Jeremiah 30-31, 40-44, 50-51 (Hope of Restoration)

Jeremiah was released and stayed with the newly appointed ruler Gedaliah who governed over the remaining Jews in Judah (mostly the poor, 40:6). But a man named Ishmael continued to rebel against the Babylonians by assassinating Gedaliah (41:2). Afraid of a Babylonian response, the people asked Jeremiah if they should flee (42:3), but Jeremiah insisted that the Lord would protect them only if they remained in the land (42:10). The people, however, had their hearts set on Egypt and took Jeremiah along as their prisoner (43:4). They were all destroyed by the Babylonians (44).

Even though it was Babylon being used by God for judgment, they too would eventually face the wrath of God (50:25). They would fall just like their predecessors and God’s people would be restored. This prophecy seems to have more than one fulfillment (50:18-20).

Once their capital city and its beautiful temple had fallen, the exiles must have wondered if God had any further plan for them. Throughout Jeremiah we see rays of hope through the darkness of destruction, most famously in Jeremiah 29:11. Chapters 30-31 also speak of this future plan for the exiles. Indeed, they did return after 70 years, but it was not as glorious a return as they hoped. The ultimate fulfillment of these prophecies is found in Jesus Christ (30:9, 21, 24b, 31:10-20, 31-34, 40b, 50:4-5, Hebrews 8:8-12, 10:16-17).

The Chained Beast (12:22-45)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 35: The Chained Beast)

As the common people began more and more to speculate about and support Jesus, the Pharisees became more and more aggressive in denouncing Him. On this occasion, they accused Jesus of being a servant of Satan.

Jesus’ Rebuttal

1. Why would Satan drive out demons? (25-26)

2. Why couldn’t I make the same accusation? (27)

3. Why not consider that I might be the Messiah? (28)

4. Why not see this as evidence that I’m stronger (29)


Jesus’ Warning

1. Be careful of your conclusions about me (30)

2. Be careful of hardening your heart too much (31-32)

3. Be careful of the words you choose to say (33-37)

4. Be careful of demanding 1 more sign (38-42)

5. Be careful of leaving the door open for evil (43-45)

Sloth

SLOTH

7 Verses on Sloth
1. “How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?” (Proverbs 6:9)
2. “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” (Prov. 6:6)
3. “Keep away from every brother who is… We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies” (2 Thes. 3:6, 11)
4. “Warn those who are idle” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
5. “The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway” (Proverbs 15:19)
6. “If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks” (Ecclesiastes 10:8)
7. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9)

7 Quotes on Sloth
1. “Indifference, to me, is the epitome of evil” (Elie Wiesel)
2. “Too little attention is paid to passive sins, such as apathy and laziness, which in the long run can have a more devastating effect” (E. Roosevelt)
3. “Sloth is the sin of today’s college students, who not only fail to get the ‘big picture’ after their studies in college, but also no longer even expect that there is a picture to be gotten from their studies” (Will Willimon)
4. “To spend too much time in studies is sloth” (Francis Bacon)
5. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” (Edmund Burke)
6. “Some people confuse acceptance with apathy, but there's all the difference in the world. Apathy fails to distinguish between what can and what cannot be helped; acceptance makes that distinction. Apathy paralyzes the will-to-action; acceptance frees it by relieving it of impossible burdens” (Arthur Gordon)
7. “It is one thing, says Aquinas, to be humble about your limitations, but it is sinful to be so humble about one’s God-given gifts that one fails to use them” (Will Willimon)

I was going to post yesterday, but I just didn't feel like it.

I have heard it said (many times) that Americans work the longest and hardest hours. Even if true, this must refer only to developed (and perhaps western) nations. The Deadly Sin of Sloth is usually equated with laziness and in my observation (mostly of myself!) laziness is a real problem in America. That being said, I've blogged about laziness before. I want to take the Sin of Sloth in a different direction.

Perhaps even more of a problem in America (and especially in my generation) is Apathy. I think the Sin of Sloth is less about laziness and more about missing passion. The opposite of Sloth is not hard-work, but joy and vigor. Many of my peers, including myself, hate to make decisions. It's not so much that we don't have preferences (we do), but we question what difference our choices really make. We begin to despair that our choices actually have significance.

Sloth, then, is the sin of despairing that life and the choices therein ultimately matter. It is deeper than laziness. Some lazy people are very passionate about ideas, but they are unwilling to be the one to act. But the slothful appear (and become) lazy because they've lost hope. Sloth leads us to say 'whatever' and 'I don't care' over and over again. Many major movies in the past couple of decades have had slothful lead characters whose lives have lost all significance. And the scary thing is, many of these movies suggest sloth as the appropriate response to reality.

But we need not despair. We need not be apathetic. There is hope and a reason for zeal. But the movies are right that hope and zeal cannot be found outside of Christ (where the main characters are looking). Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.

Anger

ANGER

7 Verses on Anger
1. “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:22)
2. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:31)
3. “For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:20)
4. “In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesians 4:26)
5. “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28)
6. “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” (Proverbs 29:11)
7. “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered” (Proverbs 22:24)

7 Quotes on Anger
1. “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” (Buddha)
2. “Speak when you are angry - and you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret.” (Laurence Peter)
3. “If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow.” (Chinese Proverb)
4. “A man is about as big as the things that make him angry” (Winston Churchill)
5. “Anyone can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person at the right time, and for the right purpose and in the right way - that is not within everyone's power and that is not easy.” (Aristotle)
6. “Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight” (Phyllis Diller)
7. “If there is one thing worse than Anger enacted, it is Anger nursed, turned inward, fed and nurtured” (Will Willimon)

Anger, of the Seven, is the most obviously deadly of the deadly sins. Every day on the news we see anger lead to death. But that's not really the kind of anger that is meant on the list of the Seven. A murderer's anger has long since turned into extreme bitterness and then rage. The kind of anger listed in the Seven Deadly Sins is the initial source that has the potential to turn into something far worse.

