The big stuff

“But also, for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, . . .” (2 Peter 1:5 NKJV).

I have watched as a crew of workers built a road (or driveway) on private property in Bangladesh. First they dug out the soil to a pre-determined depth, then filled it with pieces of concrete broken into chunks the size of one’s doubled fists and larger. After those are packed and leveled there will be a layer of brick chips several inches thick, and ultimately a cement pavement.

The order of fill is of great importance as the varied materials in the base strengthen and support the smooth surface. If the smaller chips were put in first, on the bottom, they would eventually be pressed into the dirt and the road would become uneven and broken. The larger concrete chunks will stay at the correct level.

Few Biblical scholars attempt to find a logical or necessary order to Peter’s wonderful list of Christian virtues in 2 Peter 1:5-7. Except, that is, that all agree that faith is first, intentionally and essentially. “Without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6). Any positive relationship with the Creator begins with the acknowledgement that “He is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently see him” (Hebrews 11:6).

So Paul presents faith as the primary defense against Satan’s attacks (Ephesians 6:16). It is to be earnestly defended (“contended for”) by the church (Jude 3). Faith in Jesus as the resurrected Son of God, and savior of mankind is essential for salvation (Romans 10:8-13). Every step of Christian growth and service is based on the foundation of obedient trust in God.

Some argue that Biblical teaching on faith presents it always as the possession of the believer – that quality or virtue which allows him to depend on God for all blessings. Though that is certainly a part of Biblical faith, one must also recognize that without an authoritative body of doctrine to which one holds, faith becomes totally subjective and may indeed become different things to different people. Faith is on or in someone or something. Without an object faith is powerless.

Jude wrote to a Christian community to exhort them to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). This inspired writer maintains that there is an objective standard received by “all the saints” which would not change. It was delivered “once for all.” He clearly understood “the faith” in terms of that body of doctrine which all must believe, and to which all must hold (Titus 1:9).

A few decades ago, at the height of the Church Growth Movement in the United States, several polls were conducted to determine why people chose to identify with a particular church. Doctrinal teaching was usually a very low priority. People were much more likely to choose a church because of family history, location, attractiveness of facilities, friendliness of the congregation, personality and abilities of the preacher, and other such factors.

In the current climate of ecumenism (unity), doctrine is necessarily devalued. The decision has been made by most denominations to focus on what believers have in common (often very few things) and to overlook and tolerate that on which they disagree (almost everything believed and practiced). The result is that many so-called Christian authorities now agree that members of other major religions will also be saved – even those who reject the Bible as God’s inspired Word and Jesus as his only Son.

What seems to be ignored in this decision is that it requires the abandonment of Biblical faith. If there is no standard of what or whom one believes in, of what use is belief? This is ironic in that most of the time, the one thing all agree they have in common is “faith.” But it is obviously not Biblical faith based on an accepted standard (the Bible). Modern ecumenical faith is just the intellectual admission that there is a higher power. Biblical faith however confesses that Jesus is the divine Lord, and that he was raised from the dead (Romans 10:9; 1 John 4:1-6).

Jesus concluded his Sermon on the Mount with a parable of two builders. The foolish builder built on sand and his house was destroyed by storm. The wise man built on rock, and his house endured. Jesus application was that the wise man represents those who hear his words and do them (Matthew 7:24-27).

Faith is our foundation. Everything spiritual begins with a commitment to truth which leads to obedience. That is the big stuff that has to underlie all else. Without faith it is impossible to please God.

Michael Brooks

The voice of God

By Johnny O. Trail — At the close of World War II, there was some concern that Japan would not surrender. Hiroshima and Nagasaki had already been devastated by atomic bombs, and America continued to bomb various regions of Japan as the USA prepared a third nuclear bomb. To further encourage the Japanese to surrender, Americans dropped pamphlets from airplanes.

When the Japanese emperor, Hirohito, came on broadcast radio to announce the surrender, it was the first time that many of his subjects had ever heard his voice. Many of Hirohito’s followers believed he was a “demi-god.”/1 Some who heard him surrender to the Americans were hearing the voice of their “god” for the very first time.

For a moment, one might consider what it means to truly hear the voice of God.

For one thing, people need to be careful that the voice they are hearing is really God’s. In the book of Acts, Herod was giving an oration and the people claimed that he was god based upon his speaking ability. Luke records in Acts 12:20-22,

“And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.  And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.”

Evidently Herod went along with their categorization of him. An over-inflated ego seemed to plague many rulers of Jesus’ age and ours too.

Because of his blasphemy, Herod suffered a horrible death.  Acts 12.23 says, “And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms,/2 and gave up the ghost.”  Some study of this manner of death reveals that it was a particularly nasty way to die.  Suffice it to say that we want to give God the glory for all things.

Still, there are those who were likened unto a god, but they understood their true domain before Jehovah’s throne.  Paul and Barnabas were called “gods” at Lystra.  Acts 14:11-15 says,

“And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein.”

Paul and Barnabas understood that they had no business wearing any title that likened them unto God.

How does one hear the voice of God in our age?  While it is true that God is no longer speaking to us in a miraculous fashion (I Corinthians 13.8ff), He still speaks to humankind in various ways.

