Joy to the World, Jesus has come.

Let the words and reality of this song about Jesus push us to worship Him as we cherish the reason he came. Just like a soldier sent on a mission, Jesus was sent here via God the Father for a mission, saving, internally changing, and securing humans to glorify, worship, and magnify a glorious God they never wanted. (John 3:16-20)










Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

God-centered relationships: Learning from Jonathan and David

God-centered relationships: Learning from Jonathan and David





Jonathan and David's relationship is known as one of those "golden rule" pictures. Everyone knows their relationship was great. We know that our relationships with our friends at many times aren't great with negative conflicts, accusations, reconciliation problems, assumptions, trust issues, miss-communication, and the like.

This article aims to help us see and pick apart principles Jonathan and David did in their relationship that promoted the pursuit to obey God more and to use these principles to live out for God’s glory. This article’s focus is on our close Christian friends.

Most of when we see David and Jonathan’s relationship in action is in the passages below. I encourage you to read them if you have time.
1 Samuel 18
1 Samuel 19
1 Samuel 20


Lets look at some pictures of their relationship and pick some of the principles within them that would characterize a godly relationship. Not only that, but also barriers and lies we believe that discourage from living like it. One principle I kept seeing a lot in their relationship was:

Giving ourselves and our things to our friends so they can be better equipped and encouraged to know and follow God. Not just taking from others like a leech which isnt a healthy relationship at all, but manipulative.

(1 Samuel 18:3-5) Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. 5 And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

Its interesting in verse 3, The writer describes Jonathan’s relationship with David as “he loved him as his own soul.” It wasn’t simply said that Jonathan loved him like that, his actions showed it. This was shown by giving up things so David could be better equipped to fight for God and His people. We see one small reason why David was successful, he was better equipped by Jonathan’s help.

This may not seem as a big deal, because Jonathan was the King’s son, so he was naturally richer and more well off that it would of been easier for Jonathan to give things away. But, here is a passage in 1 Samuel 13 that describes the greater extent of giving those things to David.

(1 Samuel 13:19-23) 19 Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, "Lest the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears." 20But every one of the Israelites went down to the Philistines to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, or his sickle, 21and the charge was two-thirds of a shekel for the plowshares and for the mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening the axes and for setting the goads. 22So on the day of the battle there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people with Saul and Jonathan, but Saul and Jonathan his son had them. 23And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash.

So according to this, Jonathan and Saul were the only ones in the nation of Israel to have the a strong sword, because the Philistines prevented them. It wasnt a common luxury to own a sword. So this is the very sword Jonathan gave up to David. His only sword. This was definitely a sacrifice for Jonathan.

Jonathan really was thinking as if he were David himself. David was to command and lead men into battle against the Philistines. He could just go into a battle with a sharpened stick, but it would be a lot more helpful and effective to fight with a real metal sword in battle. Jonathan knew this and gave up of his stuff to ensure David was more equipped to be more obedient to God in the place he was in. If you continue reading, David’s military life really pushed forward the promise God made concerning David that he would be king over Israel. Because of Jonathan’s love and giving for David, God’s agenda for Israel was pushed forward.

The gospel promotes and encourages the principle of giving up ourselves for the benefit of others.

(Matthew 20:26-28) “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Jesus the source of our new life and joy, even He served and gave up himself so we could have eternal life with God forever and not death like we deserved and ask for. He saw our need to be rescued from our evil state and fulfilled the need himself, by being slaughtered instead of us. Jesus wants us to imitate this lifestyle with our relationships for His glory.

For us, what could this principle look like. I think helping our Christian friends with the four spiritual disciplines can help progress and equip a Christian. The four being: Evangelism, The Word, Fellowship, and Prayer. What could we give up and sacrifice so people could be better equipped? Time? Money? If they dont have a bible, could we buy one for them? This is very convicting to think about.

What about the gospel itself, how could we help ensure that our Christian friends are continuing to run to the gospel for their source of value, purpose, and identity? How can we give up ourselves and things to help this happen?

