Sunday School Corner

Justified by Faith in Christ

2012-01-30T18:45:00.000-08:00

February 5, 2012

Background Scripture: Galatians 1, 2
Lesson Passage: Galatians 2:15 – 21

As we begin this series of studies in Galatians, it is important to consider that this letter reflects Paul’s practical look at Christianity. Paul stressed throughout this letter that being a Christian must transcend an individual’s tendency to treat their faith as just a religious ritual. Christians are called to walk in a newness of life that is only possible through the transforming power of the Holy Ghost who is our internal witness of Christ’s redemptive work in us. Our actions and speech should be governed by the new inner man that is being perfected by God through Jesus Christ. In our background passage, Paul insisted that Christianity does not stand along side any other profession of faith or religion. Christianity is the only gospel, or good news, for a dying world from the only true and living God. Paul’s position was not an argument of philosophy to be debated with other learned men who cared to share their own thoughts and theories. Paul declared that his calling was through the revelation of Jesus Christ. Therefore, what Paul said or wrote was not his opinion but rather a divine message from Christ. Paul did not take this position to fit into the membership of the infant New Testament church. Paul’s testimony in this letter was that it took years for him to be generally accepted into the company of Christian believers. The witness of those who had traveled with Jesus during his earthly ministry bore witness to God’s grace in Paul’s life. However, Paul took issue with what he perceived to be lukewarm Christianity in some of the apostles of Christ. Some, such as Peter, wanted to talk one way and walk another. Paul publically confronted him because of it. Paul would not be a part of religious posturing when his personal experience had revealed the depth of the realness of his salvation through Christ. Furthermore, he saw the hypocrisy of the apostles’ actions as a hindrance to the spiritual growth of the Gentile believers in Galatia. Gentiles were being saved outside of the rituals found within Judaism and therefore Paul insisted that their salvation should not be marginalized by having them also participate in a ritual that had not led to their salvation in the beginning. On this point, Paul took a doctrinal stand that is fundamental to the Christian faith. The Christian’s faith is both the vehicle through which they receive salvation and the only means by which they are made right with God. No religious rituals could ever make a person right with God in the absence of faith. Paul declared that the Jewish converts to Christianity knew this experientially. Knowing this, then it made no sense to force the Gentiles to go through those rituals after they were saved and made right with God without those rituals. The Gentiles’ justification came through faith in Jesus Christ and by no other means even as it had for the Jewish converts. Justification is an act of God’s grace and there is no action that a person can take before or after that could bring about this justification on the merit of a person’s work. It is only through faith in Christ that we have access to God’s justification.

Robert C. Hudson
January 28, 2012

Israel is Delivered from Egypt

2012-01-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

January 29, 2012

Background Scripture: Exodus 1 – 15
Lesson Passage: Exodus 15:1 – 5, 19 – 26

Today we will look at another phase of Israel’s history that revolved around deliverance. In fact, this is the most widely known and greatest physical deliverance of all. There is a certain irony to it all since Israel is now being delivered from the place that was used to deliver them from famine four hundred years earlier. Deliverance has served as a point of interest through much of the history of Abraham and his descendants through Isaac and Jacob. Abraham went to Gerar as a place of sanctuary for his wife and himself during a famine and then had to be subsequently delivered from there by God. Isaac, likewise, also went to Gerar during a famine after the death of Abraham. God was with Isaac and blessed him greatly but he too had to leave there and return to Canaan. Jacob had to flee Canaan and go to Padan-aram to his uncle’s house to escape the threat of his brother. Later, Jacob had to be delivered from there so he could return to Canaan. Once again, Jacob and his family had to leave Canaan as a result of a famine and they relocated to Egypt. There the small family of seventy would grow into an exceedingly large number over a period of four hundred years. As their numbers started to multiply, the Egyptians enslaved them as a matter of self-defense. It was out of the conditions of slavery in the land that had once served as their sanctuary that the children of Israel cried out unto their covenant God for deliverance. God commissioned Moses for the task of leading this nation out of Egypt and back to the land of Canaan. Although it could have been done quickly by God, He chose instead to use a rather intricate process that involved ten plagues. These plagues each judged a different deity of the polytheistic Egyptians. This would be far more than deliverance but it would also be a severe judgment upon the Egyptians who had treated Israel badly. Even after the judgment of plagues, the Egyptians still persisted because God had hardened their hearts to pursue after Israel. Their pursuit brought them to the Red Sea where it seemed as though the Egyptians had the upper hand and all of the advantages. Here, God would make sure his ultimate deliverance of the children of Israel from the Egyptians. A pathway was made through the Red Sea by God for Israel but it was a trap for the Egyptians. Israel was able to see with their own eyes the destruction of the mighty military of Egypt at the hands of their God. Most of Chapter 15 of Exodus contains the song of victory for Israel after the Egyptian destruction. They sang praises unto their God for the wondrous works He had performed in destroying their enemy. What was once their sanctuary had become a snare. Likewise, what was once their pursuers became prey for their God. This was the final step when Israel was delivered from Egypt.

Robert C. Hudson
December 30, 2011

Joseph Transmits Abraham’s Promise

2012-01-09T17:15:00.001-08:00

January 22, 2012

Background Scripture: Genesis 50
Lesson Passage: Genesis 50:15 – 26

In last week’s lesson, we looked at the preservation of the remnant of Israel. In today’s lesson we will examine the transmission of the promise God made to Abraham. Again we are examining events related to the life of Joseph. Joseph appeared to have exercised great patience and obedience to God in enduring many unjust hardships during his life before God’s plan for him became clear. He would need this same attitude to pass on to the next generation the hope that had filled his life now that he was at the point of death. Joseph had lived ninety three years pass the point where his troubles began at the hands of his own brothers. He had seen several generations of his own offspring. This was during the time that he was leader over all Egypt. His end was much greater than his beginning. Yet Joseph understood that in spite of the luxury and family surrounding him, he would one day die. Not only was this world not his eternal home but Egypt could not be the earthly home of Israel indefinitely. This would go against the promise of God to give Abraham’s seed the land of Canaan. This promise had been passed down from Abraham to Isaac and from Isaac to Jacob (Israel). Jacob was now dead and his sons had to continue to rehearse the promise in the hearing of their children and grandchildren. For the promise to be fulfilled, the children of Israel could not remain in Egypt. The famine had long passed (sixty five years) but Israel no doubt enjoyed many benefits living in Egypt with Joseph having such a prominent position there. Joseph understood that no circumstances would hinder God’s plans whether they were bad times or good ones. Yes, Israel was living quite well in Egypt for now but one day it would all have to end so that God’s will would be done. Joseph obligated Israel to a simple request. When God moved them from Egypt back to Canaan, Joseph wanted his bones to be taken out of Egypt at that time and interned in the land of Canaan. What a strange request. Not that it was unbelievable that God would do such a thing or unusual that Joseph would want his remains to be in the land of promise. What makes this request strange is that his father, Jacob, had died in Egypt and was embalmed there but prior to his death he had insisted that his remains be taken back to Canaan and interned in the cave along with his wife, father, mother, grandfather, and grandmother. After Israel’s embalming and seventy days of mourning, Joseph made request of Pharaoh and was permitted to carry his father’s remains back to Canaan. Why not request the same for his remains? Perhaps Joseph’s remains would be a constant witness in the midst of Israel throughout their pilgrimage in Egypt of God’s faithfulness. Maybe even in death Joseph wanted to serve as encouragement for his people. His request to carry his remains with them at the time that God delivered them from Egypt could also serve as a reminder that their deliverance is ordained of God. Joseph’s dying request served to transmit Abraham’s promise from generation to generation.

Robert C. Hudson
December 28, 2011

God Preserves a Remnant

2012-01-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

January 15, 2012

Background Scripture: Genesis 42:1 – 46:7
Lesson Passage: Genesis 45:3 – 15

God is always executing His plan. God continuously works through people; those who are good as well as those who are evil. God is in control in spite of how things sometimes seem. What God has promised, He will deliver. It is easy for Christians to affirm the above statements because they echo the tenets of our faith. The difficulty is when we can’t see or imagine what God is doing when the future doesn’t look so rosy. God’s people will sometimes go through times that seem as though we’re not going to make it. God is faithful to His promises. When God promises to execute His plans through His people, He will always ensure that there is a remnant to follow through.

In our lesson today, Joseph refers to God’s miraculous deliverance of Israel from famine and sure death as God’s way of preserving a remnant. Over the course of thirteen years, Joseph had endured many hardships at the hands of many including his brothers, his boss (Potiphar), and even the butler who left prison and forgot about him for two years. In spite of all these setbacks, Joseph was elevated in position and made second in command throughout Egypt. He had served in this position for nine years at the time that God brought everything back full circle. Joseph’s brothers who had mistreated him were now on a mission to save Israel and all of his offspring except Joseph and his two sons from a sure death brought on by a devastating famine in Canaan and throughout the region. Their search for food brought them face to face with their brother Joseph who they had sought to destroy twenty two years prior. They did not recognize that it was Joseph who was standing before them as ruler over all Egypt. If their families were to survive, it would be at the discretion of Joseph. God had used Joseph to ensure that there was plenty of food in Egypt when others all around and as far away as Canaan were on the brink of starvation. Whereas Joseph’s brothers feared for their lives, Joseph praised God for a well-executed plan. In spite of the many hardships and setbacks, Joseph rejoiced because he saw that God had used all of it to preserve Israel’s family. This was the family of promise. This family of seventy souls was destined to become a great nation of innumerable citizens. No famine or any other disaster could prevent God from accomplishing His will. This is a great truth that often escapes us in times of crisis. As devastating as this famine was, it was going to get worse. This was only the second year of what would be a seven year famine. God had revealed these details to Joseph nine years earlier. What God had not revealed to Joseph earlier but it was clear to him now is that God had set His plan in motion twenty two years before this point in time. Joseph had to be in Egypt in a position of authority to be used by God to feed the nation of Israel in its infancy. In order to get there, Joseph had to go from the pit to slavery to prison and finally to the palace so that God could use him to preserve the remnant.

Robert C. Hudson
December 28, 2011

Joseph finds Favor

2012-01-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

January 8, 2012

Background Scripture: Genesis 41
Lesson Passage: Genesis 41:37 – 46, 50 – 52

Favor speaks of acts of kindness provided graciously to another. It depicts a yielding or deference by one towards another that is inferior. Favor is not something that can be demanded because the one receiving it is in no position to make such a demand. Neither can favor be earned because then it would not be favor but rather wages. So when one receives graciously from another who is superior then the former has received favor of the latter. As we study the scriptures that teach us about the life of Joseph, it becomes quite apparent that God’s favor or grace rested upon Joseph. Note that this is apparent because of the many ordeals that Joseph endured in his life. A subplot to the whole storyline is that God showed favor to Joseph by causing his superiors to see Joseph through the eyes of grace. God was not causing things to magically appear in Joseph’s life. Instead, He was working in the hearts of men and causing them to show unusual kindness towards Joseph in some rather dire situations. Joseph benefited from the work that God was doing through others around him. Joseph’s contribution was that he maintained good character and as a result God took care of his reputation. This is the statement that my former pastor was fond of saying, If you take care of your character, God will take care of your reputation. Joseph represents living proof of that. No matter what situation Joseph found himself in, he seemed to have maintained a good disposition in spite of it. When he was sold into bondage, he responded by being an exceptional worker. When he was falsely accused and imprisoned, he responded by being a counselor for the other prisoners when they appeared to be emotionally down or sad. Only once is it recorded that Joseph asked a favor for himself in return for his own act of kindness. Two years went by and there was no response to Joseph’s request. When Joseph was summoned by Pharaoh after two years of unjust imprisonment, he did not act rashly. Joseph shaved himself, changed clothes, and went before Pharaoh. Whenever opportunity presents itself, we should respond with the kind of character that is worthy of it. Joseph did not pretend to be something or someone he was not. He stated clearly that God is the one who gives the interpretation of dreams. The interpretation of dreams did not come from within him but rather from God through him. Joseph was a vessel worthy of God’s use. He allowed himself to be used by God but he gave the credit or glory to God for the results. God worked on the heart of Pharaoh such that he put everything under Joseph’s command except his own throne. Not only did Pharaoh do this verbally, but he gave him his own ring to exercise authority, he gave him the garments that were indicative of his new leadership position, and he put a gold chain around his neck to show that Joseph was now at the top of the ladder in Egyptian society. Joseph, the man of impeccable character, had suffered many things unjustly but God had allowed him to have favor in the eyes of those who could rectify his situation.

Robert C. Hudson
December 28, 2011

Joseph shows Character

2011-12-27T17:10:00.000-08:00

January 1, 2012

Background Scripture: Genesis 37, 39
Lesson Passage: Genesis 39:7 – 21a

One’s character says who he really is. Some have said that character can be defined as who you are when no one else is watching. Others have said that character is what you do on your fourth and fifth attempts. Of course an English dictionary will define character as one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual. So character can imply both good and bad attributes. If one assumes that the word means good and not bad—as it is used in the title of this lesson—then the word implies moral excellence and firmness in a person. Perhaps as we consider today’s lesson, we should consider all of these angles as it relates to discussing Joseph’s character. In the situation involving Joseph in our lesson, there is the need for moral excellence and firmness but especially when no one else is around to grade us on it. Joseph’s situation was such that he had nothing to gain and everything to lose. Yet, he withstood the test. I believe that true character can only emanate from within without any pressure or persuasion from without. Although we strive to live up to the standards that God has prescribed for us, this only becomes a part of our character when we are the only one to judge and hold ourselves accountable for our own behavior and thinking. Or put another way, we have to grade our own paper as it relates to character.

Joseph’s character was truly put to the test. This did not just happen on one occasion but day by day did Potiphar’s wife persist. Not only did Joseph stand up for what he believed to be right, there is no record that he sought to expose the corrupt nature of Potiphar’s wife’s character. He stood firm on his moral belief without exposing the immorality of others. No doubt Joseph understood that he was in a difficult situation and it eventually led to his imprisonment. Joseph was in prison for at least two years. It seems as though he had loss everything again. Nevertheless, this did not sway him from his conviction. One of the lessons that we can learn from Joseph’s situation is that in spite of all the good that we may never be recognized or rewarded for in this life, it only takes one bad thing, real or alleged, to cause severe punishment. A better lesson to learn is that God was with Joseph in all situations. Although it may seem as though we stand alone at times, children of God are never alone. That’s God’s promise to us. We should strive to have the character of Christ—including not resorting to private pity parties when we are punished or otherwise persecuted for it. When we are put to the test, can we handle it and will our character pass with flying colors? In spite of a difficult situation, Joseph showed character and God was with him.

Robert C. Hudson
December 21, 2011

The Lord Keeps His Promise

2011-12-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

December 25, 2011

Background Scripture: Luke 1:26 – 2:7; Galatians 3:6 – 18
Lesson Passage: Luke 1:46 – 55, 2:1 – 7

Jesus informed a group of Jews one day that Abraham had seen the day that God’s promise of a deliverer would be fulfilled and had rejoiced because of it. This of course led to many of the Jews being offended at the notion of Jesus having such personal knowledge of Abraham who had been dead for hundreds of years and Jesus was not yet even fifty years of age. This apparent conflict between God’s promise and how man looks at time seems to be repeated many times over in our lives. God’s word is absolute. Whatever God says is so. There is no room for error or deviation from the word of God. One philosopher stated it this way: Prophesy is a mold that history is poured into. The Lord keeps His promise. This statement is so obvious to all but the woefully uninformed that it almost need not be said. Yet, there are those who still wrestle with the possibility of God not being as absolute as He has revealed to us. If it were possible for God to make a promise and not keep it then His words would only be mere sound. If God’s words could be reduced to only that then not only would our existence not be possible but all that comprise the material world as we know it could not exist. For all things are held together by the power of God’s word. All that exist was spoken into existence by God. God spoke and God saw what He had spoken until everything was created. That is absolute. Why then are we so surprised when what God has said comes to pass? Certainly we are constrained by time and not able to comprehend that which we call eternity. In eternity, time becomes inconsequential. So a thousand years can be as one day or a watch in the night for God. When God says that he is going to do something, whether it happens at that moment or two thousand years later is inconsequential within the scope of eternity. But thanks be to God that I don’t have to understand all there is to know about eternity to embrace the truth that God is a promise keeper. Abraham is my witness that through the eyes of faith that which is beyond the scope of one’s lifetime can be plainly seen. Therefore, Abraham was able to see Jesus’ day and rejoice. In today’s lesson, Mary is able to see that the message delivered to her by the angel Gabriel is a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. The baby that she would bear and the nature in which all of it will occur showed her clearly that this was without doubt an act of God. This would indeed be a very special child. She was instructed to name him Jesus (Jehovah saves) because he would save his people from their sin. God promised Abraham that He would send a deliverer and Mary learned that she was the vessel chosen by God for such a special task. She would be used by God to fulfill a promise not just to the Jews but to the whole world. Over the pass two thousand years, many have continued to live in expectation while others have rejoiced at that which has already occurred, but all can rest assured that the Lord keeps His promise.

Robert C. Hudson
December 19, 2011

The Lord Provides

2011-12-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

December 18, 2011

Background Scripture: Genesis 22:1 – 19
Lesson Passage: Genesis 22:1 – 14

The title of our lesson is a testimony for all who have ever recognized the need for God to move on their behalf and have sought Him earnestly in prayer for the same. “The Lord provides.” Or perhaps it would be more appropriate to say: The Lord provides __________ . You can feel free to fill in the blank for yourself. We even like to quote the Hebrew phrase “Jehovah-jireh” that Abraham used after the Lord came to his rescue in the nick of time. This was not an exclamation statement for Abraham as we often use it but instead it was a naming of the mountain in honor of God’s deliverance of his son Isaac. This was no doubt the greatest test of Abraham’s faith in God. Abraham was tested throughout his walk with the Lord from the land of his nativity to the mountain in the hills of Moriah. In the beginning Abraham’s faith tests were about giving up those people, places, and things that he had before he met the Lord. In this passage of scripture, his test is about giving up the greatest blessing God had bestowed on him since he began his journey with the Lord. Here, as at other crucial times in Abraham’s relationship with God, Abraham made the right choice. His choice or decision was to listen to God and obey Him in spite of the difficulty he faced in complying with the Lord’s request. There is no doubt that Isaac was indeed a blessing to Abraham from the Lord. Sarah, his barren wife was well pass her child-bearing years and Abraham was said to be as good as dead in terms of fathering a child. Yet, in the midst of these impossibilities God provided a baby from these two unlikely sources. The psychology of God’s request would never allow Abraham to rationalize God’s request to him. No, his decision had to be one of faith not logic. If he put this child to death at God’s request, all of God’s promises to him would become null and void. God had made a covenant with Abraham that declared that the promises could not become null and void as long as the Lord lived. What would Isaac’s death accomplish or even mean in light of God’s promises? There is no wonder that the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews had so much to say about Abraham as an example of one who demonstrated an unusual faith in God. That writer came to the only theological conclusion available to justify Abraham’s action. Abraham knew that even the death of Isaac could not prevent God from fulfilling His promises to him. The implication of this shows an amazing advancement in God’s revelation of Himself to mankind through his relationship with Abraham. Abraham believed that God could raise a person up from the dead. Human death then is not final but a transition of existence. There is no way to come to this conclusion through logic. God used Abraham’s faith to convey this message to mankind. If death is no match for God, then certainly nothing in life could be either. Regardless of circumstances or situations, all children of God eventually come to this same belief in the extraordinary power of God. For God’s children, whatever the need may be, the Lord provides.

Robert C. Hudson
December 9, 2011

The Lord Gives His Promise

2011-12-05T18:07:00.000-08:00

December 11, 2011

Background Scripture: Genesis 15
Lesson Passage: Genesis 15:1 – 6, 12 – 18

In our previous Sunday School lesson we looked at some elements of Abram’s calling by God. In today’s lesson, we take a look at four elements of the promise God made to Abram as part of the calling. In today’s lesson, the Lord appears to Abram after Abram and his servants had waged war against four kings who had taken his nephew Lot and others captive from the cities of the plains. Abram and his company of three hundred eighteen trained and armed servants had prevailed in battle. Abram had given a tithe of the war spoils to God’s priest, Melchizedek, and he also refused to negotiate with the king of Sodom and told him he could have whatever was left of the spoils of war so that the king would not have grounds to boast about making Abram wealthy. So after the war was over and Abram had given all the spoils of battle away, the Lord appeared to him. The Lord told Abram the reason he had been successful in warfare is that the Lord had protected him and also provided for him. Now, Abram’s calling became a little clearer. As the called of God, Abram was protected by the Lord and rewarded by Him. Abram’s success was not a coincidence neither was it because of Abram’s strength nor that of his servants. Abram’s success was totally because of the relationship he had been called into by God. The Lord spoke of being Abram’s protector and provider in the present tense and not just as a past action. To this statement, Abram adds the question of why the Lord had left him without an earthly heir. God’s response was that He would provide Abram an earthly heir that would be his true descendant. This is remarkable considering that at this point Abram was without a child and he was about eighty five years of age. His wife Sarai was barren and she was seventy five years of age. This provides a third element of God’s promise to Abram; Abram who was without child would have an earthly heir even though he was beyond the expected age to be capable of fathering a child. The fourth element involved the extent of Abram’s heirs. Abram’s descendents would be as numerous as the stars in the night sky. Although he remained childless for the first eighty five years of his life, his descendants that would be born through his bloodline would seem innumerable.

For a person who spent the first eighty five years of his life childless, the Lord’s promise to Abram was filled with grace. He would have a son of his own, his descendants would seem more than one could count, the Lord would provide for him, and the Lord would protect him. And to seal the deal, God struck a blood covenant with Abram. The blood was the assurance to Abram that as long as the Lord himself should live, God would honor this covenant and its promise.

Robert C. Hudson
November 30, 2011

The Lord Gives His Promise

2011-12-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

The Lord Calls Abram

2011-11-28T18:17:00.000-08:00

December 4, 2011

Background Scripture: Genesis 11:27 – 12:9
Lesson Passage: Genesis 12:1 – 9

Today’s lesson affords us the opportunity to examine some details of God’s calling of Abram. I believe that there are elements of Abram’s call that all who have been called of God to a specific ministry can identify with. However, since God has made it clear in revealing Himself to us through His word that He desires a unique personal relationship with each of us that would allow Him to express His love through us, I stop short of suggesting that we can define a pattern here of “how” God calls every person that He calls into service—as though He is limited to only one way. There are three elements of Abram’s call that I believe are noteworthy. Abram’s calling of God was vocal, explicit, and it required a response.

The bible affirms in every place where Abram’s calling is mentioned that God spoke to Abram. Abram heard the voice of God and he responded verbally to the Lord as well. The bible does not suggest that Abram felt like the Lord was trying to tell him to do something. Nor does the bible suggest that Abram did what he thought would be pleasing to the Lord. Abram responded to the voice of the Lord. Although his response was not always in complete obedience to God’s instructions, Abram’s response was directionally correct according to God’s verbal guidance.

The second element of Abram’s calling is that it was explicit. God told Abram to leave his land of birth, leave his family, and travel to a land that God would guide him to. Our background scripture shows the movement of Abram’s family away from the land of his birth (Ur of the Chaldeans) to the land of Haran. We learn that this was the result of an explicit statement from God to Abram in Acts 7 when Stephen addresses the Sanhedrin Council. Stephen said that God appeared to Abram in Ur and gave him these instructions. As we follow Abram’s life we see him moving in the direction God has prescribed but he takes along family with him through the early steps all the way to the land where God led him. Little by little God ordered the circumstances of Abram’s life to cause him to become separated from his family as prescribed.

The third element of Abram’s call was that it required a response from Abram. Again, if you follow Abram’s history, you will see that each time Abram responded in the direction of God’s instructions (although his response was not always in complete obedience) God reappeared to him and affirmed the calling. In fact, the Epistle of James states that Abram’s trust in God was demonstrated through his response to God’s directions. By responding positively to God’s instructions, Abram demonstrated that he trusted God’s guidance. Abram not only mentally agreed with God, he acted according to God’s instructions to him. The Apostle Paul said that it was Abram’s trust in God that caused God to affirm that Abram was in the right type of relationship with him spiritually. Abram demonstrated some ethical lapses along the way but it seems as though he continuously moved in the direction that God led him. The Lord called Abram and Abram accepted the calling and became the friend of God.

Robert C. Hudson
November 28, 2011

Facing Life Without Worry

2011-11-21T15:51:00.000-08:00

November 27, 2011

Background Scripture: Matthew 6:19 – 34
Lesson Passage: Matthew 6:25 – 34

Food, clothing, money, and indeed all material possessions can be causes for worry. And why shouldn’t we feel this way seeing that the society in which we live is bombarded with daily messages of how important those things are. In fact, we are encouraged to believe that those things define who we are and what we are worth. No wonder we spend so much of our life accumulating material things to the point of even devaluing relationships. Once accumulated, then the new worry is about securing them so that we can hold on to these material possessions. We don’t want to lose what we have invested so much of ourselves into obtaining. What will others think of us if they see that we can get this stuff but we don’t have what it takes to hold on to it? Will it rust or deteriorate in some other manner? Will thieves sneak in and make off with it? Will burglars confront us and take it? Will it be destroyed by some unexpected natural disaster? It seems as though we sometimes worry more after we get stuff than we worried about not having it. It can be a cruel irony that the very things we crave can become our biggest source of stress once obtained. The society in which we live can cause some strange groups to emerge. The rich will sometimes appear to have almost nothing and the poor will pretend to have everything. Clearly these two groups have a very different view of the meaning and importance of material goods. The rich appear to give away or donate much of what they have and yet their wealth continues to grow without end. On the other hand, the poor attempt to keep everything they obtain and in the end lose almost all of it anyway. One of the things that appear to be common to all people is worry or stress. It seems as though we have come to expect a certain amount of worry as the normal order of things for people. This type of thinking can cause us to become concerned when we are not worrying about something. We wonder if we have forgotten something or perhaps there is something going on that we should know about but we don’t. We even worry about not worrying. Our lesson today looks at a portion of the Sermon on the Mount that invites us to live a stress-free life. Not only does Jesus suggest that it is possible to live this way, he also makes it clear that this is the desirable way to live. The key to stress-free or worry-free living is dependence on God. Jesus points to the birds and wild grass as proof of God’s ability and willingness to supply the needs of His creation. How much more would He do the same for His new creation (regenerated mankind)? We can only come to face life without worry when we place all of our confidence in God. We must believe that He cares about our needs as well as our wants. If we place God at the top of our list in everything, then He promises to supply the material things we would otherwise crave. Seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness is all about seeking God’s face and not seeking His hand. Only then will we live worry-free lives.

Robert C. Hudson
November 16, 2011

Praying Sincerely

2011-11-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

November 20, 2011

Background Scripture: Matthew 6:1 – 18
Lesson Passage: Matthew 6:5 – 15

Why do people pray? How should we pray? How are prayers answered? Jesus addresses these questions by contrasting the actions of two groups with that of true disciples. The first group Jesus refers to are the hypocrites. The word hypocrite comes from a Greek word, hypokrites, which means actor. The word referred to the leading characters in ancient Greek plays. The most essential part of their costumes was the mask. The mask allowed single actors to play many different roles in the same play. The facial expression on the mask expressed the temperament of the actor to indicate whether he was happy, sad, scared, or otherwise. Whereas the Greek word was descriptive of an occupation designed to entertain an audience, the English word has a very negative connotation. In English the word refers to someone who assumes a counterfeit personality. The English word is used to refer to someone who presents himself differently than he truly is for the purpose of deceiving others rather than entertaining them. In a real sense, they also wear a mask. To charge someone as a hypocrite is a serious matter. Jesus referred to two groups as hypocrites: those who prayed publically for the purpose of being seen by others and those who publically displayed a facial expression to indicate to others that they were fasting. Jesus declared that both had received their reward. There was nothing further to be given to them since they had received the public attention they desired. The second group that Jesus referred to is the heathens. He described the heathens as having long public prayers that used empty and repetitive words. They believe that the length of their prayers has significance as far as whether God will hear them or not. Simply put, heathens are persons who do not know God. So people do pray for different reasons and how they pray is often based on the reason they pray. Hypocrites pray to be seen of men and heathens pray out of ignorance of God. Disciples of Christ—or Christians, more specifically—should not follow the example of either group. Christians should pray to be heard by God and not to be recognized by men. Note that Jesus does not suggest that public prayer is never in order. He is referring to the reason the prayer is being prayed not where it is being prayed. How should we pray? He gives the model for prayer in our lesson text. Prayer should acknowledge God for who He is by showing Him reverence and acknowledge us for who we are by asking Him to forgive us—for all have sinned against God. Our request for forgiveness should be based on our willingness to forgive others. This is a condition that Jesus placed in the Model Prayer. We should make our requests known to Him—not that we are informing Him of our needs for He already knows what we need before we ask. When we pray for the right reason and pray in the right way, then God will reward us openly for those prayers we have offered in secret.

Robert C. Hudson
November 10, 2011

Loving Unconditionally

2011-11-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

November 13, 2011

Background Scripture: Matthew 5:38 – 48
Lesson Passage: Matthew 5:38 – 48

The children of God are called to walk in a way that reflects His character in us. We are asked to do a hard thing. To do this is to go against the very nature we were born with. This is why we must be born again so that we can become a new creation on the inside. The challenge for us is that the old nature is still there as well. We are commanded to crucify or put to death that old nature in us. This is the only way to allow the Spirit of God in us to have control of our will and guide our actions in a godly manner. Our old way of thinking, talking, and acting must all be given the death sentence in favor of God’s way. This is how we are to reach spiritual maturity. In the New Testament, spiritual maturity is called perfection. Although we do not expect to ever reach physical, mental, and emotional perfection as long as we live in these corruptible bodies, we are expected to move in that direction by crucifying the works of our flesh on a daily basis. To not do this is to remain babes in Christ. God does not want us to remain spiritual babies so He admonishes us to be perfect because He is perfect. In other words, God wants us to grow up spiritually. To this end Jesus offers the character of God as an example for us to follow.