First, God speaks to us by what we observe in nature.  Romans 1:20 says, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”  From an intelligent design, one realizes that there must have been some precipitating first cause.  That is, someone had to create all of the things we see in the natural universe.

Furthermore, God speaks to us today through His word.  II Timothy 3.16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”  It is amazing to consider that God would even reveal Himself to humankind.

Those who are interested in the truth hear and obey the voice of Jesus. John 18:37 says, “Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” As a matter of fact, God has spoken to us in these “last days” through His son. Hebrews 1:1-2 says, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.”

One must be careful about the voices that he hears and obeys.  If any would be a follower of Jesus, he must listen to Him and no one else.  John 10:3-5 says,

“To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”

Scripture reveals the true voice of the Chief Shepherd.

Moreover, there are voices that will attempt to deceive humankind.  Satan and his minions are described as “deceitful workers” by Paul.  In II Corinthians 11.13-14 he says, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”  Simply stated, Satan tries to display himself in the bests possible light to accomplish the most in his deceptions.

Later, John describes certain deceivers as “antichrists.”  II John 1.6-7 says,

“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

Many scholars believe that the “deceivers” in this passage were the Gnostics. Regardless of their identity, we need to be careful of people who would seek to deceive us in our attempt to follow Christ.

One must hear the voice of God and obey it for eternal life and righteous living.  While some may profess to be deity, God’s true characteristics and will are revealed in Scripture.  We should always use scripture as the litmus test for any doctrine, teaching, or person who claims to speak on God’s behalf.

/1 Burgess, John (1986).  Emperor Hirohito as Demigod and Living History.  Washington Post.  “Hirohito came to power in 1926, revered by millions of Japanese as a demi-god…. In 1945, he was demoted to mortal being, his property was confiscated and he narrowly escaped prosecution as a war criminal.”

/2 Boles H. Leo (1968).  A Commentary on Acts of the Apostles, 2nd ed., Gospel Advocate Company, Nashville, TN, pg. 197.  “Worm” is from the Greek skolex, and was used of “intestinal worms”; there are several cases recorded in ancient history of such deaths.  Josephus says that Herod Agrippa lingered for five days and says that the rotting of his flesh produced worms; this is in harmony with Luke’s description.  It is recorded that Herod died in August, A.D. 44.  Herod died a most revolting death, and much more shocking than a sudden stroke of death.”

www.forthright.net

“Thou Hast Left Thy First Love”

He has been married to his college sweetheart for fifteen years now. They have two kids, a lovely house in the suburbs, and lots of friends. He’s got a good, secure job.  Everything looks great. But, in recent months he has been depressed and unhappy. His wife, noticing these changes, has been worried about him. Is he having a “mid-life crisis”?  Is there another woman? Finally she summons up the courage to ask him what’s wrong.

He assures her that there is no other woman. He would NEVER do such a thing. What’s the problem? “To be totally honest”, he says, “I just don’t love you anymore.” Her pain is deep, and obvious. But, the husband hastens to add: “Don’t worry. I’m not going to leave you and the kids. I’ll still be here. I know it would be wrong to get a divorce. I’ll fulfill my obligations. We’ll keep going on.”

How do you think the wife will react? Do you imagine that she will be relieved? Will she be happy to know that their marriage will continue, but only as an outward show? Is that enough? Can “fulfilling obligations” take the place of “I love you”?

This imaginary account has too many real life counterparts. We think there are a number of spiritual parallels, too. How many Christians have lost their real love for the Lord? Oh, yes, they continue to go through motions. They worship regularly, and even show up for some of the special things. But, it is done out of obligation, not out of genuine love. Will that suffice? NO! Jesus says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. . . repent and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly and remove thy candlestick out of his place” (Rev. 2:4,5). The Lord desires service based on love. Nothing else will do.

– by Greg Gwin

“Let Me First . . .”

On one occasion Christ heard these words, “I will follow thee, but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house” (Luke 9:61). Some say, when confronted with the passionate pleas of the Gospel, “Let me first get my education, a better job, a home, a new automobile, and the other necessary things of life.”

These folks have a place for Christ in their lives – second place!  They seem convinced that material security will somehow prepare them to follow Christ. Such a perception fails to grasp the meaning of Christ’s words: “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).  Many have actually reversed the saying of Christ and are seeking first the wealth of the world thinking the kingdom of God will be added unto them. To gain the entire world and to lose Christ is to lose all (Mark 8:36,37)

There is nothing wrong with having a good education, a better job, a home, a new or better car. The harm is in allowing these things to take precedence over the things of God’s kingdom. What is first in your life? Is it money, pleasure, education, or is it Christ Jesus?

– by Michael W. McLemore

Do you believe that there is a God? Are you convinced that He is the Creator of the entire universe? Have you examined the evidence and become persuaded that He not only has made everything, but also sustains all things that we see and know (Col. 1:16,17)? There is ample proof, and believing in these things requires no ‘blind leap of faith.’ Rather, it is a logical conclusion based upon the evidence. The apostle Paul said: “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever” (Rom. 11:36). Those who will honestly study the matter must surely agree.

