Behind sin works a living, personal, spiritual force called Satan. He opposes God and he considers mankind his battlefield. We know little about his origin, but we have learned much about his tactics and objectives. These should be studied carefully.

When we speak of sin, therefore, we are actually speaking of the work of Satan against God’s special creation of mankind.

Sin overpowers

It cannot be controlled. It is the lion crouching just outside the door ready to pounce and kill, Genesis 4.7; 1 Peter 5.8. It is the kudzu that will not stop growing until it has covered every good intent and smothered all good works. There is no dabbling in sin, no setting limits for sin, no negotiating with sin.

Sin destroys

It destroys relationships, motivations, health, spirituality. Sin undermines strong foundations, creates hurts and offenses between people, accuses others of self ambition, opens up to swallow people and families alive, Numbers 16.1-34. Sin never helps, never builds up, never brings advantages, never unites.

Sin deceives

In temptation, sin shows only its attractiveness, the pleasure from engaging in it. It tells you how much you deserve it, how others are doing it, how you can do it just once and not be hurt, how no one will know about it. Satan is the father of lies, John 8.44, and he tells every lie in the book. His is the first lie recorded, to Eve, and his greatest lies are told about God, Genesis 3.1-5.

Sin twists

It uses people and loves things. It manipulates for selfish purposes. Truth, faith, and love become tools of the trade. Instead of righteousness, respectability. Rather than zeal, it counsels lukewarmness in the guise of moderation. Humility over one’s own error is turned into smugness over avoiding the error of others. The commands of God become fields of doubt.

Sin separates

Sin kills holiness. God is holy. Without holiness no one shall see the Lord, Hebrews 12.14. So sin separates us from God, Isaiah 59.2. The one essential relationship of man is broken by sin. This is the goal of sin. Sin works to this end. When man is estranged from God, sin celebrates. This separation from God begins in this life and carries through to eternity. There is no greater damage that sin can do than separate us from God.

Sin will die

It is true that sin causes death, both physical and spiritual, but sin itself will one day die and perish at judgment. The sinner will die in the torments of hell with sin. Whoever separates himself from sin and appeals to God for salvation, in Christ, will live. Sin cannot overpower God or those who live by his Spirit. Sin will be vanquished. Sin and all sinners will be eternal losers.

“Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus” Romans 6.5-11.

J. Randal Matheny

1 John 1:8-10

Self-deception is one of the greatest dangers we face in our Christian walk.  Once we successfully deceive ourselves then finding our way back to the truth is arduous and even those who seem mighty often fail to find their way back.  Take Saul for example.  He lied to himself so convincingly that he declared he was following God’s command even though he had blatantly violated it (1 Samuel 15:20).  We are given cautionary accounts about self deception throughout Scripture because when combined with one of our chief weaknesses, pride, the deception becomes nearly inescapable.  If we are lying to ourselves and believing those lies then how do we break the cycle?

First, we need to check the mirror we are using to reflect on our lives.  We need to be using the mirror of Scripture  (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and the example of Christ (1 Peter 2:21).  Only by holding our lives and actions up to this perfect mirror will be able to see the blemishes in our lives.  Once we can see the blemishes it becomes much easier to break the cycle of self-deception.

Second, in the context of Christ being our example in 1 Peter 2 and continuing in chapter 3 is an entreaty to be submissive with one another.  Humility is the other guard we have against self-deception.  When we think more highly of others than ourselves then it is easier to see the fault in our own lives rather than focusing on the problems they may have.

If we use the mirror of Scripture and keep our pride in check, then we can avoid the trap of self-deception.

Thom Vaught

The movie War Room came out in 2015. Movie critics did not like it but it ended up grossing $74 million worldwide, including $67.8 million domestically. The movie revolves around a couple, Tony and Elizabeth, who have a daughter named Danielle. Tony is a pharmaceutical salesman, a high pressure job that keeps him away from home, his wife, and his daughter. He is verbally abusive and is thinking about cheating on his wife.

Elizabeth is a realtor who comes under the influence of a Miss Clara, an elderly woman who believes in the power of prayer. Miss Clara encourages Elizabeth to fight for their marriage by praying for Tony. Miss Clara has a special “inner room,” a closet which she dedicates to prayer – it is her “war room.”

Miss Clara states: “in order to stand up and fight the enemy, you need to get on your knees and pray.”

The movie ends with Tony giving Elizabeth her favorite dessert while he gives her a foot massage and Miss Clara now lives with her son, praying in the still of the night.

Giving to the poor. Praying. Fasting. Here, we’re going to spend time with Jesus’ instructions from the sermon on the mount relative to these three spiritual disciplines. Let’s turn to Matthew 6.