A second principle that David and Jonathan had in their relationship was this:

The passionate pursuit of spreading the greatness of God and His plan. Not spreading the greatness of ourselves and our plan, which sets us as god.

(1 Samuel 20:30-34) 30Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, "You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? 31For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die." 32Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, "Why should he be put to death? What has he done?"33 But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death. 34And Jonathan rose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, because his father had disgraced him.

For a little background on this passage, David is convinced that King Saul wants him dead, as he really does. Jonathan the son of Saul as a good friend is trying to figure out if this is true and why. The only thing that David has brought is good: Winning battles for Israel, helping Saul with calming music, love for God, and respect for Israel’s leadership. Usually there would be a good reason for a King to kill. Rather, Saul is jealous, immature, and wants David’s recognition himself, so he would rather murder David rather than give honor to God and David.

Jonathan risks his own life to ensure the safety of his friend David by confronting his dad about this. Saul is convinced that David through an imaginary popularity contest is against Saul and the kingdom of Israel. Now he thinks Jonathan joined David as well. So he tries to kill his own son at this point. Jonathan and David were both pursuing and working for spreading the greatness of God by being obedient to God and his kingdom. This was through relinquishes God’s enemies and establishing the rightful King that God planned. They were indirectly against in this example, Saul, who was pursuing to spread Saul’s greatness and his own plan. Saul fought to continue to be the king of Israel after God already promised another family would be king. Jonathan knew that God wanted David to be the king of Israel (see 1 Samuel 16:1-13) as did Saul, but Jonathan pursued to promote it so that God’s kingdom and plan would be advanced, even at the risk of his life and his relationship with his father.

The passage below shows us the jealousy that stirs up in the heart of Saul as David becomes more popular.

(1 Samuel 18:7-11)7And the women sang to one another as they celebrated,
"Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands." 8And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?"9And Saul eyed David from that day on.
10The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand. 11And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, "I will pin David to the wall." But David evaded him twice.

Saul so wanted for David to lose his popularity that he wanted David dead and even tried numerous times. This is what Saul wanted, it was his plan, “I will pin David to the wall.” He was playing the role of being god. Now to see how this relates with us.

This is our own tendency and constant temptation in life. We think that we deserve recognition for things we do and if someone has more then us, they should be replaced with us. Even for good things, like spiritual disciplines (word, prayer, evangelism, fellowship). We want more recognition for doing those things and creating popularity contests with other people in our minds and hearts. This is not God-centered, but man-centered worship.

(Galatians 6:14) May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

The way to counter this is to believe the cross and its truthfulness. We shouldnt see our recognition as supreme or something to boast in. But rather Jesus, who showed his greatness by dying for us and raising to give us his good record.

A last principle to focus on here:

Trusting our close friends through transparency, accountability, and doing what we promised for God’s glory.

(1Samuel 20:1-17) 1Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came and said before Jonathan, "What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?" 2And he said to him, "Far from it! You shall not die. Behold, my father does nothing either great or small without disclosing it to me. And why should my father hide this from me? It is not so." 3But David vowed again, saying, "Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he thinks, 'Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.' But truly, as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death." 4Then Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you say, I will do for you." 5David said to Jonathan, "Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit at table with the king. But let me go, that I may hide myself in the field till the third day at evening. 6 If your father misses me at all, then say, 'David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city, for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the clan.' 7If he says, 'Good!' it will be well with your servant, but if he is angry, then know that harm is determined by him. 8Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the LORD with you. But if there is guilt in me, kill me yourself, for why should you bring me to your father?" 9And Jonathan said, "Far be it from you! If I knew that it was determined by my father that harm should come to you, would I not tell you?"10Then David said to Jonathan, "Who will tell me if your father answers you roughly?" 11And Jonathan said to David, "Come, let us go out into the field." So they both went out into the field.
12And Jonathan said to David, "The LORD, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if he is well disposed toward David, shall I not then send and disclose it to you? 13But should it please my father to do you harm, the LORD do so to Jonathan and more also if I do not disclose it to you and send you away, that you may go in safety. May the LORD be with you, as he has been with my father. 14If I am still alive, show me the steadfast love of the LORD, that I may not die; 15 and do not cut off your steadfast love from my house forever, when the LORD cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth." 16And Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the LORD take vengeance on David’s enemies." 17And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

