If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.
If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.
If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.
If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.
But our greatest need was forgiveness,
so God sent us a Savior!
–Source unknown
Jesus survey: A survey on Jesus
A man recently described his visit to a Charity auto auction in this way. “The Vehicles were classified as either “Running” or “No Start. I watched the auction as it made its way through the many cars in the parking lot. Then a particular vehicle was reached on the parking lot on the block was a No Starter. It had a shattered windshield, two missing tires, a sagging front bumper, and a cockeyed grille, a hood that was sprung up at an angle, and dings and dents all over the body.
Before he started the bidding, the auctioneer announced the car’s year, make, and model, and then read the previous owner’s comments: ‘Please note – the radio does not work.’”
Humm, I don’t think I would have listed the “radio” as the most important non working part on that car, but perhaps it had belonged to a teenager!
I realize, as I hope you do, someone’s priorities were out of balance. But we tend to look at things in a pretty out of balance way concerning our lives also, don’t we? The things that should be of real importance get shoved to the back of our lives by the next urgent thing that falls in our lap.
I was asked recently, “How do you know that you are really putting God first in your life?” I guess I would say it was when you stop letting him be pushed to the back of your life by the urgent as a matter of course.
We tend to get into the habit of dealing with the urgent and not the important. We need to get a handle on prioritizing our life and making sure that God is at the top of the list in everything we do. You are more than likely familiar with the saying “What would Jesus do?”, this asked the question of us concerning how we will respond to everyday events in our lives. Perhaps we also need to ask ourselves, “If God is first in my life, where will this thing, event or action fit into my life as a priority?”
It’s like this: What’s more important to your car, a working engine or a working radio? Or perhaps like this, “What is more important in your life, whatever you are doing or what you should be doing for God?” A couple of scriptures come to mind regarding this. In Matthew 6:21 Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” And James adds this thought, “But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do,” (James 2:18).
So the bottom line just may be this: Your actions speak just as loudly as your words regarding what is really your top priority. Jesus said it this way in Matthew 5:15-16, “Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Your life may have, “a shattered windshield, two missing tires, a sagging front bumper, a cockeyed grille, a hood that is sprung up at an angle, and dings and dents all over your body and your radio may not work, but if your engine still runs (if you have a heart that serves God) that’s all that really matters. You can tell your priorities by your actions. So, what is most important to you? Hopefully it is your relationship with our God!
–Russ Lawson
Auction survey – an auction survey on cars:
The sermon is offered in a full outline as well as a one page version
IT HAS BEEN ESTIMATED THAT THE FOUR RECORDS OF JESUS’ LIFE COULD EASILY EXCEED MORE THAN 8,400 PAGES.
a) About 20% of what the 4 authors of Jesus’ life said deals with the final three days of Jesus’ life.
b) If these writers had written the same amount of information about Jesus’ 3 ½ year ministry,
c) The 4 accounts of the Lord’s life would be more than 8,400 pages long.
2) Using 20% of the gospels to discuss Jesus’ final three days and this fact is significant.
3) Jesus’ final three days on the earth were a time when some of the greatest events in the world took place.
a) One of these events took place on Calvary.
b) When we think about who Jesus is we must say He was someone who was born to die.
c) In Mt. 20:28 Jesus said He came to give His life as a “ransom” for many.
d) In Mk. 9:12 Jesus said it was “written” that He was to be rejected and suffer.
4) Many times before we partake of the Lord’s Supper we read some portion of Isa. 53 read.
a) This Old Testament prophet said the Lord would be “numbered with transgressors” (Isa. 53:12).
b) Thousands of years had led up to what took place on a cross about 2000 years ago.
c) Because the cross was so central to God’s plan, Jesus’ final days make up about 1/5 of the gospels.
d) The gospels are written as we have them because man has a serious problem called sin and
e) Because Jesus is the solution to this problem.
5) In the opening chapters of the Bible we read about sin – Adam and Eve both sinned.
6) In the final chapters of the Bible we also read about sin.
7) As our English Bibles end, God says people are eternally condemned because of sin or forgiven.
8) One of God’s most popular messages to the world throughout time has involved sin sin.
9) Sin was a common subject for Old Testament prophets.
10) One of the great passages in the Old Testament is Isa. 59:1-2.
a) We heard this for our scripture reading – sin separates people from God.
b) Sin causes (figuratively speaking) God to “hide his face” from people.
11) Eph. 2:13 says sin causes people to be “afar off from God.”
Jesus was willing to go to the cross and “made peace” with His sacrifice (Eph. 2:15).
a) This “peace” is something that man really needs.
b) Judg. 16:20 says the “Lord departed from Samson.”
c) This departure was due to sin.
d) The Old Testament tells of how the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul (1 Sam. 16:14).
e) This was also due to sin.
12) In life our physical bodies can absorb some deadly items in small amounts and still be okay.
13) There are other times which will destroy us, even if the amount is very, very small.
14) Sin is so powerful that the smallest amount of it will completely destroy our eternal spirit.
a) Think of Gen. 3:6 – Eve saw the forbidden fruit and ate of it.
b) The Bible does not say this fruit was an apple – we do not know what the forbidden fruit was.
c) We can, however, know a couple of things for certain.
d) How many pieces of fruit did Eve need to eat before she was guilty of sin?
e) Most have enough sense to realize that one piece of fruit was all she needed to eat to sin.
f) Eve did not need to ingest a bushel basket full of this fruit to be affected and infected by sin.
g) If only one piece was required, did Eve need to eat the entire piece of fruit? No.
h) The first bite was all that was necessary for Eve to be permanently stung by sin.
15) Can we imagine how powerful something is that just a single taste of it destroys us?
16) This is what the Bible teaches about sin in the opening chapters of the Bible.
17) This point is not limited to Gen. 3; it is also taught in Gen. 19.
a) Gen. 19 is the place where we read about Lot and his family.
b) Heavenly beings showed up and said some cities were going to be destroyed.
c) Lot and his family needed to flee to safety.
d) Lot “lingered” (Gen. 19:16) and the Bible says the heavenly beings “laid hold on his hand.”
e) When heavenly beings say “it is time to go,” it is time to go.
f) The heavenly visitors said those leaving were not supposed to look back.
18) This point is specifically made in Gen. 19:17 – READ
19) When God says “do not do something” and people do it, they are guilty of sin (they break God’s law).
20) It does not take much effort to sin; we all break God’s laws at one time or another.
21) The people with Lot knew what was said, but Lot’s wife decided to look back – Gen. 19:26 – READ
a) How many looks did Lot’s wife need to take before she was guilty of sin? Just one.
b) Like the fruit eaten by Eve (and Adam), only the minutest amount of sin makes us guilty before God.
22) A lot of people in life think they are going to be okay because they are not murderers and bank robbers.
23) Eve and Lot’s wife were not bank robbers and murderers.
24) These two women, by our standards, were guilty of small things.
25) How could eating a piece of fruit and taking a look back at one’s home be that big of a deal?
26) The answer is that these actions were a violation of God’s will.
27) These small acts were enough to dirty their soul to the point where they needed forgiveness.
28) If they did not obtain forgiveness, they will be eternally separated from God.
29) Lest someone walk away and think I only used ladies for illustrations, let’s turn to males for a moment.
a) It is true that women have been guilty of small things that made them guilty before God.
b) Men have been and are just as guilty.
c) In 2 Sam. 6 we read of how the Ark of the Covenant was being transported.
d) 2 Sam. 6:6 says the “oxen stumbled.”
e) This is a story that we can understand without difficulty.
30) Imagine if we transporting something like a glass window.
31) The glass started to tip and we could see that it was about to fall.
32) Our natural reaction would be to reach out and try to prevent an accident.
a) Let’s suppose that we were told before we started out that we were not authorized to touch the glass.
b) Everything is going fine until right towards the last and our glass begins to fall.
c) Many would still have a natural tendency to reach out and try to prevent the accident.
33) We might act before we think about the instruction to not touch the glass.
34) Uzzah was not entitled to touch the ark, but he reached out when the oxen stumbled.
35) Today some would compliment him.
a) Some would say, “Yes, he was not authorized to touch the ark. An accident was about to happen.”
b) “Uzzah prevented the accident and his actions are commendable.”
c) This is now how this story reads – 2 Sam. 6:6-7 – READ
d) Sin comes from the smallest of things and sin is serious, serious business.
36) Men sin and women sin. In some cases husbands and wives sin together.
37) Do we remember the story about Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11?
a) This husband and wife were both Christians and these church members are important.
b) Some would look at the preceding references and say, “Those are all Old Testament passages.”
c) “In the New Testament we find all kinds of grace and mercy associated with God.
38) There was grace and mercy in the Old Testament and the New Testament does not excuse small sins.
a) Acts 5 says Ananias (the husband) lied about a contribution to the church.
b) His wife came in a little later; she also lied and died.
39) Our world thinks that many lies are insignificant; some think that some lies are actually good.
40) The smallest lie is enough to eternally separate us from God.
a) Teresa and I recently learned about someone who got a speeding ticket (not a member here).
b) The ticket was issued for going just 5 mph over the speed limit.
c) Some of the comments about the ticket were, “I can’t believe they issued a ticket for 5 miles over.”
