The Bible Blog

What's Your Party?

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 29 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Regardless of what country you live in, there will be at least one political party, and usually many to choose from. People who read and follow the Bible often affiliate with a particular party in order to best align their politics with the Bible. What's interesting is they can read the same book and reach different conclusions about which party to join. This, I think, points to the diversity of the Bible -- and the God behind it -- as much to the varied interpretations of its readers.

But setting politics aside, what if there was a life party, a holistic philosophy that covered everything? Might you join a compelling life party? I have.

In the Amplified Bible, Jesus invites people to "side with my party." This wasn't about politics, but about life. When Jesus calls people to do this, it usually accompanies phrases such as "be my disciple" and "follow me." Other supporting thoughts include "take up your cross," "forsake everything," "identify with me," "leave everything," and "join with me."

Being part of Jesus' party isn't about politics; it's about all of life. It's not an opinion to be held, it's about a complete, all-in, sold-out commitment to side with him.

Will you side with his party?

[Biblical references to Jesus' party (and a few others, too)]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

More Holy Spirit Power

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The Bible writes that Mary became pregnant by the Holy Spirit and the result of this spiritual/physical union was Jesus -- it was a virgin birth.

This supernatural impregnation was the spiritual superseding the physical. And if God can do that, he can certainly heal our bodies and restore us to health. He has the power to do that. (When and why he does so is a different discussion for a different time.)

However, there are some within Christendom who deny the possibility that a baby could be conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. These are often the people who also disregard God being able to heal. Their view of God is more limited than mine, but just because our respective understandings of God are different, it would be wrong to assume one is right and the other, wrong.

God is a big God and even the grandest of our comprehensions of him are small and understated. So we understand him the best we can and to the degree we are able -- and I suspect that is enough.

[Luke 1:35]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Holy Spirit Power

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Although the terminology and even the timing vary between the various Christian traditions and perspectives, a generality is that first someone decides to follow Jesus and then the Holy Spirit is given to guide and direct them. While each stream of Christian thought assigns different terms to these events and has a diversity of understanding as to the how and why, this is the generally prescribed order.

So how then does this square with John the Baptist being "filled with the Holy Spirit even before he his was born?" Things certainly seem out of sequence for him.

True, it would be unwise to rewrite our theology on the basis of one verse that seems to offer an exception to our understanding of the normal order of how things are done. However, at the least, this verse should give us pause before we adamantly assert there is a specific way and time for one to receive the Holy Spirit.

Apparently, not everyone's journey to God is exactly the same.

[Luke 1:15]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

The Lord's Prayer

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Did you know there are multiple versions of the Lord's Prayer -- the prayer Jesus used to teach his followers how to pray? Matthew records the most common version, which goes something like this:

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

While there are some variations to this depending on the version of the Bible referenced, it is essentially the wording many people use. However, there is a footnote indicating that some manuscripts add the following phrase at the end:

"For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

This completes the version used by most of the rest of us. However, Luke also records the prayer with a more concise wording:

"Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."

I've never heard anyone use this version. But it is in the Bible and is worth considering. However, it doesn't really matter which of these three versions of this classic prayer we follow, for I don't think Jesus intended us to recite it verbatim, but to use it as a model or a template to form our own prayers.

What wording do you prefer for the Lord's Prayer?

[Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Ungodly Men in the Church

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The book of Jude -- which I've blogged about quite a bit -- addresses ungodly men in the church, not those outside the church.

Jude's key passage is verse 11, where he compares ungodly men in the church to Cain, Balaam, and Korah.

It's noteworthy that each of these men has an overlooked connection with God, as do ungodly men in the church. Despite this, it's their failings for which they are noted. But even in these, we may be looking at things too simplistically. Upon deeper consideration:

The way of Cain is not controlling sin.
The error of Balaam is syncretism, that is, mixing religions.
The rebellion of Korah is not a problem with his theology, but in opposing God's appointed leaders.

These examples give us pause. The ungodly in the church: do not control sin, mix different religious ideas, and oppose God's leaders.

Given this, we have much to guard against, less we become the very people in the church that Jude warns us against.

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

The Fallacy of Syncretism

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Although many of the mentions in the Bible of Balaam are negative, in the primary account of him, he seems to basically be a good, God-fearing guy.

