A man’s home was being overrun with mice. There were so many mice, the man didn’t think ordinary traps would be enough, so he decided to go with the poison route. He set out a box of poisonous food. That night there was a feeding frenzy. The mice completely overwhelmed the food and cleaned out the box by morning. The homeowner put out a second box and the same event unfolded the next night. After the third night, the man’s house remained quiet and free of mice.

Why did this poisonous food work so well? It wasn’t just that it appealed to the mince, it was that all the mice saw the others joining in. They couldn’t be the only one left out. So a feeding frenzy occurred. In a sense, the poison became popular.  The result of this popularity was death.

Popularity can be dangerous without a moral compass. We follow today’s trends, fads, and worldly mindsets so willingly because that is what is popular. We stand for or against certain viewpoints because that is what has become popular. We decide to “restudy” Biblical issues through a modern cultural lens. It’s hard to go against the grain.

The problem is, these popular can often be interlaced with spiritual poison. They may promote lust, greed, and materialism. They might directly stand in opposition to Scripture. They may even directly encourage and entice sin. Tragically, we can fall into the same popularity trap as the mice. And the result will be worse because we should know better and we aren’t mindless rodents.

As Christ said in Mark 8:36-37, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” The things that are popular in this life could be the very things causing us to forfeit our souls in the next life. It just isn’t worth it. May we always seek to be popular in God’s eyes, not in the eyes of our culture.

Brett Petrillo

We put a “value” on just about everything. Every time we go to a store, we check to see how much the particular item is worth. An item’s value depends on what it is made from, who made it, how rare it is, what it can do, and several other characteristics. Sometimes it is too easy to look at ourselves and think we are not valuable or important. We can convince ourselves that we are broke, unuseful, or that we just get in the way. This is simply not true!

God gives us several reminders in scripture about our value. He tells He gives special interest in sparrows which are sold for a cent, and yet we are exceedingly more valuable than a sparrow, so He naturally shows much more interest in us (Matthew 10:29-31). He tells us that He takes care of all the birds of the air even though they do not work at all, and yet we are incredibly more valuable (Matthew 6:26). He tells us that lilies of the field grow and our clothed beautifully, yet God considers us much more valuable than them and will take care of our needs (Matthew 6:28-30).

Look at some of your characteristics: (1)You were made in the image of God. (2)There is no other creature and one else quite like you. (3)God Himself, the supreme ruler of all, specifically made you. (4)He even gave you special talents and thinking abilities which no other creature on earth can compare to. (5)Beyond all of this, God gave you something so unique and so valuable that it cannot be found in any other animal; He gave you a soul.  He did this because He wants us to be with Him for all eternity. We are so valuable that He even gave up His own Son to ensure we could be with Him (Acts 2:28). He even “bought” us because of the value He saw in us (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; 1 Peter 1:17-19; 2 Peter 2:1; Acts 20:28).

No matter what deficiencies we may think we have or ways we may feel insignificant, there is still no adequate way to describe how valuable we really are. God does not want us to dwell on the negative, but to remember He finds us valuable and has a use for us. Let’s look for ways to use our value and not be down on ourselves. Besides, without God, each and every one of us is more worthless than a deck of 37 cards, a cell-phone without a battery, an airplane without wings, or a house without a foundation. God saw value in us, and it is because of Him that we are valuable in the first place. Let’s not be discouraged with ourselves, but let’s use what we have to glorify God. So, how valuable are you? You are more valuable than anything else God has created in this entire universe! So next time you are feeling down, just keep in mind, You Are Valuable!

Brett Petrillo

Being understood

The Christians at Corinth were blessed in having been given many ‘spiritual gifts’. These were miraculous in nature – they did not have them through their own study or ability.

One of these gifts in particular seems to have caused some problems, possibly in those having it thinking they were greater than other Christians. This gift is often translated as “speaking in tongues”; if we were to translate it into modern English it would be “speaking in other languages”. The ‘tongues’ referred to in the New Testament were not ecstatic syllables which meant nothing, but rather languages. Although unknown to those who did not know them, they were known by those who spoke them.

Another of the spiritual gifts was that of ‘prophecy’. For many that word means predicting the future, but this is not what is usually meant in scripture. To prophesy was simply to declare a message from God given directly to the person – in other words, they didn’t study but God just gave them the message that needed proclaimed. This is the background to what Paul wrote to the Corinthians.

“Pursue love, yet strive for spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. He who speaks in an unrecognizable language speaks to God, not to men. No one understands him; by the Spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies edifies and encourages and brings good cheer to men. He who speaks in an unrecognizable language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly. I want all of you to speak in languages, but rather that you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly might be edified.” (1 Corinthians 14:1-5 McCord)

The goal of all Christians should be to edify, to build each other up spiritually. Those who were able to declare God’s word did this – they encouraged others as Christians.

The problem is someone who speaks a language no one else knows. Although the speaker understood it, no one else does, so no one else is receiving encouragement through what he says. Although speaking other languages is needed in taking the good news of Jesus to people who speak a different language, it doesn’t help build anyone up who can’t understand it. The key is being understood.

“Brothers, if I come to you speaking in unrecognizable languages, how will I help you unless I speak either in a revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching?…If I pray in an unrecognizable language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. So, what is it? I will pray with the spirit, and also I will pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and also I will sing with the understanding. Otherwise, how will an uninstructed person say ‘Amen’ at your thanksgiving, since he does not understand what you have said? Indeed, you may give thanks well enough, but the uninstructed person is not edified.” (1 Corinthians 14:6-17)

If you have been in another country and not able to understand the language, you can relate to what Paul is writing. The goal of Christians being together is to understand what they are praying, singing and speaking. If we can understand, then we are built up and instructed.