This is a longer portion, but I felt that the principles were throughout 1 Samuel 20. David and Jonathan communicates a lot about the issues with Saul. David is really honest with Jonathan, showing a fight for better trust. David says here that Saul is wrong to kill him, David will die if left unsettled, if David is guilty then Jonathan should kill him, and Saul is hiding all this from Jonathan. Jonathan could of not believed him, but really tested them later this chapter. He was a trustworthy and faithful friend, who literally saved his life. David also fulfilled a promise Jonathan asked, by not killing his family for what Saul did.

Now to look at how to live in light of this. When we think about our relationships with our close Christian friends, Trust is a must in a relationship. If there is no trust, how could we share about problems and shame in our life that could lead to repentance?

For accountability, do we care enough about spiritual lives to make steps to grow in obedience to God. To challenge ourselves and have our friends keep us to the challenge helps push foward ourselves with the help of others. Jonathan was willing to do anything to help David. Being willing to confront your friend for the sake of holiness is avoided many of times, usually because it will be hard. But, if we really love the person we will do it, because we want what is best for them. Jonathan confronted his dad for the sake of his friend David and God, this convinced Jonathan that David was right and so Jonathan continued to help him.

When we make a promise with our friends, we must fulfill it. Because, if we dont we are really separating the trust amongst friends.

(Titus 1:7-9) 7For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy,and disciplined. 9He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Disciplining and controlling ourselves is a great character trait to obtain, because its one of the requirements Paul wants to see in Christian leaders. So we should get our relationships to help us in it.

I hope and pray that these thoughts wont become a checklist or a “Oh no something more to do”, but a true desire to pursue these principles because we love Jesus, want to know Him more, and want to have relationships centered around Him.

New Zealand : Comments on a short term mission trip

What a place to be. I would never imagine ever to be in such a place. My eyes are never bored to say the least.

I am currently in new zealand for a short mission trip. It is 'short' (only 7 weeks). It is a 'trip' (we had to fly 17 hours). We are on a 'mission' to help people move forward in there relationship with a personal God. I am convinced that God has make it quite clear that He exists and that He desires to have a relationship with us through His Son that He sent. that is why I am in New Zealand.

I hope to give points that I think are sweet for short term mission trips.

Here are some real benefits I see from 'short mission trip' in general.

Helps develop a heart for world missions.
Humbles and pushes you to rely on Jesus
Puts you in uncomfortable situations
Its exciting
Its fun
Its new
Its sobering
Its challenging
Helps notice complaining tendencies more often
Help you see the gospel better
Helps appreciate what God has graciously given you
Helps you notice cultural norms that can be sinful or beneficial
Shows pride issues in your native country
Unites you more closely with the people your doing it with

Baptism, What is it good for? also thoughts on ultimate authority

I recently got baptized, actually earlier today. Before it, I really had to ask the question. Why do it? Is it just going in a plunge of warm water and ruining a nice combed up hair or is it more than that? I mean really. Every one knows Christianity does it. It is just one of those activities to do in becoming a Christian, but why? I hope to begin to figure out.

First, for those of you who dont know my background, I grew up in a Lutheran Church. This meant, Pastors with White Robes, Repeated phrases like the "Lord's Prayer" during services also others, Hymnal and Organ Player, and also Infant Baptism. Sounds real exciting I know, but that doesnt negate their legitimacies.

However, after attending a Baptist church for a time I have been challenged to consider what Baptism is in fact. Not that I listen to all that the baptists say and take as quick facts, but that I consider their beliefs and the beliefs of the Lutheran church or any view of baptism even Atheists in light of the Word of God to see what it says about baptism.

