Song for Reflection - “I Will Fear No More” The Afters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMmmbJlWhtk
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“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:11-12).

In the war between good and bad, righteousness and evil, God and Satan, the loser has already been determined. God has provided our salvation–the Serpent’s head has been crushed. But like a wounded enemy, rather than raising the white flag of surrender, Satan is determined to fight to the bitter end...and to take as many casualties with him as he can. His tactics range from blatant frontal assaults to more covert maneuvers infiltrating the very ranks of God’s Church. We need to be on our guard, discerning his movements.

In many places around the world, the enemy is not subtle at all. Believers are imprisoned or sent to re-education internment camps. Churches are burnt to the ground. Bibles and other Christian literature is confiscated. Christians find themselves accused of blasphemy, prostylizing or being enemies of the state. To be a Christian is to live with a bull’s eye on your back.

In other places his tactics are more subtle, but no less effective. Demands for tolerance are being used against the Church as Christians find themselves the subjects of intolerance...while all the while being required to tolerate all else. On the other hand, fear and lack of love have lead to polarization...dividing us unnecessarily and at times over seemingly trivial issues.

Our enemy is having a heyday! But, what would happen if we turned our prayer focus on his defeat? To the ineffectiveness of his methods? To the salvation of those being used as pawns to do his dirty work? Let’s not forget that people are not the enemy...they are the territory being fought over!

Rather than continuing to take up a defensive posture, maybe it is time the Church went on the offensive. We can stand firm against Satan’s counter attacks as we rely on God for His protection and promised salvation. Haven’t we put up with this bully for long enough? Rather than sitting back watching others attempt to fend him off, I pray that all of us who identify ourselves as Christians, would take up the rally cry, “If God is for us, who can stand against us?!” (Romans 8:31). Let’s stand together! Let’s turn our eyes to God! Let’s pray against the one whose defeat has already been accomplished! God’s words to Joshua are for us today as well, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
~ Pastor Jane
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What is God showing you during your prayer times this week? As we near the end of our week of prayer emphasis, how might you commit to continuing to spend more focused time with God?

Verse: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
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“Spirit Lead Me” Michael Ketterer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABWnLjXer10

Song for Reflection - “Love God Love People” Danny Gokey ft. Michael W. Smith - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGvfagBOHJE
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“When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).

What attitudes do we hold of others...are we moved to compassion for their lostness or willfully blind and negligently dismissive? Church, look around you...the majority of people you rub shoulders with today will not make it to heaven. I am afraid, however, that this truth will not be enough to move some of us out of our complacency and silence. Like the pictures of starving children in other lands, we have become immune and simply change the channel. We are quick to excuse our inaction. The amount we could do as individuals would amount to a drop in a bucket...too small to even measure.

But for anyone who has ever had a leaky pipe, you know firsthand how quickly a bucket can fill when the dripping is constant. A persistent drip has no difficulty overflowing a container set to catch the drops when there is enough of them on a consistent basis. Our prayers for those who don’t yet know God and our efforts to share the truth should be like a persistent dripping. It may not seem like much, but overtime will fill bucket after bucket. So you see, our ‘small’ influence is no excuse. But is that truth enough to encourage us to share, pray and allow God to interrupt our schedules for the sake of another?

Not unless we change our perspective. As long as we are consumed with our lives this side of heaven we will continue to struggle to maintain motivation to live out the Great Commission. However, keeping our own end-date in mind, keeps our urgency to share on high alert. As disciples of Jesus, we are to disciple others as we go about our daily routines–teaching what we have learned, baptizing those who believe our message. And because none of us knows how long we are granted to live on this earth, it is imperative that we take every opportunity to pray for those who do not have a relationship with God and speak with those who will listen.

