Tell City Nazarene Church's Biblical Journey
With Pastor Charles Areson
Today's reading is Hebrews 1-4
Often a teacher or Pastor will mention the "writer of Hebrews." The reason for this is the authorship of the book isn't contained in the book itself. The book is filled with Pauline reasoning but there is a different tone which causes some to believe it wasn't written by the apostle himself but one of his associates like Apollos or Aquila. The fact that the destruction of the temple isn't mentioned argues for an early date of its creation as the destruction of the temple could have been proof that God was done with the old system of animal sacrifices.
Setting all the arguments of its authorship aside, the book is a beautiful picture of how God in the Old Testament was preparing the Children of Israel and the world for Jesus. The Author makes it very clear from the beginning of the first chapter that God is now speaking through His Son, Jesus.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Monday, December 10, 2018
TCN's Biblical Journey Dec. 10th
Tell City Nazarene Church's Biblical Journey
With Pastor Charles Areson
Today's reading is Titus 1-3 and Philemon
If you have a problem group, you send your strongest leader to deal with it. A weak leader will be quickly destroyed by a group of strong-willed people. Titus had been sent to Corinth, which tells me that Paul had great confidence in this young man. This letter isn't filled as much with sentimentality but gives Titus a lot of practical advice.
The first major piece of practical advice is the qualifications for leaders (elders/bishops). Motivational speaker John Maxwell has often said that "everything rises and falls on leadership." Though I don't think it is as simple of having the right single leader (leadership is more than one person), it is true that the head person does have a lot of influence. If the main leader is wrong then it is harder for those under them to make as big an influence as they might.
Look at the qualifications. This is the list which bishops/elders need to meet, but if we are honest isn't this the list (life) every Christian should be aiming for?
With Pastor Charles Areson
Today's reading is Titus 1-3 and Philemon
If you have a problem group, you send your strongest leader to deal with it. A weak leader will be quickly destroyed by a group of strong-willed people. Titus had been sent to Corinth, which tells me that Paul had great confidence in this young man. This letter isn't filled as much with sentimentality but gives Titus a lot of practical advice.
The first major piece of practical advice is the qualifications for leaders (elders/bishops). Motivational speaker John Maxwell has often said that "everything rises and falls on leadership." Though I don't think it is as simple of having the right single leader (leadership is more than one person), it is true that the head person does have a lot of influence. If the main leader is wrong then it is harder for those under them to make as big an influence as they might.
Look at the qualifications. This is the list which bishops/elders need to meet, but if we are honest isn't this the list (life) every Christian should be aiming for?
Friday, December 7, 2018
TCN's Biblical Journey December 7th
Tell City Nazarene Church's Biblical Journey
With Pastor Charles Areson
Today's reading is 2 Timothy 1-4
If you had one last letter you could write to a person who was like a son to you what would you write? This is the book of 2 Timothy. Knowing this may be Paul's final word to Timothy we can see in chapter 1 both the sadness but also the determination of Paul. Paul is letting Timothy know that holding on the Faith is worth it.
With Pastor Charles Areson
Today's reading is 2 Timothy 1-4
If you had one last letter you could write to a person who was like a son to you what would you write? This is the book of 2 Timothy. Knowing this may be Paul's final word to Timothy we can see in chapter 1 both the sadness but also the determination of Paul. Paul is letting Timothy know that holding on the Faith is worth it.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
TCN's Biblical Journey December 6 - Christmas with Timothy?
Tell City Nazarene Church's Biblical Journey
With Pastor Charles Areson
Today's reading is 1 Timothy 3-6
If you look over the scripture we have today you might wonder what this has to do with the Christmas season (this was the time of Year I studied this passage). The truth is that if we live right and treat each other right then we are living the spirit of Christmas.
When we consider the Bible, there is much said about caring for the poor and to help those who are in need. Charles Dickens in his timeless classic The Christmas Carol tied the season of Christ’s birth to the care for those in need. It reminded us that there is a time for celebration and feasting but not at the expense of ignoring the poor or worse exploiting them.
The two extremes in the Christian community are to give everything away to others and to give opportunities to others to improve themselves. One side looks at the wealthy that God blessed and say, “That is the way it should be.” The other looks at Jesus warning about choosing God or money and Jesus words to the rich young ruler “Sell all you have and give to the poor” and proclaim, “This is the way we should live.” Society swings between these two extremes. Political parties thrive on claiming to represent one or the other, as with most people and man Christians want others to live to the standard rather than live the standard out themselves.
So, what is the truth? What does God want? As with many things in life both extremes are wrong. What God wants is a balance of giving without hope of return and of giving opportunities. God is a God of balance.