Although most do not find foreign languages an issue when we get together with Christians, we would do well to make sure that what we are saying in our own language is understandable. Sometimes speakers may use ‘big’ words that show how well they have been educated – but if people are not familiar with the words they cannot be built up and encouraged.

This can also apply to our worship in song. Older hymns sometimes contain words no longer in common usage. If we provide an explanation for the word,  everyone is able to “sing with the understanding.”

As always, the key is love – Jon Galloway

A man in Alabama may have finally found a way to win a spot in Guinness’ Book Of World Records.  Gary Smith of Loblolly Farms recently constructed a church building that he believes qualifies as the world’s smallest church.  (To be precise, “church” in the Bible refers to people, not to buildings.)

The building Smith constructed is a charming structure that indeed looks like a miniature chapel.  It’s four feet wide, five feet deep, and from the ground to the top of the steeple it measures 19 feet.  Three average-sized people can fit comfortably inside (standing).  The current record holder for smallest church is in Spain and is about seven square feet larger than the Alabama building.

No plans were mentioned in the article about establishing a congregation that will use this tiny building, but some couples have already asked about using it for weddings.  Its location is picturesque, situated on the edge of a stand of loblolly pine trees and near a serene pond.  One must admit, however, that this church building is not very versatile.

God never placed great emphasis on structures throughout the Bible; that has always been the desire of people.  David, for example, lamented the fact that he, the king of Israel, was living in a palace “but the ark of God dwells in a tent” (2 Samuel 7:2).  He was ready to launch into building a massive and glorious temple for God, but God rejected his plan.

God responded to David’s plan: “Did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’” (2 Samuel 7:7).  God would allow David’s son Solomon to build a temple, but not David.

There was nothing wrong per se in building a temple for God, but God’s emphasis was on doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with the Lord (see Micah 6:6-8).  When basic righteousness was missing God preferred they not continue hypocritical religious practices: “Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors [of the temple], that you might not kindle fire on My altar in vain!” (Malachi 1:10).  Live righteously, or else don’t bother worshiping.

With the establishment of the new covenant there was no call for impressive church buildings.  For many years there were no buildings that were exclusively for use by churches.  Churches met in the homes of Christians (e.g. Romans 12:3-5 and Colossians 4:15) or in other places, but there is no record of a building dedicated solely to Christian assemblies until the third century.

A church doesn’t have to be large in numbers or in the size of its building to be impressive to Jesus.  Revelation 3:7-13 is a letter to the church at Philadelphia.  Jesus noted “I know that you have but little power” but He went on to add that they had been faithful in every respect.  Out of the seven letters to the churches of Asia found in Revelation 2 and 3, this church with “little power” was one of only two to be commended by Christ without any rebuke.

Churches should seek to bring many into the kingdom of Christ, and that will result in larger churches.  But just because a church has a modest building (or no building!) or few members doesn’t make them less impressive to the Lord.  “Tiny churches” can be just as pleasing to Christ as large ones!

Come to the light God offers!  Study His word, the Bible.  Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).  Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.

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Copyright, 2021, Timothy D. Hall

A Bible class teacher once asked her students to bring a clear trash bag and a sack of potatoes next week. At that class, she had each student take out a potato and write down some of the following on each potato: 1) A past situation where they were wronged but that still upsets them. 2) A current situation where they have been wronged and are upset about it. 3) A person they may still be upset with or holding a grudge against.

Each student’s bag was unique. Some of the bags were lighter or heavier than others. The teacher then instructed the students to carry this bag around with them everywhere for the next week. It was to be with them at all times and they could only set it down when they had to (sleep, meals, etc).

After the week was up, the students brought their potatoes back to class. As you might imagine, the potatoes now looked ugly and beaten. The potatoes had deteriorated into a nasty sight from being dropped, hit, baked in the sun, and a variety of other damaging influences. Hauling around these nasty potatoes was a burden to each kid in the class. Then the teacher explained the point of this exercise.

When we refuse to forgive, it’s a burden to carry that grudge around. We think about those situations. We think about those people. We let the burden grow and fester. The longer we carry it, the nastier it becomes. How silly it is to hold on to these grudges and to refrain from forgiving people when we could simply let go of these burdens.

Colossians 3:12-14 says, “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”

God has forgiven us and we should forgive others as well (Matthew 6:14-15). Can you think of someone who needs your forgiveness? Is there a situation you’re still holding on to? Why are we still holding on to these things? Let go of this burden.

Brett Petrillo

No righteousness at all

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20).

Jesus said that a person couldn’t enter the kingdom unless their righteousness exceeded that of the scribes and Pharisees. One might be inclined to ask: What, exactly, was the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees? And how can we exceed it?

To answer the first question in a word: self-righteousness.

The difference between what righteousness is, and what the scribes and Pharisees considered righteousness to be, could not have been more different. Jesus was drawing a contrast between self-righteousness and true righteousness.

Righteousness in scripture is a legal term usually describing the condition of being tried and convicted, but still being pronounced innocent by a judge. Such a condition cannot be earned by merit or purchased with bribes. It can only be imparted by grace (Eph. 2:8-9) and received as a gift (Rom. 5:17).

Self-righteousness (what Jesus meant when he referred to the “righteousness” of the scribes and Pharisees) is an attitude of entitlement. It considers gifts received as payment due. It is necessarily filled with pride and is joined to the hip of hypocrisy.

To the contrary, true righteousness can only be imparted by God. Though its offer comes freely, it is not received unconditionally. True enough, God provided an adequate substitution to stand in for and accept the punishment of the guilty party (see Genesis 22:8; John 1:29; Rev. 13:8), but the guilty party must be receptive to any conditions set forth to the reception of those benefits.

