthfully, they count for nothing—unless achieved from a heart glowing with love for God. He is more interested in you, and the personal relationship you’re building together, than a lifetime of good works! God delights in His kids’ service only as a result of loving devotion to Him.

God wants everybody with selfish intentions to return to their first love—HIM! No amount of service substitutes for an intimate relationship with God. He’s our delight. The best good deeds are done to honor the Lord, and not to get credit.

Wanda was confused. “What do you mean?”

“Wanda, we babysit in order to earn money. You want David’s attention. But he’s 16! Why don’t you babysit Tyler, and earn your pay with nothing attached? I don’t want you to be disappointed after doing a good job, and then David doesn’t even notice you!”

Take Home Nugget

As the last of the original disciples, the apostle John wrote Revelation, the last book in the Bible. Of course he knew that his fellow apostle, Paul, had founded this church at Ephesus. How must Jesus’ words affected him?

Good deeds are only good when done out of love for God.

J.D. Griffith





A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Friday, August 26, 2011

Inseparable Companions

INSEPARABLE COMPANIONS

Romans 8:28-39

Vv. 38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Inseparable (in-SE-per-a-bl) means always together. God created humans to be together with Him forever—just like you and your best friend. Miguel and Bobby, Cassie and Missy, Jeremy and Brad in our devotions are best friends. I suppose that Creator, Sovereign God of the Universe would get pretty bored after awhile being alone. How cool that God created us—to keep Him company, for friendship....Possibly for entertainment?

Companion (kom-PAN-yon) means friend, or buddy. Another definition for companion is cohort (KO-hort), that means legion, army, gang, or follower. This is what our relationship to God is all about! He created millions of angels, and they’re His legions, or army. He created humans to be in His gang, friends with whom He can hang—forever.

God programmed us to have close personal interactions with Himself and each other. Evidence of God’s divine love is found in Genesis 1:26—we’re created in His image! His love for us is seen throughout the Bible. 1John 4:15 says plainly that God is love. As many relationships crumble in today’s world, how secure does it make you feel that you have one friend who will never desert you? The Father even sent His Son to be our big brother.

Jesus is way better than a human big brother. He’s also our Savior and Lord! His death on the cross bought forgiveness for all our sins (1Corinthians 15:3). John 15:15 claims that Jesus calls us friends. Trusting in Jesus wins our adoption into God’s family (Romans 8:15). Our Good Shepherd, Jesus, protects and provides for each of His siblings (John 10:11).

Following Jesus makes us His disciples, or His cohorts! We hang with Jesus—learning from his right living—taken directly from the Bible. John 14:26 talks about the Holy Spirit, Who intercedes (in-ter-SEEDS means intervenes or pleads) for us as we pray. He guides and strengthens us, too.

The Bible is clear: God loves us passionately!

Take Home Nugget

Thinking about the people you care most about offers a glimpse of how much God loves you. How you are treasured and adored! Now think of how you’d respond to your best friend if he or she were in need, and cried out to you for help.

Thank You, Father, for creating me to be Your friend.

In love, I want to give love back to You

We’re inseparable companions to the very end.

Thank You for every blessing, too!

J.D. Griffith





A personal, private lesson experience with our staff







Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Let's Feed Thousands!

LET’S FEED THOUSANDS!

John 6:8-13

Verse 9: “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

Jesus surveyed the multitudes, then said to Andrew, “Bring him to Me. We’ll see if he’s willing to share his lunch.”

Andrew found the boy in the crowd. “Hi again” Andrew said, crouching down. Do you want to come with me and meet Jesus?”

“Yes! Cool!” the boy said, a smile stretching across his face. He picked up the cloth-wrapped food his Mom made for him. “Let’s go!”

Andrew took his hand. Cutting through the crowd, many people sitting on blankets on the ground, they arrived at Jesus’ feet. “Here he is, Master.”

Jesus stooped down in front of the boy. He said, “What’s your name, son?”

“Solomon.”

Right. It’s so good to meet you, Solomon! Why have you walked so far to come here today?”