Having made this point, Paul proceeds in the next verse to make a plea based upon the truth that God is the Creator and sustainer of the universe: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (12:1) Do you see it? The emphasis here is upon what is “reasonable.” If God made all things, and continues to provide the necessary support to keep all things functioning, then it is simply the “reasonable” thing for us to serve Him. Think about it: we are His; we belong to Him; He made us; He upholds us. It only makes sense for us, therefore, to do what He wants us to do.

In this text, the phrase “present your bodies a living sacrifice” indicates the degree of this “reasonable service.” We are not being called upon to offer ourselves to Him on a part time basis – maybe a few hours per week, or a couple of days each year. Instead, we are to give ourselves completely over to Him.

In our selfish, self-centered age there are many who are totally unfamiliar with the notion of “sacrifice.” They are the center of their own universe. They think constantly of what can be gained for self. They completely ignore the duty that is due to the One who made them and constantly blesses them with the things that maintain their existence. Such conduct is absolutely ‘unreasonable.’

If you believe in God, logic and reason demand that you humbly serve Him. Are you doing so? Think!

– by Greg Gwin

If you like short quizzes, see how well you do with these five questions.

• Who was rebuked by Jesus for caring more about temporal things than eternal things?
• To whom did Jesus offer “living water” that would cause one to never again thirst?
• Which disciple was given a second chance to follow Jesus after denying him?
• Who postponed obedience to Christ by procrastinating for a “more convenient season?”
• Who was the captive who gained his freedom in exchange for Jesus’ death?

If your answers were (Martha, the Samaritan woman, Peter, Felix, and Barabbas), give yourself partial credit. But none of those answers are what I was looking for. However, if you answered each question with your own name, then give yourself full credit!

Okay, so the quiz is a “trick,” but if you go back and re-read all the questions, you’ll see that your name is a perfect answer to every question. The purpose of this little quiz is just to remind you to internalize the Scriptures. The Bible is a great book, but if we don’t make personal application of its truths, it will do us no good. Give it some thought.

by Steve Higginbotham

How many times has it happened? I walk into the bedroom of one of my sons, and it is very messy! Excuse after excuse comes until I finally say, “There is no excuse for this!” In Jeremiah 1, God is telling Jeremiah he has a job for him to do, and Jeremiah begins to make one excuse after another to the Lord. Notice there are five excuses he uses that we still try to use today.

“THE WORK IS TOO HARD” (Jer. 1:6). Jeremiah says, “ALAS! The word is “an interjection of lamentation” Jeremiah is saying, “Oh no! Really? You want me to do THAT?” We sometimes think God’s work is too difficult. However, just because something is hard, does not mean it is not essential! We should take comfort in knowing that God has known us and had plans for us before we were conceived.

“I AM NOT TALENTED ENOUGH!” (Jer. 1:6). Jeremiah says, “Behold, I do not know how to speak” (Jer. 1:6). How could he be a preacher if he could not even speak properly (Ex. 4:10)? We think we are not talented enough. God can use someone humble enough to let himself be used by Him.

“I AM TOO YOUNG” (1:6). Jeremiah says, “I am a youth.” (Jer. 1:6). He was probably late teenage years, or maybe early 20s. Sometimes being a youth and a spokesman is awkward because the older ones will not listen. We often think we are too young, too busy or too old, in our mind at least. Still, just as with Jeremiah, God is with us!

“THIS IS DANGEROUS WORK!” Jeremiah says, “I see a boiling pot, facing away from the north” (1:13). This was a message of judgment, and Jeremiah would not be beloved for preaching it. We sometimes do not want to do something we think is dangerous. Still, we must stand up for Jesus, and when we do, God is with us!

“I DON’T WANT TO DO IT NOW.” Jeremiah did not say this audibly. However, it almost seems like The Lord is answering this one before Jeremiah has a chance to say it. We sometimes will use that excuse of  “just not right now.” Nevertheless, God expects and demands obedience. Now. Not on our time, on His time!

We can make excuses all day long, but they are not reasons, because they are not honest. Jeremiah made excuses as to why he could not preach. In the end, he became one of the greatest preachers of all time. We can make excuses for what we cannot do. Nonetheless, you do not know what you can be until you let Him use you! It is time we obey and serve – No Excuses!

The Value of vision

Have you ever bumped your toe, banged your knee, or walked into a wall? I’m not talking about pain that comes from being a walking phone-zombie, but rather from the blindness that comes about from walking in the dark. Walking without sight presents great challenges. Those with good eyesight only experience those challenges rarely. But those experiences provide great lessons for us. It should not surprise us that God uses the physical realities of blindness to teach far more important spiritual lessons.

Jesus healed the physically blind as proof that he could give sight to those who were spiritually blind (John 9:1-7). The blind receiving their sight was one of the signs demonstrating he was the Messiah (Luke 7:22).

Jesus is the light of the world (John 1:5-9; 8:12). He came to shine light into the darkness (John 12:46), so that we might see where we are going (John 12:35), and not stumble (John 11:10).

Paul’s temporary blindness served as a springboard for his ministry to the Gentiles. He was sent to “open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they might receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18 ESV).

Amazingly, some people simply are not willing to see (John 3:19). Others are blinded by the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), or by their own sinful life (1 John 2:11).

Those who were blind came to Jesus (Matthew 21:14), or pleaded with him to heal them (Matthew 20:30-34). Yet, so many are willing to remain in spiritual darkness, a condition far more dire than physical darkness.

