Connect360: Learning to endure

  • Lesson 1 in the Connect360 unit “The Making of Authentic Faith: Wisdom that Works” focuses on James 1:1-12.

No one can accuse James of drawing out the introduction to his letter. While sometimes other books of the Bible have long and formal introductions, James began his letter quickly and clearly. He could have listed his credentials as a significant religious leader of the time but instead chose to identify as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. This example of biblical leadership stands in stark contrast to the modern notion of a “strong leader.” The wisdom of the world perceives a strong leader as generally unfeeling, cold and perhaps demeaning.

Just a brief consideration of the dog-eat-dog culture of corporate leadership highlights how different biblical leadership operates. Servant leadership prioritizes people over self-ego. James was following the ultimate example of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve others (Matthew 20:28).

Serve all the family of God

A servant leader, James’ heart was first and foremost to serve God and serve his brothers and sisters scattered all over. Some translations may use the term diaspora while others prefer scattered, but the point is the same—this is a message of encouragement and hope to fellow Jewish Christians of a vast geographical area. In other words, this is the beginning of a conversation between family. While James was in Jerusalem, his heart was burdened to encourage his brothers and sisters spread out across the entire known world. They were separated, but James felt connected and united to them.

While this letter was written for the Jews of a particular time and place, as part of Holy Scripture, it also is for all Christians who are members of God’s family. Ephesians 2:19 teaches that all who are reconciled in Jesus Christ are no longer strangers but a part of the family of God. Thus, all Christians should take heart and courage with James’ message that learning to endure trials and difficulties will have eternal reward and be transformed to give purpose and meaning to their pain. This is a message of hope for all who are a part of God’s family.

Compiled by Stan Granberry, marketing coordinator for GC2 Press, formerly known as BaptistWay Press.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.   




Explore the Bible: Joy of adversity

  • The Explore the Bible lesson for Sept. 12 focuses on Philippians 1:12-26.

The serenity prayer is contributed to 20th century theologian Reinhold Neibuhr, and it is one of the most beloved prayers quoted by people worldwide, as well as popular among the group Alcoholics Anonymous. The beautiful heart-felt prayer reads, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Although the prayer is not found in the Bible and some may point to God as a higher power, Christians quote the prayer recognizing God as Creator and Savior of the world.

In the world of confusion and chaos, Christians are petitioning God for peace and calmness. Realizing only a true and living God will grant the answers to the serenity prayer makes the heart glad. Jesus reminds his disciples in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

The same peace is granted to every believer by the Holy Spirit today. Courage to change things is the opposite of fear to remain in stagnant things. Paul reminds young Timothy, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). King Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule the kingdom, and God granted him wisdom and riches along with it (1 Kings 3:10). The same kind of wisdom granted to King Solomon is available to the believer when asked without doubting (James 1:5). It takes wisdom from God to know the difference between what is good and what is best for our lives.

Advancing the Gospel (Philippians 1:12-18)

In Paul’s letter to the Philippian church, Paul wants the church to be confident the gospel is being spread throughout the prison (v. 12). Although Paul is incarcerated, he refuses to let his imprisonment define who he is in Christ Jesus. Paul genuinely believes his imprisonment is because he is in Christ (v. 13).

Before Paul’s conversion, he persecuted the church, denied his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and thought he was doing the right things to protect the sacred word of God. After his conversion, Paul was persuaded nothing could separate him from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).

The distress Paul expresses is that preachers are preaching Christ for the wrong reasons (v. 15). How is it possible for a believer to preach out of selfish gain? Is it possible for a preacher to stoop to the lowest methods to obtain fame and fortune? In any case, those who sought to cause problems did not deter Paul from his assignment.

Timothy was instructed by Paul to teach on issues of morality and ethics to the church, especially about false teachers and money (1 Timothy 6:3-10). Paul wanted Timothy to understand “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). However, God has given wealth to some believers. Lydia, (Acts 16:14-16), was a rich businesswoman who was converted by the message of Paul. Afterwards, she and her family were baptized. Let us thank God for the many believers who are wealthy and supporting the gospel with their wealth. But above all, the Christian’s conduct must be worthy of the gospel of Christ (vs. 27).

