Category: Bible Studies

In 1274 A.D. a hospital called “St. Mary of Bethlehem” was established in England. Two centuries later the hospital was converted into an insane asylum. In those days, care of the mentally ill was cruel and closely akin to a prison. All day long the screams and shouts and pleas poured out of the doors and windows. It was a sad place of chaos and confusion and the name “Bethlehem” — the house of peace — was corrupted into “Bedlam” and a new word found its way into the English language.

Jan and I found ourselves in Arizona the day after Thanksgiving — on “Black Friday.” Because there is an hour difference between California and Arizona, we were wide–awake at 4:00 A.M. and decided to go to the mall and see what all the shopping fuss was all about. It was cold, raining and pitch black, but still, we had trouble finding a place to park. Some people had camped out on the sidewalk the night before just to be there for the race to the discounted television sets! Insanity ruled as crass consumerism ran unbridled through the mall. Wrong size? Just throw it on the floor and keep excavating. Coupons filled the air. Christmas carols blared and tempers flared.

We sat back and watched the show. There were the scientific shoppers who knew what they wanted and had carefully scouted the terrain the day before. There were team players as mom guarded the shopping cart and sent her minions on missions of consumption. “Mine! Mine! Mine!” It reminded me of a flock of seagulls fighting over a hot dog bun at the beach. I’d like to report that we rose above the fray, but alas I walked out with three pairs of shoes and a microwave gadget that makes hard-boiled eggs “without the messy shell.”

A few years ago, Jan and I visited Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Bethlehem is famous for her ancient olive trees and still, today shepherds tend their sheep in the hills below the village. And even though there is a massive, ancient church there commemorating the place of the birth of the Lord, it isn’t hard to imagine what it must have been like the night Christ was born. Yes, there was the chaos of the crowded village outside, but in the cave (for caves are still used as stables), in a stone manger lined with straw, a tiny baby was tightly wrapped in swaddling clothes. That child brought hope and salvation into the world in the most wondrous way. I can’t help but smile as I meditate on that moment and I wish the bedlam of Black Friday could be transformed back into the peace of Bethlehem.

Exercise

Today’s exercise is as simple as it is profound. Be nice. What does that mean to you? 

A few years ago, Jan and I were looking for a new congregation to serve. The whole process was fascinating. I share an entire book of “Proverbs for Preaching” with young people who want to enter the ministry. The first one, of course, is “No congregation is stronger than her leaders.” By that, I mean the care and nurturing of elders and other leaders must be a top priority.  The second proverb certainly was in play during the candidate selection process we encountered: “It takes seven times longer to get anything done in church than anywhere else.”

The reason for that is easy to understand. Congregational committees only meet once a week, so the first half of the meeting is generally spent “bringing everyone up to speed” or reviewing last week’s meeting. This is especially true when selecting a new preacher. One congregation told me, “We’re going to take about a year to choose someone new.” At least they were honest! Other churches set aside three or four months to collect applications and then began the process of “weeding them out.” For ministers who are out of work and living on savings, that might be a little long. Of course, if they are looking to lure someone out of a pulpit to their congregation, it doesn’t matter, except to the congregation losing their minister!

But I stray. Generally speaking, the first question I was asked was a question that legally can’t be asked. “How old are you?” One elder acknowledged that, so instead, he asked, “In what year were you born?” (I’m not making this up!) I just sigh and tell them, but my wife, Jan, has come up with a great response. “Tell them you are a decade younger than Paul McCartney, 13 years younger than Chuck Norris, seven years younger than Sylvester Stallone, and six years younger than Arnold Schwarzenegger. You are the same age as the Apostle Paul when he wrote most of the New Testament, and you are a year older than Christie Brinkley.”

So how important is age? One congregation I met with announced the average age of the church was over 70, so they wanted to hire a youth minister and a young preacher “so young people will come back.” It’s a lovely thought, but a little late. I believe congregations should minister from their strengths, not their weaknesses, but that is a subject for another blog.

I admit some limitations come with age. I can’t run the mile in under five minutes anymore, and my hair is silver (although I earned every one of them!) However, we don’t generally think about the limitations of youth in ministry. For example, young ministers often have young families that rightly require more attention and time. Those pressures don’t apply to “empty-nesters.” A young man may have more energy, but an older minister typically has more time.

All of this doesn’t consider the matter of experience and maturity. Why didn’t God use Moses at 40 to lead the Israelites to freedom instead of waiting until Moses was 80? Likewise, people often wonder, “How many years does he have left to work with us?” They are polite enough not to ask the question directly, but I’ve had them ask obliquely, “When are you planning on retiring?” or (another illegal question), “Do you have any health issues?” So how old was the Apostle John when he wrote Revelation? Why did Paul tell Timothy and Titus to appoint “Elders in every church” rather than “Youngers”? Perhaps Oscar Wilde put his finger on it when he said, “I’m not young enough to know everything.” Finally, Lyman Bryson observed, “The error of youth is to believe that intelligence is a substitute for experience, while the error of age is to believe experience is a substitute for intelligence.”

