Sunday, December 2, 2012
Phish
Bowl Ministries
Christmas
Edition December 2012
“Chummin’
for Saints until the nets are full…”
Matthew
4:19
Greetings to the saints! What a blessed time of the year. Christmas is almost here and I like the fact
that no matter where you stand about the “day” called Christmas, there is just
something about this month that is a little bit more joyful! Even from behind the wall, we get to plan the
Christmas program, start to get the stuff to make some food (spread) for
friends and the guy down the cell block.
Some get special visits, others a card from loved ones. So my hope is that you are going to make the
best of it and look to the birthday
boy, Jesus; God’s gift to us.
So here it is: I’m not looking to
change anyone’s point of view or even to have minds set straight. I’m not wishing to bring the pro-Christmas
and the anti-Christmas brothers (note the word “brothers”) to the same
table. I thought about what to write for
December, which is one of two months in which we stop our study in Acts, with
the other one being Easter, to just focus on Christ and His birth, death and
resurrection. So, two thoughts just kept
returning to my mind: First was the Purpose of Christmas and the second was
Christ prophecies fulfilled.When looking into this, I saw that this could end up way too big for a small news letter. So, I dropped it and moved on to the other subjects. However, I had no luck or peace of mind. Over and over, I came back to these two topics. So I would try one and then the other just to have writer’s block. So I had only one choice and that was to go down the road of the Holy Spirit’s choice, which I could have taken in the first place.
First: where do I stand? I’m pro-Christmas. I love this time of year and all that comes with it. For one month the world, like it or not, is setting aside their normal routines to decorate, send out cards, buy gifts, go to Christmas parties, go to church, sing songs, watch T.V. specials and travel to be with family. It’s everywhere. Not bad for a boy born some two thousand years ago in the Middle East. Jesus the Christ is the most important person ever to be born, live and die. So why shouldn’t I enjoy throwing a party for Him?
Matthew 2:1-3 Now after Jesus was
born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from
the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born
King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to
worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was
troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Matthew 2:9-11 (NKJV)9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Let
me head off something here. We don’t
know what the true date was of Jesus’ birth.
December 25th was a pagan holiday that the Catholics claimed
for their own. I know nothing about this
pagan day and as for December 25th, if I had the right day, I would
still celebrate my Lord’s birth. So for
now, December 25th is a good day to set aside.
Luke
2:13-14 (NKJV) 13 And suddenly there was with the angel
a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
So, if the angels in heaven
stopped to rejoice at Jesus’ birth, so will I.
Now for my second thought “Prophecies fulfilled”, the website www.accordingtthescriptures.org,
states that there are 350 prophecies.
The book The Real Messiah said that the Old Testament contains
333 with 456 specific facts or details concerning the Christ. In no way am I even going to try to cover all
of them! Instead, we will just look at a
few that we can hold on to and use when talking to others.Let’s start with this: Prophecy is defined as a “pre-written history”, therefore,
· He would come from the line of Abraham, Gen 2:3, 1400 years B.C.
· He would come from the line of Judah, Genesis 49:10, 1400 years B.C.
· He would be born of a virgin, Isaiah 7:14, 750 years B.C.
· He would have a forerunner who would proclaim His coming, Malachi 3:1, 425 years B.C.
· He would miraculously heal many
§ “The blind will see”
§ “The deaf will hear”
§ “The lame will walk”. Isaiah 35:5-6, 750 years B.C.
· He would speak in parables, Psalm 78:2-4, 1000 years B.C.
· He would make a triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the foal of a donkey, Zechariah 9:9, 500 years B.C.
A college class in Pasadena, CA applied the laws of
probability regarding the fulfillment of eight Old Testament prophecies and
they concluded: one man fulfilling just eight of these prophecies would be the
equivalent of: 280,000 x 1000 x 10,000 x 1,000 x 10,000 x 100,000 x 10,000 x
10,000. In short, the odds are so great
that it would seem impossible for Jesus NOT to be the Messiah!
PROPHECY: Micah 5:2 (NKJV) 700 years B.C.
2 “But
you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.”
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.”
FULFILLMENT: Luke 2:4-7 (NKJV)
4 Joseph also went
up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David,
which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5
to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6
So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to
be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped
Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room
for them in the inn.Now as to why we should celebrate Christmas: It is a time for celebration, a time for salvation and a time for reconciliation.
A Time for Celebration
“This is the
day of the Lord’s victory; let us be happy, let us celebrate!” Ps.
18:24 TEV Christmas is a birthday party for Jesus! It is why we say “Merry Christmas” to one
another. We learn this from the angels
in Luke 2:10. God had wonderful news for
us and because of this news, we should want to rejoice, celebrate and throw a
party!
“I bring you
good news of great joy that will be for all the people”, Luke 2:10 NIV .The entire
reason for Christmas is the love of God.
God loves you so much that He came to earth as a human so that you could
get to know Him and love Him back. In
this same way, we should go out of our way to love others for Christ’s
sake. Many people often feel alone at
Christmas and we need to reach out to tell them that God came to earth and He
is always with us. That’s a fact whether
you feel it or not. One of God’s great
promises to you is: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you
will not drown. When you walk through
the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; for the flames will not
consume you”. Isaiah 43:2 NLT
“When the
right time finally came, God sent His own Son.
He came as the son of a human mother and lived under the Jewish law”.
Galatians 4:4 TEV .Years ago I was sitting in a holding cell in
county jail. It was hot, smelly and it
was crowded. I noticed a middle-aged man
who was well dressed with his head in his hands holding back his tears and I
heard him say in a soft voice: “Please,
God! Get me out of this.” He was crying out for a Savior. Because he couldn’t free himself, he needed
someone bigger and more powerful to rescue him from his imprisonment. Have you ever felt like that? I think in many ways we all have. Maybe you or someone you know is feeling that
way this Christmas.
Salvation
is often described as deliverance from sin, self and Hell. Yes that is true, but it is so much
more. We were not only saved from
something bad, we were saved for something good. “In
Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us
to live our lives doing” ~~Ephesians 2:10 NCV Another word for salvation is “freedom”. “I was
in trouble, so I called to the Lord. The
Lord answered me and set me free”. ~~Psalm 118:5 NCV From what did Jesus set you free?
v
Free from
guilt over the past
v
Free from
bitterness and resentmentv Free from the expectations of others
v Free from addictive habits
v Free from fear of death
This Christmas, accept the free gift of
freedom which God has given to you.
A Time for
Reconciliation
“Now we
rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God---all because of what our
Lord Jesus the Christ has done…making us friends of God”. ~~Romans 5:11 TLB
The other day, one of the news station
reported that as of today, there are 32 large or small wars going on right now
in the world. We don’t seem to be very
good at living in peace with each other.
Walking around in prison, it seems we are really good at disagreeing,
fighting and not having anything to do with “that person”. Since Christ came in part for reconciliation,
which is restoration of peace with God, with others, and in your own heart,
shouldn’t the spirit of reconciliation be in abundant supply today especially
between the followers of the “Prince of Peace”?
What I see is that the biggest thing which stops reconciliation is
unforgiveness. We were wronged and
refuse to give to others what Christ gave to us. Christ has forgiven all we did to Him and is
in a love relationship with us today. He
does not hold our past against us. So
why do we hold the past against others?
