Category: Christian study

The Book of James

December 29th, 2025

Over much of my life, I avoided reading from the book of James, in the Bible. I suppose it was due to feeling that James was too concerned with works and wrote about things that made me question my faith walk with Jesus.

More recently, I have turned my attention to what James directs. If one wants to evaluate their commitment to Jesus as a Christian, it turns out that the book of James is required reading and study. While salvation is only through God’s grace and our faith, the works and commands presented in James are fruits and results of a growing Christian commitment and walk.

Several weeks ago in the church bulletin, I presented a responsive reading with commentary on “Intentional Christianity.” This quite naturally morphed into a study of the book of James. Over the last couple weeks, responsive readings with commentaries have been based on the book of James. There will still be additional readings and commentaries from James.

As I work at improving my Christian walk, studies in James will continue. My hope is that members of the congregation will also use this opportunity to evaluate and adjust their walk with Jesus. For you dear reader, I pray you turn to this very practical guide to deepening your commitment to Jesus, and improving your faith walk.
Biblical Interpretation Differences

April 3rd, 2025

I have mentioned before and posted that I provide responsive readings with commentary for our church bulletin at the Buckholts Brethren Church. I have also posted some exemplars of those commentaries.

Since I am collecting all of the more than 100 commentaries that I have written, into a manuscript for possible publication at a future date, I have stopped posting them to this site.

The following refers to my thoughts while preparing the commentary for the latest bulletin.

In the commentary for April 6, 2025, I mention my early interpretation of ‘high and raised up’ to reference Jesus being raised up on a cross. I then go on to explain that theologians had a different interpretation. I left a footnote to follow to this blog to continue reading.

I had intended to include the following paragraphs in the commentary, but decided that they might just confuse the real focus of the responsive reading. This is probably a more appropriate place for these comments anyway…

When I read the account in Luke 24: 13-35, of the disciples encountering Jesus on the road to Emmaus; I have often been perplexed how they were not able to immediately recognize him. After all they had spent months and even years with him and knew his features and his voice.

When combining the description of Jesus as beaten, such as to have little resemblance to a human, ( Isaiah 52:14a) I have wondered if this was still his condition after resurrection. Perhaps even Mary Magdalen not recognizing Jesus at the tomb could have been for this reason. (John 20: 11-15) This seems even more plausible when we read in John 20:17, Jesus reminds Mary Magdalen not to hold to him, since he has not yet been glorified, by ascension to the Father.

Additionally, in the recounting of Thomas only believing the resurrection of Jesus, after he could place his fingers in the wounds of the nails in Jesus’ hand, and of the spear in his side; contributes to this thought process. (John 20: 24-29) Even Revelation 5:6 speaks of the appearance of Jesus as the slain Lamb of God.

Of course, these are only my thoughts and not scripture based or recognized in other commentary. Most theological scholars, of which I am not one; point to these instances of the unrecognized Savior, as his post-resurrection ability to incrementally reveal himself as he sees fit. Others say that non-recognition was due to human limitations.

I only include these thoughts, to point out how our reading of scripture can be of a depth that allows us to ponder and research such thoughts. Additionally, it is also representative of questions that can divide the church, but since it is not essential to salvation, it should remain just another thought to ponder.

In Philippians 3: 14-15 ESV Paul writes: I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. I take this to mean that God may reveal things to me differently than to others such that it is more understandable or meaningful to me. But I must not let that interfere with the faith of others.

Being part of the Unity of the Brethren, I agree with and follow our creed: ‘In Essentials Unity; In Non-Essentials Liberty; In All Things Love.’

© 2025 David Posival: All rights reserved.
Youth Bible Study

February 17th, 2025

Later this month, I will lead a study session for the youth ministry that is now using our Sunday School Building. I see this as a blessing and a challenging opportunity to share the good news of God’s Holy Love with children who come from many backgrounds.

Some of the young people come from an environment where God is practically non-existent in their homes and lives. Others have some basics of God and His grace, but it is limited. Few have expressed their commitment to Jesus as their Savior.

