1) Creating a tax code that allows for winners and losers;
2) Making a class of individuals who create legislation (unelected administrators) more powerful than the class of individuals who enact legislation (elected);
3) Isolating and insulating those who enact legislation in cities far distant from the people who elected them;
4) Creating an atmosphere where singleness is more rewarding than the historic bonds of matrimony, the foundation upon which family units are constructed;
5) Creating a highly selective, prejudicial justice system; and,
6) Having an immigration policy allowing people to enter our country, uninhibited, that would have been excluded if legally enacted immigration laws were followed.
[2 Timothy 1:15-18] – Foes and Friends – This is an opportunity to view the obvious: When we find ourselves confronted by another, we must remind ourselves that they are thinking we are confronting them. However, there are times when we must plainly say “You are wrong, you are leading others away from God’s way.” It is sometimes intolerable for us to shrug our shoulders and walk away. Taking a stance in matters that are political, social or personal is fraught with peril. We often think that Paul was too hard-edged or dogmatic. [v. 15] If all Asia is against Paul does Paul share some or all the blame? Or did he sense he was a total failure? Paul had spent a great deal of time in Ephesus. He preached, taught, wept, laughed and prayed with them. They were dear to each other. Have they turned from him? Why? There were many challenges. The Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians debated whether or not they belonged at the same table. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he saw they failed to understand the meaning of the death of Jesus. Their question was, Who was the savior – Caesar or Jesus? Was it theological or practical? Was it merely a distancing from a person in prison? [v. 4:17] We should note – it was at this point some stopped supporting Paul. [v. 15] It is the tar brush theory. This is a good place to remind ourselves as we navigate the world of missions that the apostles were not always successful. However, Onesiphorus stepped up, [v. 16-18] he was not ashamed of Paul as a prisoner. And he did not simply think, he acted, he sought and he visited. He was assured, not fearing being a friend. Paul was socially, politically and religiously a subversive. Paul wanted Timothy to understand this as well, not being ashamed and come for a visit. [4:9; 2:1] Onesiphorus was with Paul in Ephesus and perhaps was not from Rome. We wonder the exact nature of Paul’s confinement: was he under house arrest or in chains. We think the former because he could receive visitors. However, the debate continues, but regardless the important thing is Onesiphorus did not accidentally find Paul – he made an effort. He also refreshed him with food, drink, and most likely money. Finally, Paul prayers that he should be granted mercy in full measure in relation to how he treated Paul. Note: Paul is not implying that works should be reward-
ed, but when God’s spirit is working within someone, we should pray that God fills that person with Christlike love.
[2 Timothy 2:1-7] – Conditions of Service – How do each of you put off challenging tasks? We all have avoidance rituals. Paul is warning Timothy NOT to avoid witnessing the gospel of Jesus. Especially when faced with social and political stigmatization and danger . T. must take his share of suffering as might any soldier. Paul was using the image of being under the Roman empire. Roman soldiers were ordering you about or threatening punishment. [1 Tim 6] The soldiers of King Jesus were on a different mission AND differ-ent orders. Roman soldiers were prepared to inflict pain, Jesus’ soldiers were prepared to bear pain in loyalty to their crucified Lord. And both ranks of soldiers needed to be prepared to obey at once, without thinking, and without avoidance strategies. Paul uses three images [v.4-6] to show his meaning: as soldiers (army/civilian), be disciplined and obedient/embody the challenge of the gospel; as athletics (athlete/spectator) follow rules/do not seek the easy way, we are saved , why bother, that is claiming victory w/o sweating; as farmers (owner/laborer) does owner take the lion’s share of crop/universal folk Hello All,
1) Creating a tax code that allows for winners and losers;
2) Making a class of individuals who create legislation (unelected administrators) more powerful than the class of individuals who enact legislation (elected);
3) Isolating and insulating those who enact legislation in cities far distant from the people who elected them;
4) Creating an atmosphere where singleness is more rewarding than the historic bonds of matrimony, the foundation upon which family units are constructed;
5) Creating a highly selective, prejudicial justice system; and,
6) Having an immigration policy allowing people to enter our country, uninhibited, that would have been excluded if legally enacted immigration laws were followed.