Unashamed of the Gospel (Philippians 1:19-26)

Paul’s eager expectation and hope is to be unashamed. Paul loved God before his conversion. Persecuting the church and killing the Christians were examples of Paul’s passion to keep the Law and standards of the Old Testament pure, so he thought. It is no surprise after his experience with the living Christ and his conversion to Christianity that he confesses, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans1:16). There were numerous actions of the past that caused him shame; however, the grace of God erased all shame until Paul was completely healed to the point “Christ would be highly honored in his body” (vs. 20).

How should Christians handle the shame of the past? As believers deal with the pain of shame and share stories with other believers, Jesus will heal the heart and bring freedom to the spirit.

Jesus showed compassion to those who experienced shame. One example is the woman at Bethany who oiled his head and feet while in the home of Simon the leper (Matthew 6: 6-13). Jesus told the indignant disciples what the women did forever would be included in the gospel story.

Through his death on the cross, shame was scorned. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrew 12:2b). Crucifixion on the cross was the most shameful way a person could die. However, Jesus endured the shame and guilt for all humanity’s sin. Paul is beyond grateful to honor Christ, through life or death, because of the awful price paid for his wrongdoing.

Margie Clayton is minister of education at Berean Tabernacle Baptist Church in Liberty, Texas.

 




Connect360: Lessons Learned from Judges and the Last Judge

  • Lesson 13 in the Connect360 unit “The Conquerors: Heroes of the Faith” focuses on Judges 2-8 and 1 Samuel 3:1-11.

We come to the last lesson in this study from the book of Judges, Chapters 1-8. So many events, so many practical lessons, and so many examples of the faithfulness of God to his people can be found on each page. The Book of Judges is about some conquerors; some were successful and used their lives to honor God. However, some judges in this book were conquered. The temptation of sin and the lure of the world proved too much for them. All of us either will be conquered in this world, or we will be conquerors through the power of God.

Many spiritually pragmatic things can be learned from the lives of Caleb, Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Barak and Gideon. Our 13-week study did not give us time to look into the lives of Tola, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon or Samson, who also are considered judges of Israel. Most great theologians will tell you there are 12 judges mentioned in the Old Testament, but since I am not a great theologian, I think there are 15. I add Caleb to the list, as well as Barak and I even put Samuel in as a judge. Although Samuel’s title was prophet, his role was very similar to the judges in the book of Judges. In fact, 1 Samuel 7:15 says, “Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.”

Scripture re-calibrates and corrects us

My prayer for you as we finish this study is that God has caught your heart’s attention. I pray that you have spent some time in God’s presence evaluating your heart, your obedience and your agenda for life. A look at the judges should also require a look into our own hearts. If we see some strengths in them that we see in ourselves, let’s build on those strengths. If we see some weakness in them that we see in ourselves, let’s course correct and thank God for the grace of seeing the things that need to change in our lives.

The Lord uses his word to re-calibrate us and correct us. As Paul was telling Timothy about the power of God’s word to do what he wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” This is what we want, we want to be corrected so we will be complete. We want to be trained, so we will be equipped for every good work.

You may not feel qualified. You may feel like you come from a weak spiritual background. You may feel like a nobody or simply insignificant. Every judge in the Old Testament could probably relate. But God loves to use those who may feel shaky or inferior or incapable.

God is not looking for your ability, but your availability. Tell God today that you are his. Tell God today that you are available for any task, any calling, or any mission that he has for you. And then listen and watch for any and every opportunity he may have for you. I wonder sometimes if we miss an opportunity because we are not listening closely to hear and obey his guidance.

Compiled by Stan Granberry, marketing coordinator for GC2 Press, formerly known as BaptistWay Press.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here




Explore the Bible: Joy in Prayer

  • The Explore the Bible lesson for Sept. 5  focuses on Philippians 1:-11.

It is difficult to believe that bad things happen to good people. In June 2011, my husband was involved in a tragic accident that nearly cost the loss of his legs and his life. Months of rehabilitation coupled with rounds of intravenous antibiotics slowly brought him back to a state of acceptable health.