RIGHTEOUSNESS TO BE NOTICED – 6:1:

Jesus had just said in Matt 5:14-16 that we are to allow our lights to shine on a hill, allow our lights to be visible, so that others may see our good works, and glorify the Father in heaven. So, what is the difference?

The difference is found in the motivation between the two texts. In Matt 5:16, the motivation is to bring glory to God, to draw people’s attention to Jehovah God. But the motivation in this passage is to be noticed by men.

This human urge to be praised by men, or at least accepted by men, is a very strong urge and it is universal. Paul wrote in Galatians 1:10: “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”

GIVING IN SECRET – 6:2-4:

“Give to the poor…” is all one word in the original language. It is from the same word family as the word “mercy.” Notice its use in Acts 3:6; 9:36; and 10:2, 4, 31.

So God expects us to give charitably to others, not necessarily so no one sees us but our motivation should be to bring glory to God. Jesus says these are hypocrites, that is, they are insincere. They have deceived themselves into believing that if they give liberally and get praised by men, then God is also pleased with their behavior.

PRAYING IN THE INNER ROOM – 6:5-8:

First, Jesus is not condemning public prayer. Nor is He condemning audible prayers in public. Jesus and the church both prayed publicly and prayed audibly. But, again, the challenge is to pray not to be seen of men. Even when we pray publicly, we don’t need to pray in such a way as to encourage people to be impressed with our Christianity, with our theological depth, or our biblical knowledge. Prayer is us talking to God and if we are talking to God, we have no basis for praying in a “showy” way. God cannot be impressed with us and we should not try to impress Him or to impress others.

The fact of the matter is, our words themselves will not compel God to respond to our prayers nor is it our body posture that can compel God to respond to our prayers. It is our relationship to God through Jesus Christ and God’s perfect love for us and perfect knowledge of what is best for us that compels God’s response to our prayers.

FASTING UNOBSERVED – 6:16-18:

Jesus, other than during the temptation, never fasted. The Pharisees criticized Jesus for not fasting in Matt 9:14-15 and in that context, Jesus suggests His disciples will fast, at least during the few days Jesus was dead. In OT times, of course, the Jews would put on sackcloth and sit in ashes.

But Christ’s disciples, if they fast, need to anoint their head and wash their face: clean the body, so that no one will notice they are fasting.

Let us make sure that the good works we do are done to honor our Savior, and not to draw attention to ourselves.

Paul Holland

One particular brother was not too well educated, and his manner was rather rough and crude. He had become a Christian and was boiling with enthusiasm to be of some genuine service to the Master. The elders handed him a list of 10 names with this explanation: “These men are all members of the church, but they seldom attend the services. Some of them are prominent men of the city. Contact them any way you can. Here is some church stationery you may use to write them letters. Get them back to services!”

The man accepted the challenge with rugged determination. In about three weeks a letter came to the church from a prominent physician in the city whose name had been on the list. Inside the letter was a $1000 check and this note: “Dear Preacher: Enclosed is my check to make-up my missing contribution for the past several weeks. I am sorry for missing worship, but be assured that I will be present this Lord’s Day and every Lord’s Day following. I won’t miss worship again if I can help it. PS: Would you please tell your secretary that there is one “t” in “dirty” and no ‘c” in “skunk”!”

Perhaps some of us have not be telling-it-like-it-is often enough in the past! The direct approach is usually the best, and while our “speech is to be seasoned with salt” (Col.4:6), sometimes a cupful of salt water is needed!

– by Gary Fiscus

In times past, it was much more difficult to be a Christian than it is today, well, at least in the United States. In times past, and even today but in different nations, being a follower of Jesus could cost you your life. But for those of us living in the United States, Christianity comes easy. Because we live in such a permissive and pluralistic society, no one really cares what we believe and practice. It’s all good.

Consequently, we find it easy to answer such hypothetical questions such as, “would you be willing to die for the Lord?” We can quickly respond by saying, as did Peter, “Sure, I’d die for the Lord.” However, because we probably will never be asked to do such a thing, it’s easy for us to say. So let me challenge you with this thought…

If you can say that you’d be willing to die for Jesus, that’s wonderful. But until you’re called upon to do so, would you at least be willing to live for him? Give it some thought.

By Steve Higginbotham

Isn’t faith the opposite of fear?  If we want to overcome fear, shouldn’t we focus upon faith?

Yes, however greater clarity is needed. To overcome fear we need to focus upon a form of faith that is obtainable and reliable in every situation – thanksgiving brimming with faith fulfills the needed prescription. Here’s why.

Scripture contrasts fear and faith in story after story. Joshua’s and Caleb’s faith in God’s promise enabled them to overcome any fear created by fortified cities and tall people. Similarly David’s faith in God, who had delivered him from wild animals and who had promised Israel that “five would chase a hundred,” led him to subdue every fear about fighting a giant formidable champion warrior.

