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

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

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

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

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

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

Tyler King

For love’s sake

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lee Parish

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barry Newton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dick Brant

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

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

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

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

Corey Sawyers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let me note a few places the word is used.

NASB                           Greek                  Word   Strong’s                 Origin   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dick Brant

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

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

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

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

– by Mark White

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

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

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

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

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

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

Corey Sawyers

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

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

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

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

Charles Hicks

The first I ever knew that I was adopted was when I was about eleven, and I applied for my Social Security card. I went to the social security office downtown on the bus, and when it was my turn in line, I stepped up and said, “I need to get my social security card so I can get a job,” and I handed her my birth certificate. In a few minutes she came back with other papers and said, “You know you are adopted don’t you?” I said, “No, but will that keep me from getting a card.” She said, “No.”  Next, I filled out the forms and went home.

As you might imagine when I got home I said to my mom, “Why didn’t you tell me I was adopted?” She said simply, “I was going to later, but now you know.” That was all she ever said, and I didn’t ask any more questions. Then a couple of years later I met my biological father briefly and didn’t hear from him again for about forty years.

My second adoption I was fully aware of and involved fully with. I wanted to be adopted this time. That is right; I am talking about the fact that God adopted me. Of course, it was on His terms, and that was fine with me. Note with me how easy He has made it by looking at just a few Bible verses.

            John 1:12-13, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

            Romans 8:15, “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”

            II Cor. 6:18, In this passage, Paul quotes from the Old Testament stating this, “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.

            Gal. 4:5, “So that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

The process begins with the belief that Jesus is the Son of God. Then based on that belief, you are baptized, having repented and confessed Jesus as Lord.

From that point on we live our life as, He, our Father directs us through His Word. He has given us information to guide us in all areas of living a life of faith and service. In II Peter1:4-5 it is stated this way, “Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”

      So, as His children let us live in faith and service to Him.

Dick Brant

CRACKED POTS

The story is told of a water bearer in India who had two large pots.  They hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck, but one of the pots had a crack in it.  While the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.  For two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots of water to his master’s house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made.  But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.  “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.”

“Why?” asked the bearer.  “What are you ashamed of?”

“I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house.  Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.

In his compassion, the water bearer said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some.  But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side?  That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it.  I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them.  For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table.  Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

It is an amazing thing (but true) that God is able to accomplish some wonderful things through our efforts, in  spite of our imperfections.  Paul said of his role as a preacher of the gospel:

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (2 Cor. 4:7).

Though we may often feel inadequate and useless, if we will continue about the task that God has given us, we will produce fruit and influence lives in ways we may not even be aware of.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (I Cor. 15:58).

May your life “abound” this day in the work of the Lord!  Though you may feel like a “cracked pot,” your efforts are not in vain.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

A family was out enjoying a nice safari in South Africa when they came upon a pride of lions. It was a perfect picture moment. The lions were just a few feet away, basking in the shade.  Then one lion stood up and curiously approached the car. The lion put its mouth on the door handle and pulled. The door popped right open! The family screamed and immediately shut the door.

This safari could have ended in disaster. The family was very lucky the lion was more curious than ferocious. No doubt, the family learned a very valuable lesson around lions: always keep the doors locked!

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Unlike these lions, Satan is not so curious. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” As soon as we give this lion the slightest opportunity, he will viciously attack (Ephesians 4:27). He would be more than happy to destroy our spiritual lives if we let him.

Even though it should be obvious, don’t ever let the lion in! Especially when that lion is Satan. James 4:7-8 offers the solution, “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you….” Let’s keep the Lord with us at all times and always keep our spiritual doors locked!

Brett Petrillo

Tasmanian devils are named for their chilling shrieks that can be heard when the sun goes down on the island of Tasmania. The sound of the devils crying in the night reminded the early colonists of the mythical hellhounds. Despite their terrifying calls, these creatures aren’t as much of a danger to humans as they are to themselves. Not so long ago a vicious cancer began killing these animals and the cause of the disease was a mystery. As scientists began to study them, they discovered that the cancerous tumors were self-inflicted. It’s not uncommon for the Tasmanian devils to fight and bite one another over a carcass or the rights to a female. A devil’s ears will burn a bright red color when they become upset but by lashing out at one another they further their own extinction. The bites they inflict on one another are likely to develop into the mutating cancer that will grow until they succumb to the disease itself, or starvation. You won’t see the ugly side of these animals in Looney Tunes, but there are some valuable lessons to be learned from this. At times we can be guilty of destroying one another through gossip or complaining and, sadly, the church isn’t immune to this disease. It’s no wonder that God warns us about the dangers through His New Testament authors.