Anger, by itself, is simply a natural emotion. It would be inappropriate to never get angry (injustice, for instance, should make us angry). Our problem is not that we get angry, but what makes us angry. Far too often seemingly small and somewhat insignificant matters upset us. Winston Churchill once said that "A man is about as big as the things that make him angry." The trick is to get angry over the right things and to dispense of our anger in the right ways.

There are basically two mistakes we can make in regard to anger. We can vent all our anger emotions all the time OR we can't bottle them up until they explode. The Bible says a fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. The Bible also commands us not to let the sun go down while you are still angry. Thus, anger is natural, but we have to learn to deal with it in supernatural ways (meaning, in Spirit led ways).

I'm an anger survivor. As a teenager I had a horrendously short temper, but I bet nobody in college would have really guessed such a thing. When I surrendered my life to Christ at age 17, He knocked my bad temper out in one blow (much like Jericho). And so anger is less of a problem for me than, say, apathy.

At the risk of suggesting some very simplistic advice, I'd recommend that each time we experience the emotion of anger we pause and ponder what it is we're angry about. I agree with the ancient Chinese proverb which states that if we are patient in one moment of anger, we will escape a hundred days of sorrow.

Envy

Envy

7 Verses on Envy
1. “You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Exodus 20:17)
2. “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 23:17)
3. “Envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30)
4. “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16)
5. “For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him” (Matthew 27:18)
6. “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill” (Philippians 1:15)
7. “And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 4:4)

7 Quotes on Envy
1. “Where there is no comparison, no envy.” (Francis Bacon)
2. “Envy consists in seeing things never in themselves, but only in their relations. If you desire glory, you may envy Napoleon, but Napoleon envied Caesar, Caesar envied Alexander, and Alexander, I daresay, envied Hercules, who never existed.” (Bertrand Russell)
3. “Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own.” (Harold Coffin)
4. “When we Envy someone, we tend to magnify that person’s good fortune while at the same time minimizing our own” (Will Willimon)
5. “Most of the other Seven can be fun, let’s admit it… But who enjoys Envy, even for a moment?” (Will Willimon)
6. “Envy debilitates its host. Indeed, of all the sins, Envy seems to be its own punishment” (Will Willimon)
7. “I would guess that at least eighty percent of our criticisms of others have their roots in Envy.” (Will Willimon)

Envy, as Solomon pointed out, sometimes breeds achievement. But at what cost? And are achievements motivated by envy the kinds of achievements that bring lasting happiness? More often, envy simply produces sadness and not satisfaction. Willimon says that, “Envy debilitates its host. Indeed, of all the sins, envy seems to be its own punishment.” Certainly envy is the least pleasurable of all the Seven Deadly Sins.

Robin rightly pointed out, in his comment about pride, that it has less to do with thinking too highly about oneself and more to do with thinking about oneself too much! Indeed, Christians are called to think of others. In a sense, though, envy is the distortion of that aim, for in envy we are so focused on what others have that we neglect to be thankful for what we ourselves have. Even still, it is connected to pride in that we think we deserve what they have (and, perhaps too, that they don't deserve it!).

The Bible commands us not to envy, mostly because God knows how destructive it is. Envy rots the bones. It is the slow and silent killer. Envy led to the first murder. And envy was the emotion that led the Jewish authorities to want Jesus dead. Obviously, then, we need to overcome envy before it gains a foothold in our lives. But how? Stop comparing. Be content. Be zealous for God instead of stuff. All good answers, but easier said than done.

And so, once again, it seems to me that the deadly sin of envy provokes us to be people of prayerful repentance. As we repent, God teaches us to love our neighbors and our enemies so much that the latter becomes the former in our hearts.

Pride

Pride

7 Verses on Pride
1. I hate pride and arrogance (Proverbs 8:13).
2. He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. (Proverbs 3:34).
3. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud (1 Corinthians 13:4).
4. In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God (Ps. 10:4).
5. Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice (Proverbs 13:10).
6. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).
7. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. (Romans 12:16).

7 Quotes on Pride
1. “We would not know that pride is a sin were it not for the example of Jesus… to tell the truth, I can’t think of much that is wrong with a healthy- within limits- sense of Pride except that Jesus was against it.” (Will Willimon)
2. “Pride has moved from being the chief of the Seven, the root of much evil, to being the root of all virtue… Pride has been rehabilitated from being a vice to be avoided and has become a great virtue to be cultivated” (Will Willimon)
3. “Jews have two major beliefs: (1) there is a God; (2) you are not it” (friend of Will Willimon)
4. “In general, pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes.” (John Ruskin)
5. “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you.” (C.S. Lewis)
6. “No one ever choked to death swallowing his pride” (Anonymous)
7. “The way I see it, the sin of Pride is unavoidable” (Will Willimon)

The Bible speaks of both positive and negative pride. In one sense, pride in ones country, land, children, accomplishments, (etc) seems to be a natural (in a good sense) trait. In another sense, though, the Bible is clear that God hates prideful arrogance. Pride blocks grace and breeds quarrels. Pride goes before a fall.

Our cultures, also, both loves and hates pride. Arrogance is considered an anti-quality, but at the same time a high sense of self-worth, self-esteem & self-confidence is valued. According to the culture, most people's emotional problems would be solved if they thought more highly of themselves. Willimon states that "pride has been rehabilitated from being a vice to be avoided and has become a great virtue to be cultivated."

In apparently stark contrast, however, the Scriptures say that the road to happiness is paved in humility, meekness, and brokenness. It's not that Scripture calls us to think nasty thoughts about ourselves. God calls us to think highly of Him and this, in turn, will allow us to think of ourselves accurately. Our problem is not a lack of self-esteem, but that we too highly esteem ourselves.

Willimon concludes, somewhat surprisingly, that the sin of pride is unavoidable. I would only say that the temptation toward pride is the strongest of the Seven and the struggle with pride the most lifelong. Pride is the shrewdest sin insofar that it can attack you from any angle. One moment you can have pride in your accomplishments. The next moment you can repent of your pride and then become prideful of your new found humility.

Surely victory over pride is only possible in a life committed to repentance and brokenness before God.