41) We often have a hard time seeing “little things” (small sins) as “big things.”
42) God does not see things as we do.
43) Any sin is a “big thing” –Jesus had to go to the cross for what we think of big sins as well as small sins.
44) What the Lord did was truly spectacular.
45) Listen to 2 Cor. 8:9 – – READ
a) Through Christ we become “rich.”
b) A lot of people think of “rich” in secular terms.
c) If we have more money than we can ever spend, then some think they are rich.
46) Some would say a rich man is someone who:
47) He has 7 cars, one for every day of the week.
48) He has homes in a dozen places throughout the world.
49) He has private jets that are always at his disposal.
50) He is surrounded by personal assistants, maids, aids, and advisors.
51) This man also has more money than 100 people could spend.
52) Such a man might be regarded as rich by the world, but he is really one of the poorest men who has ever lived.
53) Unless this man has been washed in the blood of the lamb, he really has nothing.
a) Every single sin he has committed will be brought up on the day of judgment.
b) When this man’s life ends, how rich will he be? He will have lost it all.
c) I submit that people as I just described are among the poorest people in the world.
54) The person who has been cleansed from every single sin is rich beyond words, 2 Cr. 8.
55) Part of the wealth in Christ is found in the fact that God never wants to give up on people.
56) Adam and Eve broke the first rule God gave to man, but God did not quit on them.
57) Sarah laughed about the idea of having a child, but God did not turn from her.
58) Moses went into hiding for quite a while, but God didn’t forsake him.
59) David plotted against Uriah and had him killed, but God did not turn away from David.
60) The nation of Israel was destroyed, but God did not forget about the nation He had redeemed.
61) Peter denied the Lord, but Jesus did not count this sin as being too much to forgive.
62) Sin is man’s worst problem, Jesus came to cure that problem, and God is a persistent physician.
63) For thousands of years God has been in the business of curing men from sin.
64) Today as we assemble here: Have we received the proper treatment for this terrible problem?
65) The cross tells us that sin is man’s worst problem, but God has the cure for sin.
66) Sin promises liberty, but it brings slavery.
67) Sin appears to be attractive, but it is really ugly.
If you like this trimmed down outline, please check out my other materials, especially the NEW First Corinthians commentary available at www.abiblecommentary.com — this is really a GREAT commentary.
One page sermon outline:
Why Jesus went to the cross
a) When we think about who Jesus is we must say He was someone who was born to die.
b) In Mt. 20:28 Jesus said He came to give His life as a “ransom” for many.
c) In Mk. 9:12 Jesus said it was “written” that He was to be rejected and suffer.
2) Many times before we partake of the Lord’s Supper we read some portion of Isa. 53 read.
3) In the opening chapters of the Bible we read about sin – Adam and Eve both sinned.
4) One of the great passages in the Old Testament is Isa. 59:1-2.
a) Sin separates people from God.
b) Sin causes (figuratively speaking) God to “hide his face” from people.
5) Eph. 2:13 says sin causes people to be “afar off from God.”
Jesus was willing to go to the cross and “made peace” with His sacrifice (Eph. 2:15).
a) This “peace” is something that man really needs.
b) Judg. 16:20.
c) The Old Testament tells of how the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul (1 Sam. 16:14).
6) Sin is so powerful that the smallest amount of it will completely destroy our eternal spirit.
a) Think of Gen. 3:6 – Eve saw the forbidden fruit and ate of it.
b) How many pieces of fruit did Eve need to eat before she was guilty of sin?
c) Eve did not need to ingest a bushel basket full of this fruit to be affected and infected by sin.
d) The first bite was all that was necessary for Eve to be permanently stung by sin.
7) This point is not limited to Gen. 3; it is also taught in Gen. 19.
a) Lot “lingered” (Gen. 19:16) and the Bible says the heavenly beings “laid hold on his hand.”
b) The heavenly visitors said those leaving were not supposed to look back.
8) This point is specifically made in Gen. 19:17 – READ
9) When God says “do not do something” and people do it, they are guilty of sin (they break God’s law).
10) It does not take much effort to sin; we all break God’s laws at one time or another.
11) The people with Lot knew what was said, but Lot’s wife decided to look back – Gen. 19:26 – READ
a) How many looks did Lot’s wife need to take before she was guilty of sin? Just one.
12) A lot of people in life think they are going to be okay because they are not murderers and bank robbers.
13) Eve and Lot’s wife were not bank robbers and murderers.
a) Males have been and are just as guilty.
b) 2 Sam. 6:6 says the “oxen stumbled.”
14) Uzzah was not entitled to touch the ark, but he reached out when the oxen stumbled.
15) Today some would compliment him.
a) 2 Sam. 6:6-7 – READ
b) Sin comes from the smallest of things and sin is serious, serious business.
16) Men sin and women sin. In some cases husbands and wives sin together.
17) Do we remember the story about Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11?
18) Jesus had to go to the cross for what we think of big sins as well as small sins.
19) What the Lord did was truly spectacular. 2 Cor. 8:9 – – READ
a) Through Christ we become “rich.”
b) A lot of people think of “rich” in secular terms.
20) Sin is man’s worst problem, Jesus came to cure that problem, and God is a persistent physician.
21) For thousands of years God has been in the business of curing men from sin.
22) Today as we assemble here: Have we received the proper treatment for this terrible problem?
23) The cross tells us that sin is man’s worst problem, but God has the cure for sin.
A sermon on the word “forsaken”
1) For our scripture reading we heard the opening verses of Gen. 12.
2) Abraham was told to “forsake” some things.
3) Imagine if we were told to literally forsake the United States and go to another country.
4) Try to imagine making this trip without a car, a moving van, or an airplane ticket.
5) In Gen. 12 God said to Abraham, “Leave your family behind.”
6) Go to a new country and go without your relatives.
7) Today some have the idea that God would not require them to forsake anything.
8) This is not what we find in Gen. 12.
9) Someone might think to themselves, “Well, this was early in Bible history.
10) “This was probably just a one time thing; after all, Abraham was a special character.”
a) In Mt. 24:2-35 Jesus discussed the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
b) Jesus said there would be signs that helped people identify when Jerusalem would be destroyed.
c) Beginning in verse 36 Jesus spoke of His next and final return.
d) In verse 36f there are no signs; here Jesus taught that we cannot know the day of His return.
11) Let’s start with verse 15 and read through verse 20 – READ
12) Imagine being in a situation where we must forsake our home and leave behind all we own.
a) We forsake our cars, our computers, our furniture, our pictures, our food – we abandon it all.
b) About the only thing we are able to take with us are the clothes on our back.
c) Moving from the book of Matthew, we turn to the book of Luke, Lk. 5.
d) Verse 11– READ
e) Here were men who “forsook all” to follow the Lord.
13) Abraham was willing to forsake many things to follow the God of the Bible.
14) Some have had to forsake their homes because of war and natural disasters.
a) Have we ever given up one thing for the kingdom of God?
b) Have we ever forsaken something to fulfill the will of God?
15) Listen to Mark 10:29:
16) Giving up things we want or things that interest us is not the American way.
17) Lk. 5 says there were men who gave up “all” – these men literally gave up a business for Christ.
a) If we were a business owner, would we be willing to forsake (give up) our business for our faith?
b) If we are a homeowner, would we be willing to give up our house if that were required?
c) Would we give up our car and our other possessions for the sake of Christ.
d) Jonah – God called on this prophet to forsake some things.
e) God told him to go preach but Jonah forsook this divine mission.
f) Jonah needed to forsake his prejudices against the people of Nineveh.
18) Judg. 10:10 says the children of made a confession to God.
19) The Hebrews said they had “Forsaken God” to serve a false deity.
20) God told the people of Israel that because they had forsaken Him He would forsake them.
21) In Jn. 6:66-67 we learn that “many” of Jesus’ disciples “walked no longer with Him.’
a) Today people can still forsake God.
b) Sometimes this forsaking takes the form of attendance.
c) Today some forsake New Testament Christianity for some other religious group.
d) Some forsake services for t.v. or something else.
e) Are we “forsaking” some things?
You have probably heard or sung the song by Theodore Monod; if you are unfamiliar with the words here they are:
As of today, which of the four points describes you? Take this survey to help you think about your relationship with God as of this moment.
First Corinthians commentary: Get an easy to use but thorough commentary on First Corinthians through www.abiblecommentary.com. This commentary is filled with charts and does not skip the hard passages in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. There is a discounted rate if you purchase more than one book, or if you purchase the First Corinthians commentary along with the Romans commentary.
A teenager asked me that question several years ago. She was interested in knowing just how I, and preachers generally, occupied the time on an “average day.” The joke has been used on me that as a preacher I have it made: “…Must be nice to work four hours a week.” Sadly, I have known some “jackleg” preachers–unindustrious and unmotivated, unreasonable and unapproachable, and for these reasons just plain unlikable!