Self centeredness is the answer.
I want everything my way! Until we stop demanding others to
forgive us first and start to do what Christ did for us first, we will not know
peace. The only way we can have this
peace in our families, work place, church, in our lives, is to have the Prince
of Peace reigning in our hearts. Jesus
came at Christmas to bring to us three kinds of peace:
·
Peace with
God· The peace of God
· Peace with others
God wants you to experience the joy of peace in your lives by becoming peace makers with others. Christmas, the season of “Peace on earth, good will toward men” is the perfect time to offer the gift of grace to others while celebrating the grace which God has shown to you.
In closing, I hope you all noticed, that I chose not to talk about Christmas trees, Santa Claus, shopping or any of the worldly things but instead chose to talk about what Jesus did. I chose to celebrate the fact that my King is born. I chose to tell others about this freeing gift. I chose to open doors for forgiveness and pray one day others will find a way to forgive me. You have a choice to spend this time of year complaining and being a downer Christian or share the joy of salvation and forgiveness with others. It is a choice:
Promote reconciliation
Equip servant leadersAssist the poor
Care for the sick
Educate the next generation
You are loved and needed, Merry Christmas! Timothy
P.S. I
wanted to share with you all what a friend shared with me.
Steve Trotz
Throughout my incarceration there have been
many lessons that I have learned; some the hard way and some a bit easier. But one of the biggest lessons I learned came
in the form of one of my favorite people, my grandmother.
All
throughout my life our family went to my grandma’s house for the holidays. She always had something sweet to say and eatJ. This
became a very fond time for my brothers, sister and me. Throughout the year we
would count the days until we could go to Grandma’s house. Then came my teenage years, which is when my
life took a turn for the worse. We all
know that our decision making process was lacking to say the least during our
teenage years. Well, mine was
worse. Drugs and alcohol had taken over
my life and there was no influence that could penetrate the hold that my
addictions had on me. This led me into
one of my biggest regrets. I began
stealing money from my grandmother every time our family would visit. I was caught once and it was so embarrassing
I allowed myself to separate for a very long time.After being arrested, I was called by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This was a life changing event. I began to look upon my past with distain, yet could not begin to forgive myself for some of the things that I had done. Stealing money from my grandma was one of those things. After years without contact, we began corresponding again. It was hard for me, because I could not understand why she was being so nice. I thought she must hate me. One time in a letter I brought up the money and honestly repented to her. I believe this was in part due to her being so loving and sympathetic to me. Then she did something that I did not understand, she forgave me. This blew my mind, after all these years she actually forgave me. This led us into a conversation about the Lord. That is when I realized the extent that Yeshua our Messiah forgave us. This was a powerful lesson. I offered to pay her back when I could and my dear Grandma said no. This brought tears to my eyes because it confirmed the forgiveness that she so easily offered.
This is being written to all the grandmothers, mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers out there reading this. Your forgiveness shows the love that Jesus gave us all. It is very important for our growth as prisoners. Through this letter I want to honor all of you in the stress and pain that we in our past lives have caused. You are so very appreciated to us and you need to know that. It is in your forgiveness that we can find the key to learn to forgive ourselves, and build our relationship to our father in Heaven.
I will close with a thank you, and an I love you to all of my family reading this, this is for all of you also.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Oh! Precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
At Christmas time, we think
about the baby Jesus as He was born in Bethlehem. It is truly a special time and it is amazing that God even
performed this miracle. Remember though, that Jesus grew up to be a sacrifice
for our sin. When we became believers we realized that we were saved through Jesus
and we can tell our family about Him. God sent His Son, Jesus to cover our sins
and make us white as snow through Jesus’ blood. After we accept Jesus as our
Lord and Savior, when we sin, God sees that sin through Jesus’ blood sacrifice
and not as our sin! What could be more wonderful than that? Do your family
members know Jesus? Do they have a relationship with Him? As believers it is
our great pleasure to tell them about our relationship with Jesus and to tell
them how they can have a relationship with Jesus as well. It’s not always that
easy to tell friends and family about Jesus is it? However, one of the best
ways that we can tell them about Jesus is by letting them see the changes that
He has made in our lives! Yes?
John 4:35 "Do you not say, 'There are still four months
and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look
at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! Rev 7:14 And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
1Pe 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
The above passages are ones that I found regarding Jesus
washing us as white as snow, but I am sure that there are many more. Here’s a
visual for you. As you are outside this winter enjoying the falling snow,
envision your sins being physically washed away by Jesus’ blood and making you
as white (or even whiter) than the snowflakes which are falling! We don’t
deserve it, but it’s a wonderful gift given to us by our Heavenly Father, just
because He loves us! Bask in it. Delight in it. I’m smiling just thinking about
the snow covering me and that representing the cleansing!
Saints, we pray
that each of you have a blessed, beautiful Christmas no matter what your
circumstance may be! We pray that your Christmas be white with snow on the
ground and in your hearts. Spread the good news! Unbeknownst to Barb, Tim wrote December’s
PBM. Unbeknownst to Tim, Barb wrote
December’s PBM. So, you get a really extended one this time! We hope that you enjoy this and that it will
have meaning for each of you. Blessings!Sunday, November 25, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Phish Bowl Ministries November 2012
Phish Bowl Ministries
November 2012
Matthew 4:19
“Chummin’ for Saints…until the nets are full”
To the saints who are in Christ; blessings to you all! I pray that you are walking well with our Lord Jesus the Christ. Many times in our walk we look at our fellow saints to see where they are walking and miss the turn that God wishes us to take. We all don’t have to serve in the same place or in the same way. God has a plan for each of us. Just today I was talking to a great young man who loves our Lord and is seeking the Holy Spirit’s direction in his life. He came to me because a group of men were telling him all of the things which need to change on his outside. This was very confusing to him. Now there is not outward sin that we are talking about, but it is his beard and his youthfulness that are in question. My response was that God knitted him in his mother’s womb and He loves you. As we move on in Act’s we are going to meet Saul/Paul, Philip, and Barnabas and as time goes on, a young Mark and Timothy. We will see some different missionary journeys which will show us that our Lord works through many different people in many different ways. He also worked in a way in which the religious system of the time did not act. We will see God use men who didn’t fit the help-wanted ad for some churches. Two of them had higher education, but most of them have a common background. The Church will look differently and work in a different way to reach the world for Christ.
This is where and why I love teaching line-by-line; starting at Chapter 8 we are going to go from Saul (Paul) to Philip to Peter and John, back to Philip and pick up back with Saul (Paul) in Acts 9. If it was up to me, I would regroup all of this into a neat grouping and would miss the message God was showing us. At the same time, I wish for us to see each thing Jesus is doing with each of these men to show us some way that God moves in many ways even in one church body.
(Acts 8:1-4) Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. To cover this part of Acts, I want to go back to Acts 1:8. "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Jesus said: “You shall be witnesses to me " in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria and to the end of the earth”. J. Vernon McGee paints this picture for us:
Jerusalem equals our home town.
Judea equals our community.
Samaria equals the folks with whom we don’t associate.
The earth equals, well, I hope you don’t need this one defined.
Up to this point, the early church has been witnessing in Jerusalem and now the time has come to go out first to Judea, Samaria and then the world.