Introduction to 7

The 7 Deadly Sins
- Introduction -

The History of the Seven Deadly Sins

~ The 7 Deadly Sins do not find their origin in the Bible
~ Evagrius was the 1st man we know of to make such a list
~ Thomas Aquinas discussed the 7 extensively
~ Gregory the Great formalized the 7 Deadly Sins
~ Early Protestants rejected the list, but now it is mostly embraced

The Value of the Seven Deadly Sins

~ They create an agreeable starting point for discussing humanity
“The doctrine of original sin is the only empiracly verifiable Christian doctrine.” (Reinhold Niebuhr)

~ They focus on ‘my’ sin rather than ‘your’ sin
“G. K. Chesterton was asked by a British newspaper to contribute an essay on the subject ‘What is Wrong with the World?’ Chesterton sent back a two-sentence essay: ‘What is Wrong with the World? Me.’”

~ They focus on the ‘disease’ rather than the ‘symptoms’
“What makes the Seven so deadly is their generative quality… The Seven are ‘leaders of wicked armies…’ [they are the] head, the necessary first step toward other sin.” (Will Willimon)

~ They establish our need for Christ
“Jesus made the rather astounding claim that, when it comes to sin, it’s the thought that counts… the main reason to spend all this effort talking about sin is so that we can name it, claim it, and move on to more significant lives than if we had lied about ourselves… So that we may be on our way to fulfillment of God’s great promise to God’s people, ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.’” (Will Willimon)

The Se7en Deadly Sins

Below are some notes on the 7 Deadly Sins

Intro
Pride
Envy
Anger
Sloth
Greed
Gluttony
Lust

Lord of the Sabbath (12:1-21)

Jesus for President (Part 34: Lord of the Sabbath)

What did the 4th Commandment Entail?

1. It was a command to keep Saturday separate
2. It was a sign of God’s covenant with Israel
3. It was a day to abstain from all work & money
4. It was a day to assemble together for worship
5. It was a day of special ritual & animal sacrifices
6. The penalty for disobedience was death
7. At times, it became an empty shell

What did Jesus Teach about the Sabbath?

1. Jesus did not give a direct affirmation regarding Sabbath observance
2. Jesus consistently brought the issue to the table
3. Jesus allowed His disciples to break the Sabbath
4. Jesus argued that it was sometimes common sense to break the Sabbath
5. Jesus implied that the Sabbath was a ceremonial law, not a moral law
6. Jesus argued that God prefers morality over ritual
7. Jesus seems to have broken the Sabbath to do good works

How did the early church interpret Jesus’ teachings?

1. They came to the conclusion that Christians were not under Old Testament Law and, especially, Gentiles should not be burdened by it
2. Paul knew that many Jewish Christians would continue to observe the Sabbath Law, but seems to imply that such is the ‘weaker’ position
3. Paul knew that many Gentile Christians would see no need for observing the Sabbath Law, and implies that such is the ‘stronger’ position
4. Paul teaches that each believer should be led by the Lord on this issue and that no Christian should judge another on this matter. Instead, we should show respect toward various practices.
5. Paul teaches that the Sabbath was merely a ceremonial shadow that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ
6. The author of Hebrews teaches that the fulfillment of the shadow is the peace we experience in Jesus Christ
7. The 1st & 2nd generation of Christians believed we now experience a perpetual Sabbath. Early Christians met daily, but met specially on Sunday’s to celebrate the day of the resurrection

Jeremiah 21, 24, 29, 34, 37-39 (The Fall of Jerusalem)

The Weeping Prophet
Part 9: The Fall of Jerusalem!

King Zedekiah (The Early Years)
Like father, like son. King Jehoiakim’s crown was given to his wicked son Jehoiachin. But just a few months into his reign, Jehoiachin was taken into exile by the Babylonians and replaced by his Uncle Zedekiah.

628 Josiah begins to reform Judah
627 Jeremiah becomes a prophet
609 Jehoiakim becomes King of Judah
605 Babylon begins to exile certain Jews
597 Jehoiachin becomes King, exiled
597 Zedekiah appointed King of Judah
586 The Fall of Jerusalem

The Book of Jeremiah contains many prophecies delivered during Zedekiah’s reign from 597-586 (the year in which Jerusalem was destroyed). Below we will examine these sections:

Babylon or Bust
As previously noted, the choice before the people of Judah was Babylon or bust. Anyone who submitted to Babylon would live, anyone who resisted would die. The exiles were ‘good figs’ and the freedom fighters were ‘bad figs’ (24). Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles telling them to get comfortable in Babylon, for they would be there 70 years. Jeremiah was labeled a traitor (38:4) and a deserter (37:13) by his enemies and thrown into dungeons (37:16) and, later, a muddy cistern (38:6).

The Fall of Jerusalem
When the seige began, King Zedekiah wanted Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord as to whether Jerusalem would fall. But there was no need to inquire! God had made Himself clear through Jeremiah in the past. The only way to survive was to surrender (21:9). The city was not going to be rescued, for they did not administer justice (21:12) and had become prideful (21:13).

As city after city in Judah fell (34:7), Zedekiah decided to declare freedom for Hebrew slaves in Judah (34:8). This was probably intended to appease God, but also had the militaristic advantage of providing more soldiers. Around the same time, an alliance was made with Egypt that temporarily diverted the attention of Babylon’s armies (37:5). But once they felt secure, the people took back the slaves (34:11). Because their repentance wasn’t lasting, God was going to call the Babylonians back to Jerusalem (34:22, 37:8)

Finally, in the11th year of Zedekiah’s reign, Jerusalem’s walls were broken through (39:2). Zedekiah and his officers fled, but the Babylonians pursued and overtook them. Zedekiah’s sons were executed before his eyes, and then his eyes were put out and he was shackled (39:6-7) and taken to Babylon. Only the poor (39:10), the true prophets (39:12-14), and the faithful (39:17-18) were spared.