However if God has not promised a particular outcome for our troubling situations, how sturdy can faith’s legs be? The breeding ground for fear can be a long list: health, employment, finances, relationships, competence, an uncertain future and so forth.

Consider what might happen when worry and fear threaten as new developments threaten financial holdings. Perhaps someone prays fervently to God for him to prevent a financial loss. Or maybe someone counters another type of fear by being certain that God will deliver.

Let’s stop and think for a moment. Are we the puppet master for God? Must God answer every prayer of faith according to our will? The obvious answer is no.

Someone’s faith might be strong that God will not allow a particular disaster to strike, yet it does. Then because faith was not accurately focused, this individual might erroneously begin to believe that faith is futile. The problem is not with God, but with the nature of our faith. Let’s take a closer look.

Overcoming fear with a faith that is unshakeable, even when God does not respond according to our will, seems to require a specific application of faith. The fiery furnace in Daniel 3 is a classic story setting us upon the path of a healthy faith focus.

In response to the crisis Nebuchadnezzar created for the three servants of the Most High God, they acknowledged God possessed the necessary power to rescue them. Furthermore, they even asserted their confidence that he would save them! Their faith was strong! However, they also framed their rock solid faith within the realization that God might not rescue them. This did not undermine the strength of their faith.

As it turns out, God did rescue them. They knew this is not always the case. It is very significant that they accepted the possibility of the worst while affirming faith in God.

How can we fortify a healthy faith capable of overcoming fear and being sustained even when God does not answer according to our will?  Thankfulness reminds us of God’s power and goodness. Thankfulness refocuses our attention and perspective. Thankfulness reinforces faith.

Here are some steps that can help:

1. Focus on God’s power, love and mercy.  Review God’s track record from scripture! Know that God has the power and that God cares. Then praise God for what is true about God.
2. Be thankful for your past. How has God previously answered your prayers? Spend time in prayer praising God for these blessings. Thank God for his provisions in the present and past – whether that be life, time with loved ones, available resources, a certain measure of health, the promises of the new covenant, and so forth.
3. Be thankful for the moment. Fear often revolves around future “what if” scenarios. Focus on the present while expressing gratitude to God for what you have in that moment. You might not have health, but do you have life and the hope Jesus provides?
4. Do what is possible. Is there some achievable good? Do it. If something is beyond your control, acknowledge your limitations while seeking God’s help.
5. Accept the worst remembering the best. While material goods might be lost or health might fail or relationships might disintegrate, what can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus? Paul’s answer is nothing is capable! Even if the worst scenario becomes reality, this does not mean we have lost everything. Place the crisis within the perspective of the eternal and ultimate. God is still with us. God can still provide and support. And if we faithfully follow our Lord, God will provide ultimate relief one day.

As a doctor might say, “Repeat this prescription as frequently as needed.” It can foster a thankful faith capable of triumphing over fear.

Barry Newton

Morris walks out into the street and manages to get a taxi just going by. He gets into the taxi, and the cabbie says, “Perfect timing.

You’re just like Dave.”

“Who?”

“Dave Aronson.  There’s a guy who did everything right.  Like my coming along when you needed a cab.  It would have happened like that to Dave.”

“There are always a few clouds over everybody,” says Morris.

“Not Dave.  He was a terrific athlete.  He could have gone on the pro tour in tennis.  He could golf with the pros.  He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star.”

“He was something, huh?”

“He had a memory like a trap.  Could remember everybody’s birthday.

He knew all about wine, which fork to eat with. He could fix anything.

Not like me. I change a fuse, and I black out the whole neighborhood.”

“No wonder you remember him.”

“Well, I never actually met Dave.”

“Then how do you know so much about him?” asks Morris.

“Because I married his widow.”

Ever get the feeling that you never quite measure up to the standard that someone else has set?  It can be very frustrating.  We look around and see people who have achieved such great things in their professional lives, in their family lives, in their spiritual lives, and we’re left feeling very inadequate.  Or perhaps others make the comparison and make us feel that way.

If you compare yourself with others, you can always find someone greater than you are, and that can create a sense of inadequacy.  Or, if you wish, you can always find someone worse than you are, and that can create a sense of pride.  It’s easy to see why Paul said what he did:

“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12)

The only one we dare compare ourselves with is Jesus Christ, and while we will always fall short of the standard, he reaches out to pull us where he is.  If we feel any inadequacy, he provides what we lack.

If we feel any pride, he reminds us that we have no basis for it.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

“If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14).

What makes a proverb a proverb is that it is generally true in most cases. This also means there could conceivably be an exception to the rule, but it would only prove the rule.