“I wanted to meet You, Jesus.”

What a coincidence, I wanted to meet you, too! Lucky for us that your Mom made lunch for you to bring.”

“Yeah. I’m getting kinda hungry.”

Will you share your lunch with Me, Solomon?”

“Sure, Jesus!” Solomon offered Jesus his food.

Thank you very much.”

Solomon watched Jesus carefully unwrap the cloth. Raising His arms high, with the food stretched across the cloth, Jesus prayed, “Gracious Father in heaven, Solomon is sharing his lunch with Me. It’s My intent, Father, to feed thousands! We thank You for Solomon’s food. We thank You for his Mother, Martha, who gave him lunch to bring along on this journey to see Me. Bless us this food, nourish it to our bodies, and see that Solomon arrives home safely. By Your will, Father, feed us all! Amen.”

“How did You know my Mom’s name is Martha?”

She’s My sister, Solomon.”

“What?  Does that make You my uncle?”

How about if I am your brother, too, and my My PaPa is also your PaPa?”

“That works for me, Jesus. At least it’s nice to know that we’re related.”

We sure are, Solomon! Let’s feed thousands with your lunch, now.”

Jesus handed every disciple a loaf of bread and one fish. (Yep, a miracle!) “Have the people sit down, and give to each person all they want to eat” He instructed. Soon, over five thousand people ate their fill from 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish! Jesus said to Solomon, “You have a great name, son. My great-great-great-great PaPa was named Solomon!

Take Home Nugget

Wouldn’t it be too cool if we got to share our lunch with Master, Jesus? How about if we just share Jesus with whoever’s having lunch with us?

Awesome is our God and King above

Who showers us here below with His love.

J.D. Griffith


A personal, private lesson experience with our staff


Friday, August 19, 2011

Light of Christ

LIGHT OF CHRIST

Romans 12:1-2

Verse 2: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Our friends at the swimming pool missed you while the Celebrating Scripture series posted. Fourth-grader, Miguel, threw his rubber baseball to classmate Bobby in the shallow end of the pool. Fifth-grader, Trevor, intercepted the ball.

“Hey!” Bobby yelled. “Give it back!”

Trevor stood up, laughing out loud. “Make me!” he dared, and swam away.

Miguel said, “That’s OK, Bobby. Let’s bat another ball to each other.”

These three boys are programmed differently from each other, because their families are so diverse. Miguel’s family is Christian, and goes to church regularly. Bobby’s family believes in God, but not in the same way that Miguel does. Trevor’s family doesn’t believe in God, so Jesus isn’t even on Trevor’s radar.

The world tempts and teases God’s kids, competing for notice. Believers are being sanctified—(SANK-ti-fied) means growing more like Christ—daily. We are empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to hit the tempter’s balls out of the park. Reading the Bible brightens the light of Christ, as He directs our actions—and reactions.

God’s truth correctly guides believer’s behavior. When minds are aligned (a-LINED means united) with God’s Word, His Spirit is in control. He programs our minds with godly-correct viewpoints. This enables us to look beneath the surface in every situation. The light of Christ clearly shows the difference between right and wrong. Poor, good, better, and best choices become obvious.

The light of Christ is only assured to shine for those who cooperate with the Holy Spirit. When Christ has permission to houseclean the thoughts that clutter your mind, He’ll also transform your life. Believers nurture (NURT-chur means to develop, tend to, look after) the light of Christ. This enables us to see things from His point-of-view, and is how we claim every promise God has planned. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God has plans for hope, a future, and success for those who love Him.

The amazing ability to align thoughts to God’s is a gift believers receive at salvation. However, the upkeep for the light of Christ is our responsibility. Are you ready to claim the abundant life God has planned for you?

Take Home Nugget

On a grassy field beside the pool, Miguel pitched the ball. Bobby swung the plastic bat hard, hitting Miguel’s pitch high and long. Miguel watched it. “You hit that outta the park, Bobby! Isn’t this better than just tossing and catching?”

