As dehydration was the precipitant leading to this condition, I needed IV fluids, stat! I used to have such wondrous veins, vast highways of blood running through the hypodermis. All the cellular denizens of my body were happy and enriched by their life-giving flow. Metaphorically, if those veins of my youth were one of those two paths leading to our eternal destiny, it would lead to hell, being wide and broad. But, alas, with chronic health, and especially dehydration, they repented and became the strait and narrow way. The IVs that the nurses initially placed soon became infiltrated. Fortunately, the hospital has ultrasound guided peripheral IV teams capable of making the most challenging sticks. These technicians came to my bedside and put two new IV sites into my deeper veins. When I had the nurse pull those from me before my release, she expressed surprise over the needle’s length. Sometimes, it takes great effort to find the “blood” (i.e., vein) in medicine.

I begin with an apology to the squeamish. The topic of blood and needles can be unsettling. I appreciate this. I might wince, too, had repeated phlebotomies not conditioned me to be a pincushion. However, the subject of blood is necessary for our salvation. When man fell from God’s grace, God must have instituted the sacrificial system as the means whereby one could assuage His wrath. We know not His specific instructions but realize God gave them to the patriarchs. The Hebrews writer says Abel provided a sacrifice by faith, faith being a conviction resulting from hearing God’s Word (Hebrews 11.4; Romans 10.17). A sacrificial system codified by God addressed the various types of noncapital sins under Moses’ Law. There were mandatory and voluntary sacrifices. Sadly, for those innocent animals, the Hebrews writer reminds us that their blood could not remove sin (Hebrews 10.3-4). During Passover, scholars believe that Wadi Kidron (i.e., Kidron Brook) ran red from the blood of sacrifices offered on the Temple Mount. Commentators of the Scriptures note that Jesus would have had to cross over this stream of blood to climb the height of Mount Olivet.

Fortunately for us, the blood we must find to receive salvation does not require an ultrasound or a trip to a cattle feedlot. Instead, Jesus shed His saving blood atop the Place of the Skull in the first century, ushering in His New Testament. Moreover, the Hebrews writer tells us that this efficacious blood obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9.12). Best of all, Jesus only had to provide this sacrifice once for all time (Hebrews 10.10). Yet, all I have noted thus far is that Jesus shed this blood, that this blood is available. Scriptures remind us that without blood, God does not forgive sinners (Hebrews 9.22). So, we still need directions to the “fountain filled with blood, Drawn from Immanuel’s veins.” Thankfully, the apostle Paul informs us that the act of baptism (i.e., immersion in water) enables us to be in the likeness of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord (Romans 6.3-5). Why baptism? Jesus shed His blood in death (John 19.34). And since we cannot literally bathe in the flowing blood of Christ, we must do so figuratively. Again, baptism is where you receive that symbolic washing of Christ’s blood. Once cleansed by baptism, John tells us that a faithful life of striving to walk in the Light enables us to remain in contact with that saving blood (1 John 1.7).

Yes, baptism is where we find the blood. Therefore, quoting the preacher Ananias as he spoke to the crestfallen Saul of Tarsus three days removed from the Damascus road: “Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.” (Acts 22.16 NASB1995)

Brent Pollard

The statement that “there are good people in all churches” is usually made as a defense of the existence of the many different conflicting denominations. Certainly there are good people in all the churches. There are good people OUT of churches. There are good people who are infidels. But the question is not are they good, but are they saved people?

It is good to be good but it is not good enough. One cannot save himself by just being good. He must obey the gospel of Christ (2 Thess. 1:7-9) to be saved. Cornelius was a good man but he was a lost man! (Acts 10:1-6; 11:14). The good people in human churches are lost people, not because they are not good moral people, but because they have not obeyed the gospel of God. This is why we appeal to good people to leave their human churches and obey the gospel. There is no other hope for these good people.

– by Earl Fly

Theologians make their fine distinctions and hard classifications. They like the old idea of taking one thing at a time. They consider God’s holiness, then move on to his love. Such an approach is probably acceptable, as far as it goes.

The various and wonderful aspects of God’s nature and personality are a single unit. Westerners like to break things down into their component units. The ancient Hebrews, however, liked to pull things together, considering them as a whole. The former group excels in analysis; the latter, in synthesis.

When it comes to the one true God, the Hebrew approach recommends itself. If God is one, his nature partakes of that oneness.

So Scripture will make statements about God that join distinct and apparently opposing aspects. Such as this one: God judges because he loves.

• God disciplines those whom he loves (Hebrews 12:6; Revelation 3:9; see Proverbs 3:12).
• The Psalmist speaks of God’s love and truth in the same breath; they are not antagonistic to one another (Psalm 40:10).
• David knew it was appropriate to ask God to “rain burning coals and sulfur on the wicked,” because “he loves righteous deeds” (Psalm 11:6, 7, CSB).

Mr. Glen Stewart got it exactly right when wrote in his daily devotional on Hosea, chapters 5-9:

Why did God permit Israel to be judged by the wicked Assyrians? Because He loved His people, and this was the only way they would listen. They had to be shown, and God’s chastening hand of love fell upon them.

Our beautiful responses to God and his Word also partake of similar paradoxes.

• We ought to love God and at the same time fear him (Deuteronomy 10:12; Psalm 33:18; see Matthew 10:28).
• See where mercy and fear are two attitudes shown by saints simultaneously (Jude 23).
• In that same context of loving your neighbor, which our Lord and Savior quotes, Israel was ordered to “judge your neighbor fairly” (Leviticus 19:15-18).
• The humble apostle Paul tells Timothy about that spirit received from God whose three qualities are marvelously compatible: “power, love, and sound judgment” (2 Timothy 1:7).
• Sweet praise ought to come best from those who fear God (Revelation 19:5).