When Jesus spoke the proverbial statement above, he was warning his disciples not to blindly follow the advice and  attitudes of some of the religious hierarchy of the day because of their hypocrisy. But even he recognized that there are exceptions to it:

All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not (Matthew 23:3).

Not everything a false teacher says is false and damning. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day. The Pharisees were right sometimes, too. But more often than not, their own spiritual blindness made them unworthy models to follow.

But it causes us to wonder: is it conceivable that a spiritually blind person could lead someone away from the ditch, and toward Christ?

Some years ago, I had a friend who was an unbeliever. He categorized himself as an agnostic. Yet we spent many times on break and after work talking about spiritual things. He seemed genuinely interested, but never got close to obeying the gospel.

Nonetheless, one evening at work he told me an interesting story. The night before he had been out with some friends at a bar and a religious discussion came to the surface. Disputing about different types of churches, the young man proceeded to inform them of the concept of the New Testament church, its uniqueness among churches, its unity, it distinguishing marks. I marveled as he related the details of the discussion. Here was an unbeliever, essentially evangelizing his neighbors at the bar. Perhaps I’m thinking a bit optimistically, but wouldn’t it be nice to think that at some point, either he or one of those friends might obey the gospel due to some seed that had been planted? Here was a case of the blind leading the blind, but by the grace of God, perhaps one of them might actually avoid the ditch.

In another instance, I know of a good man who attended church services for many, many years – if memory serves, at least 40. His wife was a devout Christian. His children had obeyed the gospel. He related to me that, as with the first individual, religious discussions often came up at work. Often those of varying backgrounds would argue or dispute over some matter of doctrine. Having been at the feet of gospel preaching for some 40 years, he was well aware of what the Bible said. He would occasionally insert himself into the debate and attempt to offer a different point of view (this story has a somewhat better ending; eventually, he obeyed the gospel, praise God!). But on the surface it looked like the blind was leading the blind right out of the ditch.

There are other proverbs with similar sentiment: “You cannot teach what you do not know.” Or, “You cannot lead where you will not go.” Or even, “Physician, heal thyself.”

There isn’t much reason to buy from a person who doesn’t know their product. That’s the proverb. There are exceptions, but they only prove the rule.

Rick Kelley

Overview:

Most letters in the New Testament are very personal and address a very specific situation. There’s nothing wrong with that, but one must take overall context into consideration when approaching particular texts for them to have their full effect. The book of Ephesians, however, can be viewed as a generic and universal tutorial on how to live spiritually. This type of instruction was pivotal for the ancient church and it served as the protein to their spiritual appetite.

Background:

The word in consideration is “pateo” or “πατεω” and it means to “walk.” The word is very simple in its meaning as it describes the action of movement. The LXX Old Testament uses this word in cases like Deuteronomy 11:24 to show the possession of land by way of “treading.” God spoke in Genesis 17:1, telling Abraham, “walk before me, and be blameless.” In a broad spectrum, the word “walk” not only shows activity in one’s life, but fully summarizes the direction in which a person is going.

Marking:

The word “pateo” is found 8 times in the book of Ephesians:

• 2:2 “in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air”
• 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them”
• 4:1 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you’ve been called”
• 4:17 “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds”
• 5:2 “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God”
• 5:8 “for at one time you were darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light”
• 5:15 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise”

Application:

There are two paths to walk on: the path of the earth (2:2; 4:17) and the path of God (5:8). The path of the earth is that which will perish has been classified as “futile.” However, the path of God is that which brings blessings to the Christian as well as those around the Christian.

What’s really neat about this study is the evident ability to walk in a righteous way. We can know that walking a holy life is possible (4:1). Sometimes Christians make Christianity harder than it needs to be which then creates an unattainable standard. However, with careful observation (5:15), we can choose to walk in a right way; a way that shares love (5:2). The Christian walk is not a short-sprint nor is it a temporary state of life. Rather, the Christian walk is a mediated marathon of living.

Tyler King

Jesus was urged to stop and eat, to which he replied, “I have food to eat that you do not know about” (John 4:32, NASB).

The disciples were befuddled. One can imagine them scratching their heads, looking around for Jesus’ secret stash of goodies: “No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?” (John 4:33).

Then he said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work” (John 4:34).

Of course, Jesus did eat actual food, but it was not a top priority. Going without? Not a problem for Jesus. Being hungry? Not unusual. Notwithstanding the extreme hunger of his 40-day fast, Jesus’ caloric intake would have been much different in both nature and volume to ours.

Life for many of us revolves around the rhythm of eating meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, etc. It never stops. Mealtime shows up every 3-4 hours. We eat by assignment. We eat out of boredom. We feed our emotions. Are we truly hungry, or do we just like to eat?

