“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62, ESV).

When I had a more fitting location than my present one, I used to grow a decent-size garden. We tried to grow pretty much everything: tomatoes, beans, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, eggplant, weeds.

We grew a lot of weeds.

These days, I only have space for a few tomato plants. Not nearly as rewarding, but much less work.

I have a gas-powered, rear-tine tiller. Great machine. But you have to watch it. You can’t just turn it on and let it go. You have to stick with it. And though it does 98% of the work, the 2% I do is a pretty serious wrestling match.

It wants to go the path of least resistance. In response, I have to lift it, and scoot it, and yank it every which way, just to keep it moving straight. If I start looking around, off she goes.

In the Lord’s day, tillers and petroleum were unheard of. They used wood and metals to build farming implements they would hook on to mules or cattle. The tool and the beasts still did 98% of the work, but you had to follow and stay focused.

Beasts don’t care about straight lines. Like their mechanical counterparts, they take the path of least resistance. Or, like their mechanical counterparts, they might just decide they want to stop for no good reason.

With gardening, or even commercial farming, it takes a human being, with intelligence and determination, to direct the brute force of farming equipment. One moment of distraction could make a big difference. It could be disaster.

This is precisely what the Lord had in mind for his disciples. You can’t put your hand to the plow and then let yourself get distracted. You’re going to hurt yourself, or someone else. You have to decide, before climbing on that combine, or walking behind that tiller, or hooking up that mule, that you’re all in.

You’ve made a promise to everyone who relies on this process, that you are going to take your job seriously. You are going to pay attention. You are going to stay focused. You are going to control the one thing in the process that you can: you.

Failing that is not only to fail yourself, but everyone else.

When one decides to follow Jesus, he or she must be all-in.

Jesus offers no course in half-discipleship.

There is no trophy for showing up.

One does not become a Christian and then decide to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

One has decided that they are ready to roll up their sleeves and to go work for the Lord, so they obey the gospel.

People should not only desire to have their sins forgiven, but to spend their life working in the Lord’s vineyard.

When I offer an invitation as part of my sermons, I often remind people that they need to be forgiven.

But I also often remind them that they may be the only person in their immediate circle who knows the gospel. They need to obey the gospel so they can work with the Lord to save souls.

The Lord needs workers.

The Lord needs plowmen.

The Lord only accepts people who will grab the handle and not look back.

Rick Kelley

Today I’m going to offer a dissertation on a subject that really “bugs” me, and I suspect that it might some of you too. My thoughts will include our federal government and a subject that I truly find both interesting and much abused. I’m referring to the topic of “standards” and their relationship to both said government and Christianity. Let me just fire my opening shot by citing to you something Solomon said regarding “standards” in Prov. 20:10. He said that God’s people are to have equal weights and equal measures, referring to having honest “standards.”

Now, Solomon was just reiterating what God had already told his people about being honest – upholding “standards.” In Lev. 19:35-36, He said they were to have “just balances” as to “weights, lengths and quantities.” Over in Deut. 25:15-16 He told them to always have “fair weights and measures” and that anyone who violated His law, was a cheater, was also an “abomination” to God.

In just about all the uses of the word “standard” in the Bible its referring to the idea of a flag, or a banner, or a signal. In other words, something that people can draw to or compare measures and actions to. What we’re saying is, that a “standard” is something that is set. It can’t be variable or changeable otherwise it cannot be a “standard.” Think about it this way, how can you compare or measure something to see if it’s true if the “standard” isn’t set? Simple answer: you can’t.

Well, having said all of that, it brings me back to our federal government, the epitome of varying “standards.” How I intend to apply my thoughts on “standards” versus the government and Christianity will be to tell you about something I once saw while watching a televised visual tour of our nation’s capitol building. And, based on what we currently see going on there, what I’m about to reveal to you about that building, might just surprise you, considering how many of our legislators carry-on.

In the rotunda of the capitol building is, (ready for this?) a Bible. However, not just any Bible, but a copy of the first printed in English in this country. But, there’s another interesting thing about this Bible. There is a citation with it that reads: “A neat edition of the Holy Scriptures for the use of our schools.” What an amazing concept! That at one time our government actually thought that the “Holy Scriptures” should be used in our schools.

And, another inscription is found on the inside front cover of this Bible, the following words placed there by our founding fathers: “Resolved, the United States and Congress assembled, recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States.” Isn’t that truly a wonderful concept endorsed by our federal government? That the Bible was recommended for use by all citizens and to be “used in our schools?”

