Allen Smith: Well, what you just heard was the sound of happy saints concluding with the doxology because God has been faithful and he is faithful. This is the testimony of what we've been talking about on this podcast. We get to sit here and faithfully proclaim who he is. This is ⁓ the SCC saver where we're savoring God through every bite of scripture. I'm one of your co-hosts, Alan Smith, joined with senior pastor Jeremy Rennie.

Jeramie: Well, what you just heard was the sound of happy saints concluding with the doxology because God has been faithful and he is faithful. This is the testimony of what we've been talking about on this podcast. We get to sit here and faithfully proclaim who he is. This is ⁓ the SEC saver where we're savoring God through every bite of scripture. I'm one of your co-hosts, Alan Smith, joined with senior pastor Jeremy Rennie.

Allen Smith: That singing we just heard was from our members meeting, right? Yeah, we concluded it with that singing. I think that was one of the best members meetings I can remember. It was so rich. It was so rich. what I heard was just people so excited about the body life of the church. Just like, hey, we're growing, we're loving one another, we're praying for one another, we're growing in our Bible reading.

Jeramie: That singing we just heard was from our members meeting, right? Yeah, we concluded it with that singing. I think that was one of the best members meetings I can remember. It was so rich. It was so rich, and what I heard was just people so excited about the body life of the church. Just like, hey, we're growing, we're loving one another, we're praying for one another, we're growing. in our Bible reading, we're excited about. Yeah, it was so heartfelt and real. I mean, we just had a lot of testimonies, like you said, about people doing this podcast, doing the Bible reading. I love the Shingletons talking about how they just have a regular practice of having people over to their house for lunch after church on Sundays and how it's different people every time. And it's not just like their circle of friends, but they meet someone in church and they like come over.

Allen Smith: you were excited about. Yeah, it was so heartfelt and real. I mean, we just had a lot of testimonies, like you said, about people doing this podcast or doing the Bible reading. I love the Shingletons talking about how they just have a regular practice of having people over at their house for lunch after church on Sundays and how it's different people every time. And it's not just like their circle of friends, but they meet someone in church and they're like, come over. And I was like, man, if like we all did that even just once a quarter,

Jeramie: And I was like, man, if we all did that even just once a quarter, could you imagine the kind of hospitality wave that would wash out through our church? It would be amazing. Yeah, so cool. I loved when you asked how many people have been over the Shingletons? Literally half the All those hands go out there. And they're newer to the church. Sometimes people are new to a church and they're like, I don't know anyone, I've been here a year. And they're like a great model of how you can overcome that just by being hospitable.

Allen Smith: Could you imagine the kind of hospitality wave that would wash out through our church? It would be amazing. Yeah, so cool. I loved when you asked how many people have been over the Shingletons? Yeah. literally half the room. All those hands go out there. And they're newer to the church. know, sometimes people are new to a church and they're like, I don't know anyone, I've been here a year. And they're like a great model of how you can overcome that just by being hospitable. It was great. Yeah, it was so great, man. I loved it. I was just full of joy.

Jeramie: It was great. Yeah, it was so great, man. I loved it. I was just full of joy. ⁓ know, sometimes it's good to just get like, ⁓ you know, get away from yourself. mean, you're thinking about yourself all the time. Hey, this is what I got to do. This is I got to grow. This is what I got to do. Take a step back and just observe and look and see how everyone else is growing, how the church is moving as one organism together. And it just is it's so encouraging, you know, to take your eyes to stage two for what we get to eventually. First Corinthians 12.

Allen Smith: You know, sometimes it's good to just get away from yourself. Meaning you're thinking about yourself all the time. Hey, this is what I gotta do, this is I gotta grow, this is what I gotta do. Take a step back and just observe and look and see how everyone else is growing, how the church is moving as one organism together. And it just is, it's so encouraging. know, to take your eyes. sets the stage too for what we'll get to eventually, 1 Corinthians 12. Yeah.

Jeramie: Yeah, which is like I feel like we saw that that body life happening. Yeah, this this Sunday was awesome Yeah, yeah, man. It was encouraging love the local church love how God just brings this people together and we'll talk about that in first Corinthians 12 more so yeah, just just be encouraged that hey church We're growing We're seeing God move powerfully in our congregation Keep pressing on towards love and faithfulness and just building one another up until the Lord

Allen Smith: Which is like, feel like we saw that body life happening this Sunday was awesome. Yeah. Yeah, man. It was encouraging. Love the local church. Love how God just brings these people together. And we'll talk about that in First Corinthians 12 more. So yeah, just be encouraged that, hey, church, we're growing. We're seeing God move powerfully in our congregation. Keep pressing on towards love and faithfulness and just building one another up until the Lord. Would call us home or send saints we even actually celebrate some saints that went home in the Lord's call at home That's right in the members meeting. So just man. That's that's good. We brought in new members brought in new members It was it was just all around just healthy body life fam. It's like a big family meeting. It was great Really good. Yeah, where are we at in the readings? Yeah month month four. Yeah, we are in month four and so days 14 through 19

Jeramie: Would call us home or send saints we even actually celebrate some saints that went home in the Lord's call at home That's right in the members meeting. So just man. That's that's good. We brought in new members brought in new members It was it was just all around just healthy body life fam. It's like a big family meeting. It great Really good. Yeah, where are we at in the readings? Yeah month month four. Yeah, we are in month four and so days 14 through 19

Allen Smith: So you would have read the rest of Judges, Judges 6-16, and the Psalms 84-89, 18, and Mark 6-7, and then 1 Corinthians 10-12 here. And so we're going to hop back in with Judges. So the Book of Judges, named after the Judges who God appoints over the people of Israel.

Jeramie: So you would have read the rest of Judges, Judges 6-16, and the Psalms 84-89, 18, and Mark 6-7, and then 1 Corinthians 10-12 here. And so we're going to hop back in with Judges. So the Book of Judges, named after the Judges who God appoints over the people of Israel.

Allen Smith: ⁓ As kind of warrior leaders to lead his people What's interesting about the judges is that it's not necessarily God's ideal design for the people of Israel Yet the people called out because they wanted leaders and so the Lord was faithful to raise up leaders However, it's a quite sad sinister story because they keep failing Yeah, and even the leaders I I think in these stories we get in this section. They they show their their weakness. Yeah

Jeramie: ⁓ as kind of warrior leaders to lead his people. What's interesting about the judges is that it's not necessarily God's ideal design for the people of Israel, yet the people called out because they wanted leaders and so the Lord was faithful to raise up leaders. However, it's a quite sad sinister story because they keep failing. Yeah, and even the leaders, I think in these stories we get in this section, they show their weakness. Yeah.

Allen Smith: You know, you have Gideon's hesitancy. He's afraid. He obeys God's commands to destroy, you know, does it at night when he destroys the altar. He asked for the fleece. God has to tell him, go down and listen to those guys talk and then they'll give you encouragement to go attack. So, you know, God is really using a very weak, small guy from like the least of the clans.

Jeramie: You know, you have Gideon's hesitancy. He's afraid. He obeys God's commands to destroy, you know, does it at night when he destroys the altar. He asked for the fleece. God has to tell him, go down and listen to those guys talk and then they'll give you encouragement to go attack. So, you know, God is really using a very weak, small guy from like the least of the clans.

