Luke 6:46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?"
Jesus uttered these words after the infamous beatitudes. The subject of obedience is a tough one. Even the most disciplined follower of Christ will find themselves sooner or later actually disobeying the Lord in some perspective or another. Whether it is loving God with all your heart, soul and mind, or loving your neighbor as yourself... Everyone falls short. I believe there is a relationship between the order in which Jesus makes these statements. The attitudes of our heart will lead to obedience and disobedience. So often we get caught up in a performance mentality and focus on our behavior, good and bad. We seldom focus on the attitudes of the heart that birth good and bad behavior. The condition of the heart will determine the quality of the attitudes of the heart. So each day should not begin with "Am I doing the right thing?" It should begin with, "What's the true condition of my heart right now?" "What attitudes are predominate in my heart?" To focus prayerfully at the beginning and end of each day with such self-inquiry helps you make the appropriate adjustments that leads to an obedient life unto the Lord. This directly impacts our worship and fellowship with the Lord because our belief and action are one. We are practicing what we preach. If we want to be obedient we need to know where obedience comes from. The source of obedience is a clean heart full of healthy attitudes toward God and others. The nice thing about attitudes is that they can altered, abandoned, changed. Make the necessary changes in your heart and experience being an obedient servant who freely without guilt or hypocrisy can call Him Lord.
Sep 23, 2009
Sep 19, 2009
expecting great things....
I'm heading into a very busy week this week, but looking forward to all that God has in store in the various venues I'll be ministering. I believe God works with our expectations. If we expect nothing, very often we experience or encounter nothing. Although my coming week involves prayerful prep and preaching of five messages, writing three articles and meet with several key movers and shakers in our congregation and in the community, I am certain that great things are going to happen. This is just a shout out to all you prayer warriors to cover me this week in prayer if you would. I so appreciate the much needed covering and anointing that comes from faithful folks all around me on their knees in prayer. Let's expect great things together. PV
Sep 10, 2009
eating gravel...
It is difficult for those of us who have such a clear "whole counsel" of God, meaning both the NT & OT Scriptures to know God and hear from God as a loving, forgiving, merciful God to read the likes of Jeremiah's cry in Lamentations 3-5, today's Life Journal devotional. Jeremiah describes his own personal experience with a very angry God. He goes into detail of God Himself starving him, aging him, binding him and even force feeding him gravel. The detailed touchier inflicted by Yaweh is very difficult to swallow, let alone read. But all Scripture is inspired and inherent, needed in order to guide us and teach us His Divine will and plan for our lives. Imagine if a parent never showed anger and frustration towards the continual rebellion of a child. We would wonder why this parent is so enabling, babysitting ongoing destructive behavior that will claim the life of the child. Most of us would believe that this parent first of all does not understand their rightful role and responsibility in this child's life. Secondly, we would come to the conclusion that ultimately this parent really does not love this child. Love, we are told, covers a multitude of sins. But love does not enable ongoing, self-destructive behavior. It intervenes. It corrects. It disciplines. It punishes. Lamentations (to lament, mourn) is the cry of a prophets heart in a time of severe Divine discipline in the lives of all his children. Some would say this proves that God has an "angry side," as if he somewhat struggles with mood swings. I do admit that this portion of Scripture is very graphic, very pain-filled in its description of God's discipline methods, but what is God trying to say through His Word?
We know according the "whole counsel" of God, that His Love has no limits. So God is not saying, "OK, that's it, you've crossed the line. I no longer love you, as a matter of fact I hate you and wish you were dead!" God is love! He cannot separate Himself from His own true nature. In other words, God is Himself, all the time. I've often taught, "God is just, and God just is." His existence exudes His entire nature continually. This means there is grace and mercy in His hatred of sin. I hear often people say, "Love the sinner, hate the sin." I believe Lamentations and other portions of Scripture found in a lot of apocalyptic literature in the Bible, teaches us God's everlasting love for his people, but His utter distaste of sin. His harsh dealings with sinners, is not a statement of His hatred and non-tolerance of His people, but it is a statement of His non-tolerance of sin, because it separates, it tears apart His desired relationship with His children. John does a great job in his first epistle teaching us to have the same hatred towards sin and to be sure to utilize the tools of confession and repentance once we are convicted of such sin. We too should have a non-tolerance, a "gravel" grit view of such things overtly remaining in our lives. This is because of sins eventual sole outcome, death. We are told in Scripture that it is a horrible thing to fall into the hands of an angry, jealous God. Lamentations is a declaration of the existence of such a Divine jealousy.
My response to this mornings devotional is to simply confess and repent. Have a more Biblical view of sin, rather than this evolved cultural view of sin, which seems to exalt self-enabling and a "giving in" and "giving up" of some sorts concerning our choices, decisions and behavior that separates us from Him and ultimately leads to destruction. In Lamentations I have images of dust flying, gravel flinging and torture... these are the reality of a life that continues to rebel and resists the call to live justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.
I realize that we are all sinners. The Bible is clear on that. But we don't have to choose to continually ignore the work of the Holy Spirit, convicting us and drawing us to repentance. We don't have to "Love" the sin in our lives and the separation from God. Jesus Christ took full responsibility on the Cross for our sins. In Him, we can be free from our sin, not enable or babysit our sin.
What darkness have you enabled in your life? What today do you need to repent of? Are we today going to choose to eat the Word, or to eat gravel? The choice is ours. Taste and see that the Lord is so good. I may have eaten some gravel in my life-time due to the rebellious nature in my heart, but God help me to never acquire a taste for it.