Several weeks ago, I provided a questionnaire designed to help evaluate and determine Biblical comprehension and the areas of deficiencies that required attention. This questionnaire revealed challenges and opportunities on many levels.

The study I will lead has the two-fold purpose of providing basic Bible truths about who God is, and at the same time helping to determine the various need levels for the young people. For instance, class age groupings may need to be adjusted since some classes have a wide age and maturity spread.

I ask for your prayers for the leading and presence of God’s Holy Spirit, in not only the session I lead, but also for all other sessions and leaders…
How Can a Good God Allow Bad Things to Happen?

February 13th, 2024

Dear reader, I believe in God, and that he is all powerful, good, and loves me. However, I hear many people state that there cannot be a loving God, because he would never allow all the bad to happen that we see about us.

I answer this in two ways. First, God created me with a free will. I can believe in him, or not believe in him. Regardless of the choice, God still loves me. I can look around me and see only the bad, or I can also focus on the good.

Second, because God gave us a free will, how could he stop the bad that people do without taking away their free will? If God did this we would only be his puppets, with no will of our own.

Do we come into the world with innate knowledge of good and evil, or is that learned from our circumstances as we grow up? How does this influence our belief in whether or not there is a loving God?

If you believe as I do, then how do you reconcile a loving God with an evil world?
Blessed Shinning Examples

July 14th, 2023

The responsive reading for 9 July 2023 came from Matthew 5: 1-16.

Today, the responsive reading is part of the Sermon on the Mount. The first part, where sentences begin with the word “Blessed”; is referred to as the Beatitudes.

The Sermon on the Mount is intended for disciples of Jesus. There were the original called 12, but also others not specifically called, and yet who chose to become Jesus’s followers. When we accept Jesus as our savior, we also become disciples; as we study and grow in love and desire to deepen our relationship with him.

Matthew 5:1 says, “Seeing the crowds, he [Jesus] went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.” From this verse, I decided to give some explanation of what it means to me. (Not Scriptural, but just my thoughts as a layman)

First, when Jesus saw the crowd he decided to go up the mountain, to gain separation between the disciples and the rest of the crowd. What Jesus was going to teach the disciples, was so important that he needed their full attention and closeness.

Second, Jesus sits down. In the time of Jesus’s ministry on earth, the teacher/preacher sat while the students/learners stood. It is possible to get more people closer to the speaker when the listeners are standing. In a time with no loudspeakers and amplifiers, this was important.

Third and lastly, and maybe most importantly; the disciples came to Jesus. All of us, if we are true disciples of Jesus, must come to him to learn and grow in his knowledge. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the head of the church. As the head of the church, Jesus provides his guidance. We come to him through Scripture, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

For Christians, the Beatitudes speak of a state of the heart and our inner being. Our relationship with Jesus must be deep enough to truly accept and feel that of which he speaks. I certainly still struggle with some of this, and have to continue to work on deepening my walk with Jesus.

For non-Christians, the Beatitudes make no sense. For instance, the meek will inherit the earth. Really? Today’s news and social media seem to scream out exactly the opposite. It is the loudest and most boisterous and self-serving, who seem to be in control.

Yet, meekness in this case, is before God; and our recognition that we are entirely dependent on him in every facet of our lives. We may have to be bold in our meek obedience to God. Meekly following God, in many cases, requires courage and boldness, equivalent to that of the mightiest conquerors. We may not conquer the earth, but the earth and all of creation is God’s. When we meekly follow God, we are heirs of his world.

In the section of our reading following the Beatitudes, as disciples of Jesus, we are called upon to be salt of the earth and shining lights in a world filled with darkness. How do we do this?

Through Bible Study, prayer, and listening to that inner voice of God, our conduct before others (the world), can be the example they need to see. Our Christian behavior and conduct can make us salt of the earth and shining lights guiding others to Jesus. This may not always be easy, and may require boldness as we meekly join the work God is doing around us.