Some preachers seem to stay in the eye of the storm in the local church. They stir up trouble and controversy, whether seeking to loose or bind where they have no business. Some ride hobby horses! Some seem to be ever involved in “career building” and posturing. Some even give indication that they see preaching primarily as simply the way they make a living.
It is unpleasant to suggest that some preachers do their work with less than honorable motives, though motivation problems for preachers are almost as old as the church (Philippians 1:15ff). Some day, Christ will determine whose motives are straight and whose are not (cf. Matthew 25:31ff).
The better question may be, “What should a preacher do?” Paul admonishes Timothy, “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). This is actually a second series of injunctions, following his encouragement to the young preacher to “Preacher the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2).
Does the New Testament tell us what “the work of an evangelist” is? It does! First, “the work of an evangelist” is inherent in that name he wears. He is an “evangelist.” That is derived from the word “euaggelizo,” meaning to “announce the good news; to declare and bring glad tidings.” How he does this is through a lifetime of study of the whole Bible and a daily study of specific portions of the Bible. Where he does this is publicly and privately. When he does this is in the assembly, the classroom, in people’s homes, or wherever he can impart the word.
Second, “the work of an evangelist” is expanded in the context. Doing that work is to “fulfill” his “ministry” (here, special service). It is a ministry involving three basic elements: reproof (correct, convince, tell a fault), rebuke (censure, charge, forbid), and exhortation (encouragement, comfort, and consoling).
Third, “the work of an evangelist” involves an underlying attitude. He may have to endure hardships, slights, and unkindness from those who do not want to hear his message. He must “watch…in all things” (one version says, “keep your head in all situations”). In other words, a preacher’s message can be harmed by poor methodology. Even when dealing with the ill-tempered, the combative, and the mean-spirited, he must stay cool. He must develop the wisdom to let his “speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that” he “may know how” he “should respond to each person” (Colossians 4:6).
The preacher is called by God to preach and evangelize. He is to encourage with every opportunity. He is to correct and instruct. He is to endure the difficult and keep his head at all times. All this implies that he must be among and around both the lost and the people of God. A preacher who takes this work seriously will help the church to grow! — Neal Pollard
Survey on Preachers: Take this “preacher survey”!
Back in 2004, Mel Gibson produced The Passion of the Christ. Ironically, he didn’t star in the film. He did, however, have a small, yet significant, cameo in the actual movie.
Don’t recall seeing him? Watch it carefully again. He’s there. You don’t see his face or body, but you do see one of his appendages.
Remember the scene when Jesus was being nailed to the cross? You don’t see the soldier who held the hammer and drove that long nail into the Lord’s flesh, but you do see the soldier’s left hand. That was Gibson’s hand.
Gibson said he reserved that role for himself because he wanted his audience to know that his sins made the crucifixion necessary. He said, “I’m first on line for culpability. I did it.”
In truth, we all did it. We’re all responsible for Calvary. Scripture says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). “All have sinned.” That means everybody. Our transgressions, both cumulative and individual, put the Savior on tree of Golgotha.
So, what do we do? If we’ve sinned, and we have (Rom. 3:10), and if sin separates us from God, and it does (Isa. 59:1-2), then what is our recourse? What do we do?
My denominational friends would say, “Nothing. There’s nothing you can do, because if you do anything, you negate the grace of God.” But dear reader, is that accurate? Biblical?
Turn in your New Testament to Acts 2. On the Day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter told his listeners, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (v. 36; emphasis mine–mb).
Like Gibson, Peter’s audience had nailed Jesus to the cross. In this case, literally. Now notice how they responded, “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
And how did the apostle respond to their sincere inquiry? He said, “Do? My friends, there is nothing you can do. If you do anything, you negate the grace of God.” Right? Read the next verse.
“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (v. 38).
Repentance (Matthew 12:41; Luke 13:3) refers to change. Change requires effort, in essence, doing (Jonah 3:10) something.
Baptism refers to immersion in water (Acts 8:36-39). Again, doing (Acts 22:16) something.
Now pay close attention that little word “for.” “Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ FOR (Greek, “eis”) the remission of sins.” “For” means “in order to” obtain. Repent and be baptized in order to obtain the remission or forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:15-16).
Question. What would have happened to these believers on Pentecost had they not repented and been baptized? Obviously they would have been lost! They recognized this, and that’s why two verses later we’re told, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and
that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (v. 40).
Now did any of these 3,000 earn or merit God’s grace simply because they obeyed Peter’s command (cf. Acts 10:38)? Could any in that assembly proudly thump his breast and say, “Look what I’ve done to save myself?!” Of course not.
Some object, “Mike, you’re confusing effort because of what Jesus did for us; any effort we exert in an attempt to merit the gift of grace.” Friend, if works — of any kind — have absolutely no role whatsoever in our salvation, then it matters not if they are before or after.
In truth, none of us can earn or merit our salvation. Period. Underline that statement. Highlight it. Catholicism says, “Earn it.” Calvinism says, “You can’t earn it, so do nothing.” Both extremes are unscriptural.
Meritorious works can’t save (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5), but a dead, non-working faith (James 2:17, 19) can’t save either! Only through faith coupled with works (Galatians 5:6) of obedience (Acts 10:34-35; James 2:14-26; Philippians 2:12) can we lay hold of the free gift of God’s grace.
Read through Hebrews 11 and then consider the following questions in the context of our study: . Did Noah earn his salvation when he built the ark (Hebrews 11:7; cf. Genesis 6:22)? . What if he had never constructed it in the first place? After the flood waters abated, could the aged
Patriarch have smote his chest and say, “Look how I’ve saved myself!”? . Was he saved before or after expressed his faith? Did Abraham earn his salvation when he obeyed God and left his home for a foreign country (Hebrews 11:8; cf. Genesis 12:4)? What if he had never moved as God decreed?
. Did Moses earn his salvation when he kept the passover (Hebrews 11:28; Exodus 12:3ff)? What if he had not slain a lamb and placed its blood
on the doorposts?
. Was splashing blood on the door a meritorious act?
. Did the children of Israel earn their salvation when they passed through the Red Sea on dry ground (Hebrews 11:29; Exodus 14:22)?
. Could one among those thousands have objected, “Hey, we can’t cross over! If we do anything we’ll be negating the grace of God!”?
. Did the children of Israel earn Jericho when they marched around the city (Hebrews 11:30; cf. Joshua 6:1ff)?
. Jericho was a gift (Joshua 6:2; cf. 2:9, 14). If the Israelites hadn’t marched around the city as God had required, would they have received the “gift”?
. Did Rahab merit her salvation by hiding the spies and later tying the scarlet cord in the window (Hebrews 11:31: cf. Joshua 2:ff; 6:17ff)?
All of these Old Testament stories illustrate without question that it’s not a dead, non-working faith that saves, but a living, obedient faith. That’s why the Bible says, “He who believes (a work of obedience, John 6:28, 29) AND is baptized (a work of obedience, Titus 3:5) will be saved” (Mark 16:16; cf. 1 Pet. 3:21).
We’re all guilty. We’re all culpable. We all had a part in nailing Jesus to the cross. That’s the bad news. The good news is that Jehovah has enacted a gracious plan by which we can receive divine pardon. We must (1) believe that Jesus is the Christ (John 8:24); 2) repent and turn away from our sins (Acts 17:30; 26:20);
(3) confess that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 8:35-38; Romans 10:9-10);
(4) and then be immersed (Galatians 3:27; cf. Acts 8:12-13; 36, 38; 9:18; 10:47; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 1 Corinthians 12:13).
God has done his part. Will you do yours (1 Thessalonians 1:3)?
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
– by Mike Benson
Survey on baptism – please take a moment to complete this “survey on baptism.”
Do you own an Old Smokey electric smoker? Give your review of the Old Smokey electric smoker to help others. Take my “Old Smokey Survey” – give the “Old Smokey” one star if you have tried it and didn’t like it. Use 5 stars if you think the Old Smokey electric smoker is one of the best smokers you have ever used. You may also list your favorite Old Smokey recipes in the comments section below.
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10. People began to spit on Jesus. He was hit.