In our lesson today, Jesus points out three ways we can begin the process of maturing spiritually. The first method Jesus presents in this passage is to resist evil by flowing with it rather than fighting against it. If someone strikes us physically, we are to offer ourselves as a target for them to continue. If someone decides to sue us and take away some of our possessions, we are to give even more than they have legally requested. If someone constrains us to go a distance, we are to go twice as far as they require. By now the flesh should be reacting to these statements. These are all difficult statements to accept because they all go against man’s nature. If there is any hope that we would do any of this, then we must put to death our old nature that will surely rebel against it. If we are to grow up spiritually, then we must die to self daily. The second method Jesus presents in this passage is to give willingly to those who ask whether as a gift or as a loan. This appears from the context to refer to the poor or needy as those who would be making the request. The third method Jesus presents is to treat our enemies even as we treat our friends. We are to love them, speak well of them, do good to them, and pray that God would bless them also. These are all things that we would readily do for our friends without them even requesting it. But here Jesus suggests that we should extend these same actions to include our enemies also. All of these behaviors are reflections of the divine personality of God. God allows His enemies to be blessed in this life along side His children. They receive the rain and sunshine just like everyone else. The difference will come in the Day of Judgment when God separates us. Saints are called to be like God and therefore we must reflect His personality. As we do this, we learn to love others unconditionally.

Robert C. Hudson
November 2, 2011

Living in Harmony with Others

2011-10-31T17:34:00.000-07:00

November 6, 2011

Background Scripture: Matthew 5:17 – 37
Lesson Passage: Matthew 5:17 – 26

Our lessons throughout the month of November will look at different passages taken from Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount. Today’s lesson addresses the need to live in harmony with others in this world. The more years that pass by since the question was asked by Rodney King the more relevant his words appear to become. Can we all get along? He seemed to be no more than a typical alcohol or drug abuser who had been beaten by members of the Los Angeles Police Department. But the video of that beating was televised and it angered the community who lashed out with a riotous response and even attacked other innocent persons who were just driving through the neighborhood. But Rodney King’s response to the riot and public beating of other innocent persons was not one of acceptance or vindication. Rodney King simply asked the question: Can we all get along? Living in harmony with others—especially those who have noticeable differences—is not easy to do. Let me repeat that to be sure you don’t miss it: Living in harmony with others is not easy to do. In fact, without the power of God living in us, it seems all but impossible some times. This excerpt from the Sermon on the Mount starts out with an affirmation by Jesus that he had not come to destroy (or take away) the Law and the Prophets. Why would he say that? It is probable that Jesus stated his position because many Jews were tired of living under what they viewed as the burdensome requirements of the Holy Scriptures which occurred primarily because of their interpretation of those writings. People were looking for some relief. They wanted the standards relaxed if not altogether repealed. Since Jesus was teaching out among them during much of his ministry rather than primarily in the synagogue or the temple, perhaps this signaled that a new day had arrived and the burdens of the Law would be lifted? This would not be the case. The Law and the Prophets would remain, however—perhaps even better than they expected—Jesus would bear the burden of the Law and the Prophets for them if they were willing to place their trust in him and his work of redemption. The burden would not be destroyed or relaxed but Jesus offered himself as the burden bearer to all who would place their trust in him. After his statement of purpose, Jesus then properly described the real burden that was not being borne. The problem was not the actions of man but the condition of his heart. While men were burdened with avoiding certain actions and trying to do others, Jesus pointed out that the real problem was on the inside and not on the outside. Jesus then made a startling announcement: Murder, divorce, and, adultery are all side effects of a common problem. That problem is sin which lives in the heart of unregenerate and disobedient man. Jesus’ mission was not to teach people how to avoid certain actions and to always do others. Jesus came to remove the problem which caused wrong actions to be manifest. In accomplishing this, Jesus would become the fulfillment demanded by God’s justice as stated in the Law and the Prophets. Jesus would die to satisfy the righteous requirements of God as the just punishment for sin. Only then could man have his sin removed and receive the Spirit of God on the inside. It is the indwelling Spirit of God who empowers us to live in harmony with others.

Robert C. Hudson
October 25, 2011

Finding True Love

2011-10-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

October 23, 2011

Background Scripture: Song of Solomon 4:1 – 5:1
Lesson Passage: Song of Solomon 4:8 – 16; 5:1a

There have been many songs written about finding true love outside of the realm of religion. For those who are my age or older, who could forget titles such as “Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places”, “Why do Fools fall in Love?”, and “Love on a Two-way Street”. Those songs reflected on the trials of those who were in pursuit of true love but somehow detoured down the wrong road and only found heartaches and disappointment. In fact, many songs outside of the area of religion lead listeners to the conclusion that true love is only a myth and not a reality. Over and over listeners are reminded that people are just out for themselves at the expense of others. The person who falls in love is bound to have their feelings trampled on by the one who is the very object of their affection. Of course in all of these cases love is spoken of as a romantic fulfillment. But even in an area as personal as romance the bible is not silent. Yes, the bible has much to say about agape’ or benevolent love but it also speaks concerning romance.

There is a love story in the bible. Better yet, there is a story of romance in the bible. The story shares with the reader dialog between two young lovers. They each speak at different times in the first person. Some passages of it are enough to make you blush as you peer through the poetic prose at its suggestive message. It doesn’t appear to be read by very many but if they knew what was in there, perhaps it would be one of the most read books in the bible. Of course I am speaking of Song of Solomon. Solomon wrote this beautiful prose as an expression of young love. It is properly placed in the poetic division of the bible along with Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. Its structure is poetic and many of its passages are mesmerizing. Sensuality is described as scenes from nature such as wildlife and plants. The language is enough to arouse one’s visual senses as well as sense of smell without becoming lewd or offensive. Just one glance was all it took to send her lover into a state of daydreaming. Her beauty is described using scenes of untarnished nature. The enclosed garden that is shut up is descriptive of fidelity. Finally, what was described as her garden with its bouquet of pleasing aromas, he now claims as his garden that he has entered to enjoy its fruits. Unlike the non-spiritual songs that often end with tales of disappointment, this song stands on the real possibility of true love that is enduring.

Robert C. Hudson
October 11, 2011

Growing Old with Wisdom

2011-10-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

October 16, 2011

Background Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:7 – 12:14
Lesson Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10; 12:1 – 7, 13

Judgment Day is coming. That’s a sobering reminder. While we are moving through life, we should find time and the appropriate manner to pause and enjoy the life we are living. Don’t let the days of your life pass by with a cloud of depression or stress lingering over it every moment you are awake. There should be time for happy occasions—at least every now and then. After all, one day you will not wake up and this life will have ended the day or night before. But let your fun be moral and your relationships ethical for the end of this life is not the end of your existence. Judgment Day is coming. We will awake in a new existence and have to give an account of the deeds done in our bodies. So allow wisdom to be your guide through this life and into the next. This life is brief yet it sets the stage for eternity. The things in which we rejoice in this life are all fleeting. Youthful whims and childish fun times provide lifetime memories but nothing of substance that is lasting. Children should be allowed to be children and youth should be allowed to be youth while we are directing them towards maturity in other areas of their lives. They have a way of letting us know when they are ready to move on to the next station if we are patient counselors for them. We teach them about their creator and the need for God in their lives—especially during times of difficulties or difficult decisions. It is a joy to see them receive and understand these instructions while they are young so that we can be comforted in knowing that they have what they need for the long haul. One day our physical bodies will show the wear and tear of age if we are blessed with longevity. One day our eyesight will grow dim, our limbs will become feeble, our hearing will become dull, our hair will either fall out or turn gray, and our teeth will no longer be reliable. All of these are reminders that we have passed the Spring and Summer of our lives and we are into the Fall or Winter years of our life. The satisfaction of these years will be in knowing that we have lived lives that were wholesome when we were younger. We have been worshipers of God and helpers of our fellow man. Therefore, our living has not been in vain. We should then focus the more on being a counselor to others who come behind us. We will teach diligently those things we have learned so that those who will be admonished can live lives that are not in vain. Above all else, we will teach the fear of the Lord to all for therein is the beginning of wisdom. After all, Judgment Day is coming.

Robert C. Hudson
October 5, 2011

Living an Ordered Life

2011-09-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

October 2, 2011

Background Scripture: Proverbs 28:1 – 29:27
Lesson Passage: Proverbs 29:16 – 27

Today’s lesson closes out our study in the book of Proverbs. These are the last verses recorded in Proverbs that are attributed to Solomon. The last two chapters in Proverbs are attributed to Agur and King Lemuel. In this text, Solomon notes several characteristics that are important for living an ordered life. It is not suggested that these things will bring peace and harmony but it is intimated that the absence of them will surely bring disappointment and hardships.

Discipline is described as necessary for proper child rearing. Sometimes words must be reinforced with action to be effective. An undisciplined child will bring disappointment to his parents but a child who has been trained properly—including discipline, will bring joy to his parents. People need a positive plan for the future to help propel them. Without this plan, or vision, people will become disorganized, confused, and lost along the way. Achieving goals in life helps establish a sense of well-being and wholeness. Having a plan for the future is important to achievement. Whereas a vision is useful to a person’s well-being, anger will destroy it. A person who is angry is often blinded to circumstances around them. Anger can quickly turn a person into a destroyer of good things. If one is to live an ordered life, then the instructions given in the bible must be embraced that says be angry and sin not. The bible also warns us to not allow anger to fester or last into the night. If anger can destroy us in a negative manner, then pride can do so in a positive way. It is easy to become so proud of ourselves that we forget the God who reordered our lives and made this transition possible. Pride can cause us to feel self-sufficient. When we feel self-sufficient there is no thought concerning God’s place in our lives. A healthy dose of humility is the remedy needed for such a condition. Humility in the heart and mind can be attained when a person properly evaluates himself in the light of God’s word. God’s word is like a mirror for the soul. It reflects all there is to know about us in any situation. Anyone who looks into the perfect Law of God with an open mind and receptive heart will quickly ascertain an attitude of humility. We should also strive to remove fear from our lives. This is especially true of fear as it relates to following after God. Too often many of us are so afraid of failing that we refuse to try and allow our faith in God’s promises to prevail. Fear is a tormentor. Fear tortures us emotionally. Faith on the other hand gives us a holy boldness to follow after God and His ways.

Finally, we are admonished to know that there is no communion between wickedness and righteousness. Righteous people are as much of a problem for the wicked as the wicked are a problem for the righteous. Our only place of meeting is at the cross of Jesus Christ.

Robert C. Hudson
September 21, 2011

Acting with Discernment

2011-09-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

September 25, 2011

Background Scripture: Proverbs 25:1 – 28
Lesson Passage: Proverbs 25:1 – 10

There are two ways to experience an environment. The first way is to be familiar with the environment and hence have a sense of where the dangers lie and what areas are relatively safe. The second way to experience an environment is to be carefree and throw all caution to the wind and behave as if every area is completely safe. In the wild where some animals face life and death situations every day, being carefree is a sure recipe for a short life that will likely end violently. Therefore, in the wild, animals rely on their instincts and keen physical senses to sense the presence of danger and thus avoid the area. However, if that environment changes drastically in a short amount of time, both keen physical senses and instinct will quickly become useless and an entire breed of some wild animals can become extinct. On the other hand, humans are not equipped with unnaturally keen physical senses or with instincts that can be relied upon for survival. Instead, God gives people a sense of discernment. Discernment is only operative when we have wisdom to apply to a situation. Discernment allows us to quickly assess our environment and to apply discriminating judgment to any changes that occur within it. We are able to constantly adapt based on an ever-changing environment. Today, people are rarely in a predicament that is considered “life or death” or that can affect their physical wellbeing outside of war or acts of terrorism. Yet discernment still has its benefits. How people interact and react socially is often dictated by discernment. Our adaptation may be based simply upon who enters or leaves a room that we are in. Once we are made aware of who is in our presence, we quickly adjust our behavior to fit the situation. It is normal for people to avoid confrontation or situations that can prove embarrassing. Our training starts early (literally before we can walk) as to how we are to conduct ourselves in various types of environments. As we mature, our friends and colleagues at school or work begin to serve as our mentors to teach us the social graces that should govern our behavior in these new and unfamiliar environments. But still, we never forget what we were taught at home. We refer to that teaching as our home training. Our background text contains some of the proverbs that Solomon wrote. These proverbs sound very much like some of our home training or “mother with”. It is better to be asked up than to be asked down. Don’t start a fight because you might not be able to finish it. Too much of a good thing can be bad for you. Don’t overstay your welcome. We should remember that these are more than just Solomon’s ideas. Solomon prayed and asked God to give him a heart of discernment so that he could properly lead God’s people, Israel. These proverbs were given to Solomon by inspiration of God. These proverbs teach us to act with discernment. I often remember the instructions given to us before we left home as children, “Act like you got good sense.” This simply meant that we should use all that we had been taught to determine what we say and do as well as how we say and do them. Our parents were admonishing us to act with discernment—or else!

Robert C. Hudson
September 19, 2011

Teaching Values

2011-09-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

September 18, 2011

Background Scripture: Proverbs 10:1 – 15:33
Lesson Passage: Proverbs 15:21 – 33

It is much easier to pass on material goods to our children than it is to pass on our values. Estate planners who strive to do both find that it is indeed a very difficult yet worthwhile endeavor. Before we can pass on either material goods or values, we must be diligent to teach our heirs how to appreciate and cherish what we leave in their possession if there is to be any hope of it being protected and eventually passed on to future generations we may never know. Part of our background scripture states that a good man leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren. This is extremely difficult to accomplish if our children are not properly instructed. In spite of the difficulty, nothing is more precious than our values. Our values define who we are, what we live for, and what impact we wish to make in this world. The greatest value we hold is our personal relationship with God. It defines who we are. It defined who our parents were. In fact, our spirituality was instilled in many of us early in life when we had little or no appreciation for it. As we grew older, we discovered that the quality of our lives revolved around our relationship with God. When we are submissive and obedient to His guidance and counsel, our lives are enriched with the things that really matter in life. Our relationship with God defines our relationship with our fellowman. When we consider the abiding virtues of faith, hope, and love, love is the only one that is demonstrated through relationship with our fellowman. Therefore, the bible teaches us that love is the greatest of the virtues. Love propels us to win our friends over to God that they too may enjoy the quality of spiritual life that we do. Proverbs admonishes us that he who wins souls is wise. All of the faith and hope in the world would never be enough to enhance and enrich the quality of our lives on a level comparable to what happens when we dare to walk in love towards each other. Hope keeps us hanging on so that we never quit or despair. Faith opens doors that seemed impossible to enter or exit at some point. Through faith we can indeed have much of this world’s material goods. But what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? So Solomon advises that he that is greedy of gain will eventually bring trouble to his house. Life does not consist of the abundance of goods that one may possess. Rather, advice and instruction are sought after by the truly wise. This puts the wise in the company of the wise. Through this affiliation his wisdom increases. Those who follow fools do so to their own destruction. The wise build houses but the foolish tears them down. The tragedy of the foolish is that their way seems right to them although it is leading them to destruction. Again, Proverbs teaches us that having a work ethic is profitable to all. God sees all things that transpire in this life both good and evil. There is nothing hidden from Him. He will bring everything into judgment. There is no greater joy for a father than to see his son walk in the way of wisdom. This is an indication that the values he has taught have been received and are being practiced by his son.

Robert C. Hudson
September 10, 2011

Making Right Choices

2011-09-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2011

Background Scripture: Proverbs 4:1 – 27
Lesson Passage: Proverbs 4:10 -15, 20 – 27

It seems that more and more today youth and young adults are bent on making poor decisions in spite of wise counsel from many sources being made available to them. How do we convince our children or those we mentor to make right choices? Perhaps a better question is how did we come to make right choices? Some call it experience and others call it luck. Many of our decisions that turn out to be right choices are the result of instructions and counsel passed down through many years. Our responsibility as adults then is to continue to pass on to others what has been entrusted to us. We want our children and understudies to have the benefit of the wisdom we have now but did not have when were much younger. Solomon declares that wisdom then is the principal thing. In our lesson today, wisdom is personified—that is to say wisdom is spoken of as though it has a personality and mind of its own. Certainly the impact that wisdom has on one’s life will also suggest the same. Having wisdom is like having your own personal mentor following you around and providing constant consultation on everything where a decision is called for or a choice has to be made. Wisdom speaks of the company we keep. Wisdom suggests that we avoid wicked and evil people; some people are not satisfied until they have caused trouble, stirred up dissension, or slandered someone. They work the agenda of Satan who Jesus said comes to kill, steal, and destroy. His agenda is simple and never changes. He never comes to do what is good or to rectify any wrongs. Satan works through many individuals. Some participate willingly because they know not God and others are deceived. Those who choose to follow the devil do so out of ignorance or because their minds have been darkened and they cannot see the light. The issues of life flow from the heart of people. All wars, fights, and jealous activities are conceived in the heart of man. Man’s heart is evil in its unregenerate state; therefore we need to be born again so God can give us a heart which desires light and not darkness. If we are to allow wisdom to govern our lives, then we must guard our hearts against all manner of evil.

The redeemed of the Lord are commanded to pursue after righteousness and to use wisdom to guide us to make right choices. Life is filled with choices. Every day we make many decisions without giving much thought to them but we just follow whatever is in our hearts. Many make decisions that they spend the rest of their lives regretting because they paid no attention to what was coming out of their own hearts. When we pursue wisdom and understanding we do so that we might obtain what we need to make right choices. This is not because of what’s in our heads but because of what’s in our hearts. We study that we may learn and obtain knowledge in our heads. We meditate that whatsoever is on our mind might move into the realm of our heart. When we pursue righteousness because of what’s in our hearts, we will often make right choices. Right choices propel us into an abundant life that reflects God’s glory in us. The father who has learned these things surely wants his children to know them as well.

Robert C. Hudson
September 2, 2011

Pursuing Righteousness

2011-08-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

September 4, 2011

Background Scripture: Proverbs 3
Lesson Passage: Proverbs 3:1 -12

The Book of Proverbs represents a collection of wise sayings compiled for the nation of Israel in the tenth century B.C. Historians have noted that all nations of people had collections of such sayings during the times of Solomon. The Book of 1 Kings states that Solomon received wisdom from God that exceeded the wisdom of all others. It is reported there that he spoke three thousand proverbs. This is more than what is recorded in the Book of Proverbs. Although the entire Book of Proverbs is often attributed to Solomon, there are two others identified as authors of portions of it—namely, Agur and Lemuel. The overarching theme of the book appears to be the importance of pursuing and obtaining wisdom. In fact, in a very poetic fashion, wisdom is often personified in the Book of Proverbs. Our lesson today from Chapter 3 addresses the benefits of righteousness that are enjoyed by the practitioner of righteous living. Righteousness in this context does not mean perfection but rather it means to be in right standing with God. Solomon describes eight actions and one attitude in the verses of our lesson that will bear fruits of righteousness in a person’s life. According to Solomon, our actions towards God should involve obeying His law, acknowledging Him, trusting Him, showing Him reverence, and honoring Him. Likewise, our character should reflect truthfulness, mercy, and avoiding evil. Finally, when we have done wrong, we should view personal chastisement as an act of divine love towards us. What is stated in the verses of our lesson reads very much like a list of promises. You will have a long life of peace if you keep the commandments. You will have favor with God and man if you are truthful and merciful. God will provide directions for your life if you acknowledge and trust Him. You will have health if you avoid evil and reverence God. You will have plenty of substance if you use what you have and what you obtain to honor God. You can be assured of God’s love for you and delight in you when you recognize when God is punishing you for disobedience. Surely a just God would not punish us if He had no desire to save us from the destruction that we would bring on ourselves. In other words, we are punished by God because of His love for us. These sayings challenge our conventional thinking about some of these areas. Such wisdom could only come from God. Since we are not born with a character that reflects these qualities, we must put forth the effort to pursue righteousness.

Robert C. Hudson
August 29, 2011

Caring for One Another

2011-08-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

August 28, 2011

Background Scripture: Ruth 4
Lesson Passage: Ruth 4:1 – 10

We conclude this series of study in the book of Ruth with today’s lesson. There are two great acts of caring depicted in our text today. Both are defined in the Law of Moses. The rationale for their existence and the methodology by which they were to be executed are recorded in the Law.

The first act involved redeeming the land of a brother who was deceased with no male heirs. This requirement was given so that there would not be a redistribution of the tribal lands as stipulated by God through Joshua. God insisted that the original allocation of the Promise Land to the tribes of Israel was to be maintained according to their original boundaries that would be established under Joshua’s leadership. The law allowed for a man with only daughters to have his inheritance passed to his daughters with the restriction that they could only marry within their respective tribes to keep the inheritance from moving from one tribe to another. If an Israelite had to mortgage or otherwise pledge his property because of poverty, in the year of Jubilee, he had to be allowed to return to his possession to avoid oppression of their fellow brethren and to not allow the land to be redistributed. Likewise, there were regulations concerning inter-tribal marriage that prevented the redistribution of the land between tribes. Moses provided the instructions for the year of Jubilee in Leviticus 25.

The second act of caring was the use of a surrogate husband to continue the name of a brother who died without an heir. A brother or near kinsman was to marry the widow and the firstborn which she bears shall carry on the deceased brother’s name rather than the surrogate father’s name. Moses provided the instructions for this act in Deuteronomy 25.

Both of these acts put the welfare of the disadvantaged or deceased brother of Israel above that of his tribe. These were extremely selfless acts that would not normally occur except that God required it be done. The history of Israel that is recorded in the bible shows that all were not willing to readily embrace these ordinances. However, that same history shows that there were some who had more mature understanding and readily applied the ordinances according to God’s instructions. Such is the case with Boaz in our lesson today. Boaz understood the plight that Naomi was in as well as the situation created by the marriage and subsequent death of her son—the husband of Ruth. Since Boaz was of the same tribe as Naomi’s husband, Elimelech, he used the ordinance to approach another family member who was nearer kin than himself. After that relative refused the offer to redeem Elimelech and his son, Boaz gladly accepted it and took Ruth to be his wife. Boaz’s action was more than an act of affection towards Ruth; rather, it was a great act of compassion towards his deceased brethren by taking upon himself the responsibility to redeem Naomi and Ruth because he cared for them.

Robert C. Hudson
August 15, 2011

Empowering the Needy

2011-08-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

August 21, 2011

Background Scripture: Ruth 2, 3: Leviticus 19:9, 10
Lesson Passage: Ruth 2:8 – 18

I remember when “empowerment” was the latest fad in management style. All discussions about leadership at that time revolved around empowering employees to propel companies to the next level. Unfortunately, many were unsuccessful at it because they spoke of empowerment as something you do to someone. Empowerment is not about doing something to a person. Empowerment is simply creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable making decisions at their level based on their knowledge and training. Of course the key word in this is “comfortable”. A person is comfortable when he believes he has the support of others in the endeavors he pursues. Furthermore, it is more comforting to know that mistakes are looked at as learning opportunities and not reasons to criticize or crucify. An environment that provides this will always bring forth creativity and hard work on the part of those who take pride in what they do. Individuals quickly learn that nothing has been done to them only that the environment feels right for them to be all that they can be.

Our lesson today is a perfect example of how empowerment works in the life of someone in need. Needy people don’t need handouts as much as they need opportunities to better their lot in life. As we continue our study in the book of Ruth, Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth, the Moabite, have returned to Naomi’s homeland in Judea. They have returned in an economically impoverished state—since they are both widows. It was the time of harvest, so Ruth volunteered to go into the fields and pick up the grain that had been dropped by the reapers so that she and Naomi could have substance in which to survive. When the owner of the field came to the reapers and noticed Ruth, he inquired as to who she was. The reapers knew she was the Moabite who had come to Judea with Naomi and told it to him. They also spoke well of her work ethic. The owner then instructed Ruth to not go to any other fields but to remain in his field along with his maids. She was told that the young men there were instructed to not harass her in any way and to provide water for her to drink as needed as they were to do for the other maidens there. The first part of creating a comfortable environment is to make it welcoming and safe. Ruth recognized that this was a special favor and thanked him in the most humble way. She was told that she was now reaping what she had sown into the life of her mother-in-law because her reputation had been discussed by others. This is the second part of creating the right environment. She was told that this was not a handout but instead this opportunity was the reward for the labor she had already bestowed. Finally, she was given the opportunity to have even more because her work ethic and reputation had paved a way for her to gather more than what was needed to suffice her. The environment had been created that allowed Ruth to seize an opportunity to better herself because the owner of the field, Boaz, understood how to empower the needy.

Robert C. Hudson
August 11, 2011

Making a Choice

2011-08-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

August 14, 2011

Background Scripture: Ruth 1
Lesson Passage: Ruth 1:8 – 18

Decisions are made all around us everyday where people live, learn, play, and work. Part of life involves making decisions. In fact, if we try to avoid making a decision, we only concede that we have decided to live with the decision of another—in effect, choosing to make the same decision. The freedom and authority to decide seem fundamental to our being made in the image of God and after His likeness. Decisions also involve great responsibility for decisions have consequences. It is often the consequences that we are trying to avoid when we procrastinate and put off making a decision. Yet, having the ability and right to decide is a privilege of being a free moral agent. Unlike humans, other animals live by instinct and do not exercise the power of making a choice. Instinct serves to support sustaining life whereas making a choice involves determining the quality of life we choose to live. Our lesson today involves six people engaged in making choices that have profound consequences for them as well as countless others. Elimelech decided to take his wife and two sons out of the land of Canaan because of a famine and led them into the land of Moab where he died. His widow and two orphaned sons found themselves strangers in the land away from the land of their inheritance. The two sons made choices of Moabite women to be their wives rather than the Hebrew women back in Judah which would have been according to the Law. In the process of time, both sons died away from the land of their birth leaving their mother and widowed wives in the land of Moab. Upon hearing that conditions had improved in Judah, Elimelech’s widow, Naomi, made a decision to return home. Her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, desired to go with her but at her prompting, Orpah returned to her family in the land of Moab. Ruth, on the other hand, made a different choice. Ruth chose to forsake her family, homeland, and god that she might be able to follow Naomi. Ruth vowed that Naomi’s destination, lodging, family, God, and place of death and burial would also be hers. Ruth was claiming for herself all that Naomi would embrace and live and die for. This was her choice and the consequences that followed. Ruth did not simply embrace one of the decisions that Naomi was making, she was accepting all of them. So great was Ruth’s devotion towards her mother-in-law that Naomi ceased to try to persuade her otherwise. When Ruth accepted death as a possible consequence of her decision, what more could Naomi say to her? In the few verses covered by our lesson, many years are encompassed and the choices made by six people during that time had major impact for them and others around them. But none of those choices were as all-encompassing or as far-reaching as the one made by the Moabite named Ruth.

Robert C. Hudson
July 28, 2011

Walk in God’s Path

2011-08-02T04:56:00.000-07:00

August 7, 2011

Background Scripture: Judges 13; 21:25
Lesson Passage: Judges 13:1 – 8, 24, 25

Today’s lesson chronicles the steps given to a couple from the tribe of Dan to prepare them to receive a blessing. This would be a blessing to them because it will take away the reproach that couples had to bear at that time for being childless. This would also be a blessing to Israel to take away the reproach of being oppressed for forty years at the hands of their enemy the Philistines. As is repetitious throughout the book of Judges, Israel had again found themselves without a leader and had backslidden and did evil in the sight of God. God had allowed the Philistines to oppress them for forty years as a result of their sin. What is different about this deliverance is that the bible does not say that the nation of Israel cried out to the Lord for deliverance from the oppression prior to God sending a deliverer. The focus of the text is the steps the woman had to take as prescribed by God. She was to keep herself from the fruit of the vine and all strong drinks and unclean food. She was to raise the child the Lord was going to bless her with under the vow of a Nazarite from his birth. These instructions were not given to the man but to the woman. She relayed it to her husband and he in turn sought directions from God in prayer relative to it. When the messenger of God returned to the woman the second time, she alerted her husband; he then asked counsel of the messenger. The messenger’s counsel was that the woman must follow the advice he had previously given her and so he repeated it for her husband that he might also know. The woman showed great respect towards her husband as well as confidence in him by sharing with him all that she had been told to do. Likewise, the husband showed great faith in accepting the words of God’s messenger as true and sought more clarity from God concerning the prophecy. When the messenger returned, the couple sought to make a sacrifice and prepare a meal for him. The messenger refused the offer of food and instructed the couple to only offer a sacrifice unto the Lord. At this point, the couple desired to know his name that they could honor him when the baby was born (perhaps by naming the child after him). When the offering was prepared and offered up by fire, the messenger ascended in the flame in the sight of the couple so that they were moved to bow down and worship for they recognized that this was no other than an epiphany or pre-incarnate Christ who had visited with them. This was the last time the couple was visited by the messenger but it was enough to fully persuade them that God was indeed with them. This must have been encouraging for them throughout the pregnancy and childhood of the promised baby. They would never be able to erase the memory of that visit. Whereas fear came upon them after learning the identity of the messenger, a spirit of wisdom was also on the woman in that she understood that this was further confirmation of God’s plans for them. When the boy was born, his mother called his name Samson and God’s favor was upon his life.