Consider the following verses:

“Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.” James 5.9 

“But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.” Galatians 5.15 

“We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.” 

I Corinthians 10.9-10 

While there’s much to be said about the damage that the tongue can inflict, it’s more productive to discuss solutions to the problem. Ironically, it’s a lack of productivity that often spawns gossip and complaints. As the old adage goes,

“When there’s nothing to see and do, there’s much to hear and say.”

Sadly, the darker side of closeness, history, and intimacy can be the breeding ground of gossip. The wounds inflicted and the trust that’s broken can be difficult, if not impossible, to repair. A song we teach to small children should be modeled by adults.

O be careful little ears what you hear

O be careful little ears what you hear

For the Father up above

Is looking down in love

So, be careful little ears what you hear

O be careful little tongue what you say

O be careful little tongue what you say

For the Father up above

Is looking down in love

So, be careful little tongue what you say

Three Ways To Fight The Bite

1. Avoid being a spreader. It will build your integrity and trustworthiness.
2. Make it a point to speak highly of the person being slandered.
3. Offer biblical solutions instead of contributing to the gossip. This assumes the person spreading the gossip is genuinely concerned about the person(s) they’re talking about. Have they confronted the subject of their gossip (Matt. 18.15-20)? If they’re unwilling to act but willing to talk— avoid them.

On the last night of His life Jesus prayed the following,

“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17.20-21 

If unity was on the mind of the Savior even as He faced the cross, it must be important.

Unity: without it there’s pain but with it there’s unlimited power.

Dale Pollard

Jesus Is Divine

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). John opens his account of the Gospel with that glorious description of the Word who “became flesh and dwelt among us” (verse 14). We know the one called “the Word” is Jesus, but to claim that He was God? That claim is too much for some.

However, Jesus Himself made that claim on more than one occasion. For example, when Jesus was tempted by the devil, our Lord responded to one of those temptations by quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, which states, “You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve” (Matthew 4:10).

Just a few chapters later, a leper came up to Jesus, and we are told by Matthew that the leper “knelt before [Jesus], saying, ‘Lord, if you will, you can make me clean’” (8:2). Kneeling was a sign of worship, but notice that this man also called Jesus, “Lord.” (For other examples, see Matthew 9:18; 14:33; John 20:28; et.al)

If Jesus is not divine, then why would He allow such actions and words to be directed His way? If He is not divine, allowing these things would be nothing short of blasphemy and the very height of arrogance!

The doctrine of the Trinity (Godhead) is one that we know intellectually, but that we simply cannot wrap our finite minds around. How the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit can be, as we often sing, the “blessed three in one” is impossible for us to fathom. However, we must always remember that each is worthy of worship because each is part of the divine Being, we simply call, “God.”

So, we can rightfully sing, “Worthy of praise is Christ our Redeemer,” because Jesus is divine. He is God. May we kneel before Him, and call Him, “Lord.”

– Adam Faughn

Promises

“And Hezekiah said to Isaiah, ‘What is the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up to the house of the Lord the third day’ ” (2 Kings 20:8)?

On a trip to the mountains of Nepal we followed a local bus for several miles. On the back of the bus was printed their slogan, “We make travel fun.” Really? What is so much fun about riding on extremely narrow, rough, crooked roads in high mountains where in order to pass traffic one must literally hang out over steep drops? It is not unusual to see below the burnt out ruins of vehicles that did not safely negotiate those conditions.

Promises are easy to make, but sometimes difficult or even impossible to keep. Whether it is in advertising, political campaigns, or more personal assurances, most people soon learn to take any pledge with at least a little skepticism. We learn to ask questions, such as, “How do I know you can do that?” Or “What guarantees can you give?”

When King Hezekiah of Judah became ill the prophet Isaiah told him he would die. The king prayed for mercy and God granted it. Isaiah returned and assured the king that he would recover and live for 15 more years (2 Kings 20:1-6). When Hezekiah heard the new prophecy his response was to ask, “How can I be sure?” He desired a sign from God — that is something miraculous — as sure proof that he would live.

Such is human nature. We are so cynical that we ask even God for proof that he will keep his promises. Show me a sign. Perform a miracle. Do something special just for me so that I can be certain that my faith is well placed.