But, it’s pretty obvious to me anyway, that over the intervening years our government seems to have abandoned those early precepts. That the “standards” in that town have changed quite a bit. Think about these changes. Our federal government began with “A firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence” and the belief that “God governs in the affairs of men” to its position today that just about anything to do with God and the Bible is either discouraged or even not allowed.

Doesn’t it seem to you that the “standards” with which we started have been changed? And even sadder is the fact that “we the people” have allowed it. Not only have we allowed it, we’ve pretty much let “government of men” replace God. I might be wrong, but I just think that “government” doesn’t want to compete with God and thus, if God is removed from any form of prominence in the affairs of governing, the “Government,” by default, takes His place and sets the “standards.” If the “Government” is setting the “standards” those “standards” are only convenient until they’re not. Then the “standards” change.

Just look at our current governmental situation. How far would you say we’ve digressed or deviated from the “standards” we started with? We started with the Bible and It’s precepts being recommended by the federal government to use in the “schools” and all the “inhabitants” of our nation to the point that you can’t even mention anything religious in schools. To the point that you can’t have the 10 Commandments placed on the walls of federal buildings.

It’s my humble opinion that a major factor in the government moving its “standards” is “polls.” Our legislators change or shift depending upon what some poll says. Of course, any statistics professor will tell you that a poll can prove whatever you want it to show. I do believe that our “standards” are affected by how people want, or don’t want, to act. I believe that is why there is always those who want to “modernize” the Constitution, to upgrade it, so to speak. In other words, they don’t like the “standards” so let’s change them.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen those same sort of “change agents” operating in religion also. They’re always saying that the Bible, the Word of God, needs upgrading too. To make it more appealing and in line with the current mores. They say the Bible needs to be more relevant to these current times. In other words, as times change, and people’s likes and don’t likes change, we need to change God’s message to fit our “standards” not His.

There is only One True Standard and that is God. And we know from the last chapter of Revelation what the eternal outcome is or those who take it upon themselves to change God’s “standards.” You might also keep in mind that God isn’t swayed by polls.

Respectfully submitted,
Ron Covey

There are some things that never say, “That’s enough.” Agur, the son of Jakeh (see Prov. 30:1), sets before our minds this idea of “insatiable things.”

The leech has two daughters: give and give. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, “Enough” — Sheol, the barren womb, the land never satisfied with water, and the fire that never says, “Enough” (Prov. 30:15-16).

These verses form a proverbial riddle (see Prov. 1:6).

What is the point of these verses? The “answer” is not expressly stated.

I assume we are supposed to think about this for a minute. I imagine that we need to give it some thought for a while. “Hmm . . . there are some things that never say, ’That’s enough.’”

A clue here is that the writer uses a “numeric proverb” (see Prov. 6:16). The numeric proverb is a list of certain things, and when it appears that the list is complete, something else is added to the list. In other words, the list is by no means exhaustive.

In this proverb, the message is not so much what is in the list, but what could be added to the list or what is figuratively implied by the list. These “insatiable things” remind us of insatiable people.

The warning is that we can be people who are never satisfied. The moral of the story is to find contentment.

Listen to Paul:

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:12-13).

Two Warnings About Leeches

Suppose that someone called you a “leech.” Would you take that as a compliment? I suppose you would, if you were one. But most of us would be offended, because parasitic people are simply disgusting.

The warning is twofold. One the one hand, learn to be content. But on the other hand, watch out for leeches.

The alcoholic wants another drink.
The adulterer wants another affair.
The prideful wants another compliment.
The covetous wants another dollar.
The jealous wants what you have.
The lustful wants another peek.
The sluggard wants another freebie.
The rebellious wants to get away again.
The apostate wants your tolerance.

And all of these will in varying degrees destroy their relationships, sacrifice their own happiness, trying to get more of what they want.

But nobody has to go on living an insatiable life.

When a person wants salvation, they can find real satisfaction (Jn. 8:32).

What Satan offers in the fruit is actually an illusion. “You can be as wise as God. You won’t need anyone to tell you what to do. You can be your own moral guide, free from all restraint.”

There is a hook in that temptation, and it’s a life of misery wherein we can never be satisfied with empty illusions and avoiding personal accountability. But godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Tim. 6:6).