Allen Smith: And yet that's who God uses. And even when the Lord sifts Gideon's army and gets him down to 300 soldiers who are going to go attack the vast hordes of Midian, you know, it's clearly God is showing that this victory is through the Lord. I'm using a weak guy and a small, not even an army, they're just like a division or something, and they're going to go, you know, win the battle. it's really God's victory. Or, you know, Jephthah and his

Jeramie: And yet that's who God uses. And even when the Lord sifts Gideon's army and gets him down to 300 soldiers who are going to go attack the vast hordes of Midian, you know, it's clearly God is showing that this victory is through the Lord. I'm using a weak guy and a small, not even an army, they're just like a division or something, and they're going to go, you know, win the battle. it's really God's victory. Or, you know, Jephthah and his

Allen Smith: rash vow to like, I'm going to sacrifice the first thing comes out of my door. Like what? Yeah, that's crazy. Yeah. It's a pretty nuts story. You read some this stuff. You're like, what in the world, And then, and then I know I'm dripping head a little bit, but Paul has an answer for us of how we should actually read and interpret these things. Yeah. Uh, that we'll, that we'll talk about. goes, Hey, this stuff was written down as an example. So in other words, don't be like these people. Yeah, that's right.

Jeramie: rash vow to like, I'm going to sacrifice the first thing comes out of my door. Like what? Yeah, that's crazy. Yeah. It's a pretty nuts story. You read some of this. feel like what in the world, man? And then and then I know I'm dripping head a little bit, but Paul has an answer for us of how we should actually read and interpret these things that we'll talk about. He goes, hey, this stuff was written down as an example. So in other words, don't be like these people. Yeah, that's right.

Allen Smith: Yeah, and I think that's important too because sometimes we read these stories, especially in Judges, where everything is so off-kilter spiritually with the people of Israel. And we read a story like Jephthah's vow and we're like, does that mean I should make vows like that? And it's like, no, just because something's in Judges does not mean you should do it. That's right. That's right. Although it is interesting, is Samson mentioned in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11?

Jeramie: Yeah, and I think that's important too because sometimes we read these stories, especially in Judges, where everything is so off-kilter spiritually with the people of Israel. And we read a story like Jephthah's vow and we're like, does that mean I should make vows like that? And it's like, no, just because something's in Judges does not mean you should do it. That's right. That's right. Although it is interesting, is Samson mentioned in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11?

Allen Smith: as an example of faith. I want to say he is. So we kind of… Yeah, I mean, he is an example of faith. And he trusts God, he takes great risks, he goes and instigates things with the Philistines, and yet, you you see his character too. So I guess one of the thoughts I took away from this little segment of the Judges is I just look at these three characters and the gaps

Jeramie: as an example of faith. I want to say he is. So we kind of… Yeah, I mean, he is an example of faith. I he trusts God, he takes great risks, he goes and instigates things with the Philistines, and yet, you you see his character too. So I guess one of the thoughts I took away from this little segment of The Judges is I just look at these three characters and the gaps

Allen Smith: in their character and in their faith. And I think, you the Lord used them to do mighty things. ⁓ So, His strength is made perfect in our weakness. That's sure encouraging for trying to serve the Lord today. Not that it's an excuse for sin or lack of faith, but it's just an encouragement when we look at ourselves honestly and say, man, I am not the hero. These guys are not heroes. Yeah, these guys are not heroes. ⁓

Jeramie: in their character and in their faith, and I think, you the Lord used them to do mighty things. ⁓ So, His strength is made perfect in our weakness. That's sure encouraging for trying to serve the Lord today. Not that it's an excuse for sin or lack of faith, but it's just an encouragement when we look at ourselves honestly and say, man, I am not the hero. These guys are not heroes. Yeah, yeah, these guys are not heroes. ⁓

Allen Smith: Gideon put out a fleece before the Lord to make decisions. Should we put out fleeces before the Lord to make our decisions? I do not think so. But I think that sometimes, I think what it shows more is God's kindness in our weakness. I'm sure, you know, people have stories of where they put out a fleece and it happened, but I don't think again, the point of this is this is how you make decisions. You know, should I buy this house or not? Should I move here or not? I'll put out a fleece. Yeah.

Jeramie: Gideon put out a fleece before the Lord to make decisions. Should we put out fleeces before the Lord to make our decisions? I do not think so. But I think that sometimes, I think what it shows more is God's kindness in our weakness. I'm sure, you know, people have stories of where they put out a fleece and it happened, but I don't think again, the point of this is this is how you make decisions. You know, should I buy this house or not? Should I move here or not? I'll put out a fleece. Yeah.

Allen Smith: I don't think it's like this is not a methodology thing. And again, Judges is descriptive, not necessarily prescriptive. ⁓ At Gideon's death, he says, soon as Gideon died, the people of Israel turned again and hoarded after the Baals and made Baal Barith their God. And the people of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had delivered them from the hand of all their enemies on every side. And they did not show steadfast love to the family of

Jeramie: I don't think it's like this is not a methodology thing. And again, judges is descriptive, not necessarily prescriptive. ⁓ At Gideon's death, he says, as soon as Gideon died, the people of Israel turned again and hoarded after the bales and made Baal Barith their God. The people of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who delivered them from the hand of all their enemies on every side. And they did not show steadfast love to the family of Drebbel, that is Gideon, in return for all the good that he had done to Israel.

Allen Smith: That is Gideon in return for all the good that he had done to Israel. Yeah, so you just see the pangs of sin Yeah, that's right. I forget immediately immediately forget. Yeah, how forgetful we are From what the Lord's taught us from the lessons. He's shown us how quickly, know, the Israelites turned to idolatry even in his time He took the all the gold from the Midianite war and made a gold ifad

Jeramie: Yeah. So you just see the pangs of sin. Yeah, that's right. Forget immediately. Immediately forget. Yeah, how forgetful we are ⁓ from what the Lord's taught us, from the lessons He's shown us, how quickly, you know, the Israelites turned to idolatry. Even in His time, He took all the gold from the Midianite war and made a gold ephod. And the people are like, cool, we're going to worship that, because that's the thing that helped us beat the Midianites. And so...

Allen Smith: And the people are like, cool, we're going to worship that, because that's the thing that helped us beat the Midianites. so, know, chapter 8 verse 27, then all Israel prostituted themselves by worshipping it, that is the ephod there, and it became a snare to get in in this household. like, man, this is, dude, you won this huge victory by God's help, and so you turned in, made an idol. And it, you know, that's like an echo back to the golden calf. Exactly right. It's the same thing. He's making a golden ephod, and they're all worshipping

Jeramie: you know, chapter 8 verse 27, then all Israel prostituted themselves by worshipping it, that is the ephod there, and it became a snare to get in in his household. like, man, this is, like, dude, you won this huge victory by God's help, and so you turned in, made an idol, and it, you know, that's like an echo back to the golden calf. Exactly right. It's the same thing, he's making a golden ephod, and they're all worshipping Yeah. Hey, let's talk about Samson a little bit. ⁓ The Lord really actually

Allen Smith: Hey, let's talk about Samson a little bit. ⁓ The Lord really actually comes in and chooses Samson. ⁓ The start of the Samson story is that the people did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. So he gave them over to the Philistines for 40 years. But then actually, we have this kind of miraculous story where there was a certain man, Zora, of the tribe of the Day Knights, whose name was Minoa, and his wife was barren and had no children. But the angel of the Lord...

Jeramie: comes in chooses Samson. ⁓ The start of the Samson story is that the people did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so he gave them over to the Philistines for 40 years. But then, actually, we have this kind of miraculous story where there was a certain man, Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Minoa, and his wife was barren had no children. But the angel of the Lord, so you see this character, the angel of Lord, appeared to the woman and said, Behold, you are barren and have not born children, but you shall conceive and bear a son.

Allen Smith: So you see this character Angel Lord appeared the woman said behold your barren and have not born children But you shall conceive and bear a son and he shall and then this is a call back to the Nazareth vow of number six Where the Nazareth vow where they drink no strong drink they drink no no wine ⁓ They didn't shave their their heads and then also ⁓ They didn't ⁓ eat grapes. I think is it grapes is what it is ⁓ And so we have the angel of the Lord one interpretive question

Jeramie: And he shall. And then this is a call back to the Nazareth vow of number six, where the Nazareth vow where they drink no strong drink. They drink no no wine. They didn't shave their their heads. And then also ⁓ they didn't ⁓ eat grapes. think is it grapes? Is what it is. And so we have the angel of the Lord. One interpretive question. Who is this angel of the Lord? How do we understand him? Yeah, it's it's a big question that.