My friend, Virgil, was a preacher for seventy years. Eventually, his eyesight left him and he could no longer read. Yet, he was still able to deliver Wednesday night devotionals and the occasional Sunday sermon. He recreated, from memory, the great scenes of scripture in a picture book. The word continued to live in his heart. While he was legally blind, he saw better than most. While his steps were not always sure, he walked confidently in the light. He saw Jesus far more clearly than many. He passed away last week at 101 years of age. His eyes are no longer darkened, but are now, like his heart has always been, full of light.

Do you see Jesus? Are you walking in the light? What a tragedy to remain in the darkness when the light can shine in your life!

Lee Parish

God and Man

Remember that God sees the whole picture. He sees all the past; He sees all the present; and He has the power to see all the future. He can see the end from the beginning, and He knows the destiny of every person and the solution to every problem. He loves us and is always available to us, but He will force neither Himself nor His will upon us. As long as we live, we are allowed to choose. He is concerned about our true welfare and happiness – here and hereafter. With Him on our side everything will turn out well (Rom.8:28,31); but if He must be against us, nothing will turn out right.

– by Bill Crews

Going to hell? — not farfetched! Many are headed to hell; Ask Jesus! “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Mt.7:13-14).  Likely many reading this — some sitting on church pews saying “amen” are going to hell!  Even you!  Hell is real; the threat is not imaginary.

But if you go to hell, it is no accident. It is your choice.  I know you do not want hell’s miseries; you do not deliberately pick that “lake that burns with fire and brimstone.”  Yet, when you choose the road, you also — necessarily include its destination.  Choose booze — choose fornication — choose the “pleasures of this world” — choose to “just live as you please,” and you choose hell! — at the end of that road . . . Your choice! — plain and simple!  In the words of Joshua, “Choose for yourselves this day….”

If you go to hell, it will be in spite of God.  Do not blame God!!  “The Lord is …not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2Pet.3:9).  God never forces you, overwhelms you, or makes you a robot.  Yet He “works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Phil.2:12). He tries to get you to do right — to listen — to choose the road to heaven.  To go to hell, you must reject all God’s efforts to the contrary.

If you go to hell, it will be in spite of God’s love for you.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (Jno.3:16-18).  To go to hell you have to refuse such love; you must “despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering.”  Otherwise, the “goodness of God leads you to repentance” (Rom.2:4) — and eventually to heaven.

If you go to hell, it will be in spite of Jesus.  You, as a sinner, have no sacrifice for sin.  There is nothing you can do to free yourself from the guilt and consequence of your sin.  It is a hopeless case!  Hell looms on the horizon inescapably.  Until — until Jesus enters the picture!  He volunteers to be that sacrifice for sins.  He volunteers to accept your punishment deserved as a sinner.  For you, Jesus was scourged as a criminal.  For you, Jesus died on the cross as a criminal.  For you, his blood was poured out as a sin sacrifice.  He changed your prospects from hopeless despair —from inevitable hell to an open door into God’s favor, blessings, and heaven.  To go to hell, you have to ignore such a sacrifice on your behalf.

If you go to hell, it will be in spite of Christians.  They are the ones who pester you trying to persuade you to change your life and turn to God.  They just will not leave you alone to go quietly off to hell.  To go to hell you have to turn a deaf ear to all their warnings and all their appeals.

Christians are the ones who will not give up on you even when you try and fail miserably.  They are there to pick you up and encourage you to try again.  To go to hell you have to ignore people who care that much about you — or you may have to get angry with them and then refuse their help and concern.

Christians are the ones who pray for you — even when you quit praying.  They pray about your difficulties and your trials in life.  They pray about your spiritual weaknesses and your sins.  To go to hell, you must fight their prayers to God for you.

Christians are the ones who know what you can be — a son of God reflecting His image.  They are not satisfied for you to fail to become all that God can make of you.  Christians are patient because they were once where you are — and still have problems with spiritual weaknesses.

To go to hell, you will have to close the door on these people who love you — who love your soul.

Are you not finding it hard to keep on going to hell with such obstacles in your way?  In Jesus’ words to Saul, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Act.9:5).  Why not just quit trying to go to hell — quit lashing out against those who try to help you — quit turning your back on God who wants to forgive you?  Serving God and going to heaven is a tremendous alternative!

– by Joe Fitch

A gray-haired old lady, and a longtime member of her congregation, shook hands with the minister after the service one Sunday morning. “That was a wonderful sermon,” she told him, “just wonderful. Everything you said applies to someone I know” (Bits & Pieces, November, 1989, p. 19).

It’s easy enough to do. After all, we hear hundreds of sermons every year.  We sit and listen to lessons and think, “Wow. That is exactly what _______ is doing wrong.”  Or we will think, “I sure do wish _______ could have heard this lesson.”

There is nothing wrong with wanting someone we love to hear a great Scriptural lesson. And in fairness, not every lesson applies to us specifically. However, let’s not be too quick to skip over ourselves. We cripple the way God’s message can work within us if we never apply it personally. Point the finger at others puts us in a dangerous position of picking out specks in others’ eyes when we may have a log in our own (Matthew 7:4-5).

Solomon said in Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.”  Let’s never be quick to think we are doing things right or we might find ourselves caught up in the very sins we arrogantly thought we were strong against.