Jesus taught that one must demonstrate his or her love and gratitude for God’s grace by believing in His Son, Jesus  (John 8:24), by confessing faith in Jesus (Rom. 10:9-10), by repentance from sin (Luke 13:3,5), and contacting Jesus’ atoning blood through immersion in water (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-4).

Upon meeting these conditions, one can be called any one or all of these parallel terms, and others like them: saved, redeemed, pardoned, purchased, etc. Or, it can be said that they have entered the kingdom, or that they have been pronounced righteous, or justified, in the sight of God.

This is righteousness.

How do we exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees?

“Scribes and Pharisees” represents the religious guardians of Jesus’ day. They denied the necessity of any of the above. They considered themselves already righteous, either by their rigid adherence to God’s word, or as a right of inheritance through Abraham, or both.

As far as exceeding their righteousness, it is not doing more good deeds, or being on your best behavior, though there is certainly nothing wrong with good deeds or behavior. But it is not a contest of points. It is a contrast of heart.

This is about going from outside the kingdom to inside the kingdom. Jesus was trying to help everyone see – scribes and Pharisees included – that self-righteousness, or assumed righteousness, leaves one alienated — lost. Only through the gracious offer of their Messiah, Jesus, could they be helped.

As a point of application, it reminds us today that one must never assume, but seek. One must take nothing for granted. One must assume he could be wrong, or that his teacher could be wrong. One must imagine he or she might have misunderstood. Anything less will not do.

Self-righteousness keeps people from the kingdom. It keeps people in the kingdom from growing. It leads people who once entered the kingdom right back out.

If our only righteousness is self-righteousness, it is no righteousness at all.

Rick Kelley

Lose some weight by casting all your heavy cares and worries on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28-30).

Exercise more by “walking in the light” and run the spiritual race every day (1 John 1:7; Hebrews 12:1).

Get strong by relying on the Lord and in the strength of His might (Ephesians 6:10)

Have soft lips by speaking words of encouragement, kindness, and compassion (Hebrews 3:13; Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 15:4).

Make your eyes sparkle by looking out for the interests of others and focusing on eternal things. (Philippians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Have nice hands by using them for hospitality, service, and lifting others up in prayer (1 Peter 4:9; Galatians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Have perfect feet by using them to bring the good news of Christ to others (Romans 10:15).

Have the nicest clothes by clothing yourself with Christ through baptism (Galatians 3:27).

Smell great by becoming a “sweet aroma” and a “fragrance of Christ” to God and others (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).

TRUE beauty in this life has very little to do with physical looks and everything to do with our spiritual appearance to God.  Don’t worry so much about your outward appearance. Focus instead on inner beauty (Matthew 23:27).  After all, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain…” (Proverbs 31:30).  Let’s remember also remember Who we are trying to impress ultimately, “…God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Brett Petrillo

Be sensible and watch what you say.
—Proverbs 10:19

A lady kept badgering her husband to get their kaput lawnmower repaired. Finally, fed up with being ignored, she hatched a plan.

When he came home from work, she was sitting in the grass, snipping away with scissors. Going into the house and returning moments later, he handed her a toothbrush. “When you finish cutting the grass, you might want to sweep the sidewalk,” he said.

The doctor said he would probably walk again but would always limp.

A humorous reminder that words and actions have consequences.

Now, a sober reminder that words and actions really do have consequences: “By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mt 12:37). “We must all stand before Christ to be judged . . . for the good or evil we have done” (2 Cor 5:10).

Well done trumps cleverly said.

Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. For God will evaluate every deed, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Heard everything. Solomon may be referring to the reading of the book. Or his hearing might apply to all that he experienced in his life. He often refers to man’s life “under the sun,” or leaving God out of consideration. After all the possibilities of a godless life, or at least, where God is not at the center, and after all the possible ideas that man might ponder, one needs to get to the end of it all. Reach your conclusion. A reluctance to embrace the conclusion might just be a flight from the reality that the author is presenting.

This conclusion. Two phrases sum up the book’s teaching. The author went through all his experiences and through the various ideas that occurred to him during his career. Now he reaches the real point of his narrative. We ought to learn from his experience and reach even faster the real meaning of life.

Fear God. The one who thinks life is complicated, who sees the futility of the whole range of activity, who is bothered by the injustice and violence in the world, ought to run toward God and show profound reverence to the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign. His person, his nature, contains the satisfactory outcome of the great questions of life. Fear of God is the realization of who he is and the proper response to his desire to establish a relationship with his favorite creature.

Keep his commandments. Fear “translates into obedience,” as a Brazilian version renders it. Fear is not mere trembling, but hearing and obeying God’s commandments. These principles of fear and obedience do not belong only to the old covenant, but the New repeats and reinforces them. (See, for example, Matthew 7.21; Hebrews 5.9.) Humble submission to God’s guidance is a necessary condition to knowing and loving him.

The whole duty of man. The word “duty” is supplied by the translators. Many versions follow the KJV by inserting the word, since the original sentence is something like this: “For this is every man.” A number of recent versions try to make sense of the phrase, as it stands.

• “for this applies to every person” (AMP)
• “because this is for all humanity” (CSB)
• “This is what life is all about” (CEV)
• “for this is what it means to be human” (ISV)
• “because this applies to every person” (NASB)
• “For this is man’s all” (NKJV)

It’s true that our relationship with God, characterized by fear and obedience, defines what it means to be human. This is the objective of life that ought to be sought out. Ignoring this demeans and defaces humanity.