Who will you pray for today? Family members? Friends? People at work? Kids at school? Make a list of all the people you know who do not have a relationship with God. Then get busy praying. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help them to recognize the truth of their need for God. Pray that you would have opportunities to share about your relationship with Jesus. Pray that you would have the words needed to explain the truth clearly. Pray that you would have the eyes of Jesus with the ability to recognize the lost condition of those around you and the compassion to do something about it.
~ Pastor Jane
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Prayerful Fast: What have you chosen to fast from this week in order to spend more time with God? You are invited to share in the comments!
Verse: “Likewise the ______ helps us in our _________. For we do not know what to ______ for as we ought, but the Spirit himself _________for us with _______ too deep for words. And he who searches he______ knows what is the _______ of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the ________ according to the ______ of _______.” Romans 8:26-27 (Can you fill in the missing words for our theme verse?)
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“Spirit Lead Me” Michael Ketterer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABWnLjXer10

Song for Reflection - “Still in Control” Mack Brock - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZnRzQ3_udE
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“‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” (Revelation 21:3-5).

When God created the world it was perfect in every way. One act of disobedience by the first humans–Adam and Eve–introduced the human race to pain and death; this was a new way of ‘knowing’ life that God never intended for humanity, but that He permitted for...and we have been crying for His intervention and rescue ever since. Sin broke us and introduced destruction on so many levels...relational, physical, psychological, emotional and of course spiritual. When God promised the serpent that a deliverer would come from the woman to crush his head (Genesis 3:15), He was promising the restoration of His good Creation through Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross.

Jesus has already come, paid the price and we now await for His return. If the work is already done, why does the world remain in such a mess, human existence still plagued by pain and death? Because Jesus’ work is ‘complete and not yet.’ Everything required has been accomplished, yet God is holding off Christ’s return and the full realization of His conquest because, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

While we wait, trusting God’s good timing, we are to be actively engaged in spreading the word that healing and restoration are available to every person who would choose to accept Christ’s offer of redemption. Spiritual healing is available to all...now! And with it, the experience of a renewed relationship with God, through the transformation of our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit. God will live in each person who chooses to accept Jesus as Lord; He will work the miracle of freeing us from sin and give us a new heart that is ready and willing to serve Him as was His perfect plan in the garden of Eden at the dawn of Creation!

But what of the other areas of our brokenness? Jesus, as our redeemer, has paid the complete price...yet we continue to live in a world that is marked by sin. Why must it prevail if Jesus has overcome? Because His work of ‘making all things new’ is a process. Just as the transformation of our lives is instantaneous and yet ongoing, so too the work of redeeming Creation from the sin humanity unleashed and continues to give life to. Which only highlights the continued need for our prayers for God’s intervention and rescue.

It is absolutely right to pray for physical, relational, emotional and psychological wholeness and healing. God has promised to provide these; He is after all in the process of ‘making all things new.’ However, while we pray in faith, we must also remember that God’s answer–which is ultimately a resounding ‘yes’–may come in the here and now or on the other side of the grave at Christ’s return when we are promised new bodies entirely untainted by the stain of sin. It’s an issue of timing; a work that is ‘complete and not yet.’

During Jesus’ earthly life He healed people–of physical illness, restored the dead to life, relieved those in mental anguish and released some from the torment of the enemy–all in response to faith and His overriding compassion. But He did not heal all. Why, after all, was only one cripple chosen from amongst the many who surrounded the pool of Bethesda to receive Jesus’ healing touch (John 5:1-16)? Today, why does God appear to heal one of cancer and yet let others die of the dreaded disease? It is right to pray for the healing that God has promised and Christ has already accomplished, but never forget that God’s way and His timing are perfect–the final conquest over sin and its deadly impact on our existence will come at Christ’s return. Another reason to keep one eye on heaven as we seek to know God and serve Him this side of the grave...
~ Pastor Jane
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Prayerful Fast: What have you chosen to fast from this week in order to spend more time with God? You are invited to share in the comments!
Verse: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
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“Spirit Lead Me” Michael Ketterer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABWnLjXer10

Song for Reflection - “Nobody” Casting Crowns ft. Matthew West - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yBzIt_z8oY
Video story - “Sticks & Stones: The Church in Iraq” (Open Doors, 2017) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlp5ws1hwZE
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“...live a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all” (Ephesians 4:1-6).

