Author: Jerry Wirtley

Because you want to

Jerry Wirtley

Brothers and sisters, we want to let you know about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia. 2 While they were being tested by many problems, their extra amount of happiness and their extreme poverty resulted in a surplus of rich generosity. 3 I assure you that they gave what they could afford and even more than they could afford, and they did it voluntarily. 4 They urgently begged us for the privilege of sharing in this service for the saints. 5 They even exceeded our expectations, because they gave themselves to the Lord first and to us, consistent with God’s will. 6 As a result, we challenged Titus to finish this work of grace with you the way he had started it. 7 Be the best in this work of grace in the same way that you are the best in everything, such as faith, speech, knowledge, total commitment, and the love we inspired in you. 8 I’m not giving an order, but by mentioning the commitment of others, I’m trying to prove the authenticity of your love also. 9 You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you could become rich through his poverty. 10 I’m giving you my opinion about this. It’s to your advantage to do this, since you not only started to do it last year but you wanted to do it too. 11 Now finish the job as well so that you finish it with as much enthusiasm as you started, given what you can afford. 12 A gift is appreciated because of what a person can afford, not because of what that person can’t afford, if it’s apparent that it’s done willingly. 13 It isn’t that we want others to have financial ease and you financial difficulties, but it’s a matter of equality. 14 At the present moment, your surplus can fill their deficit so that in the future their surplus can fill your deficit. In this way there is equality. 15 As it is written, The one who gathered more didn’t have too much, and the one who gathered less didn’t have too little. (2 Corinthians 8:1-15, CEB)

Why do you give?

Paul is telling the Corinthians about the Macedonians who have given even in their testing and hurting. They gave what they could afford and in surplus to that.

Now Paul tells them this not to guilt them, but to remind them of their faith and what has gotten them this far.

Guilt doesn’t make a giver. But faith can and does.

Why do you give?

Loving People. Loving God.

A Prophet

Jerry Wirtley

18 John’s disciples informed him about all these things. John called two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord. They were to ask him, “Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for someone else?” 20 When they reached Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you. He asks, ‘Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for someone else?’” 21 Right then, Jesus healed many of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he gave sight to a number of blind people. 22 Then he replied to John’s disciples, “Go, report to John what you have seen and heard. Those who were blind are able to see. Those who were crippled now walk. People with skin diseases are cleansed. Those who were deaf now hear. Those who were dead are raised up. And good news is preached to the poor. 23 Happy is anyone who doesn’t stumble along the way because of me.” 24 After John’s messengers were gone, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John. “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A stalk blowing in the wind? 25 What did you go out to see? A man dressed up in refined clothes? Look, those who dress in fashionable clothes and live in luxury are in royal palaces. 26 What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 He is the one of whom it’s written: Look, I’m sending my messenger before you, who will prepare your way before you. 28 I tell you that no greater human being has ever been born than John. Yet whoever is least in God’s kingdom is greater than he.” 29 Everyone who heard this, including the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and legal experts rejected God’s will for themselves because they hadn’t been baptized by John. (Luke 7:18-30, CEB)

Hearing of the mysteries of Jesus, John the Baptist sent two of his followers to confirm the coming of the Messiah. So often in times of uncertainty, we plead for confirmation of things to come, especially around the holidays. Confirmation of package deliveries, travel plans, and final grades come whizzing towards us throughout advent, and with the beginning of a new year just around the corner, Christmas can come and go in the blink of an eye. We seek this conformation not because we lose faith in God, but often because we lose faith in ourselves. No matter what uncertainty sits before us we must remember that the Lord is with us, and his mercy is the only confirmation we need.

Loving People. Loving God.

add ons?

Jerry Wirtley

2 May you have more and more grace and peace through the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 3 By his divine power the Lord has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of the one who called us by his own honor and glory. 4 Through his honor and glory he has given us his precious and wonderful promises, that you may share the divine nature and escape from the world’s immorality that sinful craving produces. 5 This is why you must make every effort to add moral excellence to your faith; and to moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, endurance; and to endurance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, affection for others; and to affection for others, love. 8 If all these are yours and they are growing in you, they’ll keep you from becoming inactive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 Whoever lacks these things is shortsighted and blind, forgetting that they were cleansed from their past sins. 10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be eager to confirm your call and election. Do this and you will never ever be lost. 11 In this way you will receive a rich welcome into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. 12 So I’ll keep reminding you about these things, although you already know them and stand secure in the truth you have. 13 I think it’s right that I keep stirring up your memory, as long as I’m alive. 14 After all, our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I am about to depart from this life. 15 I’m eager for you always to remember these things after my death. (2 Peter 1:2-15, CEB)

I’m looking for a car right now, and this kind of reminds me of dealerships adding stuff onto cars. Add ons cost you extra and are sometimes things we don’t want. But that really isn’t what this is.