God will evaluate every deed. Solomon’s conclusion is all the more valid and urgent because of God’s ultimate judgment of our lives. We must answer to him, Hebrews 4.12-13. There will come a moment when our eternal destiny will be determined and announced by whether or not we have feared and obeyed God.

In these two verses, the author uses the Hebrew word for “all” four times. He’s telling us, this is it, folks. Here’s the bottom line.* You might want to make this your mission declaration. Make this your base.

So let us be truly human by doing our whole duty so that we might know God now and be unafraid on the day of judgment.

*NET Bible notes.

J. Randal Matheny

Jesus was expected to travel to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Tabernacles.

It was fall in Palestine, about the 15^th of Tishri (October 12 on our calendar), and the harvest of wheat and olive oil was complete. It was a time of plenty and thanksgiving for God’s blessings.

The Feast of Tabernacles commemorated the wilderness wandering of the Jews at the end of the year.

Although Jesus would go to the feast, he continued walking in Galilee. He knew the Jews were seeking an opportunity to kill him. Jesus’ brothers came to him and warned him to stay away from Jerusalem.

But Jesus could not be kept away from the city of David and went into the Temple to teach. The Jews intercepted him there and began an inquisition asking how Jesus, an unlearned Galilean without formal academic qualifications could teach the scriptures. Jesus’ mastery of God’s word confused his critics.

Jesus answered the Jews by telling them his teaching was not his own (John 7:16-19). Jesus spoke from the authority given to him from his Father in heaven. Jesus knew their judgment of him was based solely on appearance.

The Jews made this same mistake with John, Jesus’ first cousin, who taught near the Jordan River. They looked at the rough John who wore camel’s hair and ate locusts and wild honey and immediately disqualified him. Although John was the one sent by God to testify about Jesus, the Jewish teachers disqualified him simply for the way he looked.

Jesus went straight to the heart of the matter. He told them God gave them the Law of Moses, but none of them ever kept it. What would Moses himself say if he was alive? It was God who gave the command to Moses saying, “You shall not kill.” But here were the “experts” in the law who wanted to kill God’s son!

Teaching God’s word requires great care. Not everyone should become a teacher (James 3:1). It is often tempting to assume something about someone by appearance and say something wrong. We must not make judgments just by what is seen (John 7:24). Jesus taught the truth. He knew the truth. He lived the truth. The Jews did not.

The crowd, listening to this conversation, made a surprising statement: “Can it be that the rulers know this is the Christ?” (John 7:25-26). The people were right. Jesus had told the truth. He had been doing only good. Jesus showed by his miracles exactly who he was.

Isn’t it interesting that the “uneducated” people knew more about the truth than the trained lawyers?

John Henson

A researcher at the Royal Society of Medicine in the UK published a paper called “The Spoilt Generation.” He ties the alarming rates of child depression, teenage pregnancy, obesity, violent crimes by adolescents, and more to a basic lack of respect for authority (Daily Mail).  The Cato Institute published a study simply entitled, “Respect For Authority.” One of its most basic findings is that the public believes social instability follows  disrespect for authority (Cato). 

What do you think?  Have you noticed a decline of respect in society for parents, teachers, the police, employers, and  others in a position of authority? Most of us would agree it’s happening, and that it is not good.  Peter warns about it in the most sobering of terms, speaking of the unrighteous who face eternal punishment as those who, in part, “despise authority (2 Pt 2:10). Jude offers a very similar warning, describing those who turn God’s  grace into permission to do whatever they please (4), and this includes their “rejecting authority” (8).  So why do we often have a problem with authority?

We have a problem with rebelliousness. Saul, the earthly king, had a problem with rebellion (1 Sam. 15:23). Paul writes Timothy, discussing why the Law of Moses existence of the Law of Moses. It was for unrighteous people, and at the top of that list were the lawless and rebellious (1 Tim. 1:9). Rebellion is insubordination. It characterized the period of the Judges, when everyone did what they thought was right to them (17:6; 21:25). As we look at crime in our current society, we see the fruit of rebellion. CNN reports a 33% increase in homicides in major U.S. cities from 2019 to 2020, and now it is up another 24% since the beginning of 2021 (CNN). Yet, cities like Baltimore no longer prosecute drug possession, prostitution, and other low-level offenses. In California, shoplifting has in some places ceased to have any legal ramifications. How many looters in major U.S. cities have never served a day in jail or paid a penny in fines? Romans 13 clearly condemns this. Paul says “whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves” (2). Most of us would condemn this nationally, but do we struggle with rebellion against authority closer to home? Do we struggle with it against employers, elders, and parents? Rebelliousness can be milder than murder and more limited than against government. Do we only submit if we accept what they lead us to do? Do we maintain meekness and gentleness only if we agree with them? Rebellion is not the mark of a disciple of Christ; such have a different master. 

We have a problem with respect. Paul says, “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Th. 5:12-13). Esteem, as a verb, is found 28 times and means to think, consider, or regard. Paul is telling the church how to regard their leaders (“very highly in love”) and why (“because of their work”). Interestingly, the noun form of this verbs is often tied to various types of leadership–“Ruler” (Mt. 2:6), “leader” (Lk. 22:26), “governor” (Acts 7:10), “chief” (Acts 14:12) and “leading men” (Acts 15:22). But in 1 Thessalonians 5:13, it is a verb and means to engage in the intellectual process of thinking of them with the highest respect. The word “esteem” deals with our character generally and not just how we treat elders and any other leaders. Philippians 2:3 says, “With humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” But Peter speaks of some who “count it a pleasure to revel in doing wrong” (2 Pet. 2:13). Respect is a matter of how you set your mind. If we don’t have it in our hearts to respect those in authority, it can’t help but show in the way we speak to them or about them. Our children learn how to treat authority figures by watching and listening to us. What are we teaching them?