Besides the theologians, progressives like to throw one part of God’s character against another. When they disparage truth and exalt compassion, they are striking against the one God. When they dilate grace and constrict holiness, their liberal sword cleaves the divine nature in half.

Therefore, let us never leave off any part of God’s person. We need his fullness in our lives. And let us never neglect to add knowledge and godliness to our faith, along with all the other essential qualities of the one who pleases God (2 Peter 1:3-11).

1. A. Neale

Humble yourselves under
the mighty hand of God.
—1 Peter 5:6

Here’s a comforting verse: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Pt 5:7).

But Professor Wayne Grudem says a vital connection between verses 6 and 7 of 1 Peter 5 is missed by English translations that start a new sentence at verse 7, whereas “No new sentence begins here in Greek.”

The NASB is among those that have it right: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.”

Dr. Grudem asserts that the command of verse 6, “Humble yourselves . . .” is followed by verse 7 telling how that is done—by “casting all your anxiety upon Him.”

Failure to commit your anxieties to him
is failure to humble yourself before him.

INTRODUCTION:

    Philip Yancey writes, in The Jesus I Never Knew, that he learned something about the incarnation from having a salt-water aquarium. He writes: “I learned about incarnation when I kept a saltwater aquarium. Management of a marine aquarium, I discovered, is no easy task. …You would think, in view of all the energy expended on their behalf, that my fish would at least be grateful. Not so. Every time my shadow loomed above the tank, they dove for cover into the nearest shell. They showed me one emotion only: fear. …To change their perceptions, I began to see, would require a form of incarnation. I would have to become a fish and speak to them in a language they could understand.”

    We and our neighbors live in a world of evil, of selfishness, of hate. If we are to bring anyone to Jesus Christ, we need to – in a sense – incarnate Jesus Christ to our friends and one way we do that is by living a good life in front of them. 

    There are many times in funeral eulogies that I could summarize the person’s life by simply saying, “He or she was a good person.” What does it mean to be a “good person”? How can we be “good people”? What are the qualities that make up a “good person”? Paul says in Romans 15:14 that the Christians in Rome were “full of goodness.” Therefore, we know that we can be good, we can even be good in God’s eyes! How? Let’s study the quality of “goodness” this week.

LET US DEFINE “GOOD” AS “LOVE IN ACTION”:

    We begin with the idea that love is an attitude that motivates one to action and we’ll define that action as “good.” So to word that another way, “love desires the good of another.” Do you see the distinction between “good” and “love”? Love is the attitude that motivates us to do something and the “something” we do is “good.” “Love desires the good of another.” 

 WE NEED TO DESIRE TO BE GOOD:

    Being “good” begins, with the desire to be good. Love is a choice and so good is a choice. We want to show love; therefore, we desire to be good, to do good. Paul wrote the Christians in Thessalonica in 2 Thessalonians 1:11 “To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power.”

    Notice Paul writes of “fulfilling their every desire for goodness.” We have to want to be good. Therefore, being good is the end result of decisions we make. It does not necessarily happen by accident or without any thought.

    You remember the woman who died in Acts 9, who was raised from the dead by the apostle Peter… Dorcas? Luke writes that when she was alive, she “abounded with deeds of kindness (NASV) and charity” (9:36). The word translated “kindness” is the Greek word for “good.” 

Paul Holland

The book of Hosea is like no other book in the Bible. It even stands out from the other books of prophecy in the Old Testament. Hosea was commanded to prophecy to the nation of Israel just like other men during this time period, but unlike other prophets Hosea’s message was directly tied to his personal life. He spoke to Israel and was motivated by the personal experiences that were happening to him in his life.

Hosea was commanded by God to marry the harlot Gomer (1:2). Gomer’s unfaithfulness to Hosea served as an example of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. As the account unfolds, Hosea and Gomer have three children whose names are used to send Israel a very specific message. While this book may seem harsh and almost cruel, let’s notice the main idea of Hosea.

Hosea reveals to us the depth of God’s unending love for His children, a love that is never failing but also a love that tolerates no rivals. The people that God has chosen as His own must recognize that His love must come first above anyone and everything else. This fact is seen in Hosea’s marriage to Gomer. In chapter 1:2-11, we are introduced to Hosea’s family. He has a wife and three kids, but Gomer doesn’t stick around long. She leaves Hosea and goes back to her life of harlotry. There’s a symbolic message that Hosea uses in his prophecy. He compares Israel’s actions to what his wife did to him. They left their union with God to live a life of sin.

While most of us would find it hard to love someone if they did these things to us, God still continued to love Israel. Hosea 3:1 says, “And the Lord said to me, ‘Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods…” God’s love is truly unending towards His children. The book of Hosea clearly illustrates this point.

By reading this book we can know that God’s forgiveness is available to everyone at any point. Not only do we get a glimpse of God’s attitude towards those who have left Him, we also see a personal example of how much God is willing to do in order to restore His relationship with us.

Hosea truly is a unique book. The prophet married a woman that he knew would eventually betray his trust. He knew the pain and heartache that would come from her unfaithfulness to him, but it was all done so that we could better understand God’s love and dedication towards imperfect and sinful man.

Carl Pollard

The gospel teaching of “salvation by grace through faith,” is one of the central doctrines of Christianity. Growing up, I don’t personally remember hearing a massive amount about it, though, which may just mean I was not listening like I should have been. Consequently, for a long time I lacked an understanding of what it means to be “saved by grace.” However, as I have grown, this beautiful concept has come into clearer view and I know why God emphasizes it so much in the Scriptures.

In Romans 4:3, Paul uses Abraham as a case study for being saved by grace. Quoting from Genesis 15:6, he writes, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Two words stand out here to help us understand how it is that God saves by grace.