Robert C. Hudson
July 28, 2011

Return to God’s Ways

2011-07-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

July 31, 2011

Background Scripture: Judges 10:6 – 11:33; 21:25
Lesson Passage: Judges 10:10 – 18; 11:4 – 6, 32, 33

Sometimes we get off track. Mostly it is a result of trying to live according to our own desires rather than seeking God’s will for us but nevertheless when it happens, we need help to get back on track. God always send a servant to warn us about the outcome of our actions, pronounce judgment against our actions, or provide reassurance of deliverance from our situation. As has been the theme of the book of Judges, Israel had again committed evil as a nation and God had allowed their enemy to oppress them because of it. The oppression of the enemy was more than Israel wanted to endure so they cried out to God for help. They repented and admitted their sins of omission and sins of commission had led to their situation of vexation. God again provided a deliverer in their midst. This deliverer was a social outcast. He was the son of a harlot. Moreover, he was rejected by his father’s legitimate sons. They refused to allow him to inherit part of their father’s estate. His name was Jephthah. In the process of time the Ammonites began to oppress Israel on the east side of the Jordan in the land of Gilead and they even invaded their ranks in some areas on the west side in the land of Canaan. It was at this time that the leaders of Israel in the land of Gilead sent word for Jephthah to come in lead them into battle against the Ammonites. Jephthah expressed resentment towards them for rejecting him when things were going well and calling upon him to lead them when times were tough. Only after a deal was struck whereby Jephthah would be accepted as the leader of Israel in Gilead after the war with Ammon was over did Jephthah agree to go with Israel’s leaders to be the commander-in-chief over their army. Jephthah inquired of the Ammonite king what reason did he have to war against Israel. The king replied that Israel had taken their land after they came out of Egypt and therefore Ammon was merely fighting to restore the land back to their ownership. Fortunately, Jephthah knew the history of Israel’s dealings with the Moabites and the Ammonites. All of it was honorable and Israel had indeed respected the territory of Ammon and Moab as God had directed them to do. However the land of the Amorites was the land possessed by Israel after they had subdued the Amorites. Jephthah went on to declare that whenever God allowed Israel to dispossess a people from a land, the land then belonged to Israel and not another. In fact, if not for this guideline that sees Israel as an instrument used by God to determine possession of land, Israel would have no land at all. Jephthah stated that Israel had possessed the land for three hundred years and its ownership had not been questioned during all of those years. In other words, why is ownership of the land coming into question now? Ammon still refused to hear Jephthah and God delivered the Ammonites into Israel’s hands under Jephthah’s leadership. Jephthah was well versed in the history of Israel and God’s dealings with them. He used this knowledge to lead Israel back to God’s ways. As a result of Jephthah’s faith in action, today we know the name of this once social outcast of Israel but his brothers who were the legitimate sons of their father, their names remain anonymous.

Robert C. Hudson
July 25, 2011

Let God Rule

2011-07-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

July 24, 2011

Background Scripture: Judges 6 – 8; 21:25
Lesson Passage: Judges 7:2 – 4, 13 – 15; 8:22 – 26a

As we continue to review Israel’s historic cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, today we turn our attention to Gideon. Prior to preparing Gideon for the task of delivering Israel, God sent a prophet to rebuke the people and to remind them that their situation was brought on by their repeated disobedience in spite of His pass kindness to them. The Midianite occupation had left the nation of Israel impoverished. Gideon believed that his family was notably poor even among the tribe of Manasseh and he was the least of his father’s children. Whether this represented low self-esteem or great humility, Gideon was the type of person God could use. But even an angel of the Lord telling him that the Lord was with him was not enough to convince Gideon that God had chosen the right man to deliver Israel out of this situation. After Gideon was convinced that this was indeed an angel of the Lord, he received his first assignment. This assignment involved correcting the internal problem of disobedience within his father’s house. Gideon had to remove his father’s altar and groves that were erected to serve idol gods. Still operating in fear, Gideon chose ten of his servants to help him and afterwards they did it by night to keep from being discovered. After this success, God strengthened the hand of Israel’s enemies and they formed a confederacy against Israel. Gideon needed additional encouragement to go against this confederacy. He took a fleece of wool and asked God for the assurance of victory by showing him two signs; God did as Gideon requested. Then God made Gideon’s assignment more challenging by telling him to reduce the size of his already outnumbered group. Gideon’s group was reduced from thirty two thousand men down to three hundred men. With this greatly outnumbered group of men (there were over one hundred twenty thousand Midianite soldiers), Gideon led Israel to one of its greatest victories during the time of the judges. This victory moved Israel to submit themselves to Gideon and request that he become their ruler and be succeeded by his descendents after him. Israel wanted a king who would start a royal line of rulers like their neighbors. They were convinced that Gideon and his sons (he had seventy sons) and his grandsons would be ideal for the job. God had demonstrated that He was indeed working through Gideon so Israel wanted to make it official. This was an offer that many individuals would not walk away from. All Gideon had to do was accept the offer and there would not even be an election. Gideon’s answer to them was no. In his humility, Gideon knew that the victories that were ascribed to him had been achieved by God working through him. It was not Gideon’s smarts or his strength that had brought deliverance to Israel. Israel was delivered by God and God alone. Gideon had merely submitted himself to God and he recommended that Israel do the same thing. Israel did indeed need a ruler. Gideon recommended that Israel allow the Lord to be their ruler. Israel desired a monarchy but Gideon reminded them that there governance was that of a theocracy. Forget about the earthly kings, let God rule.

Robert C. Hudson
July 5, 2011

Use God’s Strength

2011-07-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

July 17, 2011

Background Scripture: Judges 3:7 – 31; 21:25
Lesson Passage: Judges 3:15 – 25, 29, 30

Our lesson today revolves around Ehud; a man from the tribe of Benjamin. Ehud was a very crafty man who also exhibited signs of bravery. He went into the enemy’s camp under false pretenses and took advantage of their lax security to slay their leader Eglon. Eglon, king of the Moabites, had enjoyed eighteen years of rule over Israel. God allowed this misfortune to befall Israel because of Israel’s disobedience to the commands of God. God had given Eglon the strength and perhaps the wisdom to form a confederacy of Moab, Ammon, and Amalek. This confederacy quickly subdued disobedient Israel and enslaved them—no doubt by taxing them. All of this was in keeping with the covenant Moses delivered to Israel on the plains of Moab prior to his death. God had offered Israel continuous blessings in exchange for their loyalty to him through the keeping of the covenant. On the other hand, Israel had been assured that if they chose not to obey the covenant, they would suffer at the hands of their enemies. God strengthened Israel’s enemies in times of disobedience so that Israel could not resist them. Only after national repentance and prayer did God raise up a deliverer in Israel’s midst. (There is no record of God sending Israel a deliverer from outside their families.) Their deliverer was always someone who was already among them. Only after God had called these deliverers to the task and empowered them were they able to throw off Israel’s oppressors and lead Israel to follow God again. Note that most of the judges did not exhibit extraordinary physical strength or power. Instead, they depended on God’s guidance and when necessary, he gave them extraordinary power to accomplish His will. Ehud is a good example of one not totally dependent on his own abilities but he took advantage of all he had. It is recorded that he was a left-handed man. This seems somewhat common among the tribe of Benjamin as is pointed out later in the book of Judges where seven hundred Benjamites are identified as being distinguished for being left-handed marksmen skilled in the use of a sling. Being left-handed, Ehud hid a special dagger in an unexpected place—on the right side of his body where it was less likely to be detected. When the time was right and all of King Eglon’s bodyguards were gone, Ehud quickly removed the dagger and used it to slay the king and he escaped out the back way before the bodyguards were aware of the king’s death. After escaping, Ehud rallied the fighting men of Israel and positioned them to cut off the escape route of the Moabites. The Moabites were slain as they tried to return to their homeland. Through Ehud’s anointed leadership, Israel was able to throw off the oppression of their enemies and after this they enjoyed eighty years of rest from their oppressors. Again, Ehud was already among them when their enemy put them to shame so it was not Ehud’s cunning maneuvers or military prowess that led to victory but instead, like all judges and spiritual leaders, it was the use of God’s strength that secured deliverance and peace for Israel.

Robert C. Hudson
July 1, 2011

Listen to God’s Judges

2011-06-30T19:18:00.000-07:00

July 10, 2011

Background Scripture: Judges 2; 21:25
Lesson Passage: Judges 2:11 – 19

If you continue to do what you have always done, you will continue to receive what you have always received. That simple saying has been stated in many variants for many years yet we never seem to learn its lesson. It appears as though humanity is destined to follow the wrong path and receive chastisement as a result of it. Today’s lesson is a reminder to me that Israel is the church’s example. As such, the church should learn from Israel’s mistakes and fare better. Just as younger siblings are often spared the same chastisements as the older because they choose to learn from the punishment of others, likewise, the church would do well to look to Israel as the elder sibling. Nevertheless, it seems as though some lessons are not learned as a result of mere observation. Today’s lesson from the book of Judges brings us to the edge of a three-century long era in Israel’s history which has an oft repeated cycle of national apostasy, punishment at the hands of their enemy, prayer of distress, and deliverance by God. During these turbulent three centuries, God brought deliverance through his servants the judges. These judges are mostly presented as military leaders who God raised up to overthrow Israel’s adversaries and then they remained as the civil leader over the nation until their death. After the death of the judge, the cycle repeated itself. Our topic says “Listen to God’s Judges”. This was often not the problem as long as the judge lived. The problem stemmed from not continuing to heed the advice and wisdom of the judges after the death of the judges. There are two things that stand out when one studies the book of Judges. First, the problems started after the death of Joshua and his generation who had known the Lord through His many miraculous acts on Israel’s behalf. It leads one to question whether this up-and-coming generation behind the elders had been properly—and especially thoroughly—educated and trained to seek the Lord and His righteousness. Had they been taught the details of God’s dealings with their forefathers from Egypt to Canaan? How real was God to this up-and-coming generation? The second thing that stands out in studying this book is the oft repeated phrase “in those days, there was no king in Israel”. This phrase points towards an unnamed author who lived at a time after the rise of the monarchy in Israel. That time, which had not come at this juncture in the nation’s history, was the time the nation completely rejected the rule of God over them as a nation. So then, the book of Judges records the time when Israel still had a choice to return to God’s rule of the nation so they could continue to live at peace without interruption. Instead, they only called upon God when times were hard and after God delivered them, they rejected His continuous rule over them. This was a mistake they needed not repeat. For in the times of distress, God allowed His spirit to rest on one who was empowered to overthrow their enemy and lead them back to right relationship with God. Much suffering could have been avoided if only they would have listened to God’s judges.

Robert C. Hudson
June 30, 2011

God Responds to Disobedience

2011-06-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

July 03, 2011

Background Scripture: Joshua 7, 8
Lesson Passage: Joshua 7:1, 10 – 12, 22 – 26

Last week’s lesson was a demonstration of God’s power on display as a result of faith in His word and following His plans. We were left in awe as the once impregnable fortress crumbled under the invisible hand of God so that the warriors of Israel could enter Jericho and destroy all living beings inside except Rahab and her household. The rest is history; however, that’s not the end of the story. Somebody in Israel’s army did not do everything according to God’s instructions. (There always seems to be one.) He marched like everyone else since he did not want to be seen as out of order. He kept quiet through six days of parading around Jericho just like God demanded of them since he did not want to be heard as out of order. But when no one was watching, he went totally against God’s instructions. He allowed his lust to consume him to the point of blatantly disobeying God. He saw a beautiful garment, a stash of silver, and a brick of gold inside Jericho. It was too much to resist so he used the “five finger discount” to appropriate it for himself. He hid it from his fellow soldiers and buried it inside his tent where no one was likely to find it. Then Israel’s next battle came and the miraculous victory at Jericho quickly became a faint memory as an embarrassing defeat by a much smaller enemy sobered them up. This defeat points towards several shortcomings on Israel’s part. First, without consulting with God, Israel decided to let the majority of the military rest and only send a small number of soldiers to take Ai. This action indicates that Israel was determined to handle Ai using their strength instead of depending on God. Secondly, they were operating under a curse and they did not know it. God had made it known to Joshua that he had cursed the whole city of Jericho which included the occupants and the material items. The only thing to be spared was Rahab’s household. Israel was charged with utterly destroying everything with fire. Joshua and the elders of Israel went into mourning before the Lord after the embarrassing defeat at Ai. They were filled with fear that this would cause their enemies to become emboldened and conspire together to destroy Israel in the land of Canaan. Joshua’s question to God at that time was simple, Why? God’s answer was also simple but yet shocking. “You won’t be able to face your enemies until you have gotten rid of these cursed things.” Israel was under a curse and most of them did not know it. Someone had disobeyed God’s instructions and had taken some of the things that God had cursed. The nation of Israel was now suffering because of it and they would continue to suffer until they find and destroy the guilty party and the cursed things. Achan was identified as the culprit and he then confessed to his sin and told them why he had taken the objects and where he had hidden them. After the objects were retrieved, Achan, his family, possessions, and the accursed objects were taken to the valley. All were put to death and burned with fire along with the accursed things and covered with stones. After this, God then led Joshua and Israel to totally defeat Ai and destroy the city with fire. Disobedience in the ranks of God’s people had caused a major setback. Only after the disobedience was dealt with did God again bless Israel to prosper.

Robert C. Hudson
June 27, 2011

God Gives Victory

2011-06-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

June 26, 2011

Background Scripture: Joshua 5:13 – 6:27
Lesson Passage: Joshua 6:2 – 4, 12 – 20

When an all out battle is about to ensue, how can a military person who is present not be for either side? The answer is when he has his own army to command and he is there because he is totally committed to carrying out God’s orders one hundred percent. In other words, he was not there to submit to either side and assist them in carrying out their battle plans because he had his own agenda given by a higher authority and that’s where his loyalty lay. Israel and Jericho appeared to be in gridlock. Jericho was shut up securely and well defended on high ground. Israel’s plans involved marching in silence around the invincible Jericho in obedience to God’s instructions to Joshua. Probably unbeknown to Israel and for sure unbeknown to the residents of Jericho is the fact that there was another army present. That was God’s invisible army. Joshua had been made aware of their presence through their captain. As far as what could be seen, Israel’s actions no doubt were confusing to those inside Jericho. For six days the residents of Jericho witnessed them come out and march around the city one time and leave for the day. Each day this was done, the only sound heard other than that of the feet of those in the procession was the sound of the trumpets (or rams’ horns) from the seven priests marching behind the forward guard and in front of the gold plated box being carried by priests and that was followed by the rear guard. The seventh day, it would not be just one trip around the city but Israel made seven trips around the city and then shouted and Jericho has not been the same since that day. Those high and impregnable walls collapsed and the city that was once a stronghold suddenly found itself vulnerable without walls at all. Israel’s army rushed in quickly and killed all living beings there except Rahab and those in the house with her. Even the animals were slaughtered. That which remained of the city that could be burned was destroyed with fire. A curse was pronounced on anyone who dared to rebuild that city. The news of this quickly spread throughout the land as others awaited their fate. The city was destroyed because the hand of God was against it. Joshua had led Israel to complete obedience to God’s instructions and the results were just as God said they would be. Israel’s devotion or love for God had been demonstrated through their obedience. Although the task of defeating Jericho seemed physically impossible, yet God had not required anything difficult of Israel. Through their simple obedience, the impossible was done. What exactly happened to Jericho’s walls to cause them to collapse? Do you remember that captain who was not for Israel or for Jericho but he commanded the invisible army of God? Israel did not defeat Jericho. God defeated Jericho. But for Israel’s obedience to God, God allowed them to wear the title of champions. Put another way, God allowed Israel to be crowned victors in His stead because of their loving obedience to Him in doing the simple things. “This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:3 – 4

Robert C. Hudson
June 7, 2011

God Protects His People

2011-06-13T18:59:00.001-07:00

June 19, 2011

Background Scripture: Joshua 2
Lesson Passage: Joshua 2:2 – 9, 15, 16, 22 – 24

As I studied today’s lesson, it reminded me of the events that took place forty years prior to the event recorded here in the book of Joshua. At that time, Israel was at Kadesh-barnea and on the brink of entering Canaan to possess it. Their leader, Moses, assembled twelve men—one from each of the twelve tribes of Israel—to go in to Canaan and spy out the land and bring back an assessment of it. When the twelve returned forty days later, they assured Moses that the land was as fruitful as God had promised it would be. However, they were careful to note that the inhabitants were men of large stature and their cities were heavily fortified. Ten of those men insisted that any attempt to occupy Canaan would be a suicide mission for Israel. Their report disheartened the people and caused them to lose hope and even worse, they loss faith in God. This led to forty years of delay and punishment in the wilderness. Only two of those men, Joshua and Caleb, tried to encourage the people to have faith in God and His divine protection of Israel. Israel refused to hear them and instead accepted the consequences of their faithlessness. Perhaps it was Joshua’s reflection on what it was like to be part of the losing minority report that prompted him to only select two men for this mission. (Some committees are too large to accomplish anything but the generation of confusion and despair.) It is somewhat puzzling as to why Joshua would even bother to send spies into the land at all knowing that Moses indicated that his reason for doing so was that the people suggested it and not that God required it of them. Although the book of Numbers record that God instructed Moses to send the men, Moses made it clear in Deuteronomy that it was the request of the people that initiated the action. No doubt, Joshua had learned much throughout the years of serving Moses and seeing God’s handiwork on behalf of Israel. One thing he certainly learned is that God protects His people. God constantly provided for them during their journey through the wilderness on their way to Kadesh-barnea. He protected Joshua and the other eleven spies forty days while they were in Canaan. He protected Israel whenever He sent them to battle against His enemy—with Joshua often being responsible for leading Israel into battle. So whether God had instructed Joshua to spy out Jericho or not, Joshua knew that God would be with the two men and bring them back safely. What Joshua did not know is what we too often don’t know as well, what obstacles would be encountered and how God would handle the situation. Nevertheless, to know that God protects His people is enough to give us holy boldness as we move forward and do His will. The spies went in and were detected and sought out but God had stirred up the faith of one of the residents of Jericho to choose His side rather than the side of her fellow townsmen. God knows how to use the enemy to thwart his own plans and defeat his own wicked intentions. Rahab the harlot became a part of the messianic line of the Christ perhaps because she allowed herself to have faith in God’s divine protection of his own and she too wanted that protection for herself and her family.

Robert C. Hudson
June 7, 2011

God Expects Obedience

2011-06-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

June 12, 2011

Background Scripture: Joshua 1
Lesson Passage: Joshua 1:7 – 18

In our lesson today, God commanded Joshua to depend on the guidance of His word to ensure success in what he was about to undertake. In order for this to happen, Joshua needed to know the word and meditate on it day and night. Joshua had to read the word to know what was written in it. He was charged with keeping all of the law not just portions of it. The law had provisions for blessings or curses to Israel based on their obedience to the instructions found therein. Blessings required obedience to all of the law even as Moses had instructed Israel on the plains of Moab just a month prior to this encounter between God and Joshua. If Joshua failed to keep (or do) all that God commanded to ensure success, then he would not be able to avoid the curse of the law. The curse only required one infraction of the law to be invoked. Therefore, Joshua was reminded to not deviate from the word. He was to take heed not to do more or less than God prescribes in the law. For his obedience, he was assured above all else that God’s presence would keep him from becoming afraid or discouraged. Joshua indicated his understanding of God’s instructions and he demonstrated his willingness to be obedient to God by engaging all of the leaders in Israel to prepare them to enter the land of Canaan within three days. After over four hundred years of promises and waiting, within three days, the conquest of Canaan will commence. Joshua reminded the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh about the commandment given by God through Moses concerning them. They were to lead their brethren into battle rather than discourage them by refusing to go into Canaan. They had previously agreed to this in exchange for being allowed to settle in the land east of the Jordon River rather than in the land of Canaan with the rest of the tribes of Israel. Although Moses was now dead, they had made a promise to follow through on this commitment and Joshua was reminding them of God’s commandment concerning this matter. In exchange for their commitment to lead the armies of Israel into battle, they would be allowed to leave their wives and children in the new settlement east of the Jordan River where they would be safe and could begin their new lives as shepherds in the lush grazing land. Once the other tribes were settled into their possessions, then the two and a half tribes could return to their families and possessions. Not only did the two and a half tribes consent to their original commitment to Moses, they went further and pledged their allegiance to Joshua as their commander-in-chief to be good soldiers under his leadership even as they were with Moses. Joshua’s willing obedience to God’s leadership of him had placed him in the position of receiving the same type of followers under his own command. As Joshua was obedient to God, so was Israel obedient to Joshua. Not only does God expect obedience from us, but He also makes us the recipients of obedient followers to our own leadership.

Robert C. Hudson
June 1, 2011

God Keeps His Promises

2011-05-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

June 5, 2011

Background Scripture: Joshua 1:1 – 6: 11:1 – 12:24
Lesson Passage: Joshua 1:1 – 6: 11:16 – 23

“Joshua, you have been chosen to be the executor of Abraham’s estate. What was promised to Abraham is now being delivered into your hands for distribution according to the sovereign will of God who deeded the property to Abraham in the land of Ur of the Chaldeans. Moses has completed his work of leading Abraham’s heirs out of bondage in Egypt and bringing them to the place where you now stand. Your work must begin here and now. The anointing and protection that Moses relied on to complete his work will now be upon you. You should now take heart and be of good courage. The east and west boundaries of the land are the Euphrates River and the Mediterranean Sea. Everywhere you walk within those boundaries is part of the promised possession of Abraham’s heirs. This land is now inhabited by many people but when you go to possess it for the seed of Israel, no one will be able to resist you or establish a successful defense against you. I have declared this and this is the way it is going to be.” How’s that for a conversation with God? It really puts into perspective some of the simple and mundane requests we make in our prayers of petition to God. Sometimes we act as though God has to work himself up to the point of accomplishing some of our requests—that if given a little more help we could accomplish ourselves. The difference is a matter of whose will are we really pursuing. If it is truly God’s will that we are praying about, then it is a matter of understanding what is His promise concerning the matter. God does keep His promises. This lesson opens with Joshua’s commission by God. Note how specific God is in detailing to Joshua what his mission is and what his constraints are as far as boundaries are concerned. In fact, the only constraints that were given to Joshua were physical boundaries to the east and the west. The lesson closes with Joshua completing the first phase of his mission which was to conquer and destroy the nations that were living in the land of promise. God’s enemies quickly became Israel’s enemies. Several nations banded together to strengthen their numbers against Israel but God was the Commander-in-chief of Israel’s army. God assured Joshua that the enemy’s number would not be enough to spare them destruction at the hand of Israel’s army. Even as God promised, so did Israel to all their enemies. Thirty one kings were destroyed by Israel’s army under the leadership of Joshua and the guidance of God—just as God had promised. Many years had passed since God made the promise to Abraham. In spite of the passage of time, God never wavered in His determination to fulfill His promise. Israel is a great example for the church in our quest to understand God’s dealings with His people. In today’s lesson, we are reminded that what God promises, He is well able to deliver. We can rest assured that every promise that God has made to the church will be fulfilled in time according to God’s sovereign will. Yes, God has promised many things to the church. Christ has promised to never leave the church nor forsake her. He has promised to love her. And he has also promised to return to receive the church unto himself as his bride and to usher her into eternal life in his presence. These are indeed precious promises and we can rest assured that they will all be fulfilled.

Robert C. Hudson
May 28, 2011

Water of Life

2011-05-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

May 29, 2011

Background Scripture: Revelation 22
Lesson Passage: Revelation 22:1 – 9, 13 – 17

This final chapter opens with John viewing the river of the water of life flowing from God’s throne. For all who have thirsted after righteousness, the source of eternal refreshing is revealed. The book of Revelation—and indeed the bible close with the assurance that Jesus is coming back to the earth for the church. The church is spoken of prominently in the latter chapters as it was in the first chapters. Only in the middle chapters during the time of plagues or tribulation is there silence concerning the church in the world. This is the strength of the futurist’s view that the church will not go through the times of tribulation in the earth but will be raptured before it begins. Jesus reminds John that he sent this message to the churches. The use of the plural (churches) is an indication of the need for each as well as all local churches to be aware of the message that is revealed about the end of time. Note that it was not sent as a general message to individual Christians everywhere. It is a message sent to the churches. This further endorses the need for individual Christians to be a part of a local church and to expect to receive spiritual guidance and encouragement from the same. Jesus communicates and works through his local churches.

We are also reminded of the blessing that comes to those that keep the sayings revealed in this book. The surest way to do this is to first know what the sayings are. Put another way, we should read and study this book with the expectation of being blessed by it and not frightened by it as sinners should be. Revelation is a book of hope for Christians and condemnation for sinners. There are seven beatitudes in this book. The first is found in the first chapter and the last two in the last chapter. I like to think that we were blessed as we began to read this book and we are twice as blessed as we finish! Here to, we are reminded that God only is to be worshiped. Whatever knowledge may be revealed to us about angels or other spiritual beings is not to be misused by holding them in higher esteem than we ought. They were created to be God’s servants and man’s fellow-servants. Only God is to be worshiped.

We are reminded that Christians will be rewarded for their works. We are saved by grace through our faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ. We have been created in Christ Jesus to do good works. We shall be rewarded for our works. Those works we do to gratify our flesh are rewarded through self-gratification. As Jesus stated concerning those who did things to be seen of men, “They have their reward.” However, for those who do the right things secretly, your reward will be delivered by Jesus openly. The final chapter ends with 2 beatitudes and a very stern warning. This book is not to be taken lightly! To heed its words will bring blessings but to take away from the words will bring a curse. One of the blessings is the invitation by the Spirit to come and drink freely of the water of life.

Robert C. Hudson
May 21, 2011

New Order of Things

2011-05-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

May 22, 2011

Background Scripture: Revelation 21
Lesson Passage: Revelation 21:1 – 8, 22 – 27

As the book of Revelation nears its close, John is shown a new Heaven and a new Earth. Once again, God can look and see that it is good! All evil has been destroyed. Heaven and Earth both proclaim God’s glory and bow to the name of Jesus. Then the New Jerusalem is revealed as the bride of Christ. She will be composed of all that have been washed by His blood. Jews and Gentiles will be one. She will be given an unimaginable glory. John could only describe the majesty of her glory by stating that she will be adorned with all the precious stones of the earth.

As the Church makes her graceful re-appearance, she descends down the atmospheric aisle from Heaven and stops and is suspended between Heaven and Earth. Jesus’ next great display of love to an unwed church will be to meet her for their wedding in the sky. Glorification is the final stage of the salvation plan. It ushers in an eternal state whereby God delivers us from the presence of sin. We are then made like Jesus. In that day, God’s promise is fulfilled. Mankind is again in His image and after His likeness. Sin no longer separates or disrupts fellowship. At this point, the Apostle John has a glimpse of eternity in view. As we look through John’s eyes at the edge of eternity, we must understand that eternity is not a good day or a bad day. It is not a moment in time. In eternity, time has been suspended. There is no aging or the stealthy appearance of aches and pains. The former things have now passed away. All things have been made new. The full scope of eternity is beyond our limited imaginations. Eternity is the culmination of the Good News. John lived in the old earth. God had called him up and allowed him to see the old heaven. This became a needful point of reference for John. He saw the throne of God. He saw the four and twenty elders. He saw the heavenly host and the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. During the time of tribulation, he saw the steady march of humanity towards eternal damnation. One of our challenges today is to steer others away from eternal damnation by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. The choice is Heaven or Hell; eternal life or eternal damnation. If we must have an eternal home, why not make it Heaven? Jesus promised to prepare a place for us. Therefore, let us constantly look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Even as we wait for the final redemption of our bodies, we must not be idle in our waiting. There are lost souls that need to know that God loves them and has provided a way out. They need to hear the gospel. We must not take lightly our mandate to deliver the gospel to every creature. This gospel delivery must start with home mission before we concern ourselves with foreign mission. The neighborhood around us must take a higher priority. All of heaven watches with anticipation waiting to rejoice at just one repentant sinner—the fruit, if you will, of our labors that result from the power of the Holy Ghost working through us. After we have completed our works on earth, we look forward to living an eternal life free from the presence of sin. That is God’s new order of things.

Robert C. Hudson
May 14, 2011

Thankful Worship

2011-05-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

May 15, 2011

Background Scripture: Revelation 7:9 – 17
Lesson Passage: Revelation 7:9 – 17

Chapter seven represents an interlude or quiet pause during the time of tribulations. This is the first of two interludes. Each interlude appears to provide a space of time for mankind to repent and turn to God before the final destruction is upon the earth. Many will not repent although the opportunity of grace is available to do so.

There are two groups identified in this chapter that are given divine protection during the time of tribulations. The first group is identified as belonging to the Jewish tribes. The second group is from all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues. In other words, the second group is a Gentile group. The Jewish group was sealed; which afforded them divine protection during the upcoming plagues. The Gentile group was protected by being removed from the earth during the great tribulation; they came out of great tribulation. All that belong to God that go into tribulation will be protected from the tribulation plagues whether by seal or removal.

Neither group is referred to as the church. Part of Chapter 1 and all of Chapters 2 and 3 were focused on the church. This focus is gone after Chapter 3. This is where the Futurists’ interpretation of Revelation begins to develop its framework. According to the Futurists’ view, the book of Revelation covers past, present, and future times—which is in agreement with verse 19 of Chapter 1. The church is raptured after Chapter 3 and does not go through tribulation. This viewpoint would identify the Gentile group in today’s lesson as those who are saved during the tribulation.

The Historicist’s view of Revelation is quite different. This view holds that Revelation covers the span of time from Pentecost to the rapture of the church. In other words, the timeframe is that referred to as the Church Age. In this view, the church does go through tribulation and in today’s lesson is shown being delivered out of it.

Whether one subscribe to the Historicist’s view or the Futurist’s view, both views share this common thread, the church is protected from tribulation by removal. One view holds that the church is removed before the time of tribulations and the other view holds that the church is removed during the time of tribulations. These are just schools of interpretation that allow us to view this book of prophecy with a time-constrained framework. Both agree that God does protect His own. When tribulation times occur on earth, Christians everywhere can rest assured that Christ will protect us and that is yet another reason we should express thanksgiving in our worship.