Jesus’ words about “Gentile” (read: worldly) thinking in Matthew 6 is eye-opening:

Do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25).

Jesus – in his own example – calls us to make our lives less about the body and more about the soul; less about the self, and more about the other; less about the material, and more about the spiritual. In my Bible this section of Matthew 6 is called, “The Cure for Anxiety.” Who knew that depriving the body, serving the other, and investing more in the spiritual would bring us better health? Who knew that stuffing the body, ignoring others and building bigger barns would destroy our inner peace?

Jesus did.

The reason many are starving is because they know how to feed the body, but not the soul. Many are emaciated because they have put the value of working for this world’s goods over the value of working for the good of the world.

What really fills you up? What really satisfies? What is your favorite food?

What was Jesus’ favorite food?

Rick Kelley

Applause. Compliments. Cheers. Praise. The standing ovation. These all feel really, really good. In our spotlight driven society, some will do whatever it takes to get all eyes focused on them. Just a brief glance at YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter reveals people who are groping for attention. Much of this process is harmless, except maybe for the fact that praise can inflate egos. However, there is at least one area where people shouldn’t be searching for public praise. This is the area of righteousness.

As Jesus delivered His brilliant “Sermon on the Mount,” He makes a shift and begins to talk about people who love to receive praise from others. Five times in chapter 6, Jesus shows that these type of people publicly display their righteousness in order to be “noticed by men” (vs. 1, 16, 18), “honored by men” (vs. 2), and “seen by men” (vs. 5). Ironically, those who act God-minded in order to be noticed by men actually “have no reward with the Father who is in heaven” because they have already “have their reward in full” (Matthew 6:1-18).

There are some great actors in this life who will never make it to the big screen. These are people who act righteous but aren’t truly righteous. These are people who put on a show of spirituality in order to receive praise from others. Interestingly, they are handsomely rewarded for their religious production in the form many “Likes” on Facebook and Instagram, views on YouTube, “Retweets” on Twitter, and compliments.

Certainly many are innocent in this matter. There is nothing inherently wrong with sharing something of a spiritual nature with others. In fact, the vast majority of the time it is wonderful and should be done more! However, let’s make sure we take Jesus warning seriously when He said, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them…” (Matthew 6:1).  Let’s examine our motives in what we are displaying to others. Let’s question ourselves about who we are actually seeking praise from. May our goal always be for the praise of God over the praise of men.

Brett Petrillo

Genesis is the most theologically significant historical book in the Old Testament. By some counts, the New Testament quotes from, or alludes to, Genesis over 200 times.

Many of the most heated discussions of the book of Genesis center upon its historicity. Should we take the first eleven chapters of Genesis as literal history, or should we read it as poetry? I stand firmly in the historical narrative camp. The details of Genesis are accurate and important. But if all we ever focus on are the historical details we miss something of even greater importance.

We certainly should know what happened. Paul told the church in Rome, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction” (Romans 15:4a ESV). But the why is more significant. Paul goes on to say, “that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4b).

The reason we study the Old Testament is not simply to learn the facts and be able to recite them. We are to learn great lessons and build a foundation for the new covenant. If you want to be challenged and humbled consider that Paul argues that not only were the actions written down for us, but that the actions themselves were for us. “Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did (1 Corinthians 10:6).

In scripture, there are types and anti-types. The types are important for what they reveal about the anti-type. Our understanding of Adam is important for how it advances the story of Christ. Our understanding of Isaac is also important because of Christ. Both are typical of Jesus (Romans 5:14; Hebrews 11:17-19).

Genesis stands as the foundation for many of the most important doctrines in the New Testament. Our understanding of Jesus, the church, the home, the value of the individual, the devastation of sin, judgment, righteousness, grace, and salvation are all grounded in, and greatly enhanced by, Genesis.

The next time you read the creation account, be amazed not only at God’s power but also his foresight. Note that at least 13 New Covenant doctrines are grounded in creation. This fact should cause us to pause and contemplate their importance and relevance to our walk.

The next time you read of the fall, be advised of the dangers of sin, but also see how diametrically opposed God’s purpose of man is with sin. Man is the crowning achievement of God’s creation; sin degrades, diminishes, and destroys. Man is made for companionship, with God and with other humans; sin is a false friend that promises company but only leaves one empty. Man is made in God’s image, free from sin but with freedom to choose; sin is not created but is a result of choosing that which is not good.

The next time you study Genesis (or any Old Testament book), consider not only what occurred, but why it occurred. Consult the inspired penmen of the New Testament and be amazed at what you find.

Lee Parish

Across our nation there is turmoil. We see it in the protests in our streets, in road rage, and in senseless murders in our cities. Many are lost in the world of drugs and alcohol. Our courts are packed with divorce cases, lawsuits and custody battles. Many rebel against society seeking equality and human rights.