Between every circumstance and me

Is Christ’s light, which lets me see.

J.D. Griffith



A personal, private lesson experience with our staff




Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Polycarp

POLYCARP (69-155)

Part 12 of 12 Celebrating Scripture Series

Revelation 2:8-10

“The angel of the church of Smyrna write: ‘These are the words of Him Who is the First and the Last, Who died and came back to life again. I know your affliction and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer, I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten years. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.’”

The devotion, Continuum, showed how the church went on without Jesus, or His disciples. Polycarp was the last man who was personally taught by the apostle, John. John taught in Asia Minor, a land that is now called Turkey. Polycarp mirrored his mentor, John, in many ways.  He was appointed bishop of the church at Smyrna.

Polycarp displayed John’s noble Christian spirit. He was gentle, yet inflexible when correcting error. Can you see John (who penned Revelation) smile when Jesus named Smyrna? But he must have flinched when writing down the words we read in today’s opening Scripture—words about persecution. Jesus was talking about John’s spiritual son, Polycarp!

Sure enough, the Romans came looking for Polycarp.

Polycarp hid in a farmhouse. His companions wrote a letter to the Church of Smyrna that said: “while praying he fell into a trance three days before his capture; and he saw his pillow burning with fire. And he turned and said to those that were with him, ‘it must be that I shall be burned alive.’”

Polycarp was arrested on Friday evening. He chatted with the Romans, even ordering food for them (Proverbs 25:21-22). Then he was led away.

The proconsul ordered Polycarp to curse Christ, and bow to Caesar as Lord. Polycarp answered, “Eighty and six years have I served Christ, nor has He ever done me any harm. How, then, could I blaspheme my King who saved me? You threaten the fire that burns for an hour and then is quenched; but you know not of the fire of the judgment to come, and the fire of eternal punishment. Bring what you will.”
Jesus promises a crown of life for whoever remains faithful to Him—even to death.

Take Home Nugget

Polycarp was burned at the stake on February 23, 155. Peter was crucified, and Paul was beheaded in year 67. All received their rewards in heaven—a crown of life from Christ.

All that Jesus asks is that you trust Him: walk by faith and not by sight.

J.D. Griffith

Bibliography:

1. Adapted from an earlier Christian History Story.

2. Aland, Kurt. Saints and Sinners; men and ideas in the early church. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1970.

3. Bacchus, F. J. "Polycarp." The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton, 1914.

4. Hoole, Charles H., translator. "The Martyrdom of Polycarp." http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ martyrdompolycarp-hoole.html

5. Dan Graves, MSN. “Old Bishop Polycarp.” http://www.christianity.com./2/23/11

The12 part Celebrating Scripture devotional series adapted from In Touch Magazine. In Touch Ministries, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia. June, 2011. Pp. 5-17.


A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Friday, August 12, 2011

Continuum

CONTINUUM

Part 11 of 12 Celebrating Scripture Series

1Corinthians 1:12

“What I mean is this: One of you says, ‘I follow Paul’; another, ‘I follow Apollos’; another, ‘I follow Cephas’; still another, ‘I follow Christ.’”

“You just don’t get it! I’m glad that I didn’t baptize you! Who died on the cross for you?” Paul exploded. “We follow, and worship only Christ!” How did the infant Christian church survive after the original apostles died? Jesus assured them in John 14:18, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

Continuum (con-TIN-u-um) means range, length, extent. A perfect title for this devotion, because we’ll see how God never fails. He always has a plan. While Jesus is in heaven for a time, He’s omnipresent—which means that He is everywhere. Jesus isn’t visible, but He IS right here. When the Holy Spirit arrived (Acts 2), the disciples immediately got busy. (See Gathered Together devotion).

But, who took over when all the disciples died? How would the church survive, grow, or even dare to prosper? Jesus assigned them (and us) work (Matthew 28:19). The whole world needs to be told the Good News: Jesus’ death offers forgives of sins, and eternal life to whomever believes in Him!