When we come to chapter 5 of First Timothy Paul gives Timothy a list of practical applications to taking care of issues in the church, specifically when it comes to the spending of church money.
In the early church we see that they took care of those in need, specifically widows in Acts 6:1-7. In that scripture, they deal with an improper dealing which was happening in the church. The surprising thing that happened is when the church dealt with the issue of fairly helping those in need the church grew.
So let's see what this chapter tells us about how to treat others and ourselves.
Verses 1-2
Treat older men as fathers (not as a stupid old man)
This doesn’t mean you can’t correct them but you should do it respectfully. We seem to have lost this.
Younger as brothers
Older women as mothers
Younger women as sisters (with all purity)
This is not a command to not look for a women to marry how could you if you thought of them as sisters, but to treat them as such until the relationship changes.
Verses 3-16 Recognized widows-
What to consider before helping them (continually serve as their source of income).
1No other help available (family should do the work first)
2 Faithful in church
3 Old enough not to have other opportunities (the idea was not to give anyone capable the opportunity to have idol time which could lead to temptation. Idol hands…)
4 A person of character
Interesting side note in verse 16 we see that Paul specifically talks to women about widows in their family. From reading historical information and personal experiences, women sometimes have trouble with other women in their family. Paul is saying don’t dump them on the church if you can help them.
Verses 17-20
Elders-Pastors in the church
Support them financial, don’t be quick to believe accusation made (they will be, one accusation doesn’t make proof). Correct publicly.
Verse 21 Don’t show favoritism or partiality.
Verse 22 Don’t promote quickly, don’t participate in sins of others this would be directly or indirectly, stay pure (Greek word here indicates not mixed with guilt or anything condemnable.).
Verse 23 right after telling Timothy to stay pure he says it was okay to use wine as a medicine there are some commentators who believe this meant to mix the wine with the water which would serve to purify it.
Verse 24 Everything is going to be found out- bad and good. This carries the idea that God we can trust God’s judgment in ever area even in those areas we feel are forgotten.
With Pastor Charles Areson
Today's reading is 1 Timothy 3-6
If you look over the scripture we have today you might wonder what this has to do with the Christmas season (this was the time of Year I studied this passage). The truth is that if we live right and treat each other right then we are living the spirit of Christmas.
When we consider the Bible, there is much said about caring for the poor and to help those who are in need. Charles Dickens in his timeless classic The Christmas Carol tied the season of Christ’s birth to the care for those in need. It reminded us that there is a time for celebration and feasting but not at the expense of ignoring the poor or worse exploiting them.
The two extremes in the Christian community are to give everything away to others and to give opportunities to others to improve themselves. One side looks at the wealthy that God blessed and say, “That is the way it should be.” The other looks at Jesus warning about choosing God or money and Jesus words to the rich young ruler “Sell all you have and give to the poor” and proclaim, “This is the way we should live.” Society swings between these two extremes. Political parties thrive on claiming to represent one or the other, as with most people and man Christians want others to live to the standard rather than live the standard out themselves.
So, what is the truth? What does God want? As with many things in life both extremes are wrong. What God wants is a balance of giving without hope of return and of giving opportunities. God is a God of balance.
When we come to chapter 5 of First Timothy Paul gives Timothy a list of practical applications to taking care of issues in the church, specifically when it comes to the spending of church money.
In the early church we see that they took care of those in need, specifically widows in Acts 6:1-7. In that scripture, they deal with an improper dealing which was happening in the church. The surprising thing that happened is when the church dealt with the issue of fairly helping those in need the church grew.
So let's see what this chapter tells us about how to treat others and ourselves.
Verses 1-2
Treat older men as fathers (not as a stupid old man)
This doesn’t mean you can’t correct them but you should do it respectfully. We seem to have lost this.
Younger as brothers
Older women as mothers
Younger women as sisters (with all purity)
This is not a command to not look for a women to marry how could you if you thought of them as sisters, but to treat them as such until the relationship changes.
Verses 3-16 Recognized widows-
What to consider before helping them (continually serve as their source of income).
1No other help available (family should do the work first)
2 Faithful in church
3 Old enough not to have other opportunities (the idea was not to give anyone capable the opportunity to have idol time which could lead to temptation. Idol hands…)
4 A person of character
Interesting side note in verse 16 we see that Paul specifically talks to women about widows in their family. From reading historical information and personal experiences, women sometimes have trouble with other women in their family. Paul is saying don’t dump them on the church if you can help them.
Verses 17-20
Elders-Pastors in the church
Support them financial, don’t be quick to believe accusation made (they will be, one accusation doesn’t make proof). Correct publicly.
Verse 21 Don’t show favoritism or partiality.