1. S. Lewis put it like this: “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither.”

Reflect upon this proverb today.

Scripture References

Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 30:15-16; Proverbs 1:6; Proverbs 6:16; Philippians 4:12-13; John 8:32; 1 Timothy 6:6

Michael Hite is not only a good friend, co-worker, and an excellent teacher. He is also a dedicated student of the Bible. As such, this man of God has worn out his Bible. He wanted to get a new one that was the same edition as his old one. It is laid out just as he likes it. Plus, the pages are made of a unique paper that is thicker than most. For someone who likes to write in his Bible as Michael does, that is an essential feature. So, he went to a Facebook Group that caters to those who use the NASB translation. He posted pictures and asked if anyone could help him find another Bible of that exact edition. The responses were:

“You got a few hundred dollars to spend?”

“Expect to pay $500 plus for one in mint condition.”

“Yep, several hundred. Amazon has some for even a few thousand.”

As it turns out, Michael’s edition is an ’02 SCR called “The Judge.” It is printed in America and has Abba Calfskin. What makes it truly special is the paper the pages are made of which Michael likes so much. It is a French milled paper that is thin, but some of the whitest, most opaque paper ever used. That particular paper is now illegal to use because of environmental laws.

It was interesting to see the value that different individuals placed on this specific edition just because of its rarity. It made me think of the value you or I might put on our Bibles, especially in light of what scripture has to say about its own value. Look only at Psalm 119 and see God’s word:

•     Is something to be treasured (v.11).
•     Brings joy and delight (vv.14, 16, 24, 35, 47, 70, 77, 92, 111, 143, 162).
•     Is wonderful (vv.18, 129).
•     Brings salvation (v.41).
•     Gives comfort (v. 50).
•     Revives us (v.93).
•     Makes us wise (v.98).
•     Is sweeter than honey (v.103).
•     Enlightens (vv.105, 130).
•     Is an inheritance (v.111).
•     Is like finding a treasure (v.162).
•     Is more valuable than gold and silver (vv.72, 127).

Little did I know there were Bible Collectors out there who buy and sell copies of the different English translations and editions like commodities. However, they do so because they see how much each is worth. There is another group who should love, appreciate, and cherish the Bible for what it is truly worth: all those who follow Jesus. For they realize the Bible worth the most is the Bible that is studied and applied.

Corey Sawyers

A story is told of a man whose wife had deserted him for another man. She had succeeded in taking away their children. The estranged husband had given in to depression and lost his business. Brokenhearted and ruined, he became obsessed with the enormity of his troubles and refused every offer of encouragement and hope.

The day came when he heard a great sermon on Christ having been “in all points  tempted like as we are,” but rather than being comforted, he resented the sermon and told the preacher, “Yes, Jesus suffered many things, but He never had a wife and family stolen from Him. He was never married, never had children, so that’s suffering He never knew.”

The preacher wisely responded, “You have seen an accomplished violinist play a great variety of music. There are only four strings on his  violin, but they can produce both dances and dirges. The same four strings can cover the whole range. No, Jesus did not experience your trials in the same details, but He endured the broad range of disappointment, desertion, grief, pain and even dying, so that the strings of His heart can vibrate with all the sad songs of life’s bitterest experiences.”

By David Pharr

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39 NKJV).

A group of us were driving out of the city of Khulna when a large truck met us, driving the wrong way on our side of the divided highway. This is a frequent occurrence in Bangladesh where traffic laws are seldom enforced and many drivers are poorly trained. As we carefully steered around the truck I asked the other passengers in our van, “When Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors, did he know there would be truck drivers?”

Similar thoughts occur frequently as we are confronted with hostility, rudeness, and dishonesty in our interactions with others. There are many people in this world who are pretty much unlovable, at least in our opinions. Must we really open up to all of them and show compassion, mercy, and kindness? Does their bad behavior not excuse us from such obligations?

The Bible is clear: We must love them even if their behavior does not deserve it in our eyes. Jesus actually went considerably further than to command love of neighbor. “But I say to you, ‘love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

This incredible demand makes two principles of love abundantly clear.

First, love is about me, not the other person. No one should control how I feel about or treat others except me. My love for others should stem from who I am, not who they are. That is one of the primary lessons Jesus is teaching. When one turns to Christ and seeks to live in a godly way, he takes responsibility for his own thoughts, words, and actions. He begins to live proactively, not reactively. That is also the principle of the Golden Rule, “Therefore whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12). Jesus wants his followers to act first, based on how they wish others to react.