11. Mt. 26:67-68 – READ
12. Along with the spitting there is hitting. People used their palms to strike the Lord.
13. Jesus was also blindfolded (Mk. 14:65), and people used this blindfold to mock Him.
14. Jesus appeared before Annas, Caiaphas, and then the Sanhedrin, Mt. 27:1-2.
15. The Bible says “many” false witnesses came forward to accuse Jesus (Mk. 14:56).
16. Have we ever been accused of something we did not do?
17. False accusations are no fun and Jesus knows exactly what this is like.
18. People also twisted the Lord’s word (Mk. 14:58).
19. After these three Jewish trials, there were three Roman trials.
20. Jesus appeared before Pilate (Jn. 18:28-38), then Herod (Lk. 23:6-12) and then again before Pilate.
21. Jesus appeared before Pilate “the next morning” (Mt. 27:1-2).
22. John said it was “early” (Jn. 18:28).
23. Jn. 18:31 – READ
24. Pilate sent Jesus to Herod.
25. Lk. 23:8 says Herod wanted to see Jesus perform a miracle.
26. Jesus would not perform for Herod so this official and his men mocked Him.
27. Lk. 23:11-12 – READ
28. This was also the time when the crown of thorns was beaten into Jesus’ head, Mk. 15:17.
29. After Herod had finished with the Lord, Jesus was sent back to Pilate.
30. This began the sixth trial which is found in Lk. 23:14-16 – READ
31. Pilate said he could find no fault with Jesus.
32. Pilate made other attempts to free the Lord (Jn. 19:4-5).
33. In the end the people would not be swayed – they wanted Jesus to be crucified.
34. Eventually the people said “His blood be on us and our children” (Mt. 27:25).
35. It was not long before Jesus died on the cross.
36. We need salvation from sin and Jesus provides that through His death.
37. Jesus also provides so much more.
38. His trials show that He can understand the things we go through in life.
Legal poll: Take this “legal survey” and let others know what you think about the U.S. legal system:
ON FEBRUARY 26, 1829, A Jewish boy named Loeb Strauss was born in a cottage in the Bavarian village of Buttenheim…
As a young man, Loeb changed his name to Levi and wound up in California where he opened a textile company in San Francisco. One day a gold miner walked into Levi’s shop and assailed the young merchant. “Look at these,” said the miner, pointing to the pants. “I bought ‘em six months ago, and now they’re full of holes!”
When Levi asked why, the miner explained, “We work on our knees most of the time.”
What you need is some really strong material,” replied Levi. “We have some canvas. It’s used to make tents. If we make your trousers out of canvas, I’m sure they won’t get holes.”
A tailor was called, and presently the miner had a set of trousers — and the rest is history. Soon minors across the West were wearing Levi Strauss’s jeans. (Stephen Van Dulken)
THOUGHT: Christians should have the same problem that plagued that miner — pants with worn-out knees — for we ought to do most of our kingdom work on our knees.
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 3:14).
–Mike Benson
Jean survey: Take this “jean survey” and let others know about your jean preference:
How often do you purchase one of the following brands or buy from one of the following stores?
18th Amendment
1921 Jeans
575 Jeans
7 For All Mankind
a.n.a.
Acne Jeans
Aeropostale
AG Jeans
American Eagle
American Rag
Angels
Anlo
Ann Taylor
Antik Denim
Apple Bottoms
Arizona
Baby Phat
Banana Republic
Big Star Jeans
Bill Blass Jeans
Bisou Bisou
BKE
Blank Denim
Blue Cult
Bongo
Buffalo Jeans
Calvin Klein Jeans
Cambio
Candies
Caslon
Chadwick’s
Cheap Monday
Chip and Pepper
Christopher Blue
Citizens of Humanity
CJ by Cookie Johnson
Cruel Girl
Current Elliott
Daisy Fuentes
Dana Buchman
David Kahn
Deener
Del Forte
Diesel
DKNY Jeans
DL1961 Premium Denim
Dylan George
Earnest Sewn
Eddie Bauer
Edun
Express Jeans
Faded Glory
Fidelity Denim
Forenza
Frankie b Jeans
French Dressing
G Star Denim
Gap
Gas Jeans
Generra Jeans
Genetic Denim
Girbaud Jeans
GLO Jeans
Gloria Vanderbilt
Goldsign
Guess
Habitual
House of Dereon
Hudson
INC International Concepts
Indi Custom
Indigo Palms
Iron Army
iT jeans
J Brand
J.Crew
Jag Jeans
James Cured by Seun
JLO by Jennifer Lopez
Joe’s Jeans
Jones Jeans
Jordache
Juicy Couture
Kasil Jeans
L.E.I.
L.L. Bean
La Redoute
Lands’ End
Lauren by Ralph Lauren
Lee
Lei Jeans
Level 99
Levi’s
Liz Claiborne
Long Elegant Legs
Loomstate
Lucky Brand Jeans
Mango
Mavi
Max Studio
MEK Denim
Metro7
Metrostyle
Michael Kors
Miss Me Jeans
Miss Sixty
Mossimo
Mudd Jeans
Nancy Bolen
Nanette Lepore
Newport News
Nicole by Nicole Miller
Not Your Daughters Jeans
Notify
Oakley
Old Navy
Paige Premium Denim
Paper Denim and Cloth
Paris Blues Jeans
People for Peace Jeans
Peoples Liberation Jeans
Pepe Jeans
Personify by Denim & Co
Polo by Ralph Lauren
Proportion of Blu
PRPS
PRVCY Jeans
PZI
Radcliffe Denim
Rag and Bone
Red Engine Jeans
Request Jeans
Rich & Skinny
Riders
Rock and Republic
Rocky Mountain Jeans
Sakura
Silver Jeans
Siwy
Sonoma
Spiegel
St. John Sport
St.John’s Bay
Tag
Taverniti So
Theory
Tommy Hilfiger
True Religion Brand Jeans
Uncharted Territory
Venus
Victoria’s Secret
Vigoss Jeans
William Rast
Womyn
Work Custom Jeans
Wrangler
If you are an Eagle Scout, please take a moment to complete the following survey. You may select more than one answer for this survey.
Tonight, after being admitted into the local Work Release Center for the first time, an officer asked me several questions. After the questioning another officer escorted me to a classroom and told me to wait. A few minutes passed and in came an officer with a drug dog. Apparently she wanted to verify that I was not trying to bring in any type of illegal substance into this facility. The staff did not perform a “pat down” on me, but they were pretty thorough in their investigation of me and my visit.
The Work Release officers were cautious and thorough, but their investigation was hardly as detailed as the one done by God. In Heb 4:12 we read: “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
We may be able to hide a lot of things from people, but absolutely nothing is hidden from God. In Heb 4:13 we read, “And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
Remember that absolutely nothing is ever hidden from God.
IN ANGOLA, WOMEN had an opportunity to enter a very different kind of beauty pageant…
Contestants had to have been injured by land mines. In that African country, 80,000 people are amputees because of land mines, so it wasn’t a stretch to find eligible contestants for the awareness-raising event. The women wore evening gowns and showed off their artificial limbs. The winner received a custom-made artificial limb and $2,500 in prize money. “This event provides encouragement for all of those who have become invalids,” said Candida Celeste, the Minister for Family Affairs.
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised” ( Prov. 31:30).
-Mike Benson
Beauty pageant poll – take this “beauty pageant survey”:
Beauty pageant poll – take this “beauty pageant survey”:
By the main warehouses that are down by the river in a particular town there is a daily operation that occurs. In order for the barges to be able to come in and out, the channel has to be dredged often. When the sand is dredged from the bottom of the river and is dumped on the riverbank, huge sand hills are created upon which children love to play. However, these mounds can be very dangerous. When the sand comes out of the river bottom, it’s wet and it creates a crust on the top of the hills. A person can climb to the top of one of these mounds and it will collapse causing the person to sink down inside the mound and be covered instantly by the sand.
Several years ago two brothers didn’t come home for dinner and their bikes were found outside the fence where the dredging had taken place. The brothers’ family and other rescue workers began to search frantically for the two brothers. They finally found one of them. He was buried up to his chin in the sand. Because of the pressure of the wet sand and muck around him, he was not breathing; so they began to dig frantically. When they uncovered him down to his waist he regained consciousness and the family, in hysterics, began to say, “Where’s your brother? Where’s your brother? Where’s your brother?”
The boy replied, “I’m standing on his shoulders.” *
The one brother had given his life so that the other might be saved!
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Jesus demonstrated this “greater love” by giving His life for you and for me. When we were sinking into the depths of sin, Jesus bore the weight of our sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:24) providing the means of our salvation. He invites each of us to “stand on His shoulders” so that you and I can be saved.
We can be saved by the merits of Christ’s death on the cross if we believe in Him (Acts 16:30-31), turn from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) in His name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). And, if we will continue to follow Him faithfully, He will receive us into an eternal home (1 John 1:7; John 14:1-6).
“I Was Sinking Deep In Sin, Far From The Peaceful Shore,
Very Deeply Stained Within, Sinking To Rise No More;
But The Master Of The Sea, Heard My Despairing Cry,
From The Waters Lifted Me, Now Safe Am I”
“Love lifted me….” *
Won’t you allow the love of Jesus to lift YOU from the deadly depths of sin?
– David A. Sargent, Minister
A survey on child safety – do you think children are more or less safe than when you were growing up?
The book “Doctrines of the Bible” by Daniel Kauffman is still in print, at least as of this writing. If you own a copy of this book or you have used this book, please take a moment to review this book. Have you used Daniel Kauffman’s book to preach some sermons? Have you used Kauffman’s book on the doctrines of the Bible for Bible class preparation? You feedback about Daniel Kuffman’s book or other information about him can help fellow Internet users.
Why not take my “survey on Daniel Kauffman”?
Do you own or have you used Whedon’s comentary on the Gospels or any of his other commentaries? I just received the “Whedon’s Commentary Revised” on Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and my first impression of it is WOW! His though process seems to be a bit like John A. Bengel (see “Bengel’s New Testament Commmentary”).