We know according the "whole counsel" of God, that His Love has no limits. So God is not saying, "OK, that's it, you've crossed the line. I no longer love you, as a matter of fact I hate you and wish you were dead!" God is love! He cannot separate Himself from His own true nature. In other words, God is Himself, all the time. I've often taught, "God is just, and God just is." His existence exudes His entire nature continually. This means there is grace and mercy in His hatred of sin. I hear often people say, "Love the sinner, hate the sin." I believe Lamentations and other portions of Scripture found in a lot of apocalyptic literature in the Bible, teaches us God's everlasting love for his people, but His utter distaste of sin. His harsh dealings with sinners, is not a statement of His hatred and non-tolerance of His people, but it is a statement of His non-tolerance of sin, because it separates, it tears apart His desired relationship with His children. John does a great job in his first epistle teaching us to have the same hatred towards sin and to be sure to utilize the tools of confession and repentance once we are convicted of such sin. We too should have a non-tolerance, a "gravel" grit view of such things overtly remaining in our lives. This is because of sins eventual sole outcome, death. We are told in Scripture that it is a horrible thing to fall into the hands of an angry, jealous God. Lamentations is a declaration of the existence of such a Divine jealousy.
My response to this mornings devotional is to simply confess and repent. Have a more Biblical view of sin, rather than this evolved cultural view of sin, which seems to exalt self-enabling and a "giving in" and "giving up" of some sorts concerning our choices, decisions and behavior that separates us from Him and ultimately leads to destruction. In Lamentations I have images of dust flying, gravel flinging and torture... these are the reality of a life that continues to rebel and resists the call to live justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.
I realize that we are all sinners. The Bible is clear on that. But we don't have to choose to continually ignore the work of the Holy Spirit, convicting us and drawing us to repentance. We don't have to "Love" the sin in our lives and the separation from God. Jesus Christ took full responsibility on the Cross for our sins. In Him, we can be free from our sin, not enable or babysit our sin.
What darkness have you enabled in your life? What today do you need to repent of? Are we today going to choose to eat the Word, or to eat gravel? The choice is ours. Taste and see that the Lord is so good. I may have eaten some gravel in my life-time due to the rebellious nature in my heart, but God help me to never acquire a taste for it.
Sep 6, 2009
Biblical View of the Life of a Leader
How well a person leads, is directly a result of how well they learn to follow throughout their lifetime. The life of a leader is a life of healthy imitation - a reflection of the very one who has made us and is faithfully leading us. I have chosen two sources to help us discover a more clear view of the life of a leader: Beginning with various Biblical references from Ephesians 4-6 and Psalm 15, quoted from the New King James Version of the Bible; Secondly, I will quote and refer to the content in the book, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, by Eugene Peterson, hereafter referred to as “Peterson’s Book.” The central theme and charge in Ephesians 4-6 is found in 5:1, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear Children.” A closer look at Paul’s instruction throughout our text clearly provides us with practical principles that we can apply to make this process of “healthy Imitation” a reality, resulting in leadership that advances the Kingdom of God effectively in the daily life of a leader.
Ephesians 4:11-16
God’s desire for healthy, divine-like leadership is seen in Jesus’ own giving of the leadership gifts and anointing to the Church in Ephesians 4:11-16. His rationale of course was to efficiently grow and equip believers into the likeness of Himself. In Peterson’s book (pg 17), concerning spiritual growth and discipleship, a Christians place in the world is best understood in the context of being a “disciple,” as well as being a “pilgrim:” The first expresses life as a learning environment, an apprenticeship that molds us and trains us; while the second concept of pilgrimage expresses life as a journey, a continual movement toward God. This process of growth and momentum in the life of a leader was so important to God that he willingly provided the literal infusion of the first perfect, reproducible and integral leader through His Son, Jesus Christ, who maintained by the act of His own free will perfect obedience, setting a perfect example for all leaders to come. Therefore Christian leaders should be able to safely say as Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (NKJV).
Ephesians 5:2-21
There is probably no more important discipline in the life of a leader than “walking” consistently behind the Lord, in His steps. Throughout chapter 5, Paul speaks of the need of you and me “walking” a certain way. He speaks of the importance to “walk in love,” (v2); “walk in light,” (v8); and to “walk in wisdom,” (v15). Love, Light and Wisdom are three specific names of Christ in Scripture. To walk in the steps of Christ is a level of trust and humility that redefines a leader by taking on Christ’s identity. This is no easy course of development. In light of the time and struggle a child encounters simply learning to walk, a leaders lessons in trust and humility is similar. Peterson’s book (pg 154), concerning trust and humility, describes the Christian faith as a childlike trust. The transition a child makes from infancy to young adulthood is messy. God designed it that way. The awkward stages of growth and development of a child are very similar to the life of a believer. In the midst of this awkwardness, God has designed and requires a high level of trust from the trainee. As a leader is recognized and appointed, a continual growth is needed to occur in the areas of trust and humility as the leader consistently follows Christ.
Ephesians 5:22-6:9
In Ephesians 5:22-6:9, Paul continues reaffirming us to imitate God within various aspects of everyday life. Paul teaches that marriage, for instance, only works properly as it genuinely reflects Christ’s unconditional love toward the Church (5:22-33). The high quality and purity of leadership in marriage is paramount to its success, so the system was set in place by God to have such a high level of love in its purest form put into action by His Son. God has set the standard, and we must follow in order for marriage to be all that it was meant to be. Paul continues this line of thought as he implements structure and format into the home and workplace (6:1-9). The standard of leadership and influence has been set in the home and place of business through Christ’s example. Paul’s instruction is for us to simply reflect that standard consistently. Peterson sheds some light on how to apply this in our daily lives: In Peterson’s book, the Christian faith and life is a process of discovering the proper “center” for one’s life, one that would demand our best. Finding that center is the issue, “The Christian faith is the discovery of that center… Christian discipleship is a decision to walk in his ways, steadily and firmly, and then finding that the way integrates all our interests, passions and gifts, our human needs and our eternal aspirations” (pg 34). He goes on to explain that not only discovering that “center” is vital, also remaining in that “center” is the key to a life of influence that is worthy of imitation.