Verse 22 Don’t promote quickly, don’t participate in sins of others this would be directly or indirectly, stay pure (Greek word here indicates not mixed with guilt or anything condemnable.).
Verse 23 right after telling Timothy to stay pure he says it was okay to use wine as a medicine there are some commentators who believe this meant to mix the wine with the water which would serve to purify it.
Verse 24 Everything is going to be found out- bad and good. This carries the idea that God we can trust God’s judgment in ever area even in those areas we feel are forgotten.
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
TCN's Biblical Journey Dec. 5th
Tell City Nazarene Church's Biblical Journey
With Pastor Charles Areson
Today's reading is 2 Thessalonians 2-3 and 1 Timothy 1-2
2 Thessalonians 2 looks at the mystery of what is called the End Times. Every End Times scholar interprets this scripture differently depending on their outlook. However, I want to highlight what I believe Paul was trying to emphasize, don't worry about it.
Paul at the be beginning of the chapter says don't be shaken or worried and the end of the chapter he tells the believers to be concerned about doing and living right. If we are living as God wants us to live and doing what God wants us to do, then it doesn't matter when Jesus is coming back or what is happening before then.
With Pastor Charles Areson
Today's reading is 2 Thessalonians 2-3 and 1 Timothy 1-2
2 Thessalonians 2 looks at the mystery of what is called the End Times. Every End Times scholar interprets this scripture differently depending on their outlook. However, I want to highlight what I believe Paul was trying to emphasize, don't worry about it.
Paul at the be beginning of the chapter says don't be shaken or worried and the end of the chapter he tells the believers to be concerned about doing and living right. If we are living as God wants us to live and doing what God wants us to do, then it doesn't matter when Jesus is coming back or what is happening before then.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
TCN's Biblical Journey Dec 4th
Tell City Nazarene Church's Biblical Journey
With Pastor Charles Areson
Today's reading is 1 Thessalonians 3-5 and 2 Thessalonians 1
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
Two Sentences but 7 verses, it may seem a little weird but when you consider how much is in these two sentences it makes sense. There are seven entire messages a pastor could preach on in these verses.
Here is my summary:
"Rejoice always,
(Rejoice in the Lord not in the circumstances because God never changes and not just on Sunday)
pray continually,
(This is an attitude of prayer and continually means continually)
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(Yes, God wants you to give thanks because of him not necessarily the circumstance)
Do not quench the Spirit.
(Kinda like, don’t bite the hand that feeds you)
Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good,
(Don’t treat preached messages with contempt, but do see if they line up with scripture if they do apply them. Don’t dismiss what you don’t like)
reject every kind of evil."
(Evil, the word here is related to pain, thus reject things which cause pain in others and yourself. Wrong actions always cause pain to you eventually so reject them.)
With Pastor Charles Areson
Today's reading is 1 Thessalonians 3-5 and 2 Thessalonians 1
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
Two Sentences but 7 verses, it may seem a little weird but when you consider how much is in these two sentences it makes sense. There are seven entire messages a pastor could preach on in these verses.
Here is my summary:
"Rejoice always,
(Rejoice in the Lord not in the circumstances because God never changes and not just on Sunday)
pray continually,
(This is an attitude of prayer and continually means continually)
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(Yes, God wants you to give thanks because of him not necessarily the circumstance)
Do not quench the Spirit.
(Kinda like, don’t bite the hand that feeds you)
Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good,
(Don’t treat preached messages with contempt, but do see if they line up with scripture if they do apply them. Don’t dismiss what you don’t like)
reject every kind of evil."
Monday, December 3, 2018
TCN's Biblical Journey December 3rd
Tell City Nazarene Church's Biblical Journey
With Pastor Charles Areson
Today's reading is Colossians 3-4 and 1 Thessalonians 1-2
"I'm not a role model!"
Charles Barkley made this statement 25 years ago. The very fact that I am quoting it today makes the point that yes, he was. We may not like it but we are a role model for people around us. No as Christians, it shouldn't be our goal but it happens. I or you may never be on the level of an NBA Hall of Fame, but in some ways, we may be more of a role model to those that know us best.
Paul reminded the people in Thessalonica that they had become followers Paul and Silas and the Lord (1 Thessalonians 1:6). When he says this he didn't give the typical response which I hear today, "Don't follow me follow Christ." Paul understood that people naturally follow people that they look up to. Paul knew he wasn't perfect but understood that he was a role model for Christians and embraced it (1 Cor. 11:1).
Every Christian is called to be Jesus to the world around them. This doesn't mean that we turn into a parody of Jesus but that we live as he would if he were us, which in some ways He is. This is to be because this is what God wants, but we have to realize we are also an example to those around us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)