The original disciples taught scores of students. These new disciples were approved for service to carry the torch of Christ. Continuum means that there’s a way. Paul’s enlisted protégées (pro-to-JAYS mean people taught to be like the original) are sprinkled throughout his many books and epistles (letters). Paul’s churches were thriving, and church heads invented a new leadership position to supply pastoral guidance.

Bishops, or overseers, were appointed to carry on the work. Titus 1:7-8 describes a bishop’s qualities that make him suitable for the job: “Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.”

Bishops had help, just like your Pastor, Priest, or Rabbi has a congregation (con-gre-GA-shon means worshipers) who assist him. Timothy, Erastus, Silas, Apollos, Aquila, Priscilla, are specifically mentioned in Acts 18 and19, Romans 16:3, 3:5-15, and 1Corinthians, 16:10-19. How many more remain nameless?

Workers are everywhere! God’s Spirit is released on His kids right now—and He’s nagging us to get on with it!

Take Home Nugget

When God’s work seems overwhelming, believers still willingly step up to do whatever’s necessary.

The disciples had a short time to accomplish Jesus’ assignment. 33 years after Jesus ascended to heaven, Peter and Paul had also gone home.

Jesus set us examples of doing good.

We follow Him when helping wherever we could.

J.D. Griffith

A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Codex Sinaiticus

CODEX SINAITICUS

Part 10 of 12 Celebrating Scripture Series

2Corinthians 11:12-14

“And I [Paul] will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

Jesus’ chosen apostles wrote down their testimonies (test-i-MO-nees mean statements of eye-witness truth).  These circulated throughout the known world.  Jealous men, not led by the Holy Spirit, tried to copy-cat.  These false apostles made stuff up.  The word heresy (HERE-e-see) describes their words as lies. 

 False apostles blossomed after John, the last original disciple, died in year 100.  Challenging God’s Word, they were labeled heretics (HER-e-teks), or liars.  Marcion (MAR-see-on) was one, professing two gods, beginning in year 144.  (At least Jesus Christ was the superior deity to the Old Testament god).  Marcion’s Canon (KA-non means rule) included ten epistles (letters), and parts of Luke’s gospel.  His heretical (he-RET-e-kl) work spurred the Christians’ to circulate their own sacred writings. 

Ireneaus (i-REEN-i-us) authored Against Heresies, in year 200. This became the Christian defense against heresy.

In 318, another heretic, Arius, claimed Jesus Christ wasn’t equally God with the Father. The resulting arguments and violence prompted Constantine, (KON-stan-teen was a Roman Emperor who converted to Christianity in 312), to form the Council of Nicaea (ni-SEE-a) in 325. See Gathered Together devotion for Christianity’s official belief statement. This defied heresy.

Finally, Codex Sinaiticus (sine-AT-i-kus—Book of Sinai) became the earliest complete manuscript of the Christian Bible. It combined the Septuagint (Sep-TU-a-jint, completed around 150 B.C., as the original Greek translation of the Old Testament) with the apostles’ New Testament.

 Scribes folded and bound the hand-copied parchment—similar to the process we use to bind books today.  Constantine ordered 50 copies of Codex Sinaiticus!  They were planned for use in new churches built in the empire’s new capital, Constantinople (kon-STAN-tin-o-pl).            

In year 363, the Council of Nicaea and Codex Sinaiticus inspired the Council of Laodicea (la-o-DEE-she-a) to approve the list of biblical books in the East.  In 367, Athanasius (a-than-A-si-us), bishop of Alexandria, listed the official New Testament books for the first time. (There were writings [heresy?] that were rejected). It wasn’t until 397, at the 3rd Council of Carthage, when an authoritative list of biblical books was published in the West.     

Take Home Nugget

The Vulgate, the Christian Bible translated into Latin, became the official translation for the West.  (East means countries: Asia, Eastern Europe, Middle Eastern countries, some African countries—both Arab and non-Arab.  No part of Communist block is included.  West means countries:  Western Europe, Canada, United States, Mexico, South America).  

Open your Bible prayerfully, read it carefully, obey it joyfully.