(Acts 8:1) Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Saul, who later becomes Paul in Acts 9, never forgot about Stephen and his role in his death. What gets me is the first thing that the Holy Spirit wants us to know about a man who will go on to write 13 letters which are recorded in the New Testament for us to learn from and live by, is what would be his worst moment in church history. Not a big selling point in the world’s system!
“At that time or “on that day” implies that Stephen’s death was the spark which was needed to encourage others to go after this so called “church”. It seems that up to this point, they were holding back. This too will be used in God’s plan because now the church is forced to move away from Jerusalem.
“Scattered”: Almost all of the Christians except some of the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Here’s some word study for us to think about. The Greek word for “scattered” is diesparesan and is related to the Greek word for seed, which gives us the picture of God’s word being spread out and later, when it sets roots and grows, it will bear fruit.
On this next point, I wish that I had more to share, but with the resources available to me, none really covers this point. If God tells the apostles to “go and take the word to the world”, I want to know why the church went and the apostles stay and we still see them there in Acts 15. Craig A. Evans writes this:
“While Luke says that the persecution came to the whole church and all except the apostles were scattered, it is clear that not even one left Judea or Jerusalem on a permanent basis. It seems that most of those who fled for safety were the Jewish Hellenistic Christians”. Like Stephen, these were the Greek speaking believers not the Hebrew (Aramaic) speaking believers.
(Acts 8:2) And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. What a difference between this verse and the next one. Devout men or Godly men compared to havoc on the church or ravaging the church. With God in our lives, there is peace; without God in our lives, there is no peace. Can we look at something here that could get missed? Rabbinic tradition forbids public lamentation over a criminal who is put to death. The new church no longer cared about all of that stuff. Just like in John 19:38 with Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus who took and cared for Jesus’ body “publicly”, so the new church did for Stephen. We are to live in the Light ant not hide in the shadows. We are not undercover Christians!
(Acts 8:3) As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Saul (Paul) zealously went on the attack (I like this word “zealously”). Now the word “havoc” or “ravaging” (elumaineto) comes from the Old Testament Greek translation, the Septuagint, to describe wild boars destroying a vineyard (Psalm 80:13). Later in Acts 26, Paul will recount this time in his life before King Agrippa. Saul, who had the legal authority to persecute the church by death (i.e. Stephen) or imprisonment, did not seem to care if it was a man or a woman whom he dragged off. (Acts 9:1-2) Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Saul was determined to stop our earthly forefathers. But, God had a plan!
(Acts 8:4) Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Persecution forced the church out of their comfort zone, but with them went the Gospel. I guess sometimes we have to become uncomfortable before we move. I did not want to experience prison first hand, but this discomfort has been the best thing because God’s work has been done through this pain. When you are tempted to complain about uncomfortable or painful circumstances, stop and ask if God might be preparing you for a special task.
Luke portrayed Saul as a man totally determined to crush this new church. As we read about Saul’s relentless and brutal assault on Christians, it’s difficult to realize that he was just days away from becoming a devout follower of Christ. This is a good reminder that God is working behind the scenes where least expected. Don’t give up on anyone!
My fellow saints, I pray for you and love you. Remember that it is a Spirit-filled life journey to understand God. There is soul healing in God’s loving Word and in the church of the Messiah’s Misfits. Remember my chains as I remember yours. Watch! Hold fast in the faith. Be brave and be strong to the end. Let all you do, be done in love.
Semper Fidelis!
I Corinthians 16: 13-14
Phish Bowl Coffee House/Ministries
276 E. 29th St
Loveland, CO 80538
http://inthephishbowl.blogspot.com/
An outreach of Calvary Chapel Loveland
Tim has had his right hand surgery and, I presume, is doing well. We haven’t heard otherwise. Thank you to those who are praying for healing for him and return of full use of his right hand. Please pray that God will give the surgeon insight into the problems with his left arm and hand, and that the surgery is performed in a timely manner with return of strength and range of motion in his arm, and return of feeling in his hand. Thank you to our brothers and sisters. Barb
November 2012
Matthew 4:19
“Chummin’ for Saints…until the nets are full”
To the saints who are in Christ; blessings to you all! I pray that you are walking well with our Lord Jesus the Christ. Many times in our walk we look at our fellow saints to see where they are walking and miss the turn that God wishes us to take. We all don’t have to serve in the same place or in the same way. God has a plan for each of us. Just today I was talking to a great young man who loves our Lord and is seeking the Holy Spirit’s direction in his life. He came to me because a group of men were telling him all of the things which need to change on his outside. This was very confusing to him. Now there is not outward sin that we are talking about, but it is his beard and his youthfulness that are in question. My response was that God knitted him in his mother’s womb and He loves you. As we move on in Act’s we are going to meet Saul/Paul, Philip, and Barnabas and as time goes on, a young Mark and Timothy. We will see some different missionary journeys which will show us that our Lord works through many different people in many different ways. He also worked in a way in which the religious system of the time did not act. We will see God use men who didn’t fit the help-wanted ad for some churches. Two of them had higher education, but most of them have a common background. The Church will look differently and work in a different way to reach the world for Christ.
This is where and why I love teaching line-by-line; starting at Chapter 8 we are going to go from Saul (Paul) to Philip to Peter and John, back to Philip and pick up back with Saul (Paul) in Acts 9. If it was up to me, I would regroup all of this into a neat grouping and would miss the message God was showing us. At the same time, I wish for us to see each thing Jesus is doing with each of these men to show us some way that God moves in many ways even in one church body.
(Acts 8:1-4) Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. To cover this part of Acts, I want to go back to Acts 1:8. "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Jesus said: “You shall be witnesses to me " in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria and to the end of the earth”. J. Vernon McGee paints this picture for us:
Jerusalem equals our home town.
Judea equals our community.
Samaria equals the folks with whom we don’t associate.
The earth equals, well, I hope you don’t need this one defined.
Up to this point, the early church has been witnessing in Jerusalem and now the time has come to go out first to Judea, Samaria and then the world.
(Acts 8:1) Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Saul, who later becomes Paul in Acts 9, never forgot about Stephen and his role in his death. What gets me is the first thing that the Holy Spirit wants us to know about a man who will go on to write 13 letters which are recorded in the New Testament for us to learn from and live by, is what would be his worst moment in church history. Not a big selling point in the world’s system!
“At that time or “on that day” implies that Stephen’s death was the spark which was needed to encourage others to go after this so called “church”. It seems that up to this point, they were holding back. This too will be used in God’s plan because now the church is forced to move away from Jerusalem.
“Scattered”: Almost all of the Christians except some of the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Here’s some word study for us to think about. The Greek word for “scattered” is diesparesan and is related to the Greek word for seed, which gives us the picture of God’s word being spread out and later, when it sets roots and grows, it will bear fruit.
On this next point, I wish that I had more to share, but with the resources available to me, none really covers this point. If God tells the apostles to “go and take the word to the world”, I want to know why the church went and the apostles stay and we still see them there in Acts 15. Craig A. Evans writes this:
“While Luke says that the persecution came to the whole church and all except the apostles were scattered, it is clear that not even one left Judea or Jerusalem on a permanent basis. It seems that most of those who fled for safety were the Jewish Hellenistic Christians”. Like Stephen, these were the Greek speaking believers not the Hebrew (Aramaic) speaking believers.