Robert C. Hudson
May 9, 2011

Perpetual Praise

2011-05-04T18:15:00.002-07:00

May 8, 2011

Background Scripture: Revelation 4
Lesson Passage: Revelation 4

The book of Revelation is the New Testament’s book of prophecy. It is filled with promises, warnings, and activity interspersed with a heavy use of symbolism. John is the writer. At the beginning of Chapter 4, John is invited up to Heaven to receive a preview of future events. He is given an immediate transition from earth to heaven. (Futurists view this as symbolic of the rapture of the church from earth to heaven when Jesus returns.) The heavenly scene is the throne room of God. The thought of the throne room of God is interesting in light of the omnipresent attribute of God. Since man is finite and cannot fully comprehend the omnipresence of God, we can view the Throne Room of Heaven as the place where God’s glory is fully manifested without measure at a point in time. John observed the Lord sitting upon the throne. The throne was surrounded by twenty four elders and four living creatures. The four living creatures were observed continuously praising the Lord and the elders responding by worshiping him. The description of the four living creatures is very much like the four living creatures that Ezekiel described in his vision. They appear as symbolic expressions of the gospel presentations. Note the order in which each creature is described in comparison to the order of the Gospels in the Bible. Matthew presented Jesus as being born King of the Jews descended through the line of David. Matthew is symbolically a lion. Mark presented Jesus as the Servant of mankind. Mark symbolically is that of a beast of burden. Luke presented Jesus as the Son of Man both literally and symbolically. John presented Jesus as God—who speaks symbolically of himself as an eagle. Through separate images, each writer presents the gospel from a different perspective and yet they tell a single story of redemption. They each present Jesus as God in human flesh redeeming mankind back to him. Much like the gospel presentations, all four living creatures—though they are different—agree in their assessment of the Lord. They declare that the Lord is Holy and eternal. Both attributes are truly worthy of praise. He created everything for his own pleasure. He is to be praised.

The twenty four elders, who many view as representing the raptured church, are presented as sitting around the throne of God. Their white robes are indicative of redemption and the crowns of rewards. The twenty four elders descriptively sound like the church of Jesus Christ as they are described in Chapter 5. There they are said to have come from every kindred, language, race, and nationality. They were redeemed by the blood.

Even as the living creatures praise the Lord continuously, the redeemed of the Lord who have been rewarded and glorified shall praise Him in the presence of His holiness. What is done on earth is not to be compared to the perpetual praise and worship that will exist throughout eternity in heaven.

Robert C. Hudson
April 30, 2011

Be Like Jesus

2011-05-04T18:15:00.001-07:00

May 1, 2011

Background Scripture: Philippians 2:1 – 11
Lesson Passage: Philippians 2:1 – 11

Paul’s epistle to the Philippians is replete with admonition for the church to continue to walk in the joy they receive from being in fellowship with Jesus Christ. The letter doesn’t have much to say about changes or corrections needed by the church but instead makes an appeal for the church to grow in the Lord Jesus. This is one of the letters Paul wrote from prison. In it he expressed gratitude to the church for sending him a gift after they learned of his imprisonment. The salutation suggests that the church was well established seeing that reference is made to the bishops and deacons that were there. Today’s lesson passage is taken from chapter 2 of the letter. I was once inspired by God to preach a sermon from this passage of scripture. The sermon was entitled “Give What You Get”. This passage encourages believers to reflect the same spiritual blessings that God imparts into our lives back into the lives of others. If you have ever been encouraged spiritually, then you should in turn encourage others to be strong in the Lord. If you have been comforted by the presence of God’s Spirit in you so that you experienced true fellowship in Him, then comfort others and have fellowship with them when they find themselves in need of the same. The Apostle Paul experienced joy from knowing that this was happening in the lives of those he had bestowed his labor upon as part of his ministry. Paul admonished the Philippians to let the mind of Christ be in them. We must practice being as concerned about the affairs of others as we are about our own. All of this is an example of Christ’s attitude. Jesus demonstrated a life of humility and service to others. All things were made by him in heaven and on earth yet he did not allow possessions to possess him. He had true enemies that were determined to destroy him but he did not destroy them. Instead, he reached out to them in love. Jesus was not humbled but rather he humbled himself. He made the ultimate sacrifice when he allowed wicked men to crucify him and then he laid his life down. He could have destroyed all of them but he chose to allow them to try to destroy him. For his self-humility, God rewarded him greatly. He has been given a name that is above all names. At his name, all will bow and pay homage. Demonic spirits tremble at the name of Jesus for they understand the power and authority that are in his name. One day every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord of all both in heaven and on earth. The world often rewards the proud and insensitive. The world runs after the “top dog”. The world seeks after the self-confident to be their leaders for them to submit themselves to and follow. The world idolizes those that are often arrogant and self-absorbed in material things. What the world idolizes and follows after, mirrors those things in the bible that God refers to as an abomination or detestable thing. God’s desire for believers is that we would all be like Jesus.

Robert C. Hudson
April 19, 2011

Go and Tell

2011-05-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

April 24, 2011

Background Scripture: Matthew 28
Lesson Passage: Matthew 28

Go and tell. Is it a suggestion or is it a mandate? Is it for all Christians at all times or is it just for the first century apostles? Or perhaps it’s just for those called of God to be preachers. The answers to these questions will probably not change how we look at the twenty eighth chapter of Matthew’s gospel but the answers will change how we view ourselves relative to it. As Matthew closes out his account of the gospel, the final chapter begins with a brief historical summary of what happened on the first Easter Sunday morning. (The parallel accounts of the gospel help us fill in the details.) Some very faithful women who had followed Jesus and ministered to his needs went to the place of his burial with the intent of anointing his body with ointments as was customarily done in that day by the Hebrews. In fact, this was after the time it normally would have been done because there was insufficient time to do so between his dead body being removed from the cross and the need to bury him before sunset because it was the start of the Jewish Sabbath. According to Jewish law, the land would have become defiled if the body was not quickly buried before sundown. But once the Sabbath was over, these women were determined to complete the process out of respect for Jesus. On the way there, they wondered who would assist them to remove the heavy stone that had been placed over the opening of the tomb so that they could gain access to his body. That question was soon answered and replaced by others. They were greeted at the tomb by an angel who was seated on the stone which had already been removed from the opening. The angel assured the women that they should not be afraid of him and the best part was that Jesus, whom they sought, was not there but had indeed risen from the dead even as he said he would. The angel invited the women to look inside the tomb and note that it was empty. Then he sent them to carry this good news to Jesus’ disciples and to inform them that Jesus would meet them in Galilee. As they left the tomb with mixed emotions, the morning got even better. Jesus met them as they went and greeted them. After exchanging greetings, they worshiped him. Then Jesus sent them on their way to inform his disciples and let them know that he would meet them in Galilee. Matthew closes out this last chapter and his account of the gospel by relating what happened at the meeting between Jesus and his disciples in Galilee. They worshiped him even in the midst of some of them having doubts of what it all meant. Jesus declared to them that he had been given all authority in heaven and in the earth. Then he instructed them to do three things. They were instructed to go and make disciples of all people, to teach those disciples what he had taught them, and then to teach them to continuously repeat the process. And this was sealed with the promise that Jesus would be with them all the way to the end of the world (or time). I believe that a careful review of Matthew’s account answers the questions asked at the beginning. The process continues to be repeated and new disciples are being made. Whether you consider it a mandate, a mission, or just a privilege, it all starts by going and telling the good news of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection from the dead.

Robert C. Hudson
April 15, 2011

Praise the Lord

2011-05-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

April 17, 2011

Background Scripture: Mark 11:1 – 11
Lesson Passage: Mark 11:1 – 11

Today’s lesson provides the historical background for the celebration of Palm Sunday. This event took place at the beginning of the Passover week as Jesus prepared to participate in his final Passover meal with his disciples. This week is better known to Christians today as Passion Week. The lesson passage was taken from the Gospel of Mark, however, this event is attested to by all four writers of the gospel account. According to the gospel writers, Jesus made his grand entrance into Jerusalem in the fashion of a king with one twist of humility (or irony), he would not be riding a princely mount or a warhorse but instead a young donkey or beast of burden. This was even as it had been prophesied by Zechariah about five centuries prior. This was an unusual entrance for a king. Also unusual about this is the fact that Jesus himself had orchestrated it all. Jesus had been keeping a low profile and avoiding Jerusalem prior to this event. But for this occasion, he sent two of his disciples to retrieve the young donkey. He told them which village to go to and how to recognize the particular beast chosen for the occasion. Any beast would not do but it had to be the one that had not been ridden and was preordained for this moment. Those standing by when the disciples went to retrieve the colt questioned them but they answered as Jesus had instructed them to, the master has need of him. They apparently had nothing further to ask or say about the matter and the disciples took the colt and returned to Jesus with it. They covered the animal with items of clothing and Jesus sat upon it and began to make his entrance into the holy city of Jerusalem. As Jesus made his grand entrance into Jerusalem, many went before him and others followed. They all cheered him on. Those who went before placed palm branches and items of clothing in his path as part of the celebration. The palm branches were used historically as a sign of military victory although this hero was coming in humility as the Prince of Peace. The people cried out in recognition of Jesus by using his messianic title “Son of David”. They accepted Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy concerning David’s son once again ruling Israel as their king. King David had held God and the temple in high esteem; this fulfillment of prophecy would do no less. Jesus led the procession to the temple where he inspected it and left Jerusalem and returned to Bethany because it was evening. The next day he returned and cleansed the temple of the money changers and declared that the temple’s intended purpose is to be a house of prayer. Although many had come to Jerusalem for the Passover week celebration and therefore joined in on this celebration as well, yet there were those among the religious leaders who scoffed at what Jesus was doing and were repulsed by it. While the leaders complained, others seized the moment and realized what God was doing and join the praise for their messiah. At least for that Sunday, many were willing to forget about their daily cares and just praise the Lord.

Robert C. Hudson
April 6, 2011

Compassionate Service

2011-04-06T18:25:00.001-07:00

March 27, 2011

Background Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:1 – 22
Lesson Passage: 1 Timothy 5:1 – 8, 17 – 22

Be considerate of those you serve. Christian service is never a “take it or leave it” offer. Although one may need assistance, it should never cost a person their dignity to receive it. In fact, a person of integrity would likely go without assistance if the assistance is being offered in an inconsiderate fashion and the decision to not accept it would only affect the one declining it. Christians are admonished to develop compassion for others—especially those that need assistance. It takes a very long time to experience enough situations and encounter a sufficient variety of individuals to develop the broad base compassion required of Christians. If we had to all mature to that level in order to be effective in ministry to others, then only senior citizens would be spiritually fit to serve. All too often this ends up being the case in many of our local churches. One has but to look at the average age of the “working” missionaries in local churches to appreciate this point. Rather than biding our time waiting to increase in years and wisdom prior to entering active Christian mission work, the scriptures gives us another approach. That approach is to avail ourselves of the wisdom of God found in the Holy Scriptures. Yes, God wants us to have wisdom now no matter what age we may be so that we can apply that wisdom in our daily living and Christian service to others. God’s wisdom is based on God’s compassion which all Christians have experienced. Just as God has been compassionate towards us in all things, it is His desire that we likewise be compassionate towards other with the same love that He has shown us. The wisdom from the scriptures is to see the person who is in need in the same light as we would view a close acquaintance or relative. We know how to treat those that are close to us but we must learn how to treat the stranger with the same compassion. When we consider that Paul in this passage of scripture is telling Timothy—a preacher/pastor—how to treat the members of the congregation, it speaks to the need for young people to receive instructions in compassionate service. The mere fact that Timothy had been called by God to preach and given by God to pastor did not qualify him to know how he was to serve those that he was given to pastor. Timothy had to be taught how to do what he was there to do. He was given simple and clear steps to follow to ensure that he handled situations as one who was spiritually mature and not as one who was still “wet behind the ears”. He was instructed to treat the senior church members like he would treat his parents. Even those who were wrong had to be treated with respect and honor as they were being led back to the path of righteousness. He was instructed to treat the younger members like he would treat his siblings. These were examples that Timothy could easily relate to and so can we today. The wisdom of God allows the lesson of one generation to be applicable to succeeding ones without any need to adapt to changing times. God’s wisdom is good for all times and people. Widows were to be considered based on whether they were settled and whether they had able-bodied family members to care for them or not. Timothy was charged to be fair with everyone without bias. Paul assured Timothy that he would receive double honor as a result of heeding this advice and he would do well as a leader.

Robert C. Hudson
March 17, 2011

Remember the Warnings

2011-04-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

April 10, 2011

Background Scripture: Jude 17 – 25
Lesson Passage: Jude 17 – 25

Watch out for counterfeits! This message is conveyed wherever and whenever there exist something worthwhile that is being replicated by less than honorable people. Many means have been developed to thwart would-be deceivers who seek to take advantage of unsuspecting people by counterfeiting a commodity that is valuable to them. These commodities may include a country’s currency, a manufacturer’s product, an owner’s trademark, a fashion designer’s brand, and many more. Special markings or materials are used to aid in identifying the fakes from the real ones. In spite of these efforts, counterfeiting continues to grow on a global level. Counterfeiting is not a new threat brought on by the rise in the use of technology in our everyday lives. Counterfeiting has been around much longer than today’s technology. Today’s lesson takes a look at counterfeiting on a different level. What happens when there is an attempt to counterfeit a religion? This has been a problem throughout recorded history. Where we find religion, we also find counterfeiters and cults. This existed long before Christianity’s birth in the first century A.D. Christianity, however, was not exempt from it either. Early in the history of the New Testament church, false teachers arose to lead believers astray. Jude’s letter is a stern warning to the church to watch out for counterfeits. Although Jude’s letter is short, it is powerful in its message of warnings against apostasy. Apostasy, or backsliding, was beginning to be a problem for the infant church in the first century. Today’s apostasy seems to revolve around personal convenience or inconvenience while the first century Christian faced physical harm and even death simply because of their professed belief. Although the reasons for backsliding may be quite different, the warnings that Jude delivered in the epistle are just as relevant for all. Jude places the blame squarely where it belongs; that is in the lap of false teachers. False teachers entered the church early in its beginning and have continued throughout its history. They are effective because they tell people what they want to hear and they say it the way people want to hear it. They teach and preach pleasure as the natural outcome of God’s grace. They lead people back down the roads they have already traveled and found unfruitful by promising them that they can have the things that they desire because of who they are. What they offer is appealing to our flesh. But Jude issues a stern warning that God will not look the other way as people indulge in sensuous activities in the name of grace. False teachers follow the bad examples that were set by Cain, Balaam, and Korah. Like Cain, they seek to place their will above God’s will. They offer “take it or leave it” worship rather than seeking to please God. Like Balaam, they offer their service or ministry for hire. Their greed controls their behavior and therefore they cannot make decent decisions. Like Korah, they rebel against authority and seek to put themselves in positions of authority above those God has ordained. Jude warns that God will judge all who do such things. But all these were preordained to be as they are. Their presence in the church is not unexpected by God but those in the body of Christ are warned to avoid such. It is easy to know the truth and assent to such truth but the real challenge comes when truth must be applied to life. Christians are admonished to know those who are false teachers, avoid them, and to depend on God to keep you from stumbling. If we are to appear before God spotless and without fault, it will be because He has made us that way because we heeded the warnings and trusted in Him.

Robert C. Hudson
April 2, 2011

Remember Jesus Christ

2011-04-06T18:20:00.001-07:00

April 3, 2011

Background Scripture: 2 Timothy 2
Lesson Passage: 2 Timothy 2:8 – 19

In this passage of Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he emphasizes that it’s all about Jesus. The good news is all about Jesus. Salvation is all about Jesus. Being a Christian is all about Jesus. The faithful servant must always remember above all else that anything that is done that’s worthwhile is made so because the focus of it is Jesus. The message of the gospel is simple. Jesus, the anointed son of God and descendant of King David, died for the sins of the world and was raised from the dead by the power of God on the third day. The fallout from preaching that message can be anything but simple. Those who declare such a message can quickly find themselves on the hit list of evil spirits who have power to harm them and make their lives almost unbearable. But even this suffering will at times be interwoven into the fabric used by God to save those who hear and respond to the preached gospel. The means that leads from the preaching of the gospel to salvation of the listener can be diverse and complex but the end, which is obtaining salvation, is all within God’s divine plan. As a faithful servant of God who understood spiritual warfare, Timothy was encouraged to endure the hardship that resulted from this spiritual work as a soldier would endure hardship on the battlefield of war. We have many choices to make. Hopefully, our choices will be influenced by our understanding of God’s response to those choices. When we choose to die to the world in Christ, we embrace God’s promise to raise us from the dead to live eternally in His presence. If we choose to serve God in a way that leads to suffering on our part, God will cause us to be rulers along side Jesus. If we choose to deny Jesus, he will also deny us before his Father. If we choose to not have faith or not trust the gospel message, the gospel message still stands firm and true because it stands on Jesus who lives eternally. Christians should be reminded of these things. The Christian’s duty is to live the life God calls us into rather than attempting to define ourselves based on theological thoughts or theories. Theological arguments do not serve to edify or build up when there is only bickering about the meaning of certain words rather than striving to live the Christian life. The faithful servant of God should work diligently to prepare himself through the careful study of the word of God so that the presentation of God’s word is approved by God because it is presented in the light of truth such that it provokes faith in the hearer. Many do not study or properly prepare to present the word of God and therefore they teach error to their hearers. This was true at the time Paul wrote this letter to Timothy during the first century A.D. and it is certainly true today. Those who do not diligently study the scriptures to be properly prepared to teach often take passages of the scriptures out of context because they do not understand the whole message of the bible. We can all be assured that God knows who is saved and who is not. Those who are saved should strive to live the life that God has called us to and that is the walk of a follower of Jesus Christ. In all that we do, let us remember that Christianity, salvation, and eternal life are all about Jesus Christ.

Robert C. Hudson
March 28, 2011

Leadership Priorities

2011-03-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

March 20, 2011

Background Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6 – 16
Lesson Passage: 1 Timothy 4:6 – 16

Doctrine. Doctrine. Doctrine. Three times in this passage of scripture Paul warns Timothy to be careful with doctrine. What does he mean by doctrine? Doctrine essentially covers two things. Doctrine speaks of the specifics of what is taught and it also speaks of the entire system by which it is taught. Christian doctrine includes the basic tenets or beliefs of the Christian faith. These basic beliefs did not come about because of fables or tales that were made up over time and passed from one generation to another. The basic beliefs of Christianity were first presented by Jesus during his earthly ministry with his apostles. Those beliefs in many cases clashed with various practices within Judaism although they were based on the writings of the Old Testament which formed the basis of Jewish doctrine. Jesus’ interpretation of the Old Testament scriptures became the foundation for the doctrine of the New Testament church. Jesus often affirmed that his mission was not to destroy or do away with the Old Testament but he came as a fulfillment of the prophecies of it. His teaching shed new light on very old scriptures such that even the simple and unlearned understood for the first time some of the ways of God revealed in the scriptures that were once obscure to them. Jesus’ teaching also separated religious practices from true worship and devotion to God. After his death, burial, resurrection, and prior to his ascension, Jesus charged his apostles to complete the doctrinal foundation of the church under the guidance of the Holy Ghost after his departure. With so much doctrinal confusion between Jesus’ teachings and the practices of God’s covenant people, there is no wonder that there was so much concern about doctrinal teaching within the church. Misinformation often creates a larger problem than lack of information. Satan uses misinformation to confound doctrine and lead people astray. Church leaders must always be vigilant to ensure sound Christian doctrine is being taught. Doctrinal teaching must rely on the only two sources of Christian doctrine available to the church; namely, the teachings of Jesus according to the gospel writers and the apostles’ doctrine as conveyed to the church through the remaining New Testament writings. Since Timothy had the advantage of being taught directly by the apostles, his studies would have included the Old Testament scriptures and the letters written by the apostles. He was warned to avoid the old wives’ tales that apparently were making their way through some of the local congregations. Timothy was admonished to be an example of a Christian through his speech, lifestyle, love, devotion and character. This touches on the second aspect of doctrine, i.e., practicing the principles. All methods of teaching, including by example, must be consistent in order to have sound doctrine. Practice must be in agreement with proclamation and teaching. Above all, Paul’s advice to Timothy is a reminder to church leaders today that of all of the responsibilities that Christian leaders have, the teaching of sound doctrine is the first priority.

Robert C. Hudson
March 8, 2011

Leadership Qualities

2011-03-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

March 13, 2011

Background Scripture: 1 Timothy 3
Lesson Passage: 1 Timothy 3

What qualities do you look for in a leader? Better yet, if someone seeks your advice in finding someone that they could follow what leadership qualities would you suggest they pay close attention to? I believe that the latter question offers a better perspective since we are often more adept at giving advice to others than we are at thinking about how we make decisions for ourselves. Either way the question remains the same. What qualities should one desire in a leader? Christians should thank God that we don’t have to figure that one out. God has provided guidelines for Christians to follow when it comes to the officers of the local church. These guidelines probably came about as a result of a growing number of members in the local church at Ephesus. Whatever the reason, Paul found it necessary for the Ephesian church to be organized to have officers in place to serve the membership. Therefore, he instructed Timothy, who had been given the charge of caring for that local congregation, concerning the qualifications that should be found in those that would be placed in the two offices of the local church. First and foremost, he addressed the qualifications (or qualities) for the spiritual overseer of the local church. The bishop is singularly accountable to God for all that transpires relative to the local church. The title bishop means overseer or pastor. When Paul addressed the Ephesian elders prior to his departure, he reminded them of their responsibilities towards the local church and he told them that it was God who had purchased the church with His own blood and He had made them overseers of His flock. Here in the text, Paul addresses qualities that affect four areas of the person’s life. These areas include public reputation, family life, interpersonal relationships outside of the family, and experience living as a Christian. He stressed the danger of placing someone who is new to the faith in such a prestigious position where they could be taken advantage of and condemned by the devil. Nothing in the list suggests that the person has to be perfect in order to serve as an officer in the local church but the list itself certainly points to the need for the person to be spiritually mature. The qualities or qualifications for those that would be appointed to the office of deacon are linked directly to those of the overseer through the adverb “likewise”. This basically states that the qualifications are in a similar fashion. However, it is of interest that the wives of the deacons should also possess certain qualities of spiritual maturity. Perhaps this is best understood in light of the duties assigned to the seven men that were chosen to assist the apostles in Chapter 6 of the book of Acts. If indeed a great deal of their service would involve direct contact with needy women in the congregation, then their wives would certainly need to be spiritual women in order to assist in maintaining an environment where decency and especially propriety would prevail. If the qualities outlined in our lesson today are found in the leadership within the local congregation and their wives, then behavior within the household of faith should be according to God’s desire.

Robert C. Hudson
March 3, 2011

Worship Guidelines

2011-03-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

March 6, 2011

Background Scripture: 1 Timothy 2
Lesson Passage: 1 Timothy 2

Paul’s first letter to Timothy is a follow-up to the assignment he initially gave him before Paul left Ephesus in route to Macedonia. Paul assigned Timothy to remain in Ephesus and defend the Christian faith against false teachers. Apparently this assignment had lasted longer than expected and Paul wrote to provide additional instructions and guidance. Since the Christian community in Ephesus had apparently grown, it was necessary to provide organizational structure and administration for the infant church. In addition to instructions concerning church officers and guidance concerning various pastoral duties, the spiritual attitude and behavior of the church had to be addressed as well.

Our lesson today is taken from that letter. Here, Paul outlined five things that Timothy should practice and instill in the Ephesian church. Paul told Timothy to pray for everyone. These prayers should cover various areas of need, such as, requests, thanksgiving, and intercession. Special prayers should be offered for political leaders that the every day lives of the citizens may go on quietly and in peace. This is a prayer for external stability in the community and internal peace within each Christian. Timothy was instructed to pray for the salvation of all men. Salvation is desired by God for all. Even the worst of the worst can be changed and saved by God when they turn to him in repentance. They should not simply mouth words and call it prayer. They should pray in expectancy which requires faith. They should pray the prayer of faith. Their faith must be based on the truth that God is one and there is only one mediator between God and mankind and that mediator is Jesus Christ. It is faith in this truth that leads us to salvation through Jesus’ atoning death for our sins. Our prayer should be that all may accept salvation and join in sincere and reverent prayer to God as an expression of worship. Timothy had to also address the behavior of the Christian women. They should be careful not to call attention to themselves by the way they dress or the jewelry they wear. Their work of service or ministry should speak for them. The church is all about Jesus Christ and not about its members. The church should also seek to maintain proper order as modeled by the example of Adam and Eve. The women in the membership should not behave as those in society. They should not seek to be above the men but they should be helpers. This particular instruction appears to point to the matter of the overseers or bishops of the church since it addresses authority. The qualifications for the overseers who were to have authority within the church were given from the masculine perspective which is in agreement with the instruction given here. All of these instructions taken together would establish the proper environment for the Ephesian church. They would not model themselves after the world but rather they would become an example in the community where they lived and assembled for prayer, instructions in the word of God, and worship.

Robert C. Hudson
February 24, 2011

Jesus Came to Serve

2011-02-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

February 20, 2011

Background Scripture: Mark 10:35 – 45
Lesson Passage: Mark 10:35 – 45

About two decades ago many large corporations came to the conclusion that the management pyramid which established hierarchy among the various ranks of management was perhaps a bigger problem than it was a solution to organizational management. For one thing, the pyramid with the point at the top and the broad base symbolically showed the masses at the bottom working to support the few “top dogs” at the top. Secondly, the ones at the bottom who appeared to work the hardest were rewarded the least and the few at the top who seemingly did not work as hard were receiving outrageous salaries and bonuses. The proposed solution was to simply turn the pyramid upside down. Now, the few were at the bottom and were accountable for supporting the masses that reported to them. Unfortunately, this new management hierarchy did not catch on in the corporate environment. Many of the top executives did not want to be servants but rather bosses. Some had done some very unethical things to “achieve” their “success” and they were not about to adopt some philosophy that placed them at the bottom again. Since most “for profit” companies are driven by the bottom line financial view and not ethics, then greed and other behaviors that sometimes motivate people to fight to make it to the top of the pyramid demanded the pyramid be returned to its familiar form of a broad bottom and a peak at the top. Sadly, much of this same attitude finds its way into the local church. There are many in our local churches that go out of their way to receive titles rather than achieve ministry results through serving others. This is not a new problem nor is it the offspring of the American corporate experience as evidenced by our text today. Jesus had just reminded his disciples of his impending crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. This was the third time this reminder had been given to them according to the gospel accounts. Instead of receiving what Jesus was saying and learning from him what it meant, two of his disciples, James and John, were scheming how to climb the pyramid and take their place right next to Jesus when he returned to his glory. They seemed unwilling to wait for the possibility to be chosen for this honor later. Instead, they outlined to Jesus precisely what they wanted. As I reflect on this scene, it is refreshing to know that an omniscient Lord had hand picked these men to be his disciples and yet it seems that he was often busy keeping them on task as his followers and students. I say it is refreshing because I think about God’s selection of me for eternal salvation and yet how often I have to be reminded to stay on task through the process of sanctification. It is also encouraging to know that Jesus knew all along what to expect and he patiently worked with them even as he works with us today guiding us to spiritual maturity. This lesson can also serve as a reminder that when we have to choose Christians to serve in some capacity of ministry, we should not expect them to be any more perfect or spiritually mature than we are. They too will sometimes use the wrong model to pattern themselves after. Jesus turned the pyramid upside down and placed himself at the bottom as the ultimate example of a servant to all. Then he warned his disciples to beware of using worldly examples to provide service to others as ambassadors of his. Jesus came to serve and that is the model he gave his disciples to follow.

Robert C. Hudson
February 11, 2011

Jesus is God’s Son

2011-02-09T08:07:00.001-08:00

February 13, 2011

Background Scripture: Mark 9:2 – 13
Lesson Passage: Mark 9:2 – 13

If there is any statement that appears to go counter to the doctrine of Judaism as expressed by the Pharisees, the scribes and the Sadducees it is the notion or idea of God having a human son. In the first place it is unimaginable that the limitations that appear to be imposed by humanity could allow for the existence of the entire essence of God within the human framework. Secondly, the idea that a holy God would allow Himself to exist on the level of humanity seems to elevate humanity to a level that was familiar to idol worshipers of Greece and Rome. Furthermore, the idea that God would present Himself as three distinct persons was also farfetched. It was within this cloud of unbelief—or disbelief—and confusion that Jesus would appear as a light of understanding and working miracles in such a way that it was declared “It was never so seen in Israel”. Jewish doctrine as espoused by the Pharisees, scribes, and Sadducees was in error in that they presupposed that the human mind is capable of understanding the nature and person of God without God’s guidance. I refer to the manner in which the doctrine was interpreted as the culprit in that nothing in the writings of the Old Testament from whence Jewish doctrine is drawn is in opposition to the teachings or declarations of Jesus. However, Jesus’ declarations and teachings were in opposition to the Jewish interpretations of the Old Testament writings. On one occasion it is recorded in the gospel that Jesus invited some of them to search the Old Testament scriptures for they testified of him. Our lesson text today should settle the matter for all professing Christians. The text presents the only unimpeachable source in existence declaring that Jesus is the Son of God. That source is God Himself. He did not use the instrument of human vocal cords to declare this but He spoke with His own voice out of the cloud that appeared over that mountain. The text presents what we have come to know as the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain top. Jesus took three disciples with him that would later give witness to the event, Peter, James, and John. What a scene these three did witness. They saw Jesus standing there in the brightness of his glory talking to Moses and Elijah. Moses and Elijah are arguably the greatest of the Jewish heroes. Moses was the deliver who was used mightily by God to bring the nation of Israel out of Egyptian bondage and he wrote and gave that nation the law of God to govern them. Elijah was the greatest of the miracle working prophets who had withstood a sinful Jewish king and brought the wrath of God upon him and his ungodly wife, Jezebel. Jesus would now be seen in a very different light by those three witnesses and they would go on to testify about it. When Peter suggested that all three men be honored by having shrines built for them on that mountain, his rebuke did not come from either of the three but from God. God overshadowed them with a cloud and removed Moses and Elijah. Then He declared that Jesus is His beloved Son and they should listen to Jesus.