The video story asks the question, “What if we were bold enough to pray for the Church, not just critique the Church.” As Christ-followers, too often, we love to identify how our understanding of God’s Word is superior to that of other Christians...after all, if we didn’t believe our interpretations, we would change them. At the heart of this attitude is pride, our insistence that we are right and refusal to acknowledge that we may in fact be wrong. But what of those believers with whom we disagree?...do they not also possess the very same Word of God?...is it not the same Saviour to whom we plead allegiance?...do they not also share one Holy Spirit with us?...will we not all enjoy the same reward of heaven?

Our enemy knows the basic principle of ‘divide and conquer,’ but too often he doesn’t even have to lift a finger. We do all the work for him. We lack the qualities of humility, gentleness, patience and love and end up tearing one another apart. We have forgotten our essential ‘oneness’ in the Spirit as the body of Christ, with the very same hope for the future–eternity in heaven with our Heavenly Father through the work of His Son, Jesus. We have neglected our need to, “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Could it be true? That we have become the oppressors of the faith we profess!
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What would happen if we truly set aside ‘me’ in favour of ‘you?’ Today, let’s pray that our current global situation would bring us together in a similar fashion that ISIS brought together the believers in Iraq (see video story). We are the army of God and should be making progress in a fight against the enemy, but it will never happen if we continue to fight our seemingly endless hand-to-hand skirmishes with other believers who differ in their understanding and traditions. Let’s remember to take on the enemy in defense of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world in prayer...not spend our time nit-picking our traditional and lexical differences.
~ Pastor Jane
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Want to get the most out of this week of prayer emphasis? Take up the challenge of the prayerful fast and memorize Romans 8:26-27. Time spent with God is never wasted!
Prayerful Fast: Choose a meal or activity to fast from in this coming week to set aside more time to spend with God each day. A shift in our focus often requires us to forego set routines in order to make space in our day.
Verse: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
“Spirit Lead Me” Michael Ketterer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABWnLjXer10

Song for Reflection - “Start Right Here” Casting Crowns - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGvfagBOHJE

“There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ. We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit. And so we are formed into one body. It didn’t matter whether we were Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free people. We were all given the same Spirit to drink. So the body is not made up of just one part. It has many parts...You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27).

If there is one thing that the coronavirus should have taught us as believers, it is that the church building in not ‘the church.’ The big ‘C’ Church is represented by all believers across the globe and across time–all who call on the name of Christ make up His body, the Church. We are also to be members of a church consisting of a local group of individuals committed to the Great Commission in a more immediate locale. It is this local group that I wish for us to focus our prayer time on today, all the while remembering that other church groups are still part of the body of Christ with us–we are all brothers and sisters in God’s heavenly kingdom and there should be unity of the Holy Spirit between us all...but that’s our focus for tomorrow.

Each group of individuals that make up a local body have a particular call within the Great Commission, determined by its location and the gifts of the individuals within the congregation. God has a plan for each individual’s life (Ephesians 2:10), and He is intertwining us with others so that the whole body is built up, made strong and effective for sharing God’s love to a hurting world. Or, as Paul puts it, “ He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love” (Ephesians 4:16). But during this time of global response to the coronavirus, I have noticed a disturbing trend. Too many believers have put their faith and/or commitment to serve their local church group on pause. This is problematic for both the individual believer and for the group as a whole.