The first is “believed.” In Greek this word is the same as “to have faith.” Many people today incorrectly think that having faith/believing just means to acknowledge God with their mind. However, we know from James 2:14-26 (specifically vv. 22-23) that Abraham’s “saving faith/belief” was the combination of trust with obedient actions. Thus, when Abraham is said to have “believed” it means that he had a trust which resulted in obedient action.
The second word is “counted.” Other translations of this would be “to impute” or “to credit to one’s account.” Imagine going to the bank and discovering an extra $1000 in your balance that you had not gone to work for, but it had been deposited there by a dear friend. That money would have been “credited” or “imputed” to you, not out of obligation on their part, but out of love and kindness.

Put the ideas together. Abraham was not a perfectly righteous man on his own. We are fully aware of his sinful shortcomings. However, when God revealed Himself to the patriarch, Abraham was left with a choice. He could trust God’s word, guidance, and work, OR he could keep doing things his own way. Wisely, Abraham chose to trust God’s way of doing things and did them (that’s belief). When God saw that obedient trust, He credited that to Abraham as complete righteousness (or rightness) even though Abraham was a flawed human being.

You and I are not perfectly righteous. We lost that status the moment we first sinned. What’s more, no one in their right mind would claim that I would have paid my dues for those sins by letting someone dunk me in water! However, when I am baptized as an act of submission to God’s will and am looking to Jesus’s sacrifice as the substitution for my own death, the Bible calls that belief or faith. When God sees that kind of trust, He credits me with complete righteousness before Him, even though I am still a flawed human being. There is no amount of sweat equity I could invest in my life that would earn such a status. It is a gift…paid for by the substitutionary death of Jesus…received through my trusting obedience…and kept by a life lived in continued trusting obedience until He calls me home. That’s what it means to be “saved by grace.”

Cory Waddell

Christianity cannot be practiced mindlessly. It is not a habit to be formed, forgotten, and inattentively fulfilled – like washing your hands. Rather, serving God by living as a Christian is a purposeful life lived intently.

Routines are helpful in maintaining a godly lifestyle. Cambridge defines routine as “a usual or fixed way of doing things.”

Scripture hints at the value of purposeful routines by showing us the extraordinary daily life of Jesus.

Jesus prayed often. And often he would pray alone. Great crowds followed Jesus, “Yet Jesus himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed” (Luke 5:16 NET). There were times when he needed to rise early in the morning to spend time alone in prayer (Mark 1:35-37). And still other times he would go up on a mountain to find solitude (Luke 6:12; Matthew 14:23).

Jesus “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Wherever he went, Jesus did good. He had compassion on people. He healed them and he taught them. He was fueled by doing the Father’s will (John 4:34).

Jesus attended synagogue regularly. When Jesus came back to his hometown, he “went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom.” (Luke 4:16).

Paul’s routine when he entered a new city to preach the gospel was to go in to the synagogue and proclaim Jesus (Acts 17:2, 10, 17; 13:5; 14:1; 18:4; 19:8).

Good routines are a sign of maturity, “But solid food is for the mature, whose perceptions are trained by practice to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). I appreciate the ESV’s rendering of “constant practice.” We must constantly practice good routines in order for their value to be added to our lives.

Our manner of life is often described as a “walk” in scripture. In order to have fellowship with God, fellowship with others, and forgiveness of sins, we must “walk in the light” (1 John 1:6, 7). Walking in the light is a routine. It is a usual or fixed way of doing things.

Unlike good routines, ruts can be dangerous. We “fall into a rut” or are “stuck in a rut.” Typically we find ourselves in a rut when we fail to practice godly routines. The Hebrews writer warns of harmful ruts. Those to whom he wrote were cautioned that they might not abandon meeting together, “as some are in the habit of doing” (Hebrews 10:25).

Some ruts are more difficult to get out of than others. But all require effort and diligence.

Perhaps you find yourself in a rut, mindlessly wasting your time. Perhaps you find yourself in a rut, actively harming your soul. Do not wallow in self-pity. Rather, take stock of where you are and how you got there, and then work to free yourself.

Paul told Timothy, “Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Walking the narrow way requires effort, diligence, thoughtfulness. We cannot expect to mindlessly stumble upon righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, or gentleness (see 1 Timothy 6:11).

Routinely pray to God. Routinely read, and meditate upon, his word. Routinely meet with the saints. Routinely do good to others. Routinely guard your words. Routinely seek for peace. Routinely praise God. If you are diligent in these things, you may see that those ruts are less enticing.

Lee Parish

In 1965 Jackie DeShannon sang the song, “What the World Needs Now Is Love.” The world needed love fifty-five years ago, and it needs love today.

May I suggest a few other elements which the world needs today?

The world needs truth. Not propaganda. Not half-truths. Not true things. Truth. Jesus stated plainly that the Father’s word is truth (John 17:17). Those in possession of the truth have an obligation to love it, to live by it, to speak it, and to defend it.

If we love truth, then we will reject that which is false, “I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law” (Psalm 119:163). If we love truth then we will live by it, “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name” (Psalm 86:11). If we love truth then our lives will be characterized by peace and stability (Psalm 119:165). If we love truth, then we will proclaim that truth to others (Romans 1:14, 15). If we love truth, then we will stand in defense of it (Philippians 1:16; 1 Peter 3:15).

We should be people who reject falsehood and stand for that which is true. But we must, with all the skill, love, and enthusiasm we possess, promote the truth of God.

The world needs kindness. Cruelty is rampant. Insults and smears are common. Christians must not practice, reward, or rejoice in such behavior.

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast, it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:4-6).

Some defend unkindness by arguing that they are just “telling it like it is.” But in truth that is simply an inadequate excuse for meanness. If we “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), we will find no room for such ugliness, neither will we find it in our hearts to hire someone to be be boastful, arrogant, rude, or resentful for us.