During the long convalescence stage in the hospital, I had to remind him through all the physical pain, dark moments, and days of uncertainty, God heard and answered the joyous prayers of the congregation and the community concerning his recovery. Believers remained in unwavering confidence God not only heard the prayers, but waited patiently for the promise to heal his body. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15).

The congregation developed a heart of compassion for their pastor, my husband, bringing great joy to his spirit with heart-felt compassion for the people. The members united in spirit to continue the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as to minister to the needs of the congregation and community. Both pastor and people were committed to pray joyously, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).

Growing in Love and Truth (Philippians 1:1-8)

In prison, Paul writes to the Philippian church while introducing himself as a slave to Jesus Christ. Believers understand Jesus Christ is the center of the joy in Paul’s life, as Paul expresses the confidence in the believer’s relationship and devotion to Christ. Paul is filled with joy when he remembers and prays for his friends because both share the love and passion for each other and Christ (v. 3-5).

During the lonely and sometime dark moments of my husband’s hospital convalescence, the Holy Spirit led him to pray for the church, as well as others. The prayers were some of the most passionate, joyous and heart-felt petitions made to God, full of love and grace. In his convalescence, he remembered the struggles and successes of the congregation. He remembered the weddings, the baptisms and the burials. Most of all, he remembered the words of Paul, “being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (v. 6).

As believers, we will face setbacks, disappointments and dangers while becoming more Christlike. Jesus did not promise we would escape hardships, but he gives us joy for the journey. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:11-12).

God has given us his only Son to bring us into a right relationship with him. Paul understood the magnitude of remaining in relationship with Christ, thereby experiencing “inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8).

How deep is your affection for the believers? Have you experienced the joy of the Lord when praying for others? Although Paul experienced numerous hardships while spreading the gospel, he remained true to Christ and affectionate to the believers at Philippi. What can be worse than being in a Roman prison, not able to leave, or some other dark, damp, cold existence that prevents one from experiencing joyful prayers?

Abounding in the Gospel Fruit (Philippians 1:9-11)

There are serious right and wrong issues that need to be explored as it relates to morality concerning Christian character. Paul addresses the need for the church at Philippi to “grow in knowledge and every kind of discernment” (v. 9). The idea of growing in gospel fruit is illustrated throughout Paul’s journey. For example, Paul describes nine fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23). When we learn what pleases God, we will produce right character—fruit (Colossians 1:10). Paul longed to travel to Rome in order to produce fruit from his ministry (Romans 1:13). And as illustrated by the Philippian church, the giving of money and resources are needful gifts (Philippians 4:15).

Obtaining the knowledge and discernment Paul speaks about only can be accomplished through abounding in love. Mere human love satisfies the flesh, and not the spirit of man. The kind of love illustrated in the lesson is found in the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is the kind of love the Father displayed by allowing his dear Son to give his life freely by becoming a living sacrifice for all mankind. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

Paul’s intense love for the Philippian church and especially for Christ compels him to pray for all to abound in the gospel fruit so they “may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ” (v. 10). Is your character in line with the Christian faith and Scripture? Are there areas in your Christian character for improvement?

Margie Clayton is minister of education at Berean Tabernacle Baptist Church in Liberty, Texas. 




Explore the Bible: What is life about?

  • The Explore the Bible lesson for August 29 focuses on Ecclesiastes 12:1-14.

I remembered in grade school our math textbooks were special. They didn’t just have the lessons; they had the answers for all the odd problems in the back of the book. This was a helpful tool, just to make sure you were on the right path with regards to the assignment. This week, we come to the end—the epilogue, if you will—for Qohelet. Just like the answers in the back of the math book, it doesn’t solve every part of life for us; rather, we can check ourselves against this chapter to see that we are on the godly path.

The poem in our chapter gives beautiful and complex allegory to the natural aging process. Several scholars note this including Robert Alter in his translation and commentary along with John Goldingay in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, & Song of Songs for Everyone. The picture is bleak. The storm clouds have come and stayed. We know natural decay comes for all; therefore, it is vital that life be lived well each day. We must remember to honor God while we have faculty to do so—for the days of trouble, failing body and mind, will approach (v. 1). In Texas, we have often seen the storms roll in as the clouds of the “blue norther” or the thunderstorms come in off the Gulf of Mexico. But once the storm front has passed, the clouds leave. The skies clear and return to blue. For both Alter and Goldingay, the picture of clouds after rain implies this is one final storm that will not just blow over.