And while we are longing for signs we easily forget that they have already been provided. When Paul described the Gospel which he preached throughout much of the Roman Empire, he said it was “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:3-4).

God has provided every necessary evidence of his existence and nature (Romans 1:19-20), his love for mankind (Romans 5:8), and the facts and promises of the Gospel of Salvation. By the resurrection of Jesus from the grave he established beyond question his ability to raise all the dead. By giving his son to die for us he has proven his great and matchless love for us.

Regarding eternal salvation, Paul wrote in another place, “In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Titus 1:2). God’s own nature is our guarantee that we can trust his promises. He cannot lie. What he speaks is true, always (John 17:17).

Bus companies and politicians may promise almost anything. One trusts them at one’s own risks. But if God says it, it is true. Him we can believe. In fact, if we are to have any hope we must believe him and follow all of his commandments (Matthew 7:21).

Michael Brooks

The Second Time
by Steve Higginbotham

In my opinion, there are but a few words recorded in the Bible that are as encouraging than the words recorded in Jonah 3:1. The text says, “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time.”

As you surely know, Jonah, the prophet, attempted to run from God and his responsibility as one of God’s spokesmen. His desertion was not a matter of fear for his own safety but was a matter of his corrupt heart. He knew that if he obeyed God, Nineveh would repent, God would forgive them, the people would not be destroyed, and that was not the outcome Jonah desired (Jonah 4:2).

Whoever heard of a preacher wanting his hearers to be destroyed? What kind of corrupt heart or skewed perspective must Jonah have had? There’s no way around it, Jonah failed miserably.

But then we read those words of hope…”The word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time.” Although Jonah utterly failed God and the people of Nineveh, God was not through with Jonah. He gave Jonah a second chance, and he does the same for you, still today.

Are you ashamed of moments from your past?  Who isn’t? But the final chapter of your life hasn’t been written yet. Instead of living with regret over your past mistakes, repent, and thank God for being a God of second chances.

The Christian’s pursuit

A blinded and humbled man fell before the voice of the Author of life. The soul-piercing question echoes through the ages, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4). Saul’s persecutions had begun with the violent stoning of Stephen, and resulted in the scattering of Christians (Acts 8:1-3).

Saul wasn’t satisfied with mere intimidation, he ravaged the church. Later, he would reveal that it was his intent to destroy the church of God through violence (Galatians 1:13). Not content with dispersing believers, in his raging fury, he persecuted Christians to foreign cities (Acts 26:11). It is here, on the road to Damascus, that his pursuit of violence led to a pursuit of peace.

“Persecute” and “pursue” both find their origins in the same Greek term, διώκω (dioko). Forty-three of its 58 occurrences are clearly negative, referring to some form of persecution. But 10 times it is used positively. Four times the Christian is told to pursue peace (Romans 14:19; 2 Timothy 2:22; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 3:11). Three times we are instructed to pursue love (1 Corinthians 14:1; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22). Two times we are commanded to pursue righteousness (1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22). Faith or faithfulness is also mentioned twice in those same passages. Steadfastness, gentleness, hospitality, holiness, and doing good also are to be sought.

It is clear that the Christian lifestyle is not a passive one. We cannot hope to become like Christ while putting forth minimal effort. BDAG describes διώκω in part, “to move rapidly and decisively toward an objective.”/1 We are to seek these Christ-like qualities with the same decisiveness and devotion as Saul had toward the destruction of the Way.

It is also clear that these pursuits are life-long and essential. Notice how the Holy Spirit encourages the faint-hearted Hebrews, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14 ESV).

Following Paul’s encounter with Jesus, and his calling upon the Lord’s name (Acts 22:16), the apostle’s life changed. Instead of heeding the call of violence in persecution, Paul pursued “the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

What is it that you are pursuing?

__________

1/ William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 254.

Lee Parish

1. Stick with the Word

Some saints want to show themselves to be intelligent by dabbling in the philosophies of the world, the theologies of the denominations, or the politics of the nations. But the world has more than enough of these. Our message has to distinguish itself clearly from all these. We preach an almighty God whose love encompasses all of history and who glory has revealed itself in terms we can grasp. From creation we move quickly to the Book of Life, whose final author knows us better than we know ourselves. The Bible is the best argument for God’s existence. His power lives in it and from it people can be convicted of the truth.

How do we stick with the Word?

