The book of Joshua records the conquest of the land of Canaan. It shows us the triumph of faith at Jericho and the far reaching consequences of sin as Israel was defeated at Ai.

With full faith in the power of God, Joshua had sent 3,000 soldiers to attack Ai (Joshua 7:1-5). It came as a great shock when this little town not only stayed the attack, but killed 36 Israelites. Joshua, despondent over this defeat, tore his clothing and fell to the ground in prayer. God explained to Joshua there was sin in the camp of Israel.  While this sin remained unpunished God would not be with them.

In Joshua 7:21, we find Achan had sinned by stealing goods at Jericho. After Achan’s confession, “Joshua and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his sheep, his tent and all that he had and they brought them to the valley of Achor. . . so all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned him with fire after they had stoned them with stones” (Joshua 7:24, 25). One commentator observed that “Public executions are public examples.”

Years later, after the conquest of Canaan, we find a sermon in which the sin of Achan is recalled. “Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? And that man did not perish alone in his iniquity” (Joshua 22:20).

We need to remember that Achan “did not perish alone.” Thirty-six of Achan’s comrades, plus his sons and daughters, died because of his sin. I do not know much about Achan, but I am certain that if you could talk to him today he would tell you he had no idea how many lives his sin would affect. The tragedy is that he did not think about what his sin would do to other people.

None of us lives in a vacuum. Our actions have a lot of bearing on the eternal destiny of others. Paul tells us that “none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself” (Romans 14:7). Have you ever thought about how your sins affect your spouse, children and those you work with?

When parents forsake the assembling of the saints their children must suffer the consequences, i.e., growing up without a knowledge of the Lord. I have met too many parents who waited till their children were almost grown before they tried to teach them the Bible. Most of the time, it is a case of “too little, too late.”

In a divorce, it is the children who have to pay the highest price. They have to pay for the immorality of their mother or father.

Sometimes parents have to pay the price for the sin of their children. “A foolish son is the ruin of his father” (Prov. 19:13). The grief inflicted is not because the children hate their parents, I’m afraid it’s because they just don’t care.

I pray that we can all learn a lesson from Achan without having to learn it the hard way.

– by David Padfield

This time of year, seasonal affective disorder is an issue many face. Dealing with occasional slumps is part of the human experience, but for some people depression is a near-permanent experience. I’ll share some of the verses I go to for these exact issues, but with some explanation attached.

Rom 8.18-27 can be summed up like this: “Everything in creation is a little broken, and we’re all waiting for the day when it’s not broken anymore.”

This isn’t to say that everyone deals with depression, but everyone deals with something. Chronic depression is just as much a byproduct of a flawed reality as arthritis, economic downturn, and car accidents.

For this discussion, there are two principles in Romans 8 that I take to heart: one, depression does NOT mean we don’t love God enough. It’s just another reminder that we aren’t supposed to be here forever. Two, it’s not going to last forever. We can put up with almost anything for a little while. Having the energy to put up with it, though, is something we’ll address with the next passage.

I Tim 5.23 – “Stop drinking water exclusively and use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your constant sickness.”

Look at the principle of this verse, please. It’s not a suggestion to use alcohol as a treatment for depression. Alcohol is known to make depression much worse! The principle is that God has given us the ability to use man-made substances to help sickness.

In fact, Paul uses commands (imperatives), not suggestions here. “Stop drinking water (only),” is one. Paul tells him to make use of (χρῶ, an imperative) a small amount of wine because it would help him manage his chronic stomach issues.

A person dealing with chronic depression – under a health worker’s direction, of course – is absolutely free to use medication to help manage daily life. It doesn’t indicate a “lack of faith” in any way, and it doesn’t mean a person isn’t dependent on God. God himself, through Paul, encourages the responsible use of medication when necessary.

I Cor 7.7 (paraphrased) – “Not everyone has the same abilities.”

This is specifically talking about sexual urges in a completely different context from our discussion. Paul encouraged Christians who were about to face difficulties to avoid the issues that may come with getting married. It’s a lot easier to disown God when an enemy can exploit a person’s love for their spouse. Paul pointed out that not everyone has the same amount of self-control, so if marriage would keep away sexual temptation, go for it.

That said, there’s still a valuable principle here: not everyone has the same abilities. Many Christians who face chronic depression often make things worse for their faith by comparing themselves to other Christians. “(Insert Name) is way more involved, more energetic, more put together, way ahead of me spiritually.” God knows our heart (I Ki 8.39; Rev 2.23). If we aren’t putting all that we can into our faith, we’ll be held accountable for that. God knows what our limits are, and will judge us accordingly.

This principle does not excuse anyone from serving God to the best of their abilities. What it should do is help us put our own abilities into perspective. We have different levels of ability, and God knows that.

In summary: Chronic depression is a very real byproduct of a broken world. God encourages us to take advantage of whatever medical care we have access to. God knows our hearts, which should both provide comfort and push us to grow.

Gary Pollard

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

Life is uncertain; death is sure. “it is appointed for men to die” (Hebrews 9:27). Knowing this, we must prepare for eternity. Amos 4:12 states: “Prepare to meet your God.” Life and death are serious subjects. Therefore, the possibility “if I am lost,” is worthy of our best consideration. In Hosea 4:6, God states: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” We cannot hide our heads in the sand as an ostrich.

