I didn't see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. - Galatians 1:19
Even though we are studying the book of James, one of my favorite parts of today's study concerned Paul. I love in Galatians 1:15 where he says that God called him at birth and set him apart and I love that as he gives his testimony, it is with the understanding that "what did not matter before is now central." I just can never get enough of being reminded that the past is wiped clean when one comes to know the Lord.
In the same vein, this is what happened to James. After a lifetime of discounting that his brother was indeed the Lord, at some point he believed and that is really when his story began.
Reread Galatians 1:22-24. The chief goal of every testimony is summed up beautifully in verse 24. What does it say?
Emily: And they praised God because of me. I love that that is what each of our "come to Jesus" stories are supposed to convey. That God saves.
I don't have an answer for the personal question today, which is:
Describe a time when you grappled with some of these questions (pg 26) and tell what happened.
After reading James & the Nazarite Vow I did have this thought, which sort of goes along with the personal question.
I thought it was interesting that the idea that James perhaps was a Nazarite didn't matter During that time all believers were searching to serve God and they understood that there was not one way to do it. They weren't fighting over which sect was holier or closer to God. The early Christians simply understood that none of them had a better claim to faith, only that they all wanted to further the Kingdom.
Can't wait to hear your thoughts and insights!
Jill: Color testing. LOVE IT Lisa. Good idea.
Jill:
ReplyDeleteI really like how she reminds us of the story of Paul's conversion. But even Paul who was probably one of the best persecutors of early Christians was choosen by God from his birth to be an apostle. The 1st paragraph on page 24 one of the last sentences really struck me: Paul was not only sharing his story but also making the case that his preaching came from none other than Jesus himself and paul wasnt just parroting others" For some reason that really struck me. If God can convert Paul and use him what can He do with my life, if I only let Him???
As for the personal question, I have a story that directly involves Emily and you too Lisa. My entire life I was raised Catholic, had nun's for teachers, my school was my church, and they knew everything about me and my family. I was told what to believe and if I had questions I got into trouble. Well for a long time I struggled with some Catholic doctrine and no one could answer my questions, so I fell away from the church, I felt I needed something or someone, and I search in all the wrong places to try and fill the void in my life, date the wrong people, never prayed. I was totally lost and alone. I was told only Catholic's were the real way to God, everyone else was going to Hell. I didnt know any better and I just didnt know where to go or who to turn to. But God has a way of putting people or situations in your life that lead you back to Him (if you only let him). God gave Jon to me which lead me to Emily, who had that bible study a few years ago now, which changed my life. Then I met you Lisa at that bible study, and Lisa was the one that told me about Flatirons. Now Jon goes to church also. Interesting how He works isnt it. I am learning that the Catholics werent always right (and I knew it). So thank you Emily and Lisa, you two are very important people in my life, maybe more than you realize. :)
Lisa:
ReplyDeleteGirls, you can't see me, but there are big tears welling up in my eyes. I'm a crier, I'll give you that, but Jill, your story just hit me. It just goes to show that you never know how deep you impact someone. I had been so impressed by Flatirons online, and couldn't wait to recommend it to someone! I just love your story, Jill! It is amazing how God can work anything for His incredible plan! It stinks that we sometimes have to suffer and go through the mud to get there, but in the end, it's so peaceful to be where God wants us. Yay God!
Mini Sermon Complete.
Can I just say, before I start, that I love how we are studying a specific man, who wrote an entire book in the Bible, and we have YET to even crack the pages of the Book of James! I had no idea how many times James was mentioned throughout the New Testament, but now my eyes are opened to all of the direct and indirect references to him! So fun to go on these Scavenger Hunts through the Scriptures!
Back on track:
Galatians 1:24
Obviously this one is right in the Word. "And they praised God because of me." After reading this, though, I wondered, what if Paul had said "No?" What if he decided to hang with Peter and James and not go on to Syria and Cilicia? What if he stayed where he was comfy cozy and content? I'm sure God would have chosen someone else, but because Paul was obedient, "They praised God because of him." So awesome!
Grappling with Questions:
"Do we think we have a few strikes against our relationships with other servants of God?"
I'm not sure if this is really what Beth is looking for, but I sometimes have a hard time with Sunday Christians. What I mean by this is people who show up in their Sunday finest for church on Sunday. They say all the right things and do everything the way they "should" and then live the rest of their week as if they had never entered the church doors on Sunday.
I'm not perfect. I sin (even on Sundays) but I try. Therefore, I then have a tough time with these individuals on Sunday.
There. I said it.
I know exactly what you are talking about Lisa when you say "Sunday Christians". That was me and most everyone I knew. That was one of the things that had me so confused. I was raised in a place where it was important to be "seen" and if we didnt go to church that Sunday the nun's would quiz us in front of the entire class. They didnt care what we did after school, or any other time, as long as we were seen in church, and if you would arrive late, the priest would stop in the middle of talking and stare you down until you sat in your seat. And if you were not wearing the right clothes to church you would get a talking to and asked not to come to church if you didnt have on the "appropriate" clothes. I was poor growing and we lived in a very poor neighborhood. So those of us that went to that church didnt always have the luxury to have "appropriate" clothes. And if I remember correctly Jesus said "come as you are".....
ReplyDeleteEmily:
ReplyDeleteOh my dear friends. Tears prick my eyes a bit, too. You both cannot understand how very, very much I love you. I'm so glad to be doing this study with you and getting to hear your hearts and your insight.