The world needs hope. 2022 was a rough year. Those who trust in princes (Psalm 146:3), in riches (Proverbs 11:28), or worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 3:19), will certainly find their optimism damaged. The world needs the unwavering joy of heaven-bound souls.

Our hope is laid up in heaven (Colossians 1:5). No virus, recession, pestilence, or war can damage the treasures we lay up there (Matthew 6:20).

As citizens of a heavenly kingdom (Philippians 3:20), the ebbs and flows of worldly kingdoms are ultimately immaterial to our hope. While the pain, sorrow, and loss we feel here are very real, we place our hearts in the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). When we despair, our gaze turns heavenward, and we rely upon the God who has the power over death (2 Corinthians 1:9).

Our world desperately needs people who have been changed by the power of the gospel. We must live lives of truth, kindness, and hope. We must not be conformed to the world, but rather we must allow our transformed lives to permeate throughout the globe.

The world needs you, Christian, to be a beacon of light, drawing people to the truth of Jesus, through words and works of kindness and hope. Will you rise above the lies, the hatred, and the despair to show people what a life truly changed by Christ looks like?

Lee Parish

Ok, I don’t actually believe what the title says, but now that I have your attention…

The turn signal on vehicles is one of the most basic accessories. So basic, in fact, that most of us probably take its presence and invention for granted. To take it a step further, it’s so fundamental to the car that many people forget to engage their left hand in the simple action of pushing the stick up before turning right or pulling it down before turning left, thus frustrating fellow drivers who could have gone ahead and pulled out had they known the oncoming car was planning to deviate from its straight course.  [Sorry about that…I’ll get off the soapbox now.]

The man to whom we owe this simple, yet effective, device is A.W. Dicus (1988-1978). Born in Missouri, but raised in Indiana, Dicus was an intelligent man with many and varied talents. He was a professor and head of the physics department at Tennessee Polytechnic Institute and invented a number of gadgets, including an electric pencil sharpener, an automobile speed governor, and a skill saw. However, his enduring legacy was the initial patent for the automobile turn signal in 1920.

More importantly, A.W. Dicus was a committed follower of Jesus, having obeyed the gospel in 1908. Throughout his life he served as the dean of Florida Christian College, but also labored for several years as a gospel preacher in a handful of congregations. He also tried his hand as an author, writing and publishing “A Brief Commentary on Romans and Hebrews,” “Church Leadership,” and a volume of “Sermon Outlines.” Yet, for many Christians, Dicus’ best-known work is a now classic hymn, “Our God, He Is Alive.” Countless worship services, lectureships, and other Christian gatherings have reverberated the upbeat anthem.

There is beyond the azure blue, 

A God concealed from human sight.

He tinted skies with heavenly hue, 

And framed the worlds with His great might. 

There is a God, He is alive.

In Him we live, and we survive.

From dust our God created man. 

He is our God. The Great I Am! 

In many ways, Dicus was a common man who simply worked hard and served the Lord. Yet, through that life, he gave two incredible contributions to society and the church. One improves the safety of our everyday travel. The other reminds us of the Almighty Creator.

So, today, as you drive around town remember to use that turn signal. And as you do, remember that our God is alive! He loves you. He sustains you. He is the Great I Am!

Biographical Information from: https://www.therestorationmovement.com/_states/florida/dicus.html

Cory Waddell

Sin breaks God’s heart.

In the wilderness, Israel’s rebellion “grieved” God (Psalm 78:40). In Ezekiel, Israel’s idolatry caused God to be broken (Ezekiel 6:9). He is the loving Father who taught his children to walk, who led them, carried them, fed them, yet they rebelled (Hosea 11:1-8).

Sin breaks God’s heart because he knows that sin promises so much and only takes everything. Sin deteriorates and demolishes, debases and destroys. Yet God does not give up. He is the Father who waits eagerly for his spiritually dead son to return (Luke 15:11-32).

What do we do when we have sinned? Do we dismiss it as something trivial? Do we delay repentance to another day? Do we become demoralized thinking there is no hope?

Dismissal, delaying, demoralization, those are not God’s wishes for us.

What can Israel and her most successful king teach us about dealing with sin?

Throughout scripture we find the practice of rending garments. Reuben and Jacob tore their clothes at the loss of Joseph (Genesis 37:29, 34). When Israel was defeated at Ai, Joshua tore his clothes (Joshua 7:6). When David heard of the death of Saul and Jonathan, the anointed king tore his clothes (2 Samuel 1:11). Josiah tore his clothes when the book of the Law was found and read (2 Kings 22:11). It was a display of grief over loss, a demonstration of humility, and a recognition of sin.

God responded to Josiah’s actions with mercy,

“Because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the LORD, when you hear how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the LORD” (2 Kings 22:19).

Because of Josiah’s reaction, God would not allow this good king to see the destruction he would bring upon Judah.

Yet this rending of garments could be merely a show, a superficial display lacking any depth. The prophet Joel spoke God’s words to a people soon to experience God’s punishment. But there was still hope.

“’Yet even now,’” declares the LORD, “’return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.’” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster” (Joel 2:12, 13).

God did not want a mere outward show of repentance. The tearing of the clothes was to represent the torn heart, not replace it.

David understood this well. After giving in to temptation, walking deep into its clutches, and committing horrendous sins, David was confronted by Nathan. When convicted of his sin, we see why this man is described as a man after God’s own heart. His heart is broken by his sin. In agony he crawls to God confessing his sin and seeking forgiveness (Psalm 51:1-5).

“Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart” (Psalm 51:6).

“Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:9, 10).

David understood that burnt sacrifices without a changed heart were worthless. Torn clothes without a torn heart are futile.