At the same time church pews sit empty each Sunday, Bible classrooms sit unused, and prayers have gone silent in our schools. Meanwhile, Christianity is attacked on the evening news and in the halls of congress. Yet, it is the Christianity they ridicule that can heal our nation. The Jesus they reject is the only one that can bring the peace they seek.

At his birth the angels announced, “And on earth peace among men” (Lk. 2:14). It was Jesus who taught us to love our neighbor, who gave us the golden rule, who had compassion on the poor, and taught lessons against discrimination. “In the world you have tribulation,” he said. But, “these things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace” (Jn. 16:33). Jesus is the answer, yet America has done as the Jews did, when, “those who were His own did not receive Him” (Jn. 1:11). The turmoil we see in our nation will not be healed by protests and government, but by God’s gift of His Son. This month, as His birth is celebrated by so many, our nation needs to again respect and follow His teachings.

-Dennis Doughty

Lately our world has been filled with bad news,

But even in the midst of trouble, God is still good.

Chaos and confusion has been swirling,

But the Lord is still the God of peace (1 Cor. 14:33)

Even when so many have been filled with hate,

Our Maker is still the Lord of love (1 John 4:8).

Arrests have taken place, some falsely, some justified,

But God is still good, offering spiritual freedom to all (Rom. 6:3-7).

The Supreme Court is pushing decisions they deem “right.”

But God is the only true, honest, and good Judge of the world (Acts 17:31-32).

Heated debates have occurred on these big issues,

But God was good enough to already provide the answers (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Cities have been filled with riots, trash, and destruction,

But the good Lord offers us an eternal home without such things (Rev. 21:4).

Despite all the sin, wickedness, and corruption,

The Lord is good enough to patiently wait for us to repent (2 Pet. 3:9).

It seems the only breaths of fresh air lately are those who have display godlike qualities of love, peace, and kindness (Eph. 4:31-32). It’s painful to watch all the heartache filling our world.  It’s discouraging to see so much pain, suffering, sin, and sadness.  But let’s not forget that these are mistakes of our own, not of God’s.  Despite all our pitfalls, God still offers hope (Hebrews 6:11).  God still offers peace (Philippians 4:6-7).  God still offers love (John 3:16).  God still offers salvation and forgiveness (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21).  Without a doubt, the Lord is still good.  And thankfully, He always was and always will be.

Brett Petrillo

“The right age” or “the right of passage”, as some might say.” But what is that age? Is it age five waiting to start school? Is it age ten so you can ride your bike to school? Or 16 when you can get a driver’s license? Maybe it is 25 when your auto insurance rates go down. Of course, we don’t want to overlook the age of 21, when you have reached the legal age to do just about anything you want.

A few weeks ago at the building, I even noticed a young boy waiting his turn at the water fountain. He could have gotten a drink from the lower fountain; I even ask him if it was working, and he said, “Yes it is, but I’ll wait.”

I left thinking, even being able to drink from the taller fountain in some way is a rite of passage. These few small things are really of no major consequence, it just means time is passing and we are growing older.

What is of vital importance is that we do not develop the habits of others we observe engaged in sinful activates. SIN IS NOT A RIGHT OF PASSAGE. You don’t reach a certain age, and thin, now I have reached the legal age to do the things you see others doing. It could be a friend, a relative, or even a parent.

Regardless of our age, we need to be an example to all young and old alike. Consider these few verses.

• II Timothy 2:22-23 “Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.”
• Mat. 5 16, “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.”
• I Timothy 4 12,”Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”
• Romans 12:2,”And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
• Colossians 3:13, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

I am sure that you can think of many other verses that make the same point; that we should be an example to others at all times. We should be and examples to others, both Christians and non-Christians.

Of course, we don’t reach a certain age when sin should become a part of our life.  At the same time doing good and helping others is for all ages.

When you see a need do your best to meet that need and be helpful, or find someone who can provide the needed help.

SO AS YOU GROW OLDER , GROW IN SERVICE TO GOD

AND GROW AS AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS

Dick Brant

The concept of ‘no rules’ seems initially appealing to many people.  Just think – you can do whatever you want, whenever you want, wherever you want.  Wonderful!

But, wait, if I can do whatever, whenever, wherever, then so can everyone else.  That means that their actions may impact upon me.  They might decide to take my car, burn my house, or steal my children.  If there are ‘no rules,’ then they can do anything, and there is no basis to stop them.

Rules, we come to realize, are extremely necessary.  My rights, my property, in fact my very existence depend upon rules.  Without them, ‘civilization’ would come to an end.