I mean these are add ons. But they are ones we need whether we know we need them or not.

We must make every effort to add moral excellence to our faith. We should live lives that are moral examples for others. And then we add knowledge to help explain things others may not understand. And knowledge gives us self-control and endurance and godliness, and these culminate in affection for others and this leads us to love. Which is the greatest commandment, love of God and neighbor.

We need to show love in everything we do.

Loving People. Loving God.

see?

Jerry Wirtley

22 We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now. 23 And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. 24 We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? 25 But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:22-25, CEB)

Who hopes for what they already see?

Hope is the belief in something we can’t see or explain. Hope is what gets us through.

Do you hope in Christ?

Share your hope with the world!

Loving People. Loving God.

Does all this matter?

Jerry Wirtley

In the fifteenth year of the rule of the emperor Tiberius—when Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea and Herod was ruler over Galilee, his brother Philip was ruler over Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was ruler over Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—God’s word came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 John went throughout the region of the Jordan River, calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. 4 This is just as it was written in the scroll of the words of Isaiah the prophet, A voice crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight. 5 Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be leveled. The crooked will be made straight and the rough places made smooth. 6 All humanity will see God’s salvation.” (Luke 3:1-6, CEB)

I read this and just want to go, “blah blah blah blah…” for the first part. But all the history is important because it centers us in the time we are in. It places us at a specific time in history and that is importent to know.

John was crying out before Jesus was born for all of us to prepare the way of the coming savior.

Have you prepared the way?

Loving People. Loving God.

unprepared?

Jerry Wirtley

Jesus called the Twelve together and he gave them power and authority over all demons and to heal sicknesses. 2 He sent them out to proclaim God’s kingdom and to heal the sick. 3 He told them, “Take nothing for the journey—no walking stick, no bag, no bread, no money, not even an extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place. 5 Wherever they don’t welcome you, as you leave that city, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.” 6 They departed and went through the villages proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere. (Luke 9:1-6, CEB)

Take nothing for the journey. Go out into the world to cast out demons, heal sickness, proclaim God’s kingdom, but take nothing. No walking stick, bag, bread, money, not even extra clothes.

Rely on the charity of those you see.

And if you are welcomed stay there and be gracious and eat and use what you are given, but if you are not welcomed, make sure you leave the dirt from their home, take nothing with you.

Seems a little weird, but we come into the world with nothing and rely on the love of our parents to get us through. And all people were created by God so they have love. Are they capable of showing it?

Are you capable of showing the love God has given you?

Loving People. Loving God.

Living Serves Christ

Jerry Wirtley

18 What do I think about this? Just this: since Christ is proclaimed in every possible way, whether from dishonest or true motives, I’m glad and I’ll continue to be glad. 19 I’m glad because I know that this will result in my release through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 It is my expectation and hope that I won’t be put to shame in anything. Rather, I hope with daring courage that Christ’s greatness will be seen in my body, now as always, whether I live or die. 21 Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better. 22 If I continue to live in this world, I get results from my work. 23 But I don’t know what I prefer. I’m torn between the two because I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 However, it’s more important for me to stay in this world for your sake. 25 I’m sure of this: I will stay alive and remain with all of you to help your progress and the joy of your faith, 26 and to increase your pride in Christ Jesus through my presence when I visit you again. (Philippians 1:18-26, CEB)

“Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better. If I continue to live in this world, I get results from my work. But I don’t know what I prefer. I’m torn between the two because I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is far better.” Here Paul is talking about how in dying he will be able to be with Christ but being here alive is serving Christ, and he is torn between the two.