Because it really goes back to, what is the authority to tell me what is and what isnt true about anything. This is the issue. Ultimate authority. In light of this, I think there are a lot of things we go to for ultimate authority and not even realizing it. The source of this authority is crucial, for if we go to an unreliable source, every knows that the truth may be altered and down right wrong for the sake of some purpose rather than being correct.

This authority ought to define how we think, live, act, love, and desire. Because it is true and the way we think is probably not in connection with it or our actions or desires and etc...

To cut to the chase so I can go onto baptism is that I really believe that the ultimate authority that debunks everything else if in opposition, which includes my own thoughts and feelings, is the Word of God, the Bible.

A few reasons why I think the Bible is the ultimate authority:

It claims to be the ultimate authority. (Hebrews 4:12-13, 2 Timothy 3:16, Luke 1:37, Matthew 4:4, Proverbs 30:5, Isaiah 1:10, and read the whole Chapter of Psalm 119)

If it is from God as it claims, then it must be.

Most of its claims about reality are being confirmed and seen in my day to day life.

I am just not smart enough to know everything.

Everyone is not smart enough to know everything.

There is nothing we can create that is smart enough to know everything.

Impersonal ideas (Impersonal God, Science, strong energy) have no connection or valid argument to explain why living, personal beings exist and have a deep feeling and desire to live for something above themselves. If you want to discuss about this I would be pumped to talk.

Those are the biggies for me. Anyway, now back to baptism. As looking to the ultimate authority, I looked through it to see what it spoke on baptism.

The old testament has no direct talk on water baptism.

The new testament some. So I stuck with it.

So the first question, does being immersed under water by a pastor or minister of Christianity save that person from hell and give them the opportunity for heaven?

I dont think it does and this is why.

John 3 is a good chapter to run to, because of a lot of confusion that comes from it. Lets take a look.

John 3

1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]”

4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]

9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[e] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[f] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[g]

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.


I bolded the first part of the passage to make a comment. Some take the "born of water and spirit" to mean that I need to literally get baptized to be able to enter God's kingdom. I really dont think this is the case and I will say why.

After Jesus says this, he says a lot more. Actually adding and explaining what he just said. This is acting like a great teacher to Nicodemus in that Jesus is first stating in general and blunt terms what he wants them to know, but if a student poses a questions then the teacher in concern for the student must elaborate and explain themself more as they go. This is what Jesus does when talking with Nicodemus, he patiently teaches and explains more on what it means to be "born with water and spirit".

In Jesus' further explanation of being "born of water and spirit" from verse 8 to verse 21 (after verse 21 he is finished explaining with Nicodemus) there is no discussion of water baptism whatsoever. Not even a hint. But he does explain something else, which I will touch on. Not to mention that right after saying that he says this :

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.

Even if it is water baptism then why would it have a behavior like this? That it blows where ever it pleases, then when do we know that it is a legit baptism? It seems not to make sense here. Although you could explain it away saying: well being brought to baptism is what displays this as the Spirit doing as it please, because we dont understand when people will come to do it and we dont force it, because it is God who causes them to do it etc etc. Valid point, but I think the next part will make more clear.

Believe I think rings loudly in his explanation of being "born of water and spirit". He states it at least four times. I would like to explain it more if but briefly. This is becoming a long blog (prob longest one ever). A deep trust and reliance upon another for the eternal position of ourselves. We are unable to save ourselve from our current state. The bible claims that we are not only people that mess up, but way more is that we are wicked and corrupt people who do nothing but think and act wickedly and evily (Genesis 6:5 paints a good picture of this). Because of this we deserve to be punished by a good and eternal God forever. But, Jesus by his love for us offers himself to jump in front of this punishment for us, so that we could have hope to actually be able to be with God personally.

So I came to the point that I just reestablished my conviction that Jesus' and his work on the cross is the only means by which anyone am saved and that baptism doesnt have an absolute connection with being saved from God's wrath and given forgiven through Jesus' death and ressurrection, although it is important and commanded by God (see Matthew 28:18-20). God's effort to cause me believe in this gospel saves me. God saves me, not me save myself.