The picture of trembling can cause us to think of failing limbs and shaking hands. We often like to say, “age is only a number.” But our life on this earth is tied directly to our bodies as they approach their expiration date. The author catalogues the decaying of the body as we age. The translation of “grinders” in the Hebrew is very close to the word for “teeth,” specifically “molars.”  “The doors are closed” and “the windows grow dim” show the loss of vision. The process continues, “It’s when you wake up with the birds because you can’t sleep, but you can’t properly hear girls singing. It’s when you’re afraid of heights and the danger of going out. It’s when your hair grows white like almond blossoms, and you shuffle along like a grasshopper and your desires fail. All these experiences indicate you’re on your way to your eternal home in the grave… the mourners are already gathering….” (Goldingay, p. 218-219) Before all these things happen—and we all know they will happen—we are to go back to the beginning. Remember God. Fear the Lord and follow his commands. God is the giver of all life, and it is to him we will return when our bodies return to dust.

Qohelet has already declared and demonstrated a wisdom far beyond anyone of his time, or any time for that matter. Our final poem ends just the way the book began. Ecclesiastes 12:8 is the same as 1:2: “Hebel, hebel… Everything is hebel.”  We are “vapor” or “breath.” And as Goldingay concludes, he declares that Qohelet hasn’t really made any progress in his pursuit of wisdom and understanding in life. “Everything is as empty in the end as it was at the beginning.”

Enjoy the blessings of the day

This doesn’t mean that life is empty. Actually, Qohelet calls us to the contrary. We are to enjoy the everyday delights God bestows on us: food, drink and relationships. Goldingay challenges to look at the teachings of Qohelet in light of the Bible as a whole. Look at what God does in and through Israel, and how he redeems all humankind through the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and how the church is launched through the matchless work of the Holy Spirit. “The reason the Bible has authority is that is alone can tell us this story. Churchman [Qohelet] submits himself and us to a thought experiment. What happens when you leave out this story and confine yourself to what you can discover empirically? ‘Everything is empty’ is the answer.” (Goldingay, p. 221)

The words of Qohelet are challenging. They are “goads” in life that direct and instruct us in the right path. He gives us one final answer to check how we are living life: “Fear God and keep his commandments.” God is the judge. He is the one to whom we are to seek to honor and worship, acknowledging our dependence on him in all matters.

Davey Gibson is associate pastor of education and discipleship at Sugar Land Baptist Church in Sugar Land, Texas. 




Connect360: How Quickly from Conqueror to Conquered

  • Lesson 12 in the Connect360 unit “The Conquerors: Heroes of the Faith” focuses on Judges 8:18-34.

The men of Israel told Gideon and his family to rule over them. Gideon’s first response was spot on, it was a righteous response; “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.” And I submit to you that this is the last God-honoring comment made by Gideon as recorded in the Scriptures.

Gideon turned to his army and to his followers and asked every one of them to give him a gold earring that they had collected as a spoil of war. A cloak was spread out, and everyone threw in their tribute. There was a lot of gold.

Gideon took the gold and made an ephod from it. An ephod is a garment with gold and jewels that is to be worn by a priest. The ephod had elements on it that reminded the people of the forgiveness found in God and the blood of a sacrifice, and it had elements of God’s will and direction. It was sacred, and it was a symbol of godliness, holiness and honor. However, this was not to be worn by a non-priest. Gideon surely wore it for show, to take on the appearance of spiritual importance.

The Apostle Paul had harsh words for this type of life. Second Timothy 3:2-5 says: “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”

And as people often do with something they can see and worship, the Israelites committed idolatry by loving and adoring that ephod more than the God who rescued them. It was a spiritual trap for Gideon and his family. But in it all God showed His compassion again by giving Israel another 40 years. But the heart of Gideon seemingly continued to slide down away from God.

Compiled by Stan Granberry, marketing coordinator for GC2 Press, formerly known as BaptistWay Press.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here




Connect360: Leadership Lessons of a Conqueror

  • Lesson 11 in the Connect360 unit “The Conquerors: Heroes of the Faith” focuses on Judges 7:23-24; 8:1-9.