Take my “survey on Bible commentaries” to help others who are interested in knowing more about the Bible:
Bible commentary survey for Whedeon’s commentaries:
Have you ever wondered how many people read the Bible and how often people read it? Take a moment to participate in my “Bible reading survey” – let others know how often you read the word of God.
APPRECIATING VALUABLE THINGS
The story is told of a man who was sued by a woman for defamation of character. She charged that he had called her a pig. The man was found guilty and fined.
After the trial he asked the judge, “Does this mean that I cannot call Mrs. Johnson a pig?” The judge said that was true.
“Does this mean I cannot call a pig Mrs. Johnson?” the man asked. The judge replied that he could indeed call a pig Mrs. Johnson with no fear of legal action.
The man looked directly at Mrs. Johnson and said, “Good afternoon, Mrs. Johnson.”
Such name-calling is obviously wrong, but Jesus told us there are some people who are “pigs” (and not in the sense of eating too much). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matthew 7:6)
There are some people who are “dogs” and “pigs” in the sense that they have no appreciation for things of a spiritual nature. Just as a pig has no appreciation for precious jewelry, so it is that some people have no appreciation for the precious truths of God’s Word.
John MacArthur has written, “There will be times when the gospel we present is absolutely rejected and ridiculed and we will make the judgment to turn away and speak no more, deciding that we should ’shake off the dust of [our] feet’ (Matt. 10:14) and begin ministering somewhere else.” (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Matthew 1-7)
I agree. There are times when those I speak to show such a lack of appreciation for God’s Word. My greater concern, though, is making sure that I don’t have that same attitude.
“Father, I pray that my heart may always be tender and open to the valuable lessons you want to teach me. May I never ‘trample underfoot’ those things which are truly important. In Jesus’ name, amen.” Alan Smith
Lawsuit survey – take a moment to participate in my “lawsuit poll”:
Reasons to sue someone – take my “why sue someone” poll:
That poor snake reminds me of many people I have known. Somewhere along the way they have made a serious mistake. Then, rather than calmly
analyzing their situation and correcting their course, they have reacted impulsively. Soon their lives are like that snake. The more they struggle, the more entangled they have become until eventually they are totally immobilized psychologically, emotionally and spiritually.
a) Matthew’s gospel is unusual because it begins with a genealogy.
b) These names introduce us to the fact that we are dealing with a King. This is a royal lineage.
c) This king has a kingdom and if we want to be part of it, we must be obedient subjects.
2) The book of Mark is next is and is quite brief compared to the other Gospels.
3) The book of Mark was written to Romans. It emphasizes the supernatural aspect of Jesus.
4) Jesus is presented as a man of achievements. Jesus conquers nature, disease, and demons.
5) After Matthew and Mark we come to Luke, the “beloved physician.”
a) Luke provides us with a fairly comprehensive view of the Lord.
b) Luke’s gospel reminds us that the king is not only powerful, He is compassionate.
6) The Lord is a good king. This indicates that He has given us a good law. Next is John.
7) In John’s explanation of Jesus’ life he wastes no time in declaring who Jesus is.
8) Jesus is not only a king (Matthew), He is deity. He was God in the flesh. Jn. 1:1.
9) After the four accounts of Jesus’ life we come to the book of Acts.
a) The king has created a kingdom (church) and people are becoming subjects in this kingdom.
b) This is why Acts 2:42 says people “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.”
10) After Acts we come to the book of Romans. Romans is a book that is all about faith.
11) The “righteous shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:17). This verse also refers to “faith unto faith.”
12) Everything about the kingdom Christ has created is related to faith—every single thing.
13) Moving past the book of Romans we find the book of first Corinthians.
14) This book is a very useful book because it shows what members of Christ’s kingdom should expect.
15) The First Corinthian letter is a document that describes a congregation riddled with problems.
16) This letter reminds us that no congregation is going to be perfect.
17) Second Corinthians reminds us about the importance of listening to God’s law.
18) The Second Corinthians letter reminds us that we need to listen to and heed gospel teaching.
19) There were false teachers who were trying to turn Christians back to the Old Testament system of Judaism.
20) King Jesus has a much better way and this new and better way is explored in the book of Ephesians.
21) Eph. 1:3 says “all spiritual blessings” are in Christ.
22) If we live in this manner we will have the “joy” described in the book of Philippians.
a) The book of Colossians deals with people who had a different system of religion.
b) Christ is the king and we need to listen to His rules and only His rules.
23) People may do this for a time but then they become complacent.
24) This is what we find in the next Bible book – First Thessalonians.
25) In this book we have a lot of instructions; there are many simple truths that serve as simply reminders.
a) The King used 2 Thess. to warn us about those who do not want to work.
26) First Timothy, the next book, has a lot to say to and about preachers/elders/deacons/widows, etc.
27) Then in Second Timothy we find some additional material plus this important statement in 3:16-17.
28) Titus emphasizes good works and doing things in the way God has described.
29) After Titus we have Philemon, a book we might call a “personal letter.”
30) This letter reminds us that some problems in the kingdom are congregational like we see in 1 Cor.
31) One problem that we may face is personal hardship or persecution – Hebrews.
32) James– we must have faith, and our faith must “work” (be active).
33) Encouragement – First Peter ,even when people mock our faith (2 Peter).
34) Walk in the light (1 Jn.) with brother love (2 Jn.) and avoid false teachers (3 Jn).
35) Not living in this way leads to punishment (Jude); making this choice equals victory (Revelation).
There’s a flower that grows in South America and it’s called the touching flower. You can touch the petals and it will immediately close, and after little while it will slowly open back up. You can touch it again and it will close just a little slower, and then after a while it will open back up. You can touch it again and the more you touch it the slower it closes, and the slower it opens. You can touch it to death. In just a matter of minutes that flower will wilt on the stem and die because you touched it to death.
The touching flower is like sin: Touch in long enough and “you will die” (“the wages of sin is death,” Rom. 6:23).
Get a wide variety of Bible commentary and Bible study materials at http://www.abiblecommentary.com today. There are even FREE text sermons – http://www.abiblecommentary.com/freesermons, FREE audio sermons – http://www.abiblecommentary.com/audiosermons, and a FREE on-line commentary on the book of Romans: http://bit.ly/3MRU5I
A man recently described his visit to a Charity auto auction in this way.
“The Vehicles were classified as either “Running” or “No Start. I watched
the auction as it made its way through the many cars in the parking lot.
Then a particular vehicle was reached on the parking lot on the block was a
No Starter. It had a shattered windshield, two missing tires, a sagging
front bumper, and a cockeyed grille, a hood that was sprung up at an angle,
and dings and dents all over the body.
Before he started the bidding, the auctioneer announced the car’s year,
make, and model, and then read the previous owner’s comments: ‘Please note –
the radio does not work.’”
Humm, I don’t think I would have listed the “radio” as the most important
non working part on that car, but perhaps it had belonged to a teenager!
I realize, as I hope you do, someone’s priorities were out of balance. But
we tend to look at things in a pretty out of balance way concerning our
lives also, don’t we? The things that should be of real importance get
shoved to the back of our lives by the next urgent thing that falls in our
lap.
I was asked recently, “How do you know that you are really putting God first
in your life?” I guess I would say it was when you stop letting him be
pushed to the back of your life by the urgent as a matter of course.
We tend to get into the habit of dealing with the urgent and not the
important. We need to get a handle on prioritizing our life and making sure
that God is at the top of the list in everything we do. You are more than
likely familiar with the saying “What would Jesus do?”, this asked the
question of us concerning how we will respond to everyday events in our
lives. Perhaps we also need to ask ourselves, “If God is first in my life,
where will this thing, event or action fit into my life as a priority?”
It’s like this: What’s more important to your car, a working engine or a
working radio? Or perhaps like this, “What is more important in your life,
whatever you are doing or what you should be doing for God?” A couple of
scriptures come to mind regarding this. In Matthew 6:21 Jesus said, “For
where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” And James adds this
thought, “But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your
faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do,” (James
2:18).
So the bottom line just may be this: Your actions speak just as loudly as
your words regarding what is really your top priority. Jesus said it this
way in Matthew 5:15-16, “Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put
it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds
shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly
Father.”
Your life may have, “a shattered windshield, two missing tires, a sagging
front bumper, a cockeyed grille, a hood that is sprung up at an angle, and
dings and dents all over your body and your radio may not work, but if your
engine still runs (if you have a heart that serves God) that’s all that
really matters. You can tell your priorities by your actions. So, what is
most important to you? Hopefully it is your relationship with our God!
–Russ Lawson
Jesus loved them. John says so. He loved all three of
them — Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:3, 5).
And that’s why he waited.
The sisters sent urgent news to the Lord. It was a sort
of first-century 911 call for medical assistance. And
they didn’t say, “Lazarus is sick,” but “he whom You
love is sick.” Jesus not only knew the identity of the
one who was ailing, but he recognized him as his dear
friend.
Jesus wasn’t that far away, either. He could rush to to
Lazarus’ side and heal him. All would be well, the
sickness would be over, and their lives would continue
as normal.