[2 Timothy 1:15-18] – Foes and Friends – This is an opportunity to view the obvious: When we find ourselves confronted by another, we must remind ourselves that they are thinking we are confronting them. However, there are times when we must plainly say “You are wrong, you are leading others away from God’s way.” It is sometimes intolerable for us to shrug our shoulders and walk away. Taking a stance in matters that are political, social or personal is fraught with peril. We often think that Paul was too hard-edged or dogmatic. [v. 15] If all Asia is against Paul does Paul share some or all the blame? Or did he sense he was a total failure? Paul had spent a great deal of time in Ephesus. He preached, taught, wept, laughed and prayed with them. They were dear to each other. Have they turned from him? Why? There were many challenges. The Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians debated whether or not they belonged at the same table. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he saw they failed to understand the meaning of the death of Jesus. Their question was, Who was the savior – Caesar or Jesus? Was it theological or practical? Was it merely a distancing from a person in prison? [v. 4:17] We should note – it was at this point some stopped supporting Paul. [v. 15] It is the tar brush theory. This is a good place to remind ourselves as we navigate the world of missions that the apostles were not always successful. However, Onesiphorus stepped up, [v. 16-18] he was not ashamed of Paul as a prisoner. And he did not simply think, he acted, he sought and he visited. He was assured, not fearing being a friend. Paul was socially, politically and religiously a subversive. Paul wanted Timothy to understand this as well, not being ashamed and come for a visit. [4:9; 2:1] Onesiphorus was with Paul in Ephesus and perhaps was not from Rome. We wonder the exact nature of Paul’s confinement: was he under house arrest or in chains. We think the former because he could receive visitors. However, the debate continues, but regardless the important thing is Onesiphorus did not accidentally find Paul – he made an effort. He also refreshed him with food, drink, and most likely money. Finally, Paul prayers that he should be granted mercy in full measure in relation to how he treated Paul. Note: Paul is not implying that works should be reward-
ed, but when God’s spirit is working within someone, we should pray that God fills that person with Christlike love.
[2 Timothy 2:1-7] – Conditions of Service – How do each of you put off challenging tasks? We all have avoidance rituals. Paul is warning Timothy NOT to avoid witnessing the gospel of Jesus. Especially when faced with social and political stigmatization and danger . T. must take his share of suffering as might any soldier. Paul was using the image of being under the Roman empire. Roman soldiers were ordering you about or threatening punishment. [1 Tim 6] The soldiers of King Jesus were on a different mission AND differ-ent orders. Roman soldiers were prepared to inflict pain, Jesus’ soldiers were prepared to bear pain in loyalty to their crucified Lord. And both ranks of soldiers needed to be prepared to obey at once, without thinking, and without avoidance strategies. Paul uses three images [v.4-6] to show his meaning: as soldiers (army/civilian), be disciplined and obedient/embody the challenge of the gospel; as athletics (athlete/spectator) follow rules/do not seek the easy way, we are saved , why bother, that is claiming victory w/o sweating; as farmers (owner/laborer) does owner take the lion’s share of crop/universal folk wisdom claims worker deserves first share do not be an absentee landowner, expec-ting benefits without hard work. What is this hard work? I will go out on a limb with this observation: Western Christians make up a large percentage of the Western industrialized nations. Further, those Christian it would be assumed that there would be no clash between religious and civil duty. However, in the past 200 years that has been changing: people now assume that religion is all about private spirituality and salvation. They assume that their position would not impinge on public affairs to the point they will receive no blow back. However, for P&T Christianity is all about following King Jesus which requires all the strength His grace can give. [v.1] Specifically it means standing for the gospel, the royal announcement, even when it challenges the assumptions and practices of the world – the empire – even when it surrounds us. This may be the greatest challenge Christians face today. Like Timothy, we need to think about what Paul is saying. [v. 7] Think it over, Can you explain it to yourself – others? As you do this -Trust in the Lord. Part of the understanding will come as we think about (and through) the Apostolic teaching – making certain it does get passed on, as a whole thought to those who come after us. [v. 2] We must be concerned with continuity and safe teaching. This is not boring! People must be enlivened by the gospel even if we hear it over and over again. The gospel must be preached as the most revolutionary message ever heard. We cannot trim here, snip there, cut a corner this week. We can not count on the next generation to meet the challenge. Our obligation is to hand on the tradition safely and make certain the next generation is summoned, whatever it costs to follow the radical gospel of King Jesus. AMEN!!
Cell: 541-973-5442
hankhohenstein@gmail.com claims worker deserves first share do not be an absentee landowner, expec-ting benefits without hard work. What is this hard work? I will go out on a limb with this observation: Western Christians make up a large percentage of the Western industrialized nations. Further, those Christian it would be assumed that there would be no clash between religious and civil duty. However, in the past 200 years that has been changing: people now assume that religion is all about private spirituality and salvation. They assume that their position would not impinge on public affairs to the point they will receive no blow back. However, for P&T Christianity is all about following King Jesus which requires all the strength His grace can give. [v.1] Specifically it means standing for the gospel, the royal announcement, even when it challenges the assumptions and practices of the world – the empire – even when it surrounds us. This may be the greatest challenge Christians face today. Like Timothy, we need to think about what Paul is saying. [v. 7] Think it over, Can you explain it to yourself – others? As you do this -Trust in the Lord. Part of the understanding will come as we think about (and through) the Apostolic teaching – making certain it does get passed on, as a whole thought to those who come after us. [v. 2] We must be concerned with continuity and safe teaching. This is not boring! People must be enlivened by the gospel even if we hear it over and over again. The gospel must be preached as the most revolutionary message ever heard. We cannot trim here, snip there, cut a corner this week. We can not count on the next generation to meet the challenge. Our obligation is to hand on the tradition safely and make certain the next generation is summoned, whatever it costs to follow the radical gospel of King Jesus. AMEN!!
Cell: 541-973-5442
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