Robert C. Hudson
February 5, 2011

Jesus is the Messiah

2011-02-01T18:08:00.000-08:00

February 6, 2011

Background Scripture: Mark 8:27 – 9:1
Lesson Passage: Mark 8:27 – 9:1

“Messiah” is a word of Hebrew origin that is only used four times in the King James translation of the bible (twice in Daniel and twice in the Gospel of John). The word messiah means to rub with oil for consecration to a religious office such as priest, king, or saint. Put another way, the word messiah means “to anoint” or “to be anointed”. The idea of anointing is expressed many times in the bible in both the Old and the New Testament. It is most often rendered “anointed” in the Old Testament and “Christ” in the New Testament. The New Testament references tend not to use the word in a general sense (as did the Old Testament) but more to refer to the specific anointed person who God has chosen for end-time ministry and the worldwide proclamation of the gospel message. It is in this sense that the topic of our lesson today refers to the Messiah or Christ of God. Since the days of Moses, Israel had long anticipated the arrival of God’s anointed one whose coming was prophesied by Moses. Apparently many false messiahs had arisen but over the course of time they were proven to be counterfeits or fakes. The text of our lesson, along with the parallel accounts found in Matthew and Luke’s accounts of the gospel, gives us the setting where Peter would make perhaps his most popular declaration of all. While in the coast of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus questioned his disciples concerning the rumors of his identity. Peter declared that Jesus was the anointed one of Israel that had been long anticipated. This occurred after the disciples had given Jesus a list of names that others had used in referring to Jesus’ identity. But when Jesus made the question personal for his disciples and not just a conversation about the local rumors, Peter responded with a notion that apparently was not part of the local rumor mill. Jesus was not just another mighty prophet sent from God as the rumors described him. But Peter’s declaration was that Jesus is the one. Jesus was he who had been sought by Israel for centuries. Our lesson passage has been taught and expounded upon for years—especially as a theme for church anniversaries. We quickly rush pass the announcement about Jesus’ identity and get on to the part that talks about the establishment of the New Testament church. Today it is worth pausing to consider what it means that Jesus is the Messiah. At the beginning of his ministry, John the Baptist had pointed Jesus out to two of his disciples as being the Lamb of God. One of them, Andrew, left John the Baptist and followed Jesus. Andrew then recruited his brother Simon (Peter) by telling him that Jesus was the Christ of God. In our text today, Jesus was at a point in his ministry where his fame went throughout the land. This fame caused many to try to figure out exactly who is this Jesus. This pondering is apparently what started the rumor mill about Jesus’ identity. God’s revelation to Peter, however, dispelled those rumors. Jesus is the Messiah.

Robert C. Hudson
January 31, 2011

Wounded for Out Transgressions

2011-01-24T18:01:00.000-08:00

January 30, 2011

Background Scripture: Isaiah 53
Lesson Passage: Isaiah 53:1 – 12

What an unbelievable report. Or shall I say a difficult to accept and believe report? What kind of deliverer would allow himself to be taken captive and ill treated by some of the very ones he had come to deliver? How can the one being destroyed be delivering even some of his destroyers through the same process? How can a singular event be effective for everyone at all times? To those who preceded it, this event was a promise yet unfulfilled. To those who would come later, this event was an accomplished mission that would stand as such throughout the reminder of time. This passage of scripture stood out for hundreds of years as a dark passage out of the book of prophecy written by the prophet Isaiah. It seemed to have generated more questions for its readers than it provided answers. Who was Isaiah talking about? Is it him or someone else? Only the fulfillment of the prophecy could truly unlock its meaning. Only then could it be accepted that the suffering servant is also the savior of the world. Here then is the mystery revealed, God would use suffering as the remedy for the sinners’ transgressions against Him. The sinner would be healed through the suffering of the one who would take the sinner’s place. Death is the price for sin and suffering is the price for peace. No ordinary person could endure all of this and provide an acceptable offering to God. No ordinary person would submit themselves to such a cruel display of human torture and punishment on behalf of others. Indeed, God would not use an ordinary person. But God would send His own servant to do His bidding. God would be satisfied in the results that His servant would bring about. His servant will be innocent. His servant will be obedient. His servant will be perfect in his humanity. Divine justice had been violated by humanity and that violation had caused a separation between the creator and the creature. Man was not made to be eternally separated from God. But sin had created a great gulf between man and God that was impossible for man to cross. The gulf could not simply be eliminated nor the sin ignored by a holy and just God. The elimination of sin would eliminate the great gulf. To ignore sin would bring to naught the righteousness of God? The sin must be atoned for if the separation is to be taken away. God would accomplish both through His suffering servant. The servant would become the substitute for sinful man and experience the separation and divine wrath of God that sin brings. The servant did not sin but he would be made sin in man’s stead. As a sin offering, the servant would endure the divine punishment that sin exacts. Divine justice would be satisfied and the great gulf would be removed. This vicarious suffering would be for our transgressions that we could become the righteousness of God that was in His servant. What an unbelievable report. God’s only begotten Son would submissively become His faithful Servant. He would bring mankind back to God because he would be wounded for our transgressions.

Robert C. Hudson
January 15, 2011

Light for the Gentiles

2011-01-17T07:55:00.000-08:00

January 23, 2011

Background Scripture: Isaiah 49:1 – 7
Lesson Passage: Isaiah 49:1 – 7

“And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:2-3; “And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?” Genesis 18:17-18; “And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” Genesis 22:18; “And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of the heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” Genesis 26:4-5

These passages all show that God extended His covenant with Abraham to include the potential for all people of every nationality to be included. The last passage is where God renewed the Abrahamic covenant with Isaac after the death of his father, Abraham. Note that the extension of the covenant was based on Abraham’s obedience or faith in God. Likewise, the invitation to all nations is also extended based on individual faith in God and hence it does not presuppose a universal brotherhood of mankind but it makes clear the invitation to all to accept the light that God sent into the world to provide guidance to those who were once in darkness and outside of the covenant of promise between God and Abraham. Again, I say that the invitation is extended and not that universal salvation is applied without the consent of the saved. The invitation is initiated through the light that God sent into the world to bring understanding to, or to enlighten, those who once walked in darkness. It is this light to whom Isaiah refers in our lesson passage today. The light would be the culmination of the promise God made to Abraham many generations prior. He would be born of Abraham’s seed through Isaac. From the very beginning of his earthly life in the womb, he would be anointed and called to do God’s bidding and to bring God glory. It is through him that men will praise and worship the one and true living God. He will turn the hearts of Abraham seed to God and also unite the Gentiles within a new covenant. All people of the earth, both Jews and Gentiles, will turn to the same light for salvation. And through him shall all families of the earth be blessed. John the Baptist declared that he was not that light but he was sent to bear witness of the light. Jesus declared that he is the light of the world. This declaration was enough to drive some people away from Jesus because they preferred to be children of darkness because they loved the deeds of darkness. But all who turn to Jesus will have light and walk in the light and will not have to fear stumbling.

Robert C. Hudson
January 7, 2011

Reassurance for God’s People

2011-01-12T20:11:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2011

Background Scripture: Isaiah 48
Lesson Passage: Isaiah 48:12 – 22

It is comforting to know that everything will turn out alright when one is in the midst of difficult times. Even though the difficulties may have been brought on by disobedience or bad decisions in general, no one wants to endure trouble forever. But sometimes it is difficult to see how things will work out for the best. It is at times such as this that children of God receive what they need the most—His assurance. Even the song Blessed Assurance is a reminder that Christians have much to be thankful for. Sometimes future promises can brighten even the darkest of days.

In our lesson today, God continues to remind Israel that their stay in Babylon would not last forever. Israel certainly had plenty of reasons to be discouraged. They were suffering at the hand of their enemy because of their own errors or sins. They had been removed from their homeland—the land of promise. They were called to be a nation of priests but instead they had become slaves and foreigners. And all of this was their fault. To make matters worse, their captors were pagans and much more wicked than they were but yet God was using them to punish His own people. Yes they had plenty to discourage them but in the midst of their gloom, God was providing them a word of reassurance. God, indeed, may raise up the wicked to punish the just but when that punishment has run its course, God will then deal with the wicked. Even though God might have used them for His own purpose, this does not vindicate the unrighteous. Babylon will receive her just reward. Israel’s situation was temporary and God wanted them to see it that way. All situations happen in time and are temporary. A relationship with God is what should be viewed as permanent. God is eternal. God created time but He is not governed by or subject to it. God’s instructions are given for the benefit of His children. God teaches His children to do well and He directs their steps in the right path. He teaches them to do well so that He can bless them in unimaginable ways. Their blessings are not limited by God’s ability to deliver or perform but rather by their disobedience to the instructions that he provides them. It is this disobedience that often brings about punishment after repeated warnings. But after punishment has run its course, God again assures His children of His unfailing love towards them. He says that they should rejoice after they have endured His righteous judgment for they will again bask in the blessings that he has in store for them. God is our savior, redeemer, and protector. He will redeem His children out of all of their troubles. He will take care of them and they shall see their enemy punished because their enemy is also God’s enemy. Righteousness will prevail and God’s children can rejoice in the midst of troubles because they will be redeemed and restored.

Robert C. Hudson

January 3, 2011

Salvation for God’s People

2011-01-05T20:08:00.000-08:00

January 9, 2011

Background Scripture: Isaiah 45
Lesson Passage: Isaiah 45:14 – 25

God’s people have been called to eternal salvation. God’s people will receive eternal salvation. God gives the blessed assurance that He will bring His promises to pass. To those who live today as well as those who have died in the faith, eternal salvation has and always has been a promise that God has allowed His people to embrace. In the text of our lesson today, God declares that He will bring the promise to fruition. God creates, moves, and speaks with purpose. God does none of these things in vain or with emptiness of purpose. What God has declared, He will bring to pass. In the background passage of this lesson, God gave Israel an assurance that was so absolute that He called their deliverer by name over one hundred and fifty years before He raised him up to perform it. God challenges His people to not question His purpose. They were created to fulfill His will and therefore their purpose is intertwined with His. It is not the place of the created to question the creator. Here, God refutes all of the scientific theories of evolution and declares that everything that exists was created by Him. Not only was the earth created by Him but all of the heavens as well. The earth did not evolve to become an inhabitable planet with a sterile environment as a result of happenstance. God declares that He made the earth to be inhabited. In other words, God created earth’s atmosphere as it is. Afterwards, He created man to live on the earth. The earth is no accident and neither is mankind. They were both created by God with a purpose. Mankind’s purpose can only be realized as he seeks out God and receives directions from Him. The time is coming when God will destroy what He has created and recreate it anew. Mankind will only be saved from destruction by turning to his creator, God, and trusting in Him for deliverance. God declares that there is no other god. All that man may create to worship is utterly useless. Neither the work of man’s hands, those things found in nature, nor the heavenly bodies have any saving power in them. If a person is to be saved, they will be saved through God and God alone. There is no other hope for salvation outside of God. God describes everyone who turns to idols as being without knowledge or ignorant. They have no concept as to what God has done, what God is doing, or what God is going to do. But God has revealed many of these things to His people that they may know and seek after Him. God uses prophecy to inform His people far in advance of things that He will bring to pass in time. Therefore, He invites us to look to Him and Him alone for salvation. Whether one chooses to turn to God or not, one day everyone will bow down and acknowledge God. God’s people will be blessed and made happy in Him and those that are not His will be ashamed and afterwards destroyed. God is salvation for His people.

Robert C. Hudson
December 27, 2010

God is Our Redeemer

2010-12-29T18:55:00.000-08:00

January 2, 2011

Background Scripture: Isaiah 44
Lesson Passage: Isaiah 44:21 – 28

It is a depressing reality to find oneself in a situation that could have been avoided and should have been avoided but was not avoided because of a poor decision. It is even more sobering when one cannot get oneself out of that situation. It is difficult because in many cases such as this, deliverance must come from the one who was offended by the decision. How do you seek help when the only one who can help is the one who was hurt by your decision? First, you should take accountability for the situation by acknowledging that it was a very poor decision on your part that led to it. Don’t look for anyone to blame or for anyone to share the blame. Second, you must decide if you want to get out of the situation or just remain in it and have an endless pity party. Third, are you willing to place your hope for deliverance completely in the hands of another? Finally, are you willing to take prescribed steps to get back on track with your life? When you are not in an out of control situation, these four steps can sound so easy. When you are in an out of control situation, you are likely to agree to almost anything that promises to bring relief even if you are not sincere in agreeing to prescribed terms. Our thoughts and emotions concerning the four steps are greatly impacted by our feelings about the one we must go to for deliverance. Children of God should be thankful that no matter what the situation or the circumstances, we can always go to God for deliverance. Whether we have brought things on ourselves or not, God is the only one who can truly deliver us from anything. God is never so disappointed in His children that He refuses to either deliver us or sustain us. Israel is once again our example in today’s lesson. Their situation was brought about because of their disobedience to God’s commands, their ignoring God’s warnings, and their occasional reliance on human deliverers. In spite of their shortcomings, God declared that he would redeem them back to himself. Redemption carries with it the notion that Israel was at one time in right relationship with God but had strayed from it. Redemption also implies a desire on God’s part to restore the right relationship with Israel. Today’s scripture text continues the exposition of God’s promise to be Israel’s God in good times and bad. Israel has brought the bad time on herself but God yet remains steadfast with his promise of deliverance and restoration. Not only will God deliver them from their situation, He will also restore them to their former relationship of security in Him. Redemption and restoration provide a clear view of God’s sovereign purpose. God is not just saving Israel from the problems but He is also saving them to Himself. We are not redeemed to follow our own course of action but instead we are redeemed to be in right relationship with God. Again, this is all made wonderfully exciting when we stop and remember that God promised deliverance for Israel about a hundred years before Israel strayed from Him and went into captivity. God looked into Israel’s future and declared that they would go astray and be punished but He encouraged them to not lose hope because when their punishment was fulfilled, God would redeem them back to Himself. Today, we should be encouraged because Jesus taught us that God is also the Christians’ redeemer.

Robert C. Hudson
December 21, 2010

God is with Us

2010-12-29T18:53:00.000-08:00

December 26, 2010

Background Scripture: Isaiah 43
Lesson Passage: Isaiah 43:1 – 7, 10 – 12

“Through it all, I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.” That statement from the song Through It All by recording artist Andrae’ Crouch, is a reminder that God is an ever present help in the time of need. Our lesson today focuses on God’s assurance to Israel that no matter what circumstances they will encounter, He will be faithful to them as their God. God lays claim to Israel as a people that belong to Him. God asserts His right to be Israel’s God by reminding them that he created them, he formed them into a nation, and after they were sold into sin as a result of their own will, God redeemed them. Yes, that’s right. Even after Israel willfully disobeyed God and turned their back on Him, He did not forsake them but rather remained faithful as their God. So now God declares, you are mine. He redeemed them out of the physical slavery of Egyptian bondage and He will now redeem them out of the spiritual bondage of sin. When God says that Israel will not be overtaken by the waters of a flood or the flames of fire, He is providing words of assurance that He is their protector. The word “through” suggests that they will not perish in the midst of their circumstances or conditions. When I know that I am going through, then I have the assurance that things will not always be the way they are. The word through implies transition. “Through” suggests a conduit between two sets of conditions. No matter what the people of God go through, God is there with them. Yes, even during that transition, God assures His people that He is with them. Furthermore, God asserts that He will sacrifice others for the sake of His own. Others will be given as a ransom so that God’s people can again be gathered as one. God’s people will not always be scattered. Today, it sometimes seem as though we will never agree and be as one on anything although we profess to serve the same one and true living God. But in spite of our differences and disagreements, one day God will gather all that are called by His name into one. We have all been created for the shining greatness of God. We are all living testimonies of God’s wonderful and unimaginable grace. We are each a symbol of the works of God’s grace. Together, we will show forth the handiwork of God’s glory in the earth. For those who have been redeemed, we will go through our own floods and fire. Even this will be to God’s glory. When we did not know of a power such as God’s power, He revealed himself to each of us that were created for His purpose. He demonstrated power in our lives to save us from eternal damnation and He gave us a new spirit in us that we had not known before. God has revealed so much of Himself to us so that we could come to know Him and have a personal relationship with Him. We are therefore His witnesses of who He is and what He is able to do. There is no denying for the truly regenerated that God is who He says He is and God is with us.

Robert C. Hudson
December 20, 2010

A Child is Born

2010-12-14T19:31:00.001-08:00

December 19, 2010

Background Scripture: Isaiah 9:1 – 7; 11:1 – 9; Matthew 1:18 – 25
Lesson Passage: Isaiah 9:6, 7; 11:1 – 8; Matthew 1:21 – 23

There are few moments during our adult life that will ever match the excitement and overflowing joy of becoming a parent. We notify all of our friends and family as well as complete strangers we may happen to bump into of the great news concerning this birth. We truly celebrate the child’s arrival and we want the whole world to know about it if we could find a way to inform them—thank God for Twitter and Facebook. When a child is born, their birth changes the whole complexion of life for the parent. We realize that our priorities are no longer our priorities. We must realign our priorities in support of this child. Our daily—and indeed hourly—schedule will be dictated by this child for now. When we sleep and when we awake is no longer decisions that we have the luxury of making for ourselves. Our immediate outlook for the future is overshadowed by the growing needs of this child. We understand that how we go about shaping the character and life of this child will have serious repercussions for this child from now on. We must teach them to be kind, respectful, gracious, and productive members of society. Their future depends heavily on how we direct and provide for them.

In today’s lesson, we look at a birth announcement that was sent out about seven hundred years before the actual birth occurred. It has been about two thousand years since the birth and we are still sending forth the announcement to those who have not heard about it. It is the greatest birth in the world. God sent his own son to be born in human flesh. The birth announcement made by the prophet Isaiah announced the birth, the mission, and the destination of this child. He will be born, he will lead, and he will be King forever. To those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, this announcement is good news but to those who walk in darkness, a great light will shine forth that will reveal their deeds that have been hidden by the darkness. To his earthly parents, Joseph and Mary, this birth will not be about them shaping the child’s character but about allowing him to shape theirs. The child indeed submitted himself to them as a child that they might submit themselves to him after he grew up. This child’s future will not be dependent upon how his earthly parents directed and provided for him. Their future will depend on this child leading and providing for them. He would teach all who come to him to be kind, respectful, gracious, and productive members of a different society. He invites us to be citizens in the kingdom of God. He summons all who are weary and heavy laden to cast their burdens on him and enter into his rest. As much as we celebrate his birth this time of the year, his greatest triumph came through his sacrificial death and victorious resurrection on the third day. Today, we celebrate the most wonderful birth the world has ever known and we would not have known it had it not been for his death, burial, and resurrection to make our understanding complete. So today he still lives because he was born to be King forever.

Robert C. Hudson
December 8, 2010

The Lord is Our God

2010-12-14T19:29:00.000-08:00

December 12, 2010

Background Scripture: Isaiah 41:1 – 42:9
Lesson Passage: Isaiah 41:8 – 10, 17 – 20; 42:1 – 4, 9

Isaiah continues his prophetic writing in our lesson this week. God continues his promise of assistance to Israel by delivering them out of exile in Babylon and restoring them to the land of Canaan. He again confirms that he will raise up a Gentile king to overthrow Babylon and to release the Jews to return to their land. God assures Israel that they will be protected from their enemy and, furthermore, God was going to destroy their enemy. God would again perform miracles to supply all that was needed by his people, Israel.

In our lesson today, God challenges the nations to prove that they are equal to him. Are the nations as powerful and wise as God? Do the nations know the history of eternity pass or the yet to be unfolded details of the future? Can they prophesy and then cause their word to be true? God summoned them to meet him at the place of judgment to offer proof of their abilities that would show that they are his equal. The conclusion of all of this is that they are worthless and all who follow them are nothing except an abomination to God. Now, God again offers a prophecy that he would indeed raise up a Gentile king to do his will and deliver his people out of Babylonian exile and back to the land of Canaan. This would again be proof of God’s power and prophetic word. God then offers a word of warning to those who put their trust in idols that are no more than the work of man’s hands. Those who do not put their trust in God are empty, or vain, and the idols they worship are also worthless. God would solve this dilemma for his people. God made choice of the descendents of Abraham and Israel. God will remain faithful to them to help them and give them the strength they need. God will oppose all who dare to come against his chosen ones. He will utterly destroy their enemy so that no remnant of them can be found. Again, God challenged the nations to work miracles of good or evil so that their power can be displayed and admired. God had searched the nations and found no one in them who could give counsel or answer his questions. This is further proof of their worthlessness. But God would put his servant in the midst of his people who would show them the way of perfection. His servant would be anointed with the spirit of God and he will be an example of meekness before them. His success is guaranteed. This servant himself will be a new covenant between God and his people. He shall also provide true knowledge to the Gentiles that they may also come to know God. He will liberate those who are spiritually bound. This servant will speak a prophetic word of truth. He will reveal things to come that Israel may know that he is the anointed Christ of God. When those things of old that were prophesied have come to pass, then God would prophesy new things through his anointed servant. God would not leave the future as a mystery to his people but would declare the future beforetime. For the Lord is God.

Robert C. Hudson
December 6, 2010

God Gives Strength

2010-12-03T16:38:00.002-08:00

December 5, 2010

Background Scripture: Isaiah 40
Lesson Passage: Isaiah 40:1 – 8, 25, 26, 29 – 31

Disaster often happens so quickly that we don’t have enough time to think about what is really going on. Perhaps this is best to keep us from going into shock and mentally shutting down during difficult times. On the other hand, the process of recovery often affords us plenty of time to reflect on the past and contemplate an uncertain future. It is during this time of recovery, rehabilitation, or reordering of our priorities that we are apt to experience the most anxiety. It can be comforting to have someone available who knows all about the situation and is willing to guide us through the process. The presence of such an ally strengthens us. Isaiah informs us that God is that ally.

As we consider the book of Isaiah, we are reminded that its structure is very similar to that of the bible. Its sixty six chapters appear to mirror the sixty six books of the bible. Many scholars refer to the first thirty nine chapters of the book as first Isaiah and the last twenty seven chapters as second Isaiah. This general structure aligns Chapter 40 of Isaiah with the fortieth book of the bible, The Gospel of Matthew. Just as Isaiah 40 signals a renewal of sorts of the covenant between God and the children of Israel, so, too, does Matthew signal the beginning of a new revelation and dispensation from God to his people. Historically, Isaiah 40 is seen as God’s reassuring message to the Jews that their Babylonian captivity is about to end and they will be restored to Canaan, the land of promise, according to the covenant. Captivity in Babylon had served as punishment for the Jews for breaking the covenant with God. The time of their punishment was ending and God was again offering blessed assurance to them that he would indeed be a kind and loving God towards them in spite of their failures in the past. God admonished the prophet to speak gently to his people and inform them that their time of punishment was ending and they were now entering a time of recovery. He went on to tell them of his new plans for them. Prior to the revealing of this new dispensation, God’s messenger would come to prepare the people to receive him even as royalty sent ambassadors ahead to pave the way for their arrival. God’s anointed one would be a shepherd for them and would care for and protect them. They could depend on God’s word as they always had. God’s word had never failed and it never will. They were not to trust in anyone else or anything else but God. God cannot be compared to anyone or anything. No one has given God instructions as a counselor. No idol could ever be compared to God’s greatness no matter how skillful the craftsman that fashions it. Whereas men fashion idols, God fashions men and therefore he knows all about man—who is the work of his hands. There is an assurance in knowing that God knows all about his people and their condition. He promises to remedy their condition and deliver them from their situations. We cannot fully comprehend the knowledge of God because the human mind is too limited. He knows our weakness; therefore he is able to give us strength.

Robert C. Hudson
November 26, 2010

God is Omniscient

2010-12-03T16:38:00.001-08:00

November 28, 2010

Background Scripture: Psalm 139
Lesson Passage: Psalm 139:1 – 6; 13 – 16, 23, 24

There are those who are familiar with us as friends. They tend to know our likes and dislikes. This could include things such as foods, colors, clothes, or even types of vehicles. They know if we like to exercise or just go for a brisk walk. On the other hand, there is family who know us more intimately. They know what hurts us and what makes us happy. They can determine our disposition by simply reading our body language. Whether we are worried, scared, overly confident, or just plain naïve, our family members know us all too well. Even within families there are different levels of interpersonal knowledge. There are relationships between parents and children, between siblings, and between spouses—not to mention cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents, etc. There are many people who know us on some level, however, none of them know all there is to know about us. Our friends know us differently than our families or spouses. It seems next to impossible to be seen in the same light by all who know us. The bottom line is that although many may know something about us, there is no person who knows everything there is to know about us. This fact is often to our detriment. Many times we wish that someone could know us as well as others in a particular area of concern. We often feel misunderstood because of this. When we hurt, we can’t just arbitrarily turn to anyone who may happen to know something about us. They may not know us on an emotional level nor might they care to know us on that level. When we are wrestling with major life decisions, we are very judicious to whom we turn to confide in or seek advice. We can see in this that to know and to be known is very important to relationships. Quality relationships are very important to living a balanced and wholesome life. We work hard to build and sustain many wholesome relationships to improve the quality of our lives.

In Psalm 139, David lets us know that there is one relationship that satisfies the need of all of them. God reveals enough of himself to those that seek him that we may know him. On the other hand, he knows all there is to know about us. When we add up everything that others know about us, it is still less than what God knows about us. God knows everything. God knows who I am. He knows my activities and my habits. God knows my thoughts and my speech. God didn’t just learn this by watching me. He knew me before I was born. It is not just those observable things that others can learn about me. God knows my innermost person that others cannot observe. God knows me through and through. I can turn to him for anything and never have to worry about surprising him. When I pray for a blessing, I don’t have to specify size, type, color, fashion, or any other personal taste I might have for he already knows it. In fact, God knows things about me that I have not yet discovered about myself. He knows what I like and dislike although I have not yet experienced it. He has created me such that I cannot truly know myself until I first come into a relationship with him. It seems that I am constantly discovering new things about myself as I seek to strengthen my relationship with him. Indeed I am fearfully and wonderfully made but I cannot discover the depths of that until I seek God first. There is nothing that can be known about me that God does not already know perfectly. God is truly all knowing. God is omniscient.

Robert C. Hudson
November 19, 2010

God is Forever

2010-12-03T16:35:00.002-08:00

November 14, 2010

Background Scripture: Psalm 90
Lesson Passage: Psalm 90:1 – 12

Forever is a very long time. I suppose that this is the only way we mortals can even have a concept of eternity. We visualize eternity as being independent of time. Almost by definition, time can not exist in eternity. Some theologians define eternity as a state of forever now. There is no yesterday or tomorrow; there is just now. God, in introducing himself to Moses, declared that I am that I am. In such a theology, God exists in the eternal now. God is forever. In Psalm 90, Moses’ prayer expresses man’s time-dependent existence in relationship to God’s existence. We don’t often think of Moses as a poet or hymn writer but the psalm in our lesson today is the only one that identifies Moses as the author. Certainly with his vast experience interacting with God, we should expect anything that Moses took time to write to be worthwhile studying. In this psalm, Moses acknowledges God’s infinite nature and contrasts it to man’s finite physical existence. Moses adds perspective to a lot of priorities we dare to set in life. We are reminded that our life is a brief existence. Moses prays for God’s guidance in how we establish priorities in this life seeing that our time is limited here. As a young man seeks the counsel and advice of an elder who has experience beyond his years, mankind should seek the guidance of the eternal and only wise God in all matters pertaining to life and godliness. God has been and is both the source and sustainer for man since the very beginning of time. God is our habitation or place of dwelling. Paul noted that even those who don’t know God personally acknowledge that in him we live and move and have our being. There is no place that we can go to escape God’s presence. God existed even before he called into existence everything else. There is no physical existence that has been here forever. God always has been and he always is. For the self-existent God, all of time is brief and fleeting. Since we can think of God existing within the eternal now, yesterday and tomorrow are insignificant. So then a thousand years really are but as a watch in the night. God does not lend himself to discovery by us. All that we can ever know of God or about God he must reveal to us in a way that is finite enough for us to comprehend it. At God’s word, men are turned back into dust from where we were taken. Our time between birth and death passes quickly. In light of the fact that we shall stand before the judgment seat of God and give an account of the deeds done in our bodies, we should depend on God’s guidance as to how we are to use this brief time wisely. If we cannot aspire unto righteousness and holiness during these few years, what hope do we have for an eternity in the presence of God’s holiness? Should we not seek to experience now a portion of what eternity promises the children of God? Moses’ prayer is that God would grant us now the will and the ability to live here in preparation for the eternity that is promised for the future for God’s children. If we desire to live in God’s presence, then let us aspire to live forever in a manner that is pleasing to him since God is forever.