We have a problem with our religion. “Religion” is only found  four times in the New Testament. It means appropriate beliefs and the devout practice of our obligations (Louw-Nida, 530). How do we properly express our religion? It is not just about worshipping the way God commands. That’s a vital part, but only one way. Paul tells us what his pre-Christian religion looked like (Acts 26:5). He tells us about the false religion on some, ruled by their fleshly minds (Col. 2:18). James uses the word “religion” twice, in James 1:26-27. He teaches that pure, untainted religion is proven or disproven by your thoughts, words, and deeds. When I show disdain toward those in authority in or out of the church context, I’m telling everyone who witnesses it about my religion. I am making an impression on them that will either lead them closer to God or farther away from Him. Whatever I tell them about the one(s) in authority, I am telling them far more about me. If they follow my lead, will they stumble (cf. Lk. 17:1-2)? 

 Our problem with authority is ultimately a problem with God. When Paul tells Rome that those who resist authority oppose God’s will, he was talking about a government ruled by wicked Caesars who murdered Christians. When I disapprove of or disagree with those in positions of authority, in the nation, church, workplace or home, I must respond how God says respond. I must leave the rest to Him. 

Neal Pollard

The first thing one must do in order to understand the Psalms is to start at the beginning. That may seem the obvious first step for any book, but it is especially true when it comes to this collection of songs and prayers. In Psalm 1 and 2, we have a great double door that must be passed through before entering the study of the Psalms. These two Psalms aptly begin the book with the idea that one must honor the word of God and the Anointed of God if he or she is to be approved of God (blessed). Lord willing, we will look at the later of those next week, and the former today.

In Psalm 1, great contrasts are seen. On one hand is the way of the righteous, and on the other is the way of the wicked. Each of us come to this great fork in the road of life and must determine which path we will take. After that, we must daily choose whether we are to stay on the path on which we travel, or abandon it for the other. When we look at the contrasts within this Psalm, the choice should seem simple.

THE BLESSED MAN:

He is not…

1. Following the advice of the world (1a).
2. Following the actions of the world (1b).
3. Following the associations of the world(1c).

He is…

1. Delighting in the word of God (2).
2. Dwelling on the word of God (2b).
3. Digging into the word of God (3a). Note that the “rivers” or “streams” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “channel” or “irrigation ditch.” The enriching water of God’s word does not come to us naturally, we have to dig!
4. Displaying the word of God by yielding fruit (3b).
5. Developing by the word of God (3c). He isn’t withering, he is growing!

All of this makes his a prosperous life and able to stand before God (3d, 6a)!

THE WICKED MAN

He is not:

1. Saturating his life with God’s word as the righteous man (4a).
2. Standing among the righteous (5b).

He is:

1. Useless like chaff (4b).
2. Unstable like chaff (4b).

All of this makes his a perishing life and unable to stand before God (5b, 6b)!

So, when you look at the two paths, the choice should be clear. Choose the way of God. Choose the way of His word. Choose the Way of the Righteous!

Corey Sawyers

What is the toughest question you’ve ever been asked? What is the rhetorical question that everyone in the world nowadays is asking? Many millionaires and billionaires around the world are in a quest to find the answer for the rhetorical question, which the whole world is asking. Many great people, including philosophers, have sacrificed their lives to find the answer to this question. So, without further suspense, let me bring that question to you – “How can we be Happy?” Many people have family, love, money and everything they wish. Yet, sadly, the only things they can’t find are happiness and contentment. Many people, especially young people, have not found happiness. As a result, some of them resort to suicide, drug addiction, game addiction, etc. There are many reasons for depression. Rejection and stress are two main reasons for depression. These days, many people move away to the mountains or to the seashore in their quest to find peace in their lives.

Let me elaborate with a real story of a man who lived in London between 1771-1837. He was depressed, and hence, he went to a doctor for advice. The doctor suggested that he go to a show by a very popular clown named Joseph Grimaldi. The doctor said that Mr. Grimaldi was capable of even making the stones laugh. Then the man said, “I am that Grimaldi!” Even the people who make others happy find themselves depressed, too. Some time ago, I read an article about the suicide of a motivational speaker who had motivated more than 3,000 people to achieve their dreams. Even motivators need motivation.

Look at a man from the Bible, the second richest king who ever lived on the planet with a net worth of $2 trillion dollars (USD). He had an income of 25 tons of gold every year (2 Chronicles 9:13-29), He was the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 4:29), a great writer (1 Kings 4:32) and a man with a thousand wives (1 Kings 11:3). Even after having great luxuries, many riches and a giant family, Solomon wrote, “Vanity of vanities… all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). [While not able to confirm the precise wealth of Solomon, he was the wealthiest man of his time and perhaps who ever lived. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]

The answer to the question of how to be happy is “Jesus.” The only way one can find happiness – not only for a lifetime on the earth but also for eternity – is Jesus Christ. One cannot be happy without having Christ in his life. Men have been trying to find happiness in the physical realm. Yet, the happiness we may find on Earth doesn’t last forever, but the happiness we need to seek lasts for eternity.

The Bible Tells Us to Be Happy.

