Paul's Ponderings

Monday, January 20, 2025

Lessons from the King: The Beatitudes

A Choice to Embrace Something Better

Imagine living in a world powered by kerosene lamps, iceboxes, and hand-cranked tools. Then, one day, electricity arrives, offering a cleaner, brighter, and more efficient way of life. But here’s the catch: you have to choose to connect to the grid. Dallas Willard, in The Divine Conspiracy, recalled his childhood, living in southern Missouri. When the Rural Electrification Administration extended power lines into his area, a new way of life became available. Even though electricity was at their door, people had to make a choice. They had to believe it was worth it, understand how to use it, and take practical steps to connect their homes to the grid. Many embraced the new way of life. But, surprisingly, others did not. They clung to their kerosene lamps and iceboxes, unwilling or unable to take the step toward something better.

This is the tension we face with the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus offers a new way of life—one that requires us to let go of self-reliance, pride, and worldly values. Will we make the leap? Or will we cling to our “kerosene lamps”?

Jesus’s teaching in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) invites us to be part of the Kingdom of Heaven—a Kingdom where blessings look different and values are transformed. But entering this Kingdom means living differently: trusting God completely by living His values.

The Unexpected Blessings of the Kingdom (Matthew 5:3-6)

When Jesus preached the Beatitudes, His audience—disciples and curious crowds—was not made up of society’s elite. They were the poor, grieving, powerless, and oppressed. These weren’t people who expected blessings. Yet, Jesus declared them blessed. Why? Because their circumstances positioned them to rely on God.

The Beatitudes highlight the foundation of Kingdom citizenship:

Poor in Spirit: Recognizing our need for God is the first step. True blessing comes when we stop trusting in our own strength.
Mourning: Grieving over the brokenness of the world and our sin brings comfort because it opens us to God’s healing.
Meekness: In a nation conquered and oppressed, the meek trust God’s timing and will to bring freedom rather than taking matters into their hands through violence.
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Experiencing oppression and injustice creates a longing in people for God to come and make everything right.

For us, the question is clear: Do we trust God, or are we still trying to manage life on our own terms? To be a citizen of the Kingdom means choosing God’s ways over our own strength and wisdom.

Living Out Kingdom Values (Matthew 5:7-9)

Kingdom living doesn’t stop with trusting God; it transforms how we treat others. Those blessed in the Kingdom are merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers:

Merciful: Citizens of the Kingdom don’t withhold mercy because others don’t deserve it. Instead, they show the same mercy they long to receive.
Pure in Heart: True purity isn’t just about outward behavior but inward faithfulness to God. It’s about aligning actions and intentions with His will.
Peacemakers: Kingdom people actively seek reconciliation—between others, creation, and God. They work to restore what’s broken and embody God’s vision for peace.

These values aren’t just ideals—they’re evidence of trusting God. They show that we’ve exchanged our “kerosene lamps” for the power of the Kingdom.

The Cost of Kingdom Living (Matthew 5:10-12)

Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of Kingdom life. Living faithfully will bring opposition. Just as Jesus was rejected, His followers can expect resistance. But even in persecution, there is blessing.

Persecution for Righteousness: Following Jesus means holding to Kingdom values, even when they conflict with the world’s values.
Worship in Suffering: Worship becomes a declaration of faith in the face of hardship. Like Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16), worship in suffering reflects trust in God’s promises.

The cost of Kingdom living is high, but the reward is greater: participation in God’s eternal Kingdom.

Conclusion: Faithful to the King

N.T. Wright puts it perfectly: “These sayings are about the type of people through whom Jesus intends to transform the world.” The Kingdom doesn’t advance through force or power but through humility, mercy, and love.

Citizenship in the Kingdom isn’t a transaction; it’s transformation. We don’t earn blessings by doing good. Instead, as we live out Kingdom values, God blesses us so that we can bless others.

Challenge

What is one step you can take this week to live out the Kingdom values described in the Beatitudes?

Show mercy to someone who doesn’t deserve it.
Seek purity by turning to God in prayer and confession.
Become a peacemaker in your family, workplace, or community.