John McKeel

Yawn.

One of the most memorable characters from the book of Proverbs is the “sluggard.” He is a lazy man. He can’t leave his house because “the sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!”

“As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.”

“The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth” (Proverbs 26:13-16).

The sages of the middle-ages called sloth “the first deadly sin.” Sloth, in modern vernacular, means “laziness.” We might think of laziness as a weakness or common fault, but would we call it a sin? (See Proverbs 6:6-11.)

My first observation is that laziness doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of activity. Heaven knows we’re packing more and more into already too busy lives but is it purposeful activity? Are we moving towards a goal, or are we just bouncing off the walls? Do we believe it because we’ve heard something so often we accept it as truth, or do we believe (and behave) because we have discovered a precious truth?

Second, sloth prevents us from escaping lazy preoccupations and paying attention to the things that have eternal significance. For example, for the lazy of the world, love is something that “just happens.” We “fall in love,” and we “fall out of love.” Marriages are based on phileo (friendship love) or eros (erotic love), with the result when the attraction is over, so is the relationship.

Christian lovers are attracted to each other and are friends with each other, but marriage is based on agape (a love controlled by the will). Agape can never be lazy. It is proactive and involved. It works. It builds. It does. Therefore, if love is something we should do, then lazy people, who are unwilling to put forth the effort to love, should be justly condemned!

Let’s look at another example. Unfortunately, many Christians have just enough gospel to make them miserable, but not enough to make them joyful. They know enough about the biblical message to keep them from doing those things the world is tempting them to do, but they do not have enough of a commitment to God to do those things through which they might experience the fullness of His joy! I am convinced more people will be condemned at the Judgment because of sins of omission than commission.

Tony Campolo wrote, “Sloth deadens, but the Spirit gives life. Sloth thrives on feelings of inferiority, but the Spirit gives us the assurance that we are the children of God. Sloth is self-centered, but the Spirit creates a burning desire to change the world. Sloth leaves us bored and empty, but in the Spirit, we find the fullness of God’s joy.”

Two gas tanks might sound like a good idea but only if at least one of them has gas in it. Jan and I were motoring our boat through a narrow channel on Lopez Island in the Pacific Northwest. The channel connects Fisherman’s Bay with the rest of Puget Sound and the tide was running through it – fast. Our boat had plenty of power to make the run but the channel was lined with million-dollar yachts. Two wealthy couples, dressed in “yachty whites” were enjoying cocktails aboard that night when the unthinkable happened: our little boat ran out of gas and the current had a death grip on us. I flipped the switch to take fuel from the other gas tank only to remember I had forgotten to fill it!

We were about to become uninvited guests on that expensive yacht. Their eyes were wide with horror. The tide had us and we bore down on them at what seemed like light speed. Suddenly, just inches from their dinner table, we came to a stop. Jan had dropped our anchor in the nick of time. Its flukes dug in deep and, strained to the breaking point, the anchor line held fast. The crisis was over. There we sat in the roaring current, side-by-side. I reached over, shook hands, and sheepishly introduced ourselves. 

Christianity had many different symbols in her early years: the fish (“ichthus” the Greek word for fish is an acronym for “Jesus Christ God’s Son & Savior”), the cross (crucifixes, a cross with Jesus on it, didn’t show up until the sixth century), the lamb, and, my favorite, the anchor. 

It is frequently seen on ancient Christian tombstones and in the catacombs of Rome. The anchor symbol is based on Hebrews 6:18-19: Jesus “the hope set before us… is like an anchor for our lives, an anchor safe and sure.” Clifford Jones writes, “In this passage the anchor is a symbol of hope and steadfastness, and in the Church it soon became, especially, a symbol of Christian hope of life after death.” Thank God for anchors!

Like anything, technology is a blessing and a curse. The more I work with computers, the more convinced I am that demon possession is real. Camellia just told me her husband Mark believes Smith & Wesson created the first “point and click” tool for working with computers.

When texting first became popular a few years ago, I watched a little old lady lean across the pew and warn a college student not to text during the sermon. He sheepishly held up his iPhone and told her it was his Bible. Her reply was priceless: “Well, get a real Bible!”

As I’ve gotten older, I keep changing Bibles – not translations, but sizes. I’ve moved from a pocket Bible to large print to GIANT PRINT. The type is so big I don’t need to use PowerPoint. I think the whole congregation could read it if I hold it up!