We must rejoice as our names are written in Heaven (Luke 10:20). One’s name is written in Heaven only after being baptized. Acts 8:39 says the eunuch went on his way rejoicing after he was baptized. Acts 16:34 talks about the jailor and his family who rejoiced with all his house after they were baptized. So, are you baptized? Rejoice! Your name is written in the book of eternal life! Galatians 5:22 says that happiness or joy is one among the nine qualities of the fruit of Spirit. In Acts 11:23, Barnabas exhorted the church to cleave to the Lord. We find happiness when we hug the Lord. I always felt safe when I was wrapped around by the arms of my parents. Hugging also releases oxytocin, which is a stress relieving hormone in the human body. Our Lord is spirit. Hence our physical bodies can’t touch Him, but we hug the Lord when we give first priority to Him in our lives. We hug the Lord when we put him first in everything. Also, we must note that hugging the Lord is neither advice nor a request. It is an order! Put God first in everything and you will find happiness in your life for sure (Matthew 6:33)!

Great Men of the Bible Rejoiced in
the Lord, Irrespective of the Situation.

You might have a question. “I have been facing many rejections, teasing and bullies. How can I be happy in all circumstances?” Let me show you two men who rejoiced while bearing shame for the Lord’s name (Acts 5:41). Even after being severely beaten and being thrown into prison, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God (Acts 16:23-25). We generally sing when we are happy. Paul and Silas were happy for being in prison for no reason except the Gospel. Also note that the time at which Paul and Silas were rejoicing was midnight! Do little irritations from your family disturb your happiness? Do rejections in your life unseat your joy? Neither irritations nor rejection in our lives are bigger than the troubles and rejections that the apostle Paul faced.

Many people think that having money can buy happiness. Money can buy many things but not all things. The Bible teaches us to believe in the Lord, rather than in unstable and temporary wealth (1 Timothy 6:17). First Peter 4:12-13 tells us to rejoice even when we take part in Christ’s sufferings.

Why Should I Rejoice in the Lord?

Philippians 4:4 reads, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (NKJV). Verse 5 says, “…Lord is at hand.” Wow, what a convenient God we have! We need not go to Jerusalem, we need not climb a hill or go to a valley to find our Lord. He is at hand! So, rejoice! Acts 14:17 says that He is the only one who fills our hearts with joy. He defends us and He protects us (Psalm 5:11). So, rejoice in the Lord.

The happiness or joy in the Lord lasts forever. It is an eternal happiness. All the pleasures of this world are something that last for a period (Hebrews 11:24), and they will come to an end (1 Corinthians 7:31). There is a day coming in which the whole world, along with tears and depression, will be destroyed. Then, there shall be no more death and no more tears (Revelation 21:4). Those who are victorious in the battle with worldly pleasures shall reign forever with the Lord (Revelation 22:5).

Let me conclude with some important questions. Are you baptized? Do you have Christ as your Lord and Savior? Do you put God first in everything you do? Do you seek heavenly things? If the answer for the above questions is “Yes,” then, you shall reign with the Lord. Congratulations! You are a victorious Christian! If the answer is, “No,” to any one of the questions, I once again urge you to think of Christ. Our lives are unpredictable. One’s life is like a vapor that appears and vanishes in no time. So, please come to Christ, accept Him as your savior by obeying His command to believe and be baptized (Mark 16:16). Put God first in everything you do, and you will find the happiness that lasts forever.

Pedapaga Akash Babu

Peace is not produced by passivity. Harmony is not a settled state. Man tends toward discord. A close reading of Genesis 3 will reveal that sin caused disharmony between man and his Creator, disharmony between man and creation, and disharmony between man and man. We live in a world where sin is the settled state. Where sin is, there is disunity, discord, and disharmony. Peace must be something we work toward, something we pursue.

The blood of Christ has the power to heal the divide between God and man (Colossians 1:20). But man must be willing to pursue that peace (see 2 Corinthians 5:20). Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Denying self and following after Christ are basic prerequisites to reconciliation with God. Peace with God through salvation does not simply come to us, we must come to God in faith. Once we have been unified with God, we must continue to live by faith to maintain that fellowship with the Divine (1 John 1:3-7).

Of the 10 times that Christians are instructed to positively pursue a virtue or a circumstance, 40% point to peace. We are to “pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19), “strive for peace with everyone” (Hebrews 12:14), “seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11), and “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

God created something unique in the kingdom of Christ. Those drawn together by the blood of Christ are unified in the faith (Galatians 3:23-27). Out of many tribes, peoples, and languages, God created one body. We are charged with maintaining the “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). This is not unity in diversity, for “there is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call – one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:4, 5). We are to be united in the “same mind and the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

How can we pursue peace?

Develop the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5)

Jesus is the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6). If we have his mind, then our attitude will be one that makes for peace (1 Peter 3:8-11).

Treat others better than yourself (Romans 12:10-21)

A humble, servant attitude will produce far more light than heat. Christians are to compete with each other in only one area. We are to “outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10b). When others mistreat us or harm us, we are to restrain ourselves from retaliation (Romans 12:17, 19), and actively do good to them (Romans 12:14, 20, 21).

Go to them (Matthew 5:23, 24; Matthew 18:15)

Jesus’ teachings on conflict resolution picture two people running toward each other to be reconciled. If we have wronged a brother, we are to go to him (Matthew 5:23, 24). Our worship is not desired until reconciliation is accomplished. If a brother has wronged us, we are not to stew over it or spew it to the church gossip, but we are to go to him (Matthew 18:15). How much strife would cease if we submitted to God and dealt with our difficulties in a Christ-like manner?

Friends, peace must be pursued. Peace requires a Christ-like heart, a humble attitude, and submissive actions. Are you pursuing peace (Psalm 34:14)?

Lee Parish

Our federal government is based upon a “checks and balance” system. The President, vetoing a bill of congress or congress not passing the President’s proposed legislation are examples of the “checks and balances” system on the executive and legislative levels. In other words, each branch of the government keeps the other branches in line. Likewise, there are certain words, which when applied to one’s character serve as a “checks and balance” system. “Zealousness” and “knowledge” are two such words.