Robert C. Hudson
November 5, 2010

God is Awesome

2010-12-03T16:35:00.001-08:00

November 7, 2010

Background Scripture: Psalm 66
Lesson Passage: Psalm 66

This psalm was written by an anonymous author. Although the author is not known, the truths recorded in this psalm are universally known by God’s children. The title here says it all. God is awesome! This expression can only come from the heart of one who has been delivered by God in a time of great need. There is nothing that comes close to personal experience with God. Deliverance leads to praise. Praise comes easily for those who have had an encounter with God and he has dealt kindly with them. A testimony is birthed when the realness of God is experienced in one’s life and not just thought about or felt. When God allows us to see his works, we praise him for his works. God’s wisdom and his power are awesome. No one can do the things that God does. God acts according to his own character or nature and therefore his actions are not subject to circumstances. The fact that a holy God interacts with man—who has a sinful nature—is incomprehensible. God’s dealings with man are awesome. Today, all do not know him but one day all will know him and acknowledge him for his holiness. His power is irresistible; every knee shall bow to him and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God. Nature has already succumbed to God’s divine power. His power over nature is awesome. He dried up the Red Sea and the Jordan River. Although this may have occurred many years before the psalmist wrote about it, yet the very nature of these actions are testimonies worth repeating to encourage future generations. It is a reminder that there are no barriers in this life that can resist God’s power to overcome and subdue. God’s knowledge and wisdom are to be praised. His all-seeing eye beholds everything without limit in regard to time or space. Yesterday and tomorrow are as clear to God as right now. His omniscience is awesome. He is aware of all of the affairs of man throughout the nations. David, in one of his psalms, declared that there is nowhere one can go to escape God’s presence. Man appears to be one of the last frontiers that will be conquered by God’s divine holiness. We think of God in reverent fear. We reverence him because of his holiness and great love towards us. Although we are mortal and our frames are made of dust, God upholds us in our time of weakness. We praise him for his ability to keep his children from falling. All of these things are known by those who are his. Although we have a collective testimony, yet our testimony of him is also deeply personal. My personal testimony of God’s dealings with me is awesome. I cannot count my blessings for they are too numerous. When I cry out to him in sincerity, he hears my cry and responds as a father to a tender young child. I am in awe that he is attentive to my prayers and responds to them when I do not cherish sin. A sinful nature is abomination towards God but he cleans us up and makes us fit to come into his holy presence. Through the blood of his only begotten Son, we come boldly before his throne of grace to render the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to our awesome God!

Robert C. Hudson
October 26, 2010

God is Protector

2010-11-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

November 21, 2010

Background Scripture: Psalm 91
Lesson Passage: Psalm 91:1 – 6; 9 – 16

I recall times in my life as a teenager when life appeared to be getting fairly complex. There was so much to learn about friends and relationships that up to that point were not very important to me at all. Some days, life could seem pretty overwhelming and that feeling could sometimes extend for days on end. It seemed as though trouble was to be found everywhere. It was at those times that I began to seek out a quiet place where I could temporarily unplug from the world and try to wrap my mind around all of the situations and circumstances that were apparently starting to complicate my life. When you grow up in a relatively large family (I had nine siblings) it could be difficult finding a quiet place unless one would physically leave home for a while. Lucky for me we lived in the country so I would just grab a rifle or shotgun and start walking for the woods that were about a half mile away. That walk was normally long enough to provide me with the time I needed so that I didn’t have to spend much time in the woods. My quiet place was not a space but a journey. When I grew up and left home for college and then after that to a career, I missed those walks that afforded me the privilege of escape from the rat race and troubles of life. Later, I discovered another place of solitude and reflection that was even better than a walk to the woods. This place is the one that the psalmist refers to in Psalm 91. Many times I wish I had found this place first but nevertheless, I am happy that I found it.

There is no question of whether trouble will come but rather a question of when trouble will come. Whether we like it or not, some problems are just much bigger than us no matter how young or old we are. When our problems are too big for us to handle, we need help. When our problems won’t go away, sometimes we need a place to go to escape our problems. To whom do you run or where do you hide when hell hounds are on your trail? We all have tribulations in life. Jesus reminded his followers that in the world we shall have tribulation. The psalmist in our lesson today offers the answer to these questions. If we hide in God’s shadow, then God will protect us. In speaking of the shadow of God as a hiding place, the psalmist used a Hebrew metaphor to describe the protection afforded by God to those that seek his presence. One must be close enough to God to abide in his shadow. When one is close enough to be in God’s shadow, metaphorically, there is no fear of what the enemy may desire to do. There within his shadow, God becomes both a safe haven and a military post for spiritual warfare. One’s position in God brings all of this to pass. Evil traps that are set will become ineffective and death will no longer threaten the well being of God’s elect. All threats are neutralized. The terror of the evil one, spiritual warfare, death, or anything else that may be debilitating are all left in God’s hand. Although the world around you may fall apart and be reduced to rubble, those who trust in God will not be overcome by any of it. God will send guardian angels to reassure his elect that they are being kept by his mighty power. God’s elect have all of the promises of God to stand on when times are difficult. And no matter what troubles may come, we are assured that God is our protector.

Robert C. Hudson
November 11, 2010

God’s Comforting Presence

2010-10-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

October 31, 2010

Background Scripture: Psalm 63
Lesson Passage: Psalm 63

I believe that all of us experience times in our Christian walk when God’s presence seems distant. Sometimes this appears to happen as a result of our own behavior or even failure to act. At other times it seems to occur at the moment of indecision when we really want God to give us some clear directions. Whatever the time or occasion may be, we find ourselves groping for some tangible evidence of God’s presence with us. As we seek God, he always comes through for us. When he does, we are moved from concern and frustration to joy and excitement. It is exhilarating to go from longing and seeking to satisfaction and praise. How do we make that transition? One of the ways we transition from problems to praise is by meditating on God’s word. Meditation requires quiet time. We need a time and/or place where all of the distractions of this world can be tuned out so that we can just think and reflect on God’s goodness. Meditation allows us to reflect on God’s prior actions in our lives as well as on the promises in his word. Through meditation, we are somehow able to connect God’s promises with the anticipation of a brighter future. With such a wonderful gift of God through meditation, then meditation should be a regular activity in our day to day living. When should we meditate? For many of us, nighttime is the right time for meditation. In some cases, nighttime is the time when much of the activities that surround us in the day shut down. For certain, this would have been the case during the time of David. The wilderness of Judah was the setting for the occasion of the writing of this psalm. David was there in hiding from his enemy. While there, he was meditating on the comfort of God’s presence. Nighttime would have given David a temporary reprieve from pursuit by his enemy. While they would have rested in preparation for another day of search and destroy, David rested in the comfort of God’s presence through meditation. This is a very important lesson for us to learn. If we have become frustrated with our enemies, we can be assured that the fate of the enemies of the children of God is destruction. We are benefactors of God’s loving kindness towards us. God’s loving kindness is worthy of praise for it is greater than life itself because God’s reach is beyond even the grave. When God is our protector, who then should we fear? While our enemies seek strife, God’s children should meditate on the peace and tranquility of God’s sanctuary. Through meditation, God will cause us to think of the sanctuary while dwelling in the wilderness of life. With that, no matter where we find ourselves, we can rest in God’s comforting presence.

Robert C. Hudson
October 25, 2010

God’s Universal Reign

2010-10-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

October 24, 2010

Background Scripture: Psalm 47
Lesson Passage: Psalm 47

I have never witnessed the coronation of a king. I believe that this is different than the inauguration of a president—which I have seen on television. The inauguration of a president places him in office for a fixed and very limited amount of time as prescribed by the constitution. If he is re-elected, the second inauguration places him in office for the second and final brief term. The service time of the president is seen as being the direct will of the people over whom he governs. The coronation of a king, on the other hand, presupposes that he is being crowned and recognized for a lifetime appointment on the throne. His reign continues throughout his lifetime. His reign is not a result of the will of the governed but it is seen as being divinely ordained. Psalm 47 allows the reader (or hearer) to have a unique vantage point. One actually witnesses the coronation of the eternal King here on earth. He is already acknowledged as the eternal King in heaven by all that are there. The inhabitants in the earth, up to this point, have not all acknowledged His kingship on earth but many pray for it daily (Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.). In Psalm 47, we visualize his passage down the parade route as spectators cheer from the sidelines. We know that this will be for our good and we celebrate with thanksgiving. Adoration and praise erupt as He approaches the dais. His reputation is acknowledged and the expectation of what He will do is vocally anticipated. Trumpets blast as He ascends the royal stairs. Singers lift their voices and belt out the notes in harmony and loud voices that ring throughout the earth and the heavens. Earthly rulers gather and acknowledge his lordship and bow in humble submission to the great King (a king over even them). Even those who do not know Him respond in deferred obeisance. On this day, every knee bows and every tongue confesses the King’s lordship. Then the King takes his rightful place on the throne of the earth. This is the place that Satan has occupied since the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden. Satan has become the prince of this world but he will be overthrown and trumpets will blast and singers will sing forth their joy. As the King looks over the crowd that cannot be numbered for magnitude, then slowly those that are his will move through the crowd and gather at His feet. These are the feet that were seen by Moses and the elders of Israel at Mount Sinai when He wrapped himself in a thick cloud. With this view, we have looked pass all of the frustrations and disappointments of yesterday and the cares and stress of today. We have seen where tomorrow stops and eternity displaces time. God has been enthroned as world ruler and we have given witness to it through the prophetic eyes of the psalmist. God is greatly exalted!

Robert C. Hudson
October 12, 2010

God’s Safe Refuge

2010-10-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

October 17, 2010

Background Scripture: Psalm 46:1 – 7
Lesson Passage: Psalm 46:1 – 7

refuge: shelter or protection from danger or distress; a means of resort for help in difficulty

When one walks in God’s favor, there is consolation in knowing that he is always there to assist in whatever the need may be. Surely, this psalm must have provided consolation for Israel for thousands of years. Israel’s history is one that shows a constant physical threat of annihilation by her enemies. Much of the history of national Israel shows her with rather difficult to defend borders because she does not occupy the original territory of the covenant which was outlined with naturally protected borders consisting of mountain ranges, deserts, vast seas, and bluffs at the Jordan River’s edge. In the absence of natural physical protection and enemies surrounding her, Israel’s security had to be dependent on the protection of God. The psalmist sets forth in this psalm the declaration that Israel’s protection is far superior to that of her enemies. God is Israel’s protection and protector. Israel does not have to send for God. He is always there in their midst and he is available to help them. The descendants of Korah offered their fellow countrymen reassuring words in the form of prophetic poetry. Although their enemies were many and visible, their helper, the Lord, was not physically visible but he was infinitely more powerful. No matter what happened physically—whether a shaking of the earth or raging of the seas—Israel could remain still and steadfast because her God had everything under control. Furthermore, God always provide for the place or city where he places his name. Eden was fruitful and well irrigated even before there was rain because of the rivers that flowed through it. For where a river flows, there is no need or dependence on seasonal rains. The river sustains the land where it flows. Likewise, New Jerusalem is sustained by a river that flows through her midst. This can very well be seen as the presence of the Spirit of God in the midst of the city. For the Holy Spirit does indeed refresh and make fruitful those he chooses to flow through. Where the Spirit of God flows, there is a continuous presence of God’s blessings; there is no need for God to rain down blessings from heaven when his Spirit is present to provide personal delivery. God shelters his children from the storms of life. Why stress out when God is available? Jesus said come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. This sounds like a prescription for stress relief. If we take away that which is impossible to us, we can handle the possible. For those who are children of God, he handles that we cannot handle. In recent history, a hymnologist stated it another way: have you any rivers that you feel are uncrossable? Have you any mountains that you cannot tunnel through? God specializes in things that are impossible and he will do what no other power can do. God is our refuge.

Robert C. Hudson
October 6, 2010

God’s Perfect Law

2010-10-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

October 10, 2010

Background Scripture: Psalm 19
Lesson Passage: Psalm 19:7 – 14

What is it about God’s law that it so captivates us? For one thing, it is perfect. Until the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh, man had not witnessed physical perfection in something. Man observes beauty, harmony, and balance in many occurrences throughout nature. But, no matter how beautiful, harmonious, or balanced a thing may be, the critic can always discover imperfection in it upon closer inspection. God’s law is not so. God’s law is perfect and it shows contrast with man’s inner nature. No matter how closely one may inspect or examine God’s law, all you will find is perfection. God’s law is a reflection of his holiness. How it affects us is easily experienced yet difficult to comprehend. God’s law instigates conversion in us. In other words, when we come into the knowledge of God’s law, we are convicted by it because we see that we have fallen short and our desire to be made complete motivates us to turn from our ways and turn to God in repentance. Besides God’s law, there is nothing else that will create a stir in us to cause such a life-changing reaction. The law of God is indeed a spiritual mirror that man looks into. The more perfect the mirror is, the truer will be the reflection it provides. The mirror does not add or detract from an object. It only reflects an image of what is before it. God’s law is a perfect mirror. Even those who are considered simple are made wise through the word of God. God’s word can give joy, fear, warnings, and the promise of reward for obedience. (If all of this is manifest through knowing and receiving just the word of God, how could we possibly bear to be in the very presence of God’s glory? We can barely contain ourselves as we examine his law; surely the presence of his glory or shining greatness would be unbearable to the natural or carnal man.) Our human limitations cause us to be ignorant of some of our own faults. Some faults are buried deep within us. God’s law is a revealer of secret faults. Paul said that he would not have known about the sin of covetousness except that the law of God revealed it. It was always there it was just not made manifest without the law. This passage of scripture reminds me of my own observation of physical mirrors. I know immediately when I have come before a mirror of superior quality. Strands of hair on the top and sides of my head that are out of place become evident to me. (I find certain ones that will absolutely not be tamed or manipulated to my desire no matter how I brush.) Likewise, I see the small pock marks, blemishes, and discolorations within my face. None of these things are new. They are always there. But with the right mirror and lighting, what is unnoticed—indeed almost invisible to the unaided eye—from day to day, become obvious and brought to the front and center of the stage. The mirror does not change me. It does not add or detract. What appears to be new is just made manifest by a superior mirror. God’s law does not make me a sinner nor does it change my ethical or moral behavior. In its perfection, God’s law gives a true reflection of what has always been there and sometimes it has been unnoticed from day to day as I observe myself in the mirrors of public opinion and peer comparison. Public opinion and peer comparison average the good with the bad and leads us to contentment with mediocrity. God’s law, however, is not an average of good and bad; neither does it compare one individual with another. God’s law is perfect.

Robert C. Hudson
September 22, 2010

God’s Majesty and Human Dignity

2010-09-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

October 3, 2010

Background Scripture: Psalm 8
Lesson Passage: Psalm 8

God has given man dignity by assigning him his place in creation. The psalmist declares that in the creation order, man is a little lower than the angels. That very knowledge is awe inspiring in itself. We know so little about angels and yet God has revealed that they are just a little higher than man. We know that angels are exceedingly powerful in that God can send just one to destroy a whole nation of people. Likewise, man also has the capacity to destroy. Yet it was man and not angels that God gave dominion over the earth. The fact that God gave man dominion over the earth further illustrates the dignity that he has bestowed on mankind. Dominion implies authority yet it must always be considered in the light of responsibility. Man was not given the world as a possession but rather man was entrusted with caring for God’s creation and being a steward of it. Man’s first assignment is a reflection of this. After the creation of Adam, he was placed in the Garden of Eden to keep and dress the garden. He was given the privilege to eat of the increase (or fruit) of its trees with the exception of the one tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. When Adam was found unfaithful to the work through his disobedience to God, God removed him from the garden and the ground that once provided only blessings to him began to provide a mixture of blessings and curses. Adam’s work became more toilsome as a result of his disobedience. Adam had to give an account of his stewardship to God for that which he was entrusted with. Man also has the capacity to create; which is an attribute that has not been attributed to angels. In being creative, man reflects the image and likeness of God that is in us. Man’s capacity to destroy or create is dangerous for him and all physical creation when it is not considered in the light of the dignity that God has bestowed on us. As man destroys, he must also create or risk being found an unfaithful steward. How should man ensure the adequacy of his stewardship? He must have a role model to pattern himself after. That role model is God. God has always been man’s role model but man has constantly fallen short of following him. God’s name is a reflection of his character and glory. The very idea of God’s name is enough to inspire awe and admiration. God’s handiwork of creation is a reflection of his divine glory and majesty. What God has done is a display of his majesty and his name is an expression of his excellence. Today, man does not reflect this in his own character. This alone is an indication that man is far from following his role model. As this psalm wraps around itself with a doxology that is an echo of its opening expression, it is made clear that this is a psalm of praise to the glory of God. Man’s true dignity is derived from the actions of an awe inspiring God who would condescend to relate to man. God is mindful of man and his affairs. God orders the steps of those who put their trust in him. God builds a hedge of protection around those who are his own. Above all of that, God allows man to enter into his presence. The infinite and holy God allows man in his finite and fallen nature to experience his presence. What is man that God would do such a thing?

Robert C. Hudson
September 17, 2010

God Promises an Awesome Thing

2010-09-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

September 26, 2010

Background Scripture: Exodus 34:1 – 10
Lesson Passage: Exodus 34:1 – 10

Today’s lesson starts out on a somewhat somber note. It begins with Moses picking up the pieces and preparing to get back on track with his conversation with God. God and Moses were in conversation when God interrupted it in reaction to the wanton and shameful national sin of Israel. Their behavior was beyond reprehensible for a nation and it could not have happened at a worse time. Their actions took place as God was preparing for them the most unique document ever created for mankind. This document would become the basis of a written contract between God and mankind. In it, God would put unbelievable gifts of grace for Israel. This would become the most prestigious document the world has ever known and it was being prepared especially for Israel. God had carved out two stone tablets and written the contract language himself. When Moses returned to the foot of the mountain and witnessed Israel’s transgression, he became so distraught with them that he threw the stone tablets down and broke them. By the time things had settled down and God had forgiven Israel’s trespass against him, Moses was left to pick up the pieces and start afresh. This time God would not carve out tablets and write on them. Instead, he required Moses to carve the tablets and then God wrote on the tablets that Moses had to provide. No doubt, every strike of the chisel must have reminded Moses of what it was that led to him having to carve stone tablets. Finally, they were done and Moses could again return to his meeting place with God and resume the conversation. When God met Moses, he proclaimed his presence by declaring the holiness of his character. In that proclamation were seeds of a special blessing. God is merciful, forgiving, patient, and filled with goodness and mercy. God, who had every right to be angry and vengeful, is also merciful and forgiving. God never changes. Israel’s sin, however, had revealed an aspect of God’s nature that was up to this point unknown or perhaps just unappreciated. Furthermore, God promised to display miracles among Israel that would be witnessed by all who came in contact with Israel. Not only would Israel be blessed beyond imagination, but their blessings from God would be evident to others who they would be among. God will display an awesomeness that will be observed and talked about. Although God is spirit and therefore not visible, yet there will be no mistaking the fact that his presence is with Israel. No other nation had ever known such a thing. Israel was still yet unborn as a nation but they had the assurance from God that they would exceed all other nations in God’s display of goodness towards them. Other nations had thousands of years of history, culture, education, and wealth but Israel, yet unborn as a nation, had an eternity of blessings promised to them. God had promised an awesome thing.

Robert C. Hudson
September 15, 2010

God Makes a Covenant with Israel

2010-09-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

September 12, 2010

Background Scripture: Exodus 20
Lesson Passage: Exodus 20:1 – 11

There were three basic forms of covenants or contracts between two or more parties during the time that God delivered Israel out of Egypt. A covenant could be a mutual agreement between equal parties. A covenant could be an agreement between unequal parties with conditions imposed on the inferior party by the superior party. The third and perhaps the least common covenant was an agreement between a superior party and an inferior party where the superior party self-imposes conditions on himself and places no conditions on the inferior party. In our lesson today, God, the superior party, imposes conditions on himself and Israel but he allows Israel to consider the terms of the agreement and then ratify the covenant if they agreed with its terms and conditions.

God entered into a contractual agreement with Israel. That very concept is worth some serious introspection on the part of any religious-minded person. God is the supreme example of a superior party whether one reaches that conclusion through philosophy, definition, or divine revelation. Speaking of God in a contractual relationship with people is a mind bending concept. It is much easier to think of God as distant and indifferent to the needs and affairs of the human experience than to consider him as interested and engaged in the same. Reasons such as these make God’s revelation of himself to mankind intriguing. When one considers God’s revelation of himself as being both all powerful as well as all holy, then the contrast between God’s character and that of humanity becomes starkly obvious. Again, this makes the idea of a divine-human contract seem rather unlikely. But that is exactly what God offered Israel in today’s bible passage. God offered to be their protector and provider in exchange for their loyal obedience to following after holiness. God desired Israel’s character to be even as his own, holy. Israel did not have to determine what was holy and what was not. God provided the terms of holiness to them. God gave clear stipulations as to what was required of Israel to come into and remain in right standing with him. In exchange for their loving obedience, God would give them whatever their hearts desired that was in keeping with holiness. Although God is clearly superior, the covenant he established with Israel was similar to a covenant between equal parties where they both agreed on the terms and conditions. In our lesson today, God outlined some basic terms and conditions of the Sinai Covenant with a clear description of holy living or holiness on the part of Israel. This was a fundamental requirement of the covenant—holy living. This manner of living would bring Israel into right standing or righteousness with God. God, through Moses, described the law of righteousness. This description was put in a covenant that God made with Israel.

Robert C. Hudson
August 31, 2010

God Calls Moses

2010-08-31T15:40:00.000-07:00

September 5, 2010

Background Scripture: Exodus 3
Lesson Passage: Exodus 3:1 – 6, 13 – 15

Today’s lesson is an excellent example of God calling a person into service or ministry. It seems to all start with a yearning. Moses had experienced a yearning to be among his brethren, the Jewish people. Although Moses was living an affluent life in Pharaoh’s palace, he longed to be among the Jews who were slaves in Egypt. Moses envisioned himself as a protector of the Jews and a peacemaker in their midst. Moses soon learned one of the realities of being a leader of people. The Jews readily accepted his physical protection but utterly rejected the notion of him being their judge and counselor. Moses attempted to use his own strength and wisdom to gain leadership over the Jews that he might provide care for them. This failed and eventually led to him living in exile in the desert for forty years as a result of his efforts.

Our lesson opens today with Moses living the desert life and caring for his father-in-law’s flock. This would turn out to be no ordinary day in the desert for Moses. This day, Moses would have an encounter with God that changed him for the remainder of his life. In this passage of scripture God formally introduces himself to Moses. Moreover, God informs Moses that he is now ready to prepare Moses to go and lead Israel out of Egyptian bondage. What Moses had yearned for forty years earlier, God was now about to bring to pass. What Moses learned he could not accomplish in his own strength, God would bring about with absolute power.

What can we learn from Moses’ call by God? First, a yearning is not “necessarily” a call of God. It may truly be what God has placed in our hearts but it may also be that we have not yet been prepared to be formally called. A calling of God does not depend on the strength or abilities of the one who is called. Neither talent nor desire is a match for the forces of evil one will encounter as one goes about his God-assigned ministry. The yearning is at best an indicator of the need to seek God’s face for directions. Secondly, although we may have failed miserably in trying to undertake a mission for God without God’s help, it does not mean that God is not willing to use us for his purpose. However, God will use us as he sees fit and not as we so desire. We must learn to love God and his ways and not hope that God will come around and eventually listen to us and give us the power to do what we want to do the way we want to do it. Even after forty years, God had not forgotten what was in Moses’ heart in the beginning. It was Moses who needed to come around to do things God’s way and in the power of God. Paul said that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Moses is a good example of that fact. After Moses left the security of the palace and became a nomadic shepherd caring for another man’s flock, then he was prepared and God called Moses.

Robert C. Hudson
August 20, 2010

Upheld by God

2010-08-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

August 29, 2010

Background Scripture: Acts 28; Philippians 4:15 – 23
Lesson Passage: Acts 28:16 – 25a, 28 – 31

What is the source of your strength? When the chips are down and you really need a breakthrough, what is your first option—rather than your last resort? Those are value seeking questions. The “true” answers speak to the values that we hold dear to us. I say “true” answers as opposed to the “expected” answers or the answers that we are comfortable giving even if they don’t truly reflect our thinking or behavior. In our lesson today, Paul offers his “true” answer to those questions. The answer he gives was not derived out of a profound theological thesis that Paul developed while contemplating scriptures but rather it is a testimony of the trials and tests that God put Paul through until he had no other place to turn first. All of Paul’s options were gradually taken away or surrendered as a result of the hardships Paul suffered in his ministry for Jesus Christ. This was a true fulfillment of the words Jesus spoke to Paul (then Saul) on the road to Damascus. Jesus told Paul that it was hard for him to kick against the pricks. This warning did not prevent Paul, just as it does not prevent us, from kicking anyway until he finally surrendered to the will of God. It is this surrendered state we find the apostle in as we follow his journey in the account recorded towards the close of the book of Acts. This is not a state of being beaten down as much as it is a state of contentment to trust in the word of Christ in spite of circumstances that seem to be to the contrary.

The historic account in Acts detail the treacherous journey Paul and the Roman soldiers traveled to escort Paul from Jerusalem to Rome. This journey included a wintry weather shipwreck in which the ship and all of its cargo, except the people, were destroyed and loss at sea. Wintry weather made for unbearable conditions for the sea-soaked group as they clung to pieces of debris in the troubled waters while they made their way to shore. Kindling a fire should have brought relief but even that led to yet another hardship for Paul. He was bitten by a poisonous snake while placing some sticks on the fire. So why is Paul content? Before all of this transpired, Paul had been told one night by Jesus that he had to appear in Rome to bear witness of him. So in spite of the calamities he endured, he had the assurance of Jesus’ word that he would arrive safely in Rome to bear witness of Christ. Jesus had assured Paul of the destination, Rome. He did not tell him what all would transpire between Jerusalem and Rome. But it was Paul’s assurance of the destination that he could base his faith on. Come what may, Paul was assured that he would arrive in Rome and therefore he would be able to shake his problems off along the way. With that, Paul simply shook the snake off of his hand into the fire. Those that saw it were frightened that Paul did not die of the snakebite but Paul had faith that nothing was going to prevent him from accomplishing God’s work for him. Whatever circumstances arose, Paul knew he would be upheld by God. As Paul prepared the final salutation in his letter to the Philippians, he could say with confidence “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” because Paul had experienced God’s benevolence for himself.

Robert C. Hudson
August 16, 2010

Growing in Joy and Peace

2010-08-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

August 22, 2010

Background Scripture: Philippians 4
Lesson Passage: Philippians 4:1 – 14

Paul closes this letter by reflecting on the Christian’s need to think of his heavenly citizenship and anticipation of Christ’s return. This frame of mind will aid the believer in standing firm in times of difficulty. The first step is to get believers to live in the moment and not get lost in nostalgia. Looking back tends to hold one back. Allow “now” to be fully accepted, fully appreciated, and fully experienced. That will free us from the tyranny of the past. The next step is to live in anticipation of the future; not just any future but the future that God promises the believer. When the believer embraces the promises of God, then the anticipation of the future will be of greater value than present circumstances. When believers embrace the future that Christ promises, then the realization of heavenly citizenship will cause us to wait with anticipation for Christ’s return. With this attitude why complain about situations and circumstances today? If we are living for the future, it should be easier to handle today’s problems. With this in mind, Paul encouraged peace between two Philippian women who he named without necessarily offering them a solution to whatever problem they might have had between them. The nature of the problem is not the issue but the absence of peace. Harmony is achieved when Jesus becomes the center of thinking for all parties. Paul went on to request an unnamed fellow laborer of his to help to establish peace among them considering that they had been supporters in the cause of the gospel along with Paul. In other words, those who have been a part of the building process will sometimes more readily seek to fix problems than those who have not labored in establishing the ministry. This observation of them as fellow laborers is of note because of the circumstances that led Paul to Philippi in the beginning. God gave Paul a vision of a man in Macedonia requesting him to come and help them. However, when Paul arrived he only found a group of women praying by the river. He labored with them and through his ministry, Lydia and her household were saved. Lydia represents the type of person that very well could be considered a fellow laborer with Paul in Macedonia. She was part of the original prayer group by the river. She knew that God had brought the Philippian believers a long way from that prayer band to a functional church with bishops and deacons. Sometimes those who are not likeminded need help from other mature Christians to assist in bringing about reconciliation.

Again Paul could rejoice as he reflected on the generosity of the Philippians in providing for his needs. Believers should rejoice in God’s provision not as a sign of approval but as an act of true thanksgiving. Contentment should not be dependent on having material goods but it should be independent of them as one learns to depend on Jesus for all things in every situation. Christ gives us the strength to handle all situations and to do all things.

Robert C. Hudson
August 14, 2010

Living into the Future

2010-08-10T16:01:00.000-07:00

August 15, 2010

Background Scripture: Philippians 3:1 – 4:1
Lesson Passage: Philippians 3:4b – 16

Paul, as is characteristic of him in this letter, again admonishes the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord. The reason this time is the future that God has in store for Christians. There are some steps we should take in preparing our hearts to fully embrace a coming future with sincere joy. One of the most important steps is letting go of the past in preparation for the future. Sometimes nostalgia gets the best of us. We spend so much time reminiscing about the past that we become distracted in the present and totally detached mentally and emotionally from the future. It is difficult if not impossible to rejoice about the future while we spend an inordinate amount of time stuck in the past. The present, in a sense, liberates us from the past. The present is the gift of opportunity to start afresh. The best way to break free of the past is to live in the present moment with anticipation of a coming future.

Why, some may ask, should we want to break free of our past if it is filled with happiness and fond memories? The answer is simple. Our past may be filled with glorious achievements of which we could boast but it will not help us in eternity. I am a proponent of education but I will readily admit that education cannot help us in eternity. I enjoy the richness that life offers—especially those things that are well within our budget. None of those things will prosper us in eternity. Peter even warned a would-be disciple that his riches would perish with him. Perhaps the heart of the issue here is that our past keeps us connected to this world. This world is destined to be destroyed and replaced with a new world. Why stay connected with and long for condemned property? Our rejoicing should not be in yesterday but in the eternal future. Our past may keep us connected to this world but Christ connects us to the eternal future. Jesus did nothing during his brief ministry to suggest that he was trying in anyway to stay in this world forever. He was always clear that this world was not his home. He did not seek to possess physical treasures here. He instead called out a few that he trained and commissioned to go forth and call out the masses from the world into God’s own kingdom. This agenda brought him many enemies. Christians are to beware of the enemies of Christ for they have also become our enemies. Those that oppose Christ and his teachings also oppose his followers. They cannot and do not attack the future inheritance of the saints. They are more a distraction than a hindrance of the ministry of Jesus. Christians are to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ as we declare ourselves to be pilgrims in this world and anticipate living in the future.