No power in my ability or things around me to save myself, but only the rich mercy and grace of God on my helpless behalf.

This great mercy should make me want to get baptized to show the world that I am not saved by myself, but Jesus alone died for me and was raised to life to give me his status as son of God.

Jesus is the King

There are not many Kings (if any) around now a days. usually when we think about Kings, we think of power hungry, childish, over greedy, uncontrollable, war mongering, and cruel men.

But when we look at the Christian view of Jesus Christ, the promised messiah and savior. He claimed to be the King of the Universe in his lifetime, yet acted and lived quite contrary to the contemporary picture of the King we may think of. Maybe even this idea of a King is not always the case even for human ones. Anyway, I thought to bring up some areas in the bible, where Jesus talk about himself as the king. Look through these verses as the lens of what you think a natural King deserves or should be in (a nice throne room... with jewels...) and compare that with this picture of Jesus.

The Workers Are Few
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”



Jesus before Pilate
28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetorium, and it was early; and they themselves did not enter into the Praetorium so that they would not be defiled, but might eat the Passover.
29 Therefore Pilate went out to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this Man?"

30They answered and said to him, "If this Man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him to you."

31So Pilate said to them, "Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law." The Jews said to him, "We are not permitted to put anyone to death,"

32 to fulfill the word of Jesus which He spoke, signifying by what kind of death He was about to die.

33 Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?"

34 Jesus answered, "Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?"

35 Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?"

36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm."

37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

38 Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, "I find no guilt in Him.

39"But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?"

40So they cried out again, saying, "Not this Man, but Barabbas." Now Barabbas was a robber.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.


He spoke of this kingdom in heaven a lot with his time on the earth. A country with a King to it. He spoke of this kingdom, He spoke of its significance, he denounced improper ways to enter it or think of it, he wanted people to want to be in it, he wanted people to come to this kingdom, and know this kingdom. He died for it in the end, he died for the people he created.

What is the most beautiful experience in life?

I was reading a short article by Albert Einstein and came to an interesting topic he was discussing. Here it is. I will comment on it afterward.

Albert Einstein was considering experiences that were beautiful. Obviously we dont call them beautiful as much. Maybe wondrous or awesome. Considering the reality of existence and the mysteries that compose it. Here He goes.

"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed. It was the experience of mystery -- even if mixed with fear -- that engendered religion. A knowledge of the existence of something we cannot penetrate, our perceptions of the profoundest reason and the most radiant beauty, which only in their most primitive forms are accessible to our minds: it is this knowledge and this emotion that constitute true religiosity. In this sense, and only this sense, I am a deeply religious man... I am satisfied with the mystery of life's eternity and with a knowledge, a sense, of the marvelous structure of existence -- as well as the humble attempt to understand even a tiny portion of the Reason that manifests itself in nature."

First comment I could think of is his initial idea of how we ought to approach this. You cannot look at existence as say, "wow this is dull and boring, I am a lot better than this stuff". Albert calls such a person dull and "as good as dead". Strong words. There should be an excitement and wonder as we consider the outer realities around us. Physics, gravity, elements and their reactions, they are above us, we cant alter them in an absolute sense.

If you notice how he begins, the experience of the emotion to know the mysterious of existence is not founded in and of ourself, for without the outer reality of existence, how could we even think and ponder upon it? Even in light of the outer existence, without our various instruments of the personal body (eyes, brain, ears, taste) that percieve it are quite dependent on their existence themselves. Without our eyes, brain, ears, taste we had no ability to percieve reality.

So the question becomes, why are we so intrigued and pushed to awe and the existence of things around us? Although there is a clear sense of corruption, destruction, and chaos in this existence; there is also however a percieved beauty, wonder, and eternality. This experience pushes in my mind the human being to awe and what Christians call, worship, lifting something above ourselves in our view of value, purpose, and direction. Despite whether we call it a deity or not. It is obviously above us, in power, beauty, and size. Thus pushing us to such an inclination.