(Acts 8:2) And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. What a difference between this verse and the next one. Devout men or Godly men compared to havoc on the church or ravaging the church. With God in our lives, there is peace; without God in our lives, there is no peace. Can we look at something here that could get missed? Rabbinic tradition forbids public lamentation over a criminal who is put to death. The new church no longer cared about all of that stuff. Just like in John 19:38 with Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus who took and cared for Jesus’ body “publicly”, so the new church did for Stephen. We are to live in the Light ant not hide in the shadows. We are not undercover Christians!
(Acts 8:3) As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Saul (Paul) zealously went on the attack (I like this word “zealously”). Now the word “havoc” or “ravaging” (elumaineto) comes from the Old Testament Greek translation, the Septuagint, to describe wild boars destroying a vineyard (Psalm 80:13). Later in Acts 26, Paul will recount this time in his life before King Agrippa. Saul, who had the legal authority to persecute the church by death (i.e. Stephen) or imprisonment, did not seem to care if it was a man or a woman whom he dragged off. (Acts 9:1-2) Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Saul was determined to stop our earthly forefathers. But, God had a plan!
(Acts 8:4) Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Persecution forced the church out of their comfort zone, but with them went the Gospel. I guess sometimes we have to become uncomfortable before we move. I did not want to experience prison first hand, but this discomfort has been the best thing because God’s work has been done through this pain. When you are tempted to complain about uncomfortable or painful circumstances, stop and ask if God might be preparing you for a special task.
Luke portrayed Saul as a man totally determined to crush this new church. As we read about Saul’s relentless and brutal assault on Christians, it’s difficult to realize that he was just days away from becoming a devout follower of Christ. This is a good reminder that God is working behind the scenes where least expected. Don’t give up on anyone!
My fellow saints, I pray for you and love you. Remember that it is a Spirit-filled life journey to understand God. There is soul healing in God’s loving Word and in the church of the Messiah’s Misfits. Remember my chains as I remember yours. Watch! Hold fast in the faith. Be brave and be strong to the end. Let all you do, be done in love.
Semper Fidelis!
I Corinthians 16: 13-14
Phish Bowl Coffee House/Ministries
276 E. 29th St
Loveland, CO 80538
http://inthephishbowl.blogspot.com/
An outreach of Calvary Chapel Loveland
Tim has had his right hand surgery and, I presume, is doing well. We haven’t heard otherwise. Thank you to those who are praying for healing for him and return of full use of his right hand. Please pray that God will give the surgeon insight into the problems with his left arm and hand, and that the surgery is performed in a timely manner with return of strength and range of motion in his arm, and return of feeling in his hand. Thank you to our brothers and sisters. Barb
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Phish Bowl Ministries October 2012
Phish Bowl Ministries
October 2012
Matthew 4:19
“Chummin’ for Saints…until the nets are full”
Beloved Saints,
Well, as I sit here and write, I can tell you that the first day of weather change has come upon us here in prison. Today’s yard was closed due to rain, and our minds are switching to get ready for hibernation time. Winter in prison is almost like winter in our walk with Christ, it seems to hit us in just one day and yet it lasts a season. But when the sun shows itself again in spring, we have to ask our self if we will be ready to go. Did we use our time wisely? Did we look at God to seek His will? Or did we choose to do nothing but sleep, to dream of time passed? God calls us to live, love, forgive and never give up. So are we a full-time Christian or a fair weather believer?
(Philippians 1:18b-30) and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
I fight the desire just to copy all of Philippians for you to read as I just read and was blessed by God’s message and I hope that you will take the time to read it also. Are you really alive in Christ or are you the walking dead? I see you full of joy when the sun is out on the yard talking as if it will last forever; but how your tone changes at the first rain cloud. How did we forget that God made both summer and winter? He is the same in both, so why, if we have the Holy Spirit living in us, are we not the same in both?
As we move to a close on Stephen’s speech and life, he is the same Stephen from Acts 6:1 all the way to Acts 7:60.
• Stephen as a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5)
• But he, (Stephen) full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:55)
Stephen’s words about the tabernacle and the temple were aimed at a people who had become unhealthy in their walk and worship. Over the years, the Israelites had come to place the actual building and its contents over God Himself. It was supposed to be a place to meet with God and others, but now it was a boasting place for a religious system. God cannot be put into a box or confined to a building no matter how hard the prideful man wants to do so. Be careful not to become part of the “We are the only ones who are right crowd” by getting caught up in the human religious system of do’s and don’t and forgetting the God who lives now. Many will boast of their church attendance as evidence of God’s favor yet their hearts have not been “circumcised”, that is, touched, changed, converted by God Himself.
(Matthew 23:25-28) "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. "Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.”Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. "Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
We might be good at fooling the man who sits next to us in church, but God will never be fooled.
(Acts 7:52-53) "Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, "who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it."
Here is a list of prophets that I could find who had been persecuted or killed. I did not add the apostles because at this time of Acts, they were still alive.
• Uriah (Jeremiah 26: 2-23)
• Jeremiah (Jeremiah 38: 1-6)
• Isaiah (Tradition says he was killed by King Manasseh 2 Kings 21:16)
• Amos (Amos 7:10-13)
• Elijah (I Kings 19:1-2)
• In Matthew 23:37, Jesus told how the Jews rejected God’s messengers (Luke 20:9-19)
• In Hebrews 11:35-38, “Killing of Prophets”
• Not only had the Jews killed the prophets who had foretold the coming of the Righteous One the Messiah, Jesus the Christ), but they had become His betrayers and murderers
Do we tend to miss God working around us? How fast do we forget His past works in our life and turn to man’s ways instead of resting and trusting His ways?
The church today would have told Abraham that he was crazy and out of God’s will as he packed his bags and left the civilized world to go to who knows where!
The church today could not see a God who is working in a brother who has been sold into slavery (or prison) by his own brothers.
The church today could not understand Moses as a famous superstar who gives up Hollywood to minister for Christ in Africa.
The men whom Stephen is talking to had received the Law and “have not kept it”, so how do we think we can keep the Law or some set of do’s and don’ts set by man?
Stephen finished his talk to this group who prided themselves on knowing and keeping the Commandments of God, by telling them that they disobeyed God’s Law, they that do not listen to Him, but instead listen to one another. They were surrounded by the Truth, they met the living Truth, but the truth never pierced their hearts. Instead of convicting them and changing their lives, the Law became something they used to condemn others and to justify themselves. Do not fall into their trap but humble yourself before God’s Word. Do not use the Bible to condemn others, but to change yourself.
(Acts 7:54) When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. (NKJV)
“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the Light.” ~~ Plato
(Acts 7:55-56) But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
Most people don’t know the following about me; this is one of my favorite verses in the Bible and let me tell you why! At this moment in Acts 6:5, Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit. The evidence was that he wanted to do what pleased God. In contrast to the rage of the men of the high council (the Sanhedrin), Stephen was in control. He showed strength and courage and he “gazed to heaven”, keeping his eyes on God! Now don’t miss this…it is easy to overlook if we just read quickly. This is the first time since Acts 1 that we get to see the resurrected Christ (He lives!). Jesus is standing at the right hand of God in the place of honor and this is no small thing. Scripture makes it clear that the Christ, upon completion of His work, was to “sit” at the right hand of the Father.
• (Psalms 110:1) The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."
