Tag: Christianity

Never Forget

On By BrianIn PASSION Quotes

LovingJesusMoreWe may not always be very impressed with the church. All too often, we get frustrated with other Christians. We are embarrassed by what they do, or fail to do. In fact, sometimes they are the hardest people in the world to love. But we should never forget that Jesus loves these people so much that he gave up his life for them.

– Phil Ryken in Loving Jesus More

Sermons Songs: Revelation 5:8-14

On By BrianIn Revelation Hymns

MusicNotes

All heaven worships ‘round the throne, Praise to the one true God
The Lamb receives praise as His own, For Jesus is our God
He is our Savior and our King, Humbly honor His name
Come praise Him with joyful singing, And His great worth proclaim

The Lamb who was slain is worthy, Proclaim His might, pow-er
His wealth and wisdom and glory, His blessing and honor
All creation joins in singing, To God and to the Lamb
Be glory, honor, and blessing, And might – amen, amen

To the tune of “We Sing the Greatness of Our God”

Reflections on Job 25-28

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Bildad continues his theme that man is not righteous before God.  Job continues to claim his righteousness.

  • God’s power – Job continues in chapter 26 what will become gigantic theme in the latter part of the book – God’s power over creation. Go outside again and ponder God’s power in his creation.
  • Wisdom – Job speaks of wisdom in chapter 28. Wisdom is of great value – greater than wealth.  Wisdom is found with God.  We are wise when we fear the Lord and turn away from evil.  For what situation do you need to seek wisdom from God?  Are you living wisely?

Q&A#1: Our Purpose

On By BrianIn PASSION Catechism

Q/A#1
Q: What is our primary purpose in life?
A: Our primary purpose in life is to love God and people, in response to His love for us, for the glory of God.

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
– Matthew 22:37-40 (ESV)

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us,
a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
– Ephesians 5:2 (ESV)

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
– Psalm 115:1 (ESV)

Reflections on Job 22-24

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Eliphaz continues to insist that Job needs to return to the Lord.  Job still wants to present his case to God.

  • Treasure – Eliphaz calls for Job to make God his treasure – to delight in God (22:25-26). Job later says he treasures God’s words (23:12).  What is your treasure?  Do you treasure God?  How does that show in your life?  Do you treasure his words?  How does that show in your life?
  • Poor – Both Eliphaz and Job speak of how the rich oppress the poor. Eliphaz notes it as an accusation against Job – a reason he may be suffering.  Job says that God often doesn’t punish oppressors, sometimes they prosper in this life.  Regardless of how God may deal with each oppressor in this life, are you oppressing the poor in any way?  How can you help those with less than you?

Job 22-28: God and Our Suffering

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(22) Of what does Eliphaz accuse Job (v5-9)?  What counsel does he give (v21-30)?

In what way is v24-26 good counsel?  Why is delight in riches at odds with delight in God (see also Matthew 6:24)?

(23) Job is still groaning in his suffering (v2).  What does he still want (v3-7)?

In response to the accusations of Eliphaz (and his friends) what does Job still maintain (v11-12, see also 27:5-6)?

(23) What does Job teach us about God in v8-10?  How might this help us in our suffering?

What more does Job say about God in v13-16, and how does he feel about it?  Do you ever feel this way?  Why?

(26) In response to Bildad’s speech, what does Job say about God in v6-13?

In verse 14?  How might v14 in particular be important for us to grasp in our suffering?

(21, 24, 27) How does Job’s thinking about the wicked progress from chapter 21 (from last week), to chapter 24 (see especially his conclusion in v24), to chapter 27?

How does his progression compare to Psalm 73?

Why is it important for us to come to the same conclusions?

(28) For what do people diligently search in v1-11?  What is more valuable (v15-19)?  Do you believe it?

Where can we find wisdom (v12-14, 20-28)?  Why is this important to grasp in our suffering?

Reflections on Job 18-21

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Bildad and Zophar continue the theme that the wicked are judged and perish.  Job retorts that often the wicked prosper.  Meanwhile he has been alienated from everyone because of his suffering.

  • Redeemer – In the midst of his speech decrying his alienation from everyone, he proclaims that his Redeemer lives – and one day Job will see him. In your suffering, will you remember your Redeemer?  Do you look forward to seeing him?
  • Retribution – Job’s friends believe that wickedness brings suffering; therefore Job must be wicked because he is suffering. While this is often true, Job points out that the wicked do not always suffer in this life.  And it is clear from the first chapters that even righteous people like Job can suffer in this life.  There are many reasons people suffer.  We cannot be like Job’s friends and judge people because of their suffering.

Reflections on Job 15-17

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Eliphaz continues to argue that wickedness leads to suffering.  Job speaks of his suffering and a lack of hope in death.  Note:

  • Weeping – Job’s face is red with weeping (16:16), and his friends have proven to be miserable comforters (16:2). When have you wept?  Who has comforted you?  How did they do it?  How might your experience help you comfort others?
  • Hope – Job finds no hope in his death, for he seeks God’s restoration to show his innocence. While Job found no hope in death, what hope do you have in death because of Christ?  Where do you seek hope in your trials?