If I am lost, I will not be alone. It is a pity that so many will be lost (Matt. 7;13-14). No one lives or dies to himself (Rom. 14:7). Eve was not alone in the garden (Gen. 3:1). The rich man desired his brothers not to be with him (Luke 16:19ff).

If I am lost, I will be lost forever. Jesus says in Matthew 25:46: “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Hell is eternal (2 Thess. 1:7-9). There is no chance after death. The idea of purgatory is false (Luke 16:19-31). That place will be torment, not songs of joy, peace, and comfort (Luke 16:23).

If I am lost, I will suffer double loss: the loss of joy and the suffering of anguish. I will trade joy, peace, rest, my associates, God and Christ for misery, despair, wailing, and darkness (Luke 13:28; Mat. 13:42).  This loss is irreparable and the suffering, eternal.

If I am lost, it will be my fault. There are many who do not desire me being lost. God does not (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9). Christ does not (Matt. 20:28; 1 John 2:1; Titus 2:14). The Holy Spirit does not (Eph. 4:30). The angels in heaven do not (Luke 15:10). The lost themselves do not want me to be with them (Luke 16:19).

The fact is, if I am lost, I alone bear the responsibility for being lost. Jesus said, “whoever will” may come (Rev. 22:17).

How are we living today with those thoughts in mind?

• the late Wayne Holland
• from a sermon preached in Hiawassee, GA (1/6/1985)
• Roxboro, NC (3/18/1990)
  • • • • Henderson, NC (8/23/1998)

I guess we have all used the excuse at one time or another as a teen. “Well, everybody else is (wearing it/doing it/going there).” I suppose we all heard the same answer. “If everybody jumped in a lake, would you?” There you have the wisdom of Momma. Moreover, it is rooted and grounded with the Word of God.

The Bible is full of examples of “the majority being right” being inconsistent at best. In I Samuel 14, Saul had made a decree that anyone who ate would be put to death. His son Jonathan, unaware of it, found some honey, dipped his rod in it and ate a little. Much to his chagrin, Saul said he had to put him to death. The people cried out in I Samuel 14:45 to save his life. A chapter later, God, through Samuel, tells Saul to go and utterly destroy the Amalekites and Agag, their king. they were to wipe them out. The Israelites did, but spared Agag and some of the livestock. When Samuel came to inquire, after the excuse-making and twisting of the truth, Saul finally got around to the facts. The majority of the people wanted to spare those things, and he listened to the majority. As a result, Saul lost God’s favor, the kingdom, and his life (as well as his sanity, it seemed).

In the New Testament, people lined the roads to Jerusalem, throwing palm branches and even their coats on the path Jesus traveled. They shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.” (John 12:12-13). Yet these were the same people who shouted even louder, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him! His blood shall be on us and on our children!” (Matt. 27:15-26). It was the majority that was pleased when Herod put James, the brother of John to death (Acts. 12:1-2). It was that same majority that led Herod to imprison Peter (Acts 12:3).

In truth, “everybody” is not doing this or that. “Everybody” is not wearing this or that. “Everybody” is not going there. Sometimes it seems that way when we are kids, and even as adults. However, “everyone” is not drinking, dressing immodestly, telling dirty jokes, cheating on their spouse, neglecting their families, being unfaithful to the church, and so on. However, even if they were, shouldn’t we still do right ourselves? Jesus said the majority would be lost (Matt. 7:13-14). That is His way of speaking the truth Momma did so long ago. “If everyone jumps in the lake (of fire), will you?” (See Rev. 20:14-15).

Corey Sawyers

HOW DOES A couple regain trust when an incident has seriously damaged it…?

The question is not as important for minor infractions, but it is essential when there has been a great loss of trust.

How do you regain trust?  It’s not easy.

• TRUST BUILDS OVER TIME.  Trust builds as a you gain confidence in someone being there for you.  While research shows that people vary in their general trust of others, deep trust only comes from seeing that your partner is there for you over time.  A wife, for example, can only regain her trust in her once unfaithful husband slowly.  The best thing that can happen is for a considerable amount of time to go by without a serious breach of trust.  That takes commitment and new ways of living together.  They can’t afford to let the same kind of distance build up again.  And if a husband has another affair, it will probably be impossible for his wife to trust him again.
• TRUST HAS THE GREATEST CHANCE OF BEING REBUILT WHEN EACH PARTNER TAKES APPROPRIATE RESPONSIBILITY.  The best thing a man can do to regain his wife’s trust is to take full responsibility for his actions.  If the wife sees her husband doing all he can to bring about serious change without her prodding and demanding, her trust will grow and she’ll gain confidence that things can get better — not perfect, but better.  It’s easier to trust when you can clearly see your partner’s dedication to you.
• A wife can also help to rebuild her husband’s trust.  For one thing, he’ll need to see that she doesn’t plan to hold the affair over his head forever.  Can she really forgive him?  If she reminds him about the affair,especially during arguments, he won’t be able to trust her statement that she wants them to draw closer and move ahead.
• IF YOU’VE LOST TRUST, RECOGNIZE THAT YOU CAN DO MORE TODAY TO FURTHER DAMAGE IT THAN TO REGAIN IT.  It takes a long time to regain trust but only a moment or two to crush it.  If the husband comes home tonight to be with his wife, still trying, she’ll gain a little more trust.  On the other hand, if he comes home two hours later without a good excuse, his wife’s trust will take a big step backward.  Mistakes are going to happen, but the commitment to change must remain clear.  The commitment says you have the time and motivation to rebuild trust.
• SURVEILLANCE DOESN’T INCREASE TRUST.  You can’t regain trust by following your partner around every moment of the day to make sure he or she doesn’t do anything wrong.  If won’t add to a wife’s trust to follow her husband wherever he goes or to call up his friends and ask what he’s been up to.