Honestly, my leather-bound Bible is gathering dust. I use it on Sundays to preach from, but I rely on my computer for serious Bible study. It gives me access to hundreds of different translations (including Greek and Hebrew) and dictionaries, lexicons, commentaries, and specialized tools. But, as one wise person told me, “The only Bible that will do you any good is the one you read.”

The holiday season is upon us and it’s time to start thinking about what to buy your spouse this year. As a young man lost in the department store, I thought “one size fits all” would be my salvation. That was only true until she tried to put it on. That’s when I learned better! This week, as I was doing a word study on “gentleness” (ἐπιεικής), I made some amazing discoveries that I would like to share with you today.

Gentleness has many sides. The New Testament describes a gentle person as someone who is “reasonable,” (ἐπιεικής). The Apostle Paul exhorts, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;” Philippians 4:5. Elders must be reasonable, (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 3:2) because, “The “wisdom from above” is “peaceable, gentle, open to reason.” It is one of the goals for a man of God (1 Timothy 6:11).

While “meek” may have a weak connotation in English, to the Greeks it described a strong man who was able to control himself. The Apostle Paul asked the Corinthians, “What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?” (1 Corinthians 4:21). Meek and gentle are often used as synonyms. “I entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:1). It is part of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:23. When someone errs, we might be tempted correct them harshly, but a spiritual person “should restore him in a spirit of gentleness,” (Galatians 6:1. See also 2 Timothy 2:25). This calls for “humility and gentleness” (Ephesians 4:2). Again, Paul urges Christians to “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” (Colossians 3:12). The result is “perfect courtesy,” (Titus 3:2). James asks, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” and challenges us to demonstrate that “By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom,” (James 1:21). Finally, Peter says a Christian woman is adorned with “the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious,” (1 Peter 3:16).

Gentleness is “kind” (Acts 24:4). For example, Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” (Matthew 11:29). Jesus was a carpenter. Certainly, making yokes was a part of his craft. He describes himself as gentle. This is our word meek, and we can see meekness in action as Jesus lovingly fashioned each yoke especially for each animal. It was a perfect fit. It was easy. He didn’t mass produce “one size fits all” yokes!

Today, it is time to be kind.

Names are powerful! The revelation, “I know who you are, John Gary McKeel!” was enough to keep me from mischief when I was a little boy. Now the exclamation, “What’s that noise?” forces me out of the warm blankets until I can name it. (It’s the cat.)

Names are powerful. Think about some of the designations for people of faith in the New Testament. “And in Antioch, the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26). Gentiles gave us that name. J.S. Howson observed, “The people of Antioch were notorious for inventing names of derision and for turning their wit into channels of ridicule.” [1]

Why would Christian be a name “of derision”? First, Christ and Messiah are the same terms. One is Greek and the other Hebrew. It means “the anointed one.” This was significant to Jews: prophets, priests, and kings were anointed. On the other hand, it was meaningless to Greeks. It would be equivalent to our calling someone a “Greaser.” It also was a term of derision because the common opinion of Christians was bad. They were considered unsophisticated, superstitious, and a bit naïve. 

What did the Christians call themselves? “Brethren, saints, elect, believers, and Nazarene.” Each of those terms is precious. Take a moment to think about what they each mean.

One of my favorite authors, Eugene Peterson, focuses on these two biblical names:

There are two biblical designations for people of faith that are extremely useful: disciple and pilgrim. Disciple (mathētēs) says we are people who spend our lives apprenticed to our master, Jesus Christ. We are in a growing-learning relationship, always. A disciple is a learner, but not in the academic setting of a schoolroom, rather at the work site of a craftsman. We do not acquire information about God but skills in faith.

Pilgrim (parepidēmos) tells us we are people who spend our lives going someplace, going to God, and whose path for getting there is the way, Jesus Christ. [2]

Which name will you wear today?

  [1] Butler, J. G. (1995). Paul: The Missionary Apostle (Vol. Number Eleven, p. 107). Clinton, IA: LBC Publications.

[2] Peterson, E. H. (2019). A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society (Commemorative Edition, p. 11). Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press.

We don’t have all the details, but it seems like everything went wrong on the First Missionary Journey (Acts 13, 14) when Paul and Barnabas moved their operations north from Cyprus to Asia Minor. Perga is not a tourist destination. Cyprus was home to Barnabas. It was exciting preaching from synagogue to synagogue across the southern part of the island. It wasn’t too foreign to preach to their fellow Jews, but Perga was different. It was the land of the Gentiles, and the territory was a swamp. Paul became deathly ill, and it was too much for young John Mark. He abandons them in their time of need and returns home to momma in Jerusalem. Fortunately, Barnabas takes Paul inland to the high country, and the mission continues, but the hurt in Paul’s heart over Mark’s desertion remains.