Zealousness
Zealousness without knowledge is dangerous. Sometimes a congregation will consist of two or three members who are “babes in Christ” and who are overflowing with zeal. They are so enthusiastic about the work of the Lord that they want to push all kinds of programs. The motives and intentions of such individuals are not in question at all. But all too often the programs are pushed without any regard for feelings of others or possible unwanted consequences. In some cases, programs or ideas are pushed with or without the elders’ consent. The incident then becomes not only a bad situation but also an unscriptural one. We read of elders overseeing the flock (Acts 20:28), but I fail to find in my Bible where zealousness qualifies one to overstep the elders and take the oversight. The apostle Paul said of the Jews in Romans 10:2, “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.” Young men (and a few old ones) need to have experienced, well-grounded Christians to keep them in line. One of the causes of the division of the kingdom under the Old Covenant was because Rehoboam “forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him” (I Kings 12:8). Zealousness is a must-but it must be accompanied by knowledge.

Knowledge
Just as dangerous as zealousness without knowledge is knowledge without zealousness. The Lord’s church is filled with too many lazy members who are content with “keeping house for the Lord.” This was never the Lord’s intent “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest” (Matt. 9:37, 38). A Christian is something somebody is, not just merely what someone is called.  John records in Revelation 3:15 concerning thechurch in Laodicea, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot, I would that you were cold or hot.” Perhaps a few of the older members need to be prodded by the zealous workers. If the prod is justified and done in the proper spirit, the older ones should not despise the youthfulness of the younger. (1 Tim. 4:12)

Zealousness without knowledge, perhaps, will affect more people, but knowledge without zealousness is just as sinful. The opposite of zealousness is “apathy.” The antonym of knowledge is “ignorance” – the church needs neither. Try being a Christian without knowledge or zealousness and there will always be a vast void. Would that all God’s people were zealous and knowledgeable!

– by Larry R. Houchen

In this series of articles we’ll take a gander at both, simple and complex, terms found within the literature of the Old Testament. The purpose of this study is to have a richer understanding of God’s people in the ancient times and how that directly correlates with us as 21st century Christians. For this article in particular, we’ll be studying the tabernacle.

The tabernacle played a significant role in the timeline of the Jews. For the first time since Eden, God told His people that He wanted to “dwell in their midst” (Ex. 25:8). This was going to become the location in which the heavenly and the earthly met in harmony with one another. In the following chapters God proceeds to give specific instructions regarding the architecture of the tabernacle, including its furnishings. This is also the context where the ark of the covenant originated. It is at the ark in which God will meet with Moses (Ex. 25:22).

Since the Israelites were not yet in the promised land, they needed a tent of meeting that could be transported as they journeyed along their way. The tabernacle consisted of a total of ten curtains, along with the outer coverings. These primary fabrics were blue, purple, and scarlet in color. Precious metals such as bronze, silver, and gold were utilized in the construction. Tanned leather of goats and rams served as the outer covers. Needless to say, this tabernacle was unlike any other tent in existence at the time. Despite it being a collapsible place of meeting, it was extravagant in appearance.

The presence of the Lord was seen by way of a cloud covering the tabernacle and no one would enter it at that time (Ex. 40:34). The cloud guided the people by day, and the fire in the sky guided by night (Ex. 40:38). The Levites were the ones in charge of transporting the tabernacle. They set it up whenever they settled and broke it down whenever they journeyed (Num. 1:50).

This transportable tent became the focal point of prayer and sacrificial offerings. It was the dwelling place of God among the people before the temple was constructed. To the Jewish mind, there was an inexpressible joy of coming to a place where God dwelt. This tent was the main way for man to commune with the divine until the construction of the temple began in Jerusalem (1 Chron 22:1ff).

In 1 John 3:24, John enlightens his readers by telling them, “whoever keeps His commandments abides in God, and God in him.” What’s better than God abiding with man? Simply the opportunity for man to abide with God. We have the privilege to dwell with God while traveling through this wilderness we call life.

Tyler King

People love bargains (Black Friday anyone?). We look for discounts, sales, freebees, and products at the best value. We look for deals on clothes, groceries, furniture, and just about everything else. In most aspects of live, we love to cut corners or get the most out of something without having to give up as much. Unfortunately, sometimes we also look for Christianity at a bargain as well.

What do we mean by “bargain Christianity”?  Think of it this way, every religion claims to be able to show how to get to heaven, but nearly every one of them has a different way to get there. As a result, many people end up settling for the “brand of Christianity” that requires the least amount of effort from them. They want to get to heaven at a bargain price.

Honestly, if there were multiple ways to get to heaven, we would most definitely choose the easiest one. This isn’t the reality though. Even though another religion may seem like a steal, they will prove to be nothing more than a gimmick or a knockoff of true Christianity. Scripture has always made it clear that there is a very specific and limited way to reach heaven.  Jesus said in the singular tense, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).  To make it even clearer, Jesus talked about one, and only one, road that leads to life, and the other road that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).  The inspired apostle Paul reinforced this idea by saying, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).

There is no such thing as a “bargain Christianity.” Either we are a part of the one and only church found in Scripture (Acts 2:37-47), or we are being deceived by Satan and those who are “disguised as servants of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15; 4:3-4; Matthew 7:21-23).  The only way to know the truth is to line up with the Bible’s commands.

Are you part of the one church found in Scripture?  Would you like to know more about the Christianity found in the Bible?  Do you have questions?  If so, please let us know so we can study and find the truth together.

Brett Petrillo

“How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us?’ But behold, the lying pen of the scribes has made it into a lie. The wise men shall be put to shame; they shall be dismayed and taken; behold, they have rejected the word of the Lord, so what wisdom is in them?” (Jeremiah 8:8-9, ESV).