Robert C. Hudson
July 29, 2010

Sharing God’s Grace

2010-08-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

August 1, 2010

Background Scripture: Philippians 1
Lesson Passage: Philippians 1:15 – 29

Philippians is one of Paul’s prison epistles. It is written to a church that Paul established in the region of Macedonia known as Philippi. The local church had developed quite a lot since its founding as can be seen by the manner in which they were addressed. The letter was addressed to the saints along with the bishops and deacons that were at Philippi. The fact that this local church had spiritual officers (bishops and deacons) in place shows its advanced state. Throughout this letter Paul admonishes them to rejoice in the Lord. It is truly a love letter that was written to encourage the saints in their Christian walk and to thank them for the gifts they had sent to him. He even acknowledged the gifts they sent to him previously after he departed from Philippi and was in Thessalonica.

Paul recognized that the Philippians’ faith in Christ was evidence that they were partakers of the same grace; or in other words, Paul’s teaching had led them to have faith in Christ and to follow after him and as a result, they were being blessed even as Paul.

Paul then turned his attention to the work of equipping the saints in Philippi for the work of ministry. As long as he lived, he could be of benefit to them in their spiritual growth. On the other hand, if Paul were to lay down his life, he could then be with Christ and reap the reward of his labors which was even better for him. However, Paul was confident that God was going to deliver him from imprisonment and his deliverance would bring the Philippians great joy. He would indeed be reunited with them. Many other Christian workers were being emboldened by Paul’s imprisonment. Because Paul could have joy in his situation, the Philippians could also rejoice in theirs.

A call to rejoice while suffering for Christ’s sake is a redundant theme in this epistle. Suffering for Christ is a higher calling for a saint. To suffer for Christ is to truly follow in his footsteps. When Jesus called disciples, he called them to forsake their plans and situations and take up their cross and follow him. The cross was clearly understood as a symbol of suffering. Paul saw his situation as an example of suffering so that the saints in Philippi might not be intimidated when they faced adversity because of their faith in Christ. Paul continued to labor that the Philippian saints might know that chains did not hinder the gospel. The gospel continued to be shared through Paul and because of him—some in support and others in contention. Even in this, Paul could rejoice. Paul’s objective was the advancement of the gospel message. It did not matter if individuals wanted to work with him or against him in the process as long as the gospel was advancing.

Robert C. Hudson
July 26, 2010

God’s Own Faithfulness

2010-08-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

July 25, 2010

Background Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3
Lesson Passage: 2 Thessalonians 3:1 – 15

How do you close out a letter that was written to encourage its recipients to endure suffering, work to support their needs, and be aware that the end has not yet come? Paul simply reminded them of God’s faithfulness. In spite of situations, basic necessities of life, and relentless hopelessness, God is still faithful in the midst of it all. God knows where we are and what we are going through. He also knows how much of it we can bear. He is faithful to his promises to never ever leave us and to always provide the strength we need in times of testing.

Because of these assurances, Paul then requested the Thessalonians to pray for his success in preaching and teaching the word of God. His ministry of teaching and preaching is what the apostle had to offer anyone that would endure like persecution. Paul knew all too well that everyone is not saved and therefore some are predisposed towards evil. He requested prayer that God would not allow them to hinder his work. On the other hand, he reminded the Thessalonians that God can be counted on to establish them and to protect them from committing or falling prey to evil. This is part of God’s faithfulness. Paul trusted God to keep them even as he kept him and his companions in the ministry. We are not to depend on our abilities but instead we should look to God to do the keeping. We play a role by not keeping company with those that do not intend to do right.

Paul and his companions in the ministry tried to set the right example for the Thessalonians to follow. He encouraged them to be imitators of them. When we are spiritually immature, it is beneficial to have more matured Christians we can pattern ourselves after. Likewise, we are to strive towards spiritual maturity so that we too can be Christian role models for others to follow. One example we should set is that of physical labor. Able bodied people should work; they should be rewarded for their labor that they might attend to their needs and not have to depend on others. This is a good example to set. The able bodied that are unemployed become busy bodies and stir up trouble. They should be noted and avoided. Don’t “buddy up” with those who walk contrary to the word of God. They are not your enemy but you should pray for them as your brother or sister in the Lord because they can lead you astray through their carnality or worldly living.

Finally, God is the Lord of peace and he is the one who is able to give us continuous peace.

Robert C. Hudson
July 14, 2010

Giving of Oneself

2010-08-03T16:39:00.000-07:00

August 8, 2010

Background Scripture: Philippians 2:1 – 3:1a
Lesson Passage: Philippians 2:1 – 18

This week we continue our study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In today’s lesson he addresses humility as the disposition of a mature Christian. Paul’s message to the Philippians was that church harmony is possible when everyone has the same agenda and attitude. That agenda and attitude should be the same as that demonstrated by Jesus. Jesus is always the supreme example for all Christians. His example of humility is the ultimate example. Jesus is and was fully God. He did not give up his divinity to be born into this world as a baby. He was born fully man by the will of God. Jesus did not exploit his divinity in order to endure the trials and tribulations that all mankind suffer. This was one of the temptations that Satan offered him when he was hungry. He tempted Jesus to use his divine power to turn stones into bread so that he would not have to continue to suffer the physical affliction of fasting. Jesus steadfastly resisted the temptation to be selfish and self-serving and instead used his power to feed thousands of other hungry souls during the next three years of his ministry. Again, Paul implored the Philippians to have the same mind as that of Christ. This would imply the willingness to give of themselves for the sake of others. In this letter he acknowledged that indeed the church had done so by meeting his needs two or three times. But this appeal is more on a personal level that would suggest that the individuals needed to have the same mind about such things and not just recognition of what was done collectively by the congregation. Each of them was admonished by Paul to be concerned about the welfare of others. Christ’s example was that of self-emptying or self-imposed humility that led to extreme obedience not just obedience that was tolerable. Christ’s obedience led him all the way to Calvary and the grave but God vindicated him by raising him from the dead and giving him a position that is above every creature whether in earth or in heaven. It is this extreme example and demonstration of God’s faithfulness that should serve as the Christian’s motivation to live a life of obedience to God. Paul refers to this type of living as the outworking of one’s salvation. This is not to suggest that salvation can be attained as a result of a person’s efforts or works but that the salvation they have already received should be the motivation for their actions. When a Christian acts out of love it is not to become someone different but it is an acknowledgement that they have already been made different by God. If anyone is in Christ he is a new creature. Righteous living is more than a made up mind. Many people make up their minds and fail to follow through with actions. But for the Christian, God puts in us the will to do righteously and then he gives us the power to do it. So we should follow through without complaining but rather set an example that is worthy for others to follow. As disciples of Paul, the Philippian Christians’ obedience to his teaching would provide the fulfillment of Paul’s joy. Their example would not be in receiving but in the manner in which they learn to give of themselves.

Robert C. Hudson
July 28, 2010

Chosen and Called

2010-07-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

July 18, 2010

Background Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2
Lesson Passage: 2 Thessalonians 2:7 – 17

The day of the Lord’s vengeance is to be feared. For those who have studied eschatology or end-time prophecy, this point is abundantly clear. The details that are provided in the books of Daniel and Revelation leave no room for anyone to think that “judgment day” (as we referred to it as children) would be anything other than terror and pain. But exactly when that day arrives is often confusing to many. Jesus pointed out that one only has to know what signs to look for and heed those signs. This is the point that the apostle Paul was addressing to the Thessalonians in this second letter. There are events that will proceed the day of God’s vengeance. Some of the Thessalonians were concerned that the persecution they were enduring was because the day of the Lord was upon them. This belief was apparently strengthened by a letter that supposedly was sent by Paul to them. Paul assured them that this was not true. He went on to point out the signs that would occur before the day of the Lord. The antichrist will be exposed before Jesus returns. The antichrist will be directly controlled by Satan. Satan is busy today but the Holy Ghost is hindering much of his activity so that he cannot do as he wishes. However, when the Holy Ghost no longer hinders the devil, then great wickedness shall be exposed. There will be a general apostasy or falling away from the Christian faith. Many people who are supposed to be Christians will leave the church and no longer live according to the Christian faith. Others will refuse to even hear the gospel of Jesus Christ but will willingly listen to lies. Many people will be exposed to deception because they will refuse to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ; for this cause, God will send further delusions that will lead to their own destruction. In doing this, God will allow the unrighteousness of the sinner to expose and consume him. Again, terror and pain will cause great suffering to many. This is the “day of vengeance” of our God that Isaiah prophesied. The persecution the Thessalonians were enduring was not to be compared to such a day.

The Thessalonians, on the other hand, had much to be thankful for. They were part of those that are predestined by God to be spared such suffering. God has predestined those that he knew would accept his plan of salvation. Because God foreknew us, he has chosen us to be conformed to the image of his son Jesus. God is now calling the church out of the world through the preaching of the gospel. Those who respond to the gospel are those who have been chosen by God. For this cause, Christians everywhere should take comfort in knowing that God has given us a living hope and made it known through his manifold acts of grace. There is much suffering that goes on in the world today even as it did in the first century. Those who have been chosen by God are being called through the preaching of the gospel so that we will be spared the day of vengeance of our God. For this cause we are both comforted and thankful.

Robert C. Hudson
July 12, 2010

Glory to Christ

2010-07-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

July 11, 2010

Background Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1
Lesson Passage: 2 Thessalonians 1:3 – 12

If there were one overarching message Paul had for the Thessalonians it could have been summed up by the statement “In our weakness, Christ’s strength is made perfect in us.” This was the message the apostle received from Jesus later on in his ministry. When Paul had something impeding him and he prayed for the Lord to remove it, this was Jesus’ response to him. Now, the Thessalonians were in need of encouraging in the midst of their tribulations.

Paul’s second letter to the church appears to have quickly followed the first letter. Although he had established the church there, he no doubt did not have a sufficient amount of time to instruct them as he had wished. But the Lord had continued to work in them although Paul was not there to follow up with them in person. Paul received additional information on the status of the new church after his first letter to them had been received and he was now refreshed by the report of their growing faith and abounding love. In fact, their abounding love was the proof of their growing faith. True Christian faith is never in words only but it is evidenced in our deeds of love. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to be patient in the midst of persecution and tribulations. Surely if God had protected them and nurtured them thus far, they would overcome if they remain faithful in there dependence on him. Paul encouraged them to continue to be faithful to God even as he had heard of them. Paul told them that God will avenge their troublers. How comforting it is to know that God has the final say in all matters. He that has already expressed his sincere love for us through his son Jesus has our best interest at heart. God will right all wrongs. Christians never have to fret over those who oppose us with evil intentions. God has the final say on our behalf. He is our avenger for he has declared that vengeance is his. The Thessalonians were confronted by troublers but it was a temporary situation. In time, God makes all things right. We are reminded that the battle is not ours but the Lord’s. Our struggle is with the old nature in us not against flesh and blood. We are often weak in the struggle against self and attempt to be strong in fighting human adversaries. This is the opposite of God’s desire for us. God desires that we would mortify the deeds of our flesh and allow him to avenge us of our human adversaries. This self-imposed humility is to be preferred to being made humble. We submit ourselves to God for Christ’s sake. It is Jesus who has reconciled us to God that he may subdue all and place everything in subjection to the Father as it should be. When we who are called by Christ’s name submit ourselves to God, then the name of Jesus is glorified in us. When we are weak, then his strength is made perfect in us. When we endure suffering for his sake with patience, then he is glorified in us.

Robert C. Hudson
June 30, 2010

God’s Cosmic Plan

2010-07-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

July 4, 2010

Background Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 5:28
Lesson Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:1 – 11, 23, 24

“Billions and billions” is an expression that was used by the late astronomer Carl Sagan to describe the number of heavenly bodies in the universe. The expression meant that there were billions of galaxies that each contained billions of stars. Some of those distant bright lights that we observe are in fact entire galaxies of suns and planets. The space telescope, Hubble, has revealed millions more that were not visible through the dense atmosphere of the earth. What appeared to be a tiny dark spot between stars was photographed by the Hubble telescope and shown to contain many galaxies off in the distance. How beautiful it all is against the velvet backdrop of space. It will all be destroyed one day. Part of God’s revealed plan is to destroy it all and build it anew. Our lesson today is a reminder of this and a warning to Christians as to how this should impact how we live day in and day out.

God has a plan that will indeed shake up not only the earth but the entire universe. God has a predetermined date set when time will come to an end. No one knows the exact date but it is as certain as the existence of God. It will come quickly and many shall be caught unaware because they have not made preparation for the arrival of that date. God will bring back those who have died in Christ when Jesus returns. Those who live in Christ are aware of this and have received God’s light to abide in. Those who are not in Christ walk in darkness as one who is drunk with alcohol. They stumble about not knowing clearly their surroundings. They will be overcome as if by a thief who slips in under the cloak of darkness and catch them by surprise. The saved have been warned about God’s impending plan and therefore they should not be caught by surprise. These are admonished to remain sober and alert while they watch for that day. The unsaved will experience the wrath of God and the saved will be spared. Nevertheless, just because we are saved this is not an excuse to not remain watchful and sober. Some may attempt to classify the events of that day as a natural disaster and therefore dismiss its true meaning. Christians know that the end of time is not a natural occurrence but it is indeed a true act of God against his enemies and the avenging of those God has appointed unto honor and salvation.

The cosmic nature of the end times is described in additional details by the apostles Peter and John. Peter said there will be a great noise and the elements (physical world) will melt with intense heat. Peter admonishes believers to consider that the physical universe will be destroyed by fire and therefore they should live with this understanding at all times. We look for new heavens and a new earth according to the promise of God. John went much farther into detail and talked about the unfolding of God’s wrath upon the unfaithful and the judgment of the nations. There is a total destruction in the end according to John’s warning followed by a new heaven and a new earth. Today’s lesson looks at God’s cosmic plan.

Robert C. Hudson
June 22, 2010

Demonstrated in Action

2010-06-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

June 27, 2010

Background Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1 – 12
Lesson Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:1 – 12

Today’s lesson is the last in this unit of study on the nature of Christian commitment. In this lesson we take a look at how Christian commitment is demonstrated through action. The text is a reminder that Christians are no less free moral agents than unsaved people. Put another way, even after we are saved, it is possible to live a life that is not pleasing to God and that goes so far as to make us allies with God’s enemies. Christians must still choose to do the right thing. Righteous living is not a byproduct of being saved. The Holy Ghost gives us the power to make the right choice. The Holy Ghost convinces us to do the right thing. The Holy Ghost convicts us when we walk in error rather than righteousness. In spite of the help that is available for us as Christians, we still must choose to receive the help that is available. When we depend on the Holy Ghost to empower and guide us, then we demonstrate who we are by our actions.

God has called us to sanctification not uncleanness. That is a nice way of saying that salvation is not a license to sin. Salvation brings us into a relationship with God whereby we have access through prayer and faith to his power to continuously deliver us from the power of sin in our lives. Sin is real and it becomes much more evident after we have been saved. God does not deliver us from sin’s presence in this life but rather he helps us to overcome sin’s power over us. Our flesh works against God’s plan for us. Our emotions and cravings constantly seek to enslave us to do their bidding. We are warned to avoid activities that serve the flesh—especially those activities that work against our fellowman. The cravings of our flesh are always self-serving. Our old nature sees life as short and therefore we must seek to satisfy ourselves at all cost and, if necessary, others’ expense. It is a nature that we are admonished to put to death daily. It is a nature that is bent on the finite and not the eternal. The new nature of Christ in us reminds us that we now have eternal life and we should set our desires on the things of God which likewise are eternal in nature. Some activities are simply not meant to be eternal and God will bring those to a permanent end. In the meantime, we should avoid them altogether.

If you have experienced walking in love as a Christian, then allow love to grow or increase in you. This is one of the ways that we avoid serving our flesh. The world is filled with those that have not experienced unconditional love. We are often presented with the opportunity to change that for many. We cannot dwell on yesterday’s good deeds but we must instead be determined to walk in love today and tomorrow.

Finally, today’s text was a reminder to the Thessalonians to mind their own business and take care of their own needs. It has been said that if we would take care of our own business, we would not have any time left to mind the business of others. Many relationships could be salvaged by applying this advice. If we have needs—and we do—then we should work for what we need. Let our religion not be in words only, but let it be demonstrated by our actions.

Robert C. Hudson
June 16, 2010

Sustained Through Encouragement

2010-06-15T16:24:00.001-07:00

June 20, 2010

Background Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3
Lesson Passage: 1 Thessalonians 3

Today’s lesson reminds us that we all experience the need for encouragement. This passage of scripture presents the need from two perspectives. On the one hand, the Apostle Paul agonized in concern for the spiritual welfare of the Christians at Thessalonica. Perhaps his concern was further aggravated by his observation of the environment in Athens where he was when he wrote this letter. The book of Acts records that while Paul was in Athens, his spirit stirred within him when he saw that the city was totally given to idolatry. Meanwhile, his mind was still on the new converts back in Thessalonica where he had been sent away by night because of the persecution against the Christians by an angry mob created by the Jews who did not accept the gospel message. Paul was encouraged by the report of Silas and Timothy when they rejoined him. Paul had sent Timothy back to strengthen the new converts in the midst of their own persecution. Paul needed the assurance that his three week labor among the Thessalonians had not been in vain. He knew that they would suffer spiritual attack from Satan but he did not know their outcome. Would they persevere or would they give up? Timothy’s report of their spiritual growth and love was the encouraging answer to the questions that Paul, no doubt, wrestled with. Furthermore, he learned that the Thessalonians were also longing to see him just as he desired to see them. Paul’s labor was not in vain. His work did indeed bear good fruit that had remained even after his urgent departure. Paul was thus inspired to persevere through his afflictions knowing that the fruit of his labor yet remained and continued to prosper. Now his concern would no longer be if they were holding on to their faith but he desired to return to them to help in the process of their spiritual growth towards maturity. Likewise, the Thessalonians needed to be encouraged in their new faith walk in Christ Jesus. To this end, Paul sent Timothy to help accomplish in them what he himself was not able to do without placing them in further danger through their association with him. Timothy’s presence and guidance provided the new converts with much needed pastoral care in the midst of persecution. The mutual concern of the apostle and the church was satisfied through communications through the apostle’s letter and the eyewitness report of Timothy to the apostle. Both parties needed encouragement and God provided the necessary channels of communication to accomplish it. Today, the apostle’s letter to the Thessalonians encourages Christians to persevere through their own situations. Because of the immutability or unchanging nature of God, we can be sustained through the same words that encouraged others almost two millennia ago. We learn from the examples of those who lived many years ago that we can overcome situations through faith in God and perseverance in the midst of persecution. Be encouraged.

Robert C. Hudson
June 8, 2010

Pleasing to God

2010-06-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

June 13, 2010

Background Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2
Lesson Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:1 – 13

Today’s lesson continues this month’s emphasis on the nature of Christian commitment. In this lesson we focus on the aspect of individual commitment that is pleasing to God. This is what Paul claimed as the primary motivation for him and his companions during their time of ministry in Thessalonica. Paul briefly reminded the church of the suffering and persecution that had driven them out of Philippi to Thessalonica at the beginning of their ministry to them. He further reminded them of their behavior in the presence of the Thessalonians during the time of ministry. They behaved themselves righteously in spite of the persecution they had endured knowing that it would bring the same response in that region. Furthermore, the apostle and his helpers did not impose upon the Thessalonians in any other way except to share the truth of God’s word with them. Their behavior was not out of pride or to boast before the Thessalonians. They simply did what God required of them. They worked night and day to minister the word of God to the Thessalonians. This was not done for self glory but to establish a clear conscious that they had labored so that they could not be charged with having neglected their responsibility in ministry. Again, the only one they had to answer to was God and they would be able to do so with a clear conscious.

As we reflect on the lesson passage, how many of us would inconvenience ourselves or otherwise put ourselves in harm’s way to fulfill the ministry God has assigned for us to do? It is much easier to talk, sing, and shout Christianity than it is to live it. Yet, if we are going to have a commitment that is pleasing to God, it will depend on what we do in faith and nothing else. This type of commitment requires that we mix what we know and believe with faith that God is going to see us through. Are you convinced that God will see you through whatever obstacles you are faced with in fulfilling your commitment in ministry? How has faith been a part of your ministry commitment? The bible is clear that we cannot please God without faith. We can make the grandest verbal commitment and perhaps even accomplish some worthwhile goals. But if we fail to have faith in God in the midst of it all, we will not be able to please God. Paul and his team would no doubt have found it impossible to run from persecution and then act in a way that they knew would bring more persecution if they had failed to trust God to see them through it. No amount of self pride or accolades from others would suffice to convince us to put ourselves in harm’s way for the sake of ministry. Only faith in God and the desire to please God could motivate Paul and his companions to press on in their service. Although we don’t know persecution today as they suffered then, we still have a desire to please God and therefore must rely on our faith even as they relied on theirs.

Robert C. Hudson
June 4, 2010

Visible for God

2010-06-01T18:33:00.001-07:00

June 6, 2010

Background Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1
Lesson Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1

“May the works that I have done speak for me” has become an old Christian adage. Truer words could not be uttered. Many will remember our actions long after they have forgotten anything that we might have said. In spite of this, we still tend to talk more than we work. Nevertheless, when someone shares the sum total of our life with someone else, it will undoubtedly reflect more of our actions than our words. This is even more so for Christians. We often become targets for those who are convicted by their own consciences and would rather spend time criticizing others than correcting their own situations or addressing their own problems. There is sometimes an endless comparison of one’s words and works in search of hypocrisy. People can seem relentless in trying to see if we misstep or misspeak so that our humanity can be displayed and somehow used against us. It doesn’t always matter to others that we might misspeak as long as we do not misstep. Perhaps this is even as God would have it to be. After all, Jesus emphasized the importance of actions that flow from a pure heart. Yet we are still human and Christians do misspeak as well as misstep. As we mature in Christ, we learn that our daily struggle involves wrestling with our own flesh and striving to strengthen the spirit man within. Only when the Spirit of Christ in us is allowed to lead and guide our actions do we have the hope of success in our everyday walk. Our actions will never reflect Christ’s directions as long as we attempt to use our own strength to bring it about. It is this faith walk that Christians are called to engage in daily. It is while we walk that God brings us into the work of ministry. These are the works that matter because they serve as visible examples to others of the faith that is within us. That is the subject of our lesson today.

One of the themes of Paul’s first letter to the church at Thessalonica shows Paul’s concern for the faith of the Christians at Thessalonica. Paul was in harmony with James in the belief that a Christian’s faith should be manifest by works rather than words. The Thessalonians’ works did not justify them before God but it did stand as a testimony of their faith before man. This was clearly evidenced in that the Thessalonians’ faith in God was widely known even beyond the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia. This reputation must have come from the observation of people’s lifestyles and not their philosophies. Apparently, the Thessalonians had believed to the point of trusting Christ to direct their lives. They did not have to brag about their belief because it showed up in their actions. Paul recognized that their lifestyle had become their testimony and he commended them for it. In fact, in some regions, Paul and his companions did not have to speak because the reputation of the Thessalonians communicated for them. The Thessalonians were not closet Christians as many were then and still are today. They openly lived what they professed and others saw it and spoke of it throughout the region and beyond.

Robert C. Hudson
May 31, 2010

At Risk in the Community

2010-05-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

May 30, 2010

Background Scripture: Jude
Lesson Passage: Jude 3 – 8, 19 – 25

Jude, like James, was one of the younger brothers of Jesus that was identified in the gospel accounts of Matthew and Mark. Although the letter he wrote was short, it is nevertheless very intense and to the point in warning the local churches about the false teachers that had already infiltrated some of those churches unnoticed. Their errant teaching was causing a serious falling away from the faith and perhaps also leading others to become members of the local churches without having had a spiritual rebirth. This was a threat to the very core principles of Christianity. Some were being taught that they could be Christians and still indulge in unrestrained pleasures because of the availability of God’s grace. To make matters worse, some even denied that Jesus is God. This was not in keeping with the apostles’ doctrine as delivered to them by the Lord Jesus himself. Jude was calling on Christians to fight for the faith. Even as many of the first century saints fled for their lives from persecution, they must now take a stand for the fundamental doctrines of Christianity. To allow such errant teaching to persist within the church was an even greater threat to Christianity than the physical persecution many believers had fled. Jude warned the churches that God had made an example out of many in Israel that were delivered out of Egypt. Many of them (almost all of the adults) were destroyed by God because of their unbelief or lack of faith. Also, the angels that followed Satan in rebellion are being reserved to judgment day when they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire. Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities were destroyed because they decided to live sinful lives in rebellion to God. These are all examples, both mankind and angels, of God’s impending judgment. How much more severe will be the punishment for those that would trample the name of God’s only begotten son, Jesus? Most of us can identify with reasons we fall short. But why would some even dare to teach others to do so en masse? Jude provides the answer to that question as well. These are people that have a problem with authority. They are using others to fight their personal battles by luring them to join with them in rebellion against God’s authority. These individuals reject all manner of authority. They don’t like civil authority unless they’re the ones in charge. They have evil things to say about those who God has placed in positions for his own purpose. These false teachers are not Christians gone awry. They are natural or unsaved people that act totally according to their feelings and emotions. They do not have the Spirit of Christ in them because that would require them to submit to authority. Finally, the Christians are told to depend on God to keep them strong. They were admonished to do what they could to help others. They were to have pity on some and yet others were to be helped even out of situations that the Christians would find disgusting. Again, God is the only one able to cause us to walk the Christian walk in this world and bring us to the appointed place that he has prepared for those who put their trust in him. Not only is Christian doctrine put at risk by false teachers, but there are unsaved individuals within the local churches that are at risk in the community of faith. We that are strong must bear the infirmities of the weak and honestly contend for the faith.

Robert C. Hudson
May 17, 2010

At Home in the Community

2010-05-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

May 23, 2010

Background Scripture: Philemon
Lesson Passage: Philemon 4, 5, 8 – 21

In today’s lesson we examine a letter the Apostle Paul wrote to a Christian named Philemon. Philemon owned or legally had the rights to a servant named Onesimus. Onesimus had run away from Philemon and while on the run he met Paul. Apparently through Paul’s ministry, Onesimus had accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon along with this letter requesting that Philemon receive Onesimus even as he would receive Paul, as a brother in Christ rather than as a slave. Paul reminded Philemon in the letter that he owed his own life to Paul.

The Epistle to Philemon is a peculiar letter. It is a reminder that being a Christian does not take away the ills of society. Many professed Christians do more to contribute to and maintain social injustices in society than do some non-Christians. Just because a person has accepted Jesus as his savior does not necessarily mean that he has allowed Jesus to be Lord of his life. Accepting Jesus as savior changes a person’s spiritual standing or justification before God. Justification delivers us from the penalty or wages of sin. After we have been justified by God, our Christian walk and our lifestyle are forever undergoing changes until we die. We refer to this transformation as sanctification or the ongoing deliverance from the power of sin in our daily living. It is within this process that Christians often find themselves conflicted. Although we are Christians, we do not live in a Christian society. And if by chance we did live in a Christian society, we would discover that social problems would still exist in that society because they originate within the human heart. The bible teaches us that the issues of life flow out of our hearts. God noted that the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Even after we are saved, the struggle goes on within us. At the height of racial unrest in America, it was noted that more could have been accomplished quicker if the Christians within the majority race would have stood up for the rights of the oppressed. If just the clergy of the majority race would have joined the oppressed, conditions might have changed drastically within a short time. We pray to the same God through the same Jesus but we do so out of very different circumstances. Those differences cause an estrangement among Christians. I believe we have an opportunity to learn from the Apostle Paul’s experience with Onesimus. First, Christians can ill afford to be neutral about matters that affect the well-being of others in our society. We must be concerned enough to take action. Some clergy did exactly that during the Civil Rights movement. Secondly, we must acknowledge that the problem is not about laws or contracts but the hearts of men. Like Paul, we must appeal to hearts for necessary changes rather than to man’s reasoning. Only when we are willing to extend beyond our own comfort zones and challenge fellow Christians to take a stand for right will we begin to feel at home in the community.

Robert C. Hudson
May 15, 2010

A Chosen Community

2010-05-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

May 16, 2010

Background Scripture: Colossians 3
Lesson Passage: Colossians 3:1, 2, 8 – 17

Christians are the elect of God. The elect of God are those who were chosen by God in Christ before the foundation of the world. As such, we should conduct ourselves accordingly. We did not choose God but instead, he chose us. This fact was made plain to us through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we accepted Jesus, we merely accepted what God had already done through him on our behalf. We did not choose to allow Jesus to do something for us; instead, we accepted what he had already done for us—in spite of us. We were chosen before Calvary and Calvary took place before we were born so that the work of redemption could clearly be shown to be of God and not of those to whom redemption was provided. Our part as the elect of God then is to allow the love of God to be readily expressed through us, the redeemed. Love holds it all together. God first loved us and then we reflect the love of God into the world. This is who we are. Love is the mark of Christians. We walk in the love of God and do so by loving others. Christians walk in peace because God makes peace available to us. God calls us to peace through Jesus Christ. Christians have been chosen by God to be in Christ. Christ in us is the assurance of our calling. There is nothing greater one can possess than the indwelling presence of Jesus. Christ is above us all and yet in us all.