Spiritual Gifts (12:1-11, 14:1-40)

Paul reminds his mostly Gentile audience that they were once led astray by 'mute idols.' The argument could be that if they were led away by mute idols how much more might they be led away by false words uttered during their gatherings. Or, it may have been the case that ecstatic speech was very common in their former pagan worship and Paul is warning them that it can cause the same types of problems in Christian worship. After all, anyone can say anything. It is by the content of what is said that we have opportunity to determine the source of what is said (whether the source is the Spirit or not).

From these opening statements, it seems clear that the Corinthian church was experiencing a problem in regards to spiritual gifts. The problem was two-fold: 1) The use of the gifts (specifically the use of tongues) was creating factions in the church and 2) Some gifts were being over-emphasized at the expense of others. These problems go hand-in-hand and were to be solved by unity and diversity respectively. Paul's entire section (1 Corinthians 12-14) revolves around these two issues, as verses 4-6 make plain ('different'/'same' repeated 3 times).

The Holy Spirit is made known to the body by the exercise of Spirit-given gifts by the individual members. Paul provides a partial list of spiritual gifts in verses 8-10.

The message of wisdom
The message of knowledge
Faith
Healing
Miraculous powers
Prophecy
Distinguishing between spirits
Speaking in different kinds of tongues
Interpretation of tongues

Such a diversity of gifts is unified by their source, the Spirit. He gives them just as He determines. We are not given, in Scripture, clear definitions of these gifts. The message of wisdom, if connected to the same phrase in 1 Corinthians 2:6, seems to refer to deep spiritual insights for the mature in Christ. It is difficult to imagine what would distinguish the message of 'knowledge' from this, but they are distinguished. The gift of faith, apparently, is something beyond the general presence of 'faith' that is shared by all believers. The gift of healing and of miraculous powers seem self-explanatory. Prophecy is much discussed in Scripture and includes fore-telling and forth-telling God's Word to humanity. Distinguishing between spirits may be the gift of knowing when a prophecy is from the Spirit and when not. Tongues and the interpretation of tongues is a controversial subject (is it the gift of speaking a previously unlearned human language or the ability to speak some angelic language?) and is discussed in more detail later in Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13:13 is really the cure for the 'gift' problems in the Corinthian church. For now, I want to skip ahead to 14:1-40 where Paul continues to give detail to the nature of the problem. It seems clear in 14:1-2 that the gift of tongues was being over-emphasized. Paul proceeds to give some reasons why tongues should not be emphasized at the expense of other gifts, particularly prophecy.

First, the gift of tongues involves speaking to God in an unknown language and, therefore, carries with it a direct risk of lacking intelligibility. It, therefore, only has the capacity to edify (build up) the speaker (when used in isolation). The gift of prophecy, in contrast, involves speaking to men in a known language and is, therefore, potentially edifying to the entire church. Tongues, then, has very little benefit to the church unless it is used in tandem with the gift of interpretation of tongues.

Second, the gift of tongues (as it was being practiced) was creating chaos. Paul suggests that the Corinthians limit the exercise of the gift of tongues to 2 or 3 individuals speaking one at a time and with interpretation. This was not a ban on the use of tongues (in the assembly or otherwise), but only a restraint on the public use of tongues. Any individual inspired to speak in tongues during the assembly outside of these parameters was free to do so quietly. This shows that the gift, though given by the Spirit, involved the will of the recipient as well.

***
I found vs. 20-25 especially difficult to interpret. Here are my conclusions after further investigation.

Paul says the current practice of the Corinthians is childish. I assume he means their practice of emphasizing tongues (and un-interpreted tongues at that!) over prophecy. This prioritization is foolish. He quotes Isaiah 28 to make a significant point. The Isaiah text makes clear that Isaiah had attempted to communicate with Israel on a highly elementary level of speech, so much so that the Israelites whined that it was TOO simplistic. Because they rejected Isaiah's words of discipline, God was going to send them to the Assyrians (who spoke in un-interpreted tongues) to discipline them further. This, of course, was of no help either. Paul seems to be using the Isaiah text on the Corinthians because it makes the point that un-interpreted tongues is more of a sign of judgment than blessing, its very presence is evidence that something has gone very wrong.

In v. 22, then, Paul is saying that (un-interpreted) tongues are a sign (of judgment) directed at unbelieving people. When a church is using un-interpreted tongues it is of no value to anyone but the individual speakers. Prophecy, on the other hand, is very valuable to all people. It edifies the church and has the great potential of convincing the unbelievers.

In short, if the Corinthians continue to practice un-interpreted tongues, it would be evidence of judgment, not blessing! Paul is turning their argument (we are special b/c we speak in tongues) on it's head by saying un-interpreted tongues is linked to judgment.

Prophecy
1. To be more eagerly desired, 1
2. Speaks to men, 3a
3. Understandable
4. Edifies church, 3b, 4b
5. Greater, 5
6. May lead to conversion, 24-25

Un-interpreted Tongues
1. To be less eagerly desired, 1
2. Speaks to God, 2a
3. Not understandable, 2b
4. Edifies self, 4
5. Lesser, 5
6. May lead to judgment, 22-23

So, in public worship, uninterpreted tongues is inappropriate, 6-18
Whatever you do in worship should be done to edify 26
1. Tongues: 2-3 speakers, 1 at a time, interpreters, 26
2. Prophecy: 2-3 speakers, orderly, controlled, 29-33
3. Wives: no speakers outside husbands authorization, controlled, 34-35

36-40 SUMMARY
If you guys think you get to define what worship should entail, you're dead wrong. I'm putting a stop to your free for all.

Eulogy for John (11:1-30)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 33: A Eulogy for John)

In Part 6 of our study of Matthew, we looked at the life of John the Baptist. We examined his:

Mission Prepared hearts for Christ
Manner Provocative living
Message Preached bold truths
Ministry Placed the focus on Christ

John was put in prison because of these commitments and would soon be killed (see Matthew 14:1-12). In today’s text, Jesus both alleviates John’s doubts and gives an early eulogy for him.


How would Jesus perform a funeral service?