Religion is no different.  Rules are clearly necessary.  If allowed to do whatever we want, there is no end to the chaos that results.  The confused and divided religious world of our day is a testimony against the misguided notion that man should do as he pleases when it comes to serving God.

How can we know what is right?  How can we be assured that God is pleased?  On what basis can we judge that certain religious deeds are proper and others are wrong?  Surely these matters cannot be left to the subjective feelings of men.  The ‘I’m OK, you’re OK’ approach is a proven failure. There must be something objective and certain that will direct us as we seek God.

The objective standard we seek is the inspired Word of God.  It is a “light to our path, and a lamp to our feet” (Ps. 119:105).  God’s word is the truth (Jn. 17:17) that can make us free (Jn. 8:32).

With the divinely delivered ‘rule book’ in hand, we must respect it and comply with its regulations.  This would include ‘speaking where the Bible speaks, and being silent where the Bible is silent’ (1 Pet. 4:11), and demanding ‘book, chapter, and verse’ for everything we do (Col. 3:17).  Anything less will lead to the anarchy of ‘no rules.’

– by Greg Gwin

An interesting thought concerning the very character of God is made in Psalm 113: 5, 6.

“Who is like the Lord our God,

Who is enthroned on high,

Who humbles Himself to behold

The things that are in heaven and in the earth?

There are many people in the world, and perhaps within the church, who view the God of the Old Testament as One who is vindictive and mean-spirited.  The folks who hold to this view have not studied the Scriptures to see that “their” loving God of the New Testament, as embodied in Jesus, is the very same, unchangeable God of old. Perhaps the problem lies in our visual representation of God the Father and God the Son. If our visual representation is flawed then it is most likely that our overall view will be flawed as well.

The psalmist, in Psalm 113: 5, 6, reveals to the reader the fact that God does indeed lower Himself in His concern for those who dwell upon this earth.  One might even say that God is most comfortable with those who are His as evidenced by Isaiah’s notation of 57: 15

“For thus says the high and exalted One

Who lives forever, whose name is Holy,

I dwell on a high and holy place,

And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit

In order to revive the spirit of the lowly

And to revive the heart of the contrite.”

If we now understand that God dwells with the “lowly and contrite of spirit,” right here and now, then the next question is obvious. Have we placed ourselves in a position where God wants to be with us? Another question might be basic to the discussion and that is, “Do we really want God to be with us?”

Dave Chamberlin

In 2005, Troy Driscoll and Josh Long paddled out from the Sullivans Islands in South Carolina for a fun day of fishing.  They were looking for a good place to fish when they were caught in a riptide and pulled out to sea.  They did what they could to escape but were unsuccessful.  Soon, land was out of sight and they spent the night trying to keep warm while battling the waves and remaining wet.  The next day was blistering hot, so they jumped in the water to cool off, but this soon attracted sharks.  As thirst began to set in, it became almost unbearable to be surrounded by so much water but not be able to drink any of it.  Josh spoke about how the water was so clean and clear that it reminded them of blue Gatorade.  At one point Troy begged and pleaded for Josh to let him drink some of the water, but Josh simply replied, “If you drink it, you’ll die.”  The Coast Guard searched the ocean for days through helicopters, airplanes, and recreational boaters.  The boys had drifted 111 miles from where they originally pushed off.  After 6 days at sea without supplies, two fishermen finally spotted the boys in the distant water and they were rescued (People Magazine).

How ironic it must have been to be surrounded by water but not be able to drink any of it.  Many times people stranded at sea have resulted to drinking seawater and paid the consequences.  The negative effects of drinking seawater are well documented.  Some of these effects include (1) dehydration and excessive thirst, (2) a spike in blood pressure, (3) physical problems like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, (4) brain damage and (5) death.  Drinking seawater is never a safe option to quench thirst.

The similarities between our world and the sea are uncanny.  Everyone needs both physical and spiritual water to survive.  Unfortunately, our culture only offers spiritual salt water. We are surrounded with this worldly saltwater. While this water can look clear and clean, it can result in spiritual death.

It is ironic we live in a time of information and technology, and yet the true, fresh, water of life remains elusive to the vast majority.  So, how can we receive this water?  The Samaritan woman in John 4 asked the same question!  Notice Jesus’ response in vs. 13-14, “Everyone who drinks of this water [physical water] will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

When we become a Christian and live a life in service to the Lord, we receive the only water that can quench our spiritual thirst.  We live in a salty sea of sin and corruption.  Josh’s blunt words, “If you drink it, you’ll die,” apply to our situation as well.  Are you thirsty?  Come to Jesus for a safe, cool, clear, refreshing glass of spiritual water (John 7:37-38; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).

Brett Petrillo

Paul said, “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4). The Bible can be understood if we will learn how to study. A few simple rules will help us as we study.