The exception to this is when you both agree that some checking up is okay.  The wife and husband could agree that for a time, he’ll call frequently or she’ll call him to touch base more often than usual.  But long term, the wife will have to come to trust her husband for both of them to relax in their relationship.  Let’s hope that her trust will not be misplaced.  To trust again is a risk. Your partner could let you down again and there’s no way to be sure that this won’t happen.  That’s why they call it trust.  As with forgiveness, it involves letting go.  Howard Markman, Scott Stanley, Susan L. Blumberg, “Forgiveness and the Restoration of Intimacy,” Fighting for Your Marriage, 224-225

Mike Benson

As we mentioned in the first article of this series, some people do not make a good “first impression,” and sometimes the problem is in the eyes of the beholder. Many movies, children’s books, songs, and the like have helped us form incorrect opinions about some of those whom we read about in the Bible. We began with Thomas, and today I would like for us to take a second look at another disciple. Let’s see if we do not walk away with a better “Second Impression.”

Judas is “the bad guy.” When we think of him, we most often think of the scene of his kissing Jesus in the garden. With that kiss, he indicated the One he was turning over to the soldiers. He betrayed Jesus! As such, he goes down in history with some of the most notorious traitors of all time. Cassius, Brutus, Benedict Arnold, and Tokyo Rose have nothing on the man who betrayed the Lord. We are not so surprised at this heinous act because we think we have the character of Judas all figured out. How often do we think of him as the influential disciple chosen by Jesus and respected by the eleven? Despite our first impression of Judas, think of how incomplete a picture we have painted of him.

First, remember Judas was a disciple of Jesus! That means:

• He heard what Jesus taught (Mt. 5:1-2ff).
• He saw Jesus perform miracles (Mt. 8:23-27).
• He saw Jesus even raise the dead (Mt. 9:19-25).
• He was given exclusive insight into what Jesus taught (Mt. 13:10-12).
• He even helped Jesus perform miracles (Mt. 14:17-21).
• He was able to cast out unclean spirits (Mt. 10:1-4).
• He was able to heal every kind of disease and affliction (Mt. 10:1-4).

Think about all of that! Judas was doing good, hearing truth, and involved in great efforts to teach about Jesus! Because of this, he was also highly respected.

Second, remember the disciples respected Judas!

How can we come to that conclusion?

• They followed his lead. They became indignant at the “waste” of using the expensive perfume to anoint Jesus (Mt. 26:6-9). John’s account says it was Judas who did these things. It seems evident that Judas began the outcry, and the others naturally followed Judas in this.
• John also tells us that Judas became upset because he was the treasurer and wanted the money for himself. All of the disciples (to a certain degree at least) were concerned about what they could get out of Jesus. That is why the lobbied for positions and argued about who was the greatest. The point, though, is of all they could have chosen, at the time, they trusted Judas with the money.
• In Matthew 26, Jesus tells the disciples one will betray Him. Not one disciple said, “It’s Judas, right?” Instead, they each said, “Is it I, Lord?” (vv.21-22). In other words, Peter, Andrew, John, and all the rest thought they might be the betrayer before it ever entered their mind it might be Judas. That thought never entered their minds, apparently. When Judas did leave, they thought he was going out to do a good deed for the poor!

Third, remember this did not turn out how Judas wanted it. Perhaps, as some have suggested, Judas only wanted Jesus to step up and be the Messiah they all knew He should be. By leading the soldiers to arrest Jesus, it seems Judas might have thought this was the straw that would lead the Christ to throw out the Romans and sit on David’s throne. While we cannot know his motivation for sure, we can be confident he was upset when it became apparent that Jesus would be put to death. After all, that would be the only reason they would be bringing him to the governor. It was at that moment (“then”) that Judas wanted to reverse the course (Mt. 27:1-5).

So, what can we learn from Judas?

1. We can be with the right people, hearing the right things, and not be following Jesus.
2. We can be doing the right things, in the right places, and not be following Jesus.
3. Everyone can think we are following Jesus, and we not be following Jesus.
4. We must CHOOSE JESUS before we can FOLLOW JESUS!

Our first impression of Judas may have been of some notorious criminal mastermind. The text paints a different picture! He is one who was following Jesus while doing the right things but allowed his desires to turn his heart. Isn’t it true that the same thing could happen to us? No matter what the songs or stories might say, God’s word gives us a great second impression of Judas as one whose life is a warning for us all!

Corey Sawyers

Inigo Montoya said, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” It is one of the funny lines of the movie The Princess Bride. The truth is, sometimes we do the same with verses and texts in the bible. We want to take a fresh look at verses we think we know, but that context says means something different than we usually proclaim.

Such is the case of today’s verse. Perhaps you have heard it said when someone was talking about how special a gathering was. Maybe you have heard it used by someone who was trying to justify skipping the weekly assembly. It could be that you have even heard some well-meaning brother pray, “We are thankful that when two or more are gathered in your name, you are right here with us.” Is it true that in Matthew 18:20, Jesus is talking about his presence when we gather in his name?