Ephesians 6:10-20
Paul wraps up this imagery of “imitation” in Ephesians 6:10-20, with the daily needed attire for a true follower of Christ who plans in any way to influence others. Putting on the Armor of God is nothing less than the discipline of putting on Christ. With each piece of the armor once again describing not only true attributes of Christ, but actual names of Christ as well. Because of this spiritual insight the armor deals directly with two major issues in most leaders’ lives: identity and insecurity. By intentionally and daily putting Christ on, the leader then has answered all his identity questions and issues. He is literally in Christ, as Christ is in him. The metaphor of armor works perfect for an emphasis on security as well. Insecurity is eliminated when clothed in Christ, covering every major organ and arterial blood flow. Peterson’s Book (pg.85) eloquently touches on this, he states, “People of faith have the same needs for protection and security as anyone else… What is different is that we find that we don’t have to build our own: ‘God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him’ (Ps 46:1).”
In Comparison to Psalm 15
When comparing our passage in Ephesians with the fifteenth Psalm, we see David’s inquiry concerning the qualifications to serve and abide in the presence of the Lord. His own answer in Psalm 15:2-5 describes in great detail similar content and context as we find in Ephesians 5-6. The subject of “walking” intentionally and consistently surfaces in retrospect to every aspect of life. Paul was very familiar with Psalm 15 as a devout Jew and Pharisee. The high standard listed in Psalm 15 was actually impossible to live for such leaders like Paul outside of a life in Christ. That empowered Paul’s message of Grace and true transforming identity in Christ. Paul knew that it was only the work of Christ in his life that now made the requirements listed in Psalm 15 a reality in his life.
In Conclusion
The lists of books are nearly endless on the subject of leadership today. Corporate structures, marketing techniques and manipulation tactics are among a few of the many topics embedded throughout their pages. Much of corporate America, as well as some expressions of church structure, believes that there are truly only two kinds of people that exist: Leaders and followers. We have discovered that this assumption could not be any further from the truth. According to God’s Word, great leadership is a byproduct of a consistent process of following Christ. The leader should then daily be consumed with the willingness of learning how to follow Jesus Christ by drawing near to Him, and obeying what He asks. Others will then be able to safely follow as they in turn learn to lead and influence like Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-16
God’s desire for healthy, divine-like leadership is seen in Jesus’ own giving of the leadership gifts and anointing to the Church in Ephesians 4:11-16. His rationale of course was to efficiently grow and equip believers into the likeness of Himself. In Peterson’s book (pg 17), concerning spiritual growth and discipleship, a Christians place in the world is best understood in the context of being a “disciple,” as well as being a “pilgrim:” The first expresses life as a learning environment, an apprenticeship that molds us and trains us; while the second concept of pilgrimage expresses life as a journey, a continual movement toward God. This process of growth and momentum in the life of a leader was so important to God that he willingly provided the literal infusion of the first perfect, reproducible and integral leader through His Son, Jesus Christ, who maintained by the act of His own free will perfect obedience, setting a perfect example for all leaders to come. Therefore Christian leaders should be able to safely say as Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (NKJV).
Ephesians 5:2-21
There is probably no more important discipline in the life of a leader than “walking” consistently behind the Lord, in His steps. Throughout chapter 5, Paul speaks of the need of you and me “walking” a certain way. He speaks of the importance to “walk in love,” (v2); “walk in light,” (v8); and to “walk in wisdom,” (v15). Love, Light and Wisdom are three specific names of Christ in Scripture. To walk in the steps of Christ is a level of trust and humility that redefines a leader by taking on Christ’s identity. This is no easy course of development. In light of the time and struggle a child encounters simply learning to walk, a leaders lessons in trust and humility is similar. Peterson’s book (pg 154), concerning trust and humility, describes the Christian faith as a childlike trust. The transition a child makes from infancy to young adulthood is messy. God designed it that way. The awkward stages of growth and development of a child are very similar to the life of a believer. In the midst of this awkwardness, God has designed and requires a high level of trust from the trainee. As a leader is recognized and appointed, a continual growth is needed to occur in the areas of trust and humility as the leader consistently follows Christ.
Ephesians 5:22-6:9
In Ephesians 5:22-6:9, Paul continues reaffirming us to imitate God within various aspects of everyday life. Paul teaches that marriage, for instance, only works properly as it genuinely reflects Christ’s unconditional love toward the Church (5:22-33). The high quality and purity of leadership in marriage is paramount to its success, so the system was set in place by God to have such a high level of love in its purest form put into action by His Son. God has set the standard, and we must follow in order for marriage to be all that it was meant to be. Paul continues this line of thought as he implements structure and format into the home and workplace (6:1-9). The standard of leadership and influence has been set in the home and place of business through Christ’s example. Paul’s instruction is for us to simply reflect that standard consistently. Peterson sheds some light on how to apply this in our daily lives: In Peterson’s book, the Christian faith and life is a process of discovering the proper “center” for one’s life, one that would demand our best. Finding that center is the issue, “The Christian faith is the discovery of that center… Christian discipleship is a decision to walk in his ways, steadily and firmly, and then finding that the way integrates all our interests, passions and gifts, our human needs and our eternal aspirations” (pg 34). He goes on to explain that not only discovering that “center” is vital, also remaining in that “center” is the key to a life of influence that is worthy of imitation.
Ephesians 6:10-20
Paul wraps up this imagery of “imitation” in Ephesians 6:10-20, with the daily needed attire for a true follower of Christ who plans in any way to influence others. Putting on the Armor of God is nothing less than the discipline of putting on Christ. With each piece of the armor once again describing not only true attributes of Christ, but actual names of Christ as well. Because of this spiritual insight the armor deals directly with two major issues in most leaders’ lives: identity and insecurity. By intentionally and daily putting Christ on, the leader then has answered all his identity questions and issues. He is literally in Christ, as Christ is in him. The metaphor of armor works perfect for an emphasis on security as well. Insecurity is eliminated when clothed in Christ, covering every major organ and arterial blood flow. Peterson’s Book (pg.85) eloquently touches on this, he states, “People of faith have the same needs for protection and security as anyone else… What is different is that we find that we don’t have to build our own: ‘God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him’ (Ps 46:1).”