Allen Smith: Who is this angel of the Lord? How do we understand him? Yeah, it's a big question that comes up often in the Old Testament because there are times when it seems like there's just an angel, but there are other times where the angel of the Lord is treated as if it's God himself. And so it's some kind of appearing of the Lord, of God himself, it seems, because they said, you know, we've seen the Lord.

Jeramie: comes up often in the Old Testament, because there are times when it seems like there's just an angel, but there are other times where the angel of the Lord is treated as if it's God Himself. And so it's some kind of appearing of the Lord, of God Himself, it seems, because they said, you know, we've seen the Lord.

Allen Smith: Yeah, that actually at the end of this story is the hey, we've seen Lord we're gonna die and and you know, it doesn't correct it and say, ⁓ no, they only saw the angel of the Lord and there's a you know, so it's it's somehow this this angel the Lord figure seems to be God's God's very self somehow manifested in a way they can see and and like you said, this is ⁓ Samson like that's from God. I mean he you know,

Jeramie: Yeah, that actually at the end of this story is the hey, we've seen Lord we're gonna die and and you know, it doesn't correct it and say, ⁓ no, they only saw the angel of the Lord and there's a you know, so it's it's somehow this this angel the Lord figure seems to be God's God's very self somehow manifested in a way they can see and like you said, this is ⁓ Samson like that's from God. I mean he you know,

Allen Smith: the angel says, you will have a child. This is how you, it's not like Samson was like, I'm really serious about God. I'm going to be a Nazarite. No, he will be a Nazarite. And so it was an instruction. And so Samson's story progresses where he's called, he's the Lord, raises him up, the spirit of the Lord, actually. That's another kind of interesting thing is this is the Holy Spirit, the spirit of the Lord. Yes. Yeah.

Jeramie: the angel says, you will have a child. This is how you, it's not like Samson was like, I'm really serious about God. I'm going to be a Nazarite. No, he will be a Nazarite. And so it was an instruction. And so Samson's story progresses where he's called, he's the Lord, raises him up, the spirit of the Lord, actually. That's another kind of interesting thing is this is the Holy Spirit, the spirit of the Lord. Yes. Yeah. So this is the Holy Spirit empowering, we see him empower individuals such as Samson and he stirs them in what's Mahane, dawn between Zora and Eshetal and then he rushed upon him, he had nothing in his hand and then he tore a lion in pieces as one tears a young goat. he literally tore a lion, the Holy Spirit empowered him to tear a lion apart. He's not a hero, but he's kind of a superhero.

Allen Smith: So this is the Holy Spirit empowering, we see him empower individuals ⁓ such as Samson and he stirs them in what's ⁓ Mahane, dawn between Zora and ⁓ Eshetal and then he rushed upon him, he had nothing in his hand and then he tore a lion in pieces as one tears a young goat. he literally tore a lion, the Holy Spirit empowered him to tear a lion apart. He's not a hero. ⁓ But he's kind of a superhero. like, because he has like this like savage. Yeah. Like he has this like crazy strength. He's like the Hulk. Yeah. Like he just goes Hulk on things and like he rips gates off of doors and he, you know, takes a jawbone of a donkey and just like kills thousand men. Like he's just it's like a crazy action movie with this guy. but in the end, you know, his there's a flaw and he he reveals his secret to his nagging

Jeramie: He's because has like this like savage. Yeah, like he has this like crazy strength. He's like the Hulk. Yeah, like he just goes Hulk on things and like he rips gates off of doors and he, you know, takes a jawbone of a donkey and yeah, and just like, killed a thousand men kills like he's just it's like a crazy action movie with this guy. but in the end, you know, his ⁓ there's a flaw and he he reveals his secret to his nagging.

Allen Smith: girl and... was a pagan who were told not to intermarry with. Yeah, that's right. And then he's captured and then he prays for God to have mercy on him, give him one last hurrah and he kind of kamikazes himself. I don't know if that's the word, but he brings the temple down on his own head. So it's just a wild story. But again, it's God's faithfulness to raise up deliverers, even these flawed characters. How about the Psalms?

Jeramie: girl and... was a pagan who were told not to intermarry with. Yeah, that's right. And then he's captured and then he prays for God to have mercy on him, give him one last hurrah and he kind of kamikazes himself. I don't know if that's the word, but he brings the temple down on his own head. So it's just a wild story. But again, it's God's faithfulness to raise up deliverers, even these flawed characters. How about the Psalms?

Allen Smith: The Psalms, Psalm 86 was really when I was reading this, man, I was so encouraged just because you see, ⁓ the Psalm is crying out to the Lord. He's like, Lord, hear me and answer me. I'm poor and I'm needy. Like talk about just, know, prostrate before the Lord. I got nothing. I'm poor and needy. Would you hear me? He says, preserve my life. And this whole section, one through 13, and

Jeramie: The Psalms, Psalm 86 was really when I was reading this, man, I was so encouraged just because you see, the Psalm is crying out to the Lord. He's like, Lord, hear me and answer me. I'm poor and I'm needy. Like talk about just, know, prostrate before the Lord. I got nothing. I'm poor and needy. Would you hear me? He says, preserve my life. And this whole section, one through 13, and

Allen Smith: in Psalm, he's just calling, he's like, teach me your ways, I'm calling on you, there's no one like you, I know your character, you've delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol, your great steadfast love is towards me, and he says his bounding in steadfast love to all who call upon him, and so the psalmist, although he is, you know, downcast, he is poor and needy, he remembers that Yahweh is merciful and gracious, he's slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

Jeramie: in Psalm, he's just calling, he's like, teach me your ways, I'm calling on you, there's no one like you, I know your character, you've delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol, your great steadfast love is towards me, and he says his bounding in steadfast love to all who call upon him, and so the psalmist, although he is, you know, downcast, he is poor and needy, he remembers that Yahweh is merciful and gracious, he's slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

Allen Smith: And I was just super encouraged. It's like, man, we can call upon the Lord and he's going to hear me because his character is the same, because the righteous have his ear and he'll show his loving kindness in his character. Yeah. And really an invitation to just pray very honestly and needily. Needily? Needfully? To just say, I needily. Needle, needle. Needle. I don't know if that's a word. I made up a word. I make up a lot of things. Yeah, that's

Jeramie: And I was just super encouraged. It's like, man, we can call upon the Lord and he's going to hear me because his character is the same, because the righteous have his ear and he'll show his loving kindness in his character. Yeah. And really an invitation to just pray very honestly and needily. Needily? Needfully? To just say, I needily? Needle, needle. Needle. I don't know if that's a word. I up a word. I make up a lot of things. Yeah, that's right.

Allen Smith: Mine was the Psalm that really connected with me is Psalm 84, just two Psalms earlier, and it's the Psalmist's love of the house of God and the people of God. know, verses 1 and 2, how lovely is your dwelling place, Lord of armies. I long and yearn for the courts of the Lord, my heart and flesh cry out for the living God. He wants to be in God's house where God is. And then this famous verse, verse 10, better is a day in your courts than a thousand anywhere else. I'd rather...

Jeramie: Mine was the Psalm that really connected with me is Psalm 84, just two Psalms earlier, and it's the Psalmist's love of the house of God and the people of God. know, verses 1-2, how lovely is your dwelling place, Lord of armies. I long and yearn for the courts of the Lord, my heart and flesh cry out for the living God. He wants to be in God's house where God is. And then this famous verse, verse 10, better is a day in your courts than a thousand anywhere else. I'd rather...