In one way or another, everyone is a leader. Leadership is influence, and there is at least someone, and probably many “someones,” that you influence. There is a great possibility the number of people you influence now will grow as life goes on. It may be a child, a co-worker, a friend, a neighbor, or someone at church you influence. You may presently lead a team, a class, a group, an organization or a club. If not now, you may lead one of those things one day.

You are probably around the leadership of others each day. Life is made up of leaders and followers, it has always been the case. You may choose your leader, or that leader may be chosen for you. There are many times in leadership that you don’t necessarily like the leader placed over you, or you may have very little say in how that leader is. However, you can choose the type of leader you will be when God opens up that door of opportunity for leadership.

Practical leadership tools

There are many books on the market today about leadership, but the greatest book of all time on leadership is the Bible. Not only are there examples of good leaders and bad leaders, but there are also excellent principles and guides for being an effective and wise leader. Gideon’s life and experiences give us some practical tools in leadership.

So often leaders are tempted to grab the glory, take the spotlight, enjoy the fame, and want the rewards. Gideon reminds us that sharing leadership and responsibility and the fruits of an accomplished goal is always the right thing. A wise leader will pull in others, will leverage the gifts and passions of others, will be quick to point out the strengths of others, and will joyfully give others the opportunity to lead in their strengths.

This passage also calls out to us to be wise and measured and gracious with our words, especially with our responses. Since the advent of social media and the growing polarization in our country, we have found ourselves too quick to respond to others with short, reactive retorts. Gideon’s mild, self-deprecating, and encouraging words back to the men of Ephraim set a stellar example to us. What a great testimony Christians would have if we aimed to respond to our critics or detractors with words of self-control, goodness and grace. Christ-followers, we have the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit in us, so we can ask God to give us the strength and discipline always to respond to others with God-honoring words.

Compiled by Stan Granberry, marketing coordinator for GC2 Press, formerly known as BaptistWay Press.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.  

 




Explore the Bible: Facing death?

  • The Explore the Bible lesson for Aug. 22 focuses on Ecclesiastes 9:1-10.

My grandparents had an old gumball machine with a glass filled with pennies right beside it at their house when I was growing up. As children, we always would run to the machine when we arrived at their home, put a penny in the slot, and turn the knob. Every time, a nice round gumball would fall down the shoot to the little clear door.

I wonder if we often approach life and God in a similar fashion. If I do right, if I attend church, pray, read my Bible, maybe even tell others about Jesus, and tithe, then God will turn the knob of life and blessings will come shooting down to me. This “prosperity gospel” is not only a lie, but it also robs the true gospel of its nature.

Iain Provan write: “It is untrue, however, that the faithful obedient person will only and ever possess such things [blessings] and can somehow be sure of avoiding illness, disaster, and death if he or she can simply muster enough religious devotion. To believe this is to believe something profoundly unbiblical; to teach it is to insult every Christian… who has known illness, poverty, and misery; and to press it on the sick, the poor, and the unhappy… is to place a millstone around the neck of those who are drowning rather than offer them the comfort and home of the [real, true] gospel.” (Iain Provan, The NIV Application Commentary: Ecclesiastes/Song of Songs, p. 184) Provan remind us faith is not about control or manipulation, hoping that God always will do as we wish.

The teacher of the book of Ecclesiastes seems to have been influenced by other sources in the ancient Near East, or at least that the wisdom of Ecclesiastes influenced more than just the Israelites. This week’s text is one of the places we see this take place. In the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background Commentary, Vol. 5, Duane Garrett writes: “Our three different sources, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Israelite, have essentially the same message: ‘In the light of the brevity of life, enjoy yourself!’ This attitude, of itself, may not be too remarkable, but the specific nature and sequence of the advice suggests a common wisdom tradition.” (p. 512) While there might be connection between the advice of these ancient sources, Qohelet asserts God is sovereign (v. 1), the giver of favor (v. 7), and the giver of all our days (v. 9).