The reason we sit and listen to lessons from God’s word is firstly to apply them to ourselves. Once we have done this, then we can focus on helping others as well. Let’s be eager to share the wonderful lessons we hear, but let’s make sure we have taken a long, hard look inside ourselves as well.

Brett Petrillo

Without even realizing it, I had signed up for what would be one of my favorite classes in my high school career. When it came time to fill out my electives sheet for freshman year, I didn’t know which classes to pick. So I waited. It eventually came time for school to start and I still had yet to choose my elective classes. As I sat in the counselors office, the lady behind the desk gave me two options; home-economics or tech theater. I opted for the one that sounded less boring.

Upon my first semester of the class, I was falling in love with the whole “behind-the-scenes” aspect of theater. I had opportunities to work with pyro, power tools, and scene sets. Come opening night of a production, the people would flood through the doors, grab their butter saturated popcorn, and sit down in squeaky fold out seats. The tech crew wore all black in order to blend into the darkness between scenes in order to set up the next visual. It was exciting, intriguing, and unnoticed. No one knew all the work that went into just one play production, but I loved it.

Sunday mornings, people flood through the door, grab their routine bulletin, shake their familiar hands, and grab a spot on their desired pew. Opening announcements commence, followed by a prayer, and then the song leader gets up to lead the church in harmony. Things rapidly take a turn for the worse. One of the songs that is projected is out of order and messes up the congregational singing. The preacher stumbles over some of his sentences. Someone forgot they had closing prayer so there remains an eternal pause before someone gets up to fill the void. People leave that worship thinking, “boy, that was a wreck of a service!”

What a majority of members don’t remember, is the amount of prep work that goes into every single worship assembly. Worship coordinators have to hunt down willing members to participate in leading worship. Women volunteer to teach children’s classes with the absence of recognition or gratitude. Song leaders prep for hours to get a system of hymns in place. Audio technicians remain diligent to make sure the sound is just right. Various members of the congregation come in “after hours” to install TVs or projectors and to maintain the functionality to the best of their abilities. Janitors work to make sure the building remains tidy. Preachers wrestle with difficult passages to influence and inspire their listeners. Class teachers slave over material despite the long week they had prior to Sunday. This all takes place for every single worship.

The coolest part? Most of those involved in the preparation for worship aren’t paid. They do it because they love God’s assembly. Do you know what dampens that love? When people complain or whine about an unorderly worship. Perhaps there’s no tolerance when it comes to error in a play production. But worship is not a production. It’s a family gathering together to worship a perfect God. That means there needs to be a great sense of diligence in preparation but that can’t guarantee a seamless worship. I don’t about you, but my family was anything but orderly when it came to doing something together. I’d say the degree of order that we have in modern worship is quite a significant accomplishment, all things considered.

Notice all that went into a worship gathering in the Old Covenant. According to 1 Chronicles 23:4, 24,000 men were assigned for the work in God’s Temple. Even men like David and Solomon knew this was no easy task and it required a lot of work. In the following chapters, 24-26, you can read in detail all the effort that went into temple worship. Whether it’s Old or New Testament, there’s great preparation that goes into each worship. Most of which goes unnoticed and is hidden “behind the scenes.” Here’s the point: It just might enlighten one’s love for God’s assembly more, if an individual were to stop and recognize all the efforts that go into church service. This love can pull the family closer, and as a product, worship God more passionately.

Tyler King

For love’s sake

Love is the most powerful force known to man. Nothing is stronger. It should not surprise us then, that love is the key motivating factor in scripture.

The apostle Paul wrote to a friend and brother from whom he had received much joy and comfort (Philemon 1:7). This letter was written concerning a new brother in Christ, a slave named Onesimus, who had left the household of Philemon. Paul wanted Philemon to forgive Onesimus, and to receive him not as a bondservant but as a beloved brother (Philemon 1:15, 16). As an apostle, Paul had the power to command (Philemon 1:8). Yet, that is not the way Paul approached this situation.

“Yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you — I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus — I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment” (Philemon 1:9, 10 ESV).

Paul made his appeal “on the basis of love” (NET). Is that not how God appeals to us?

It was for love’s sake that the Word came to this earth (1 John 4:9). It was for love’s sake that Jesus offered up his life for ours (John 15:13; 1 John 4:10). It is this very act of love that teaches us the nature of love (1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:19).

It is for love’s sake that we are called to faithfulness. It is for love’s sake that we are to live in holiness. It is for love’s sake that we are to be and to make disciples.

It is for love’s sake that we discipline ourselves and submit to the discipline of God (see Hebrews 12:3-17). It is for love’s sake that we pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus. It is for love’s sake that we follow the commands of our Savior (John 14:21).

Are you motivated by fear? While it is true that fear might comprise a small portion of our motivations, it should not dominate. The Hebrews writer appealed, in part, to his wavering readers on the basis of fear and punishment (Hebrews 10:26-31). But as one grows in faith, their fear of punishment should diminish. Not that they lose an appreciation for the horrors of hell, but they grow in their love and appreciation for God.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18).

Just as Paul appealed to Philemon through love to do the difficult but right thing, God appeals to us. Will you allow the love of Christ to control you (2 Corinthians 5:14)?