How often have we heard or said, “You cannot believe everything you read?” Human writers make mistakes. They also are always influenced by their own preconceptions, experience, education, and abilities, to say nothing of pressure from outside to conform to the demands of others. Sometimes, sadly, they just plain lie.

Even when it comes to sacred Scripture, which is from God and therefore is true (2 Timothy 3:16-17), we today are dependent upon other humans to preserve, translate, and explain it to us (as in Nehemiah 8:5-8). God’s word is absolutely dependable. Human teachers, not so much so.

I was with Bangla friends in a communications store a few years ago. There were signs in the window telling of the services which the store provided. I read one of the signs that was printed in the Bangla language. An employee laughed and said, “You are reading that from the English, not the Bangla.” Until then I had not noticed that the other window, on the opposite side of the door had a similar sign printed in English. I replied, “No, I am reading the Bangla – the English is not the same.” My companions laughed and agreed that the wording differed.

English readers of the Bible today are blessed to be heirs of nearly 700 years of Bible translation, primarily by sincere believers whose goal was to render God’s words as accurately as possible into the language of the common man (that is, those who knew English). Some translations have been primarily or entirely the work of one person. Others have been done by committees of various sizes. The modern reader has a wide range of choices, most of which are demonstrably scholarly and accurate. If there is any doubt as to the fidelity of a particular translation to the original one has many others with which to compare it.

But whenever humans are involved, mistakes can be made, and errors can be introduced either accidentally or deliberately. Jeremiah warned Israel to trust God’s word, but be wary of the scribes (copyists and teachers). Our Bibles are reliable, especially when one studies from multiple translations. But commentaries and other study helps must always be read critically with awareness of the limitations of any writer.

We should always be mindful of the responsibility of the reader or hearer. Note that Jeremiah concludes concerning the wise men who read the scribes’ writings, “Behold, they have rejected the word of the Lord, so what wisdom is in them?” One who listens to men, regardless of the claims they make, and follow error, are themselves responsible.

The young prophet from Judah who died because he believed what an older prophet told him (1 Kings 13:1-32) is an example of this responsibility. God had given him direct instructions. The older prophet claimed to have his own, contradictory, message from God. But that man was lying. When the young prophet believed and followed his instructions God pronounced judgment upon him, not the lying older man.

Many today blindly trust and follow a particular preacher, commentator, or church tradition, not trying to determine their accuracy. The Bible clearly warns us that the reader will account for what and whom he or she believes and follows.

Michael Brooks

A retired couple in France moved to a rural community and then issued a formal complaint about the noise in the small town. There was a local rooster who was crowing too early and too loudly in the morning. The owner, a Corinne Fesseau defended her bird in the court of law, saying that the rooster was only doing what roosters were born to do. Ms Fesseau had grown up on an island off the west coast of France and roosters were part of her life. The French court is pending a decision soon.

Roosters were born to crow. And humans were born to serve God, to worship God. That is our purpose in life.

Not only is it a reflection of God’s wisdom to give our lives purpose, but it is also God’s wisdom to tell us that our lives have purpose. Consider some thoughts from Ecclesiastes.

The pursuit of wisdom (chapters 1-2) fits the gift given Solomon by God, recorded in 1 Kings 3. Additionally, the extended list of building pursuits recorded in Ecclesiastes 3 fit Solomon’s desires and plans as recorded in 1 Kings 5-10. It is popular among “scholars” to reject Solomon’s authorship but it is humorous to hear them admit that the author is, however, a “Solomon-like” figure.

Solomon provides the theme of the book in the second verse: “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” This word can mean “vain, empty, futile.” To repeat the word, as Solomon does here, is a Hebrew way of expressing the superlative: “the most empty of emptiness.” See Song of Solomon 1:1 where he does the same thing: the “song of songs.”

So, Solomon says, “All is empty. Futile. Worthless.” Seriously? Some have suggested that Ecclesiastes is too pessimistic to be a work of faith. Here is an exercise for you. Read through this book (it should take less than 20 minutes) and underline these three phrases: “under the sun (29x),” “under heaven (3x),” and “striving after wind (22x).”

If you were to take God out of the picture or if you simply look at life from the perspective of heaven, this life is not very important or significant. Allow me to elaborate a little.

If there is no God or if you live your life as if there is no God, then “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die” (cf. 1 Cor. 15:32). Yes, life is a cycle and it ends nowhere (if there is no God). Live the way you desire. Pursue what you want to pursue. Do what makes you feel good. If there is no God, there are no moral laws and you are free to steal, kill, rape, pillage, extort, cheat, lie, etc. Because life is going nowhere anyway. (I’m thankful that most atheists live above their moral “foundation.”)

On the other hand, since there is a God and He has designed a new heaven and earth that puts this one to shame, this life is ultimately of little significance. It is significant in that we show God here and now that we love Him supremely and we serve our fellow man sacrificially (cf. Matt. 22:37-39). This is the time and place to prove to God that we want to be in heaven with Him. Early in the book, Solomon warns his audience that there is a judgment coming (3:17) and therefore, we need to fear God (5:7).

But, because the life to come is so much quantitatively better and qualitatively superior to this life (so much so that we will not even remember at least the bad things that will happen in this life: Rev. 7:17), this life does not hold much importance, much significance for the Christian.

Solomon has lived his life with gusto and did not withhold his hand or his heart from anything he thought would bring pleasure and significance to life. But he summarizes for us what he had found:

“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil (Ecc. 12:13-14).

Keep in mind the purpose of life. Fear God and keep His commandments. It helps keep all of life in perspective.

Paul Holland