“For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burn offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:16, 17).

When we sin, we break God’s heart. When we come back to God with a broken heart, both are healed.

by Lee Parish

It is common for many people to go into a church building on Sunday and listen to a sermon that sounds very similar to one they’ve heard many times before. The introductions may be different, but the main statements and lessons may seem very similar. This is a common occurrence with preaching the truth.

Jeremiah preached to Judah for 40 years and those people heard the same lesson over and over again. Judah was to face the destruction of their city and their freedom. They needed to repent and obey God.

It is difficult to tell people bad news like this when they don’t really want to hear it. Jeremiah didn’t really want to give people news like this. But God wanted them to know what was about to happen to them, so he told them.

God has a message for our age. This message is similar to the one Jeremiah relayed. God wants us to know the world will end and everyone who has ever lived on it will face judgment (Acts 17:31). Each person who has ever lived will receive an eternal destination of either heaven or punishment for sin (Matthew 25:31-46).

The people that heard Jeremiah didn’t believe what he said. Then, the Babylonians took them into 70 years of captivity. Many people will hear the words of Jesus in Matthew 25 and will not believe what he said either. But just as Judah learned Jeremiah’s words were true, one day many people will come to the same inescapable conclusion.

We live in a world that fills our senses and occupies our minds each day with the message that this world is all there is and there is no other. That message is not the truth. Reality is quite different. This world will end. It is not permanent.

You have a choice. You may choose God and obey the gospel, or you may choose to ignore the message of the gospel. What will it be?

John Henson

In view of Solomon’s warning in 12:13, 14 to “fear God and keep His commandments,” it seems prudent for us to consider what responsibilities he has given man throughout the book.

First, Solomon has instructed man to enjoy life. While many today have a “it’s all about me” and a “go for the gusto” philosophy, Solomon offers a legitimate reason to find joy in one’s life. There is much to enjoy: food, companionship, work – but all based upon a positive relationship with God. This theme occurs seven times in the book: 2:24-26; 3:12-13, 22; 5:18-20; 8:15; 9:7-9; 11:8-9. This joy cannot be hedonism, because it is given by God.

Second, Solomon has instructed man to be wise. There are some definite negatives to wisdom (1:18; 2:12; 4:13-16; 9:13-16; 10:1). However, there are numerous advantages. Wisdom itself is good (2:26), it improves the quality of life (7:11-12) and gives strength (7:19). It even can help one in a difficult situation (8:1). It is important to wise men that they help others to become wise (12: 9-12).

Third, Solomon has instructed men to worship God acceptably. Men throughout the centuries have foolishly approached God in a way that was unacceptable (Lev. 10:1, 2; Is. 1:10-17; Micah 6:6-8; Matt. 15:8-9; John 4:23, 24). Proper worship involves a recognition of God’s presence (5:1-2). It also includes careful consideration of one’s words and promises (5:4-6).

Fourth, Solomon has instructed men to remember God. He specifically noted that God should be remembered as judge (11:9; 12:13-14) and creator (12:1). These terms establish God’s power and authority, and demand more than a simple mental acknowledgement. They demand action and genuine devotion (12:13).

Fifth, Solomon has instructed men to have a good work ethic. In a world filled with laziness and gluttony, this message still applies today (9:10; 10:17-18; 11:4-6). It is God’s plan that man work, and work hard. Those who are looking for a “free ride” will not be able to fully appreciate God’s plan for his life and will ultimately destroy himself (4:5). However, it is possible for one to be a “workaholic” and fail to have the kind of balance God desires (4:6).

Sixth, Solomon has instructed men to fear God. This concept is central in all of the wisdom literature (Job 28:28; Ps 111:10; Prov 1:7; 9:10), and is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes (3:14; 5:7; 7:18; 8:12-13; 12:13). This admonition calls upon men to have a healthy view of God’s awesome power and authority, in contrast with man’s weakness and helplessness. It includes more than respect, but a terror of facing an angry God in the Day of Judgment (Heb. 10:31).

Seventh, Solomon has instructed men to recognize their limitations. Far too often men become arrogant and self-sufficient. Such entails the thinking of fools. Rather, Solomon has demonstrated that there are many things that men do not know (11:2, 5-6) or understand (11:5). Equally, there are many events that are beyond man’s ability to control (8:8).

Denny Petrillo

I heard about a farmer who was detained for questioning about an election scandal.   The attorney asked him, “Did you sell your vote?”

The farmer said, “No sir, not me.  I voted for that there fella ’cause I liked him.”

The attorney said, “Come, now, I have evidence that he gave you fifty dollars for a vote.”

The farmer said, “Well, now, it’s plain common sense that when a fella gives you fifty dollars you like him.”

I suppose that’s one way to define a friend.  In fact, Solomon said, “Many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.” (Proverbs 19:6).

But, a true friend involves a depth of relationship.  It’s someone you enjoy doing things with, someone you enjoy talking with, someone you wouldn’t hesitate to turn to in times of need.  Solomon lets us know how important friends are in the difficult times of life:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.  Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?  Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.  And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Eccl. 4:9-12).

Give thanks to God for the friends who are a blessing in your life.  And let those friends know how special they are to you.

Have a great day and a great weekend!

Alan Smith

Elijah is known as one of the greatest prophets. We’re introduced to him in 1 Kings 17 and God is preparing him to accomplish great things. As God leads him he begins to grow in faith while following His lead. Ahab wears the crown after his father Omri, but he is significantly more wicked. In fact, he’s more wicked than all before him. It’s fitting that during such a terrible time someone like Elijah makes his appearance.