Allen Smith: stand at the threshold of the house of my God than live in the tents of wicked people. And I think, you know, today God's house is the church. It's not a physical building anymore. It's a spiritual building made up of living stones. And I think, you know, I want to have that same longing for the church, because this is where God has found is among His people. ⁓ that desire, you know, better to stand for an hour

Jeramie: stand at the threshold of the house of my God than live in the tents of wicked people. And I think, you know, today God's house is the church. It's not a physical building anymore. It's a spiritual building made up of living stones. And I think, you know, I want to have that same longing for the church, because this is where God has found is among His people. ⁓ that desire, you know, better to stand for an hour worship the Lord in church than to spend my whole week in the tents of the wicked. And just be a servant in the house of God. that's that's great. Yeah, that picture that you just reminded us of the temple ⁓ is individuals, believers are filled with the Spirit. It says that the Spirit came and tabernacled, right? So it's no longer in a physical tabernacle, but it's in His chosen people. When His people come together as Spirit-filled worshipers, you just experience His favor and His love. And that's, you know, that's what church is. That's what we

Allen Smith: worship the Lord in church than to spend my whole week in the tents of the wicked. And just be a servant in the house of God. that's great. Yeah, that picture that you just reminded us of the temple ⁓ is individuals, believers are filled with the Spirit. It says that the Spirit came and tabernacled, right? So it's no longer in a physical tabernacle, but it's in His chosen people. When His people come together as Spirit-filled worshipers, you just experience His favor and His love. And that's, you know, that's what church is. That's what we know, experience at the members meeting. It's just, yeah, this idea that, hey, the Lord has filled his house. He's filled his people. Yeah, his people. And so when the local church assembles for worship, there is a presence of God there that is unique because the people are there, not because of a certain style of music they play, not because of, you know, lighting or whether or not the pastor wears a tie or anything. But it's like, it's because the people are there. The spirit of God is there.

Jeramie: know, experience at the members meeting. It's just, yeah, this idea that, hey, the Lord has filled his house. He's filled his people. Yeah, his people. And so when the local church assembles for worship, there is a presence of God there that is unique because the people are there, not because of a certain style of music they play, not because of, you know, lighting or whether or not the pastor wears a tie or anything. But it's like, it's because the people are there. The spirit of God is there. And so we come into God's house. It's an encouragement for me on Sunday mornings to be like, I want to have that same Psalm 84 attitude. I'm going up to the house of the Lord and I want to be in his courts with his people. On the contrary, the opposite side of it is I think sometimes, you mentioned this in the sermon and I was thinking about this, a lot of times Christians get it confused because they maybe are in a hard spot and they think they need to disassociate.

Allen Smith: And so we come into God's house. It's an encouragement for me on Sunday mornings to be like, I want to have that same Psalm 84 attitude. I'm going up to the house of the Lord and I want to be in his courts with his people. On the contrary, the opposite side of it is I think sometimes, you mentioned this in the sermon, and I was thinking about this, a lot of times Christians get it confused because they maybe are in a hard spot and they think they need to disassociate and to pull back.

Jeramie: into pull back and it's quite the opposite. Press in. people deal with hard times differently and some of us have an instinct when we go through a hard time to just kind of like turtle, know, pull into our shell, isolate and the thing we need more than anything is God's people around us worshiping and singing. Yeah, Satan actually loves when believers isolate themselves and get away from the people who love them more than anything.

Allen Smith: And it's quite the opposite. Yeah, press in. Yeah, people deal with hard times differently and some of us have an instinct when we go through a hard time to just kind of like turtle, know, pull into our shell, isolate. the thing we need more than anything is God's people around us worshiping and singing. Yeah, Satan actually loves when believers isolate themselves and get away from the people who love them more than anything. It's like, you know, it's like those

Jeramie: It's like, you know, it's like those nature videos where the lions get one wildebeest off on its own. Don't be that wildebeest. Stay with the herd. Yeah, that's right. I was watching a of actually two little, I don't know, snow dogs. What do call the snow dog things? Snow dogs? It was chasing after a... Wait, what? Alaskan Malmutes? I don't even know what that is. Huskies? No, not likely. It was more like a...

Allen Smith: nature of videos where the lions like get one wildebeest off on its own. Don't be that wildebeest. Stay with the herd. Yeah, that's right. I was watching a clip of actually like two little like, I don't know, snow dogs. What do call the snow dog things? Snow dogs? Wait, Alaskan Malmutes? I don't even know what that is. Huskies? No, not likely. It was like more like a coyote type of things and they're chasing a hair snow. I'm just going to go snow. Arctic Fox Arctic Fox. Yeah something like that. A.K.A. A.K.A. snow dog. Yeah. All right. Yeah. Well anyway the snow dogs are chasing the rabbit and they got me confused with Snoop Dogg not to be confused with Snoop Dogg. Yes that's right. And they are chasing the rabbit off on its own. They're chasing the Rizabit. They're the Rizabit.

Jeramie: coyote type of things and they're chasing a hair snow. I'm just going to go snow. Arctic Fox Arctic Fox. Yeah something like that. A.K.A. A.K.A. snow dog. Yeah. All right. Yeah. Well anyway the snow dogs are chasing the rabbit and they got to be confused with Snoop Dogg not to be confused with Snoop Dogg. Yes that's right. And they are chasing the rabbit off on its own. They're chasing the Rizabit. They're the Rizabit.

Allen Smith: All right, don't get chased down by the snow dogs come to church. That's right. ⁓ I'm so lost. are we? ⁓ Mark The gospel of Mark. Yeah, mm-hmm gospel of Mark. Mm-hmm Six and seven. Yeah six and seven Jesus rejected Common the story. Yes rejected in Nazareth in his hometown. Yep his own hometown man. It'd be your own people Yeah, that's right. And he was amazed at their unbelief and then

Jeramie: All right, don't get chased down by the snow dogs come to church. That's right. ⁓ I'm so lost. are we? ⁓ Mark. The Gospel of Mark. Yeah. of Mark. Six and seven. Yeah, six and seven. Jesus rejected common story. Yes, rejected in Nazareth in his hometown. Yep, his own hometown. Man. It'd be your own people. Yeah, that's right. And he was amazed at their unbelief. And then... He sends the 12 out and he warns them, they're gonna be rejected. He says, you know, if you go on a place and they welcome you, But if not, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them. In other words, you guys need to expect that you're gonna talk to some groups and they want nothing to do with you. Yeah. Yeah, I think encouragement and discouragement for the believer is encouragement.

Allen Smith: He sends the 12 out and he warns them, they're gonna be rejected. He says, you know, if you go on a place and they welcome you, great, but if not, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them. In other words, you guys need to expect that you're gonna talk to some groups and they want nothing to do with you. Yeah. Yeah, I think encouragement and discouragement for the believer is encouragement.

Jeramie: They rejected Jesus Christ who literally committed no sins. They're going to reject you too. It's not because of your failed, know, the good news that you proclaim is not good enough or you just didn't say it winsomely enough. It's like, no, they hate God. They hate you. it's promised that they're going to hate you. But the encouragement is don't worry. They did the same to Jesus.