Final Thought

Living as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven isn’t easy, but it’s transformative. The real question isn’t “Do you believe in God?” but “Do you trust Him enough to live differently?” Let’s exchange the old ways of self-reliance for the blessings of God’s Kingdom.

When Jesus says, “Blessed are…” He’s inviting us to trust Him, live by Kingdom values, and transform the world. Will you answer the call?

Friday, January 17, 2025

How do I Know if My Pastor is Teaching the Truth?

In a world filled with diverse voices claiming to represent God's Word, discerning truth from error is essential for every believer. Scripture exhorts us to be like the Bereans, who "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11). But how can you apply this principle practically? Here are three key ways to test the teaching you receive:

1. Compare the Teaching with Scripture

The Bible is our ultimate standard of truth. Isaiah 8:20 reminds us, “Go to God’s instruction and testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, there will be no dawn for them” (CSB). A faithful pastor’s message should align with the clear teachings of Scripture. Ask yourself:

Is the passage being interpreted in its proper context? Look at the verses before and after to ensure the message isn’t being twisted to fit an agenda.
Does this teaching align with the whole counsel of God’s Word? Scripture interprets Scripture, and any teaching that contradicts other parts of the Bible is a red flag.
Is the teaching based on one passage of Scripture or does it jump around the Bible? The historical, cultural, and narrative context of a passage take time to unpack, but are crucial to understanding and applying the text to our modern times.

Since it is difficult to both listen to the teaching and read passages in context, it is good idea to read the passages for yourself after the sermon. You may even consider keeping a notebook to jot down key points and questions to study further.

2. Examine the Fruits of the Teaching

Jesus said, “You’ll recognize them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:16a; CSB). Truthful teaching produces spiritual growth, godly character, and a deeper love for God and others. Here are some signs of good fruit:

Does the teaching exalt Christ? Sound doctrine always points to Jesus, not the preacher’s charisma, personal opinions, or self-help philosophies.
Does it lead to repentance and transformation? True biblical teaching challenges sin and encourages obedience to God’s commands.
Does it promote unity and love in the body of Christ? If the teaching causes division or fosters pride, it may not be rooted in truth.

Also, beware of messages that emphasize your potential, avoid the reality and consequences of sin, or prioritize worldly success over spiritual maturity.

3. Pray for Discernment and Listen to the Holy Spirit

Discernment is a gift from God, and the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding us into all truth (John 16:13). Before, during, and after a sermon, pray for clarity and wisdom. Ask the Lord to reveal anything that is out of line with His Word.

Do you sense the Spirit’s affirmation or caution? Sometimes, you may feel unsettled or unsure about a message. Take those feelings to God in prayer and compare the teaching with Scripture.
Seek wise counsel from mature believers. If you have concerns, discuss them with trusted Christians who are grounded in the Word.
Use a good Study Bible or One Volume Commentary. There are many good study resources available to us, and some of the most accessible ones are the study notes found in Study Bibles.*

Remember, while no pastor is perfect, a faithful shepherd humbly welcomes questions and strives to teach God’s Word accurately.

Final Thoughts

Testing your pastor’s teaching is not about being critical or suspicious but about being a responsible disciple. Paul urged Timothy to "correctly teach the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15), and we should expect the same diligence from our spiritual leaders. By comparing teachings with Scripture, examining their fruit, and praying for discernment, you can grow in confidence that you are being nourished with sound doctrine.

Let’s be Bereans together, faithfully testing all things and holding fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Remember, God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105)—and with it, we will not be led astray.

What steps have you taken to discern the truth in teaching? Share your thoughts in the comments!

* I have found these Study Bibles useful: NLT Study Bible, NLT Life Application Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, CSB Study Bible, NIV Study Bible, and NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study BIble.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Questions God Asks: Where Are You?

