God’s Will and God’s Promise, A Reflection of 1 Thessalonians 4

Posted on April 18, 2012 by eig

Many Christians ask what God’s will is for their life. They believe God has a specific, detailed plan for the life. They focus all their attention on trying to find out what it is, that they forget what God’s has already revealed to us as his will. In the Bible, you don’t find Christians trying to find what God’s will is for everything they do. Instead, they live according to what God has already revealed and commanded them to do.

In 1 Thessalonians 4 Paul tells the Thessalonians what God’s will is for their lives. The first is found in verse 3: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality.” (NIV) The word use for “sexual immorality” is the word “porneia” and we all know what that is. It is used in a general sense to refer to acts that are sexual in nature contrary to God’s plan. God’s will for us is that we live a holy life, a life dedicated to Him that avoids sexual immorality. If there is a time where we need this it is today. Many Christians have been involved with the sexually charged culture to the point where they give in to it. There is almost no distinction between how Christians behave sexually and those who don’t know Christ.

Paul continues and warns the Thessalonians that “that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.” (v. 4-5, NIV) In the next two verses, he also let’s them know to be careful not to do any wrong to another Christian in this area because God will judge them accordingly. Again, it calls us to holiness and purity.
Young people and singles, especially, should take note that for God it is a serious business to fool around sexually in any way with another Christian without regarding them with purity and honor. God will judge us for how we treat them in this area. If we disregard this command, we disregard God himself. This is serious.

God’s will is that our bodies are kept pure and honorable. The verses are clear and need not much explanation.

God’s will is also that we love each other (verses 13-18). We have been taught by God to love and we should love others as well.

The last part of this chapter, Paul reminds the Thessalonians of God’s promise of the resurrection of those dead in Christ when He comes back. The Thessalonians had experienced the death of some of its members and Paul encourages them by pointing that death isn’t the end, they will see their loved ones again. Christ’s resurrection guarantees the resurrection of those who are “sleeping” (sleeping is used as a euphemism for death because the death of the body is only temporary) in Christ. Christ will bring them back in a resurrected body. This may be confusing for some. In chapter 5 Paul continues this topic which I will write about later.

Material is copyright by egaldamez. Permission given torepost or reproduced without editing the content.Disclaimer: The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility. Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.
Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> 1 Thessalonians, 1 Thessalonians 4, Christ's coming, God's will, Resurrection, Sexual immorality | Leave a comment

Ten Things I Learned While In France

Posted on April 13, 2012 by eig

1. There is a crepe place in almost every corner.

2. Don’t jay walk or they will run you over!

3. Smoking is cool, so many people do.

4. They love MacDonalds, but who doesn’t?

5. When you ask for coffee large and small they mean French sizes.

6. Don’t trust maps when looking for places.

7. When asking directions, be ready to ask 2-3 times and still get lost.

8. Streets names are called “Rue de…” and they change all the time

9. The metro is the best way to move around and it is quite simple with numbers and colors for neophites in the Metro system.

10. They have the Louvre museum where the Da Vinci Code was filmed!

 

 

 

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.
<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> France, Paris | Leave a comment

Ten Things I Learned While in Rome

Posted on April 13, 2012 by eig

1. There is Pizza in every corner.

2. There are eating places in every block.

3. They love carbs for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

4. They need more chickens for eggs and cows for beefor steak.

5. They have good water, even from fountains or firehydrants (we saw people drinking from both).

6. Water is not free in restaurants.

7. Wi-fi is a commodity in public places.

8. Old and new buildings coexist together in perfect harmony.

9. If you want coffee, say “American coffee” and bring your cream with you if you don’t want milk.

10. Jaywalking is not forbidden, it’s a way of life.

 

 

Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> Italy, Rome | Leave a comment

You know your hotel isn’t great when…

Posted on April 11, 2012 by eig

I usually post serious stuff, but this was a must


– There is no elevator and you are on the 3 rd floor
– You bump everywhere in the bathroom
– You tell them to give you a clean cover because it had hairs
– You have to buy a sheet because you don’t trust theirs
– Your wife doesn’t want to take a shower
– The office is so near the kitchen and you can see pans.

All true!


Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> bad hotels, hotels | Leave a comment

Called to Suffer…Even More, A Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 3

Posted on March 31, 2012 by eig

No one likes suffering. I certainly don’t. Yet everyone suffers to some degree. We are all part of what we Christians call fallen humanity and a fallen world. Much of the suffering we experience is a result of the consequences brought about from sin, a broken, imperfect world. Suffering isn’t normal. It is the result of our separation from God. Yet, in this broken world, we all experience it to some degree. For those not of faith in Christ, the response to suffering comes in various forms (e.g., curses, bitterness, hopelessness, depression) but it is never understood nor hope found. It is something incomprehensible and non-sensical. For the Christian, it is also very puzzling. Christians throughout the ages have tried to make sense of it and explain it in relation to a good God. We don’t have all the answers. Yet, Christianity offers the best hope in light of eternity (yes, I am aware this is left without support, but the intent is not to offer answers to the problem of suffering).

Becoming a Christian does not make us exempt from suffering. In fact, it is something to be expected and at times it can be more intense than what an average person would experience. In 1 Thessalonians chapter 3, the Apostle Paul tells the believers of Thessalonica that they were destined (v. 4) to trials and tribulation for their faith. They were suffering distress and persecution for their belief in Christ (v. 7) and Paul encourages them by reminding them that this was expected. The Apostle himself sets himself as an example (he says “we”) as one who suffered for Christ (it is interesting that when Paul was saved, Christ had told Ananias that Paul would be taught to suffer for His name – Acts 9:16). Amidst suffering, the Thessalonians remained faithful to Christ.
All Christians are called to suffer just as Christ suffered (see 1 Peter 1:6-9; 2:19-21; Acts 14:22). We will suffer because we are part of this world. We will suffer because of our faith. But our faith is rooted in the eternal God who one day will restore everything to Himself. We should not be surprised when suffering finds us. Paul’s prayer is for us as well: “May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” (v.13)
Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> 1 Thessalonians, 1 Thessalonians 3, Apostle Paul, Christians and suffering, suffering | Leave a comment

Who Decides Who Lives or Dies?

Posted on March 15, 2012 by eig

I began reading the book of Jeremiah the prophet. It begins by stating the following:

“The word of the LORD came to me, saying,“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” “(1:4-6 NIV).

God knew Jeremiah before He was in his mother’s womb. He also made Him in the womb. But even before that, He already knew what Jeremiah would be, a prophet to Israel. Jeremiah calls him “Sovereign Lord.”

God decided to give life to Jeremiah and decided his future not his parents. This has implications for us today. None of us have the right to decide who lives or who dies. When faced with an ethical dilemma dealing with life and/or death we choose to err on the side of life. It is not our role to decide to be God.

Here are other passages that speak about how God is responsible for creating every person.

Psalm 139:13-16 – For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret,intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me,when as yet there was none of them.” (ESV)

  • Notice several things, God forms every person in its totality. It is a detailed process. God has decided all the days we will live on this Earth.

What about those people who have a handicap, isn’t it better not to have them?

Exodus 4:11 – Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” (ESV)

  • God takes responsibility for those who are handicap. He gave them life.

We don’t know why things happen, good or bad. But our response should be the same as Jeremiah’s: “Sovereign Lord.” He decides who lives or who dies, not us!

Material is copyright by egaldamez. Permission given torepost or reproduced without editing the content.Disclaimer: The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility. Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

 

Material is copyright by egaldamez. Permission given torepost or reproduced without editing the content.Disclaimer: The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility. Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

 

Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> Death, Jeremiah 1, Jeremiah the Prophet, life, Psalm 139 | Leave a comment

A Tale of Two Kings – Part I

Posted on March 11, 2012 by eig

I have just finished reading the book of 1 Samuel. As I reflect back, I can think of some things that I learned from the life of the first king of Israel, Saul and from it’s second king, David. One was the people’s choice because they approved of him even though it was still God’s man (1 Samuel 9:15-16; 10:24). The second one was God’s choice and the people had nothing to do with it. But neither one was God’s intent for Israel. God wanted to rule Israel but the people rejected Him (1 Samuel 8:7-8). They wanted to follow the custom of nations around them (1 Samuel 8:19-20).

As I have read this narrative, I can glean a few lessons from the life of king Saul that I need to keep in mind:

1. God saves and empowers those whom He uses.

Even though it was not God’s will for Israel to have a king, God guided them in the process of selecting their king. God is not capricious and He wants to bless us and does so in spite of our mistakes (1 Samuel 12:15). God gives Saul His a new heart: “When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. And all these signs came to pass that day.” (1 Samuel 10:9). Saul is empowered by God and even prophesies with the prophets. Soon though, we will see how Saul loses his empowerment (not salvation-see 1 Samuel 28:19) and the kingdom.

God will never give us a task without giving us His power to carry it out.