Allen Smith: they rejected Jesus Christ who literally committed no sins, they're going to reject you too. It's not because of your failed, know, the good news that you proclaim is not good enough or you just didn't say it winsomely enough. It's like, no, they hate God. They hate you. it's promised that they're going to hate you. But the encouragement is don't worry. They did the same to Jesus. And they did it, and they'll do it to the disciples, and they did it to John the Baptist. I that's the next story, is John's beheading. So, you really have three stories of persecution. Jesus, the Twelve, and then John the Baptist. And yet, Jesus is faithful, because in the next story, He's feeding the 5,000, He's providing everything that they need. In the next story, He's walking on water, you know, and He says, have courage, it is I, don't be afraid. So,

Jeramie: And they did it, and they'll do it to the disciples, and they did it to John the Baptist. I that's the next story, is John's beheading. So, you really have three stories of persecution. Jesus, the Twelve, and then John the Baptist. And yet, Jesus is faithful, because in the next story, He's feeding the 5,000, He's providing everything that they need. In the next story, He's walking on water, you know, and He says, have courage, it is I, don't be afraid. So,

Allen Smith: The world will reject and even persecute, but we keep our eyes on Jesus who feeds us and has the authority to carry us through these times. Yeah, that's great. Jesus, in the story of him walking on water there, ⁓ he says in 50, for they all saw him and were terrified, but immediately he spoke to them and said, take heart, it is I.

Jeramie: The world will reject and even persecute, but we keep our eyes on Jesus who feeds us and has the authority to carry us through these times. Yeah, that's great. ⁓ Jesus, in the story of him walking on water there, ⁓ he says in 50, for they all saw him and were terrified, but immediately he spoke to them and said, take heart, it is I.

Allen Smith: Do not be afraid and he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased and they were utterly astounded They did not understand about the lows But their hearts who are hardened that tick heart it is I do not be afraid is Jesus constantly Reminding them or actually identifying with Yahweh God himself the divine name. It is I he's proclaiming who else makes the wind cease in the waters and Walks on the water and can do all these miraculous

Jeramie: Do not be afraid and he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased and they were utterly astounded They did not understand about the lows But their hearts who are hardened that tick heart it is I do not be afraid is Jesus constantly Reminding them or actually identifying with Yahweh God himself the divine name. It is I he's proclaiming who else makes the wind cease in the waters and Walks on the water and can do all these miraculous

Allen Smith: None, but God Himself. Only God Himself. Only God Himself. And so that's really Jesus' proclaiming, I am God. But they're hearted and they can't understand this. And one of themes in Mark, which we'll tease out probably maybe next couple of podcasts, is what's often called the Messianic secret idea that Jesus is always quieting people down so that they don't go around telling who He is. And even here, you know, this is Mark telling us this is God.

Jeramie: None, but God Himself. Only God Himself. Only God Himself. And so that's really Jesus' proclamation, I am God. But they're hearted and they can't understand this. And one of themes in Mark, which we'll tease out probably maybe next couple of podcasts, is what's often called the Messianic secret idea that Jesus is always quieting people down so that they don't go around telling who He is. And even here, you know, this is Mark telling us this is God.

Allen Smith: but in his kind of like subtle understated marquee way. Right. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's great. Two other things I just want to point out in chapter seven before we go to first Corinthians, which is brimming with interesting things. Yeah. One is in chapter seven, you have Jesus ⁓ locking horns again with the Pharisees and they're like, why don't you have your disciples wash their hands, which was a phariseic tradition, not in the Bible. And, ⁓ and then he's, he just hits him right back and he quotes and he says,

Jeramie: but in his kind of like subtle understated marquee way. Right. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's great. Two other things I just want to point out in chapter seven before we go to first Corinthians, which is brimming with interesting things. Yeah. One is in chapter seven, you have Jesus ⁓ locking horns again with the Pharisees and they're like, why don't you have your disciples wash their hands, which was a phariseic tradition, not in the Bible. And, ⁓ and then he's, he just hits him right back and he quotes and he says,

Allen Smith: This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. They worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines human commands. And I love what Jesus says, abandoning the command of God, you hold to human tradition. You have a fine way of invalidating God's command in order to set up your tradition. Verse 13, you nullify the Word of God by your tradition. So when we add things to the Bible and commands to the Bible that aren't in the Bible,

Jeramie: This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. They worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines human commands. And I love what Jesus says, abandoning the command of God, you hold to human tradition. You have a fine way of invalidating God's command in order to set up your tradition. Verse 13, you nullify the Word of God by your tradition. So when we add things to the Bible and commands to the Bible that aren't in the Bible,

Allen Smith: We haven't added to God's Word. We've actually nullified God's Word. So by adding, we're actually subtracting. And so that's why we have to be really careful not to add man-made rules and give them a kind of scriptural awtness. Yeah. Yeah. That's a good warning. Hey, in light of that, maybe we can contemporize this a little bit. What are some ways that historical Christians have nullified the Word of God by adding to it?

Jeramie: We haven't added to God's Word. We've actually nullified God's Word. So by adding, we're actually subtracting. And so that's why we have to be really careful not to add man-made rules and give them a kind of scriptural awtness. Yeah. Yeah. That's a good warning. Hey, in light of that, maybe we can contemporize this a little bit. What are some ways that historical Christians have nullified the Word of God by adding to it?

Allen Smith: ⁓ In church history. Yes, certainly, ⁓ you know, as the church grew, it started developing additional traditions. Yeah. You know, whether it's indulgences or, you know, praying, praying to Mary, praying to the saints. Penance. Penance. You know, these are all things that, that, you know, aren't in the Bible, but they become part of, you know, Christian life, Christian rules. Yeah. So sometimes ⁓ it's issues of conscience. Yeah. That then

Jeramie: ⁓ In church history. Yes, certainly, ⁓ you know, as the church grew, it started developing additional traditions. Yeah. You know, whether it's indulgences or, you know, praying, praying to Mary, praying to the saints. Yeah. Penance. Penance. You know, these are all things that, that, you know, aren't in the Bible, but they become part of, you know, Christian life, Christian rules. Yeah. So sometimes ⁓ it's issues of conscience. Yeah. That then

Allen Smith: get elevated. you know, there's maybe in the Catholic side, there's like Mary, things like that. On the Protestant side, you know, some of us grew up in houses or in churches where, you know, drinking, which of course is something we have to be very careful with, but it's elevated to a rule or a command that the scripture doesn't elevate it. And we could, I think we talked about that with conscience in the last podcast. But those things, but it's like, there's the danger that you think you're being safer, but

Jeramie: get elevated. you know, there's maybe in the Catholic side, there's like Mary, things like that. On the Protestant side, you know, some of us grew up in houses or in churches where, you know, drinking, which of course is something we have to be very careful with, but it's elevated to a rule or a command that the Scripture doesn't elevate it. And we could, I think we talked about that with conscience in the last podcast. But those things, but it's like, there's the danger that you think you're being safer, but

Allen Smith: But when you start making rules out of maybe issues, conscience, or traditions, then you put them on the level of Scripture. It's not like you now have Scripture plus tradition. You just have like tradition. Scripture has been nullified. That's what Jesus is saying. It's a good warning. Yeah, it's dangerous warning. it makes me think about, again, aspiring pastor, teacher, it's like, man, to rightfully handle the Word of Truth. And to keep coming back to whenever you're doing things in church.

Jeramie: But when you start making rules out of maybe issues, conscience, or traditions, then you put them on the level of Scripture. It's not like you now have Scripture plus tradition. You just have like tradition. Scripture has been nullified. That's what Jesus is It's a good warning. Yeah, it's dangerous warning. it makes me think about, again, aspiring pastor, teacher, it's like, to rightfully handle the Word of Truth. And to keep coming back to whenever you're doing things in church.

Allen Smith: what does God's word say and we need to follow God's word and not that we interpret it perfectly or that there aren't debates among, like you and I may have a disagreement about what does God's word say, but we need to keep going toward God's word. Yeah, that's great. Be people of the book. People of the book. Yeah. Hey, what's interesting, I think on that related is Jesus is calling out that what defiles a man?

