brianeberly.com: June 2009

Be With Jesus

One of the coolest things about following Christ is the fact that He uses ordinary people for His extraordinary purposes. I have engaged in numerous conversations over the years, with people who because of a lack of Biblical training or knowledge, assumed they didn't have what it took to do anything big or noteworthy for the Kingdom. Nothing could be further from the truth!

At Rock Harbor we are currently engaged in a great study of Hebrews 11. A New Testament chapter filled with amazing examples of people who because of their faith were used of God in amazing ways. I would encourage you read it.

In my reading of Acts 4 the other day I was struck anew by the lives of Peter and John. In this particular chapter we read of these two teaching and proclaiming the good news of Jesus, and seeing thousands believe and give their lives to Him.

As the religious leaders of their day stood by watching they grew increasingly annoyed with these two untrained, ordinary guys, and the results of their teaching. Their indignation finally culminated in the bringing of these two before them to ask, "By what power, or by what name did you do this?" In a bold move Peter clearly told them that it was through Jesus Christ that they spoke. What the rulers, elders, and teachers of the law said next is what it all comes down to.

In verse 13 we read, "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Love it!

It's not schooling that one needs. It's not even experience that one needs. All that is needed to have a tremendous impact for the Kingdom of God is to be with Jesus.

Have you been with Jesus today?

Think On This

Was Jesus really a rebel? Yes, but Jesus didn't rage against some abstract machine, he called people to an old way, the way revealed in the prophets. The way of doing life that Jesus championed had never been done because it had always been resisted. Jesus rocked the boat, and defied the status quo, modeling courageous resistance of the prevailing winds. But in our contemporary culture, rebellion is considered good in its own right - and a thrilling one at that. We're out to transgress. But we don't really have any agenda beyond rebellion itself. Was Jesus really a rebel? Sure. But our version of rebellion is a shallow impression.
- Paul Grant, Blessed are the Uncool (InterVarsity, 2006)

Verbal Comments

You may now leave verbal comments on this blog!

Here's how it works:

1. Press the “call me” button and it will tell you what your next step is.

2. Enter your name and the phone number you'd like to be called at. If you choose "keep number private" that means it will still use that phone to connect you, I just won't be able to see that number.

3. Click "Connect."

4. A random phone number from Google Voice will call you. Answer the call.

5. You will get a personal greeting from me, saying hello and telling you what to do. Your message will not ring my phone, it will just go directly to both my voicemail and email.

6. Leave your comment or message. If it's a private message that you would rather not be published to my blog, just let me know and I will keep it that way.

7. As soon as you hang up, Google Voice alerts me that I have a new message.

8. I listen to your message, and read the message transcribed in my email.

9. If your message is relevant to this blog, I will post your comment to the post you are referencing. Again, if it's a personal message, I will keep it that way.

Go ahead and give it a try. I would love to hear from you!

Blog Change

There has been a lot of change in my life recently. Seems it has been a real season of change, so it's only fitting that after three years of this blog having the same look, it was time for a change.

One of the coolest things I have added is RefTagger. If you hover over any scripture reference a window will pop up displaying the scripture. It can be set to most any translation. You will find mine set to the NIV. Check it out, here is one of my favorite scriptures ... Philippians 4:6-7.

If you have a blog go to RefTagger and check it out. It's very easy to install.

Enjoy!

Treasure

What is it you treasure? What are the things in life that are most important to you? We live in a culture that desires to dictate to us the things in which we should treasure. Money, cars, friends, homes, status, success, all things we fall victim to.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

Recently I have been captivated by the words of Paul in Philippians 4:10-13.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I love that Paul knew what it meant to be content. In whatever circumstances he found himself in, he was content. If he was without food, he was content. If he was in poverty, he was content. If he was experiencing wealth, he was content. He understood the secret to true contentment. Christ. It was through Christ that he was able to go through any situation and experience contentment. Christ was his treasure.

John Piper says it well in this 1031sermonjams produced video.

From Eternity to Here

I have been reading a good number of books recently. I enjoy pushing my thinking beyond the paradigms and opinions I currently hold. This has certainly been the case recently.

One of the books I have been working my way through is one in which I was sent and asked to write a review for. The book is Frank Viola's most recent, "From Eternity To Here" (David C. Cook, 2009). The tag line of the book's title is, "Rediscovering The Ageless Purpose of God." The statement holds true.

After reading the book I have a far greater appreciation for Jesus and the love He has for us, His Church. What is presented is a God that is passionately and madly in love with His bride, the Church. What I appreciate most is how Viola draws out the scriptural analogy of the Church being the bride of Christ.

I yet to meet a groom, who was not absolutely smitten and passionately in love with his bride. In like manner, that is how Christ see us! The irony is, we all too often fail to see ourselves in the same manner.

Viola says it well when he writes, "In the eyes of your beloved Lord, you are the most captivating thing that exists in His universe. How then, can you think of yourself as being unworthy in the presence of so great a truth?" I don't know about you, but that truth stirs my heart.

This same truth is found in the words of Ephesians 5:25-27. "...Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."

It is only through accepting Christ's love, and His view of us, that we are able to serve Him from anything other than guilt or duty. It is when we accept His passionate love for us that we are able to reciprocate it through they way we live. Viola offers a great reminder when he writes, "We are His bride, not His slave or His maid"

It is my desire to love and live for my Lord not out of guilt or duty, but out of an intense love for Him. Why? Because that is how He loves me!

If you desire a new appreciation for the love relationship Christ has with you, read this book. It will open your eyes to how much He does indeed love us, and how the whole of Scripture is nothing short of a love story. A love story between Christ and His bride.

Today (June 9th), the following blogs are discussing Frank Viola's new bestselling book, "From Eternity to Here" (David C. Cook, 2009). The book just hit the May CBA Bestseller List. Some are posting Q & A with Frank; others are posting full reviews of the book.