2. Humility is something that needs to be cultivated daily.

Saul starts as a shy young man, but as he assumes the kingship, what God has said kings would do to the people comes to pass (1 Samuel 8:10-18). Humility turns into pride. Saul manifests his pride when he offers sacrifice to God, something only a priest was allowed to do (1 Samuel 13:8-14). This is a foolish thing that will cost Saul his kingship: “And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.” (1 Samuel 13:13 – ESV). Everything goes downhill from here.

God wants us to be humble and not think that what we are is all because of ourselves.

3. Obedience is better than any sacrifice offered to God.

In 1 Samuel 15 Saul is given direct instruction to eliminate the Amalekites. (Some would see this as event as something to object. See post here for answer) Saul decides to do his own thing and keep some of the spoil. His excuse given is that it was done for God. God’s answer is: ““Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23 – ESV)

You can repent of your sin, and should but this will not eliminate the consequences.

God wants our obedience first. What you do for Him is secondary to that. Period.

4. A life of disobedience to God brings consequences spiritual in nature but affecting the whole person, sometimes they even lead to death.

After Saul decides to disobey God, his life is filled with torment. A harmful spirit from God torments him (1 Samuel 16:14). His life becomes controlled by pride, rage, jealosy, despair and failure. He tries to kill David several times and kills innocent people (1 Samuel 22:6-21). Saul end is tragic. He commits suicide (1 Samuel 30:4) after his military defeat by the Philistines. Unfortunately, his sons including Jonathan are killed as well.

In part 2, I will speak of king David.

Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> 1 Samuel, Jonathan, King Saul | Leave a comment

A Humble Man of God – Reflecting on 1 Thessalonians 2

Posted on March 2, 2012 by eig

In my years as a Christian (almost 30) I have met very few men of God who are humble, especially pastors. Many of them have been quite the opposite. They have abused the position God has granted them. They have used it for their gain. As I look around in the “Christian world” I see few as well. Many carry Ph. D’s and a name recognition which they show off. It isn’t totally their fault. We, as humans, like to have our own idols. We make them who they are.

 

Let’s be clear: I don’t claim to be humble either. My heart is not free from the desire to be recognized or to be acknowledged for whatever talents I possess. But I don’t have such a position either and I hope that I never do, if I am to use it for my own glory.

 

But that is not the topic. The man I want to talk about is St. Paul the Apostle in 1 Thessalonians 2. I just gave him a title which he probably seldom used or that people used to refer to him. In fact, I believe that most of the time he was called “brother Paul.” Paul was an Apostle, who received direct commissioning from the Lord himself. As a man, he had the credentials. But he also had a past. He had been a murderer of Christians till Christ called Him. Physically, the man wasn’t attractive either. Some say he had a speech impediment, was short and was probably somewhat blind. If this man was living today, he would never make it as a candidate for a church pastoral position. Yet this man was used by God to plant many churches one of them being in Thessalonica. Incidentally, he is the man God used to write thirteen of the New Testament Epistles which embody the doctrine of The Church.

 

In 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 Paul recounts how he had communicated the Gospel to the Thessalonians and how they had believed. As I read it, I sense the humility and tenderness of the man. Paul reminds them that he and his companions were holy, righteous, and blameless in the way they behaved before them. Yet, he says it in a very humble way. When he went, he preached in the power of God, not with flattery words nor seeking gain from them. He didn’t demand anything as an Apostle, though he could off used his position for his own benefit. Instead, he says, he was gentle to them as a mother with her children. He was willing not only to give them the Gospel but his whole life. Like a father he encouraged them to walk in a manner worthy of God. He tells them how after being ousted from them he longed to see them but could not. At the end of the chapter, Paul calls them his “glory and joy.”

 

That’s the heart of a humble man of God. Let’s all pray that we follow the Apostle Paul in his example. Let’s strive for it!

Material is copyright by egaldamez. Permission given torepost or reproduced without editing the content.Disclaimer: The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility. Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

 

Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> 1 Thessalonians, humility, Man of God, Pastors | Leave a comment

The Need For Faith

Posted on March 1, 2012 by eig

For centuries the debate of faith and reason has been going on. Some think that both are mutually exclusive. Others say reason is superior. Reason, they say, is verifiable through the senses thus superior. Still others, argue that they are both partners. I do not attempt here to get into the philosophical arguments of this debate for I am not a philosopher nor it interests me.