1. He got to the heart of who John was and who John wasn’t (11:7-11, 14-15).

2. He turned His attention to the listeners and how they should respond to John’s life (11:12-13, 16-19).

3. He reminded everyone that Judgment Day is on the way for each of us (11:20-24).

4. He invited everyone to come to Him, the Christ, in order to find true rest and leadership (11:25-30).

Jeremiah 23, 27-28, 46-49 (Submit to Babylon!)

The Weeping Prophet
Part 8: Submit to Babylon!

Against the Nations
Jeremiah was God’s prophet not only to his own people, but also to the surrounding nations. God’s wrath was about to come against the nations (25:17-26) of Egypt (46), Philistia (47), Moab (48), Ammon (49:1-6), Edom (49:7-22), Hazor (49:28-33), Elam (49:34-39), etc. But even amidst these judgments, God still had plans of restoration (46:26, 48:47, 49:6, 11, 39).

The Yoke of Babylon
The Babylonian Empire was going to be used as God’s tool for judgment. Jeremiah was told to illustrate the coming Babylonian rule by wearing a yoke around his neck (27:2). The proper response to this was to submit. Many Pagan prophets, however, were telling their leaders otherwise (27:9-11). A Jewish prophet named Hananiah was spreading the same lies in Judah (28:2-4). Jeremiah insisted on submission and God put Hananiah to death (28:16-17).

Lying Leaders
Religion is powerful (23:10) and that makes it very dangerous (23:14-15). In Jeremiah’s day, prophets were prophesying lies in the Lord’s name (23:16-17). God considered it a very serious crime to claim His backing to statements that He didn’t actually inspire (23:31, 36).

The Lord's Supper (11:17-34)

The Danger of Church
Paul says there meetings were doing more harm than good! In other words, Paul is saying that a church meeting can become SO bad, that it would be better not to meet at all! We find over the next several chapters that the problems were related to how they were practicing the Lord's Supper and how they were utilizing spiritual gifts.

The Lord's Supper
* the way they were practicing it, it couldn't even really be called the Lord's Supper

Their Practice- Full meal in stages & divided by class
1. Disorderly
2. Inequality

Our Practice- Little ceremony in sanctuary & general equality
1. But not a full meal

Biblical picture- Full meal & Equality

Why Practice it?
1. Obedience
2. Remembrance
3. Presence
4. Prepare for 2nd Coming
5. Fellowship

The Twelve (9:35-10:42)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 32: The Twelve)

Israel was a failed project by Jesus’ day (9:35-37)
Israel was in need of a brand new beginning (9:38)
Jesus was beginning a New Kingdom (10:1-4)

Judas Iscariot (Replaced by Matthias)
Only non-Galilean, Treasurer (John 12:6), Betrayed Jesus & hanged himself

Simon the Zealot (4x)
Only mentioned in lists, anti-Roman, May have teamed with Judas-Thaddaeus

Thaddaeus (or Judas, 5x)
Judas in Luke-Acts, John, Has a line (John 14:22), Died with Simon in AD65

James son of Alphaeus (7x)
His mother was also a follower (Matt 27:56), Martyred in Egypt (crucified)

Matthew the Tax Collector (or Levi, 7x)
Calling story given in Synoptics, Author of 1st Gospel, Died in Ethiopia

Thomas (8x)
Willing to die (John 11:16), Confused by Jesus (14:5), Skeptical (20:24-29)

Bartholomew (or Nathanael, 6x)
Calling story given (John 1:45-51), Brought Gospel of Matthew to India
Philip (8x)
Calling story given (John 1:43), Connects others (14:21), Killed in Greece

John (brother of James, about 30x)
Disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35-39), fisherman, Along with James a ‘Son of Thunder’ (Mark 3:17), Part of inner circle, Ego issues (Mark 9:38, 10:35), Teamed w/Peter in early church (Acts), Supposed author of 20% of NT

James son of Zebedee (about 20x)
Calling story given (Matt 4:18-22, Luke 5:1-11), fisherman, Son of Thunder, Part of inner circle, Ego issues, Pillar in early church (Galatians 2:9), Put to death by Herod (Acts 12:1-2).

Andrew (about 10x)
Disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35-40), Introduced Peter to Jesus, Ministered in Europe, crucified

Simon (or Peter, 150x)
Renamed ‘Peter’ by Jesus (John 1:40-42), fisherman, walked on water but took eyes off Jesus, confessed Christ but then rebuked, witnessed transfiguration but stuck foot in mouth, Prepared Passover but wouldn’t let Jesus wash feet, Invited to pray but kept falling asleep, risked life but via violence, followed Jesus but denied Him 3 times, restored by Jesus after resurrection, key leader in early church (Acts), Imprisoned but escaped, source for Gospel of Mark, Author of 1st & 2nd Peter, Crucified in Rome during reign of Nero.

Jeremiah 22, 25-26, 35-36 (Jeremiah & Jehoiakim)

The Weeping Prophet
Part 7: Jeremiah & Jehoiakim

King Jehoiakim
About 3 months after King Josiah died in battle, Jehoiakim became the leader of the Southern Kingdom and reigned from 608-597BC. Some of the prophecies in the book of Jeremiah are linked to this timeframe (22:18, 25:1, 26:1, 35:1, and 36:1). God had tried to reach Jehoiakim in his youth, but he remained wicked (22:21) and so these prophecies are mostly negative, including a significant prophecy that his descendants would not sit on the throne of David (36:30)

His Early Reign
When Jeremiah prophesied that Jerusalem would become like Shiloh, the priests, prophets, and people wanted to put him to death (26:7-9). Some of the officials and elders, however, defended Jeremiah using the example of Micah (26:17-19, 24). A contemporary prophet named Uriah did not fair so well (26:20-23)

His 4th Year
Two chapters in the book of Jeremiah record prophecies given during the 4th year of Jehoiakim’s reign (25 & 36). By this time, Jeremiah had been prophesying for 23 years and the people had rejected his words (25:3). When Jeremiah had a collection of his prophecies written down and read by Baruch the Scribe, Jehoiakim mockingly burned them bit by bit (36:23). He ordered the arrest of both men, but they were protected by God and were busy making another such scroll (36:32).

