Tag: Paul

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Level ground

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Lidia Nikole on Unsplash

A few “through the bible” thoughts from Philemon.

When Paul sends Philemon back to Onesimus, it is “no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother – especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord” (Philemon 16).

In the margin of my bible I had written, “The ground is level before the cross.” Faith in Christ not only changes our relationship with God, but also with other people. None is better or worse than another. We’re all in desperate need of grace. We all have a Savior who brings that grace to us, no matter who we are or who we used to be.

This is a totally different worldview, isn’t it? We constantly compare ourselves with others, looking up to some, condemning others. We don’t even know them. Not really.

One song lyric described Jesus as one who looked down on us, but never looked down on us. The former is situational. He is on the throne, ruling over all. The latter is relational. He doesn’t condemn us, but does everything he possibly can to save us.

Wouldn’t it be something if we all shared his perspective?

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Plenty of contentment

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from 1 Timothy 6.

“If we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (1 Timothy 6:8).

When I read those words, my first thought is, “Yeah, right. Who does that?” Who’s content with life’s basic needs? No one I know.

What about a house? Utilities? A bed, a dresser, a lamp, and a table and chairs for the dining room? Pots and pans, dishes and cups, and utensils for the kitchen? Appliances? Curtains for the windows? Cleaning supplies? Transportation to and from your job? Glasses? A watch?

From there it’s a small step to a cell phone, wi-fi, various insurances (which someone demands you have), a termite bond, a backpack, trashcan, lightbulbs, a coffee maker, and a microwave.

I don’t think any of that is excessive. In my world, those things are required. Well, almost.

But even with all that, contentment is elusive. Everyone – yes, everyone – is working hard to steal my contentment and sell me something. From door-to-door folks to ads that accompany my Google searches, hard working sales people hawk so many things I never knew I needed! Everything I own can be upgraded to something better. Shelf lives are short, so everything must be replaced often. Who has time to be content?

Maybe Paul was writing about himself and his traveling companions. On their missionary journeys, they didn’t have to worry about homes and vehicles and everything associated with them. Indeed, all they needed was some clothing, some food, and a place to stay for the night. It’s like living out of a backpack, working odd jobs, and depending on the hospitality of others for a place to stay.

So, in this example, the less I have (just a backpack) – or see others have – the more content I am. That’s not intuitive. But it’s worth pondering.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Walking Worthy: Exhortation and Growth in Faith

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Kasper Rasmussen on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from 1 Thessalonians 2.

“We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12).

How much of the Christian faith involves the involvement and encouragement of others? Much more than we realize!

We’ve known for a long time that the most successful evangelism strategy is a simple invitation. Research shows again and again that most people go to a church because someone invited them. It’s not the music, the preacher, the building, the donuts, the children’s program, or the free gift for first-time visitors. It’s the encouragement of friends or family. Of course it’s not a fool-proof strategy. Not everyone will accept the invitation. But it’s the best we’ve got.

A personal relationship with God will always connect us with others who know him, trust him, listen to him, talk about him, and worship him. Sometimes just being with other Christians influences us. It’s like seeing what someone has ordered at a restaurant and saying, “I’ll have what she’s having.” Other times it’s their exhortation and encouragement. The only reason I ever sang in a choir, taught children, wrote devotional material, served on a board of directors, or went on a mission trip is because someone asked me to do those things. I’m glad they did, because with each experience, I grew in my faith and met some great people.

When Paul wrote these words to believers in Thessalonica, he wanted them to know how much he cared about them. He wanted them to experience the kingdom and glory of God. So he exhorted, encouraged, and challenged them to “walk in a manner worthy of God.” He urged them to be the people God had created and saved them to be.

I’m thankful for the many who exhort, encourage, and challenge me, too.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Down but not out

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Acts 14.

In Acts 14, Jews are on a mission of their own from Antioch and Iconium to hinder Paul’s preaching. “having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead” (Acts 14:19).

However the next day, Paul and Barnabas preached in Derbe. I imagine Paul looked like Rocky after either of his fights with Apollo Creed. Maybe worse. He’s bloody, bruised, and an eye is swollen shut. He’s limping, has one arm in a sling, and is missing a couple of teeth. With a concussion like that he should sit out at least one game, right?

How would you like to visit a church where the preacher looked like that on a Sunday morning? I once preached with some stitches on my forehead from skin cancer surgery. Another time I had a bloody nose a few moments before the sermon. I don’t remember getting many questions.

But if I were in Derbe, I’d have a lot of questions. Like, “Why didn’t anyone stop the mob who came after Paul?” And, “Barnabas, why do you look so good while Paul looks so bad?” Or how about, “Don’t you ever take a day off, Paul?”

I suppose this would have been a good chance for Paul to say, “You should see the other guy.” By the other guy, I mean Jesus. After seeing what happened to him on the cross, the apostles knew what they were in for. And yet, they rejoiced “that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” (5:41). Prison? Beatings? It was all in the job description.