• (Mark 14:62) Jesus said, "I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven."
(Colossians 3:1) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
• (Hebrews 1:3) who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
• (Hebrews 1:13) But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"?
• (Hebrews 8:1) Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
• (Hebrews 10:12) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
• (Hebrews 12:2) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
So why do we see the Christ “standing”? I think we need to look to Luke 12:8 (NLT), “If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I, the Son of Man, will openly acknowledge that person in the presence of God’s angels”. I like what F.F. Bruce wrote about this part.
“Stephen has been confessing Christ before men, and now he sees Christ confessing his servant before God. The proper posture for a witness (in those days) was the standing posture. Stephen, condemned by an earthly court, appeals for vindication to a heavenly court, and his vindicator in that Supreme Court is Jesus the Christ, who stands at God’s right hand as Stephen’s advocate”.
Can there be a more love reception than to have “the Son of Man” (Matthew 16:13 and Daniel 7:13) standing to receive you in Heaven?
Now this I also don’t want you to miss. Stephen “gazed into heaven”. There is a heaven! And he saw:
• The Glory of “God”
• “Jesus” standing at the right hand of God
• vs. 55, Stephen was full of the “Holy Spirit”
Now if we look back to Luke 3:21-22 as a sign of Jesus’ deity at His baptism:
• They heard “God’s voice”
“Jesus” was in the water
• The “Holy Spirit” descended
(Acts 7:57-58) Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
“Saul”, (his Hebrew name) known to us as “Paul” (the Greek version of the name; see Acts 13:9), hated and persecuted followers of Jesus. To me, Paul’s life is a powerful example of how it is possible for God to reach and change any one.
How sad is the day when some people choose to close their ears to the Truth and turn from the living Christ. People here in America may not kill us for witnessing about Christ, but they will let us know that they don’t want to hear the truth and will try to silence us.
“It is a fascinating progression that has taken place in American culture. First, classical Christian orthodoxy was marginalized. Second, it became ostracized. Third, it became demonized. Fourth, it became penalized. And now the move would seem to be to have it criminalized”. ~~ Author unknown (but true)
(Acts 7:59-60) And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; words of forgiveness. Stephen had learned well from his Master. He learned how to serve his fellow believers (in any role), how to forgive others, and how to die. I could only pray that in some way, some small way, maybe the same could be said of me.
My fellow saints I pray for you and love you. Remember that it is a Spirit filled life journey to understand God. There is soul healing in God’s loving Word and in the Church of the Messiah’s Misfits. Remember my chains as I remember yours. Watch! Hold fast in the faith. Be brave and be strong to the end. Let all you do, be done in love.
Love, Timothy
Semper Fidelis!
I Corinthians 16: 13-14
Phish Bowl Coffee House/Ministries
276 E. 29th St
Loveland, CO 80538
http://inthephishbowl.blogspot.com
An outreach of Calvary Chapel Loveland
October 2012
Matthew 4:19
“Chummin’ for Saints…until the nets are full”
Beloved Saints,
Well, as I sit here and write, I can tell you that the first day of weather change has come upon us here in prison. Today’s yard was closed due to rain, and our minds are switching to get ready for hibernation time. Winter in prison is almost like winter in our walk with Christ, it seems to hit us in just one day and yet it lasts a season. But when the sun shows itself again in spring, we have to ask our self if we will be ready to go. Did we use our time wisely? Did we look at God to seek His will? Or did we choose to do nothing but sleep, to dream of time passed? God calls us to live, love, forgive and never give up. So are we a full-time Christian or a fair weather believer?
(Philippians 1:18b-30) and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
I fight the desire just to copy all of Philippians for you to read as I just read and was blessed by God’s message and I hope that you will take the time to read it also. Are you really alive in Christ or are you the walking dead? I see you full of joy when the sun is out on the yard talking as if it will last forever; but how your tone changes at the first rain cloud. How did we forget that God made both summer and winter? He is the same in both, so why, if we have the Holy Spirit living in us, are we not the same in both?
As we move to a close on Stephen’s speech and life, he is the same Stephen from Acts 6:1 all the way to Acts 7:60.
• Stephen as a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5)
• But he, (Stephen) full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:55)
Stephen’s words about the tabernacle and the temple were aimed at a people who had become unhealthy in their walk and worship. Over the years, the Israelites had come to place the actual building and its contents over God Himself. It was supposed to be a place to meet with God and others, but now it was a boasting place for a religious system. God cannot be put into a box or confined to a building no matter how hard the prideful man wants to do so. Be careful not to become part of the “We are the only ones who are right crowd” by getting caught up in the human religious system of do’s and don’t and forgetting the God who lives now. Many will boast of their church attendance as evidence of God’s favor yet their hearts have not been “circumcised”, that is, touched, changed, converted by God Himself.
(Matthew 23:25-28) "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. "Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.”Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. "Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
We might be good at fooling the man who sits next to us in church, but God will never be fooled.
(Acts 7:52-53) "Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, "who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it."
Here is a list of prophets that I could find who had been persecuted or killed. I did not add the apostles because at this time of Acts, they were still alive.
• Uriah (Jeremiah 26: 2-23)
• Jeremiah (Jeremiah 38: 1-6)
• Isaiah (Tradition says he was killed by King Manasseh 2 Kings 21:16)
• Amos (Amos 7:10-13)
• Elijah (I Kings 19:1-2)
• In Matthew 23:37, Jesus told how the Jews rejected God’s messengers (Luke 20:9-19)
• In Hebrews 11:35-38, “Killing of Prophets”
• Not only had the Jews killed the prophets who had foretold the coming of the Righteous One the Messiah, Jesus the Christ), but they had become His betrayers and murderers
Do we tend to miss God working around us? How fast do we forget His past works in our life and turn to man’s ways instead of resting and trusting His ways?
The church today would have told Abraham that he was crazy and out of God’s will as he packed his bags and left the civilized world to go to who knows where!
The church today could not see a God who is working in a brother who has been sold into slavery (or prison) by his own brothers.
The church today could not understand Moses as a famous superstar who gives up Hollywood to minister for Christ in Africa.
The men whom Stephen is talking to had received the Law and “have not kept it”, so how do we think we can keep the Law or some set of do’s and don’ts set by man?
Stephen finished his talk to this group who prided themselves on knowing and keeping the Commandments of God, by telling them that they disobeyed God’s Law, they that do not listen to Him, but instead listen to one another. They were surrounded by the Truth, they met the living Truth, but the truth never pierced their hearts. Instead of convicting them and changing their lives, the Law became something they used to condemn others and to justify themselves. Do not fall into their trap but humble yourself before God’s Word. Do not use the Bible to condemn others, but to change yourself.
(Acts 7:54) When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. (NKJV)
“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the Light.” ~~ Plato
(Acts 7:55-56) But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
Most people don’t know the following about me; this is one of my favorite verses in the Bible and let me tell you why! At this moment in Acts 6:5, Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit. The evidence was that he wanted to do what pleased God. In contrast to the rage of the men of the high council (the Sanhedrin), Stephen was in control. He showed strength and courage and he “gazed to heaven”, keeping his eyes on God! Now don’t miss this…it is easy to overlook if we just read quickly. This is the first time since Acts 1 that we get to see the resurrected Christ (He lives!). Jesus is standing at the right hand of God in the place of honor and this is no small thing. Scripture makes it clear that the Christ, upon completion of His work, was to “sit” at the right hand of the Father.
