The Necessity of Biblical AND Objective Truth

Saturday, October 31, 2020 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Truth is an essential value in my thinking, practice, and interactions. I believe in Biblical truth and objective truth. Most of the ills of our society, and corruption of individuals, have come from lies that have been believed, told, and taught. Religious conviction is no guard against lies, as history, and current events, have proven time and time again. 
The ability to hold and express convictions (which may not be biblical or factual) permits a lie to persist. 

This is one of the reasons why many Christians, historically and presently, have been unhelpful to matters of justice and addressing societal issues beyond the motive of proselytizing. Many cannot accept the fact that there are people in this world, who are not Christians, who know more than they do.

The Christ Followers who are most impactful in this world embrace Biblical truth AND objective truth. They do not allow their convictions to get in the way of better understanding. Justice=Righteousness 

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Your Invitation to the Firm Foundation Daily Devotional for November 1-30, 2020 “Justice = Righteousness!”

Thursday, October 29, 2020 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments





Justice = Righteousness

This is your invitation to join us on Sunday, November 1 for the Firm Foundation Devotional for November 1-30, “Justice = Righteousness!”

Due to the injustice we have witnessed, and some of us have experienced, we think of justice mainly in the civil/legal sense of the term. This is relevant, but as Christ Followers, we must begin where justice begins, with God Almighty. I have written a book entitled  Biblical & Social Justice: What Is It?  This devotional draws from the book, but does not require the book for participation. I encourage you to read it to gain a well rounded understanding of Biblical and social justice. I explore historical facts and biblical principles in explaining justice at various levels, from spiritual, to interpersonal, to public policy.

This devotional will focus on where all justice starts, by recognizing that justice is rooted in Almighty God and is the same as righteousness. We know that our own righteousness (or justice) is as “filthy rags,” (Isaiah 64:6). The righteousness (or justice) of God is “right standing with, and in,  Him.” As we endeavor to make a positive impact on people and our community, which I define as social justice, we must first began with allowing God to work in our hearts through the grace that Jesus brought.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

If we don’t live within the righteousness of God in Christ, we will have limited understanding of justice within the community of believers. To be effective, we start with that which is most important––a strong and growing relationship with father God through His Son Jesus Christ. We cannot give what we do not have.

As the apostle Peter said “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6)

JUSTICE is God’s order in you
RIGHTEOUSNESS is God’s ability through you

Join us starting Sunday, November 1. The daily devotional reading will appear here on my blog each day by 4 AM EST. The devotional reading will be followed by a Reflection Question based on the reading, as well as an invitation to take action based on what you read and understand.

You can subscribe to this blog using the form on the right. You also find a link to the blog on the New Covenant Church website at www.NewCovenant.org


I look forward to growing with you in November!

Bryan Hudson. D.Min.





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A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken - Grace to Serve (Audio & Video)

Tuesday, October 27, 2020 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

 




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Things That Cannot Be Shaken When Things Shake

Wednesday, October 21, 2020 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




TEACHING NOTES

Hebrews 12:26, Whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

These are unstable times. But this is not news to anybody listening because there is no stable, perfect place in this world. The Bible says in Romans 8:22, “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” 

2020 has been a year of reminding us that we live on earth, not in heaven. An invisible virus has wreaked havoc on our world and has amplified the foolishness of foolish people and careless leaders. 

Unstable times are created by the following people and conditions:

Ephesians 2:2, In which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience 

2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

Proverbs 28:5, Evil men don't understand justice, but whoever seeks the LORD understands it all 

Into this context, the Hebrew writer says in Chapter 12:27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

I would like you to focus on that statement, “since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”

That is the hope in the midst of shaky times. This is the provision that Jesus has provided. To fully appreciate with the latter part of the book of Hebrews is saying, we have to go back up to the top of Hebrews to gain context and perspective.

Hebrews chapter 12 presents five topics of context and focus.
1. The Race of Faith
2. The Discipline of God
3. Renewal of Spiritual Vitality
4. The Glorious Heavenly Company
5. Following the Heavenly Voice

The statement about receiving a kingdom cannot be shaken comes from following the Heavenly Voice. But this cannot happen until we understand the first four topics. We will go quickly through this today and return to study deeper in future messages. All of this is a part of God's justice among us as Christ followers. In the Bible, justice equals righteousness. 

We have looked at justice as only a matter of what happens in society, but for believers it begins with what happens in God and what He does in us.

The Race of Faith -  How we walk with God
Hebrews 12:1, Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Discipline of God - How we Receive Correction From God
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?

Renewal a Spiritual Vitality - How we are Renewed in God
12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

The Glorious Company - How with Relate with others in God
18 For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, 
22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 

Following the Heavenly Voice - How we obey God
25, See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

What's interesting about this text is that the Hebrews writer refers to the of Moses communicating God's commands. Moses was a messenger for God. He was a mouthpiece through which God spoke. Hebrew says that even what Moses communicated would result in punishment if people did not follow and obey

What is more amazing is the following statement says that God will shake not only the earth, but the heavens and the earth. “He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.”

It is important to recognize that Moses was a transmitter of God’s message, he was not the voice of God. The Hebrew word used pertaining to Moses voice speaks of someone transmitting a message from another.

On the other hand there is Jesus. The Hebrew word that used here for “voice” speaks of direct speech from God. The word used of him (lalein, GSN2980) implies the direct speech of God.  Jesus was not merely the transmitter of God's voice, he was God's voice.

 For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven

One of the keys from this text is the understanding this statement: receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

God’s kingdom is more than being part of an organization. In our new member’s class we teach that there are two types of members:

1) “Club-Type” member: One who “joins” something that will make him feel good and look good. A Club-Type member determines his own level of commitment and involvement. Club-type members operate under Judges 17:6; “In those days there was no king...everyone did what was right in his own sight.” Club-Type members hope from church to church, looking for a better club to join
 
2) “Body-Type” member is a Christ Follower who is “joined” by God and recognizes his or her interdependence with others. Body-type members have “received God’s kingdom and express it within their local congregation, pastor, and leaders. Body-Type” members are aware of the necessity of participation and coordination with the rest of the body. Body-type members operate under Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.”

We are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. We are not receiving a membership or an association. We have received A RELATIONSHIP!

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AVAILABLE NOW! "Biblical & Social Justice, What Is it?" by Bryan Hudson – Get it TODAY in Print, eBook, and Digital Voice formats

Thursday, October 15, 2020 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

 


AVAILABLE NOW!

"Biblical & Social Justice, What Is it?" by Bryan Hudson. Get the book in Print, eBook, and Digital Voice formats.

Justice = Righteousness. 

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’  (Acts 20:35)
Justice is both a reality and a dream. It is a source of hope and of frustration. Justice, like a mountain, affords many perspectives depending upon which side one is viewing. For persons who are well-established in life, justice is a wall of protection. For persons struggling with obstacles or battling mistreatment, justice is a door through a wall. The appropriate interaction between biblical justice and civil justice is difficult to define. There is also the term “social justice” which is controversial due to misunderstanding its biblical application. In the Bible, the words justice and righteousness have the same essential meaning.
    
 
The goals of this book are to shine a bright light of insight and educate readers by increasing understanding of both scriptural and unbiased lessons from history. It is also the aim of this book to bring matters related to racial minorities out of the historical shadows. In a world of false narratives and low information, it is essential that we have a firm grasp of facts, both historical and contemporary. This book will present many insights and opinions, which I will offer as one man's perspective. I trust you will find these insights relevant, reliable, valid, and useful to your life and our times.

CHAPTERS INCLUDE

1. What is Biblical Justice?
2. Social Justice and Church Engagement
3. Social Justice and Preparedness to Act
4. The Reign of Narratives
5. A Nation Founded on Christian Principles?
6. Christianity v. Christ
7. Dr. King’s Concept of Justice: Letter From the Birmingham Jail
8. May 25, 2020 - George Floyd
9. Perceptions, PTSD, Incarceration, & Re-Entry
10. Blessings of Education and Perils of Mis-Education
11. Race Relations: Ten Suggestions
12. In the Words of John Wesley,  “Thoughts On Slavery”
13. The Myth of The Monolith    
14. What Can We Do?
15. Success Stories
16. Justice and Governing Authorities
Frequent Statements & Questions
Glossary of Civil Justice
Bibliography & Recommended Resources


Thank You for Your interest and Support!

Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
Researcher and Author

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