Balaam's issue wasn't his connection with God, but instead his attempt to meld the God of the Bible with other, contrary beliefs, in this case sorcery and divination. These are incompatible with God

This practice continues today; it's called syncretism, the fusion of differing belief systems or an attempt to reconcile religions. Consider:

God and Hinduism
God and Confucius
God and Buddha
God and voodoo
God and crystals
perhaps even God and Yoga
or what about God and prosperity?

But God is a jealous God. He doesn't want to be shared; he doesn't want his peoples' attention split between himself and someone or something else. He wants all of us, undivided and undistracted.

It is only human arrogance that suggests otherwise; this is the fallacy of syncretism.

{See Balaam's story and other mentions of Balaam]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

The Sons of Korah

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Several of the Psalms are attributed to "the sons of Korah."

These sons of Korah could have been the writers of those songs/prayers or perhaps the ones tasked with sharing them with others; that would effectively make them performers. It makes me wonder if the group called "The Sons of Korah" ever performed to standing-room-only crowds at the temple gates.

Pushing my imagination aside, I wonder, who were the sons of Korah?

There are at least two guys named Korah in the Bible, possibly more depending on how the various references are reconciled. So the sons of Korah could have hailed from one of them -- or a different, unknown Korah.

Though it is strictly speculation on my part, I want these sons of Korah to be descendants of Korah, the rebellious one, mentioned in Numbers 16. Korah was killed for his rebellion, as were the men who followed him and the families of his co-conspirators. However, Korah's children are not explicitly mentioned as being killed or as surviving.

I want to think they did live and their offspring would write or perform songs and prayers to God.

That is a legacy worth noting.

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

More on Korah's Rebellion

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Last year in my post on Korah's rebellion, I noted that Korah had some progressive ideas about God and the people's relationship to him. While these views are widely accepted today (thanks to Jesus), they were quite radical in Korah's day.

However, I don't think that Korah's rebellion was theological in nature, that is, it was not about beliefs and doctrine, about what is right and what is wrong.

Korah's rebellion was against Moses, God's chosen leader, and therefore it was against God himself.

Korah arguably had the right ideas, but he was wrong in opposing God's leader in order to promote his progressive perspectives.

Korah's error was in disrespecting God's ordained leadership -- an error we need to carefully guard against.

[Numbers 16]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Consider Cain

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:00:00 GMT

We know Cain to be a murderer -- and we vilify him for it. What we often fail to consider is that Cain had a relationship with God.

Consider that Cain gave an offering to God that wasn't requested or expected. (Cain lived centuries before God instructed Moses about the need to give him offerings.)

Also, consider that Cain also had a personal relationship with God, that is he talked to God and was able to be in God's presence.

Given this, one might conclude that aside from one terrible act, Cain was a good guy, a God-loving dude. Perhaps like you and me.

Even so, this one act -- his only recorded failure in life -- needed to be punished. Justice demanded it. And as a just God, he meted it out.

So God sent Cain away, away from his presence. But not angrily or out of spite. For despite a need to punish Cain for his grave error, God lovingly put a mark on him to protect him from being killed by others.

God justly punished Cain -- and then lovingly protected him.

[Genesis 4:3, 6, 14-16]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

The Way of Cain

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Cain kills Abel because he is jealous, jealous that his brother's offering to God is accepted and his isn't.

God knows what Cain is thinking -- and urges caution. God directly tells Cain that he must rule over his sinful thoughts, the temptation to do wrong. But Cain doesn't heed God's advice and kills his brother.

The resulting murder may have been an act of rage or merely an extreme way of eliminating the competition. But either way, Abel ends up dead and Cain has blood on his hands.

Thousands of years later, when Jude advises followers of Jesus to avoid "the way of Cain," he might be referring to murder or perhaps a jealousy that could lead to murder, but I suspect the warning is for something much more subtle.

I think when Jude says we need to avoid the way of Cain, he means we need to control our thoughts and desires to do wrong -- a warning we all need to heed.

[Genesis 4:7, Jude 1:11]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Contemplating Cain

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The account of Cain is well-known. The Bible records his story as the world's first murderer. It is out of jealousy -- and possibly premeditated -- that Cain kills his brother, Abel. But what are the events that lead up to this tragedy?

Cain and Abel each bring an offering to God. Abel's is accepted but Cain's isn't. There is speculation as to why God disses Cain's gift, but the reason is not recorded for us to know.

What's disconcerting is wondering if God ever disses our gifts. It's a shocking thought. I always assumed God is ecstatic over anything and everything I offer to him, be it money in the offering plate, alms, or acts of kindness offered in his honor.