During that same year, Jeremiah predicted a period of 70 years in which the people would live in exile under Babylonian power (26:11). This is the very prophecy Daniel was reading about 70 years later, as recorded in Daniel 9:2.

The Recabites
During the reign of Jehoiakim, Jeremiah was told to visit the Recabite family and offer them wine (35:2). But the Recabites turned down his offer because they had a long-standing family tradition not to drink alcohol (35:6). Their forefather, Jonadab (See 2 Kings 10:15-28) son of Recab, had given this rule to his descendants and they had been faithful to keep his commands. This provided Jeremiah with a sharp contrast between the faithful Recabites and unfaithful Judah (35:14-16).

Gender Roles in Worship (11:2-16)

I would consider this short section to be one of the most difficult passages in Scripture to understand and apply. It is not, however, unclear what Paul is instructing here, in my opinion. He gives a hierarchy of authority (God --> Christ --> Man/Husband --> Woman/Wife). He says that men SHOULD NOT have head coverings when they pray or prophecies or they would be dishonoring Christ. He says that women SHOULD have head coverings when they do the same or they would be dishonoring their husbands. The remainder of the passage gives reasons for these instructions.

Men SHOULD NOT wear head coverings because:
- It dishonors Christ (4)
- He is the image and glory of God (7)
- Long hair on a man (which is like a covering) disgraces him (14)

Women SHOULD wear head coverings because:
- It dishonors her head (her husband, 5 & 7b-9)
- Not wearing one is like having a shaved head which is a disgrace for a woman (5-6)
- Because of the angels (10)
- Nature (long hair on women) insists on the need for covering (15)

These reasons don't seem to be difficult to list, but some or all of them are difficult to understand. WHY would a man wearing a head covering dishonor Christ? Why does the fact that man is made in the image and glory of God dictate that he should uncover his head when praying and prophesying? Aren't women created in the image of God too? Is long hair on a man universally disgraceful? WHY is a woman not wearing a head covering dishonorable to her husband? Is a shaved head for a woman universally disgraceful? What do angels have to do with it? Don't men and women both have naturally long hair (unless the culture dictates that they keep it short)? It may be nearly impossible, in this case, for us to understand Paul's argument since we are removed by both time and space, chronology and culture.

But, it seems to me, there are three principles we can state with some degree of confidence:

1. This was not to be considered an essential issue of doctrine. Paul says that the Corinthians were 'holding to the teachings' (v. 2) even though they were apparently confused about this issue. The first point depends, to some degree, on the proper translation of the final verse of this section (v. 16). Modern translations state 'we have no OTHER practice' (CAPS mine) whereas the KJV states 'we have no SUCH custom' (CAPS mine). If the modern translations are correct in their rendering, then women wearing headcoverings was a universal practice in the early church. if the KJV rendering is accurate (As it seems to be in the Greek), then he may be saying this was simply a Corinthian cultural issue (but this seems to be at odds with the context). But even if the practice was universal in scope in Paul's day, that doesn't dictate that it was a moral principle rather than a cultural issue (it could have been the culture of th entire empire at that time).

2. It should be clear that this was not an issue of the equality of women to men, but an issue of the role distinctions between men/husbands and women/wives. After all, the passage says that the head of Christ is God, but the Father and Son are co-equal. Christ has voluntarily submitted Himself to the will of the leadership of the Father. And so wives are called to submit to their husband, not because the husband is superior, but because the husband is to be the spiritual leader of the family.

When we read the passage, from our cultural context, it seems to be AGAINST women's rights and equality. But we must keep in mind that in Paul's culture the passage may have been viewed more as restrained liberation. After all, the passage does indeed assume that women will be praying and prophesying (thus, not remaining absolutely silent) in public worship. But it argues for restraint in that they should only do so when covered, so as not to dishonor their husbands.

3. This brings us to our third point and that is the question of how much of this instruction is applicable to us today given that, in our culture, head-coverings are (by and large) not utilized? The issue in Corinth (And perhaps the entire empire), it seems, was that it was the cultural custom for men to uncover in public worship and women to cover in public worship (or public in general). Some of the Corinthians churches may have been interpreting Paul's teaching to mean that these cultural customs could be simply abandoned in Christ. Paul assures them that they are right to consider life from the 'In the Lord' perspective (v. 11), but challenges their apparent conclusion that being 'in the Lord' means an abandonment of cultural customs. Instead, Paul insisted that the custom fit well with the overall Christian worldview.

The question remains, however, as to how the passage applies to Western Christians today. Seemingly, in countries where women still where head-coverings today, the application would be easier to make (Christian women would do well to go with the flow of that culture). But in the West, where dress is less symbolic, is there an application to this text? I don't think there are any direct paralels, but I do think we would be wise to remember the three key principles (type of dress is a secondary issue, role distinction should not be eliminated in Christian worship, we should not abandon cultural customs out of hand without thinking them through).


-------------------------------------------------------
Given this overall discussion, I will now attempt (unsuccessfully) to answer the difficult questions listed above:

WHY would a man wearing a head covering dishonor Christ?
I think this was a cultural belief in the world at that time and Paul is not interested in combating the practice since it actually can be seen to fall in line with the idea that since Christ is the head of man, covering the head would be like covering Christ. But worship is supposed to glorify Christ and, thus, Christ should be exposed, not covered.

Why does the fact that man is made in the image and glory of God dictate that he should uncover his head when praying and prophesying?
I think this question is a parallel to the first question (see above).

Aren't women created in the image of God too?
Yes they are (see Genesis 1), but Genesis 2 is true as well and it declares that man was made first and woman from man. Thus, there is a sense in which woman comes from man (8) AND a sense in which man comes from woman (12). But in the most important sense, we all come from God (12b). Mankind (men and women) are created in the image of God, but within that equality there is role distinction.

Is long hair on a man universally disgraceful?
Seemingly not. Paul, at times, had long hair. Various cultures allow for long hair on men without it being considered disgraceful. Once again, this seems to be evidence that Paul's discussion is more cultural in nature than a eternal command.