God puts groups of His children together to fulfill His purposes, but when some choose to disengage, it’s as though the body has lost a limb or other part that is needed in order to continue to serve God unimpeded. This is not to say that believers cannot ‘switch’ churches...that too can often be God’s plan. The problem is when people pull back from The Church entirely and aren’t involved on the local level at all. The writer of Hebrews understood how this could be a problem, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (10:24-25). We may need to rethink how we connect with one another and what our service for God looks like, but we should still remain plugged into a church. We need one another to stay encouraged in our love for God and others and motivated to continue to serve Him and those He has called us to minister to.
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Today, take the time to pray for members of your local church group. Send someone a text or email for encouragement; call someone up to let them know you are thinking about them and praying for them. Those of you who make up Hope Chapel, please continue to pray for God’s leading. Pray for our influence in the lives of people in our community and especially the high school students across the road. Pray for our partnership with Youth for Christ and other churches in Collingwood as we seek to love our youth and all those we meet. Pray that God will provide all the resources needed as we seek to follow His call for our church. For those who are part of another local church body, may you know God’s blessing in your ministry as you find ways to obey God’s call on your church during this challenging time.
~ Pastor Jane
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Here’s some ideas to help you make the most of our week of prayer emphasis.
Prayerful Fast: Choose a meal or activity to fast from in this coming week to set aside more time to spend with God each day. A shift in our focus often requires us to forego set routines in order to make space in our day.
Verse: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
“Spirit Lead Me” Michael Ketterer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABWnLjXer10

Song for Reflection - “I’m Sorry” Toby Mac - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUYClC6vqKk

“What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22).

As we embark on our week of prayer emphasis it is important for us to put our hearts right before God. Today, I’d like to encourage all of us to follow the example of David who God declared was a ‘man after His own heart.’ David was no saint, but he was quick to humble himself when he was in error. The Bible is clear–God prefers a heart submitted to Him than one that simply knows how to put on a good show. Our faith in Jesus should not simply result in changed behaviour, but should also transform our hearts.

No one is perfect, so pretending to have it all together before our Heavenly Father makes no sense whatsoever. He already knows our every action, word and thought...before it happens. For all of David’s foibles, we should take a page from his life. The Book of Psalms, many of which David composed, were prayers; many focus on praising God for His greatness, many are a cry for help and rescue from his enemies, but many are the times when David’s psalms also contain prayers of confession and repentance. David knew he wasn’t perfect. He knew everything he had achieved should be credited to God. He knew that his relationship with God was his greatest treasure...undeserved, unearned, yet freely given. He didn’t presume upon God and he was quick to acknowledge when he was at fault.

As we enter into this week of prayer emphasis and focus on “Finding Our Way Through Prayer,” it is important that we follow David’s example of confessing and repenting of those things in our lives that displease God. Today, let’s ‘clear the air’ between us and God. God has promised to forgive the person who repents of wrong actions, words and thoughts. His forgiveness, made possible through the work of Jesus on the cross, declares us ‘righteousness’ or ‘made right in God’s eyes.’ God’s Word also tells us that “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16b). If we want to have God provide answers to our prayers, we must first seek forgiveness...for without Jesus’ righteousness that is applied to those who seek His forgiveness, the Bible tells us that “there is no one who is righteous–not even one” (Romans 3:10)! Forgiveness is only a prayer a way...and our willingness to humble ourselves is the key.
~ Pastor Jane
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Make the most of your time during our week of prayer emphasis!
Prayerful Fast: Choose a meal or activity to fast from in this coming week to set aside more time to spend with God each day. A shift in our focus often requires us to forego set routines in order to make space in our day.
Verse: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
Theme Song: “Spirit Lead Me” Michael Ketterer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABWnLjXer10

Today marks the first day of Hope Chapel's 2020 week of prayer and you are invited to join along. Due to current restrictions, participation will be self-directed; materials to guide your week will be provided each day. May you be blessed as we walk together during this week in intentional prayer...both as individuals and together!

Prayerful Fast: Choose a meal or activity to fast from in this coming week to set aside more time to spend with God each day. A shift in our focus often requires us to forego set routines in order to make space in our day.

Verse: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
“Spirit Lead Me” Michael Ketterer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABWnLjXer10

Day One - PRAISE GOD

Song for Reflection - “So I Will” (100 Billion X) Hillsong United - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2U7ffUM5Ec
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Have you recently considered God’s words to Job? Job had been an entirely righteous man, whom God had allowed Satan to put through the wringer of life. In a single day he lost his vast fortune and his children; he suffered illness and the contempt of friends; even his wife told him to curse God and die. While Job refused to curse God, that didn’t prevent him from demanding an explanation. But God makes it clear to Job–that though He loves him, requires his obedience and is choosing to bless him to an extent greater than what had been lost–God does not owe him an explanation.

“Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: ‘Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?...’” (Job 38:17)

God continues to put Job’s thinking in order over the course of the next four chapters and leaves no doubt concerning God’s need to justify Himself. He doesn’t! God doesn’t give Job an explanation at all, but by the time He’s finished, Job realizes he doesn’t need one. “Then Job replied to the Lord: ‘I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, “Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?” Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, “Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.’” (Job 42:1-6)

The God that Job served is still the God of today and we, like Job, must remember whom it is we serve. He loves us and we can trust Him, but we are not entitled to call God on the carpet, demanding an explanation for any of His actions. As we begin this week long emphasis of prayer, “Finding Our Way Through Prayer,” it would be beneficial for us to remember to whom it is that we are speaking–the Sovereign Lord of Creation–and make certain that we adopt the proper attitude as we diligently seek His help in our lives and intervention in His Creation.
~ Pastor Jane

Teaching Series: “Be Different” based on 1 Corinthians
Today’s Topic: “Week 7: Worthy Worship” (Chapters 11)

For further study:

Articles:
“Who Were the Women With Shaved Heads?” https://blogs.bible.org/who-were-the-women-with-shaved-heads-1-cor-115/

“A Meta-Study of the Debate over the Meaning of “Head” (Kephalē) in Paul’s Writings”  https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/article/priscilla-papers-academic-journal/meta-study-debate-over-meaning-head-kephale

“The Lord’s Supper in the Early Church” 
https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1163/j.ctt1w76wv6.8?seq=4#metadata_info_tab_contents

Book: “New International Biblical Commentary: 1 Corinthians” (Marion L. Soards, 2004)

We have reached the eleventh chapter of 1 Corinthians.  Paul’s overarching topic for this chapter is on how to worship God in a way that is worthy of Him.  He addresses two particular topics–coverings for women’s heads and the Lord’s supper; he does say that when he arrives he will give further directions concerning their worship times together, but he has chosen these two specific items to discuss presently in his response to them.  In the previous section of his letter, he has just finished speaking about how the Corinthians are to exercise their ‘freedom in Christ’–or rather are to refrain from exercising it for the sake of others, so as not to cause anyone to sin.  Even though he has now turned his attention from the topic of eating ‘idol meat’ to head coverings for women, the common thread connecting these two is the exercise of our freedom in Christ.

In these next verses, Paul makes the argument that the believers’ ‘freedom’ should take cultural norms into account as he teaches about the need for the Corinthian women to cover their heads when they pray and prophecy.  Paul wants the Corinthians to understand that it is important to give due consideration to the messages that their behaviour sends to others during their times of worship.  He then addresses the Lord’s supper at which some people are acting selfishly with no regard for others.  Again, is their intent to glorify God in their meeting together as it should be or is it just to satisfy themselves and their own desires?  And with that, let’s begin...

Chapter 11:2-16
“I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. 3 But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. 6 For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.

7 A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; 9 neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, 15 but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. 16 If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.”

​“For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth” (Psalm 103:11).

A quick look around us reveals chaos of all kinds. We look for someone to blame. And we find an easy target–God. If He’s truly Sovereign, then obviously He could fix this mess...and should. However, I believe that it is not God against whom we should lay this charge, but rather our own lack of ‘fear of God.’ I am convinced that when we treat God with contempt He removes His promised intervention...and leaves us to our own devices. This is not just a problem for those who do not know God. Those of us who call ourselves Christians vehemently and automatically deny the charge, “Of course we don’t treat God with contempt!” But do we dare allow the Holy Spirit to shine His spotlight on our lives to reveal if there is any truth to this idea that we may in fact be guilty of treating God with less respect than He requires?