I liken it to a small child showing Mommy and Daddy the picture he or she just drew. The parents are pleased, praising the child profusely, even though they may be clueless as to what the picture is. I expect God to act like that whenever I give him something.

But what if he doesn't? After all, God is sovereign -- and almighty. What if he doesn't look at my offering with favor?

It's a sobering thought. I certainly don't want to be giving God a sorry little picture -- thinking it is good and that he likes it -- when he is expecting and desiring something so much more.

God, may my gifts and offerings be pleasing to you.

Genesis 4:1-5]

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Paul Speaks; Some Believe

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The eleventh and final sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 28:17-28 (specifically Acts 28:25-28)

Setting: Rome

Speaker: Paul

Audience: Jewish leaders

Preceding Events: Paul conducts a pre-meeting with the Jewish leaders, explaining his situation and confirming his commitment to his faith.

Overall Theme: Though Jews hear the message of Jesus, most do not understand; the Gentiles will understand. (Paul spoke all day telling them about the kingdom of God and showing how Jesus is revealed in the Old Testament of the Bible. However, only his concluding remarks are recorded for us to read.)

Scripture Quoted: Isaiah 6:9-10

Central Teaching: Paul’s mission is to tell the Gentiles about Jesus.

Subsequent Events: Some are convinced, but others would not believe.

Key Lesson: When we tell others about Jesus, not all will believe.

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Paul's Story

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The tenth sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 25:10-Acts 26:22 (specifically Acts 26:2-29)

Setting: A hearing before Festus in Caesarea

Speaker: Paul

Audience: Festus, King Agrippa, Bernice, high-ranking military officers, and prominent city leaders.

Preceding Events: Paul, in an effort to avoid being assassinated in Jerusalem, appeals his case to Caesar (whom he likely assumes will grant him a fair trial).

Overall Theme: Paul shares the story of his life, always the devote follower of God, at first opposing those who follow Jesus and later becoming one of them, with the purpose of telling the Gentiles about Jesus.

Scripture Quoted: none directly, though some of Paul’s story and the words spoken by Jesus are recorded in Acts 9:3-18 and again in Acts 22:3-21.

Central Teaching: Paul hopes and prays that everyone will follow Jesus.

Subsequent Events: Since Paul appealed his case to Caesar, he cannot be set free and instead is sent to Rome.

Key Lesson: Paul’s zealous pursuit of God is worthy of emulation, but despite having done nothing wrong or illegal, Paul remains imprisoned for his faith.

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Paul's Testimony

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The ninth sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 24:1-27 (specifically Acts 24:10-21)

Setting: A hearing before Felix in Caesarea

Speaker: Paul

Audience: Felix (the governor and judge), Jews, and Ananias and Tertullus, Paul’s accusers.

Preceding Events: Paul is sent to Felix in Caesarea to protect him from a plot of some Jews in Jerusalem who have vowed to kill him.

Overall Theme: Paul denies the charges against him and declares his core beliefs.

Scripture Quoted: none

Central Teaching: Paul believes in the resurrection from the dead.

Subsequent Events: Paul is kept in prison for two years, but is granted some freedom and has more opportunities to talk with Felix. Although Felix is moved by what Paul says, there is no record of him deciding to follow Jesus.

Key Lesson: God’s plans may not be our plans or meet our expectations of how things should happen.

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Paul’s Words Stir up the Crowd

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The eighth sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 21:27-22:30 (specifically Acts 22:3-21)

Setting: Jerusalem, in the temple

Speaker: Paul

Audience: A mob and a few Roman soldiers

Preceding Events: Some Jews from Asia tell lies about Paul and stir up a mob.

Overall Theme: Paul shares the key points of his spiritual journey.

Scripture Quoted: none directly, though some of Paul’s story and the words spoken by Jesus are recorded in Acts 9:3-18.

Central Teaching: Jesus came for all people. (God called Paul to tell the Gentiles about Jesus.)

Subsequent Events: The riotous mob erupts again. Paul is temporarily taken into custody and then released.

Key Lesson: People can respond violently if they don’t like what you are saying, perhaps more so if you challenge their religious beliefs.

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Obey God Regardless

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The seventh sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 20:16-37 (specifically Acts 20:18-35)
Setting: Miletus

Speaker: Paul

Audience: Elders from the church of Ephesus

Preceding Events: Paul, compelled by the Holy Spirit, is steadfastly traveling to Jerusalem.