WHY is a woman not wearing a head covering dishonorable to her husband?
In the cultural context, it seems that any married woman appearing in public or public worship would have brought shame upon her husband, for it was an honor shame culture and not wearing a covering may have been interpreted as almost an advertisement.

Is a shaved head for a woman universally disgraceful?
This also seems to be a cultural consideration, though longer hair on women does seem to be the majority cultural custom.

What do angels have to do with it?
Some speculate that this phrase means the women should be covered so they don't entice angels sexually with their beauty, but this seems to be quite a reach (after all, spiritual beings would seemingly not be hindered by physical clothing). More likely, angels were seen as very involved in order and worship and so the disorder caused by women not wearing head coverings in the 1st century would have been displeasing to them.

Don't men and women both have naturally long hair (unless the culture dictates that they keep it short)?
Yes, of course. This is another reason why I think there's more 'culture' here than eternal command.

So should/must women wear head-coverings in our culture?
I do not think it is a command. In our culture, to wear a head covering like those warn in Paul's day would actually draw attention to the woman, which was the opposite of the intention Paul had in mind in this passage. But I do think we should keep in mind the enduring reality that there should not be an elimination of role distinction in Christian worship.

Social Exercises

“Working Out” our Salvation
Part 4: Social Exercices


Assembly Exercises

Sabbath Assembly

Small Group

Lord’s Supper

Tithes and/or Offerings

Encouragement/Testimony



Non-Assembly Exercises

Secret Service

Submission

Hospitality

Witness

Compassion



My Proposed Spiritual Exercise Routine

Prayer Exercises
Morning, Fixed-Hour, Silence, Conversational, Scripture, Nature, Examen, Saying Grace, Fasting, Intercessory, Group, Watching, Other: _________

Bible Exercises
Meditation, Imagination, Question & Answer, Topical, Research, Investigative, Guided, Mirror Analysis, Other: _________

Social Exercises
Sabbath Assembly, Small Group, Lord’s Supper, Tithes and/or Offerings, Encouragement/Testimony, Secret Service, Submission, Hospitality, Witness, Compassion, Other: _________

STEP 1 BOX items you already do routinely
STEP 2 CIRCLE new commitments for August
STEP 3 SCHEDULE what you’ll do when

Sunday:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:

Bible Exercises

Men’s Group #265
“Working Out” our Salvation
Part 3: Bible Exercises


Bad Bible Study Methods

Finger Pointing Method

Speed Read Method

Proof Text Method



Good Bible Study Methods

Meditative Method

Fly on the Wall Method

In Their Shoes Method

Question & Answer Method

Topical Method

Research Method

Investigative Method

Guide Method

Mirror Method

Prayer Exercises

“Working Out” our Salvation
Part 2: 12 Prayer Exercises

Morning Prayer (Psalm 88:13)

Fixed Hour Prayer (Psalm 55:17)

Silent Prayer (Psalm 46:10)

Conversational Prayer (1 Thes. 5:17)

Praying Scripture (Acts 4:23-30)

Nature Prayer (Acts 16:13)

Prayer of Examen (Psalm 139:23-24)

Saying Grace (1 Timothy 4:4-5)

Fasting Prayer (Ezra 8:23)

Intercessory Prayer (1 Timothy 2:1)

Prayer Group (Acts 1:14)

Watching (Psalm 63:6)

Consider adding 1 or more of these prayer exercises to your routine. Remember, on July 23rd we’ll be sharing our spiritual exercise commitments with one another so that we can keep one another accountable. Next week we’ll be talking about bible exercises.

The Prayer of Cyrus Brown
(Sam Walter Foss)

"The proper way for a man to pray,"
Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,
"And the only proper attitude
Is down upon his knees."

"No, I should say the way to pray,"
Said Reverend Doctor Wise,
"Is standing straight with outstretched arms
And rapt and upturned eyes."

"Oh, no, no, no,"
said Elder Slow,
Such posture is too proud.
"A man should pray with eyes fast-closed
And head contritely bowed."

"It seems to me his hands should be
Austerely clasped in front
With both thumbs pointing toward the ground,"
Said Reverend Doctor Blunt.

"Last year I fell in Hidgekin's well
Headfirst," said Cyrus Brown,
"With both my heels a-stickin' up
And my head a-pointin' down.

"And I made a prayer right then and there,
The best prayer I ever said,
The prayingest prayer I ever prayed,
A-standin' on my head."

Introduction to Spiritual Exercises

“Working Out” our Salvation

For the most part, our bodies do not become what they are by accident. Our genes, diet, and activities determine our physical condition.

1. Which of these 3 do you consider most formative?

2. Is it possible to improve your physical condition?

3. What would you do to improve in this area?


Similarly, our hearts do not become what they are by accident. Our fallen nature, use of resources, and patterns of life determine our spiritual condition.

1. Which of these 3 do you consider most formative?

2. Is it possible to improve your spiritual condition?

3. What would you do to improve in this area?


Just like there are many different diet methods and many different types of exercise, there are also various ways to get into a strong spiritual state. These methods are called spiritual disciplines. Over the next four weeks we’ll be discussing various spiritual disciplines. Our goal will be for each of us to commit to a number of routine practices in an effort to become more like Christ.
A List of Possible Spiritual Disciplines
Celebration, Gratitude, Communion, Rule of Life, Sabbath, Worship, Contemplation, Examen, Journaling, Rest, Retreat, Simplicity, Unplugging, Secret Service, Silence, Solitude, Submission, Accountability, Small Group, Hospitality, Mentoring, Service, Unity, Witness, Bible Study, Meditation, Memorization, Earth Care, Compassion, Stewardship, Fasting, Fixed Hour Prayer, Conversational Prayer, Centering Prayer, Intercessory Prayer, Prayer Partners, Praying Scripture, Prayer Walking, etc

We’ll Discuss Prayer Disciplines

We’ll Discuss Bible Disciplines

We’ll Discuss Social Disciplines

For now, make a list of the things that you are intentionally doing to become more like Christ:





Begin to think about what spiritual disciplines you will add to your life. This must be an intentional process. People don’t become like Christ by accident, but by dedication and commitment. At the end of this series I’ll be sharing with you a list of small but significant steps I’ll be taking in this process. I invite you to create and share such a list too.