Reality of death

Qohelet expounds pragmatically this week on what is common with all living things—death. But John Goldingay asserts in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, & Song of Songs for Everyone, “With Ecclesiastes it affirms that facing death doesn’t then inhibit you from enjoy life—again, rather the opposite.” I can’t change the fact that death is coming for you and me any more than I can change the love that God has for all humanity. I can try to hide from death, cheat death, deny its existence, but death will come for all. There will come a point for all when the breath of God that gives life will be withdrawn from our lungs for the last time. This finality cannot be avoided by how we live the lives we have been given.

While Qohelet does not yet have the same understanding of resurrection that will be revealed by Christ and the teachings of the New Testament, what he says is truly Christian as he reminds us that God is God, and we are not. God’s ways are beyond our comprehension, our control and our earthly view. Facing these facts about life and death do not leave Qohelet to despair, and neither should we. For we can know the God who gives life. As Christians, we know an even greater understanding of eternity than Qohelet possessed, as we live on this side of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

Future secure with God

We do not control the future, nor can we erase the past. What we can do is trust that it is our God who has forgiven all the sins of our past, is present with us as we face present struggles, and will hold our future secure. We trust just as Paul did in 2 Timothy 1:12, “…I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”  Paul uses the word “committed” or “entrusted” to him—a banking term. It means “on deposit” or secure. Our future is secure with God through Jesus Christ. No one is ready to die and face their Creator until they have done this first.

We all face death. But we all don’t have to fear death. When we commit ourselves to Jesus, not even the great equalizer of death will worry us, for we know that even in death, God has the final say. Qohelet concludes this week, reminding us life matters because it is a gift from God—we are to enjoy it and honor him with it.

I remember finishing high school and facing all the uncertainty of the next chapter of life—moving to college, choosing a major, starting a career, perhaps finding a future spouse, and all the other parts of life that are decided in those pivotal late-adolescent years. I spoke to a good friend, lamenting that I wished God would just tell me what he wants from me: What am I supposed to do?  Where am I supposed to go?  Who am I supposed to be with?  My friend wisely responded, “Do you think if God actually spelled it all out for you, that you would actually believe him?”  It’s both a challenge and blessing that we truly do not know what comes next.

Davey Gibson is associate pastor of education and discipleship at Sugar Land Baptist Church in Sugar Land, Texas. 




Explore the Bible: Where is the balance?

  • The Explore the Bible lesson for Aug. 15 focuses on Ecclesiastes 7:11-22.

Most people in our world today normally avoid extremes. Extreme sports pose great risks and danger. Extreme diets and lifestyles can cause lasting harm. Extreme work schedules can damage relationships. Extreme political views breed fighting and disagreement.

In this lesson, Qohelet speaks of extreme foolishness and extreme righteousness and the dangers they possess. There are parts of our text that seem to contradict what we understand of God and his word. Beginning with vv. 13-14, are we to understand that God is the creator of both all the good and all the bad that happen in our days? Does God truly cause calamity on his children? Our lesson reminds us of the life of Job and of Job’s insightful statement to his wife following the utmost destruction that befell him, “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” (Job 2:10).

W. Sibley Towner writes of the reality that exists between God and the moral choices humanity faces every day, as well as the outcomes those choices produce. “Biblical faith is theologically monistic and ethically dualistic. That means that God is good and good alone; we human beings are capable of both moral good and moral evil. This reality about human nature means that we need help from God when we confront the choice of good or evil.” (W. Sibley Towner, The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary, Vol. III, p. 995). We know we won’t always make the correct choice, but God never forsakes us or leaves us for any reason; rather, he promises to “…be alongside, ready to muddle on through with us.” (Towner, p. 995) An example from the life of Christ that Towner gives us is John 9, where the disciples question the reason for a blind man’s blindness. The simple answer that Jesus gives is that it is neither a sin committed by the man nor his parents; it is seen as an occasion wherein “God’s works might be revealed in him.” (John 9:3 NRSV)

God brings good out of bad experiences

We will all experience hardships, trials, struggles and days we would rather just never have to relive. That’s the great news of God. He will use both good and bad to bring about his purposes in our lives. As Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28, “ That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good” (The Message). And nothing, not even our own sin—which Qohelet astutely asserts is something everyone, even the wise and foolish, have in common—will separate us from God’s love. Paul concludes his famous teaching in Romans 8:37-39 with this truth: “None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” (The Message).

