Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

Philip Yancey, in his book with the above title, tells of an ancient Chinese philosopher who refused to ride his mule in the customary manner. He chose to ride the mule facing backward so that he would not be distracted by the new things he would encounter. He preferred to reflect on where he had been. Yancey also points out that the epistles point back to the gospels and the gospels and epistles point back to the Hebrew Bible.

I have learned to appreciate Genesis to Malachi. I love the stories and the lessons. Over the last few months, I have developed a yearning to better understand those books so that I can better understand the covenant of Jesus. It seems painfully obvious to me now that I have missed some of God’s poignant messages because I have not adequately understood the Torah, Prophets, or other writings from the first section of the Bible.

Jesus certainly read and memorized those books. Not only that, he lived out the words of the ancient text. He literally incarnated the word of God in his life as he lived out the Hebrew text before men. Indeed, in the life of Jesus, “the word became flesh” (John 1:14).

In reading the texts of the Hebrews, we can gain some richer insights into the things of God. It helps us:

• 1. Understand who God is and what he is like
• 2. Develop a sense of reverence and awe for God
• 3. Center or lives on God
• 4. See the reality of life that God sees
• 5. Learn to appreciate the grace of God

As we read the Bible, let’s treat it as God’s love letter to us — both covenants. Let’s read it faithfully and fervently. Then, let’s do what it says. Isn’t that how Jesus treated the text? Isn’t that what he came to do?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

A relatively young man was brought before the court for selling pills that he claimed gave eternal youth.  The judge asked, “Does he have a prior record?”

The court attorney answered, “Yes your Honor.  According to police records he has been arrested four other times for this same fraud.  He was arrested in 1794, 1856, 1928, and 1983.”

While Jesus is not the “Fountain of Youth” for which Ponce de Leon searched, he is the source of life for us. Think of all of the ways Jesus gives life:

• 1. He is THE Life (John 1:4; 14:6)
• 2. He gives sustenance for Life (John 6:35)
• 3. He gives Abundant Life (John 10:10)
• 4. He is the source of Eternal Life (John 3:16)
• 5. He is the basis for the New Life (Romans 6:1-4)
• 6. He gives Life in his Name (John 20:31)

Following Jesus is more than looking forward to eternal life. It is that, but it is more. Jesus promises to give us true life NOW. This comes when we immerse ourselves in Him and live as HE lived, completely committed to the will of the Father.

When we feel that life is lacking, maybe we are looking in “all the wrong places.” Maybe it is time to stop our way and start following the way. Jesus will give what he promises.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

I recently read a Chinese proverb that made me grin: “If we keep heading in the same direction, we are likely to get where we are heading.” That put me in mind of such classic adages as, “If you keep on doing what you have always done, you will keep getting what you have always got.”

Many times we want to improve our lives. Yet, we often are unwilling to make necessary course-corrections to get there. Why are we surprised when we keep getting the same old results?

Jesus reminds us to put new wine into new wine skins (Matthew 9:17). The old wine skins can’t handle the new wine. Therefore, changes need to be made.

Take a few minutes and reflect on your life. Reflect on your walk with God. Where are you heading? What course corrections do you need to make to go where you need/want to go? What new wine skins can make it happen?

Keep The Light Burning!

~Perry