• Read it often, memorize its pages, live its truths.
• Be taught by God’s teachers, don’t miss a single opportunity to study.
• Teach it at every opportunity to those in Christ and to those outside.

It’s the Ezra approach: “Now Ezra had dedicated himself to the study of the law of the Lord, to its observance, and to teaching its statutes and judgments in Israel” Ezra 7.10.

2. Be the people of God

The world is full of hate. The people of God show a superior path, where love reigns and where each looks to the interest of others. The doctrine of love is what the world must hear and see first. Not even denominations who profess to be the church can show love because, to exist, each one must proclaim its superiority over the other factions.

Christ’s followers must distance themselves in every way from such groups. We must do whatever necessary to avoid even looking like them. First impressions are important. People often will not give us a second chance. Our best foot forward is the acceptance in Christ of every single human being, whom God welcomes with open arms, when one shows faith and obedience. Otherwise, the walls of sin remain to block access to God. But the invitation remains open. Humility insists with gentleness urging repentance.

We are better than none, but we have an exclusive word from the only true God. We speak of him boldly.

We have no right to criticize any system of belief and to urge the reception of grace, if we do not live our faith and live in community for which we were purified from our sins, 1 Peter 1.22. That means that there is no question where we will be on the Lord’s Day. We will be at the Lord’s Table with the Lord’s People.

3. Declare yourself

The real Christian cannot hide his faith. A hidden faith dies quickly, just as a flame without air is soon snuffed out. It matters not what is going on around us, the message must be proclaimed. Every single Christian received from the Lord the task of the News. Not only can the silent saint not save others, he himself cannot be saved in his disobedience.

If we flinch before the fight, we are not worthy of the Kingdom of God. If we flee and hide in the “caves, thickets, cliffs, strongholds, and cisterns” of this world (compare 1 Samuel 13.6-7), we will have no part in the victory of the faithful.

Several of the New Testament books were written in part to embolden the saints in their task as they faced persecution.

• Jesus warned us about it not infrequently. The “confession” he declares to be so necessary is, in context, the preaching of the gospel in the public square, Matthew 10.32-33.
• Peter told the Christians to keep speaking about their faith in the midst of challenges and pressures, 1 Peter 3.15.
• The writer of Hebrews warned against giving up in the “struggle against sin” — that is, when the “opposition … by sinners” appears — the sin of abandoning the faith, Hebrews 12.3-4.

4. Focus on the One Thing

A big temptation is to get involved in social and political issues of the day. The Christian belongs to the heavenly country. He is not to be involved in the affairs of this life, 2 Timothy 2.4. We are not Democrats or Republicans. We have no party or earthly affiliation. We wear a single name: Christian. We represent one “cause,” the Kingdom of God.

If we want to save others by the blood of Jesus Christ, we must not alienate by taking sides in earthly conflicts. We have a single message, the cross of Christ. We are a single-issue people: God created man for his love and offers it in his Son. We do not concern ourselves with the nation’s Supreme Court, but with the judgment to come when all will appear before the Sovereign Judge of all mankind, Acts 24.25. If we speak of earthly things, we are not reflecting the concerns of the Holy Spirit, John 16.8-11.

What is the One Thing of our message?

• Jesus the Just
• Jesus the Reconciler
• Jesus the Sacrifice
• Jesus the Lord and Savior (in that order)
• Jesus the Example
• Jesus the Judge
• Jesus the Revealer of the Will of God

And that’s just for starters.

5. Start where people are in order to get to salvation

What a challenge to be sensitive to where each person is in his belief system! Because we must start where people are. Today, more than ever, Christians bump up against a wide range of beliefs. Not only must we deal with people who believe in denominationalism and atheism, but rampant sexual deviation, witchcraft, anarchism, environmentalism (one of the most extreme religions out there), scientism, socialism, and selfism, to name just a few. Such a gamut of beliefs sounds a bit like the first century, doesn’t it?

It does no good to talk about the evils of denominationalism to a person involved in Wicca. The atheist isn’t interested in immersion for the remission of sins. Both subjects are important, but those can’t be our starting points with such people.

So to be a Christian in a topsy-turvy world, we must be flexible when dealing with people. We have one gospel that is able to save all people, but to get to the point of salvation, we must often start at different points, just as the proclaimers in Acts did, depending upon their audience.

Not only possible, but necessary

God made the faith for every century, with every certainty. He is able to keep us faithful and to make us capable for service and proclamation. We think our times are tough, and well may they be. But God is sovereign. He works in the hardest situations. And he uses his people in the fire of the furnace and in the den of lions to pluck from the mouths of the unbelieving a confession of his glory.