On March 28, 2007, Misty Ann Weaver, a vocational nurse, started a fire in a mid-rise office building in an attempt to delay an audit for her employer, Dr. Robert Capriotti, a cosmetic surgeon. They had fallen behind in getting all the needed documents together, and Misty hoped the fire would buy them time. Instead of buying them time, her actions led to tragic consequences. The fire spiraled out of control, and three people died of smoke inhalation. Misty thought she had plan to cover up the fact that she had fallen behind in completing her assignment, but her plan led to the deaths of three people. On October 2008, she pleaded guilty to three counts of felony murder and one count of first-degree arson. She was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Misty’s story is extreme, but it illustrates a universal truth: our tendency to cover up our mistakes rather than confront them. We all have moments when we try to hide our shortcomings, hoping no one notices. But these actions often have consequences—maybe not as tragic as Misty's, but damaging nonetheless. The question we must ask ourselves is: How have you tried to cover things up in your life?

This isn’t just a rhetorical question; it’s an invitation to reflect. Questions like this help us connect our lives to a deeper truth. We often think of questions as tools to gain information, but they serve many other purposes too: to show interest, to stimulate creativity, to engage others, and to make people think deeply. In Scripture, God uses questions in a similar way—not because He needs information, but because He wants us to pause, reflect, and become mindful of our relationship with Him.

God’s Questions: An Invitation to Reflection

Throughout the Bible, God asks questions—not because He lacks knowledge, but because He wants His people to become aware of their own hearts and their relationship with Him. This is especially clear in Genesis 3:1-13, where God asks Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” after they eat from the forbidden tree. It’s crucial to remember that these texts were written long ago for an ancient culture, specifically the Israelites, who were surrounded by idolatry. These stories reveal the character of God, not to answer all our modern questions but to show the radical nature of His relationship with His people.

In Genesis 3, we witness a fascinating contrast: the humans are described as “naked” (innocent) in Genesis 2:25, while the serpent is described as “shrewd” or cunning. The serpent (whether Satan himself or influenced by him) challenges God’s command, and the woman, in response, adds to it by saying they must not even touch the fruit. This act of adding to God’s word opens the door for further temptation.

The woman’s desire for the fruit and the man’s silence speak to a truth we all face today—our desires and intentions matter. The man’s failure to intervene could suggest he was tempted as well, perhaps using the woman as a test case. Regardless, their eyes were opened, and they realized they were naked. In that moment, they lost their innocence, and the knowledge they gained was too much for them to handle. They tried to cover their shame with leaves, an act that mirrors how we often attempt to hide our own failures.

“Where Are You?”: God’s Call to Vulnerability

When God shows up, Adam and Eve hide, ashamed of what they’ve done. God’s question, “Where are you?” isn’t about finding their physical location; it’s a call to reflect on their spiritual state. God knew where they were physically, but He wanted them to realize their own separation from Him and the opportunity to restore that broken relationship. God then asks, “Who told you that you were naked?” Again, God isn’t seeking information; He wants Adam and Eve to come to terms with their choices and their consequences.

This moment in Genesis stands out compared to other ancient myths of its time because it highlights the possibility of restoration and relationship with God. It wasn’t about condemnation alone; it was about God’s willingness to bring healing. God’s question, “Where are you?” echoes through the ages. He asks us today, “Where are you in your relationship with Me?” Are you hiding, afraid of what God might say or do? Are you covering up your mistakes, pretending everything is okay? Are you blaming others, or are you willing to confess and seek forgiveness?

The Call to Confession

1 John 1:5-10 reminds us that instead of hiding, we need to confess. Instead of blaming, we need to own our sins. Instead of covering up, we need to seek God’s forgiveness. Confession shows that we are mindful and intentional about our relationship with God. It’s not about condemnation but about restoration. God’s invitation is to step out of hiding and move into a place of healing.

Bottom Line: God’s Desire for Relationship

The bottom line is this: God desires a relationship with each of us, regardless of our past or our sins. No mistake is too great to separate us from His love. But we need to be willing to come out of hiding, to confess, and to start the process of reconciliation. It’s the starting point for a renewed relationship with Him.

A Challenge

This week, take time to reflect and confess the obstacles in your relationship with God. These obstacles could be sin, but they might also be doubt, fear, or worry. Don’t take your relationship with God for granted; be intentional about strengthening it. Seek God with honesty, and in doing so, you’ll find that God is already there, ready to meet you.

