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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Steve Higginbotham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lee Parish

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Holland

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

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

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

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

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

– Ronald Bartanen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Holland

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

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

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

Barry Newton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

J. Randal Matheny

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