But oddly enough, Jesus didn’t make the trip. He didn’t
hasten to Bethany and “treat” Lazarus’ condition. There
was no hurried journey to see his beloved companion. In
fact, just the opposite. Not only did Jesus not go to
Lazarus (not that he needed to “go” at all — cf. Luke
7:1-10) as the sister’s anticipated, but he waited two
more days!
In a sense, the Great Physician failed to make a house-
call and, in-so-doing, lost his first and only patient.
Think about it. He waited. Hours. Days. Yes, knowing
Lazarus’ precarious condition, Jesus waited.
For a long time, I didn’t understand that. Evidently
Mary and Martha didn’t make sense of it either. They
both rebuked the Lord for His slow response (vv. 21,
32). “If You had only been here earlier…”
It was Jesus’ fault. He shouldn’t have waited; He
should have come immediately. He had wasted precious
time. If he really loved the family as they believed,
he would have virtually run to see about Lazarus’
welfare. Maybe he didn’t love them as they thought.
So, why did Jesus wait?
It wasn’t a matter of lethargy, lack of love, or
apathy, dear reader, it was a matter of faith. You see,
Jesus could have made his way to Bethany and healed
Lazarus, and Mary and Martha’s faith would have been
enhanced. Instead, Christ chose to wait until Lazarus
was dead, buried, and in the tomb (a total of four
days) and THEN raise him up.
Because he loved them, and because he was concerned
with the sister’s spiritual maturation, Jesus waited
until after Lazarus was dead and buried to show that
not even a crypt and a corpse could impede his wonder-
working power!
Rush to Lazarus’ bedside and effect a cure, or wait
until after he was dead and buried and then call him
forth? Jesus chose the latter because he really did
love (Greek — agapao) Mary and Martha and he wanted to
see their faith grow to an even higher degree (John
11:23-27).
I don’t want the doctor to wait when I’m in the
emergency room. I’m the emergency! I want the physician
at my bedside, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, with prompt and
accurate therapeutic care.
I’m the same way when hurting emotionally or
spiritually. “Lord, I need youNOW…!” “Come to
Bethany!” “I’m very sick!” And sometimes…because he
loves me…he waits.
Give it some thought.
–Mike Benson
DOES MY PREACHER preach some of God’s Word of the Sum of God’s Word…?
When preachers preach on first principles but fail to preach on moral issues, they are preaching some, but not the sum of God’s Word. When preachers preach on the love, grace, and mercy of God, while never bothering to mention His holiness and severity (Rom. 11:22), they are preaching some of God’s Word but not the sum of God’s Word. Likewise, when preacher’s focus exclusively on “doctrinal” preaching while failing to address the subjects of brotherly love, grief, overcoming discouragement, joy in Christ, security in Christ and forgiveness, etc., they are preachers of some of God’s Word, but not the sum of God’s Word. And finally, when Church leaders muzzle the preacher from preaching on certain controversial issues they are showing respect for some of God’s Word, but not the sum of God’s Word.
Paul did not shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 4:2-4). We are to do no less! Are you embracing just some of the Word, or the sum of God’s Word? (BJ Clarke)
“The sum of your word is truth; and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” (Psm. 119:160 ESV).
–Mike Benson
What do you think of the preacher for the place where you attend worship? Do you like your minister? Do you dislike your minister? Take the “preacher survey poll” below!
I have been asked on occasions if I “celebrate” Christmas. I must admit that this time of the year has a special warmth about it. There is something special about the lights, busy shoppers, and the “holiday music.” Before you brand me as a heretic let me assure you that I do not believe the Jesus was born on Christmas Day, and even if He was born in the depth of winter (which He was not), there is nothing in the Scriptures that even hints that we should “celebrate” His birthday.
It has been more than ten years since I first came across the following article. I thought it worth sharing with our readers. Unfortunately I do not have the name of the author.
WHAT IS THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS?
The spirit of Christmas is kindness, tolerance for an unpleasant relative, allowing someone else to turn first at a busy intersection. It is smiling and saying something nice to a hurried clerk who has just been chewed out by an irate customer.
The spirit of Christmas is compassion, fod for hungry people, secret gifts for needy children, and spending part of your holiday time with a lonely person in a nursing home.
The spirit of Christmas is understanding, feeling the emptiness of someone who is spending her first Christmas without a husband who died recently. It is listening to the mixed-up musings of a teen-ager who has gotten into trouble or reaching out to someone whose personal anguish over a lost job or divorce has him on the brink of suicide.
The spirit of Christmas is sacrifice. It is children breaking piggy banks to buy gifts for their parents. It is someone missing a party to be with the rest of the family on Christmas Eve, or someone refusing to pass an unkind judgment or choosing to forgive an insult.
The spirit of Christmas is love, paying special attention to children, and still being thoughtful during the most hectic days of the year. It is doing something for someone who cannot repay you. It is kindness and compassion, understanding and sacrifice, and love. Not one of these is a “secular” virtue which arises naturally from humankind. They are primary spiritual qualities which have been exhibited best in this world by Jesus of Nazareth.
With all due respect to Santa Claus, he is not the one who brought us these gifts. Santa is reindeer and elves, snow and red cheeks, pretty packages and stockings from the mantle. Jesus is much, much more. Jesus was kind enough to befriend the people everyone else avoided. His compassion made him weep with Mary and Martha when the sisters’ brother had died. He understood fickle Peter and questioning Thomas. He sacrificed all personal ambition and eventually his life for the sake of others. His very name is synonymous with love.
The “spirit of Christmas” did not originate with Charles Dickens or Jimmy Stewart. They merely wrote and performed the Christmas spirit in artistic settings. This special sentiment is rooted in a religious tradition which changed the world. It is produced by our imitation of the Son of God. Whatever it is you like most about this season of the year cannot be perpetuated by carrying the wallet you get under the tree or wearing the cologne someone gives you. It will endure only for those who remember the Babe of Bethlehem year round and allow him to live in their hearts.
I hope you enjoyed the article as much as I did. Let me close this week’s “Tom’s Pen” with a sincere wish for a Happy Holiday Season and best wishes for a Wonderful New Year.
Tom & Johnnie Ann Wacaster
A WELL-KNOWN preacher once gave the following advice to a group of churches concerning their approach to evangelism:
“Don’t tell people about the cross, it doesn’t work. Too many evangelistic efforts fail because they focus too much on the cross. Just tell them God loves them and has a plan for them.” He continued, “The message of a crucified Jew is ridiculous to the modern mind. So move onto something better. A crucified Messiah is stupid, but promise them prosperity, give them emotional experiences, provide them with self-esteem and then you’ll fill the pews.”
THOUGHTS: Avoiding the cross and catering to people’s external needs might “fill the pews,” but they will be pews filled with people still dying in their sins. Without the cross, the Bible is just another neat story book. Without the cross, Christianity is no more than a self-help seminar. It was the cross that God displayed His wisdom and power. (Mitchell Skelton)
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18).
–Mike Benson
Take this “Christian survey” on the “Cross of Christ”:
Do you think people have “too much stuff?” Take this new survey question.
What do you do with excess stuff?
“Shall the voters for the City and County of Denver adopt an initiated
Ordinance to require the creation of an extraterrestrial affairs commission
to help ensure the health, safety, and cultural awareness of Denver
residents and visitors in relation to potential encounters or interactions
with extraterrestrial intelligent beings or their vehicles, and fund such
commissions from grants, gifts, and donations?” Yes___ No ___
Jeff Peckman, a Denver resident, was able to secure ten thousand signatures and get this ballot title drawn for next year’s elections. Peckman created the Extra Terrestrial Commission to be a “welcome wagon” when the aliens show up in the Mile High city.
This is not a joke. At least, I am not joking with you.
This raises a question that is intriguing. How many people in this nation believe there are extraterrestrial beings out there and/or down here? What is the basis for their faith? We have seen TV specials or magazines or photos of alleged space ships or aliens. People claim to have been abducted or to have had close encounters with them. Some even suggest that aliens are responsible for the creation and design of this planet and its inhabitants (dodging, though not artfully, the tough question of how the aliens came into being). Some, though I dearly hope a scant minority, earnestly believe there are “extraterrestrial intelligent beings” out there.
A growing number seem strident in their denial of what the Bible proposes. The Word of God gives a simple, logical explanation for our origins. It explains the purpose of mankind on this earth. It speaks of a God in heaven and an eternal future either with Him or separated from Him. People scoff away such a possibility, ridiculing the intelligence and sanity of those who trust this to be true. They can be the butt of jokes.
The proposed alternative to special creation by an uncaused, eternal, and intelligent being is uncaused, eternal matter giving rise to design, intelligence, morality, procreative abilities, and much more. How did that dust get here? How did it grow more complicated? How did some of it gradually become a fern or a hippopotamus or a barnacle or a rock or a human being? How did an octillion more things happen to get us from that power-packed, uncaused mass of stuff to the boundless, ordered universe in which we now live, breathe, and comprehend?