• (Psalms 110:1) The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."
• (Mark 14:62) Jesus said, "I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven."
(Colossians 3:1) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
• (Hebrews 1:3) who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
• (Hebrews 1:13) But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"?
• (Hebrews 8:1) Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
• (Hebrews 10:12) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
• (Hebrews 12:2) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
So why do we see the Christ “standing”? I think we need to look to Luke 12:8 (NLT), “If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I, the Son of Man, will openly acknowledge that person in the presence of God’s angels”. I like what F.F. Bruce wrote about this part.
“Stephen has been confessing Christ before men, and now he sees Christ confessing his servant before God. The proper posture for a witness (in those days) was the standing posture. Stephen, condemned by an earthly court, appeals for vindication to a heavenly court, and his vindicator in that Supreme Court is Jesus the Christ, who stands at God’s right hand as Stephen’s advocate”.
Can there be a more love reception than to have “the Son of Man” (Matthew 16:13 and Daniel 7:13) standing to receive you in Heaven?
Now this I also don’t want you to miss. Stephen “gazed into heaven”. There is a heaven! And he saw:
• The Glory of “God”
• “Jesus” standing at the right hand of God
• vs. 55, Stephen was full of the “Holy Spirit”
Now if we look back to Luke 3:21-22 as a sign of Jesus’ deity at His baptism:
• They heard “God’s voice”
“Jesus” was in the water
• The “Holy Spirit” descended
(Acts 7:57-58) Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
“Saul”, (his Hebrew name) known to us as “Paul” (the Greek version of the name; see Acts 13:9), hated and persecuted followers of Jesus. To me, Paul’s life is a powerful example of how it is possible for God to reach and change any one.
How sad is the day when some people choose to close their ears to the Truth and turn from the living Christ. People here in America may not kill us for witnessing about Christ, but they will let us know that they don’t want to hear the truth and will try to silence us.
“It is a fascinating progression that has taken place in American culture. First, classical Christian orthodoxy was marginalized. Second, it became ostracized. Third, it became demonized. Fourth, it became penalized. And now the move would seem to be to have it criminalized”. ~~ Author unknown (but true)
(Acts 7:59-60) And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; words of forgiveness. Stephen had learned well from his Master. He learned how to serve his fellow believers (in any role), how to forgive others, and how to die. I could only pray that in some way, some small way, maybe the same could be said of me.
My fellow saints I pray for you and love you. Remember that it is a Spirit filled life journey to understand God. There is soul healing in God’s loving Word and in the Church of the Messiah’s Misfits. Remember my chains as I remember yours. Watch! Hold fast in the faith. Be brave and be strong to the end. Let all you do, be done in love.
Love, Timothy
Semper Fidelis!
I Corinthians 16: 13-14
Phish Bowl Coffee House/Ministries
276 E. 29th St
Loveland, CO 80538
http://inthephishbowl.blogspot.com
An outreach of Calvary Chapel Loveland
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Phish Bowl Ministries
September 2012
Matthew 4:19
“Chummin’ for Saints…until the nets are full”
To the Saints,
I Corinthians 16: 13-14
Phish Bowl Coffee House/Ministries
276 E. 29th St
Loveland, CO 80538
http://inthephishbowl.blogspot.com/
September 2012
Matthew 4:19
“Chummin’ for Saints…until the nets are full”
To the Saints,
With us coming to a close on Stephen’s speech and his life, God has allowed me to see how He works in the lives of the Church which gives me great hope in our Father and His love for His children. At times, His ways hurt and I might just feel 100% alone, as if I am the only one facing a similar situation. I find myself crying out to our Lord for favor or relief and it doesn’t seem to come. Just at that time, a good-willed Christian will enter in with a bumper-sticker slogan, such as “Sometimes God says no!” and just as fast he’s gone and I am still sitting on my bunk with my head down to the floor. When this happens to me, I know by faith that I am not alone nor has Father left me. His Word tells me that He will not leave me and that He has a plan for my life. I can not tell you how our freewill and His perfect plan work together, just that they do!
In this past month, I have spent one-on-one time with some of the brothers and my heart breaks to hear their pain as they search for God’s will in all of this. So, I go to God and ask why so much pain? Have they not, are they not paying a good enough price for their crimes? He tells me in a soft voice “My ways are higher ways. Just love me as I love you”. I’ve been thinking as I study Stephen, how the Saints must have questioned God and His great plan.
I look to see myself sitting at the foot of Jesus questioning His will in my life and the lives of the Saints, but in studying His word, the Spirit teaches that God does have a plan. Stephen’s upcoming death was not for nothing. Here are just four events directly and indirectly planned by God:
1. Phillip’s evangelistic tour (8:4-40)
2. Paul’s (Saul’s) conversion (9:1-30)
3. Peter’s missionary tour (9:32-11:18)
4. The founding of the Antioch Church (11:19-20)
It is the same for Moses’ early life; it shows how God prepares His people for future service. Though Moses was cruelly taken from his family, his privileged life in Egypt as a prince provided him with the training and insight into both cultures. This would be needed later to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. If I may take some liberty here…I can see how God is working in men’s lives. Here within the Church where I serve, we serve many denominations, races, and types of upbringing. We have our overlords (guards) and by society’s standard, we serve the worst our culture has produced and because of the Holy Spirit, I can say I love them. God is sovereign; nothing about our lives is ever accidental; no circumstance is ever wasted. Trust God to take all of your hard times and life experiences and weave them together to equip you to be alive and effective for His Kingdom.
As we are moving on in Acts, I’ve spent the last week looking at how to cover 7:17-60. In my studies, I’ve come up with some nice nuggets and insight. So we go from last month which was short and nice, to how much food do I put on one plate? My Pastor has told me many times to feed the Saints with a spoon, not a bulldozer. So, let me be honest. This was supposed to be in the mail to Barb one week ago, so I have to just start and when I get to the end, I will stop. (A white rabbit told me that one!)
(Acts 7:17-19) "But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt "till another king arose who did not know Joseph.” This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. (NKJV)
In Genesis 15:13-15, God told Abraham that after his descendants had been in Egypt for 400 years, He would “Punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterwards they will come out with great possessions”.
Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill every male newborn so that the Hebrews would not increase in numbers. (Exodus 1:16, 19, 22).
Stephen’s readers might have bells going off in their heads. Just a short time earlier, Herod also ordered the “slaughter of the innocents’ at the time Jesus the Christ was to be born. (Mt 2:13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him." 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.)
(Acts 7:20-22) "At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father's house for three months.”But when he was set out, Pharaoh's daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son. "And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.
God did not choose a convenient time for Moses to come into the world, instead He chose what one could call the worse time to show up. But, during this horrible time in Israel’s history, the nation’s first real deliverer was born, and He was beautiful in God’s eyes, and so are you. Stephen covered some points about Moses’ early life and you can read about it in Exodus 1-2. Again, see that Stephen shows that God is working in the nation He loves, but through some seemingly odd ways. Moses was adopted by an Egyptian princess, who was not a Jewess, and he was born in a strange location, outside of the borders of “Israel”.