First, we must look at the context. Matthew 18:15-17 is giving us a formula for what to do when a brother is guilty of sin. It is a four-step process.

1. Show him in private (v.15). It shows the person in sin that your objective is helping them because you love them. Your goal is to win back a brother.
2. Take one or two more with you (v.16). This is an appeal back to Deuteronomy 19:15 in order to have two to three witnesses. Again, the objective is not gossip. It is winning back a brother.
3. Tell it to the church. Now you have the entire family of God working to bring this one back. Note: be sure not to tell it to the church and visitors. This is a family matter, so keep it strictly within the family.
4. Treat them as one who is no longer considered to be part of God’s family. This is not an easy step, but when it becomes necessary, it can work.

In verses 18-19, Jesus is not telling the apostles they can make up whatever laws they would like. Jesus is Lord, not the apostles. Stay in context. When the church has made this decision, having followed the steps Jesus has outlined, that decision is bound in Heaven. The consequences for one staying in sin are not only felt on earth, but they bear eternal weight as well.

Then we get to our verse, Matthew 18:20. What is Jesus saying? He is telling us that we are not to let someone stay as part of the family that God has ruled not a part of His family. Because the “two or three witnesses” have established the matter in the congregation, the decision was made. It was not only a congregational decision but also a heavenly one. So, if you go against the decision, you are not just going against the congregation. You are also going against the Lord.

Our verse is followed by the parable of the unmerciful servant (vv.21-35). Again, the context is about how we deal with those in sin, not our assemblies.

Sometimes a single verse may seem to have a plain meaning. However, when we look at that verse in its context we see something more. Then we are able to reboot the verse to perform how the Lord intended.

Corey Sawyers

If any age of man is the era of selfishness, ours is it. The selfie is our symbol. If Narcissus had his pool of water, we have that ubiquitous extension of our personalities, the smartphone.

In the last letter that has remained from his hand, the apostle Paul warned his son in the faith, Timothy, away from false teachers and manipulators of souls. The entire passage deserves reading, but start with these six verses:

But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. 2 Timothy 3.1-6.

The phrase: “lovers of themselves,” is a single word in the underlying Greek language. It is found only once in the New Testament. It stands here at the head of this list of sins. Perhaps Paul is thinking that all our transgressions flow from it.

In his Tyndale commentary on 2 Timothy, Donald Guthrie said this term and the second one furnish the key to the list. It begins and ends with two pairs of compound words about what people do or do not love. The second word of the first pair (“lovers of money”) may seem out of place, but remember that love of money is “a radical cause of evil, cf. 1 Tim. 6:10” (J.N.D. Kelly, Pastoral Epistles, 179).

With all these love compounds (phil-), the sins are surrounded by a love which belong to another universe than God’s sacrificial love.

Love of self is selfishness (CEB). In his work on synonyms, Trench said one writer “likened the selfish man to the hedgehog that rolls itself up into a ball, presenting only sharp spines to those without, while at the same time keeping inside the soft, warm wool for itself.”

Though the term here for selfishness is unique, the Bible has a variety of words and descriptions to help us identify self-love.

• Jude says false teachers are “following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters” Jude 16.
• ESV and other versions translate the word eritheia as “self-seeking” in Romans 2.8. NET translates it as “selfish rivalries” in Galatians 5.20, as “selfish ambition” in Philippians 1.17, and as “selfishness” in James 3.14, 16.
• “Self-will,” authades, refers to the person who acts on his own initiative, Titus 1.7; 2 Peter 2.10.
• Other words refer to pride, vanity, and arrogance.

The somewhat difficult verse of Proverbs 18.1 reminds us that selfishness cannot abide living in community: “One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment.” This applies to family and church, when the “passions that battle inside you” cause conflicts and quarrels, James 4.1-3.

Preachers and teachers err when they affirm that Christians should love themselves because of the second commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself. The error starts by going to the Bible to find support for psychology’s concept of self-love. But did the Lord really mean we ought to love ourselves? Hardly!

On the contrary, man naturally and carnally promotes his own interests. So we ought to turn that into promoting with equal intensity the interests of others. (We cannot do both.) Love is not “self-serving” 1 Corinthians 13.5. Paul makes it clear: “Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others” Philippians 2.4 CEB.

As always, Jesus has the last word with these definitions of selfishness and selflessness and their consequences. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and for the gospel will save it” Mark 8.35.

J. Randal Matheny

The shortest book of the Old Testament is called Obadiah, and is a scathing condemnation of the Edomites for their treatment of Israel when the Jews were attacked and looted by their enemies.  If we were asked, “Who wrote the book of Obadiah,” the answer would be, “Obadiah, of course.”  But which Obadiah? (Because there are actually several in the Bible.)

In 1 Chronicles, there is an extensive genealogical list (several, actually) that lasts nearly ten full chapters.  Five different men named “Obadiah” are listed in those chapters (3:21; 7:3; 8:38; 9:16, 44).  The same book also mentions a warrior from the tribe of Gad named Obadiah: this man was a fighter who was elevated to become one of the captains of David’s army (12:9-18).  Yet another Obadiah is mentioned as the father of Ishmaiah, the ruler/governor over Zebulun (27:19).  Then there’s a Levite named Obadiah, who faithfully oversaw repairs made to the temple of God (2 Chronicles 34:12).