Christians are admonished to choose according to our calling or in other words, we should make decisions based on God’s expectation of us. This is one of the special gifts that all Christians have been given. It is the power of choice. We have been chosen by God and called to make right choices. Before we accepted Christ as our Savior, we lived and behaved according to our sinful nature. Being born again changed all of that. With salvation comes choice. We now have the privilege, the obligation, and the power to choose between the new nature of Christ in us or continue to be subject to or enslaved by our old nature which we are admonished to put to death. We now have a choice. It is often a difficult decision for us because we have misplaced affections. We continue to set our hearts on the wrong things. We can more readily exercise our power of choice by changing the object of our affection. We must learn to love the things of Christ which are not of this world. We can appreciate the things of this world without adoring them or setting our hearts on them. But we should set our hearts on the things that are above. The things above are those that our new spiritual nature is attuned with. In order to align our hearts with our spiritual nature, we need to renew our minds to bring about the fullness of our spiritual transformation. To be born again is to become a spiritual creature; however, we can’t walk in that newness without being transformed to become non-conformists with the world. This requires the renewing of our minds so that we can know and live out God’s perfect will for us in this world. Then we will demonstrate that we are a chosen community.

Robert C. Hudson
May 6, 2010

An Established Community

2010-05-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

May 9, 2010

Background Scripture: Colossians 2:1 – 19
Lesson Passage: Colossians 2:1 – 12

Our lesson today presents a good example of the expectation for Christians to be well grounded in doctrinal understanding as well as doctrinal acceptance. Put another way, mature Christians should be well established in what they believe and practice as a matter of Christian teaching and preaching. Out of this mature spiritual nature will pour forth an abundance of thanksgiving to God for his gracious love and kindness. The warning that Paul gives to the Christians at Colosse and Laodicea is still valid for us today. We must not allow what we practice that is based on world standards to lead us into deception and vanity. There is always the danger in local churches that practice will become more revered than doctrine. The way we do things as a matter of tradition should not get in the way of us learning the word of God and putting it into practice so that we can grow spiritually. Where there is a conflict between how things are done and biblical teaching, biblical teaching should always be accepted as the outcome and, if necessary, new practice should follow new understanding of the word of God. This is a true mark of an established church in the faith. God’s word should not only come first, it should also be the final say on a matter. All that we do should flow from our knowledge and personal relationship with Christ. There is nothing outside of Christ that improves on our Christianity or standing with God. In fact, everything outside of Christ is destined for destruction. People are always susceptible to deception. We are easily fooled because we are often temporarily blinded by the lust of our flesh and the deception that we are about to receive fulfillment. Even in the church, we must be vigilant and watching always for anything that is not of the truth of God’s word. Everything in God is in Christ and he showed openly what God’s nature is like. Satan continues his attacks against Christians—especially local churches or assemblies of believers. Our foundation is in Christ and we are to strive to build on it through diligent learning and practice of God’s word. The valley where Colosse and Laodicea were located was a thriving region of economic progress and trade. As such, it would have attracted people of various cultures from all over the world and they would have come with their own customs and traditions. This can make for an explosive concoction because strange customs can often be appealing to us socially. Christians are not exempt from the struggles that come with cultural assimilation within a human melting pot. This will lead to situations or areas where the tendency will be to blend the “tried and true” with the new and mysterious. In the end, we have a compromised lifestyle that doesn’t really fit the world and it is not pleasing to God. Laodicea eventually yielded to this as can be found in reading Christ’s letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor. The last church addressed was Laodicea. It had compromised to the point of becoming a lukewarm church and was thus warned that they would be spewed out of the Savior’s mouth. God requires a firm commitment on our parts even as he is firmly committed. When we understand and accept the fullness of all things in Christ and that we are complete in him, then the church today can be an established community.

Robert C. Hudson
April 30, 2010

A Faithful Community

2010-04-27T20:32:00.001-07:00

May 2, 2010

Background Scripture: Colossians 1
Lesson Passage: Colossians 1:1 – 14

The Sunday School lessons this quarter have been focused on the community of faith. We have examined lessons from the Old Testament as well as from the gospel accounts. In this unit of study we will look more specifically at the New Testament church as a community of faith. Today’s lesson is from one of Paul’s prison epistles. It was written during Paul’s first imprisonment. This letter is addressed to the saints and faithful brethren who comprise the church at Colosse. In this letter, Paul writes a statement that seems to indicate that he had heard about this local church but he had not visited them. So when he refers to them as faithful it is based on the testimony of others who were familiar with them. This letter, like several others written in the first century A.D., addresses—or more appropriately, refutes the false doctrine of Gnosticism or salvation through knowledge. Here, Paul also warns the church concerning the practice of worshiping angels. Paul reminded them of the hope that all Christians share. This hope is of future reward that is a part of the gospel message that believers have accepted. Our hope is part of our life transformation or sanctification. For we yield ourselves to the work of the Holy Ghost in us in obeying the scriptures in love because of this hope. Obedience to God’s word brings forth much fruit in the life of Christians who receive the word by faith and walk in it. It was this walking example of love that evidenced the faith that was in the Colossians. Paul credits Epaphras as their faithful teacher for the fruit they were bringing forth in their lives. (God has so designed the interdependence of Christians such that no one matures spiritually without help from other Christians.) It was Epaphras who told Paul of the faith of the Colossians. Just hearing of their faith and their knowledge of God’s grace was enough to cause Paul to celebrate and intercede in prayer for them. Paul gives us an example to follow. When we find those who faithfully walk in obedience according to faith, we should be prayerful for them knowing that the adversary prowls around seeking to devour.

Christians should also thank God because he is changing us into the image of his son Jesus that we might be partakers in the inheritance of the kingdom with Jesus. Jesus is the central and singular focus of the New Testament church. He is the one who unites us together as one in his body. We are called to walk worthy of Jesus and to seek to please him through our living. If for no other reason, in Jesus’ atoning death, we have the forgiveness of sin.

Robert C. Hudson
April 26, 2010

Inclusion in Community

2010-04-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

April 25, 2010

Background Scripture: Luke 14:1 – 24
Lesson Passage: Luke 14:15 – 24

Today’s lesson concludes this unit’s study of Jesus’ teachings on the community of faith. The background scripture provides much needed context for the parable that is included in the lesson passage. As Jesus entered the house of a Pharisee to share in a Sabbath day meal, he found himself faced with a man who had a medical condition. Jesus was also being watched by the others that were in the house. Rather than immediately heal the man, Jesus posed a question to the religious leaders that placed them in his position. Is healing on the Sabbath day lawful or not? They wisely kept silent and Jesus went on to heal the man. Jesus then asked them how they would handle the situation on the Sabbath day if it were one of their beasts of burden which had fallen into a pit. Again, they were silent. He then reversed the situation around. They were watching him but now he began to watch them. He noted how some of them sought the best seats in the house. From this observation, he taught two lessons. First, to the invited guests, he taught the proper behavior for guests to prevent embarrassment and to position them for the possibility of being honored in front of others. Next, to the host, he taught him the proper way to make a guest list. Jesus recommended that hosts should not invite those who could return the favor. This would be of no benefit to them to exchange niceties one with another. Instead, he recommended that the guest list be composed of those who could not host their own affair and subsequently return the favor. The host would receive an eternal reward for such a gesture. Things were going well until one of the other guests decided to say something that perhaps he thought might be inspiring to Jesus. The guest spoke concerning a supper in the kingdom of God. Since Jesus is an expert on his own kingdom—that is the kingdom of God that he was announcing and inviting them into he took this opportunity to explain the guest list and responses for the supper the man made reference to without necessarily understanding what he was talking about. Jesus talked about the supper, the initial invitations that were extended and apparently accepted, the final invitation once the supper was prepared and the various responses from the original invitees. He talked about the host angrily inviting others who did not have an excuse so that his supper would be successful and he would have a full house. Some of those that heard Jesus speak were undoubtedly on the original guest list but they did not recognize Jesus as the servant going forth to bid them to come because all had been made ready. Because of their various excuses, the guest list has been greatly expanded to include the “whosoever will” crowd. The current guest list truly exhibits inclusion in the community of faith. All those that Jesus said a host should include are on his list. The invitation was first extended by Jesus about two thousand years ago and the invitations continue to be extended by the Holy Ghost as he convicts, convinces, and judges the world of sin. Do you know that you are also included on that list? Have you received your invitation? Did you RSVP?

Robert C. Hudson
April 15, 2010

Connecting in Community

2010-04-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

April 18, 2010

Background Scripture: Matthew 5:17 – 20; 22:34 – 40
Lesson Passage: Matthew 5:17 – 20; 22:34 – 40

God is a loving and gracious father. One only need to look to the law and the prophecies that God has given over millennia to see that this is the case. The law of God was given to benefit those that put their trust in God and it is to be heeded. The word of prophecy from God was given by God to provide both precious promises as well as stern warnings to his followers. Prophecy is to be respected for it can spare those who receive it much pain and anguish in the future and it can also provide continuous hope to those who are in the midst of difficult times. Love is the fulfillment of the law of God and the basis for prophetic utterance. Early in his ministry, Jesus proclaimed his mission. Jesus did not come to destroy what God had given because it was good. Indeed, Jesus came to fulfill what God had promised. Jesus demonstrated the law of love and fulfilled the prophecy of God. Much of the word of God had been misinterpreted, misapplied, and in some cases replaced by man’s own traditions. Jesus set many things straight by demonstrating the proper interpretation and application of the word of God. It is not surprising that his greatest critics were the religious leaders who benefited personally from the abuse or ignorance of scriptures. Their supposedly superior knowledge of scripture and oral tradition had caused many of the religious leaders to become aloof and disconnected from the very people they were charged with leading. They indeed led them but they led them in the wrong direction. Jesus referred to them as blind leaders who were going in the wrong direction and leading their followers to destruction. The general population was under such condemnation by their leaders that they saw their leaders as clearly being separated from them. The title Pharisee meant separated one. They seemed to major in public display of righteous acts. Jesus demonstrated something very different. Jesus connected with the most despised of the outcasts of religious society—publicans and sinners. Jesus spent time with them in meals and conversation. He did not see them as wretched but as lost sheep. The religious leaders even accused Jesus of being unrighteous because of this. Jesus exposed the religious leaders as hypocrites because of their false righteousness. Jesus taught that righteousness does not come through shallow or empty deeds but only through faith in him. Faith in Jesus Christ is the tie that binds the community of faith together. We all come to Jesus in some sense of despair or hopelessness. We were all spiritual outcasts in one way or another. For some, even religion had become the main problem itself. But we all found the same connection—faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus demonstrated through his deeds and words that what God had provided was what the world truly needed. It is only within the community of faith that we have this connection.

Robert C. Hudson
April 7, 2010

Love Within the Community

2010-04-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

April 11, 2010

Background Scripture: 1 John 2:7 – 17
Lesson Passage: 1 John 2:7 – 17

The one defining characteristic of Christian disciples is love among its members. This is not a conclusive statement based on observation but it is indeed from the teachings of Jesus Christ. It was Jesus who said, By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. Note that Jesus said that ALL men shall know because of this—not just other Christians would know but ALL men shall know. This behavior and general attitude then must be universal across the community of Christian disciples. Jesus’ statement defines the relationship among his disciples. In other words, disciples are those who commit to being followers of Christ and not just accepters of his sacrifice and grace. Disciples are indeed the community of the faithful. Our lesson today takes a passage from the first epistle or letter of John to Christian believers. This letter was sent during a time of false teaching among Christian groups. The type of false teaching that was prevalent then is known today as Gnosticism. Gnosticism is based on the false principle of evil only existing in the flesh. The teachings suggested that the spirit is entirely good and flesh or matter is entirely evil. Salvation, according to the teaching was a matter of the escape of the spirit from the body through attaining knowledge. Of course, this line of thought leads to all manner of evil. This line of thinking gives liberal license to sin because sin is only viewed as a condition of the flesh and it is not viewed as a spiritual issue of the heart. Love, on the other hand, as a characteristic of the Christian community, embodies all that is necessary to help Christians avoid sinful actions. Love is first extended wholeheartedly to God and then love is extended to one’s neighbor. It is the love within the community that causes believers to live out the perfect law of God. Jesus taught that all of the commandments are summed up in the two laws of love—the first towards God and the second towards one’s neighbor. John reminds the recipients of his letter that this is really not a new commandment but an old one. He also reminds them that this is the assurance of who they profess to be in Christ. John goes on to write that being a Christian means having love for Christians. A true believer cannot hate his brother and abide in the light or fellowship with Jesus Christ. It is love that causes us to abide in fellowship with Christ and thus with one another. Finally, John sums up the Christian’s responsibility to judge things correctly. The love of God in Christians causes us to have a different view of worldly things. What is in the world is of the world and not of God. Christians are to love the things of God and not those of the world for this world and all that pertains to it will pass away but only that and those who are of God will remain forever.

Robert C. Hudson
March 31, 2010

The Community Faces Pain and Joy

2010-03-30T10:29:00.001-07:00

April 4, 2010

Background Scripture: John 13:21 – 30; 16:16 – 24; 20:11 – 16
Lesson Passage: John 16:16 – 24; 20:11 – 16

“One of you cannot be trusted. Although I selected each of you and have been teaching you for three years about a new way of living, nevertheless, one of you is going to turn against me. You are going to turn against me and become my enemy. Don’t be sad but I will be leaving you soon. When you look for me you won’t be able to find me. Later on you will be able to find me and it will make you very happy. When I am away, the people of the world who do not follow me will be exceedingly glad but you will be in tears. When I return, then your tears will be turned into happiness. If you need something, you won’t be able to ask me for it but you can ask it of my Father and, because of our relationship, He will accommodate you. You have not had to do this before but that will be the only way you will be able to receive later. When you learn to ask and receive in this new way, you will be happy about it.”

What a shocking conversation this must have been. Now that the disciples were finally starting to understand Jesus better and were getting comfortable in their roles as his assistants, Jesus lays this truly depressing conversation on them. “Why can’t we just continue doing like we have been doing for these pass three years? Why are you now talking like this? Can’t we just avoid trouble and continue to go about doing good things for people? If you are going to leave and go somewhere else, then tell us where you are going and let us know how to get there. You keep talking about the Father so let us see the Father and that will be sufficient to satisfy us.” No matter how confused the disciples might have been it was not going to stop Jesus from doing what he was telling them about. What they did not understand was that this was not Jesus’ personal plan but it was his mission and reason for being born into the world. He was going to have to suffer shameful public torture and die. It was not Jesus’ desire to die. Jesus’ desire was to do the will of his Father and to make him happy. In fact, Jesus prayed and asked for another way to make his Father happy without going through this but this was the only way. Not only would Jesus’ suffering and death be painful for Jesus but it was going to cause great emotional pain for his followers as well. Jesus was informing them to help them brace themselves for it and Jesus was also speaking future facts to them so that after these things were over, they could go forth and declare the truth of this good news. As the disciples listened intensely to the words concerning his going away, they were not paying attention to the words that he was coming again in the midst of their sorrows and they will be made glad by his presence. Jesus was assuring his disciples that there would be joy on the other side of their pain. Just as they would feel despair, they will later experience a joy that would be stronger that anything in this world. The community of faith that followed Jesus would endure a rollercoaster weekend of extreme pain but it would end in unimaginable joy.

Robert C. Hudson
March 23, 2010

Acceptance in Community

2010-03-23T17:38:00.001-07:00

March 28, 2010

Background Scripture: Ruth 2, 3
Lesson Passage: Ruth 2:5 – 12; 3:9 – 11

This week’s lesson continues the historical account of Ruth the Moabite. Some time after she and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem, Ruth requested permission of her mother-in-law to go into the field and glean grain behind the reapers so that the two of them would be able to survive. Naomi granted Ruth’s request and addressed her as her daughter. Although Ruth was from the land of Moab, her reputation concerning her kindness to her Jewish mother-in-law had become known in the region of Judea. Ruth’s past reputation would prove to be a present blessing for her and Naomi. God ordered her steps so that she would end up in the field of a kinsman of her deceased father-in-law, Elimelech. When Boaz saw Ruth, he asked who she was. When he was told that she was Ruth the Moabite, he had already heard about her. Ruth did not know Boaz but Boaz knew of Ruth. (It’s not always who you know; sometimes it’s a matter of who knows you.) This was the beginning of Ruth’s blessings and as a result, it was also the beginning of Naomi’s blessings as well. In spite of Naomi’s lamentation that she had left Bethlehem full and came back empty, God still had blessings in store for her through the daughter-in-law that she tried to send back to the Moabites. Boaz ensured that Ruth would receive a blessing as recompense for her extraordinary kindness to Naomi. Boaz used the occasion of blessing Ruth to give all credit to the sufficiency of the Lord God of Israel. Boaz instructed Ruth to only glean in his field and he ensured her that his servants were instructed to not bother or harass her. Furthermore, he instructed his servants to drop some extra grain on purpose so that Ruth could reap a bounty without having to do much gleaning. When Ruth brought her bounty home, Naomi knew right away that there was something unusual about the large amount of grain that Ruth had. This amount was not typical for gleaners. When Naomi understood that it was Boaz who had provided for Ruth, she knew that it was God’s intervention that had made it possible. Not only had God brought them in contact with a near relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, Elimelech, but God had previously provided a law through Moses that required the near relative to redeem the widow of his kinsman so that offspring could be provided and the family would not be cutoff because of the death. Naomi taught Ruth the proper way to approach a Jewish man so he would behave towards her according to the Law of Moses. Ruth obeyed and Boaz accepted his role as a near kinsman and redeemer. Although he considered himself to not be Ruth’s first choice because of the difference in their ages, he still expressed the honor he felt in being selected as the kinsman redeemer of Elimelech’s family.

Through these actions that were no doubt orchestrated by God, Ruth became the physical salvation for Naomi that she had given up hope of finding. Ruth’s reputation as a virtuous woman had preceded her and she became accepted in the community of Israel.

Robert C. Hudson
March 22, 2010

Family as Community

2010-03-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

March 21, 2010

Background Scripture: Ruth 1:1 – 16
Lesson Passage: Ruth 1:1 – 9, 14b – 16

The Book of Ruth is one of two biblical books that bear the name of a woman for its title. It is a glimpse of history written in short story form. Although it is a short story, it moves at a pace such that one can experience Hebrew history during the time of the judges. The main character, Ruth—from whom the book gets its title, isn’t Hebrew by birth but a Moabite. She marries into a Hebrew family and is widowed a short time afterwards. From that point to the end of the book, this becomes a novel that vividly displays the sincere love and devotion Ruth has for her mother-in-law Naomi. In fact, passages from this book are used in weddings today to establish vows between the groom and bride. It is striking that those passages are not vows or commitments between Ruth and her husband but they are vows that Ruth makes to her mother-in-law. So strong was the admiration and love Ruth had for her mother-in-law that Ruth willingly forsook her kindred, homeland, and religious worship, or gods, in exchange for those of Naomi. One must suppose that she could only have known about these through her interactions with Naomi.

As the book opens, we see a caring Hebrew husband and father uproot his family from their homeland in order to provide a living for them during a famine. During their pilgrimage in Moab, the husband, Elimelech died and left his wife and two sons to fend for themselves in a foreign land. It was this situation that led his two sons to marry women of Moab; this was a practice that Israel avoided. A timeframe of ten years is given but it is not clear if this is the timeframe of the sons’ marriages or the total time of stay in Moab. What is clear is that both sons died within this timeframe and left their mother Naomi with their now widowed Moabite wives. As fate would have it, while Naomi was experiencing hardship in a foreign land, God was blessing her relatives back in her homeland. Although she was now destitute by Hebrew standards, being without a husband or sons to fend for her, she decided to be destitute in her homeland rather than in Moab. Naomi advised her daughters-in-law to return each to her mother’s house and she pronounced a blessing of God upon them. Naomi told them that they were young enough to remarry and build households. Both daughters-in-law expressed a tearful desire to stay with Naomi and return to her homeland with her. Naomi assured them that this was an unwise decision since she would not be able to supply them with husbands of herself—even if it were possible, it could not be done in a timely manner. After shedding more tears, one of the young women left but Ruth remained steadfast. Ruth’s verbal response to Naomi can be considered the central theme of the entire book. Ruth was committed to giving up her kindred, her homeland, and her gods in exchange for all of these that belonged to Naomi. Although Naomi was destitute by Hebrew standards, Ruth saw a wealth of benefits in her and she was sold out on the idea of not walking away from it. Naomi had become Ruth’s family and Ruth was committed to this new community.

Robert C. Hudson
March 15, 2010

A Community to Redeem

2010-03-09T11:38:00.000-08:00

March 14, 2010

Background Scripture: Jonah 3:10 – 4:11
Lesson Passage: Jonah 3:10 – 4:11

The Apostle Peter wrote concerning God that he is patient towards us and not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. These are very eloquent words when thinking of family, friends, and all others that we believe to be lovable people. These same words, however, ring hollow when thinking of our enemies or those that we don’t “particularly care for”. Frankly, we want God to destroy our enemy. We want those that we don’t like to fail and not have success. We don’t want to think of them as our brothers and sisters in God’s family. In fact, we want God’s family to be our little personal experience absent all of the undesirable people we don’t want to be around. Hopefully by now you can see that the attitude we sometimes have towards others doesn’t agree with God’s plans for those same individuals according to Peter. Without a change of heart, we could be setting ourselves up for disappointment when we discover who’s in Heaven when we get there as well as who shows up after our arrival. In this sea of humanity in which we live, mission demands that we have a sense of accountability for unsaved souls. Christians cannot afford to classify people as desirable and undesirable or acceptable and unacceptable. No matter how we attempt to classify people spiritually, we were once in the other category. God and God alone saved us and he is in the process of sanctifying us. If God saved us, who then is beyond his reach? God is the one who judges all.

Israel was separated from the world by God to become a kingdom of priests to bring light to the Gentiles. The book of Jonah is a reminder to the church of what happens when those who God redeems out of the world start to look down on the unredeemed in disdain. This book is a reminder that we are to shall the gospel with every soul. This should be done in the sincere hope that it will instigate repentance and salvation. How were we judged by others before we repented and called upon God for ourselves? Jonah was convinced of God’s grace, mercy, and patience towards sinners. All who have been saved should be just as convinced. Jonah, like many today, did not want the goodness of God to be shown and experienced by his enemies—especially as a result of something he did. Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria. The Assyrians were the enemy of Israel. They made repeated attacks against Israel and eventually took the northern kingdom into captivity. How dare God save such a people! Israel wanted the Assyrians destroyed not rescued by their own God. Jonah knew God’s character—if the prophet preach and the people hear, God would be gracious, merciful and patient towards them. God was going to bless Israel’s enemy as a result of Jonah’s preaching. God’s message to Jonah indicates that he desires that we have a concern for the souls of men and not get hung up on their past behavior or attitude. It is God’s desire that all repent and be redeemed. Our role, as Christians, is to be agents of redemption and there is a community to redeem.

Robert C. Hudson
March 3, 2010

Mission to the Community

2010-03-01T20:55:00.000-08:00

March 7, 2010

Background Scripture: Jonah 1:1 – 3; 3:1 – 9
Lesson Passage: Jonah 1:1 – 3; 3:1 – 9

Today’s lesson opens this Quarter’s emphasis on “Teachings on Community” and this Unit’s theme of “Community with a Mission”. Both the Quarter’s emphasis and the Unit’s theme present relevant concerns for the local church today. Churches should not be socially isolated but rather an integral part of the surrounding community. Further, the church should clearly express itself through its mission to those in the community. This lesson opens up this three month study by considering the mission to be a spiritual voice to a sometimes wayward community. This is not a voice of condemnation but rather a clarion call to the community to change directions before disaster strikes. Ironically, or sometimes unfortunately, the story of Jonah bears much resemblance to the observed behavior of some local church congregations in general and some members of local churches more specifically. Many members want to engage in ministry, however, they do have their preferences as to when and who they are willing to serve. Undoubtedly, Christians have studied the book of Jonah many times. It is beneficial to remind ourselves of some very important facts related to this window of history. First and foremost, God selected the messenger to send to Nineveh. Had Jonah volunteered to go, he probably would have run towards the city rather than attempt to run away from it. God chooses whoever he wants to choose for mission work. Those who are unwilling to serve might still be God’s choice for the work. Secondly, God insisted on providing the message that was to be delivered. He told Jonah to preach the preaching that I bid thee. Jonah did not have to make up anything or try to figure out what needed to be said. His main responsibility was to listen to God’s voice and speak what God told him to say. Some shy away from ministry or mission work because they believe that they are inadequate. Jonah teaches us that through prayer, obedience, and patience we can see God obtain results through our obedient efforts. The third point is that God is the judge. Only God knows the hearts of men and is therefore the only one qualified to judge their character. Since the result of the judgment could have eternal consequences, it is best that one familiar with matters of eternity do the judging. Jonah’s responsibility was to be obedient to God’s calling. Too often we think we know what’s best and therefore believe that our plans deserve to be taken into consideration. As far as ministry is concerned, we are still learning and ever coming into new truths. It should therefore be assumed by the willing missionary that there is still much to be learned that we don’t know. Just as Jonah was sent by God on a mission to the city of Nineveh, local churches today have missions to their surrounding communities. We should gladly take up the call to serve that is embodied in the Great Commission and not be found guilty of ignoring the call or running in the opposite direction as Jonah did.

Robert C. Hudson
March 1, 2010

Anointed in Bethany

2010-02-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

February 28, 2010

Background Scripture: Matthew 26:3 – 16; John 12:1 – 8
Lesson Passage: Matthew 26:3 – 16

Nothing quite portrays the humanity of Jesus like the friendship he had with a family in Bethany. It seems as though his visits to Bethany were prompted by the call of friendship more so than the working of miracles or teaching of the masses. In fact, most of his recorded visits there seem to be for the purpose of removing himself from the masses and enjoying some quiet time with his friends Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Bethany was situated about two miles from Jerusalem on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. It was said to be the last station on the Jericho Road prior to reaching Jerusalem. It was close enough to Jerusalem to be convenient and yet far enough to provide some seclusion if one needed a break. The week before his passion, it appears that Jesus made at least two stops in Bethany. On Palm Sunday he started out in Bethany and went to the temple in Jerusalem and cast out the money-changers and declared the temple to be the house of prayer. He then healed the blind and the lame that were in the temple and was afterwards confronted by the chief priests and the scribes. He left them and returned to Bethany and lodged there. Bethany is the setting of today’s lesson and it would be the last time Jesus would visit the village prior to his crucifixion. As one pieces together the setting as described by Matthew, Mark, and John, Jesus was an invited guest in the home of Simon the leper. John’s account would lead one to believe that Judas Iscariot was the son of the homeowner, Simon the leper. As they sat at the supper, Mary anointed Jesus with some very expensive ointment. This act was enough to cause indignation in the disciples—especially Judas Iscariot who seemed to be more concerned about the value of the ointment than the reason for the act. Jesus knew the real meaning of the act was an act of worship and preparation for his death. Jesus rebuked the disciples for their attitude towards Mary and then commended her for her actions. He went a step further and declared that this act was to be an integral part of the message embodied in the worldwide preaching of the gospel. Mary memorialized Jesus through her actions and Jesus in turn memorialized Mary in declaring that her act was to be told throughout the world as a memorial to her. The scriptures present Mary as a worshiper of the Lord. While her sister, Martha, is presented as a diligent worker with a servant’s disposition, Mary was to be found at the Master’s feet worshiping him. It is fitting that while even the disciples are behaving as though they are at just another dinner with their teacher, Mary had received a revelation of the deeper meaning of the time at hand. Her Master would not be there always and she was determined to do as much as she could and sacrifice, in spite of cost, what she could to show reverence for her Lord. Judas Iscariot’s estimation of the value of the ointment was about a year’s wages for a common laborer. For a thief, that amount of money would have been seen as a lost opportunity. For Mary, Jesus was worth it, and because of Mary’s anointing of him, this provided yet another testimony to Jesus as Messiah.

Robert C. Hudson
February 22, 2010

Witnessed by Disciples

2010-02-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

February 21, 2010

Background Scripture: Matthew 17:1 – 13
Lesson Passage: Matthew 17:1 – 13

The event in today’s lesson is recorded in four passages of scripture. It is worth reading all of them since each passage offers a slightly different perspective. This will allow for more information being that each passage was written to a different group for different reasons. Each of the synoptic gospel writers (Matthew, Mark and Luke) records this incident and Peter recounts it in his second epistle. Peter was the only writer who was an eyewitness and he wrote about it so that after his death, others might be strengthen in the faith in knowing that the teaching of the apostles was not with cleverly designed fiction but with actual facts. Today’s lesson is another example of testimony of Jesus as Messiah under the general theme of Christ the fulfillment.

As we examine Matthew’s account of the transfiguring of Jesus, we note that it took place as Jesus prayed. Jesus had taken Peter, John, and James with him up a very high mountain away from the other disciples and the multitude in the valley. These three disciples are often referred to today as Jesus’ inner circle. It is recorded that on several occasions when Jesus isolated himself from the crowd that he would take these three disciples with him. It is not really explained why these three were included and not some of the others. Matthew for instance is one of the disciples that would later record an account of the gospel but yet he was not included in the inner circle for reasons only God knows. It is sufficient for us to know that Peter, James and John were respected enough by the other disciples as well as other Christian converts that would be added after Pentecost that their testimony was and is most certainly believed and accepted by all. What was witnessed on the mountain was a physical change of Jesus’ appearance. The Greek word that is used of the change is metamorphosis. Jesus’ face and clothes became as radiant as the sun with a very white glow. This scene was further enhanced by the appearance of Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus and they also had radiant appearances. Some see Moses and Elijah as representative of all believers in glory. Moses died physically as a believer and Elijah did not die but was instead translated or raptured from the earth. Even more powerful than this appearance was the conversation between the three focused on Jesus’ future sacrifice of himself for the sins of man. As the disciples began to come out of their grogginess, Peter suggested that memorial tents be set up to commemorate this mind boggling event in the name of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. At that suggestion, God, the Father, spoke from heaven to the disciples and declared Jesus as his beloved son and the only one they should listen to. God would not allow the disciples to elevate the prophets to the same status as Jesus. After all, the prophets, like the disciples, were servants of Jesus and therefore they did his will. This event is another example of Jesus as Messiah and three of his disciples witnessed it.

Robert C. Hudson
February 15, 2010