God’s question isn’t one of condemnation but one of invitation: “Where are you?” How will you respond?

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Parenting in a Digital World: Shaping Healthy Digital Habits

In our second post of Parenting in a Digital World, we will focus on shaping healthy digital habits for our families. Building on the foundational principles of protection, guidance, and empowerment discussed in the first post, this post seeks to provide actionable strategies to create a balanced digital culture at home.

Recap of Post 1

Parenting in the digital age revolves around understanding our “why.” Why do we strive for intentionality with technology? The answer is simple yet profound: because our children and their development matter. Technology presents challenges like digital addiction, peer pressure, and parental inconsistency, but remembering our purpose helps us stay focused. As parents, we aim to protect, guide, and empower our kids to navigate the digital world productively and responsibly.

Building Your Family’s Digital Culture

Creating a family digital culture starts with identifying your shared values around technology use. This requires thoughtful, informed conversations that involve both parents and, where appropriate, older children.

Key Considerations:

Aligning Technology with Priorities: How does technology fit into family goals like fostering relationships, education, physical activity, and spirituality?
Consistency in Modeling Values: For example, if we value education, we must model lifelong learning, just as we would physical activity or faith formation.
Practical Rules to Support Values: Examples include screen-free zones (e.g., dinner table, bedrooms), limits on screen time during family activities, and spending caps on gadgets and apps.

It’s essential for parents to engage in deeper discussions and reach a consensus before setting rules. To support this, consider arranging childcare or quiet times to allow for focused conversations.

Managing Screen Time

Understanding Screen Time:

From school to entertainment, screen time includes all interactions with digital devices. Studies show that children today are digital natives, with U.S. averages indicating:

8-12 years old: 4-6 hours per day
Teenagers: Up to 9 hours per day
Adults: Around 7 hours per day

Not all screen time is equal—educational uses can be beneficial, while excessive entertainment use can lead to missed opportunities in sleep, physical activity, and reading.

What’s Being Missed?

While we can focus on the negative consequences of being on screens, we also have to think about what screen time is replacing.

Sleep: Screen time disrupts both quality and quantity of rest, impacting emotional and mental health.
In Person Relationships: More and more teenagers are opting not to physically hang out with friends, but to connect through texting and social media.
Physical Activity: A staggering 85% of girls and 78% of boys fail to meet daily exercise recommendations.
Reading: Leisure reading is declining, which hinders comprehension, critical thinking, and spiritual engagement.

Setting Limits:

David Tucker, in The Digital Parenting Guidebook, emphasizes awareness as the foundation for setting appropriate boundaries. Here are age-based recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

Under 2 years: Zero screen time, except video chatting.
2-5 years: No more than one hour/day with co-viewing.
5-17 years: Generally no more than two hours/day outside of homework.

Helping children develop a healthy relationship with technology starts with intentionality. Here are three key strategies for parents:

Create the Family’s Digital Culture:
Establish a clear framework for how your family interacts with technology. This includes setting up device-free zones (e.g., the dinner table, bedrooms), establishing age-appropriate time limits, and identifying acceptable apps. These boundaries provide structure while aligning with your family’s values.
Leverage Software for Time Limits:
Utilize built-in parental controls and third-party software to set and enforce screen time limits. While these tools are helpful, they aren’t foolproof and can often be bypassed. Parents must remain vigilant and actively monitor their child’s screen use to ensure limits are respected.
Teach the Value of Time Management:
Children often feel like they have unlimited time, making it essential for parents to guide them in understanding its value. Help your children learn to balance their time by prioritizing work, play, exercise, and relationships. Emphasizing time management also prepares them for moments when they must resist the “screen time itch” and focus on other priorities.

By combining structure, tools, and lessons on time management, parents can equip their children to navigate the digital world thoughtfully and independently.

Final Takeaways

Parenting in a digital world requires intentionality, informed discussions, and consistent modeling. As we continue to navigate this journey, let’s remain focused on our goals: creating a digital environment that supports healthy development and reflects our family’s core values.

Let’s continue this conversation—what steps have you taken to foster healthy digital habits in your home? Share your thoughts below!