In Comparison to Psalm 15
When comparing our passage in Ephesians with the fifteenth Psalm, we see David’s inquiry concerning the qualifications to serve and abide in the presence of the Lord. His own answer in Psalm 15:2-5 describes in great detail similar content and context as we find in Ephesians 5-6. The subject of “walking” intentionally and consistently surfaces in retrospect to every aspect of life. Paul was very familiar with Psalm 15 as a devout Jew and Pharisee. The high standard listed in Psalm 15 was actually impossible to live for such leaders like Paul outside of a life in Christ. That empowered Paul’s message of Grace and true transforming identity in Christ. Paul knew that it was only the work of Christ in his life that now made the requirements listed in Psalm 15 a reality in his life.
In Conclusion
The lists of books are nearly endless on the subject of leadership today. Corporate structures, marketing techniques and manipulation tactics are among a few of the many topics embedded throughout their pages. Much of corporate America, as well as some expressions of church structure, believes that there are truly only two kinds of people that exist: Leaders and followers. We have discovered that this assumption could not be any further from the truth. According to God’s Word, great leadership is a byproduct of a consistent process of following Christ. The leader should then daily be consumed with the willingness of learning how to follow Jesus Christ by drawing near to Him, and obeying what He asks. Others will then be able to safely follow as they in turn learn to lead and influence like Christ.
Sep 4, 2009
Daily Life in the First Century
BASIC DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES IN THE DAILY LIFE IN ISRAEL AND THE ROMAN EMPIRE
by Vaughn Wood
Daily life in first-century Israel
Drawing from two main sources one can get a good idea of what the daily life was like in first-century Israel. These are the writings of ancient scholars and archaeological findings.
1. The economy played a major role in the daily lives of Israel, which was interwoven with the Greco-Roman economy. The Jews were predominantly preoccupied with agriculture and many facets of manual labor and skill, such as the manufacturing of clothing, pottery, metal working and construction. The Israelites produced a variety of crops, as well as various types of livestock. The ongoing stress of taxation, tariffs, interest in loans, as well as the cost and supply to grow crops and raise livestock, kept many Israelites short of actually succeeding, leaving many in need of shelter and other various forms of charity.
2. Homes varied from tents to stone structures. In many homes, space was shared with livestock. Other space was provided for the preparation of food and daily meals with ingredients consisting of vegetables, fruit and bread. Some coastal northern community dwellings included the processing and cooking of fish, which provided much needed protein in their diet.
3. Clothing consisted of tunics for both the men and women. They would distinguish between their daily tunics and their special occasion tunics with the addition of colors and embroidery.
4. Education was provided to the young boys by rabbis with the usage of the Torah as the main text. Young ladies were taught by their mothers in the home.
5. Transportation and communication systems consisted of mostly walking on foot. Two roads that ran north and south, known as “The Way of the Sea,” provided access along the coast, but most Israelites stayed within close proximity to their homes. The Jews did use water a source of transport of commercial goods.
6. Medical care and practice was very crude among the Jews. Even though doctors existed within Jewish communities, much of the medical practice leaned heavily on superstition and magic.
7. Free time was filled usually with singing, feasting, dancing and various games. Archaeologists have uncovered several types of board games involving the use of dice. The kids commonly played in the streets and enjoyed toys such as homemade dolls, rattles and balls.
8. Crime was rampant in Israel. Due to logistics, such as the two roads that served as a main avenue of transportation, theft and murder were fairly easy and common. The crimes that were given most priority in the area of punishment were those committed against religious mandates.
Daily life in first-century Rome
1. The Greco-Roman economy was strong and supplied heavily by organized taxation, trade and investment enforced by the Roman army. Their affluence can be seen in their impressive buildings, roads, highways and water systems. The influence of intellectual elite made many of the sources of supply and meeting demand a reality, influencing much of the first-century world.
2. Homes in the Roman Empire consisted of beautiful architectural design built around unroofed courtyards. Far more durable material was used to build a Roman home than that of the Jews stone structures. Indoor plumbing, baths and even central heating were a part of many Roman households. From the flooring to the roofs, mosaic designs were part of the decor.
3. Clothing was worn to distinguish social classes set apart by wealth. Tunics were commonly adorned with the likes of color, design and leather.
4. Hellenistic systems in Rome provided education for both boys and girls. Pupils studied philosophy, mathematics, music, literature, and rhetoric. Intellectualism was valued and praised in the Roman Empire and their households.
5. Transportation and communication systems were created by Rome to mobilize military units easily and strategically to control commerce throughout the empire. The Roman roads were incredibly durable. Major cities were erected as chief ports for shipping efforts throughout the empire. Water was used to transport communication efforts effectively. The organization of town criers to post messages within local communities kept the entire empire well informed.
6. Because of educating and housing the intellectual elite, medical systems and practice was top notch in the empire, venturing into difficult cutting edge operation techniques and medicinal manufacturing never seen before. Many of the slaves in the Roman Empire were well educated and taught as well in the Hellenistic ways.
7. Free time in the Roman Empire was usually constructive. Public debates and philosophical discussions infiltrated halls and houses. Public games that mimicked much of our current professional sporting events were housed in coliseums throughout the empire that involved the killing of men and animals.
8. Crime in the Roman Empire was policed publicly and punished with the most sadistic methods of crucifixion and public torture techniques. Other forms of crime were demoted to a life of slavery.
Basic differences between the two
The intellectual ambiance and thriving economy of the Roman Empire propagated many of the major differences between that of the Jews and Romans. Things such as, Rome educating both girls and boys, compared to the Jews formally only educating the males; Rome’s innovation and construction advancement, compared to the Jews more simple, less efficient efforts; Rome’s promotion of their coliseums and death defying games, compared to the Jews board games and children playing in the streets with much simpler homemade toys; Rome’s medical advancement, compared to the Jewish influx of superstition and magic for curing elements; Rome’s exaltation of philosophy, compared to the Jews value of religion and tradition; Rome’s organized army, compared to the Jew’s unorganized attempts to revolt; Rome’s tireless efforts to build quality enduring roads that expanded their kingdom with multiple purposes in mind, compared to the Jews paths along the coast, to name a few basic differences.
