A Theology of Blessing

Last week, we began a new study entitled "Understanding the Bible" in our 9:30 AM Sunday School.  The Bible is truly an amazing book and can transform our lives as we meditate on its teachings.  For me, the most amazing thing about the Bible is it's inspired nature.  Although the Bible consists of 66 books written over a period of 1500 years by around 40 different authors, we can detect common themes which run from cover to cover.
This week our focus is the theme of "Blessing".

A Theology of Blessing

The Psalmist declared, "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever." (52:8)  The Bible teaches us that God is love (1 John 4:8) and from that love flows blessing.  Terms for blessing occur over 600 times in the Old Testament.  Most of these terms are related to the word meaning "to kneel" because in ancient times one would kneel to receive a blessing.  The New Testament continues the theme of blessing, but focuses more on spiritual blessings of knowing Christ Jesus, rather than physical blessing.  Primarily, "God's blessing" implies two important aspects in the lives of God's people: (1) favor, and (2) fruitfulness.  We can't look at every verse dealing with the topic of blessing, but let's trace this idea of blessing through the Bible.

Adam and Eve - Genesis 1:28 (5:1-2)- "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'"
Noah - Genesis 9:1 - "Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.'"
Abraham - Genesis 12:2-3 - ""I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
Jacob - Genesis 27 & 32
       Jacob receives Isaac's blessing - Genesis 27
       Jacob wrestles with God - Genesis 32:26, "I will not let yo go until you bless me."
Joseph - Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
Moses - Exodus 23:25-26, Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span."

Blessings for obedience - Leviticus 26-27 / Deuteronomy 28:1-14

High Priestly Prayer - Numbers 6:24-26, "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

The prayer of Jabez - 1 Chronicles 4:10, "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request."

The Righteous Path - Psalm 1:1-3 - "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.  That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers."

The Beatitudes - Matthew 5:3-10

The blessing of abundant life - John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

The blessing of faith - John 20:29, "Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

The blessing of perseverance - James 1:12, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

The Bible begins (Genesis 1-2) and ends (Revelation 20:6, 22:7) with "blessing".  God wants to bless you with his favor and fruitfulness.  I trust the knowledge of God's blessing is an encouragement to you today!  Be blessed!  Pastor Tom

Overcoming the Parenting Crisis

I’m really excited about this Sunday's message because I believe it can change your life, not just as a parent but as a person! This morning we’re focusing on the biblical theme of the blessing. From cover to cover, the Bible is a book of “blessing”. God’s desire to bless you and to bless others through you is one of the central themes of the Bible. Just consider for a moment that simple truth -- “God wants to bless you!” Go ahead and let that sink into your heart and mind.

1. Let’s take a look at a few of passages on blessing:

“God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28)
“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3)
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” (Ps 32:1)
“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord.” (Ps 112:1)
“Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

Story about Peco and forgiveness

2. Defining the parenting crisis -
“the absence of parent’s participation and approval in the lives of children”

There is a parenting crisis in America today. It impacts your community, your neighborhood, and even your household. The industrial revolution took the man out of the home and into the work force. As a result, countless children lost out on valuable interaction with fathers or some fathers looked for other ways to influence their children after hours.

Exactly when “moms” left home and what caused it is a bit more complicated. But the rise of “easy credit” and our consumer culture has forced most households today into what I call “double jeopardy.” there are very few families anymore that can live on one income. A two income household has become an economic reality in our time. Now, my point is not to condemn us or our culture, but to point out that this does create a crisis for parenting, for children, and for the home. If everybody is working just trying to pay the bills, build a career, or find meaning in the work place, then who is keeping the home fire burning? Who is raising the children? Is day care, or the public school system, or a youth group going to raise your child? They can come along side and help, but they can never give your child what only a parent can give!

3. Overcoming the parenting crisis

So what is the parenting crisis that we all face? It is the absence of parents from children’s lives. To overcome this crisis in your “fight for the family” you must overcome two myths about children and parenting.

Myth #1: Kids will raise themselves

This is not true. When kids are left to themselves they naturally look for “parenting” surrogates such as peers, sports figures, celebrities, or gangs to look up to and find direction from. Do you really want someone else to parent your child?

We all lead busy lives, but one thing is for sure---kids don’t raise themselves, they need parents. Peers are not good parents, and day care, public school, or even church youth groups cannot parent your children, they can only assist with specific assignments. Your children need you!

Myth #2: Anyone can parent your child

Anyone can help, but not just anyone can parent your child. In 1996, Hillary Clinton gave a speech in Chicago entitled “It takes a village to raise a child”. Her speech was based on her book about the importance of the community in raising a child. She makes some great points about the importance of community. But the danger of focusing on the village is to forget the priority role of parenting.

That's just for openers. Join us Sunday as we take a look 5 was we can communicate the blessing to our children.

Pastor Tom