Lee Parish

It is a question that pierces to the heart of our being. Why do we serve God? This question deserves to remain at the forefront of our minds. However, another question can dominate our thinking.

This latter question capable of compulsively gripping our minds pushing all other thoughts away frequently appears when disaster wreaks havoc upon our lives. What happens next depends upon what lies deep within our hearts.

Of course, we all know what that latter question is. Our almost instinctive response to suffering involves asking the ubiquitous why question. God, why did you bring this illness? Why didn’t you stop these things from ruining my life? Why did my loved one have to die? The question might differ in its details, however the message is the same. In the midst of being overwhelmed with feelings of  confusion, angst and anger, our hearts can cry out, if you are a good God why did you cause this to happen?

This is exactly the question that Job and his three friends will argue about for twenty-four chapters. The three friends are certain they understand. Their approach in trying to help Job involves attempting to force him into their concept of how God must always work. Job denies their premise that he is suffering because he has sinned. Furthermore, Job responds to their accusations by claiming that God has made a huge mistake in bringing this suffering upon him because he has done nothing worthy to deserve it.

This brings us to the critical fork in the road revealing what lies deep within our hearts. Some people abandon God. They fill their hearts with rage as they denounce God: I don’t want to serve any God who would allow this to happen! Others take the other fork in the road by hanging onto God in their tattered state, in spite of their confusion, disillusionment, anger or profound grief.

What we discover from the book of Job is that the two questions, “Why do we serve God?” and “Why did this happen to me?” are the central questions of two different stages. While humanity becomes preoccupied with why did this happen, the truly important question is being asked in heaven, why does this person serve God?

Our adversary believes people serve God for the shallow reason of self-centered benefit. Take away the blessings and people will curse God. This was his charge against Job. And sometimes this is exactly how people react. Malachi 3:14 records the words of those who only see value in serving God if you can get what you want.

Is God worthy or honor, glory and praise regardless whether we are blessed or suffer? Scripture responds with a resounding Yes! God is just, even if we cannot see that final justice right now. God is love and has demonstrated his love in the most profound way in order to rescue us from condemnation and grant us life as his people. God is the Creator to whom we owe our very existence.

All may not be now as it ought to be. Nevertheless, God is worthy of our devotion.

The lingering question confronts each of us, why do we serve God? This is a question we need to answer before the crucible of trial arrives to reveal what lies deep within our hearts.

Barry Newton

You know it is true you can find anything and everything at Google.com. The only trouble is anyone can post items, true, untrue, or make-believe. So you are left after searching through many web sites making a decision based on your what you think sounds best.

Now, not exactly the same, but close, is a search through Bible commentaries to find the truth. Let me give you this example. Not long ago while teaching the book of Mark during one of the classes I mentioned the names of 22 different authors that had written a commentary on the book of Mark. And my simple question was, “Which writer is correct?”

As I looked out over the class, I could see the many faces of confusion. Then I said, “That’s right, the one you agree with.” Then I went on to explain if we are not careful we ask others, read books, commentaries, attend lectureships searching for someone that agrees with us and our understanding of a Bible passage.

Remember, it is God that has given us His word, His instructions, and His guidance as recorded in the Bible. Now, of course, a study of language, history, customs, and culture of the day are going to helpful. But that is quite a bit different than saying about a Bible passage, “This is what God meant.”

Note a few passages that make it clear that we can understand.

 Ephesian 3:3-4 “That by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. That by referring to this, when you read, you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.”

Of course some things are hard to understand, II Peter 3:15:17, “As also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You, therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness.”

Last, consider the warning found in, I Cor. 13:36-37, “If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.”

So again, it is your “own” soul that is of your greatest concern, Not that you are not concerned about others, but be sure of your own situation. My strong suggestion is, be a student of God’s word and not the latest books on the market.

It is being a doer of His word that leads to eternal life.

Dick Brant

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

A few years ago, officials in St. Cloud, FL, found a pickle jar full of old coins in the walls of a bungalow which was in the process of being torn down. About 2000 coins dating from 1917 were found, believed to be hidden by someone during the Great Depression. The house was sold because the homeowner failed to pay code-endorsement penalties. In fact, the previous owner had lived there for months with no water nor electricity. 861 half dollars, 1,016 quarters, 202 dimes, and three nickels were in the jar. The value of the coins as collector items were to be determined. However, the weight alone meant the silver was worth nearly $10,000. The hidden treasure, unused, was no help. A former Walt Disney World employee bought the place for $39,900.

We teach our children the song This Little Christian Light of Mine, in which they sing, “Hide it under a bushel? NO!” How many of us are hiding treasure within ourselves? The Lord gives us all talents. Are we hiding those talents, or are we using them to bring glory and honor to the Lord? Are we sharing the Gospel of Jesus, or are we hiding it inside ourselves because of fear or shame?

Many during the Great Depression hid money to use later. Assuming that is how this jar of change ended up in the wall, the money was not beneficial to that person. It was good to store it up, but by leaving it hidden, it did no one any good. It is profitable for us to store up God’s word in our hearts. However, if we are keeping the Good News of the Christ and our talents hidden from the world, neither are useful to us nor anyone else. How will you share the Gospel today?

Corey Sawyers

A few weeks ago, I had lunch at the Village Inn. Now regardless of when I go to Village Inn, I have breakfast. So, I ordered the 2-2-2, that’s two eggs, two strips of bacon and two pancakes with sugar-free syrup.

In just a few minutes my order arrived with the syrup, and it was labeled Smuckers sugar-free Breakfast Syrup. Making a little joke with the young waitress, I said, “This is Breakfast syrup, is it ok to have it with Lunch?”  “Well, looking at the bottle, then looking at me, and a bit confused she said, “I think so.” It would be interesting to hear her tell the story; “I had this old guy the other day that said ———,”

It is true syrup is syrup, and it doesn’t matter, it is the same breakfast, lunch or dinner, even though the label clearly said Breakfast.

So, what is the point? You would be right to think, it is not, a lesson on syrup. It is a lesson on the use of the word, Breakfast. Even though the word, “Breakfast” is used on the label, it is meant to include all meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, even though each word means something different.

Of course, the word usage doesn’t matter in dealing with a meal, but that is not always the case. Note with me the subject of baptism, and some word usage, thoughts, and ideas.

Some religious groups pour water on a person as a method of baptism. If this were the method, Jesus had intended He would have used the Greek word, βάλλει, (the English spelling is ballei) and in the English language, the word means to pour. As in John 13:5, “He poured water into a basin.” This is not the word Jesus used when he spoke of baptism.

It is also true that some religious groups sprinkle water on a person as a method of baptism. Again, if this were the method Jesus had intended, in this case, He would have used the Greek ραντιζω, (the English spelling is rhantizo) and in the English language means to sprinkle. As noted in Hebrews 10:22, “having been sprinkled clean.” This too is not the word Jesus used when he spoke of baptism.

In regards to the words of Jesus, He states clearly in Mark 16:16, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.” This Greek word is, βαφτιστεί, (the English spelling is Baptizo)  but in this case, the word is not translated only given an English spelling. This is the same situation every time a form of this Greek word is used,  it is not translated, just given an English spelling. You will hear that this word has been transliterated, meaning to give it an English spelling. Can you imagine if of all of the Greek words were only transliterated? The reader would not understand anything unless they know the Greek language of course.

From Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance you find the following definition. From a derivative of bapto; to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. Fully wet); used only (in the New Testament).

Let me note a few places the word is used.

NASB                           Greek                  Word   Strong’s                 Origin   

Baptized MK.16:16        βαφτιστεί            907: to dip, sink                   baptó

Baptized Act 2:38          βαφτιστεί            907: to dip, sink                   baptó

Baptized Act 22:16        βαφτιστεί            907: to dip, sink                   baptó

Baptism  Rom. 6:4        βάπτισμα             908: Dipping/sinking             baptó

Now while it is true, because of the context, the Greek form of the word hasa different spelling, (ending) it is also obvious there is no mention of these Greek words meaning Sprinkling or Pouring. I think if translators, translated the Greek words rather than only giving them an English spelling there would be a better understanding by many.

So, it is not like Breakfast syrup good at any meal; the word is baptize means to fully immerse, submerge. Nothing less will do.

What’s in a word?  In this case, God’s forgiveness.    

Dick Brant

War is terrible. Casualties take so many forms, with some being innocent people who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The atrocities of war are nearly beyond belief. The old adage, “all is fair in war” has been played out time and again through the ages as people have suffered the ravages of warfare. Since the American Civil War, we have very little historical experience with war on our own turf, and no personal experience whatsoever with war in our own backyards. For Americans, war is always something we wage “over there.”

Our shores have been safe from the all-out bombardments which other societies have frequently experienced and for whom there is almost automatic acceptance that warfare is a fact of life. The carnage of dead bodies strewn about the shattered streets of our hometown is a picture we have not seen. Try to imagine your home a bombed-out shell. Picture in your mind your livestock slaughtered, your workplace destroyed, and your way of life completely decimated. Visualize if you can the little children of your neighborhood with missing limbs, or raped, or perhaps dead. Most of us cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like to live in war-besieged places like Iraq, Croatia, or Palestine. There, human life is so poorly regarded that the leaders of these peoples do not mind spilling the blood of their own countrymen in what sometimes appears to be senseless, petty strife. Perhaps those of our nation who have seen active combat know something the rest of us do not. War is not pretty, and those who glory in it are misguided. It is serious business, and armed conflict always produces loss from which neither the victor nor the conquered ever fully recovers.

If carnal warfare is merciless and horrific, how must more so the spiritual warfare in which Christians are engaged. Peter warns the readers of his epistle to realize the seriousness of the struggle they were making against immorality of all sorts. In fact, he uses several strong terms in 1 Peter 2:11 to impress the imagery upon the minds of first century Christians, and also upon us. He wrote “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul.” Since we are really living in a place which is not home to us, we must be careful lest we succumb to the alluring temptations of the flesh. Just as American travelers must not drink the water in some foreign lands no matter how sparkling pure, and refreshing is may appear –– even so Christians in the world must avoid the contaminants to our souls which come so attractively packaged. A Nigerian preacher friend of mine learned this lesson in a severe way upon visiting the United States. The rich, fat, sweet diet of Americans proved to be intolerable for his bland stomach. Those southern pecan pies were so alluring, but eating an entire pie at once will sicken the best of Southerners, much less a Nigerian! Peter said we must “abstain,” which literally means “to hold oneself constantly back from.” Fleshly lusts are seductive, promising, and so palatable – especially at the first. Solomon’s wise instruction concerning the fleshly lust of alcohol is an appropriate illustration of the fact that it may be alluring at first, but in the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper” (Proverbs 23:32).