When a portion of the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity, a man named Obadiah brought 218 men (probably children, grandchildren, nephews, younger brothers) with him (Ezra 8:9).  Later on, one of the priests who helped with the rebuilding project was named Obadiah (Nehemiah 10:5, 8).  Another Obadiah (though it is conceivable that it is the same one) during that time was a protector of the prison (Nehemiah 12:25).

But the two most likely candidates for the writer of the book of Obadiah are not among those eleven men.

One was the governor of King Ahab’s house, but risked his life to hide a hundred prophets of God, and even fed them (presumably with Ahab’s food) during a great famine (1 Kings 18:1-16). This man was also acquainted with Elijah, which was also very dangerous at this time, since that prophet had a death sentence hanging over his head by Jezebel.  But Obadiah remained faithful to the Lord and His prophets.

The other one is a man chosen by King Jehoshaphat to travel around the kingdom as a teacher of the Law, to bring the people back to God—and it seems to have been so effective that the nations around them even feared the Lord as a result (2 Chronicles 17:3-10).

We may never know for certain which man wrote Obadiah, but now at least you know a little bit more about the possibilities.

-Bradley S. Cobb

Have you ever heard of Hur? “Didn’t you mean to say, ‘Haven’t you heard of her?'” No, I meant to say, “Hur.” He is one of the great “supporting roles” in the Bible. Literally!
In Exodus 17, Amalek came to fight against Israel. The plan for the Israelites involved many people in several different roles. There was Moses, the fearless leader of the Israelites and spokesman for God. Not only did he inform of the plan (v.9), it was his hands that, when raised, allowed Israel to prevail (v.11). There was also Joshua, the leader of the armed forces who mounted the charge into battle (vv.9-10, 13). Alongside Joshua were the men chosen to fight. We do not know their names. However, we can appreciate their courage and valor.

There are also two more individuals in the account. Aaron and Hur are the unsung heroes – the supporting roles – of the battle. They had the grand task of holding up Moses’ hands. As long as Moses keeps his arms and staff in the air, Israel wins. They fall, and Israel loses. The vital lesson for us is that everyone can contribute because everyone can be a Hur! (Now, truthfully, how many of those reading this have heard of Hur?) Not everyone will be a preacher, elder, deacon, teacher, or someone in the “spotlight.” There are things for you to do that are just as vital, important, and necessary. How can you be a Hur?

• Make a phone call to the person that hasn’t been attending.
• Send a card to encourage a missionary or preacher, or to lift someone who is sick or sorrowful.
• Make a meal for a shut-in.
• Wash baptismal garments, clean the building, or prepare communion.
• Financially support a preacher student, a teacher, or a missionary.
• Visit your preacher or youth minister at his office to pray for him and his family.
• Make homemade cookies, bread, or some other good to give to visitors.
• Stop an elder after services, pull him into a classroom, and pray for him.
• Be a “helper” in a children’s class.
• Send flowers, or a bring a gift card by for the office personnel – Meda, Teri, and Lynn.
• Make it a point to welcome all the visitors at each service.
• Invite a deacon and his family over for Sunday lunch. Invite a different one each week until you have had them all over.

Even the most unknown, ungifted person can contribute to the victory. Ultimately the victory is because of the Lord (vv.14-16). However, He expects all of us to do our part because every part is essential!

So, what are you waiting on? Be a Hur!

Corey Sawyers

Since the deaths of Osama Bin Laden and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, former heads of terrorist operations in Iraq and elsewhere, there have continued to be suicide bombings around the world. At this writing they do not seem to be as frequent as in years gone by, and this may be because of Covid-19. The drop in frequency of such suicide bombings is deceptive. We might be deceived into thinking we have been successful in subduing such a mindset. Unfortunately, those who have a propensity toward such violence and force are as alive today as it was when the terrorists flew jet planes into the New York Twin Towers almost twenty years ago. As Rush Limbaugh was fond of saying, “Don’t doubt me on this!” The same mindset that motivates terrorists to carry out the horrific deeds that make news also motivates groups like Antifa, Black Lives Matter, and the Ku-Klux-Klan to promote violence in those cities where they think they can get away with it. Let the violence lessen in one area, and it seems to crop up in other areas. The past half-century has taught us one important lesson, namely that things will wax worse and worse throughout the Christian dispensation. So long as the devil is around, he will continue to be that “roaring lion” going about seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). Consequently, the evil in this world is and will continue to be rooted in inevitability.

It has not been that long ago when Americans seemed to think mad bombers were “over there,” and we were isolated from the influence of such insane acts of violence. All that changed at the turn of this century – September 11, 2001, to be exact. While it appeared that we were safe and secure, we were already hearing warnings of “inevitability.” After 9/11 the consensus of politicians and public leaders was that attacks on American soil were inevitable. Former FBI director Robert Mueller went on record (5-21-02) as stating that suicide bombers are inevitable, even here in our country: “It is inevitable that suicide bombers like those who have attacked Israeli restaurants and buses will strike the United States [and] we will not be able to stop it.” Such language, to say the least, is a little unsettling. Except for the Civil War, American citizens, since the founding of this nation, have been exempt from war on our home soil. Unlike Europe, Africa, Japan, China, and other nations, we have not experienced an invasion of the enemy, occupation by another nation, or the threat of physical harm because of warfare on our homeland. Those sentiments are no longer true. Dan Rather, shortly after the attack on the World Trade Centers on September 11, 2001 observed that the words in the fourth stanza of “America, The Beautiful” read thus:

O Beautiful for patriot dream,

That sees beyond the years.