(Acts 7:23-25) "Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel.”And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian. "For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand
We can see that Moses has an idea that God is calling Him to “rescue” the Hebrews and in His own will, he attempts to defend his fellow Israelites.
“There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death”. Proverbs 14:12.
Just some weeks earlier these religious leaders convinced each other that Jesus was a dangerous threat. They thought he had to be taken out. So they killed the very one sent to bring them life. Now, in Moses’ case, God did want to use him to deliver the Jews, but not at that time and not in that way. Don’t run ahead of God. Watch to see His timing! Read Romans 5.
Acts 7:26-28) "And the next day he appeared to two of them as they were fighting, and tried to reconcile them, saying, 'Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?' "But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?’ Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?'
Eighty years of Moses’ life---gone! It seems he has spent most of his life waiting; the last 40 years just watching the sheep. There in the desert after what must have seemed an eternity, God moved. See Exodus 3-4. In God’s timing, not ours, and in God’s way, not ours.
• God was working all of the time
• God was speaking
• God was about to deliver His people
• There was no temple around
• There was no tabernacle
• They weren’t near Jerusalem
• God chose to use a bush in the desert
Waiting on God!
Stephen’s message before the Jewish Council was filled with pictures of time passing; the long years (400) that the Israelites spent waiting on God to act and fulfill His promise. It seems that humans always hate to wait. The other day, I was waiting to use the microwave to cook my dinner---3 minutes. Don’t you think by now we could find a way to make this faster? We get impatient, doubt God’s plan and try to work in our own agendas. Taking matters into our own hands will lead to heartache, if not outright disaster. How much better it is to wait on God by allowing Him reveal Himself and His plan and then humbly trust and obey.
“I have found that I must be poor and want, before I can exercise the virtue of gratitude; miserable and in torment, before I can exercise the virtue of patience”. ~~~John Donne
I feel that this is a good place to stop and think. For the family on the streets, I don’t know what you are waiting on for God to do in your life. I do know that the results are in His time. Now to the Saints behind the walls…don’t give up the hope with which you started. I know some of you have seen 30+ years and are still waiting. Ten more years and you will be in the Moses Club at the lodge. I too wait and question, but I know He will not forget me in prison. To tell you the truth, He has allowed me to have a great life. The future still scares me. I do trust and obey by the faith which He gives to me.
UPDATE: Not much happening. My plate is full and I’m working on time management. So pray as I learn how to live a balanced Christian life. Pray that I will be the man whom God is training me to be.
Semper Fidelis!
I Corinthians 16: 13-14
Phish Bowl Coffee House/Ministries
276 E. 29th St
Loveland, CO 80538
http://inthephishbowl.blogspot.com/
An outreach of Calvary Chapel Loveland
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
August 2012
Phish Bowl Ministries
August 2012
Matthew 4:19
“Chummin’ for Saints…until the nets are full”
Dear family,
I was thinking the other day of what a fried said at a visit. That I talk of the street, that is, leaving prison, almost like it was the Rapture itself. In some ways you can say that this is true. However, for me, the street is going to be (God willing) just a move to a different season of His work. I am looking forward to what our Lord has in the works!
When we are in the middle of things, it is hard to hold to the hope we have in Jesus, but it is this hope of things to come. The street, problems or heaven itself, we know that we have and can trust that our Father loves us.
Over the past year of studying the book of Acts, we have covered: The Early Church, Peter’s Great Calling, and now as we continue our study, we are looking at Stephen’s witness to the leaders of the Sanhedrin. First he talked about Abraham and his faith and then Stephen moves on to discuss Jacob and Joseph. Next month we will look at Moses which I hope to cover in one teaching.
(Acts 7:8) "Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.
The covenant of circumcision was the symbol given to Abraham that he might never forget that God had promised to bless him. Abraham was saved by faith (Gen 15:6) and circumcision was only an outward sign demonstrating this faith in God. Now,Abraham begot Isaac (Genesis 20-28), Isaac begot twins Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25-35, 46-49), and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs and then we have Joseph. “The Patriarchs” refer to Jacob, the grandson of Abraham and his twelve sons. Jacob’s name which means “Usurper” was changed by God to the name “Israel” meaning something like “God’s Defender”. His twelve sons were the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
(Acts 7:9a) "And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt.
Joseph’s brothers were jealous of Joseph for a number of things. First their father’s obvious favor for this first born son of his beloved wife, Rachel (Genesis 35:24; 37:3). Joseph received a valuable gift from his father, a coat of many colors. It seems that Joseph’s brothers hated him because of this and had a hard time even saying something good about him (Genesis 37:5-11).
(Acts 7:9b-10) “But God was with him "and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
I really love when I read this in the NLT: “But God”, “God gave”, and “God also”.
“God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines of never failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs and works His sovereign will.”
~~~William Cowper
God was indeed with Joseph. See Genesis 39-50 for the records of Joseph’s rollercoaster ride in Egypt and to see how he remained faithful to God.
• God gave him favor before Pharaoh
• God gave him unusual wisdom
• God was working in an unusual way and in an unusual place-outside of Israel.
• Pharaoh appointed him governor.
• Pharaoh gave him charge of his palace.
(Acts 7:11-13) "Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance.”But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. "And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to the Pharaoh.
One of the first things I picked up on was “Our Fathers”. Stephen is still building a bridge between him and them. Please don’t miss God at work in this from the beginning to the end. The “famine” proved a way of reconciling the family and more importantly that Israel would continue. When the famine struck, Egypt was not caught off guard. Pharaoh had a dream given by God, which God gave Joseph the ability to interpret. Because of this Joseph was able to come up with a plan to store up food in the good years to have in the bad years (Genesis 41). Sidebar: Do you think that this is something we should do, or maybe even in Washington? This is just something to think on. In Genesis 41-45, we can read all about the two visits and how God restored the family. This was all part of God’s sovereign plan to get Israel to Egypt and that will bring us to Moses next month.
(Acts 7:14-16) "Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people.”So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers. "And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.
There are two things to point out here. Stephen said that 75 people in all went to Egypt. Genesis says 66 people accompanied Jacob to Egypt. Stephen seems to be more at ease using the Greek Septuagint translation of the Old Testament; in it the translation added nine wives. Why nine? Judah and Simeon’s wives had died and Joseph’s wife was already in Egypt. Secondly, why did Stephen make the point that the patriarchs were buried in Shechem? Shechem was the center of Samaritan life which was the area of Mt. Gerizim, a site of another temple (John 4:20). Stephen was charged with talking against the temple in Jerusalem as if this was speaking against God Himself. So, he is pointing out God’s work in and out side of Jerusalem. Even a little mountain called Mount Sinai which is nowhere near Jerusalem.
From Observing the Clues: Stephen recognized the amazing way in which Joseph’s life paralleled and pointed ahead to the life of Christ. The similarities are startling: both were loved by their father, hated by their brother, taken to Egypt, falsely accused, exalted after suffering, forgave the ones who wronged them, and saved their nation. Because God wants us to know Him, He has left evidence of His existence, activity and plan throughout the universe and in our lives.
Ask yourself this… Are we like the religious leaders who listened to Stephen? Are we so caught up in our prideful self beliefs that we are missing the Divine clues all around us? Please open your eyes and see that God is still working around us for His Divine plan for history.
* God is in control and nothing surprises Him.
• This world is not all there is; it will pass away, but God is eternal.