Paul speaks about this same reality, in a different perspective.

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles."

This mysterious yet joyful experience, Paul states ought to push us to see, search, and finally find that there was a Eternal designer and creator that made these wonderful and mysterious realities around us that we cannot comprehend fully and if we did, would invite claims of pride.

Albert, a very intelligent man; definitely smarter than me, knew from his position how incapable he was to understand the realities around him. Even stating the approach of his "humble attempt" to pursue understanding things around him. Even calling himself religious. Not in the established church belief, but the joy that comes from the knowledge of something greater than self.

So let us consider how, the evidences around us of existence in general, do not broadly display obviously that there is a creator, but clearly clues us to his existence and current involvement in the life and reality of his creation.

And if he does exist, should push us to a "humble approach" towards knowing this creator, for if we can recieve some form of happiness from the things he made around us and be in wonder of them for years, how much more will the creator who made them make us happy and create in us an awe and wonder at his person.

We are these two different yet similiar sons.

The Prodigal Son

11And He said, "A man had two sons.
12"The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me (E)the share of the estate that falls to me ' So he divided his (F)wealth between them.

13"And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living.

14"Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished.

15"So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

16"And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him.

17"But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!

18'I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight;

19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men."'

20"So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and (G)embraced him and kissed him.

21"And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

22"But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out (H)the best robe and put it on him, and (I)put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;

23and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;

24for this son of mine was (J)dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate.

25"Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.

26"And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be.

27"And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.'

28"But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him.

29"But he answered and said to his father, 'Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends;

30but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your (K)wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.'

31"And he said to him, 'Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours.

32'But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was (L)dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.'"

Knowing and Beholding the Treasure of Jesus. The best remedy.

Hello everyone,

We began this semester reading through the book of Galatians. Boy do I recommend diving deep into it. It has been very reviving and deeply convicting to my heart and how I see the gospel. There really is no other precious sentence, paragraph, or idea to think of other than the gospel of the eternal God.

Jesus, the eternal one. Who made us, who is unchangingly perfect. With no begining, he came and took the wrath of God for me? Wow! Thank you precious Jesus! I wish to more and more, and even with a flawed and forgetting heart now, wish to think more lovely at the one who bled and died for my evil that I loved more than anything. This is an idea that will revolutionary change us. Man, I wish I could explain it.

I was reading through some commentary concerning Galatians and this was an idea that sparked in me a joy that I wish to express and hope will cause a similiar spark from the holy spirit within you.

3. Grace be to you and peace. This form of salutation, which occurred in the other epistles, has received an explanation, to which I still adhere. Paul wishes for the Galatians a state of friendship with God, and, along with it, all good things; for the favor of God is the source from which we derive every kind of prosperity. He presents both petitions to Christ, as well as to the Father; because without Christ neither grace, nor any real prosperity, can be obtained."

4. "Who gave himself for our sins. He begins with commending the grace of Christ, in order to recall and fix on Him the attention of the Galatians; for, if they had justly appreciated this benefit of redemption, they would never have fallen into opposite views of religion. He who knows Christ in a proper manner beholds him earnestly, embraces him with the warmest affection, is absorbed in the contemplation of him, and desires no other object. The best remedy for purifying our minds from any kind of errors or superstitions, is to keep in remembrance our relation to Christ, and the benefits which he has conferred upon us.

Jesus. Who He is, his preciousness. A divine preciousness, above any earthly gold or silver, car or house, video game or movie. This value to us should be chiefly approached not only in light of who He is, but what he has bought and accomplished on the cross for us. Just think about what he did on earth alone. Miracles, Teaching, Loving, Sovereignly arrested, sovereignly beaten, mocked, nailed, choked, and climaxily experiencing a divine seperation from the Father for us and because of us. And coming to life by his Father's power three days later for the victory over our sin and Satan's power in sin.

This reality of the cross being what we gaze and seek to know and see properly. Makes all the difference is how we live and put our longings and affections.

Man it excites me, I hope you have a great week. remember Jesus and the cross he took for you and me.