So feel the breath of the beasts and the smell of the burning and praise God that you can be a real Christian in such a world as this.

J. Randal Matheny

At Sydney’s Bondi Beach, an eerie scene unfolded. The water began to turn to a horrifying, blood red. As one might imagine, swimmers and spectators became alarmed and fled out of the water. It turns out the red water came as a result of a sudden increase in red algae. The algae turned out to be mostly harmless, but swimmers were still discouraged from going into the water (ABC).

While the water on this day was not actually blood, it does bring to mind the day when the waters did literally turn to blood. Exodus 7:20-21 details out, “So Moses and Aaron did even as the Lord had commanded.  And he lifted up the staff and struck the water that was in the Nile, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, and all the water that was in the Nile was turned to blood.  The fish that were in the Nile died, and the Nile became foul, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile.  And the blood was through all the land of Egypt.”

During this time in Egypt, some of the most awe-inspiring miracles were about to take place.  Besides having the water turn to blood, the Egyptian people were going to suffer through plagues of frogs, gnats, flies, death of cattle, boils, hail, locust, darkness, and the death of the first born (Exodus 7-12). Soon after this, God was going to deliver His people from Egypt by parting the Red Sea, allowing them to escape, and destroying Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 14).

What was God’s purpose in all of this? To deliver His people and display His power (3:7-8, 20; 6:6-7). God most definitely accomplished His goals. In fact, He accomplished them so well that this scene in Sydney invokes strong reminders of the remarkable events in Egypt that happened thousands of years ago.

While the red algae in Sydney was quite a strange scene, we can imagine how much more impactful it was when the water actually turned to blood. The message is simple: God is powerful. This makes Him so very worthy of our worship, honor, and praise.

Brett Petrillo

Trusting in God

The account of David and Goliath stirs the imagination. Children love to hear about the boy David defeating the ‘giant’ Goliath. Even as adults we like it when the underdog wins.

The army of Israel was fighting against their enemy, the Philistines. Each army was camped on opposite sides of the Valley of Elah, a wide valley ideal for a conflict between armies. Rather than instigating a battle, the Philistines suggested an alternative: “Why do you come out to line up in battle formation?… Am I not a Philistine and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me. If he wins in a fight against me and kills me, we will be your servants. But if I win against him and kill him, then you will be our servants and serve us…I defy the ranks of Israel today. Send me a man so we can fight each other!” (1 Samuel 17:8-10 CSB).

The Philistines had weighted this challenge in their favor. Their champion was an impressive man. His height was “six cubits and a span” (1 Samuel 17:4) – about nine feet tall (just under 3 metres). He wasn’t just tall, but he was well built, as well: he “wore a bronze helmet and bronze scale armor that weighed one hundred twenty-five pounds. There was bronze armor on his shins, and a bronze javelin was slung between his shoulders. His spear shaft was like a weaver’s beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed fifteen pounds” (1 Samuel 17:5-7). The impression is that he was a giant of a man in every respect. No wonder no one would accept his challenge and instead lost their courage and were terrified! (1 Samuel 17:11)

When David heard the challenge that Goliath had been making twice a day for over a month, he could not figure out why no one would fight and defeat this loud-mouthed Philistine.

It wasn’t that David was equal to this man in physical prowess. Although often depicted as a child, David was old enough to kill wild animals and even marry. Just after this incident, he became a leader of Saul’s army. This tells us that he was at least in his late teenage years if not in his early twenties at this time. But he was looked on as simply an inexperienced “youth” (1 Samuel 17:33).

How could this youth of little experience take on the seasoned warrior Goliath? It wasn’t because of the weapons he chose, although he chose weapons he was used to – his sling and a few stones from a brook – and not Saul’s armor. Normally such weapons would have been ineffective in a fight to the death. The key lies in what he told Goliath.

“You come against me with a sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of Armies, the God of the ranks of Israel — you have defied him. Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down, remove your head, and give the corpses of the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the wild creatures of the earth. Then all the world will know that Israel has a God, and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s. He will hand you over to us” (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

He won this battle simply because he trusted in God.

Do we trust God to be with us in the battles of life that we face? Do we view our battles as already having been won because God is on our side?

There is much to learn from David and his trust in God. He did not doubt God but acted on his faith.

Jon Galloway