The most reasonable explanation involves a loving God who created man in His own image, who created for mankind a world fit to be inhabited–complete with food and water and the other essentials to make life perpetuated from generation to generation. Not only does it best explain design, the cosmos, morality, intelligence, and the like, it makes reasonable the idea that such a Being, God, could communicate His thoughts, intentions, and will through scripture and superintend the process of revelation that gives us, even today, precisely what He wanted us to know.
Mindless chance, aliens, or a loving, limitless God. What seems most reasonable?
–Neal Pollard
There has been a rash of “sightings” lately with which unbelievers have been having a field day. I refer to “Jesus sightings” people are claiming in such things as clouds, Cheetos, dental X-rays, cooking utensils, windows, walls, and trees. Wikipedia even has an entry for it (“Perceptions of religious imagery in natural phenomena”). People vehemently defend the idea that these are intentional, divinely sent images. Meanwhile, secular and agnostic witnesses to such claims gather up baby and bathwater together, using such superstitiousness to show how deluded those in Christendom really are. Yet, while responding to superstition in religion would be a fitting use of time, another thing comes to mind when hearing these sad stories. It is a reminder that people are looking for Jesus in all the wrong places.
They want some heavenly sign, some overwhelming feeling, some sensory sensation, and some sort of religious fireworks to create or validate their faith. While God has embedded plenty of these in the marvels of nature and creation, through the product of answered prayer that defies logic or explanation, and by the amazing process of transformation that occurs when people follow Christ, He calls on us to seek for Him in a much less electrifying and cataclysmic place.
When we pick up God’s Word and regularly, intently read, meditate, and study (cf. Psalm 1) it, we see Jesus come alive in powerful, sustaining ways! When we walk with the Lord each day, the resulting relationship built on His character and our trust in Him is powerful! When we actively serve Him and others and put into practice what He teaches us through the Bible, we see Jesus in a vivid way. Daily Christian living, the longer we practice it, brings Jesus into unmistakable, clear focus. Maybe that is what these “seers” truly desire, and what they need is our help to truly find Him. Let us take that as a challenge and help people really “see Jesus” (cf. John 12:21; Heb. 2:9).
–Neal Pollar
Tragedy A local policeman had just finished his shift one cold November evening and was at home with his wife. “You just won’t believe what happened this evening. In all my years on the force I’ve never seen anything like it!”
“What happened?”
“I came across two guys down by the canal, one of them was drinking battery acid and the other was eating fireworks.”
“Drinking battery acid and eating fireworks!! What did you do with them?”
“I charged one and let the other one off.”
Spiritually speaking, those of us who are Christians have been both “charged” and “let off.” We are charged with sin (and rightfully so, for we are guilty). “For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.” (Rom. 3:9)
But, those of us who are Christians who have put on Christ have also been “let off” because Jesus Christ has paid the price for our sins. We have been justified, “just as if I’d” never sinned. “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38-39)
To be charged is a frightful thing (those of you who have received tickets can vouch for that). To have a judge say, “I find you guilty, but I’m going to pay the fine for you” is inconceivable. Yet, that’s exactly what has happened! May our lives demonstrate the gratitude we feel.
Alan Smith
A young Christian rationalizes his cursing, expressing his “need” to fit in with his peers. Someone habitually falls asleep during Bible study or worship. A Christian woman tends to talk bad to her friend about their mutual companion. A middle-aged couple forms the habit of missing evening assemblies to be with friends or pursue others interests. Several Christians silently fret over their inability to focus while partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Some of the brethren seem indifferent to the work of the church. What is happening with these precious children of God?
Several scenarios have been portrayed, but there is in them but a single issue. Why do people, even Christians, slip away from the Lord? The first several words of George Bennard’s famous hymn are, “On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame.” So, what does one do when it seems that Christ died on a hill too far away?
The most dangerous thing that can happen to anyone is for the cross of Christ to lose its meaning. It CAN lose its meaning for people. Paul said, “Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect” (1 Cor. 1:17).
Does the cross have much meaning for the Christian’s friends and colleagues whose words and actions assault that for which the cross stands? Willful sin is against the cross (cf. Heb. 6:4-6). People hurt Christ all over again because the cross means, if their actions accurately reflect their hearts, little more to them than does a fairy tale or ancient history. Because of a desire to please the world, the Christian can develop such an attitude toward the cross. In this moral quandary, he can choose to be close to the enemies of the cross instead of the One who died there. But, when one chooses the world over Christ, HE becomes God’s enemy, too (cf. Ecc. 8:11; Js. 4:4).
Perhaps a few brief facts will help children of God, especially when the hill far away seems too far away.
REMEMBER THAT THE CROSS IS REAL. Paul taught this without equivocation (cf. 1 Cor. 15:1-4). Contemporaries of the cross attest to its historicity. Atheists and skeptics only have blind eyes for the plain facts because they know that acceptance of them means they must obey the doctrine of Christ (cf. Rom. 6:17). But the fact, according to Paul, are simple; namely, Christ really died, He was buried, and He arose! What the Bible teaches that Christ did for humanity as a whole and the individual in particular is true! The cross is real!
REMEMBER THAT THE CROSS IS REALLY IMPORTANT!
–Christ died for everyone’s sins on the cross (Rom. 8:8). He died for the seemingly insignificant, seemingly minor sins. He also died for the big, ugly, embarrassing, shameful sins!
–Christ died to bring man back to God on the cross (Rom. 8:34). Because of his sins, man was rejected by God. God wanted nothing to do with any vile person (note: Rom. 3:23). But, because of Christ, anyone can come back to God who obeys Him.
–Christ died to be the ruler of the human heart on the cross (Rom. 14:19; Gal. 2:20).
–Christ died to show the individual how much He loves him on the cross (2 Cor. 5:14-15; John 14:23).
–Christ died to open the door to heaven, shut by the separating power of sin, on the cross (1 Thes. 4:14; Isa. 59:1-2). Thus, in its importance the cross exceeds all else!
REMEMBER THAT THE CROSS IS REALLY SPECIAL. Only Christ could have hung there. No one else was qualified. Only the blood of Christ was right in God’s sight for cleansing man from his ugly sins. Only His love, as shown by the cross, is strong enough to bring one’s love of this world.
REMEMBER THAT THE CROSS WAS REALLY NECESSARY. Christ had to die to satisfy God’s perfect justice. Though all sin, no sinner, of himself, has anything to offer God to satisfy His just requirements. Everyone needs what Christ gave on that hill far away (cf. Eph. 2:8-9). There’s no good news to obey without the cross (cf. Rom. 1:16; 5:5-9). If no cross, then no hope, no joy and no heaven!!
What can we do when the cross seems so distant from us in our spiritual lives? Understanding the reality, the importance, the uniqueness and the necessity thereof, we will be prompted to renew our zeal and dedication to the suffering servant who died there for us (Heb. 5:8-9). Matchless love led God to Calvary. It is love that leads us back to Calvary!
–Neal Pollard
It is always exciting to sit and chapel, seeing and hearing the reports from our student campaigns. Today was no exception, as Chuck Ramseur shared the results of one such recent effort. While we had students travel to Washington, Montana, and Utah, a good-sized group stayed here in the Denver area and knocked doors and campaigned in Wheat Ridge. These homes lay just a few miles north and west of the church building. The thing that struck me about this campaign in a major U.S. city’s suburbs are the types of people our students encountered.
In addition to the expected atheists, there were others you might not expect to be met. One man showed no interest in the creation seminar hosted by the Miller Street congregation because his gods were Thor and Oden. Before the students left, it so happened that the man’s high priest arrived. That apparently made for a memorable experience. Another couple of students met a woman who was a practicing Wiccan. She had black and white stones set up around the perimeter of her house, a superstition that was apparently designed to bring balance and stability to her home and life. Duality is an important element found throughout this neopagan religion. Another pair of student campaigners ran across a “Jewish Christian” whose beliefs must surely be unorthodox. He believes in reading Tarot cards as well as the idea of reincarnation. He also claimed to be able to read Aramaic through his “mind’s eye.”
Why do I point these experiences out to you? This is not the heart of the jungles of South America or Southeast Asia. This is not among the tribes of Africa. This is the urban corridor of Colorado, in America. How is this possible? Many answers might be offered: the embracing of pluralism, political correctness, relativism, eroding moral values, and the like. Yet, it all comes down to a rejection of Divine knowledge. The Bible has, in many corners, ceased to be revered by the average person in our culture. The Bible warns about what follows such changes. In Romans one, Paul writes, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (28-32). Read through that list again. In them, there are allusions to the very things witnessed by our students. The sobering thought is that when we reject biblical knowledge, God rejects us (Hos. 4:6). We have much work to be done, not only on foreign soil, but also in our own back yard!
–Neal Pollard
A young guy in a two-engine fighter was flying escort for a B-52 and generally being a nuisance, acting like a hotdog, flying rolls around the lumbering old bomber.
The hotdog said over the air, “Anything you can do, I can do better.”
The veteran bomber pilot answered, “Try this hot-shot.” The B-52 continued its flight, straight and level.
Perplexed, the hotdog asked, “So? What did you do?”
“I just shut down two engines, kid.”