Basic similarities between the two
There are a few similarities between the Roman Empire and Israel’s way of life: Both developed systems of education. Some assume that the Jews adapted their form of education from the Greco-Roman model; both had in place systems of law enforcement; both utilized water as forms of transport; both had within their society intellectual elite; and both the Roman Empire and the Jews instigated feasting, singing and dancing into their forms of entertainment.
Elements I find surprising
I find surprising that the Jewish culture and life-style was in many ways an outcome of surviving the influence and ascendancy of the Greco-Roman empire around them. The Jews continual attempt to maintain a sense of normalcy in this era caused them to focus on two main entities: The first was their faith. They built up a strong sense of faith-based systems to keep their focus on God in many retrospects, something I had thought of before, but it became very evident in my research; the second entity is that of the home. The Jew’s focused heavily on their marriages and families as a sense of continuity and strength, also something that I’ve never thought of as a survival mechanism until now.
Similarities between the first century and today
We have many similar elements to the Roman Empire and Israel separately and combined today. First, our university and overall education process in western civilization today echoes much of the methods and values of the Roman Empire; Secondly, the coliseums and entertainment venues of today mirror those of the Roman empire, such as the UFC, NFL and other sporting events that entertain people at times at the cost of someone’s life; Third, the faith-based culture and radical religious law enforcement methods of much of the middle eastern cultures today mirrors the life-style of the Jews; Combined, I can see similarities today among many “conquered” people groups, such as the native American Indians living on reservations, surviving and attempting to create a quality of life with the influx of a much larger, heavy handed, United States governing body advancing around them and the two cultures interblending at times; I also see combining both the Roman Empire and the Jewish state in the first century to much of the church today. Like Rome and Israel combined, there is an intellectual approach to truth, a celebration of traditions and religious practice above God’s actual presence and power. The lust for crowds and mega-church status mirrors much of the Roman passion for fame, influence and affluence over humility and meekness.
Sources:
Black, Thomas D. Lea and David Alan. The New Testament: Its Background and Message. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2003.
J. Julius Scott, Jr. Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1995.
Barker, Glenn W. and William L. Lane and J. Ramsey Michaels. The New Testament Speaks. New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1969
by Vaughn Wood
Daily life in first-century Israel
Drawing from two main sources one can get a good idea of what the daily life was like in first-century Israel. These are the writings of ancient scholars and archaeological findings.
1. The economy played a major role in the daily lives of Israel, which was interwoven with the Greco-Roman economy. The Jews were predominantly preoccupied with agriculture and many facets of manual labor and skill, such as the manufacturing of clothing, pottery, metal working and construction. The Israelites produced a variety of crops, as well as various types of livestock. The ongoing stress of taxation, tariffs, interest in loans, as well as the cost and supply to grow crops and raise livestock, kept many Israelites short of actually succeeding, leaving many in need of shelter and other various forms of charity.
2. Homes varied from tents to stone structures. In many homes, space was shared with livestock. Other space was provided for the preparation of food and daily meals with ingredients consisting of vegetables, fruit and bread. Some coastal northern community dwellings included the processing and cooking of fish, which provided much needed protein in their diet.
3. Clothing consisted of tunics for both the men and women. They would distinguish between their daily tunics and their special occasion tunics with the addition of colors and embroidery.
4. Education was provided to the young boys by rabbis with the usage of the Torah as the main text. Young ladies were taught by their mothers in the home.
5. Transportation and communication systems consisted of mostly walking on foot. Two roads that ran north and south, known as “The Way of the Sea,” provided access along the coast, but most Israelites stayed within close proximity to their homes. The Jews did use water a source of transport of commercial goods.
6. Medical care and practice was very crude among the Jews. Even though doctors existed within Jewish communities, much of the medical practice leaned heavily on superstition and magic.
7. Free time was filled usually with singing, feasting, dancing and various games. Archaeologists have uncovered several types of board games involving the use of dice. The kids commonly played in the streets and enjoyed toys such as homemade dolls, rattles and balls.
8. Crime was rampant in Israel. Due to logistics, such as the two roads that served as a main avenue of transportation, theft and murder were fairly easy and common. The crimes that were given most priority in the area of punishment were those committed against religious mandates.
Daily life in first-century Rome
1. The Greco-Roman economy was strong and supplied heavily by organized taxation, trade and investment enforced by the Roman army. Their affluence can be seen in their impressive buildings, roads, highways and water systems. The influence of intellectual elite made many of the sources of supply and meeting demand a reality, influencing much of the first-century world.
2. Homes in the Roman Empire consisted of beautiful architectural design built around unroofed courtyards. Far more durable material was used to build a Roman home than that of the Jews stone structures. Indoor plumbing, baths and even central heating were a part of many Roman households. From the flooring to the roofs, mosaic designs were part of the decor.
3. Clothing was worn to distinguish social classes set apart by wealth. Tunics were commonly adorned with the likes of color, design and leather.
4. Hellenistic systems in Rome provided education for both boys and girls. Pupils studied philosophy, mathematics, music, literature, and rhetoric. Intellectualism was valued and praised in the Roman Empire and their households.
5. Transportation and communication systems were created by Rome to mobilize military units easily and strategically to control commerce throughout the empire. The Roman roads were incredibly durable. Major cities were erected as chief ports for shipping efforts throughout the empire. Water was used to transport communication efforts effectively. The organization of town criers to post messages within local communities kept the entire empire well informed.
6. Because of educating and housing the intellectual elite, medical systems and practice was top notch in the empire, venturing into difficult cutting edge operation techniques and medicinal manufacturing never seen before. Many of the slaves in the Roman Empire were well educated and taught as well in the Hellenistic ways.
7. Free time in the Roman Empire was usually constructive. Public debates and philosophical discussions infiltrated halls and houses. Public games that mimicked much of our current professional sporting events were housed in coliseums throughout the empire that involved the killing of men and animals.