There’s an interesting event that takes place while the prophet shelters by a brook that God had led him to. Ravens fly in with bread and meat to keep him sustained. The raven was an unclean animal, yet God is helping Elijah grow in several ways during this period. He’s leading, and Elijah follows in faith. He could not deny that God sent him the ravens, yet it went against his upbringing. Even so, he still ate.

One lesson we can pull from this account is that God can use the unclean for His purposes. God can use the evil people and nations to accomplish His will. An unfaithful Christian can share the gospel and a sinful man can make good and godly decisions, all the while remaining unclean. That’s a humbling lesson. We can act faithful, but we can remain filthy. We don’t want that! It’s my prayer that today we can make a fresh commitment to be faithful to God in all things. He can lead us through even the darkest times, if we have the faith to follow.

Dale Pollard

     With the recent warmer weather comes thoughts of springtime. Springtime is planting time. We all are planting seeds of some sort. Some of us may be planting seeds in the minds of our children. Others may be planting seeds in the minds of Bible students. Whatever kind of seeds we plant; there are some general principles that apply. Let us make some observations about the planting the Word of God.

First, the seed must be the right seed. So much seed is sown today wrongly labeled as “God’s seed.” The true seed, however, is the Word of God. (Luke 8:11) We have all of God’s word we need. (2 Pet. 1:3) We are not to alter, change, or modify it. (Gal. 1:6-10; Rev. 22:18, 19) This seed is described as incorruptible. (1 Pet. 1:23) When God’s pure seed is sown on good ground, only good results will come. Is your heart ready for the pure seed of God’s word? Faith is produced by the word of God. (Rom. 10:17) Faith does not come from emotions or feelings, but in obedience and in compliance with the Word and the Will of God.

Second, seed must be planted in the right soil. If the soil is not right even the best seed won’t germinate correctly. Spiritually, we must have our hearts willing and ready to receive the Word. Those Peter preached to “gladly received the word.” (Acts 2:41) The word is to be implanted within us. (James. 1:21)

Third, the seed must be watered and nurtured. Sometimes seed is planted but nothing more happens. Paul explains how the process is to work. Paul planted seed. He stated, “I planted, Apollos watered, and God gave the increase.” (1 Cor. 3:6) Some people today might be seed planters. Others are good at watering, but let us always let God provide the increase. Paul writes to fathers to bring up children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:4, KJV) Throughout the coming years those seeds will need to be watered so that the plants will develop. Further nurturing will need to be done before harvest in the fall. In the Bible, the seed is the Word of God. (Luke 8:11)

The word of God must be planted in the heart and mind in order to save a person. Jesus told his apostles to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15, 16) The Bible tells us, “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47, NKJV)

By Bill Brandstatter

·       Ours is the society of the drive through.  We can remain in the quiet comforts of our vehicle and still pick up our laundry, carry out our banking, grab our lunch, and buy our over-priced Starbucks latte.

·       Ours is the environment of speed.  We wield on-demand cable TV, 5G wireless service, and high-performance internet access.

Hurry has become our most beloved deity.

Waiting has become the cardinal sin – an abomination of the worst order.

The devil is no longer a spirit entity who attacks our faith, but anything that causes us delay.

To be left in the waiting room is anathema.

These shifts in our cultural thinking and practice have impacted, not only our lives, but our views of the Almighty (Psa. 50:21).  He too must hustle and rush at the same frantic pace of humanity.  Since He transcends time, He ought to bring about prompt deliverance.

In essence, God ought to be instant.

Someone we can pick up at the drive through – and faster than a speeding bullet.

The problem is – God isn’t in a hurry (2 Pet. 3:8).  Ever.  You could say He cooks like Grandma used to – without the luxury of a modern microwave.

Jehovah often allows His children to simmer in the crock pot of patient endurance (Jas. 1:3-4).  His divine recipe for our spiritual health and maturity includes nothing more dramatic than letting us wait for His perfect will to unfold (2 Cor. 6:4; Col. 1:11).

You see, He knows that real faith is refined in the oven of days, months, years and even decades, and not in the quick setting of an Insta-Pot.

Think about it.

·       When Abram and Sarai were sure it was far too late to start a family, God allowed the couple to sauté yet another quarter-century before blessing them with Isaac.

·       When Isaac and Rebekah wanted children to grace their home, God let this husband and wife swelter the heat of perseverance for 20 years before answering their prayers.

·       When Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, God allowed twenty-two years to elapse before the siblings were finally brought together and reconciled.

·       When Moses was ready to lead the Hebrews out of Egyptian bondage, God left the future deliverer in the oven of Midian for another forty years.

These Bible folks grace the sacred pages of Hebrews chapter eleven because they waited on God (Psa. 27:14; 37:9, 34; Isa. 40:31) and learned to submit to His protracted plan.  In so doing, they not only increased their faith, but gave Jehovah glory.

Dear reader, are you ever impatient with God?

Are you tired of waiting?

It is quite possible that you are in the crock pot – right where the Almighty wants you to be.

“God loves you and I love you and that’s the way it’s gonna be!” 

–Mike Benson

When I was in junior high school, my dad was discouraged in his preaching and had quit for a few months, maybe a year. We lived in north Georgia at the time; we worshipped at one congregation on Sunday morning and another congregation on Wednesday evening.

    In the Bible class room in our Wednesday night Bible class, there was this poster on the wall that read: “I know I’m somebody ‘cause God don’t make no junk!” It was an important reminder to young teenagers that we are all important in the eyes of God. A similar aphorism that you have seen over the years says: “Be patient. God’s not finished with me yet.” 

    You and I cannot give up on ourselves when we fall into sin and temptation. When we do not perform as Christians as well as we know we could and should. Paul did not want the Philippian Christians to give up before they reached spiritual maturity. He challenged them to keep walking, keep growing, keep climbing until they reached their potential in Christ Jesus. There are four things in our text that are needed if we are to keep maturing in our Christianity.