Praying a blessed week for all my sisters and brothers in Jesus the Christ…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved
Inseparable Love of God

July 14th, 2023

The responsive reading for 2 July 2023 was taken from Psalm 30: 1-12 and Romans 8:31-32, 35, 37, 39.

Today, as we near Independence Day here in the United States, it seems that Christians and Christianity are under siege, by those who want to silence God’s word. Our responsive reading for today addresses adversity, in the lives of King David in the Old Testament, and the apostle Paul in the new Testament.

The responsive reading begins with David praising God for protecting him from enemies. David references being healed, so perhaps he has also been dealing with illness. As David has come through the adverse situations, he has remembered it is God’s love and protection that provided success.

David speaks of God’s anger lasting but a moment, and his loving kindness lasting a lifetime. When I read this initially, the very thought of God being angry with me, was very intimidating. I know there are times when I do things, and think thoughts that are displeasing to God. Sometimes I suffer the consequences of these mistakes.

But even in the midst of these consequences, I am comforted in knowing that God still loves me. Just like a child told not to touch a hot stove, who touches it anyway; the resulting consequence of a burnt finger, may be accompanied by a reminder from a loving parent to listen to warnings and instructions. The child may feel the parent is angry at him or her, but feels loved as mom or dad work to relieve the pain of the burn.

As we see and hear anger and hate from those who do not treasure an intimate loving relationship with God, we have to remember, our obedience to God’s word has consequences. Yes, we become the focus of their rage, BUT God still is in control and loves us even when we fear for our future.

In Psalm 30, David speaks of how his death at the hand of his enemies, would effectively end his voice and Godly leadership of the people of Israel. David wishes to continue to witness for God. He is not giving up, and neither must we as we continue to steadfastly face hate with love: love that is from God.

As I witness the disturbing signs of these troubling times, and people who hate what I, and Christians everywhere stand for; I have to remind myself that they too are created in God’s image. Even though they may hate him, he still loves them and wants them to return as his children, with the same love he has for you and me.

Just as David asks for God’s mercy and help, we are blessed to do the same. We faithfully move forward in faith, whether great or small, and when God gives us a victory over sin and Satan; we like David can rejoice and sing God’s praises. In our successes each day we must remember to give the glory to God, for it is only through him that we have success.

Finally the apostle Paul writes of how our almighty God, stands with us as we do his will. While it is true that we live in a world controlled by sin and the devil; neither is a match for the infinite power and love of our heavenly Father.

It can be intimidating standing up for God and our reason for hope through the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Like me, perhaps you have missed opportunities to witness for Jesus, because of fear. But our triune God loves us and forgives our weaknesses, and continues to call us to his service.

Even though at times we may feel lost, and with little hope amidst the hate and anger; we only have to remember, as Paul wrote: “If God is for us, who can be against us.” (Romans 6: 31b ESV)

Praying a blessed week and Independence Day for each of us…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved
Reconciled to Praise God

June 28th, 2023

Following is the commentary for the responsive reading on 18 June 2023. The responsive reading was taken from Romans 5:6-13 and Psalm 100:1-5.

Both the Epistle and Psalm selections of today’s responsive reading are on the liturgical calendar for this Sunday. The combination of reminder of God’s love for us and our salvation, and praise from Psalm 100; seemed very appropriate.

Paul speaks of how at the right time, Jesus came into the world and died for our sins, providing for our eternal salvation. To me this says that in God’s plan, Jesus came exactly as was Gods will. In other scripture we read of the salvation plan existing at or even before creation, based on God’s foreknowledge and foreordination. (Ephesians 1:3-5)

Paul uses the term reconciled to describe God’s plan for our salvation. Forgiveness is expected of all of us. While we may be forgiven, or forgive someone, for a wrong committed; we are not automatically reconciled. Reconciled means our relationship is restored to the extent that it existed before the wrong was committed.

For us reconciliation can be difficult and even impossible, depending on our commitment to restore the relationship. Reconciliation requires love, and sometimes lots of it. What Paul is speaking of is God’s incredible love for us, and that through the suffering and death of Jesus; we are reconciled to him.