These “fleshly lusts” of which Peter speaks “war against the soul.” If a good military strategist never underestimates his enemy, then Christians must surely realize that lust is a serious deterrent to spirituality. Lusts of the flesh are insidious and powerful. They mean to win, not just tease and toy with the Christians affections. Pornography entices and excites, then enslaves. Filthy speech is at first “cute” or “cool,” but becomes a mindset reflecting a soiled heart. Adultery titillates the libido, but ultimately destroys the soul and even the body. Immodesty is at first “trendy” and “fashionable”, but finally lewd and lascivious. “It’s war out there,” dear brothers. Arm yourselves with the Spirit’s sword and shield and do battle for your spiritual self-preservation.

– by Mark White

When it comes to our young people, we often teach more books about the Bible that the Bible itself. That is a shame because if our young people are going to stay faithful, active, involved, and growing, they must have exegetical teaching. There are at least four reasons why:

First, it Honors God. No way honors God more than honoring His word through study of it. Doing so recognizes that He knows how and is powerful enough to give us something that can be understood on its own. His love and justice are seen in that He has done so. Teaching our children to study exegetically teaches them to look to the Lord rather than man for answers to life’s questions.

Second, it Trains Students. By teaching them exegetically, they learn the principles of proper Bible study and how to rely on God’s word for their answers. They learn to dig out of scripture what God’s will is, rather than rely on commentaries or any man. The last thing Satan wants is for our young people to trust God’s word and know how to use God’s word. Exegetical teaching causes both.

Third, it undermines false teachers. The religious world often will select a verse here, a passage there, a verse from somewhere else, and weave a tapestry of doctrines together. When they do, they almost always are taking these passages out of their context. When our young people know how to study the word correctly, they can dismiss those false ideas because they recognize the error and see the truth as the Bible says it. False teachers do not stand a chance against our young people when they know the Bible and how to use it better than the false teacher.

Fourth, it galvanizes faith. You know, the false teachers are not the only ones who topically take verses from their context and weave doctrines together. We often do the same thing. We may teach truth, and yet not teach it properly when we are ripping verses out of context. The problem multiplies when they are shown by someone that a particular verse they are using does not mean what they are claiming. This makes them question everything they have been taught, including the very truth. Teaching our youth exegetically keeps them from following the concordance preaching we often do. They learn to take a text, a pericope, a book, and explain it as God said it.

We sing the song to them, “The B-I-B-L-E, yes that’s the book for me. I stand alone on the word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.” Then, after singing that the Bible is the only book for me, we tell them to open a different book. We inform them of all the commentaries and the like they must have to understand the Bible. We need to get back to teaching God’s word, in its context. If our children are going to make it for the long haul, we must teach them exegetically. The Psalmist said it this way in 119:9, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” Let’s stand alone on the word of God, the B-I-B-L-E!

Corey Sawyers

One of our grand old songs says it so well, “Swiftly we are turning life’s daily pages, Swiftly the hours are changing to years.” Time does have a way of moving so swiftly. There are times when I find myself wondering where the years have gone. Sometimes I close my eyes and my heart is overwhelmed with memories of those years long past. When I open my eyes, I realize that I am now old and running in the last lap of the race called life (Heb. 12:1-3)

A long time ago I came across an article titled, “The Winter of Our Lives Life”. I want to share with you just a few of the thoughts from that article: “But here it is…the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise! How did I get here so fast? Where did the years to and where did my babies go? And where did my youth go? I remember well, seeing older people through the years and thinking that these older people were years away from me and that my winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine what it would be like. But here it is…I’ve retired now and getting gray…I move slower and I see in me those older folks I used to see that we never thought we’d be….Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore…some days it’s mandatory because if I don’t on my own free will. I just fall asleep where I sit….But at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I’m not sure how long it will last, this much I know, that when it’s over, it’s over…Yes, I have regrets…There are many things I wish I hadn’t done, things I should have done…It’s all in a lifetime of living and loving. Life goes by swiftly, so do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not. You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life…so, live for God today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember…” (Author Unknown).

I pray all of us understand that life is a great gift from God and it is our dressing room for eternity. Live it well my friends. Cherish every moment you have on this side of eternity. Enjoy the time you have left with those you love dearly. Tell them you love them, hug them, laugh with them and cry with them. Above all, each day you live, “fear God and keep his commandments” Eccl. 12:13-14, Heb. 5:5-9) and never forget that as the writer of the article stated, you have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life!

Today, there is a beautiful home that tugs at my heartstrings (John 14:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:1-9). Each day I live, I trust the Lord with all my heart (Isa. 12:2-3, Gal. 2:20). I pray the same holds true for you. If not, why not? Yes, I am now old and I know I am in “The Winter of My Life”. Some who now read these words are also in that same season and all in all, God has been good to us! For those who are still in the season of youth, I pray, Lord willing, that one day you will enjoy “The Winter of Your Life.

Charles Hicks