But I do want to share some thoughts on the nature of faith and how faith is necessary. Faith is rooted in verifiable historical truths. When I read the Bible I don’t read myths and ideas that have no historical truth. God himself manifests himself from the beginning, to Adam, Abraham, the rest of the Jewish Patriarchs, to Israel and finally reveals himself in Jesus Christ, Immanuel-God with us. Jesus, God incarnate, the second person of the trinity who becomes human and offers himself as a sacrifice to restore our relationship with Him.
Faith is not a blind leap without any basis. It is rooted in God’s revelation of Himself. Yet, as time has passed, God has chosen to move and live in us through faith. In fact, Jesus said, ““Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” “(John 20:29-ESV)
The Apostle Paul said that we live our life through faith not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Our life in Christ is by nature, a life of faith. It is a prominent topic in the New Testament (see for example Hebrews 11). Faith is a certainty of the spirit but it is rooted in God’s truth. It is the means by which God has chosen to make himself known to us. This doesn’t diminish the role of reason but it allows it to depend on God. We don’t know everything nor can we know everything. It is not possible as finite beings. But faith is not necessary only because of this. Faith opens our spiritual “eyes.” It allows us to get a glimpse of the eternal which otherwise we cannot know. God lives in the spiritual realm and as such can only be worshipped through faith. Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24-ESV).
What would our lives be without faith? Our lives would only know and experience what is palpable and verifiable through the senses. There would be no sense of mystery. We would only know what we can know through our minds and senses. Our spirits would be barren. Dry. Our hope would be limited. We could only hope what we know and see. But hope rooted in faith is much more. It sees beyond the natural: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1-ESV)
Without faith we couldn’t please God: “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6-ESV)
As Christians we live by faith. Faith in the one who saved us. We say with the Apostle Paul, “And the life I now live in the flesh (body) I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20).
Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> faith, hope, reason | Leave a comment

Reflecting on 1 Thessalonians 1

Posted on February 29, 2012 by eig

1 Thessalonians was written by Paul to a church he established there around the year 50 A.D. during his second missionary journey (Acts 17). It was a city that had approximately 200,000 people during this time. Paul’s custom was to go the synagogues where Jewish people met for worship. Jews from Alexandria had established in Thesalonica around 168-103 B.C. What is interesting here is what Paul’s strategy was when he started new churches. He went to the synagogues and as a Jew, he would be allowed to speak to those present. He presented the Gospel: how Jesus was the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament, how it was necessary for Him to die and rise from the dead to give everlasting life to those who believe. The message was simple. Some received it. Many rejected it and turned against Paul. But those who God granted to believe became the foundation of the new church.

 

In 1 Thessalonians Paul reminds the church in Thesalonica how they had come to believe. He points to the evidence of their belief. The evidence was observed by those around them, especially as they experienced persecution from those who did not believe. Their faith had a profound effect and was noticed by those around them. Paul describes their conversion:

 

“For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (v. 9)

 

Their conversion involved several things:

 

1. Turning away from idols.

That is what repentance means. It means turning away from something, in this case the worship of idols. Thesalonica was known for their idols. It may seem strange to us, but idols can take different forms. An idol is anything that we give worship (the worth). Idols have no power, except that it makes us feel better. But they do nothing for us with the exception of making us captives to them.

 

2. Serving the living God.

It is not enough to turn from something if you are not turning to something. They turned away from worshipping idols to worshipping the true and living God. There is only ONE true God. That is what the Bible teaches. And He is not an idol, He is a living, transcendent Being. He can be known. We can serve Him.

 

3. Waiting for Jesus’s 2nd Coming.

We hear all kinds of predictions of the end of the world. But that is not what Christians wait for. They wait for Jesus Christ who is coming back from Heaven. And He is not coming to save but to judge. Those that have believed in Him do not have to fear. They will be delivered from His wrath.

 

Why would Jesus do that? Isn’t he about love. He is! He loved us so much he gave his life so that we can know and serve the living God. Now. If you want to wait until He comes back then it will be too late.

 

Becoming a Christian is not about changing religions (akin to changing idols). It is about turning away from those things that have captured our hearts to serve the living God available through the sacrifice of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

 

Material is copyright by egaldamez. Permission given torepost or reproduced without editing the content.Disclaimer: The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility. Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

 

 

Material is copyright by eigaldamez. Permission is given
to re-post or reproduce without editing the content.

Disclaimer:
The contents of all personal web pages and blogs published are solely my responsibility.
Statements made and opinions expressed on personal pages are strictly those of the author and not of any organization, church, or school.

<span class="entry-utility-prep entry-utility-prep-cat-links">Posted in</span> 1 Thessalonians, Apostle Paul, conversion, Thessalonica | Leave a comment