8. Crime in the Roman Empire was policed publicly and punished with the most sadistic methods of crucifixion and public torture techniques. Other forms of crime were demoted to a life of slavery.
Basic differences between the two
The intellectual ambiance and thriving economy of the Roman Empire propagated many of the major differences between that of the Jews and Romans. Things such as, Rome educating both girls and boys, compared to the Jews formally only educating the males; Rome’s innovation and construction advancement, compared to the Jews more simple, less efficient efforts; Rome’s promotion of their coliseums and death defying games, compared to the Jews board games and children playing in the streets with much simpler homemade toys; Rome’s medical advancement, compared to the Jewish influx of superstition and magic for curing elements; Rome’s exaltation of philosophy, compared to the Jews value of religion and tradition; Rome’s organized army, compared to the Jew’s unorganized attempts to revolt; Rome’s tireless efforts to build quality enduring roads that expanded their kingdom with multiple purposes in mind, compared to the Jews paths along the coast, to name a few basic differences.
Basic similarities between the two
There are a few similarities between the Roman Empire and Israel’s way of life: Both developed systems of education. Some assume that the Jews adapted their form of education from the Greco-Roman model; both had in place systems of law enforcement; both utilized water as forms of transport; both had within their society intellectual elite; and both the Roman Empire and the Jews instigated feasting, singing and dancing into their forms of entertainment.
Elements I find surprising
I find surprising that the Jewish culture and life-style was in many ways an outcome of surviving the influence and ascendancy of the Greco-Roman empire around them. The Jews continual attempt to maintain a sense of normalcy in this era caused them to focus on two main entities: The first was their faith. They built up a strong sense of faith-based systems to keep their focus on God in many retrospects, something I had thought of before, but it became very evident in my research; the second entity is that of the home. The Jew’s focused heavily on their marriages and families as a sense of continuity and strength, also something that I’ve never thought of as a survival mechanism until now.
Similarities between the first century and today
We have many similar elements to the Roman Empire and Israel separately and combined today. First, our university and overall education process in western civilization today echoes much of the methods and values of the Roman Empire; Secondly, the coliseums and entertainment venues of today mirror those of the Roman empire, such as the UFC, NFL and other sporting events that entertain people at times at the cost of someone’s life; Third, the faith-based culture and radical religious law enforcement methods of much of the middle eastern cultures today mirrors the life-style of the Jews; Combined, I can see similarities today among many “conquered” people groups, such as the native American Indians living on reservations, surviving and attempting to create a quality of life with the influx of a much larger, heavy handed, United States governing body advancing around them and the two cultures interblending at times; I also see combining both the Roman Empire and the Jewish state in the first century to much of the church today. Like Rome and Israel combined, there is an intellectual approach to truth, a celebration of traditions and religious practice above God’s actual presence and power. The lust for crowds and mega-church status mirrors much of the Roman passion for fame, influence and affluence over humility and meekness.
Sources:
Black, Thomas D. Lea and David Alan. The New Testament: Its Background and Message. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2003.
J. Julius Scott, Jr. Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1995.
Barker, Glenn W. and William L. Lane and J. Ramsey Michaels. The New Testament Speaks. New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1969
Influence of Hellenism on New Testament Times
INFLUENCE OF HELLENISM IN INTERTESTAMENTAL ISRAEL
by Vaughn Wood
Origins and Influence of Hellenism
Signs of perpetual Greek culture and philosophical influence can be seen throughout the intertestamental period thanks to the Apostle of Hellenism, Alexander the Great, who led the Greeks on a mission to spread their civilization throughout the world. In time, their disciples became known as imitators of the Greeks, the Hellenists. The impact on Israel was more strongly seen in the newly formed Hebrew faith and culture known as, Intertestamental Judaism. Intertestamental Judaism is a descendant of the Old Testament Hebraic worship, but it is not the same. For one thing, Greek was the predominant language used. The formation of a Greek Old Testament text, which was later used by Christ himself, infiltrated the houses of worship. But it was more than linguistics; it permeated every aspect of Hebrew culture, architecture, politics, education and daily lifestyle.
Problems this Movement Caused & Jewish Response
Hellenism directly shaped the intellectual approach to God, faith and life during the intertestamental period. This led to the rise of “Phariseeism” as we know it. The pride in which the religious leaders would carry themselves was directly influenced by Hellenistic piety. Public debates and long drawn out lectures from self-proclaimed teachers permeated the streets. Greek mythology and mysticism was blended with Hebrew faith and practice. Hellenistic onslaught inundated the era with no separation of church and state, which resulted in religious hierarchical systems, putting too many heavy burdens on the people (such as heavy taxation), asking things of their followers that their own leaders couldn’t do. Nationalistic and religious aspirations were intermarried causing chaos socially, culturally, politically, and spiritually. The Jewish response overall was to revolt and protest, resulting in much loss of life and usually heavier punishment by way of more taxation and other forms of oppression. Even the Maccabaeus, who had won their right for religious freedom, remained under the heavy Hellenistic influence and oversight of the Seleucids. This pattern continued to repeat itself throughout the duration of the intertestamental period.
Most Aggressive Hellenistic Leaders
I would personally consider the most aggressive Hellenistic leaders who attempted to pursue a Hellenistic program among the Jews came from the Ptolemy lineage and the Seleucids, perhaps because of the multiple battles between the two of them, but they both produced leaders who very aggressively attempted to Hellenize the Jews. Ptolemy I successfully established a Jewish community in Alexandria, a very strategic maneuver that impacted culture and society on into the future. Ptolemy II Philadephus ordered the Septuagint, the Hebrew Scriptures in Greek. But the Seleucids appear to be among the most aggressive of them all, spanning their influence and control as far as India to the East and Syria and Asia Minor to the West. It was Antiochus IV Epiphanes, Seleucid King (175-163), who was a fierce ruler who would stop at nothing to spread Hellenism throughout his empire. The Jews attempt to resist him, failed. Antiochus plundered the temple for its gold. He fortified the city and began to plan an attempt to gain political control of Egypt by completely Hellenizing Israel.