Read the Bible knowing that it is inspired of God.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Scriptures are authoritative. Christ has all authority (Matthew 28:18).

When you read the Scriptures, ask, “Who is doing the speaking?”
In Genesis 3:4 we can read, “Ye shall not surely die.” If I know the Devil said this, then I will have no trouble understanding that this is not a true statement.

We need to know to whom the message is spoken when we read the Scriptures.
Sometimes the Bible speaks to the Jews as under the Law of Moses, sometimes to the man, sometimes to the woman, sometimes to elders of the church, or the deacons. Some passages have their application in the life of the individual, like in the story of the Good Samaritan, and some to the church as a group.

One must love the truth when he reads the Scriptures.
Paul said that some “perished because they received not the love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Truth cannot be handled carelessly. If one loves the truth, he will study and accept the truth as it is without trying to pervert it.

When you read the Scriptures, read the context.
This simply means read the passage before and after the one you are trying to understand.

Read all on a given subject.
You will not understand the truth unless you read all that God has said about a given topic. For example, when you study the subject of faith, you should read every passage on the subject of faith. No passage contradicts another, but all Scriptures harmonize one with another.

John said, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3).

– by Johnie Edwards

Luke 17:11-19

In 1620 a group of religious separatists left Southampton, England with the hope of finding a better life and greater freedom to practice their beliefs in the New World. The ship, the Speedwell, proved to be unseaworthy, so they changed ships. At Plymouth, they boarded the Mayflower and made their way across the Atlantic.     They had initially planned to settle in the warm climate of Virginia, but winds blew them off course and they landed in Massachusetts. They named their landing place, Plymouth Rock. They built shelter and endured a tough winter in which more than half their number died.

In the spring, the survivors established friendly contact with the Indians, planted crops, and improved their homes. When they had been there a year, they decided to commemorate the first anniversary of their arrival. They were divided over whether to celebrate their survival…or to memorialize the dead. The majority held out for a thanksgiving observance.

We should choose to have an attitude of thanksgiving in our lives every day.

In our text we run across some people who made different choices under identical circumstances.

1. THE PLIGHT OF THE LEPERS

Among the ten lepers that Jesus encountered, at least one was a Samaritan. Racial and national barriers are broken by their common affliction. Leprosy kills the nerves. It rots the flesh, a little bit at a time.  People lose their fingers joint by joint, ears drop off, eyes fall out. It’s terrible to even think about. In addition to their suffering, the lepers were outcasts. (Leviticus 13:45-46)

Apart from divine intervention, there was no cure. For some reason the lepers believed that Jesus could do something for them! These were desperate men, but Jesus healed their affliction. Even though they had faith in Christ, we do not remember them for that. We don’t remember them for their obedience. We don’t remember them for the great things they did following their healing. We remember them because of their ingratitude. Only one came back to thank Jesus, a Samaritan.

2. WE SHOULD LEARN FROM THE LEPERS!

Many of us lack gratitude because we don’t see our blessings. We see that which we do not have. We are envious of those who do have. There was an immigrant shopkeeper. His son came to see him one day. He said, “Dad, I don’t know how you ever keep up with your profits. You keep your accounts payable in a cigar box. You keep your accounts receivable on a spindle. You keep all your cash in the register. You never know what your profits are. The old shopkeeper said, ‘Son, let me tell you something. When I came to this country, all I owned was the pants I was wearing. Now your sister is an art teacher. Your brother is a doctor. You are a CPA. Your mother and I own a house, a car and this little store. Add all that up and subtract the pants and there is your profit.'”

Only one…a Samaritan .. chose the response of gratitude. Ephesians 5:19-20 “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Why do Christians sing? Notice verses 15 and 16. “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  How do you deal with “days that are evil”. “Don’t get drunk with wine, Be filled with the Spirit.” How do Spirit filled people act? Spirit filled people living in the context of trouble, “Sing and make music in their hearts to the Lord.”  ” . . . always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“And in the evening, when I lie in bed and end my prayers with the words, “I thank you, God, for all that is good and clear and beautiful,” I am filled with joy…. I don’t think then of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains…. My advice is: “Go outside, to the fields, enjoy nature and the sunshine, go out and try to recapture happiness in yourself and in God. Think of all the beauty that’s still left in and around you and be happy!” …I’ve found that there is always some beauty left–in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself: these can all help you. Look at these things, then you find yourself again, and God, and then you regain your balance.  Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl   Tuesday, 7 March, 1941. “

In the midst of problems she found blessings. May we always choose to reflect the attitude of gratitude, found in the earliest settlers on our continent, in a single healed leper, and in outstanding people in history who made a difference because they were grateful.

Resources:

Articles in All About Families by Norman Bales.

Devotional by Mike Bondora