Jeramie: what does God's word say and we need to follow God's word and not that we interpret it perfectly or that there aren't debates among, like you and I may have a disagreement about what does God's word say, but we need to keep going toward God's word. Yeah, that's great. Be people of the book. People of the book. Yeah. Hey, what's interesting, I think on that related is Jesus is calling out that what defiles a man? ⁓ It's not what goes into him. Which is crazy because, I mean, that's basically he's like overturning all the food laws of Moses. Yeah, he is. Like actually Mark comments in his, you know, the parentheses, it's him interpreting basically for us, and he says, hey, thus he declared all foods clean. So Mark is like, hey, all foods are clean, and here's why. It's because from within, out of the heart of man come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery.

Allen Smith: It's not what goes into him. It's not what goes into him. Which is crazy because, I mean, that's basically he's like overturning all the food laws of Moses. Yeah, he is. Like actually Mark comments in his, you know, the parentheses, it's him interpreting basically for us. Yeah. And he says, hey, thus he declared all foods clean. So Mark is like, hey, all foods are clean. And here's why. It's because from within, out of the heart of man come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery. coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness, all of these evil things come from within. That's what defiles you. Yeah, it's not what goes into your stomach, but it's what comes out of your heart. that shows us too, it gives us an interpretive ⁓ lens there to say that those Old Testament cleanliness laws were there as a kind of ⁓ picture of

Jeramie: coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All of these evil things come from within. That's what defiles you. Yeah, it's not what goes into your stomach, but it's what comes out of your heart. that shows us too, it gives us an interpretive ⁓ lens there to say that those Old Testament cleanliness laws were there as a kind of ⁓ picture of holiness, but they ultimately, it doesn't matter, like there's nothing bad about pork or not pork or any other food. ⁓ so, you know, I mean, you know, and when I lived in the Middle East, that was a verse I would sometimes go to when I was talking to my Muslim friends. ⁓ yeah, that makes sense. Because, know, for them, they don't have kosher, but they have halal, which is ⁓ similar to kosher, not quite as strict. They halal let you eat some things that kosher doesn't let you eat. But my argument was,

Allen Smith: holiness, but they ultimately, it doesn't matter, like there's nothing bad about pork or not pork or any other food. ⁓ so, you know, I mean, you know, and when I lived in the Middle East, that was a verse I would sometimes go to when I was talking to my Muslim friends. Because, you know, for them, they don't have kosher, but they have halal, which is ⁓ similar to kosher, not quite as strict. Halal lets you eat some things that kosher doesn't let you eat. But my argument was, You know, if you ate a perfectly whole diet the rest of your life, like you haven't become more clean and you haven't avoided sin. Because ultimately everything God makes is good. It's just the world. Sin is all those other things, which the kosher food laws symbolized. Yeah, that's right. Hey, that's an issue that you can elevate above scripture too, is hey, because I've known Christians who literally follow the dietary laws. Do they? I've known Christians who have tried to do that.

Jeramie: You know if you ate a perfectly whole diet the rest of your life like you haven't become more clean And you haven't avoided sin. Yes, everything God makes is good. It's just the world Yeah, it's sin is is all those other things which the kosher food laws Symbolized. Yeah. Yeah, that's right. Hey, that's that's an issue that you can elevate above ⁓ scripture too is hey I because I've known Christians who literally follow the dietary laws. Do they I've known Christians who have tried to do that. Yeah

Allen Smith: Yeah, yeah, that's right. Yeah, and you're living like you're in the Old Testament. Yeah, yeah Did you want to comment on the last two stories? have the Syrophoenician woman's encounter with Jesus and then Jesus healing a deaf man kind of big picture What's what's what's what's the point here? What's mark getting across to us again showing us the authority of Christ? And we're getting near chapter 8, which is we'll see next podcast is the hinge. Yeah on which mark turns

Jeramie: Yeah, yeah, that's right. Yeah, and you're living like you're in the Old Testament. Yeah, yeah. Did you want to comment on the last two stories? We have the Syrophoenician woman's encounter with Jesus and then Jesus healing a deaf man kind of big picture. What's the point here? What's Mark getting across to us? Again, showing us the authority of Christ and we're getting near chapter eight, which is we'll see next podcast is the hinge ⁓ on which Mark turns.

Allen Smith: Yep. All right, first Corinthians 12. a doozy. A doozy. All right, first Corinthians 10. just go through this as quick as we can, but it's so much stuff to talk about. go in. All right. Chapter 10, a great interpretive lens for reading the Old Testament. But we were just talking about. We were just talking about. just mentioned that. six. Now, these things took place as examples for us that we might not desire.

Jeramie: Yep. All right, first Corinthians 12. a doozy. A doozy. All right, first Corinthians 10. just go through this as quick as we can, but I so much stuff to talk about. go in. All right. Chapter 10, a great interpretive lens for reading the Old Testament. But we were just talking about. We were just talking about. just mentioned that. six. Now, these things took place as examples for us that we might not desire.

Allen Smith: evil as they did, and then he'll kind of double down on this point. He says, now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction on whom the end of the ages has come. we are to look at judges. We are to look at the Old Testament stories. In part, one of the ways we're to read them is to look at them as examples for how we're to follow God or not follow God. there should be warnings to us. Yeah. Yeah.

Jeramie: evil as they did, and then he'll kind of double down on this point. He says, now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction on whom the end of the ages has come. So we are to look at judges. We are to look at the Old Testament stories in part. One of the ways we're to read them is to look at them as examples for how we're to follow God or not follow God. there should be warnings to us. Yeah. Yeah.

Allen Smith: Verse 13, think here's an encouragement real quick, kind of devotional thought is, hey Christian, no temptation has overtaken you that has not come into man. God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with temptation He will also provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure. If you're struggling with temptation, know that the promise of God is that there's not a temptation that has not come into man and He will provide a way of escape, meaning you don't have to fall into temptation.

Jeramie: Verse 13, think here's an encouragement real quick, kind of devotional thought is, hey Christian, no temptation has overtaken you that has not come into man. God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with temptation He will also provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure. If you're struggling with temptation, know that the promise of God is that there's not a temptation that has not come into man and He will provide a way of escape, meaning you don't have to fall into temptation.

Allen Smith: I don't know whatever temptation you're struggling with because every Christian struggles with something. ⁓ Memorize this verse. Know this verse. Recite it when you're struggling with temptation. God is faithful. Especially when you feel like, you know, I'm powerless. Like, no, we're not slaves to sin anymore. In Christ. Chapter 11, head coverings. Nothing to say there. Moving on. I don't even know what a head covering is. Yeah. Well, I think the important thing with head coverings ⁓ to remember is that,

Jeramie: I don't know whatever temptation you're struggling with because every Christian struggles with something. ⁓ Memorize this verse. Know this verse. Recite it when you're struggling with temptation. God is faithful. Especially when you feel like, you know, I'm powerless. Like, no, we're not slaves to sin anymore. In Christ. That's right. Chapter 11, head coverings. Nothing to say there. Moving on. I don't even know what a head covering is. Yeah. Well, I think the important thing with head coverings ⁓ to remember is that, is that

Allen Smith: is the theological reality that the cultural practice at that time was buttressing. And the theological reality is authority. That God is an authority over the husband and the husband is an authority over his wife. That there's an authority structure and that it's reflected. It was reflected in that culture in a way that everybody understood so that if a woman wore a head covering, it was a way of affirming

Jeramie: is the theological reality that the cultural practice at that time was buttressing. And the theological reality is authority. That God is an authority over the husband, and the husband is an authority over his wife. That there's an authority structure, and that it's reflected. It was reflected in that culture in a way that everybody understood, so that if a woman wore a head covering, it was a way of affirming

Allen Smith: That everyone would have connected those dots and intuitively and they would have said that that head covering showed that she is a woman who honors and respects her husband Yeah, that's right. Yeah, so and and you know, this is a thing where like if you read commentaries on this like commentators are just scouring the ancient world for Like an answer to like what did head coverings mean and how you interpret this? But I think that's that's that's the thing is whatever the head coverings Whatever they were. Have you understood them? They were they would have