J.D. Griffith




A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com

Friday, August 5, 2011

Colorful Christians

COLORFUL CHRISTIANS

Part 9 of 12 Celebrating Scripture Series

Romans 3:22-26

“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—He did it to demonstrate His justice at the present time, so as to be just and the One Who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”

This Scripture is the core of our Christian faith. Despite being bad kids, we’re loved, and forgiven—when we believe in Jesus. Our Father embraces us because Jesus took our punishment. He won’t even punish us for the bad things we did before we accepted Jesus as our Savior!

God’s kids have always been bad. When trouble comes to us because of our faith in Jesus, we’re rewarded….Let me explain.

Believers were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26). The disciples were busy preaching, (because Jesus told them to: Matthew 28:19-20). They preached the Good News of Jesus Christ from memory. Three years they walked with Jesus, soaking up everything they heard Him say, everything they saw Him do. The Holy Spirit helped them remember correctly.

The conversion of Saul into Paul—from tormenter of believers to fellow disciple—happened in 34 A.D. (Acts 9). Those rowdy Christians turned the world upside down! But, they often paid for it with their own blood.

In year 34, God’s Word blazed Stephen to speak. He was stoned to death (Acts 7:54-57). James, the brother of John was beheaded in 44—same year Paul took his 1st missionary trip to Cyprus and Asia Minor. By year 60, Paul wrote his epistles (e-PISS-les mean letters) to the churches he founded in Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colosse, and Thessalonica. Paul was beheaded in year 67, but not before writing to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

James (Jesus' earthly brother) wrote his book in year 61—same year Mark wrote his. Matthew was written in 65, Luke wrote his book, and Acts, in year 67.

John wrote five books, from years 86-92. As the last living disciple, he penned Revelation—the final book of the Bible—while a prisoner. John died in year 100.

Take Home Nugget

While you might not choose the lives of Jesus’ disciples, I guarantee that they wouldn’t change places with you! Their books still speak to us, and their rewards are in heaven!

Stow God’s Word in your heart, show it in your life, sow it in the world.

J.D. Griffith


A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Gathered Together

GATHERED TOGETHER

Part 8 of 12 Celebrating Scripture Series

1Timothy 1:3

“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.”


Think about Jesus’ disciples watching Him rise higher into the air, until He disappeared from sight (Luke 24:51). They remembered Jesus commanding them to go into the world and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). They were to baptize people, just as John the Baptist had done (Matthew 14:3-12).


When the Holy Spirit arrived (Acts 2:1-4), Jesus’ disciples sprang to life. It was time to get busy. Peter stood tall and raised his voice to address the crowd: “Fellow Jews visiting Jerusalem, listen to me!”

Peter spoke boldly, urgently recapping the story of a Nazarene named Jesus. He quoted Scripture, proving that his words were true. That day, 3,000 people came to believe in Jesus (Acts 2:14-41). “…the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts2:47).

Soon, copy-cats emerged. False teaching began spreading like wildfire. It became difficult to filter out God’s truth from all the lies.

The Holy Spirit directed the apostles to write everything down. Christian leaders gathered together their writings into one place; their work was sacred, and trustworthy.

Take Home Nugget

To separate God’s truth apart from the world, the Holy Spirit directed church leaders to preserve what is sacred. A Christian Canon (KAN-on means rule, or standard measurement) was born. The first Council of Nicaea (Ni-SEE-a) met to resolve arguments among Christians in 325 A.D. (Anno Domini is Latin for “the year of the Lord”).

The apostles’ sacred writings laid the foundation for The Nicene (ni-SEEN) Creed. Confessing aloud believers declare aloud this declaration of Christian faith. The body of witnesses so declaring, is separated as God followers from everyone else in the world.

THE NICENE CREED

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, light from light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father;

through Him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

He came down from heaven,

was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary

and became truly human.

For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

He suffered death and was buried.

On the third day He rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and His kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

Who proceeds from the Father [and the Son],

Who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,

Who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic [universal] and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

J.D. Griffith



A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com