Virtually every day, we are reminded when we turn on the television or pick up the newspaper that there is a war going on in Iraq. These are
difficult times, and we all feel the urgent need to spend more time with God in prayer. We pray for the safety of our troops. We pray for a quick end to the conflict. But, beyond that, what should we pray for?
In 2003, Ron Hutchcraft sent out an e-mail entitled “10 Ways to Pray in Times Like These.” His suggestions are still good ones. Here are 7 of his points:
1. “Lord, do something that will show people Your glory over all the earth.”
This is a moment for God to do something that no diplomat, no world leader, no army could possibly do – so all will know that “the Lord He is
God.”
2. “Lord, use these anxious and uncertain times to bring many to Christ.”
God can use this fearful time to reach the hearts of many – in Iraq, in America, across the Middle East, among the young men and women of the military.
3. “Lord, guide our leaders to be instruments of Your will on earth.”
“I urge … that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority.” (I Timothy 2:1-2)
4. “Lord, protect the innocent.”
5. “Pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27)
Jesus has charged us to represent even our enemies before His Throne of
Grace.
6. “Lord, help Your people model peace in these troubled times, pointing the people around them to Jesus – at a time when hearts are soft.”
This uncertain time is a life-saving moment – when those who belong to Jesus have an unusual window to introduce Him to those who don’t. But the window may not be open for long.
7. “Lord, bring peace out of all that’s happening.”
God has told us that the result He desires in answer to our prayers for our leaders is a climate where peace and righteousness can flourish (I Tim.
2:2).
My appreciation goes out to Ron Hutchcraft for his article, and I hope that his prayers will be yours as well. We live in troubled times that
serve as a reminder of just how much we need God.
–Alan Smith
Get a FREE on-line Bible commentary on the book of Romans through www.abiblecommentary.com today. You may also get a FREE daily devotional by subscribing to my rss feed – http://abiblecommentary.com/blog/feed/ - or follow me on twitter. I also operate a Christian blog on blogspot.
No, not Enid, Kenya, or Enid, India. Enid, Oklahoma. The story slipped by me, as I was recuperating from the return trip from Cambodia. On November 4, a Wednesday night, Bill and Deena Carpenter were returning to their home from church services. Driving down the highway in their SUV, Bill at only the last second saw the 4,500 pound animal standing in the middle of the road. He attempted to evade the pachyderm, but the eight foot Asian elephant was too big to miss. The good news is that neither the humans nor the elephant were seriously injured. The massive mammal had escaped earlier that day from a circus set up at a nearby fairgrounds. It seems to me that there are a few important reminders to consider from this bizarre incident.
IT IS A REMINDER THAT SOME THINGS ARE OUT OF PLACE. Enid is an unusual place to (literally) run into an elephant. Elephants just do not roam our countryside in America. Some things are incongruous and not just elephants running free in Oklahoma. Worldly Christians, aimless shepherds, inactive deacons, scriptureless preachers, warring brethren, and the like are more out of place than an elephant on the lam in Enid!
IT IS A REMINDER THAT SOME THINGS ARE TOTALLY UNEXPECTED. When is the last time your friend or loved one warned you to be on the lookout for elephants on the loose as you drove home? You just do not anticipate the need for such a warning. Some things cannot be foreseen, can they? How many of our trials and difficulties came with clear, sufficient warning? Certainly some do, but many more do not! Furthermore, what a reminder that the second coming of Christ will not come with signs or prescient warnings (1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Pet. 3:10; Matt. 24:35). The problems and adversities of this life often cannot be prepared for, but that coming, great, and unexpected day can and must be anticipated.
IT IS A REMINDER THAT EVEN THE BIGGEST ISSUES CAN BE MANAGEABLE. No doubt, Bill’s life flashed before his eyes. As he yelled “elephant” at the last second, he might have had time to think that this would be his last word. Mercifully, all parties escaped serious problems. What at first appeared catastrophic now makes for the story to end all dinner-party stories! How often do our looming problems seem overwhelming and utterly devastating only to pass like a storm with dark clouds and thunder but no damaging winds, rains, or hail? Too many times, we are so paralyzed by fear and worry over our personal challenges that we miss opportunities for spiritual growth and development (cf. 1 Pet. 5:7; 1 Cor. 10:13). We do not face a difficulty too hard for the Lord to handle.
No, you almost certainly will never hit an elephant driving down the highway this side of an African safari. Yet, you will be called to be salt and light in this world, a challenge that may make you awkwardly stand out at times. You will face the unexpected, both now and ultimately. You will also face supersized but surmountable issues in life. Do what you can to prepare, then leave the rest of it in the omnipotent hands of God!
–Neal Pollard
An overview of repentance
THE BIBLE WARNS US IN MANY DIFFERENT PLACES AND WAYS THAT ADDING CHRIST AND KEEPING SIN WILL NOT WORK.
a) In Mt. 3:2 John the Baptizer told people to “repent.”
b) Jesus (Mt. 4:17) preached this same message: repent
c) In Lk. 24:46-47 Jesus said the prophets had predicted “repentance.”
d) In Lk. 13:3 Jesus said “repent or perish.”
e) The apostles, in places such as Acts 3:19, said “repent.”
f) Later in the New Testament (2 Pet. 3:9) Peter said God wants all people to “repent.”
2) Repent is a key word in the scriptures.
3) What does this key word mean?
a) Some would say repentance means “sorrow for sin.”
b) Others say it is “regret” (remorse).
4) Repentance goes deeper.
5) This fact might cause some to think that repentance must be confession.
6) As important as confession is, it is still not quite repentance.
7) If all the preceding things do not adequately describe repentance, what about cessation from sin?
8) Maybe repentance means a person is doing something bad and they quit that activity.
9) Repentance does involve the cessation of sin.
a) Repentance is a recognition of sin, a turning from sin, and embracing what is right.
10) The jailer in Acts 16 typifies repentance.
11) People at Ephesus had some books that were not consistent with the gospel (Acts 19:19).
12) Think of the wayward son in Lk. 15 – he had sorrow; he was ready to apologize.
13) The people of Ninevah “repented” (they turned from sin and turned to God).
a) Repentance applies to the non-Christian; it is a step in becoming a Christian.
b) When a Christian becomes involved with sin, he or she also “repents.”
14) There are some motivations to encourage repentance.
a) God’s love motivates us to repent as do God’s blessings.
b) Concern about punishment will also cause people to repent.
15) Repentance is really a process that involves all people (Acts 17:30).
a) 2 Cor. 7:9-10 as “godly sorrow.”
b) With the human race there is “wordly sorrow” and there is “Godly sorrow.”
16) Ps. 51:4.
17) Rom. 1:16 says the gospel is God’s “power” to salvation.
18) Eph. 6:17 refers to the Bible as the “sword of the Spirit.”
19) Heb. 4:12 says the word of God is “living, active and sharper than any two edged sword.”
20) God’s word “works” in people’s lives (1 Thess. 2:13) and the scriptures urge people to repent.
21) When we repent, the result is forgiveness.
a) Lk. 15:10.
22) Jesus once told a story about a man who had two sons (Mt. 21:28-32).
23) Jesus also said this son later “repented” (he changed his mind for the better).
24) Repentance is one of the least understood and applied commands in the Bible.
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This Thursday we enter what is traditionally called the “holiday season.” Likely our busy schedules will become even more busy, and our hurry up pace will likely become a dead run for the duration of the year. But still, all in all, this is a most pleasant season of enjoyment. The reunion with loved ones, the abundance of food and the expression of thanksgiving during the holiday season bring joy and happiness to the truly appreciative. How grateful we should be for the blessings God has given us.
May I suggest two things for your consideration this holiday season? (1) Consider what you have, not what you lack. Most of us enjoy material possessions far and above that of the average world. Be grateful for God’s provisions, and even more thankful for those little “extras” that make life enjoyable. (2) Spend some time this week to meditate upon God’s goodness to you. Get off by yourself and say a little prayer to Him from Whom all blessings flow, and that in rich abundance. (3) Finally, realize that with increased blessings come increased responsibility. Read Luke 16:19-27, Matthew 25 and Luke 12:45-48. Then ask yourself if you are properly sharing what you have with those who have not.
I’ll close with this thought provoking analysis of how blessed many of us truly are:
If you own just one Bible, you are abundantly blessed. 1/3 of the world does not have access to even one.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive the week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people around the world.
If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest or torture of death, you are more blessed that almost three billion people in the world.
If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthy.
If your parents are still married and alive, you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone’s hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God’s healing touch.
If you prayed yesterday and today, you are in the minority because you believe in God’s willingness to hear and answer prayer.
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
–by Tom Wacaster
First Corinthians commentary
March 8th, 2010First Corinthians commentary: Would you like to know more about the New Testament book of First Corinthians? Check out the new First Corinthians commentary from www.abiblecommentary.com. This First Corinthians commentary may be reviewed through Google’s book program at this link – http://books.google.com/books?printsec=frontcover&id=lzXK9YMllHEC#v=onepage&q=&f=false - or purchased from http://www.abiblecommentary.com/. If the Google book link does not work, here is a shorter URL: http://bit.ly/dfw86d.
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