    Let’s feed on God’s word together…

ENCOURAGEMENT – 3:15-16:

    Some translations translate “perfect” as “mature.” In verse 12, Paul used a verb form in the perfect tense, which denotes absolute spiritual maturity; you might even say “sinless perfection.” In this verse (ver. 15), it refers to spiritual maturity. It’s the type of “completeness” in maturity level that we see contrasted between an adult and a baby.

    The gospel got us to this point of maturity. The gospel is what brought us from unbeliever to believer, from being in sin to being in Christ. We cannot and should not allow other teachings or other principles or other people to change the way we approach the Christian life and Christian maturity.

EXAMPLES – 3:17:

    Literally, Paul says, “be fellow-imitators of me.” The Greek word gives us the English word mimic. As Paul mimicked Christ, he says Christians should mimic him.

    Notice also at the end of the verse, Paul writes Christians should observe those “who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” First, as to the “pattern…” The word refers to a piece of metal imprinting its image into something else, like coins. Paul followed Christ as closely as possible and, in doing so, he gave a pattern for other people to follow as well. In 1 Timothy 1:16, Paul wrote to Timothy: “Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.”

    It is not possible to overemphasize how important a godly example is to each one of us. I need to hear how you are living your Christian faith at work. That’s why fellowship is so important for us. Your example, your pattern of faithfulness inspires and encourages me. I need that. 

    I don’t remember a whole lot from my world history class in the 8th grade in Hiawassee, GA, but I certainly remember the impact Mr. Flanagan had on me.

ENEMIES AWAY – 3:18-19:

    Paul had already written in Philippians, in 3:2, about avoiding “dogs and evil workers.” These were wolves in sheep’s clothing. They were those who “perverted the gospel of Christ” (Gal. 1:7). They look like friends and sound like friends but in actuality, they are not teaching the gospel of Christ correctly, so they are enemies of the cross. Paul mourned as he talked about them.

    Let us observe their description:

    The goal: “Their end is destruction.”

    Their god: “their god is their appetite.” “Appetite” is literally “belly.” They pander to themselves, like those in 2 Timothy 4:3, whom Paul described as wanting to have their “ears tickled.” To that purpose, they sought out religious teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear. 

    Their glory: “is in their shame.”

    Their perspective: “they set their mind on earthly things.”

    To become spiritually mature, we need to avoid godless enemies around us.

EXPECTATIONS – 3:20-21:

    The apostle Paul had set his past behind him and was determined to leave it in the past. He had a clear view of his future and he kept it in front of him. Stephen Covey wrote in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People that effective people stay focused by keeping the end, the purpose, in mind.

    Paul’s “hope” was confident expectation! But it wasn’t only for the coming of Christ but also for the redemption of his body! Notice that Paul writes that when Jesus returns, He will “transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory” (ver. 21). My fleshly body is what causes me often to sin. But one day, this body with its passions is going to be changed and my spirit will no longer follow the desires of the flesh! What about that!?

    To enjoy spiritual maturity family, we need: great encouragement within us, godly examples around us, godless enemies away from us, and grand expectations before us. With this information in front of us, what are we to do?

    “Stand firm in the Lord, beloved!” (Phil. 4:1). This is how you will reach spiritual maturity. 

If you asked me to belay the fears of those worried about climate change quickly, I would do so by citing one Scripture. Granted, this would only work for a minority of people who 1) believe in God and 2) accept the Bible as His infallible revelation to humanity. Nevertheless, I would still begin with God’s words to Noah.

“As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” (Genesis 8.22 NLT)

If you are a person of faith, that is all you need to hear. It does not matter what computer models claim. Behind the climate change hype, one notes that, typically, politicians are trying to seize more money and control through industry regulation and carbon taxes. I realize that it feels empowering to think the task of saving the planet is yours to undertake. I imagine it gives a sense of purpose. Yet, a person of faith sees that this ability to “save the planet” exceeds his or her grasp. God told the patriarch Job that He alone could bring the sword to His creation (Job 40.15ff).

Lastly, people of faith will likewise acknowledge that Holy Writ reveals a history of periods of extreme weather. In particular, one notes the seven years of feast and famine foreseen by the pharaoh and interpreted by Joseph via God’s Spirit (Genesis 41.29-31). That dearth of food, brought on by drought, was bad enough that it impacted even Joseph’s brothers living many miles away (Genesis 41.57-52.2). The foretold famine of Genesis 41 was not the only drought depicted in Scripture. The conditions leading to famine understood as drought, caused the patriarchs Abraham (then Abram) and Isaac and Naomi and her husband to take refuge where they could find food (Genesis 12.10; 26.1; Ruth 1.1).

Drought was not limited to the Old Testament. For example, in Acts 11.28, the prophet Agabus foresaw a “great dearth” (KJV) that would occur during the reign of Claudius Caesar. Though people have repeatedly undertaken the challenge of disproving the veracity of Luke’s scholarship, Luke has always proven true. There were, in total, four famines noted in secular history during the reign of Claudius Caesar. One such famine centered in Judea and served as the impetus for Paul’s missionary journeys (Acts 11.29-30). At this point, hopefully, the person of faith has had his or her fears about “climate change” assuaged. But what about those who do not accept the existence of God or the inspiration of Scripture?

Well, let’s play devil’s advocate. The late comedian, George Carlin, had a great point about “saving the planet” within one of his stand-up routines for those embracing evolutionary dogma. He mentioned that the planet has allegedly been here for billions of years by evolutionary timetables. In comparison, humans have supposedly only been here for a couple of hundred thousand years. Even then, humanity has only engaged in heavy industrialization for about 200 years. Yet, species of flora and fauna have come and gone whether “we” have done anything or not. Carlin says that nature takes care of itself.1 (By the way, Christians agree somewhat with this sentiment since we accept that Christ sustains His creation—Colossians 1.15-17; Hebrews 1.3.)