This means that God, since he originally planed on an intimate love relationship with each of us; through Christ’s sacrifice has completely and perfectly restored it. We only have to accept this gift, and Jesus as our savior; willingly following him as he leads us to eternity with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

When we really contemplate this concept of forgiveness and reconciliation, it is nearly impossible to not make a joyful noise or song of praise to almighty God. Through our proxy, Adam, we are born in sin, and are eternally dead; except for God’s plan of salvation and reconciliation, through Jesus.

Our response is to worship the Lord with gladness. Perhaps gladness is not a strong enough word; and could be replaced with exuberance. Songs of praise tumble exuberantly from our lips, as we come to worship God.

The Psalmist David asserts that God is good; his steadfast love endures forever, as does his faithfulness to all generations. Truly he made us, and we are God’s children through adoption, as heirs with Jesus the Son of God.

Happy Father’s day, and may God bless and protect us all this week…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved
Divine Intervention

June 11th, 2023

Responsive reading for 21 June 2023, was taken from Acts 12: 1-13a;16b. Following is the associated commentary provided for the congregation.

Today’s responsive reading from the book of Acts, tells the story of how Peter was saved from prison and probably death. While the story details a miracle in the early church, it also teaches us something about prayer.

We have to stop and remember that even though Peter was arrested by Herod, with the likely intention to publicly execute him; God had other plans. After his arrest, Peter may have felt abandoned, and concerned for his life. The members of the early church certainly were concerned for Peter’s life.

Just as we often tend to do when facing impossible situations, the church members also turned to God in prayer. They realized that they were powerless to save Peter on their own. They, like us, needed Divine Intervention.

Peter was arrested prior to Passover, and so Herod could not win the favor of the Jews by killing him during this solemn holiday. During this time the early church members, aware of the situation, prayed fervently for God’s intervention. God had His plans for Peter, so at the right time, He answered the people’s prayers.

While today’s text does not indicate this, I feel the church members also likely prayed persistently. While it may be difficult, persistent and fervent prayer, pleases God, and if the prayers are in his will, he lovingly responds. In today’s reading he waited until just before the day that Peter was to be brought to his fate.

Even though the people prayed diligently for Peter; when their prayers were answered as they requested, it seems they did not believe. In James Chapter 5, we are reminded to pray in faith. This faith is based upon believing that God hears our prayers and answers them, as fits his plan and will.

In the reading for today, because God’s will was for Peter to still perform many more tasks for the early church, he performed what we would call a miracle. While a miraculous answer to prayer is wonderful, most times our prayers are answered in less spectacular ways.

Personally, there are times when I pray for certain situations, for myself and others, when it may seem the prayers are unanswered. I have to constantly remind myself that God has heard and is answering within his will and based on what is best for me.

I also have to remember that persistent prayer on my part will not change God’s plans or will for me. If it seems prayers are not answered, then it is time to change the focus. First I need to be sure that my standing with God is correct. Second, even if I feel I am in good standing with God I still need to ask him to bring me into the best alignment with his will.

As always, my sisters and brothers in Christ, I pray that God guide, protect, and bless us all this week…

© 2023 David Posival, All Rights Reserved.
Unashamed and Sound Teaching

June 7th, 2023

The responsive reading for 4 June 2023 was taken from II Timothy 1:5-14; and II Timothy 3:12-17. Below is the commentary provided with the reading.

Before he ascended, Jesus gave his disciples instructions to take the gospel message to the whole world. The objective of this great commission was, and still is, to make disciples of all nations and people. But what was to be the process for doing this?

The disciples had spent about three years with Jesus, while he taught and did the signs that only the Messiah could do. While they were largely uneducated, and often seemed to not grasp the significance of Jesus’s teachings; they were to become the foundation for the early church.

Jesus had instructed the disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they were given the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on them in a powerful way, forever changing them from followers to leaders. On their own they could accomplish little, but with the presence and power of God’s Holy Spirit, they initiated an unstoppable force: the Christian church.