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears.

America, America! God shed His grace on thee.

And crown thy good with brotherhood,

From sea to shining sea.

The words “undimmed by human tears” were the focus of Rather’s comments. In tears he pointed out that now our cities have been dimmed by human tears. We have experienced firsthand the invasion of an enemy. And we are afraid! That fear is heightened by the uncertainty of time and place. As former FBI Director Robert Mueller noted, “I believe it is going to come…Now, is it going to happen today, tomorrow or two years? We’re not certain.” Meanwhile we have our own form of terrorism here in the United States. Unbalanced and unhinged (and I might add, unlawful) individuals seem to think that taking innocent lives in order to make some kind of “statement,” or gain some twisted form of notoriety is the new norm. They take it upon themselves to enter a movie house, or post office, or former place of work, and gun down innocent bystanders. Will it happen again? Probably! Will we get any warning? Probably not! This was precisely Muller’s point. Of course, Mueller can only guess what lies down the road. We need not become unsettled because of one man’s opinion, nor should we live in fear that some mad man is going to walk into the local Walmart and “pull the string.” Now to the point of this article. Why is it that folks can become so unsettled over something that may or may not ever happen, yet totally ignore the warnings of something that really is inevitable? Let me explain.

There is an event, the precise date unknown to men that awaits the whole of mankind. Of course, you know what I speak. “Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:28-29). “For we must all be made manifest before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). “It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). “But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only” (Matt. 24:36).

Why is it that our reaction to the announcement of an “inevitable” threat to our physical wellbeing has such a profound effect on our emotions, while we give so little thought to another “inevitable” promise that faces all mankind, past, present, and future generations? Comparing the two events, consider the following:

First, there is the possibility factor. Even with all the input from some of the top government agencies at his disposal, Mr. Mueller can only make an educated guess. It may turn out that he is right, and that indeed suicide bombers ARE inevitable. But neither he nor his constituents can look into the future. On the other hand, our God is omniscient. He has proven His power in this area by predictive prophecy that has come true 100% of the time. As to the possibility of the judgment, you can rest assured that day will occur.

Second, there is the time factor. When it comes to probable terrorist acts on our home soil, the FBI director admits, “We’re not certain.” All available information is brought to bear, and still, “We’re not certain.” Who knows the mind of a terrorist, what time frame that might constrain him, or events and circumstances that may bring about the opportunity for his intended actions? Who among men can predict that some madman will walk into his workplace and shoot innocent victims? As for the judgment, “no man knows, not even the angels in heaven.” Why is it, then, that men think they see the “signs” of the Lord’s return in judgment? The precise moment of the judgment cannot be determined, and men manifest their arrogance and foolishness when they attempt to pre-guess or circumvent God.

Third, there is the purpose factor. Why do the FBI, CIA, and other intelligence agencies think it important to provide advance notice of an “inevitable” attack by terrorists? The answer is obvious. So that we can be alert, prepared, and ready for such an event and thereby minimize the injury and loss of life. God has warned us of the judgment. He has even told us that He is not willing that ANY should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Additionally, He has provided a “way of escape” (1 Cor. 10:13). He has promised to see us through if we will but trust and obey. How grateful we are that God has warned us of that “inevitable” event.

I am puzzled, however, that so few give serious consideration to the Divine warnings concerning that coming day of Judgment. The only conclusion I can come to is that they must not really believe that the Judgment Day is “inevitable.” I wonder!

By Tom Wacaster

In the mid-’80s, while teaching at Bear Valley, in one of the Homiletics classes, the assignment was to present a lesson dealing with,  “The Assurance Of Your Salvation.  “Each of the nine students presented their lessons, and with all the lessons of the years, well most have been forgotten for the most part. But one of the illustrations used has stayed with me these 35 or so years.

One of the students began by saying, “You are in the fight of your life. You are in the ring with George Forman, and to stay alive, you must win. Well, what are the chances,” he said? He went on to say, “I was thinking what chance did I HAVE, NONE.”

Then the Connor man leaned down and said, “the fight is fixed, you can lose, but you must stay in the fight, stay in the ring.”

Then he went on to say, “The Christian life is like that, the moment you put on Christ in baptism you became the eternal winner. But you must stay in the fight. Never give up, never turn back; keep your eyes on the goal.

A few verses that make it clear we are in a Fight.

II Tim. 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

 I Tim. 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Eph. 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

     James 1:12, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

I am sure you can think of other passages that make it clear we are in a fight. But always remember the fight has been won through Christ. Satan has been defeated.

From  Romans 8:31-35, consider this promise, ” What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”

So Again, Stay In The Ring,

Dick Brant

The renown Science Fiction writer, Isaac Asimov once wrote, “I don’t believe in an afterlife, so I don’t have to spend my whole life  fearing hell, or fearing heaven even more. For whatever the tortures of hell, I think the boredom of heaven would be even worse.”

I think Asimov not only summed up his own thinking about heaven, but he also summed up the thinking of countless others as well.  Many people, like Asimov, envision heaven as an eternal worship service wherein the saved will sit on hard wooden pews, wearing uncomfortable neck-ties, suits, and dresses. There we will sit for all eternity singing every song in the songbook from cover to  cover, only to then start all over again. In a word, many people think heaven will be BORING!