Ecclesiastes takes us on a journey through the extremes of Solomon or another wise teacher/king—called Qohelet—as the examine the pursuits and gains in life. Much of what the son of David experiences in his life—becoming wise, powerful, wealthy, following God, and falling away from God—lines up with the teachings of Qohelet.

John Goldingay concludes his comments on our text in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, & Song of Songs for Everyone, with the reminder that in life we are to “…accept that if God makes or lets things happen that interfere with the way you wish life would work out, you just have to deal with it.”  (p.207) He correctly asserts there is nothing a human can do to argue their way in or out of the mysteries in life that God has kept hidden or has not revealed just yet. Thus, Qohelet wishes to drive us to a better understanding of the fear of God and how this will lead us to living the life of love and balance as we depend completely and totally on him.

Davey Gibson is associate pastor of education and discipleship at Sugar Land Baptist Church in Sugar Land, Texas. 




Connect 360: The Sovereignty of God Gives us Courage

  • Lesson 10 in the Connect360 unit “The Conquerors: Heroes of the Faith” focuses on Judges 7:12-22.

Let’s consider together five details of God’s creative and exact sovereignty in this portion of the story. First is direction. There were 135,000 men in this camp, and this would have meant thousands and thousands of tents. Gideon either stumbled upon a conversation being had out in the open or walked by a tent at the guidance of God. He went to the one place in the entire camp, out of tens of thousands of people and many thousand tents, and God directed him to the exact right place.

The second is protection. Gideon and Purah moved past the outposts. The outposts were the most heavily fortified places in a camp. An intelligent general would put his most alert soldiers at the outpost to watch for any movement.

The third detail of God’s sovereignty is right timing. How many conversations would be going on in a camp as soldiers waited for the exact moment to be called into action? Surely thousands of conversations. Gideon and Purah walked up just as the dreamer was sharing his story—not a minute too soon or too late. It wasn’t a long dream. Had Gideon walked up 30 seconds earlier or definitely 30 seconds later, he would have missed the dream.

Fourth the right people displays God’s sovereignty. God supplied the dreamer and the interpreter. God slipped a dream into the mind of a dreamer, brought it to the right people who would talk loudly enough for Gideon and Purah to hear, and even put an interpreter there to rightly interpret it. Well done, God!

Finally God provides the right words. The words of the interpreter were just what was needed. It was the right word that encouraged Gideon.

After those five remarkable events happened, Gideon was filled with both worship and confidence. He returned, I believe quite hastily, to the camp of the 300 Israelites and announced that it was time to go win a battle. And Gideon wisely was quick to share that it was the Lord who had given the many Midianites into their hand (Judges 7:15).

Compiled by Stan Granberry, marketing coordinator for GC2 Press, formerly known as BaptistWay Press.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here




Explore the Bible: Why listen?

  • The Explore the Bible lesson for Aug. 8 focuses on Ecclesiastes 4:13-5:7.

“You have two ears and one mouth. Therefore, you should listen twice as much as you talk.”  I have heard this advice most of my life. Most everyone enjoys a good conversation, and our favorite topic is usually ourselves. Qohelet gives us sound advice as part of our text this week, Ecclesiastes 5:1-2, to “guard your steps when you go to the house of God. …do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. …let your words be few.”

Prepare for worship

What is life like for you on a Sunday morning? The verses in chapter 5 give direction to those who would be going up to the Temple for worship. At the Temple, God took up residence in ancient Israel, where the sacrifice for sins took place, and it was there God’s word would be proclaimed. While there is no way of knowing what great priest Oohelet has in mind to whom the worshipper should give full attention, it is worth noting the wise approach worship with the respect, devotion and reverence that is deserved.

In what ways might we prepare ourselves better for Sundays? Do we approach each worship service with the reverence and awe that is required? Or do we judge other worshippers, the music selection, and our own choices that cause us to be tired and removed from the opportunity to join other corporately before God’s throne. Don’t be a fool in church!