Throughout history and the persecution of Christians around the world, the salvation message still spreads through faithful and brave witnesses. Brave witnesses that are Spirit led and unashamed of Christ and his work to save us from sin, are God’s tools for continuing to make disciples of all nations.

In today’s responsive reading, we see the apostle Paul mentoring the younger Timothy in continuing to spread the Gospel of Christ’s salvation. It seems that Timothy, much like many of us, had become weary in diligently following the great commission. Personally, there are times when I question my witness for Christ, or rather the lack thereof, and the incumbent lack of success.

Paul wrote this letter while he was imprisoned in Rome. He likely knew that he was destined to die for the Lord, yet he saw that as gain, rather than loss. Just as Paul writes in Philippians Chapter 3, forgetting the past, but straining forward we are to run the race of life with determination.

This determination extends to our call to be witnesses for Jesus. As Christians, God calls us, just like Paul and his protege Timothy; to unashamedly proclaim the good news of salvation. We do not do this alone, nor on our own power; but with the guidance and power of God’s Holy Spirit.

The determination to do as Jesus calls us, is because we love Him. He died to take away our sins, we can do nothing less. As Jesus says in John 14: 15-17a “If you love me, you will keep my commands. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth.”(CSB)

Paul warns Timothy that there will always be persecution. Yet, we know we are not alone to face the certain resistance and persecution from those who oppose Christ, because Jesus tells us in John 14:18, “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.” (CSB)

In verse 19b – 21, Jesus goes on to say, “Because I live, you will live too. On that day you will know that I am in the Father and you are in me and I am in you. The One who hears my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.” (CSB)

Through God’s Holy Spirit, Jesus does come to us, calling us to service, and strengthening us in adversity. Praying your week is Spirit filled with peace and joy…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved.
The Ten Commandments

June 7th, 2023

The responsive reading for 21 May 2023 was from Exodus 20: 1-17; and John 14:6. Following is the commentary that accompanied the responsive reading.

So, why the ten commandments as a responsive reading for this morning? This is Old Testament law, but I have salvation through Jesus: right?

In Matthew 5 Jesus says: “Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For • I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5: 17-19; HCSB)

Jesus spoke these words in the Sermon on the Mount, where he was teaching his followers, about being true disciples. As his disciples, Jesus expects us to follow God’s original commands, as he gives us the strength to do so.

Jesus wants us to live by these commands and teach others to do likewise. It is not on our own power we do this, but is the result of our letting the Holy Spirit have greater control over our lives. Personally, I know this is much easier said than done. However, we cannot even partially succeed unless we try.

But, back to the importance of the ten commandments to Christians. In Matthew 28:19-20a, Jesus directs us to make disciples of all nations. He also tells us that we are to teach them to obey the commands that he has given to us.

We are called to be Christ’s witnesses to the world. How can we do that if we are no better than the rest of the world? This then is the reason Jesus calls us to continue to follow the law. It is not for our salvation, but the example we set by doing so may be the deciding factor that draws others to that same salvation.

Even though I have attended church much of my life, my witness and that of many other “Christians” in the church; has not been a shining success. I feel much of the decline of the Christian church stems from this poor witness.

It is not for us to point accusatory fingers at others, while living lives that differ so little from the rest of society. We lead people to Christ by living within the law of God, not like the pharisees, but by our steadfast example, coupled with love. We do not accomplish any of this on our own, but only as God’s Holy Spirit directs us.

Of course we do not have to take sacrifices to the synagogue, and have priests offer them for us, nor abide by the laws of the pharisees. Jesus our high priest paid the price for our sins, and we now abide in his grace.

Daily, I ask for God’s Holy Spirit to lead me into faithful witness, and doing God’s will; but my own wants and desires sometimes get in the way. Sin gets between us and God, and can weaken our witness, but we are still forgiven. As Paul says, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7: 25 NRSV)

I thank God that there have been faithful witnesses in my life, that to this day I remember and take inspiration from. My prayer this week is that we are guided by God’s Holy Spirit as witnesses for Christ, and filled with his peace and love…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved