May/June '08 Bible Study

The Human Flight Committee (Pg. 79)

THFC’s album Oh, When Animals Unionize deals with a lot of betrayal. The lead singer, Aaron Shelton, says, “Unfortunately, we have individually and as a band been through a lot of betrayal…”

This might possibly be the most cliché reference in regards to scripture ever, but the it is true that the Bible contains some of the most tragic stories of betrayal known to man. So when I was thinking about the topic of betrayal, in particular, a couple specific stories came up:
•Cain and Abel are the very first offspring to be mentioned in the Bible as children of Adam and Eve, and from the onset of fertility, the genealogy is cut in half because Cain viciously kills brother over jealousy and a fruit basket.
•David is an overly-hormonal man who is also king who lusts over a woman and abuses his power to have unwarranted sex with her, and then betrays his privileges as a ruler and friend to her husband by killing him in order to keep himself from getting sucked into the trap he set for himself.
•Judas is a money hungry hypocrite who wears a smiling mask he hangs on his wall with the rest of his faces who ends up killing his savior, and then hanging himself. (Matt. 26:19-21; 27:3-4)

If there’s something I’ve learned (and am continuing to learn), it’s that Scripture is so much more applicable to my life than I ever could have imagined. And this is a daily realization. Not necessarily with the specific instances that I’ve mentioned, but with the fundamental flaws that we face.

Jesus is certainly able to identify with our betrayals. Check out a few verses for yourself:
•Matthew 17:22; 20:18; 24:10

Where have you been betrayed? By whom? Are you still hurting from those betrayals? Scripture tells us that we need to reconcile with those that we have grudges against; that we need to take our offenses up with the offender. Are there any places in your life that you are held back by some sort of relatable instance? If you know that you’re holding onto something like that, it might be time for you to challenge yourself to let go…

Shelton also goes on to say, in the story: “…Not saying that we haven’t done that personally. We’re human…”

Pulling from that last question – are there people that you need to request forgiveness from? Have you hurt or betrayed another, and, whether it be due to pride or whatever, found it hard to apologize?

Luke 22:48 might sum up the personalization of betrayal better than anything else: “Judas, are you betraying the son of man with a kiss?” Perhaps it is so hard to forgive instances of betrayal because the pain is such a personal offense – as close as a kiss – and cuts straight to the core.

Where in your life can you get rid of the spiritual barrier that bitterness brings?

Destroy the Runner (Pg. 77)

In the music industry today, a lot of bands don’t appreciate being defined as “Christian” – whether Christians comprise the band or not. The term “Christian” carries more negative derivatives in the world today than positive. Chad Ackerman, lead singer of Destroy the Runner, reminisces of his first introduction to public school, which sort of went down with kids saying, “Oh, you’re Christian? Oh, gosh. Don’t condemn me.” People often connect the title with negativity, with “judgmentalism”, so to speak. He even goes so far as to say, “Christianity’s basically become the Lucifer of this generation.”

One major problem with “Christianity” is that it’s become more formulaic than relational. In the gospel’s, we read about Jesus’ life – and if we can pull anything from it, it’s his emphasis on relationship. Jesus was the ultimate friend (no dumb jokes intended). He introduced a love to people who had never received it from the religious community. The Pharisees would shy away from sinners, from beggars, from the ragamuffins. Jesus met them up close and personal. He ate with them. He spoke to them. He touched them. He showed them what love is.

It’s so sad that Christianity is so affiliated in the mind of the world with judgment and exclusivity. Jesus says, in Matthew 7:8, that “everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.”

How could these verses be applied to the topic of personal relationship with Jesus?
•John 15:13-15
•James 2:23

Jesus not only was inclusive… he is inclusive. It’s no wonder then, that bands – or even individuals in general, no matter what their position in the spotlight – don’t like the term “Christian” because its connotation has become so far removed from the person of Jesus, and how is anyone in love with the Lord going to be given a chance when they’re falsely perceived by others from the onset?

Check this verse out:

“Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do. Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to be merciful; I don’t want your sacrifices.’ For I have come to call sinners, not those who already think they are good enough.”

Where do you fit in? What practical applications can you make in your own life to show the character of Jesus, rather than the unfortunate stereotype of Christianity? What do you think about the fact that a lot of people have abandoned that label in hopes to steer clear of it’s negative connotations? Take an honest look in the mirror, challenge yourself – what does your reflection show in regards to the character of Christ?

Oceana (Pg. 11)

I’d like to share with you something that stuck out to me.

Yesterday morning I picked up my Bible. I had just finished a long study through the book of Job, and I didn’t really know where to start so I just sort of flipped through the New Testament and started on 1 Corinthians. I came across a couple verses that were very encouraging.

1 Corinthians 1:8-9: “He will keep you strong right up to the end, and he will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus returns. God will surely do this for you, for he always does just what he says, and he is the one who invited us into this wonderful friendship with his son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

And…

1 Corinthians 2:9: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Oceana was signed to a label within two days of sending out an E.P. The band members talk a lot about being overwhelmed with surprise when they got a call from Rise records. My point is this: Anything is possible.

I think sometimes it’s easy for us as Christians to focus on the fire and brimstone side of the just God, or to somehow lose our “first love” and view our relationship with God in the religious, rule-based, haunting light that the world paints our faith in.

The first verse calls our intimacy with Jesus a “wonderful friendship,” and the second talks about limitless possibilities and surprises beyond our wildest imaginations that Jesus wants to give us.

Be encouraged, God always does just what he says.

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