When it was time for the Second Missionary Journey, the hurt prevented Paul and Barnabas from working together:

37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed. [1]

Doesn’t that seem like a great tragedy? Why couldn’t they reconcile? I am sure Paul forgave Mark, but that didn’t mean they had to work together. Reconciliation is much more challenging to achieve. Forgiveness doesn’t depend on the other person. I can forgive them even if they don’t forgive me, but reconciliation is a different matter. It requires both parties to participate.

The good news is that Paul and John Mark did reconcile. In his last letter, the Apostle Paul told Timothy, “Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11).

Reconciliation is possible and should be our goal in these congregational conflicts. We’ll discuss how this can happen tomorrow.

  [1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ac 15:37–40). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

When I was younger, I wondered why Jesus included “Blessed are the Peacemakers” among the Beatitudes. I could understand “poor in spirit (humble),” “those who mourn,” “the meek,” and the others, but peacemakers? Then, as I grew older, I began to understand how peacemakers especially need God’s blessings and protection. When you step into the middle of a fight, both sides are likely to turn on you. I have great respect for Queen Elizabeth stepping into the middle of a dog fight between her Corgis!

I believe the church at Philippi was Paul’s favorite congregation. They supported him on his missionary journeys and while he was in prison in Rome. He loved them, and they loved him. Just think about the members there: Lydia, the first convert in Asia, the Jailer and his family, Epaphroditus the Messenger, Clement, and even Dr. Luke ministered there for a decade. There were many more members, including Euodia and Syntyche. Paul says those two women “labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life” (4:3).

However, there was a problem. Those two faithful women turned on each other. We’re not told exactly what happened, but it’s not hard to imagine. Strong individuals have a way of butting heads. Someone says something, and the other person hears something different. Misunderstandings are at the base of most conflicts, and when feelings are hurt, the wounds tend to fester. Now Paul asks a favor of Syzygus (Your Bible may say “Loyal Yokefellow,” which is what his name, Syzygus, means): “Yes, I ask you also, Syzygus, help these women” (4:3).

Paul is asking Syzygus to become a peacemaker. What advice would you give Syzygus? We don’t talk about the work of peacemaking, perhaps because we don’t like to admit sometimes, Christians can’t get along. My old friend Gordon Gower sent me this little ditty:

To live above
With saints we love,
That will be glory.

To live below
With saints, we know,
That’s another story!

Conflict shouldn’t surprise us. Even Paul and Barnabas had such an issue that they couldn’t work with each other on the Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36 – 41). This week I’d like to take on this challenging topic, but for today we need to understand: conflicts in congregations are normal. It is how we deal with them that defines our faith.

Some people just rub me the wrong way. It doesn’t matter what they say; it always comes across to me as an insult. One brother came up to me after services with a scowl on his face (He lived with a perpetual frown) and said, “I wish your sermons were longer.” Was that a compliment or a complaint?

I believe a sermon doesn’t have to be eternal to be immortal, and I tend to keep them under twenty-five minutes. Once, an elder came up to me after services and advised me, “An ideal sermon should be twenty-three minutes long.” Not twenty-two or twenty-four? Why twenty-three? I never found out. Last weekend, a dear young couple called Jan complaining their minister had just droned on for two hours!

On the other hand, that particular Sunday, I only preached for fifteen minutes! That was short even by my standards, so Brother Curmudgeon’s comment, “I wish your sermons were longer,” had a sting to it. Of course, perhaps he was complimenting me. Maybe he was trying to say, “I love what you have to say, and I could have sat through a two-hour lesson.”

Let’s take it that way as we examine a virtue from the Apostle Paul’s “Definition of Love” (1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7). He begins by saying, “Love is patient,” and he concludes with “Love … perseveres.” Both words describe different aspects of the same virtue. The first could be translated as “long-suffering” and the last as “endurance.” Both are great qualities and serve as bookends – the beginning and the end of love. However, there is another beautiful little word for patience in the middle: stego (στέγω). The Greek dictionaries define stego as “keeping a thing confidential, cover, pass over in silence” or “to bear up against difficulties, bear, stand, endure.” In other words, stego could be pictured as a patch on a roof or a boat that keeps out the water, or it could describe the beam in a wall that supports the whole structure.

How does that help us? We’re not going to change Brother Curmudgeon into our own image. Instead, we need to learn to smile, say a little prayer, and use the virtue of stego to shelter us from his comments. Sometimes it helps to develop a thick skin! (See Ezekiel 3:9.)