Good and Bad Aspects of Hellenism
As far as philosophical pros and cons of Hellenism, the best aspect would be its stoic emphasis of a divine source that guides each of us in this life, as well as a strong belief in serving others and learning to control yourself. These are the closest to positive qualities found in Hellenism that would be shared by Christians today. The bad rests in its strong elevation of self, intellectual pursuit and cynical belief that this life is all you get, there’s nothing beyond this.
As far as the good and bad of Hellenism in other factors, it is good that Hellenist were driven by a desire to better mankind, but their methods of undue control, mass murder and persuasion, among other manipulative techniques, leave little to be desired.
Parallel Modern Movement
Many of the current leaders and churches within the hyper-emergent church movement (non Gospel and non Biblical expressions within the emergant movement) would be a modern example today of the Hellenistic movement and deception. In a meager attempt to saturate the culture, the culture has saturated us. The blend and collage of beliefs, and the celebration of such diversity that is entering so called Christian churches and pulpits, is leaving people void of the truth. I have no problem with methods changing to reach the culture, but when the message has changed, or in some cases is eliminated all together in the name of sensitivity, I get outraged! It’s a form of religion denying its real source of power.
Sources:
Black, Thomas D. Lea and David Alan. The New Testament: Its Background and Message.
Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2003.
J. Julius Scott, Jr. Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1995.
Barker, Glenn W. and William L. Lane and J. Ramsey Michaels. The New Testament Speaks. New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1969
by Vaughn Wood
Origins and Influence of Hellenism
Signs of perpetual Greek culture and philosophical influence can be seen throughout the intertestamental period thanks to the Apostle of Hellenism, Alexander the Great, who led the Greeks on a mission to spread their civilization throughout the world. In time, their disciples became known as imitators of the Greeks, the Hellenists. The impact on Israel was more strongly seen in the newly formed Hebrew faith and culture known as, Intertestamental Judaism. Intertestamental Judaism is a descendant of the Old Testament Hebraic worship, but it is not the same. For one thing, Greek was the predominant language used. The formation of a Greek Old Testament text, which was later used by Christ himself, infiltrated the houses of worship. But it was more than linguistics; it permeated every aspect of Hebrew culture, architecture, politics, education and daily lifestyle.
Problems this Movement Caused & Jewish Response
Hellenism directly shaped the intellectual approach to God, faith and life during the intertestamental period. This led to the rise of “Phariseeism” as we know it. The pride in which the religious leaders would carry themselves was directly influenced by Hellenistic piety. Public debates and long drawn out lectures from self-proclaimed teachers permeated the streets. Greek mythology and mysticism was blended with Hebrew faith and practice. Hellenistic onslaught inundated the era with no separation of church and state, which resulted in religious hierarchical systems, putting too many heavy burdens on the people (such as heavy taxation), asking things of their followers that their own leaders couldn’t do. Nationalistic and religious aspirations were intermarried causing chaos socially, culturally, politically, and spiritually. The Jewish response overall was to revolt and protest, resulting in much loss of life and usually heavier punishment by way of more taxation and other forms of oppression. Even the Maccabaeus, who had won their right for religious freedom, remained under the heavy Hellenistic influence and oversight of the Seleucids. This pattern continued to repeat itself throughout the duration of the intertestamental period.
Most Aggressive Hellenistic Leaders
I would personally consider the most aggressive Hellenistic leaders who attempted to pursue a Hellenistic program among the Jews came from the Ptolemy lineage and the Seleucids, perhaps because of the multiple battles between the two of them, but they both produced leaders who very aggressively attempted to Hellenize the Jews. Ptolemy I successfully established a Jewish community in Alexandria, a very strategic maneuver that impacted culture and society on into the future. Ptolemy II Philadephus ordered the Septuagint, the Hebrew Scriptures in Greek. But the Seleucids appear to be among the most aggressive of them all, spanning their influence and control as far as India to the East and Syria and Asia Minor to the West. It was Antiochus IV Epiphanes, Seleucid King (175-163), who was a fierce ruler who would stop at nothing to spread Hellenism throughout his empire. The Jews attempt to resist him, failed. Antiochus plundered the temple for its gold. He fortified the city and began to plan an attempt to gain political control of Egypt by completely Hellenizing Israel.
Good and Bad Aspects of Hellenism
As far as philosophical pros and cons of Hellenism, the best aspect would be its stoic emphasis of a divine source that guides each of us in this life, as well as a strong belief in serving others and learning to control yourself. These are the closest to positive qualities found in Hellenism that would be shared by Christians today. The bad rests in its strong elevation of self, intellectual pursuit and cynical belief that this life is all you get, there’s nothing beyond this.
As far as the good and bad of Hellenism in other factors, it is good that Hellenist were driven by a desire to better mankind, but their methods of undue control, mass murder and persuasion, among other manipulative techniques, leave little to be desired.
Parallel Modern Movement
Many of the current leaders and churches within the hyper-emergent church movement (non Gospel and non Biblical expressions within the emergant movement) would be a modern example today of the Hellenistic movement and deception. In a meager attempt to saturate the culture, the culture has saturated us. The blend and collage of beliefs, and the celebration of such diversity that is entering so called Christian churches and pulpits, is leaving people void of the truth. I have no problem with methods changing to reach the culture, but when the message has changed, or in some cases is eliminated all together in the name of sensitivity, I get outraged! It’s a form of religion denying its real source of power.
Sources:
Black, Thomas D. Lea and David Alan. The New Testament: Its Background and Message.
Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2003.