Jeramie: That everyone would have connected those dots and intuitively and they would have said that that head covering showed that she is a woman who honors and respects her husband Yeah, that's right. Yeah, so and and you know, this is a thing where like if you read commentaries on this like commentators are just scouring the ancient world for Like an answer to like what did head coverings mean and how you interpret this? But I think that's that's that's the thing is whatever the head coverings Whatever they were. Have you understood them? They were they would have

Allen Smith: been understood by the people at that time as showing respect for the wife to her husband, which then would have supported the order of creation and would have not brought dishonor upon the public worship. And that, me, I think is the best understanding of that because that just seems like Pauline theology. If you go read 1 Timothy, if you go read his other epistles, that seems to be the way Paul talks. It's like, this is the authority of

Jeramie: been understood by the people at that time as showing respect for the wife to her husband, which then would have supported the order of creation and would have not brought dishonor upon the public worship. And that, me, I think is the best understanding of that because that just seems like Pauline theology. If you go read 1 Timothy, if you go read his other epistles, that seems to be the way Paul talks. It's like, this is the authority of

Allen Smith: how God has ordered creation of Christ, man, wife. And so he's just on thought with his theology. Yeah, that's right. And so people wonder, should I wear a head covering today? And some Christians do, they're like, well, I don't, know, yeah, it was a cultural thing then, but it seems to be normal now for Christians everywhere. I mean, Paul says, if anyone wants to argue about this, we have no other custom nor do the churches of God.

Jeramie: how God has ordered creation of Christ, man, wife. And so he's just on thought with his theology. Yeah, that's right. And so people wonder, should I wear a head covering today? And some Christians do, they're like, well, I don't, know, yeah, it was a cultural thing then, but it seems to be normal now for Christians everywhere. I mean, Paul says, if anyone wants to argue about this, we have no other custom, nor do the churches of God.

Allen Smith: So I guess what I've said to people when I've taught this text is if you are convinced by this text that head coverings is a universal thing that all women should do, then wear a head cover. And you're welcome to in this church. And no one's going look at you like you're some kind of fundamentalist person. you're going to no, I understand. And that's the conscious thing. You're free to wear them, you're free not to, don't cast judgment on your brother. That's a conscious But others read the same text and they're like, I think it was...

Jeramie: So I guess what I've said to people when I've taught this text is if you are convinced by this text that head coverings is a universal thing that all women should do, then wear a head cover. And you're welcome to in this church. And no one's going look at you like you're some kind of fundamentalist person. you're like, no, I understand. And that's the conscious thing. You're free to wear them, you're free not to, don't cast judgment on your brother. That's a conscious But others read the same text and they're like, I think it was...

Allen Smith: Cultural practice that would have been understood to support the theological truth. That's unchanging. It's great. So anyway, that's the debate Yeah, um, hey Lord Supper. Oh such a great text on great. So great text I'm gonna bring out the negative first. Maybe we'll bring out the positive He goes for anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself Paul actually says that some of you guys are eating an unworthy manner. It's actually why some of you have sick and have died Yeah, whoa. Whoa. What do we mean?

Jeramie: Cultural practice that would have been understood to support the theological truth. That's unchanging. It's So anyway, that's the debate Yeah, um, hey Lord Supper. Oh such a great text on the great. So great text I'm gonna bring out the negative first. Maybe we'll bring out the positive He goes for anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself Paul actually says that some of you guys are eating an unworthy manner It's actually why some of you have sick and have died. Yeah. Whoa. Whoa. What do we mean?

Allen Smith: I think it means that some of the people were sick and died because they were handling the Lord's Supper in a way that was ungodly and dishonored the Lord. And what they were doing is they were not recognizing the body. And by there, I take body to be the church, the body of believers. Because they weren't waiting for each other. They were going ahead. Some were getting drunk. Some were eating. Some were showing up late, maybe. And then they're like...

Jeramie: I think it means that some of the people were sick and died because they were handling the Lord's Supper in a way that was ungodly and dishonored the Lord. And what they were doing is they were not recognizing the body. And by there, I take body to be the church, the body of believers. Because they weren't waiting for each other. They were going ahead. Some were getting drunk. Some were eating. Some were showing up late, maybe. And then they're like...

Allen Smith: Everyone is just doing their own thing. They're having their like personal worship and enjoying the Lord's Supper in a way that was meaningful to them, but they weren't doing it together as a body. Interesting how many times in chapter 11 in this section that he describes the Lord's Supper as coming together, you know, verse 17, since you come together, not for the better, for the good. Verse 18, when you come together as a church, verse 20, when you come together. And so again and again, it is

Jeramie: Everyone is just doing their own thing. They're having their like personal worship and enjoying the Lord's Supper in a way that was meaningful to them, but they weren't doing it together as a body. Interesting how many times in chapter 11 in this section that he describes the Lord's Supper as coming together, you know, verse 17, since you come together, not for the better, for the good. Verse 18, when you come together as a church, verse 20, when you come together. And so again and again, it is

Allen Smith: the gathering of the body so that what's being symbolized in part in the Lord's Supper is the unity and togetherness of the church. Yeah, yeah, that's right. The unity, togetherness ⁓ of the Supper, of the meal, because it's remembering what Christ has done for all of us. That's right. And therefore, it's us together as a body who've been made one body by virtue of His...

Jeramie: the gathering of the body so that what's being symbolized in part in the Lord's Supper is the unity and togetherness of the church. Yeah, yeah, that's right. The unity, togetherness ⁓ of the Supper, of the meal, because it's remembering what Christ has done for all of us. That's right. And therefore, it's us together as a body who've been made one body by virtue of His...

Allen Smith: body that was sacrificed for us. And Paul goes on to that in the next chapter to talk about spiritual gifts. Yes. Says that there's a variety of gifts but the same spirit. There's a variety of services but the same Lord. Variety of activities but it's the same God who empowers them all and everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good. That's the key. Why are spiritual gifts given? And then he'll talk about them.

Jeramie: ⁓ body that was sacrificed for us. And Paul goes on to that in the next chapter to talk about spiritual gifts. Yes. Says that there's a variety of gifts but the same spirit. There's a variety of services but the same Lord. Variety of activities but it's the same God who empowers them all and everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good. That's the key. Why are spiritual gifts given? then he'll talk about them, utterance of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, tongues, interpreting the tongues, prophecy, all these. It's for the common good. It's for the building up of the body. Same spirit, ⁓ one spirit, he'll talk about a little bit later. It's with one spirit. There are many parts, but one body. God has arranged the members of the body, each one of them, as He chose, meaning He chose the body.

Allen Smith: utterance of wisdom, knowledge, healing, tongues, interpreting the tongues, prophecy, all these. It's for the common good. It's for the building up of the body. Same spirit, ⁓ one spirit, he'll talk about a little bit later. It's with one spirit. There are many parts, but one body. God has arranged the members of the body, each one of them as He chose, meaning He chose the body. He brought these believers together. He gave gifts as He chose, and it's going to be for the common good.

Jeramie: He brought these believers together. He gave gifts as he chose, and it's going to be for their common good in building up. And he's going to argue, hey, you can't say I have no need of you. He uses this analogy. like, hey, can't, the I can't say to the hand, I have no need of you, nor again the head to the feet. I have no need of you. You all need each other. And he actually argues to bestow greater honor and love towards the weaker parts and argues that they all suffer together and rejoice together. And so I just, when I was reading that, I was super encouraged. It's it's God who builds his church. It's the spirit who gives gifts.