• God is just and He will make things right.
• God wants to use you, just as he used Joseph, to a make a difference in the world.
Next month….Moses.
Updates:
• July 1st was my daughter Brontë’s 17th birthday. Please pray for her and my son Bishop and for God to restore our family in His love.
• The time of rest is over and God is working around me again. Pray for the men that He is drawing near to me. Pray that I convey the love of Christ to them.
• For those who know, I have received a partial plate, so I have teeth!
• And last, D.O.C. approved me to see a hand doctor. Pray for His guidance.
To the Phish Bowl family, thanks for all of your help in this work of love for our King and His saints.
My fellow saints, I pray for you and love you. Remember that it is a Spirit filled life journey to understand God’s way. There is soul healing in God’s loving Word and in the church of the Messiah’s Misfits. Remember my chains as I remember yours. Watch! Hold fast in the faith. Be brave and be strong to the end. Let all you do, be done in love.
Semper Fidelis!
I Corinthians 16: 13-14
Phish Bowl Coffee House/Ministries
276 E. 29th St
Loveland, CO 80538
http://inthephishbowl.blogspot.com/
An outreach of Calvary Chapel Loveland
August 2012
Matthew 4:19
“Chummin’ for Saints…until the nets are full”
Dear family,
I send blessings to you from behind the walls. I have had the Phish Bowl family on my heart this month more than most. I have been thinking and praying for any hardships which you might be going through. Being blessed to do ministry in prison allows me not to worry about food, car payments, or rent. I get the privilege to walk a path reserved for few. I’m seldom apart from listening, speaking and walking a Christian life although some days are better than others.
I was thinking the other day of what a fried said at a visit. That I talk of the street, that is, leaving prison, almost like it was the Rapture itself. In some ways you can say that this is true. However, for me, the street is going to be (God willing) just a move to a different season of His work. I am looking forward to what our Lord has in the works!
When we are in the middle of things, it is hard to hold to the hope we have in Jesus, but it is this hope of things to come. The street, problems or heaven itself, we know that we have and can trust that our Father loves us.
Over the past year of studying the book of Acts, we have covered: The Early Church, Peter’s Great Calling, and now as we continue our study, we are looking at Stephen’s witness to the leaders of the Sanhedrin. First he talked about Abraham and his faith and then Stephen moves on to discuss Jacob and Joseph. Next month we will look at Moses which I hope to cover in one teaching.
(Acts 7:8) "Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.
The covenant of circumcision was the symbol given to Abraham that he might never forget that God had promised to bless him. Abraham was saved by faith (Gen 15:6) and circumcision was only an outward sign demonstrating this faith in God. Now,Abraham begot Isaac (Genesis 20-28), Isaac begot twins Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25-35, 46-49), and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs and then we have Joseph. “The Patriarchs” refer to Jacob, the grandson of Abraham and his twelve sons. Jacob’s name which means “Usurper” was changed by God to the name “Israel” meaning something like “God’s Defender”. His twelve sons were the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
(Acts 7:9a) "And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt.
Joseph’s brothers were jealous of Joseph for a number of things. First their father’s obvious favor for this first born son of his beloved wife, Rachel (Genesis 35:24; 37:3). Joseph received a valuable gift from his father, a coat of many colors. It seems that Joseph’s brothers hated him because of this and had a hard time even saying something good about him (Genesis 37:5-11).
(Acts 7:9b-10) “But God was with him "and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
I really love when I read this in the NLT: “But God”, “God gave”, and “God also”.
“God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines of never failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs and works His sovereign will.”
~~~William Cowper
God was indeed with Joseph. See Genesis 39-50 for the records of Joseph’s rollercoaster ride in Egypt and to see how he remained faithful to God.
• God gave him favor before Pharaoh
• God gave him unusual wisdom
• God was working in an unusual way and in an unusual place-outside of Israel.
• Pharaoh appointed him governor.
• Pharaoh gave him charge of his palace.
(Acts 7:11-13) "Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance.”But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. "And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to the Pharaoh.
One of the first things I picked up on was “Our Fathers”. Stephen is still building a bridge between him and them. Please don’t miss God at work in this from the beginning to the end. The “famine” proved a way of reconciling the family and more importantly that Israel would continue. When the famine struck, Egypt was not caught off guard. Pharaoh had a dream given by God, which God gave Joseph the ability to interpret. Because of this Joseph was able to come up with a plan to store up food in the good years to have in the bad years (Genesis 41). Sidebar: Do you think that this is something we should do, or maybe even in Washington? This is just something to think on. In Genesis 41-45, we can read all about the two visits and how God restored the family. This was all part of God’s sovereign plan to get Israel to Egypt and that will bring us to Moses next month.
(Acts 7:14-16) "Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people.”So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers. "And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.
There are two things to point out here. Stephen said that 75 people in all went to Egypt. Genesis says 66 people accompanied Jacob to Egypt. Stephen seems to be more at ease using the Greek Septuagint translation of the Old Testament; in it the translation added nine wives. Why nine? Judah and Simeon’s wives had died and Joseph’s wife was already in Egypt. Secondly, why did Stephen make the point that the patriarchs were buried in Shechem? Shechem was the center of Samaritan life which was the area of Mt. Gerizim, a site of another temple (John 4:20). Stephen was charged with talking against the temple in Jerusalem as if this was speaking against God Himself. So, he is pointing out God’s work in and out side of Jerusalem. Even a little mountain called Mount Sinai which is nowhere near Jerusalem.
From Observing the Clues: Stephen recognized the amazing way in which Joseph’s life paralleled and pointed ahead to the life of Christ. The similarities are startling: both were loved by their father, hated by their brother, taken to Egypt, falsely accused, exalted after suffering, forgave the ones who wronged them, and saved their nation. Because God wants us to know Him, He has left evidence of His existence, activity and plan throughout the universe and in our lives.
Ask yourself this… Are we like the religious leaders who listened to Stephen? Are we so caught up in our prideful self beliefs that we are missing the Divine clues all around us? Please open your eyes and see that God is still working around us for His Divine plan for history.
* God is in control and nothing surprises Him.
• This world is not all there is; it will pass away, but God is eternal.
• God is just and He will make things right.
• God wants to use you, just as he used Joseph, to a make a difference in the world.
Next month….Moses.
Updates:
• July 1st was my daughter Brontë’s 17th birthday. Please pray for her and my son Bishop and for God to restore our family in His love.
• The time of rest is over and God is working around me again. Pray for the men that He is drawing near to me. Pray that I convey the love of Christ to them.
• For those who know, I have received a partial plate, so I have teeth!
• And last, D.O.C. approved me to see a hand doctor. Pray for His guidance.
To the Phish Bowl family, thanks for all of your help in this work of love for our King and His saints.
My fellow saints, I pray for you and love you. Remember that it is a Spirit filled life journey to understand God’s way. There is soul healing in God’s loving Word and in the church of the Messiah’s Misfits. Remember my chains as I remember yours. Watch! Hold fast in the faith. Be brave and be strong to the end. Let all you do, be done in love.
Semper Fidelis!
I Corinthians 16: 13-14
Phish Bowl Coffee House/Ministries
276 E. 29th St
Loveland, CO 80538
http://inthephishbowl.blogspot.com/
An outreach of Calvary Chapel Loveland
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)