J. Julius Scott, Jr. Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1995.
Barker, Glenn W. and William L. Lane and J. Ramsey Michaels. The New Testament Speaks. New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1969
WHO WAS HEROD THE GREAT & THE HERODIANS
HEROD THE GREAT & THE HERODIANS
by Vaughn Wood
Major Contributions to the History of Judaism and the Jews:
Historically, Herod the Great brought stability and prosperity to the region by building a friendship and healthy alliance with Rome. Herod the Greats cooperation with Rome’s efforts in the region acted as a liaison between the Jews and Rome. The planning, building and naming of the city, Caesarea, near Jerusalem were an example of such an alliance and friendship. This bridge of friendship historically kept the Jews subject to Roman appointed authority, persecution and hardship. This was exemplified in the slaughter of infant males at the time of Christ’s birth. Herod the Great contributed greatly by rebuilding and restoring much of the aging and war-torn temple in Jerusalem. Although his work on the temple featured Hellenistic themes, it stood as the center of Jewish worship until A.D. 70 when it was destroyed by Rome. The temple construction through the years drew attention and interest in Judaism. Many religious and politically based sects grew in these years into major powers of influence, such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes and the Herodians. Both the Sadducees and the Herodians supported the dynasty of Herod the Great. The Herodians more than likely organized as a political party under the rule of Herod Antipas (grandson of Herod the Great), which would account for their strong presence in Galilee during Jesus’ ministry. It is assumed that the Pharisees teamed up with the Herodians, who were supporters of Roman rule and reign, to attempt to trap Jesus and his followers. We find them in Mark 3, 12 and Matthew 22 working with the Pharisees using Jewish and Roman law ordinances concerning the Sabbath and taxation requirements to corner Christ and find reason to arrest him.
It is very difficult to find any noteworthy activity in Israel from 37 B.C. to A.D. 70 that Herod the Great and his progeny had not influenced or affected in some way or another.
Main Failures of Herod the Great & the Herodians:
Perhaps Herod the Greats worst failure was that of his personal and family life. He had some of his own children and wives killed. He imprisoned and tortured others. Most of these outbursts of harsh retaliation were driven by his own paranoia of those close to him being suspect of treachery. Much of this mayhem led to his ultimate failure and demise of dying an insane, sick man.
The Herodians worse mistakes and failings could be summed up in the phrase, “guilty by association.” Their association and allegiance to Herod’s dynasty came to nothing after the revolt in A.D. 70. Their association with the Pharisees in Scripture attempting to be rid of Christ, came to nothing after the resurrection, ascension and birth of the New Testament Church.
Sources:
Black, Thomas D. Lea and David Alan. The New Testament: Its Background and Message. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2003.
J. Julius Scott, Jr. Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1995.
Barker, Glenn W. and William L. Lane and J. Ramsey Michaels. The New Testament Speaks. New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1969
by Vaughn Wood
Major Contributions to the History of Judaism and the Jews:
Historically, Herod the Great brought stability and prosperity to the region by building a friendship and healthy alliance with Rome. Herod the Greats cooperation with Rome’s efforts in the region acted as a liaison between the Jews and Rome. The planning, building and naming of the city, Caesarea, near Jerusalem were an example of such an alliance and friendship. This bridge of friendship historically kept the Jews subject to Roman appointed authority, persecution and hardship. This was exemplified in the slaughter of infant males at the time of Christ’s birth. Herod the Great contributed greatly by rebuilding and restoring much of the aging and war-torn temple in Jerusalem. Although his work on the temple featured Hellenistic themes, it stood as the center of Jewish worship until A.D. 70 when it was destroyed by Rome. The temple construction through the years drew attention and interest in Judaism. Many religious and politically based sects grew in these years into major powers of influence, such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes and the Herodians. Both the Sadducees and the Herodians supported the dynasty of Herod the Great. The Herodians more than likely organized as a political party under the rule of Herod Antipas (grandson of Herod the Great), which would account for their strong presence in Galilee during Jesus’ ministry. It is assumed that the Pharisees teamed up with the Herodians, who were supporters of Roman rule and reign, to attempt to trap Jesus and his followers. We find them in Mark 3, 12 and Matthew 22 working with the Pharisees using Jewish and Roman law ordinances concerning the Sabbath and taxation requirements to corner Christ and find reason to arrest him.
It is very difficult to find any noteworthy activity in Israel from 37 B.C. to A.D. 70 that Herod the Great and his progeny had not influenced or affected in some way or another.
Main Failures of Herod the Great & the Herodians:
Perhaps Herod the Greats worst failure was that of his personal and family life. He had some of his own children and wives killed. He imprisoned and tortured others. Most of these outbursts of harsh retaliation were driven by his own paranoia of those close to him being suspect of treachery. Much of this mayhem led to his ultimate failure and demise of dying an insane, sick man.
The Herodians worse mistakes and failings could be summed up in the phrase, “guilty by association.” Their association and allegiance to Herod’s dynasty came to nothing after the revolt in A.D. 70. Their association with the Pharisees in Scripture attempting to be rid of Christ, came to nothing after the resurrection, ascension and birth of the New Testament Church.
Sources:
Black, Thomas D. Lea and David Alan. The New Testament: Its Background and Message. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2003.
J. Julius Scott, Jr. Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1995.
Barker, Glenn W. and William L. Lane and J. Ramsey Michaels. The New Testament Speaks. New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1969
Sep 1, 2009
smoke signals in Salt Lake....
I'm waiting for my connecting flight out of Salt Lake. There's a lot of people traveling today. I've always been blown away by the enclosed glass smoking rooms in the airport here. I just walked past one and you can barely see the people inside, the smoke is so thick. All the cigarette smokers are on one side and there's one big guy sitting all alone on the other side sucking away on a huge cigar. He has single handily smoked out the smokers. The security are gathering around thinking of intervening, but there's two problems: 1) This cigar smoker is huge. He looks like a WWF champ without the belt. I don't think airport security wants to try and confront this guy. The three guys in security uniforms are literally half this big guys size. 2) Opening the glass door to the smoking room to save the fifteen cigarette smokers from smoke inhalation will infiltrate this entire Delta corridor. I'm going to watch and see what these guys do. So far the big guy with the cigar is just sitting reading his paper through the haze and ignoring all the complaints around him. This is better than a reality TV show. It looks like some folks are trying to get photos and videos of the event for You Tube or something. Ah, what a great morning to have a three hour layover....
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