Showing contempt can be defined as valuing something as worthless, or withholding consideration; it can also be defined as disrespectful, such as in a court of law. The Bible recounts a story of God’s dealing with people who showed Him contempt even while in the process of reestablishing God’s rightful place among His people. The Ark of God had been captured during a battle with the Philistines and for months they paid the consequence of a plague. They decided that the only thing to do was return the Ark to the Israelites. The Israelites were of course overjoyed, but curiosity got the better of some of them. God struck down seventy men who chose to look inside the Ark. The residents of Beth Shemesh, now fearful, contacted the people of Kiriath Jearim. The Ark was then taken to Abinadab’s house where Eleazar was given the role of priestly oversight and there it stayed for twenty years; Abinadab’s household enjoyed God’s blessings during this time (1 Samuel 6).

After David became king and established Jerusalem as the royal city, he decided to move the Ark of God. 30,000 young men were gathered, a new cart was built, musicians were engaged and two of Abinadab’s sons walked with the Ark–both priests, Ahio lead the way and Uzzah followed. But at the threshing floor of Nakon, the oxen stumbled so Uzzah instinctively put out his hand to steady the Ark. He was instantly killed, much to the shock and disbelief of everyone in the procession. What had been his great fault for which God had killed him? His lack of reverence. This was no mere piece of furniture he was moving. Could it be that after twenty years of having lived with the Ark of God, Uzzah had become overly familiar? David panics and gets angry. It is obvious that his anger isn’t directed at Uzzah, but at God Himself. After all the pains David had taken to respectfully move the Ark, it hadn’t been enough! He leaves the Ark of God with Obed-Edom fearful of what would happen if he attempted to move it to Jerusalem. But within three months, David comes back with a new plan. This time he leaves nothing to chance. The Ark of God, like God Himself, must be treated with the utmost respect. This time priests were assigned to carry the Ark and for every six steps they took, David made an offering of a bull and a calf, until it reach the special tent David had made for it (2 Samuel 6).
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There is an old saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt,” and Uzzah proved the saying to be true. Believers must actively work against becoming overly familiar with God. We enjoy a privileged space in history following the incarnation. We can come into God’s very throne room with confidence in our times of prayer...no sacrifice is required. We are assured of forgiveness because of Christ’s redemptive work. I can’t help but wonder, however, if our assurance and confidence has eroded our fear of God, causing us to treat Him irreverently...maybe even as not worthy of our due consideration. If this is the case, and the evidence appears overwhelming that it is, we need look no further than the mirror to find the reason for the chaos that surrounds us. Family of God, I want to encourage you today to make every effort to renew your relationship and fear of God–He is a friend, but He is also holy; a loving father and a jealous God; patient, yet swift to bring justice. We can have confidence and assurance in His love and forgiveness, but only as we remember to offer Him the respect and worship He requires.
~ Pastor Jane

Teaching Series: “Be Different” based on 1 Corinthians
Today’s Topic: “Week 6: Idolatry” (Chapters 8 & 10)

Our study of 1 Corinthians has brought us to chapters eight and ten where Paul answers the Corinthian believers’ questions about ‘idol meat,’ what freedom in Christ looks like with regard to its consumption and attempts to persuade them to elevate the need to demonstrate love over knowledge.  Chapter nine also addresses the issue of ‘freedom in Christ,’ but as we have already examined it alongside chapter four in Paul’s teaching concerning the rights of a worker and his rights as an Apostle, we will not be doing so again this morning.

Chapter 8:1-13
“Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. 2 Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. 3 But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.

4 So, what about eating meat that has been offered to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God. 5 There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords. 6 But for us, “There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live.  And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live.”

7 However, not all believers know this. Some are accustomed to thinking of idols as being real, so when they eat food that has been offered to idols, they think of it as the worship of real gods, and their weak consciences are violated. 8 It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do.

9 But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble. 10 For if others see you—with your “superior knowledge”—eating in the temple of an idol, won’t they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? 11 So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed. 12 And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. 13 So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.”

Paul begins this section by making it clear that ‘knowing’ something without the exercise of love, actually reduces the value of the knowledge that is claimed.  Some in the church have rightly understood that the idols of Corinth were nothing more than statues and had begun to freely eat the meat that had been used in the various temples for worship.  Others in the church simply couldn’t bring themselves to do it, equating the eating of the sacrificed meat with worship of the idols.