Some scholars say that Paul is contemplating suicide here. He would prefer to be with Christ and not here, but to be here he is helping build the church. What do you think about Paul contemplating suicide? Some say that it is a sin and would warrant hell or separation from God for all eternity. But is Judas not with God? No one except God can say that for certain. And to know some folks who have contemplated and committed suicide it is not come by lightly. And honestly, isn’t the fringe benefits of death better than being here? It may seem that way to us in the darkness, but those who love us need us here and love the light our life shines even when we can’t see that.

No matter what Paul is doing here he comes to the conclusion that it is best for him to be here and alive for the Philippians and all who need him. And Paul has done so much for serving the church and creating disciples of Jesus. So his life did so much more by being here and present with those who needed him, rather than choosing to be with Christ.

We all want to be with Christ and that will happen. But Christ needs us here to show love to the world.

So go and love as you have been loved.

Loving People. Loving God.

Why do you?

Jerry Wirtley

12 Brothers and sisters, I want you to know that the things that have happened to me have actually advanced the gospel. 13 The whole Praetorian Guard and everyone else knows that I’m in prison for Christ. 14 Most of the brothers and sisters have had more confidence through the Lord to speak the word boldly and bravely because of my jail time. 15 Some certainly preach Christ with jealous and competitive motives, but others preach with good motives. 16 They are motivated by love, because they know that I’m put here to give a defense of the gospel; 17 the others preach Christ because of their selfish ambition. They are insincere, hoping to cause me more pain while I’m in prison. 18 What do I think about this? Just this: since Christ is proclaimed in every possible way, whether from dishonest or true motives, I’m glad and I’ll continue to be glad. (Philippians 1:12-18, CEB)

Why do you do the things you do?

Is it because you are moved by love, or is it to advance your own agenda?

We sometimes do things to intentionally hurt others or to make our way easier. And in the end those who are following Jesus will see these events work in their favor.

Paul was in prison and there were some preaching the gospel of Jesus to hurt Paul, but their preaching helped people come to believe, so they didn’t hurt Paul but they helped Jesus.

Live for love. That is a true treasure.

Loving People. Loving God.

Here’s your sign…

Jerry Wirtley

29 When the crowds grew, Jesus said, “This generation is an evil generation. It looks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except Jonah’s sign. 30 Just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Human One will be a sign to this generation. 31 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from a distant land to hear Solomon’s wisdom. And look, someone greater than Solomon is here. 32 The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they changed their hearts and lives in response to Jonah’s preaching—and one greater than Jonah is here. (Luke 11:29-32, CEB)

What do we need to make us believe the promises of God are true?

Will any sign make us trust completely?

Faith is a hope and belief in things we can not see or know to be true but we hold them as true.

Faith will get us through more than a sign ever could.

Go into the world sharing the hope of the promises we have.

Loving People. Loving God.

Wash or Not??

Jerry Wirtley

12 “Look! I’m coming soon. My reward is with me, to repay all people as their actions deserve. 13 I am the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14 Favored are those who wash their robes so that they may have the right of access to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs, the drug users and spell-casters, those who commit sexual immorality, the murderers, the idolaters, and all who love and practice deception. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to bear witness to all of you about these things for the churches. I’m the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star. (Revelation 22:12-16, CEB)

I have to say I am always taken aback when I read sexual immorality in a biblical passage and I wonder what it meant in the original language. And here there really isn’t anything. The word is pornos. But what is around it here in our text is interesting…

Outside are the dogs. The word here is a figurative word that means dog but is saying those who are perverted. And aren’t we all a little perverted? And perverted in what way?

Drug Users isn’t even in the original language and the word this is translated from is spell-caster or sorcerer. And that word has no connotation of drug use. And I take many drugs every day to help me, so does this mean I’ll be outside the gate?

Sorcerer is one who practices magic. So a spell caster is a magician. I know magicians who are pastors, so are they out because they perform magic?

Murderers mean none of us can kill, and does that mean humans or anything? SO if you hunt and are good at it, then you will be outside the gates.

Idolaters mean you can put nothing before God and I know we are all guilty of this from time to time so none of us can get past this one.

Those who love and practice deception. Don’t we all do things to get others to do what we want? We are guilty of trying to get people to do/buy things they don’t want to or need.

So by all of this above it doesn’t matter if we wash, we will all be outside the gates.

So live your life and share God’s love. Knowing that Jesus paid the price and Revelation is a vision of hope to those being held down.

Go in love and share as you go.

Loving People. Loving God.