While I cannot tell you all the things the saved will do when we get to heaven, I can assure you that it won’t be “boring,” and one won’t  prefer hell over heaven. How can I make such an assurance?  Because I trust God.

Had I been with the Israelites when they were backed up against the Red Sea with the Egyptians approaching, I would not have known how God  was going to save them, but hindsight revealed he parted the Sea so the Israelites could escape.

Had I been present when God told Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, I would not have known how God was going to resolve that  situation, but hindsight revealed that he provided a ram.

Had I been present when Jesus was murdered on a cross, I would have been so confused, but hindsight revealed the resurrection.

Likewise, while I don’t understand how God is going to make heaven the place of eternal joy and happiness devoid of sorrow, pain, and death, I have full faith that someday, hindsight will reveal the answer to that question as well.

As for me, I’m homesick for a city to which I’ve never been. As for Asimov, he has changed his thinking about preferring hell over heaven, but sadly, he changed his mind too late.

– Steve Higginbotham

It was the worst of times. Through fifty-five years, Manasseh did what was evil in the sight of Jehovah. Not only did he rebuild the high places which were used to worship the Baals, he even “built altars in the house of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 33:4). The depravity of Manasseh was seen in that “he burned his sons as an offering in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom” (2 Chronicles 33:6).

Manasseh’s degradation infected the people of Israel, and he “led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray, to do more evil than the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the people of Israel” (2 Chronicles 33:9). Though Manasseh humbled himself and repented at the end of his life, the damage of his fifty-five years was immense.

After two years of Ammon, Manasseh’s grandson, Josiah, became king at eight years of age. When most children are learning to drive and working a part-time job, Josiah began the hard work of correcting fifty-seven years of degeneration and destruction. Piece by piece he destroyed his father and grandfather’s legacy. He slowly worked his way through the land until he came to the temple.

In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah began to repair the house of the LORD. In the midst of this work, Hilkiah, the priest found the book of the Law (2 Chronicles 33:14, 15). Of all the losses suffered due to the sins of the people, the most consequential was the loss of the book of the Law. The people forgot God, his love, his holiness, his blessings, and his judgments.

The law of God was lost in the house of God! Consider the tragic irony. How is it possible that God’s word was lost in his house? Before we judge too harshly, is it possible that the book of God can be lost today?

In a world full of knowledge we are woefully ignorant of the laws of God. If we lament the darkness of our age, we must lament the discarding, disregarding, and misuse of Scripture. God’s law brings people out of darkness. When Josiah found the Law, light returned to the people.

The church, which is the temple of God (2 Corinthians 6:16), should be directed in every way by God’s word. Christians should have God’s laws in their minds and upon their hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10). If we lament the lack of soundness, boldness, and influence of the body of Christ, we must lament our lack of faith in the all-sufficiency and inerrancy of God’s inspired word.

There is hope, dear reader. In humility, let us repent of all the pseudo-scriptures we have bowed before. Let us tear down the high places of hero and politician worship. Let us remove from the house of God any false ways. As Josiah before us, let us bow down before the Creator, inquire of him, and do according to all that is written in his book.

Don’t lose again the law of God in his house.

Lee Parish

The participation of the Philippians in the gospel with Paul included actually proclaiming the gospel message themselves. Look at 1:27-30:

“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”

Verse 27 is the central exhortation of the letter. Conducting themselves worthy of the Gospel included the Philippians standing firm and secure in the gospel, with the common purpose of glorifying Christ.

They struggled for their faith but they also refused to allow their enemies, whether Jews or pagans, to intimidate them into silence (vs 28).

The verb translated “striving together” is used only here and in 4:3 in the Bible. In this latter passage, Paul is talking about two Christian women in the church there in Philippi and says that Euodia and Syntyche “shared his struggle” in the cause of the gospel, along with another Christian named Clement and other fellow workers. In other words, these two women “fought at the side” of Paul is sharing the gospel. I do not know exactly what they did but Paul was thankful for their efforts.

So, the Philippians are to present a united front against the attacks of the enemy as they present the gospel of Christ to a lost world. The stress in 1:27-30 is on unity and the need for an organized and sustained effort among the Philippians. By standing firm, the Philippians show that their goal is the same as Paul’s – the salvation of the lost through the gospel of Christ.

Before we leave Philippians, let’s take a look at 2:14-16: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.”

Looking at verse 16, the verb “holding fast” could be translated “holding forth.” The Philippian Christians are offering the word of life to others, holding it tightly themselves and holding it up as the light to Jesus Christ.

This “word of life” is the preaching of the true (spiritual) life in Jesus Christ. This word creates life, a spiritual life with God. It is, therefore, synonymous with the word “gospel.”

The Philippians were allowing the gospel message to have a powerful impact on their own lives and, through their lives, to have a triumphant progress through their own community of Philippi.

We, in the Swartz Creek church family, want to participate with others in sharing the gospel of Christ. To live our lives worthy of the gospel, holding fast / forth the word of life here in our own community, keeping our own congregation spiritually strong, so that we can help serve others in the mission field.

Paul Holland

Politicians promise changes. In all of our lives we find constant change. We never know from one day to the next what to expect. James wrote, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today  or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’:  whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow….” (James 4:13-14a).