Questioning Jesus (9:1-34)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 31: Questioning Jesus)

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man
Faith should be made visible by actions (9:2)
Sin is a bigger issue than sickness (9:2, 6)
Jesus was playing the role of God (9:3)
BIG? Who can forgive sins but God alone?

Jesus Eats with Sinners
Jesus sought out society’s undesirables (9:9-11)
Jesus spoke against religion without mercy (9:13)
Big ? Why did Jesus eat with sinner?

Jesus’ Disciples don’t fast
Jesus viewed Himself as The Bridegroom (9:15)
Jesus shapes those who are moldable (9:16-17)
Big ? Why don’t Jesus’ disciples Fast?

Jairus’ Daughter Raised
We should emulate his humility (9:18)
We should emulate is faith (9:18)
We should emulate his perseverance (Mark/Luke)
Big Faith Jairus

The Bleeding Woman Restored
The world doesn’t have the answers (Mark 5:26)
We should emulate her willingness to risk (9:21)
Big Faith The Woman

2 Views: Uniquely good (9:33) vs. Uniquely bad (9:34)

Jeremiah 13-19 (Living Parables for the Dead)

The Weeping Prophet
Part 6: Living Parables for the Dead (13-19)

Acting out the Truth
The prophets received and delivered their messages in memorable ways. Jeremiah was given a lesson using a belt (13:1-11) which illustrated that God’s people only have value insofar as they are connected to God. He delivered a powerful message with his shocking twist of the normally positive image of wineskin (13:12-14, 25:15, 51:7).

Methods to the Madness
Jeremiah prophesied about the myriad of ways in which the people would be judged (14:12, 18, 15:2, 16:4). Some would be exiled (13:19, 15:14, 16:13, 17:4), some killed in an attack (15:3, 8-9, 16:16), some would die of thirst/starvation (14:1-6, 22), and others from deadly diseases (16:4), all because their hearts were wicked (17:9-10) and they had not kept God’s Law (17:19-27).

The Potter and the Clay
This section ends with a very powerful illustration in which God is imagined to be like a potter and Judah like clay in His hands (18:1-12). God had intended for Israel to be a vessel perfectly fashioned to pour out God’s love to the world. But instead the clay was marred and impure. The question was, would the lesser vessel continue to harden, or remain soft so that the Potter could continue molding it. The answer was unfortunate, the pot needed to be smashed (18:12, 19:10-11).

Jeremiah 10-12 (Culture, Covenant, Complaint)

The Weeping Prophet
Part 5: Culture, Covenant, Complaint (10-12)

On Conforming to Culture
By speaking honestly about idols, Jeremiah illustrated the absurdity of idolatry. The people were worshipping created things. These ‘things’ had no power in and of themselves. They had to be made (10:3, 9), decorated (10:4, 9), and empowered (10:5, 14). They should have been worshipping the invisible God who is unique (10:6-7, 16), alive (10:10), and powerful (10:12-13). This idolatry was about to result in judgment (10:17-22).

On Confronting the Covenant
The neglected Book of the Law was found 5 years into Jeremiah’s ministry (622 BC, see 2 Chronicles. 34-35). Jeremiah 11:1-17 is probably a message Jeremiah shared sometime after this book was found. A short-lived and/or shallow revival was not enough to fend off the wrath of God. Once again the people rejected Jeremiah’s message and even conspired to kill him (11:18-23), but God protected Jeremiah as promised (1:19)

On the Common Complaint
Amidst this persecution, Jeremiah wondered why God allows the wicked to prosper (12:1-4). God replied by questioning Jeremiah’s strength (12:5-6) and assuring him that His wrath would be carried out against His enemies in time (12:7-17). Only those who follow the ways of God will ultimately be safe (12:15-16).

How to Stay Christian in Culture

How to Stay Christian in Culture
"The Way thru the Crowd"

Intro: The Pilgrim's Progress

3 things that hurt us
sound
stuff
schedules

3 things that help us
silence
simplicity
sabbath

If we will stay Christian in this culture
-we must practice silence amidst the sounds of society
-we must practice simplicity amidst the stuff of society
-we must practice sabbath amidst the schedule of society

SILENCE AMIDST THE SOUND

1 Thes. 4:11 "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life"

BUT
alarm, sing in shower, tv, radio, ipods, cell phones, etc
We are so rarely silent that we find silence awkward

THEN
we complain that we never hear from God
we wonder why our relationship with God feels dead

We've fallen so in love with sound that we forgot to value silence
But even Jesus valued silence as a priority
Psalms is filled with the quest for quietness (46:10)
We must find creative ways (mum-ball)

SILENCE AMIDST THE STUFF

We are a consumer culture
-we've got stuff, want stuff, love stuff
-we need more space to store stuff
-people with so much stuff they only have paths to their rooms

BUT
it's never enough. Stuff just creates more worry which leads to more stuff

1 Timothy 6:6-11a

We need to purposefully practice simplicity
-cap our discretionary spending
-get rid of some things

SABBATH AMDIST THE SCHEDULE

I'd love quiet time
I'd love to keep a budget
I just don't have the TIME!
*errands, kids soccer, church stuff, work stuff, family stuff, parties, etc

Satan wants to make you bad
But he's content to keep you busy
If it will keep you from being holy

This one is even harder for Christians b/c we hate to turn people down
We end up saying YES to everyone except God

God made a cure for chaos (Sabbath, Mark 2:27)
-OT command to rest/assemble on Saturday
-NT church rested/assembled on Sunday
-Might look different for different people (day and 'rest')
-We need rest, retreat

In our culture, chances are you are surrounded by sound, stuff and a full schedule
Will you let the culture dictate your life and relationship with God?
Or will you commit to quiet time with the Lord?
Will you stick to simplicity?
Will you realize the value of rest?