Meanwhile, the evidence touted by academics promoting today’s climate change hysteria points to such things as more significant amounts of greenhouse gases in earth’s remote past “before man.” (These scientists said that our current greenhouse gases, purported to be thanks to human activity, now matched what they observed in that distant past.)2

Other factors impacting weather and climate have nothing to do with man. For example, thanks to volcanic activity, our world entered a mini-ice age persisting for several centuries, despite the birth of industrialization, into the late nineteenth century.3 And there are likewise such factors as orbital changes (i.e., Milankovitch cycles) and sunspot activity influencing the weather. Regarding the impact of sunspots, scientists note the Maunder minimum that persisted for over twenty years between the latter seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. It added bitterness to the already cold mini-ice age.4

The weather is going to change. It always has and always will. Though the climate is different from weather, one notes climate is the weather record over a protracted period. And when was the last time your weatherman gave you an accurate weather forecast for a month into the future? Of course, they cannot do that, can they? No, they are constantly observing the computer models and giving you their best guess from their resources’ data. A forecast can drastically change within a day.

Computer programmers have a mantra as old as modern computing: “Garbage in, garbage out.” In other words, a program is only as good as the data entered into it. Therefore, if you have bias, the results of your programming will reflect that bias. Those crying “climate change” benefit from computer modeling that paints an apocalyptic future picture. Fear is a great motivator. Unscrupulous people will use unfounded fear to get you to go along with the message they are peddling.

Does this absolve us of our role as God’s caretakers (Genesis 1.26-28)? No, we ought to be good stewards. Therefore, we accept as a principle what Paul said of man’s stewardship of the Gospel: God must find us faithful (1 Corinthians 4.2). If God has given us stewardship of the planet, we ought not to pollute or abuse it. The Dust Bowl and Georgia’s Providence Canyon reveal what happens from poor farming practices that rob the earth of the protective soil: severe erosion. In like manner, belching industrial smokestacks and burning fires wreak havoc on the lungs of the asthmatic. Without rushing headlong into a hysteria that ultimately doubts God’s power or fails to accept His promise, we can grasp these truths.

I will close as I began, with those words God spoke in the presence of Noah to all of humanity.
“As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” (Genesis 8.22 NLT)

Sources Consulted
1 Carlin, George. “‘Saving the Planet,’ by George Carlin.” Wheelersburg Local School District, Wheelersburg Local School District, www.wheelersburg.net/Downloads/GeorgeCarlin.pdf.
2 Freedman, Andrew. “The Last Time CO2 Was This High, Humans Didn’t Exist.” Climate Central, Climate Central, 3 May 2013, www.climatecentral.org/news/the-last-time-co2-was-this-high-humans-didnt-exist-15938.
3 Parry, Wynne. “Volcanoes May Have Sparked Little Ice Age.” LiveScience, Future US, Inc., 30 Jan. 2012, www.livescience.com/18205-ice-age-volcanoes-sea-ice.html.
4 “Maunder Minimum.” Edited by Erik Gregersen, Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 25 Feb. 2011, www.britannica.com/science/Maunder-minimum

Brent Pollard

A number of years ago I came across an article by the late Batsell Barrett Baxter that was directed toward practical suggestions for prayer.  The points that he noted in that article are worth considering especially when we all seem to be going in a hundred different directions at once.  The fifteen points that he noted are as follows and worth considering.

1. Pray immediately upon arising.  In what better way can we begin the new day than by thanking God for His protection and care during the night and by asking His guidance and help during the coming day?
2. Pray before every meal.  God has provided our every need in such a bountiful manner!
3. Pray at set times.  The ancient Jews, and others, found it helpful to reserve certain periods of the day for prayer.  We may find it helpful, too.
4. Pray at odd times—whenever you feel the desire.
5. Pray with your whole family.  There is something particularly wonderful about a prayer in which both children and parents have a part.
6. Pray immediately before retiring.  After the cares and toils of the day the child of God especially needs to talk with his Heavenly Father.
7. Pray when you feel discouraged.  Most of us need a little encouragement to pray when we feel discouraged or when we face some special problem.  It is a great comfort to know that God listens to our prayers in time of crisis.
8. Pray when you are happy.  It is easy to pray in time of crisis and equally easy to forget to pray when the affairs of life are going especially well.
9. Pray on your knees when possible.  The Scriptures contain no rigid commands concerning the physical posture to be taken while praying.  Nevertheless some postures, such as the bowed head, closed eyes, and bent knee are conducive to effective prayer.
10. Pray aloud.  Normally our prayers should be spoken audibly.  There is something about praying “out loud” that makes the prayer more real—we are really talking to our Heavenly Father.
11. Pray silently.  There are many situations in which an audible prayer would be hardly possible.  In a crowded restaurant or on a bus or train, for example.
12. Pray simply and naturally.  Prayers are not to be measured by their elegance or erudition.  They are to be simple, heart-felt petitions from the children of God to their Father.
13. Pray fervently.  James says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much in its workings” (James 5: 16).
14. Pray until prayer becomes a habit.  It must not become “a mere habit” or “just a habit” but it ought to be something we do as regularly as we eat or sleep or breathe.
15. Pray at least ten minutes a day.  A highly regarded preacher of our time often says “I can guarantee that anyone who prays as much as ten minutes each day will be saved.”  On what basis can such a rash-sounding statement be made?  The man who spends ten minutes a day in prayer will be the kind of a Christian who will do all the other things the Lord requires.

The points that are made should be considered by each of us this very hour as we consider our everyday Christian walk.  May we be a people of prayer.

Dave Chamberlin