Allen Smith: building up and he's gonna argue, hey you can't say I have no need of you. He uses this analogy, he's like, hey you can't, the eye can't say to the hand I have no need of you, nor again the head to the feet I have no need of you. Y'all need each other. And he actually argues to bestow greater honor and love towards the weaker parts and argues that they all suffer together and rejoice together. And so I just, when I was reading that I was super encouraged, like it's God who builds his church, it's the Spirit who gives gifts, and to really

Jeramie: And to really do the common good for others with your gifts, you got to know and believe with one another. Yeah. The picture here is of a diverse group, have, but that diversity is distributed by the one spirit that we all share. one person may have this gift, I may have another gift, but we recognize it's from the same spirit that God's given us the gift. So in other words, this is not like a personality test where people are like, you know, like, ⁓ I'm more of a...

Allen Smith: Do the common good for others with your gifts. You got to know and believe with one another. Yeah. The picture here is of a diverse group, that diversity is distributed by the one spirit that we all share. one person may have this gift, I may have another gift, but we recognize it's from the same spirit that God's given us the gift. So in other words, this is not like a personality test where people are like, you know, like, ⁓ I'm more of a...

Jeramie: you know, introvert, you're more of an extrovert. No, no, it's like, no, no, these are gifts that the spirit has given to each person and it's for the common good. Hey, you know, here's a question. How do you find your spiritual gifts? Yeah, that's great. The first thing I would actually do if you're listening, I'd say go and ask some people that know you. Yeah, that's right. Yeah, there's this weird... Brother, sister. Yes. What spiritual gifts do you see in me?

Allen Smith: you know, introvert, you're more of an extrovert. No, no, it's like, no, no, these are gifts that the spirit has given to each person and it's for the common good. Hey, you know, here's a question. How do you find your spiritual gifts? Yeah, that's great. The first thing I would actually do if you're listening, I'd say go and ask some people that know you. Yeah, that's right. Yeah, there's this weird, yes. What spiritual gifts do you see in me? That's the best way. The best way to use your spiritual gifts is to just serve in the body and let people know you. There's this weird thing that modern evangelicalism is coming up with where you take a spiritual gift inventory. I'm just like, what in the world? It's like a personality test. Yeah, it's like a personality test. As if this computer test has the spirit of God, knows your life, has seen you.

Jeramie: That's the best way. The best way to use your spiritual gifts is to just serve in the body and let people know you. There's this weird thing that modern evangelicalism is coming up with where you take a spiritual gift inventory. I'm just like, what in the world? It's like a personality test. Yeah, it's like a personality test. As if this computer test has the spirit of God, knows your life, has seen you. It's just modern Americans doing modern American things. We think we can like through a question answer thing. It's like that is... So, you if you're listening and you're wondering what your spiritual gifts are, like don't waste your time with the spiritual gifts inventory. Just start serving and people will see your gifts. They'll see like, ⁓ wow, that guy's really organized or...

Allen Smith: What in the world? It's just modern Americans doing modern American things. We think we can like through a question answer thing. It's like that is... So, you if you're listening and you're wondering what your spiritual gifts are, like don't waste your time with the spiritual gifts inventory. Just start serving and people will see your gifts. They'll see like, ⁓ wow, that guy's really organized or... I see this on the elders. It's just like as we operate, we get a sense of like who has what gifts in the body. We see it on our staff team. It comes out of knowing each other and being involved in each other's lives. Yeah, yeah, that's great. Yeah, ask, ask, hey listeners, ask the pastors and elders, hey, do see any giftings in me? Yeah. All right, let's do it. We've known each other for four months. So let's say we were just like, didn't, you know, we were just here and we saw each other operating.

Jeramie: I see this on the elders. It's just like as we operate, we get a sense of like who has what gifts in the body. We see it on our staff team. It comes out of knowing each other and being involved in each other's lives. Yeah, yeah, that's great. Yeah, ask, ask, hey listeners, ask the pastors and elders, hey, do see any giftings in me? Yeah. All right, let's do it. We've known each other for four months. So let's say we were just like, didn't, you know, we were just here and we saw each other operating.

Allen Smith: What gives you say you see me? What gets I say and seeing you? Yeah, definitely teaching in leadership. I'd say the strongest, not that you don't have others, but teaching and leadership just super evident in you. Yeah, I see in you. Mercy, I've seen you show a lot of mercy to people and a willingness to walk with people through hard things and ⁓ which is like a shepherd's heart. ⁓ And I think teaching ⁓ and leadership.

Jeramie: What gives you say you see me? What gets I say and seeing you? Yeah, definitely teaching in leadership. I'd say the strongest, not that you don't have others, but teaching and leadership just super evident in you. Yeah, I see in you ⁓ mercy. I've seen you show a lot of mercy to people and a willingness to walk with people through hard things and ⁓ which is like a shepherd's heart. ⁓ And I think teaching ⁓ and leadership.

Allen Smith: I mean, you're one who takes action and moves people to follow you. So, yeah, which is great. So, we see those gifts in each other. Yeah, that's right. Yeah, thanks, brother. Yeah, and so, yeah, that's just what it can look like. yeah, just healthy practices in the local church. One other thing I would say is just a key on that last thing you said, the local church, that chapter 12 is not talking about all Christians everywhere on planet Earth throughout all time. It's talking about a local church because you can't...

Jeramie: I mean, you're one who takes action and moves people to follow you. yeah, which is great. So we see those gifts in each other. Yeah, that's right. Yeah, thanks, brother. Yeah, and so yeah, that's just what it can look like. So yeah, just healthy practices in the local church. One other thing I would say is just a key on that last thing you said, the local church, that chapter 12 is not talking about all Christians everywhere on planet Earth throughout all time. It's talking about a local church because you can't...

Allen Smith: do chapter 12 if you're not in a local church for your members. And, ⁓ you know, look at verse 25, so there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. So, you know, here's church membership. Like, we talk about church membership a lot. This is where comes from. It's that there's one body, all the believers in the local church, and we're all members, but we're different members.

Jeramie: do chapter 12 if you're not in a local church for your members. ⁓ you know, look at verse 25, so there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. So, you know, here's church membership. Like, we talk about church membership a lot. This is where it comes from. It's that there's one body, all the believers in the local church, and we're all members, but we're different members.

Allen Smith: Different members, but same spirit, same body, same purpose. Serve the living God, make disciples, teach them all that He's commanded us in to press on toward holiness till the day that the Lord would call us home or that He would return. So be encouraged, church. I'm encouraged. I love our church so much. It's been such a blessing getting to know you guys more and more. ⁓ yeah, just love you guys. Keep pressing on.

Jeramie: Different members, but same spirit, same body, same purpose. Serve the living God, make disciples, teach them all that He's commanded us in to press on toward holiness till the day that the Lord would call us home or that He would return. So be encouraged, church. I'm encouraged. I love our church so much. It's been such a blessing getting to know you guys more and more. yeah, just love you guys. Keep pressing on.

Allen Smith: What an honor it is to be one part of the body in the local body and in this specific local body. It's just such a privilege. yeah, like Alan said, we love you and we just consider it a joy to be a part of this family. Yeah. Amen. Well, keep pressing on in your Bible reading plan as you guys are. Our church loves the word of God. You guys love the word. ⁓ Press on. We have what? A months, eight months left in the reading plan. You can make it.

Jeramie: What an honor it is to be one part of the body in the local body and in this specific local body. It's just such a privilege. yeah, like Alan said, we love you and we just consider it a joy to be a part of this family. Yeah. Amen. Well, keep pressing on in your Bible reading plan as you guys are. Our church loves the word of God. You guys love the word. ⁓ Press on. We have what? A months, eight months left in the reading plan. You can make it.

Allen Smith: This has been another episode of the SCC Saver. Saver and God, everybody. Scripture, Apple, YouTube, Spotify. Share with your friends. Till next time.

Jeramie: This has been another episode of the SCC Saver. Saver and God, everybody. Scripture, Apple, YouTube, Spotify. Share with your friends. Till next time.