Overall Theme: Paul gives his personal testimony (he has worked hard for God, has no regrets, and is obeying the Holy Spirit) and offers encouragement to the elders.

Scripture Quoted: Paul quotes Jesus, but those words are not directly found in the gospel accounts of Jesus.

Central Teaching: Paul will do what God tells him, even though it will result in hardships.

Subsequent Events: Paul leaves and once in Jerusalem is thrown in prison.

Key Lesson: Doing what God tells us to do is more important than our own safety and comfort.

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Paul Cleverly Connects with the People of Athens

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The sixth sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 17:16-34 (specifically Acts 17:22-31)

Setting: In Athens, a meeting at the Areopagus

Speaker: Paul

Audience: The people of Athens (non-Jews)

Preceding Events: The Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, who were debating with Paul about his teaching, took him to a meeting at the Areopagus.

Overall Theme: We are offspring of the creator-God.

Scripture Quoted: Paul did not quote from the Old Testament, but did reference philosophers with whom the audience would be familiar.

Central Teaching: God wants everyone to repent (that is, to turn from their current ways of doing things and follow him).

Subsequent Events: Some sneered at his teaching, while others wanted to hear more, and some believed.

Key Lesson: The message of Jesus can be offensive to some (see Jeremiah 6:10).

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Be Ready to Speak

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The fifth sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 13:13-52 (specifically, Acts 13:16-41 & 46-47)

Setting: The synagogue in Antioch

Speaker: Paul

Audience: Jews and God-fearing Gentiles (likely converts to Judaism)

Preceding Events: Paul is merely present at the Sabbath service and invited to speak

Overall Theme: Paul connects the life of Jesus with the Old Testament teaching and prophecies.

Scripture Quoted: Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 55:3, Psalm 16:10, Habakkuk 1:5, Isaiah 49:6.

Central Teaching: The news about Jesus is for all people (both Jews and Gentiles).

Subsequent Events: Paul and his companions are invited back, but opposition is mounted against them and they are driven away. Nevertheless, their message spread throughout the region.

Key Lesson: Be ready to speak of Jesus when the opportunity is presented – and ready to leave when it is withdrawn.

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Peter Speaks to Gentiles

Peter DeHaan — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The fourth sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 10:23-48 (specifically Acts 10:34-43)

Setting: Caesarea

Speaker: Peter

Audience: Cornelius, his family, and close friends – all Gentiles (that is, non-Jews)

Preceding Events: Through a dream, God tells Peter to go to Cornelius’s house.

Overall Theme: God makes no distinction between people; traditional barriers have been broken, everyone can come to Jesus.

Scripture Quoted: none (as a non-Jewish audience, citing the Bible would not likely have been helpful to those listening)

Central Teaching: God shows no favoritism.

Subsequent Events: When Paul says "everyone who believes in him…," his message is interrupted by the Holy Spirit, who comes upon the Gentiles who have just believed.

Key Lesson: Don’t allow our past or perceptions to dictate who we interact with; Jesus is for everyone.

Peter had to set aside his traditions and the law of Moses to do what God told him.

Would you being willing to do the same?

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.

Stephen is Martyred

Peter DeHaan — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The third sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 6:8-7:60 (specifically Acts 7:1-53)

Setting: Jerusalem, before the Sanhedrin (the ruling Jewish council)

Speaker: Stephen

Audience: Jewish leaders (members of the Sanhedrin)

Preceding Events: Stephen supernaturally does many miracles and amazing things. The opposition stirs up trouble, has him arrested, and persuades others to lie about him.

Overall Theme: Stephen gives a concise historical overview from Abraham up to Jesus. Throughout this history, God is at work.

Scripture Quoted: Exodus 2:14, Exodus 3:6, Exodus 3:5,7-8,10, Deuteronomy 18:15, Exodus 32:1, Amos 5:25-27, Isaiah 66:1-2

Central Teaching: The Jewish people miss seeing God at work, resist the Holy Spirit, and reject Jesus, just as they did the prophets before him.

Subsequent Events: Stephen is brutally killed by a mob.

Key Lesson: Being bold for Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit does not always guarantee safety or a happy outcome.

If Stephen had known what would happen, do you think he would have acted differently?

Copyright 2008-2012, Peter DeHaan and Peter DeHaan Publishing, Inc.