How to pray

Qohelet also gives advice on our prayer life. Remember that old saying, “There are no atheists in foxholes?” Everyone prays. But, as Qohelet puts it, “Much dreaming and many words are meaningless” (v. 5:7). Those who pray this way get nothing from God and nothing really from men either.

Like Qohelet, Jesus offers practical teaching on approaching God in prayer in his Sermon on the Mount, starting in Matthew 6:5-13, “whenever you pray… .” The religiously observant Jews would pray at precise times each day. They would recite the shema from Deut. 6:4-5. It didn’t matter where they were, even if they were in the streets, they would stop, face the Temple and pray. The posture of prayer was to stand and raise hands towards heaven. Qohelet and Jesus both are more concerned with the posture of the heart than the posture of the physical body.

There was nothing wrong with praying in the synagogues. It was just what the Pharisees were putting out there was for man and their own advantage. Pagan babbling was to prove they had figured out the equation to activate this certain god. Our God isn’t that way because he is the one true God. He cannot be “manipulated” by formula. God’s name was revealed by himself. Prayer begins and ends with God.

Praying where the Spirit resides and intercedes

The pagan reward, according to Jesus? Nothing. But for those who pray out of sincerity, closing the door, praying in the closet (or literal “inner room or pantry”), these are the ones who have a heart prepared for God to speak and are listening for his voice. They are the ones who do not make idle vows, but rather keep a posture of fear and reverence.

We take as our example now Hannah (1 Samuel 1:13-17), Daniel (Daniel 6:10), and Cornelius (Acts 10:1-4), who were sincere and focused in their prayer to God. And their reward?  The reward was a more intimate relationship with almighty God. A better knowledge of God’s will. A better understanding of who God is and who God has called us to be. Their prayer is coming from the inner space in their lives where the Spirit resides and intercedes on their behalf.

Modern-day theologian N.T. Wright reminds us of Paul’s teaching in Romans 8:26-27, “At the very moment when we are struggling to pray, and have no idea even what to pray for, just at that point the Spirit is most obviously at work. We are often quick with our words and I wonder if we drown out the Spirit’s groaning.” As we pray this week, let us remember we have two ears and one mouth. Yes, God wants to hear from us; however, he desires to speak to us and through us, as well.

Davey Gibson is associate pastor of education and discipleship at Sugar Land Baptist Church in Sugar Land, Texas. 




Connect360: The Selflessness of Conquering

  • Lesson 9 in the Connect360 unit “The Conquerors: Heroes of the Faith” focuses on Judges 7:1-7.

One of the things we can learn from this story is simply that the fearful and the self-centered are not necessarily disqualified, but they rarely are selected. It is difficult for God to use a person who retreats in fear, and it is difficult for God to use a person who is self-absorbed and unaware of the needs of the people around them. How often have we missed an opportunity to boldly live for Jesus or to courageously share God’s word because we either panicked or were too consumed in our own lives? God, give us brave spirits and outward-focused hearts.

So, if the fearful and the self-centered often miss out in spiritual battles and victories, then it is the courageous and the selfless that go into battle and get to experience the joy of God’s victory. In our story from Judges 7:1-11, God did something he regularly does. God often strips away the things that produce a false sense of confidence so he alone becomes our confidence. God often will not use us until we are so weak that we could never boast in ourselves, but only in the Lord alone. God took away 31,700 fighting men from an army that already was far outnumbered. God was very clear that he would get the credit for this victory. God was not going to let “Israel boast over” him (Judges 7:2). God may take away your good health. He may take away a friendship. He may take away money. He may take away ability. He may take away position. God does not share his glory with another.

God alone gets the glory

There was no denying this victory was going to belong to God alone. Please notice the starkness of declaration in Judges 7:2 and Judges 7:7 that God would have this victory. This is good news for each of us. The battle belongs to the Lord, which means the victory belongs to the Lord. Whatever battle you may be in today, a battle of cancer, of joblessness, of uncertainty or of pressure, it is the Lord who will secure victory for his people. Thanks be to God for the victory we have in Christ. No matter the outcome of that cancer, joblessness, uncertainty or pressure, God will secure the victory. This is the promise of God to you.

Compiled by Stan Granberry, marketing coordinator for GC2 Press, formerly known as BaptistWay Press.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.