Some changes may be for the good, while others for the worse. Some things, however, never change. The laws of nature, for instance, are constant and unchanging. From creation, a stone dislodged from a cliff would fall 96 feet per second. That has not changed, nor will it. Water, that thousands of years ago would boil at 180 degrees at sea level, will do the same today.

Some seem to think that God is changeable. Otherwise they would not think to make His word obsolete. However, the psalmist prayed, “You are the same, and your years will have no end” (Psa. 102:27). Moses declared, “God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19).

Cultures change. Men are not long satisfied with the statutes of God, and set their own standards of morality and religion, but they have not consulted with God. Men may even redefine marriage, but we needn’t expect God to rewrite His own “dictionary.”

It is as true today as it was almost 2000 years ago, that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life”, the one way to the Father (John 14:6). It is as true today as it was  in the early days of the church that a response to the gospel by obedient faith will secure the forgiveness of sins and acceptance into the Lord’s spiritual body, the church (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38, 47). Men change, as do their words.  But God does not change, and His word will stand firm forever.

– Ronald Bartanen

Phil 1:12-14 – “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”

Paul is in prison (1:7), probably in Rome, recorded at the end of the book of Acts. But his arrest, he says, had “turned out for the greater progress of the gospel.” While in prison, Paul had apparently even converted some of the soldiers guarding him. The “whole praetorian guard” had heard the gospel. They would not have, perhaps, if Paul had never been arrested.

But this progress was of supreme importance. Outside of the church, the Christian community, Paul’s arrest and imprisonment were understood to be related to his relationship with Christ. Notice, he says, “my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known…” What might these people be saying?

“Why would Paul present such a message if it causes him to be arrested? Why would Paul leave the Jewish religion, a religion that was legal, for a religion that was illegal? Why would Paul leave the pinnacle of his position in the Jewish religion, to become a persecuted, beaten, practically unknown preacher of the ‘sect of the Nazarene’?” Those are questions that Paul’s imprisonment might create in the mind of non-Christians. For those interested in truth, the gospel message was waiting.

Inside the church, Paul gave fresh energy to others to work in evangelism. With Paul’s imprisonment, they gained confidence in the Lord, “courage to speak the word of God without fear.” Paul’s courage and determination strengthened the resolve of others to preach about Christ with more courage.

Paul is not surprised that Christians in Philippi would engage in this active outreach. They had already been evangelizing before Paul’s arrival in Philippi and now they have received strong encouragement by Paul’s example.

Let us be encouraged and inspired by Paul’s example to speak the word of God with boldness.

Paul Holland

What is it that pulls you through stressful times as well as the routine? Consider these snippets of scripture providing words of hope in distress, as well as purpose within the mundane and guidance for the road ahead.

• God tells his people, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
• “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20
• “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
• The Christian is encouraged to embrace: “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 11:6
• “I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
• “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
• “Do not be anxious about tomorrow.“ Matthew 6:34
• “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.“ 2 Corinthians 5:10
• “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
• “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved … I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.“ John 10:9,10
• “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
• “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37
• “For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
• “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things (basic necessities) will be given unto you.” Matthew 6:33
• “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.“ Matthew 22:38
• “Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you.“ Luke 6:31
• “God … comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.“ 2 Corinthians 1:3,4,5
• “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.“ Matthew 28:19-20
• “Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.“ 2 Timothy 3:16,17
• “Do not go beyond what is written.” 1 Corinthians 4:6

I hope these verses for us are not merely isolated beads, but rather they recall for us the rich contexts from which they arise and which give them meaning. These only scratch the surface. What verses would you include?

Barry Newton

You are a unique person. No one else is like you. God made you an individual with characteristics, personality, and tastes that distinguish you from every other human being who lives or has ever lived.

“Identical” twins aren’t. People who know such twins can usually tell them apart from their manner of being.

As a child of God, you have unique experiences, talents, gifts, and opportunities. No one else has lived through the exact same sequence of events. No one else has processed them like you. No one else has the same set of capabilities that you possess. No one else witnesses the same opening doors, rubs shoulders with the same set of people, sees the same potential for good.

So when you, living in God’s kingdom and enjoying all spiritual blessings in Christ, fail to use the gifts the Lord has given you and miss taking advantage of the opportunities he has set before you, the world is poorer because of it. The kingdom of God is weaker because of those unused gifts. And you are diminished in your faith and service since they lie dormant.

Use your gifts. Ask God to open doors for their use. When the chance comes, no matter how small it appears, take it. Large trees grow from small seed. Great deeds begin in small ways.

Be willing. Do not close yourself off to service in areas you think are now shut.

Someone wrote that from time to time we ought to reinvent ourselves. For the Christian, God often brings us to a point where he wants us to take new turns, learn new skills, exercise underused muscles. And he may well prod us to brush off some old gifts that were left aside.

We have our reasons. God has a greater purpose and a greater good. We think flight from service has its justification. We cite circumstances, relationships, or limitations. The Lord understands, and he still prods, calls, sends, and equips.

Fears, hurts, and failures of the past may have caused you to shrink back. Worries about the future may hang heavy over your heart. Let God heal the past. Let him take care of the future. Raise yourself up, look around at a perishing world, see the family of faith in need.

Use your gifts. To bury them is to bury yourself. You know this to be true. As you unearth your gifts, let God give you life, power, wisdom, and the motivation of his love and grace.

J. Randal Matheny