The second principle taught in the command to love one’s enemies is that love is practical. Love “blesses,” “does good,” and “prays for others” even when (especially when) they are doing precisely the opposite. In our modern world we speak of love as an emotion, a feeling. We “fall in love” and “fall out of love.” Our emotions are often impulsive, fleeting, and shallow. Love however is a constant (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). One who practices Biblical love is consistent in doing good works, showing mercy and compassion, and providing help to others. Such a person will certainly have good feelings toward others, but the way he or she treats them does not depend upon those feelings.

A favorite definition of love is: “A commitment to the well-being of others.” This is borne out in Paul’s command, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

In connection with the command to love one’s enemies Jesus explained, “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do so?” (Matthew 5:46). We however are to be “Sons of [our] Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:45). Our standard must be higher than that of the world. Yes, Jesus knew about truck drivers and he taught us to love them too.

Michael Brooks

Have you ever looked at a $1 and asked yourself, where has this $1 been? Who has touched it? What has it been used to buy? The history of this $1 simply illustrates the overall point that we do not have money in our possession for very long. The question is, what will we do with it? Will this $1 be spent wisely, before it leaves my possession, or will it be spent foolishly? Will it be spent for a purpose that would glorify God or will it be spent for a purpose that glorifies the owner? Of course, the only person who can answer that question is the current owner.

Money is not good or bad; it is ethically neutral. It all depends on what you do with it. Today, I want us to study a parable of Jesus that deals with money that is recorded only by Luke.

THE PARABLE – 16:1-8a:

When this parable begins in verse 1, Jesus is speaking to His disciples. But, we do not know the context of the discussion until we go back to 15:1-2 when we see that Pharisees were criticizing Jesus for associating with tax collectors and sinners.

But also, when we read beyond our parable, 16:14, we see that the Pharisees were lovers of money and scoffed when Jesus told them this parable. So, the parable has to do with money, with the proper use of it. He tells His disciples – maybe in the presence of these very tax collectors but clearly in the presence of the Pharisees – that they need to use money wisely if they would be blessed by God.

The manager was fired (1-2):

This man was “wasting” his master’s possessions. The word “waste” is the same word as “loose” in 15:13 of the prodigal son. Some jobs make it easy to “skim off the top.” A missionary can easily siphon funds off. There is no one there to provide accountability. The payment of our taxes is, to some degree, on the honor system.

The manager makes a plan (3-4):

It is ironic that the man was ashamed to beg but not ashamed to squander his master’s possessions!

The manager implements the plan (5-7):

The manager negotiates a 50% reduction on the oil and a 20% reduction on the wheat.

The owner praises the manager (8a):

Money was considered “unrighteous” because it is, often, obtained unrighteously or used unrighteously. Please observe that “unrighteous” is found five times in four verses: 8-11. The manager was commended for his forethought and his promptness, not his dishonesty.

THE CONCLUSION – 16:8b:

This seems to be the beginning of Jesus’ comments on the actions of the manager.

THE APPLICATION – 16:9-13:

First (verse 9) – Make good use – generous use – of your resources here on earth.

Second (verses 10-12) – Faithfulness in this life is the basis of the reward for heavenly riches. How we handle money indicates our level of trustworthiness and ability to accept responsibility.

Third (verse 13) – Christians owe their highest allegiance to God, not material wealth.

Use your financial resources for godly purposes.

Paul Holland

How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb?

Golden Retriever: The sun is shining. The day is young. We’ve got our
whole lives ahead of us. And you’re inside worrying about a stupid,
burned-out light bulb?

Border Collie: Just one. Not only that, but I’ll replace any wiring that’s
not up to code.

Dachshund: I can’t reach the lamp!

Toy Poodle: I’ll just talk sweet to the Border collie and he’ll do it.
By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.

Rottweiler: Go ahead! Make me!

Lab: Oh, me, me!!! Pleeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I?
Can I? Huh? Huh? Can I?

Malamute: Let the Border collie do it. You can feed me while he’s busy.

Doberman Pinscher: While it’s dark, I’m going to sleep on the couch.

Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb.

Pointer: I see it, there it is, right there…

Greyhound: It isn’t moving. Who cares?

Australian Shepherd: Put all the light bulbs in a little circle…

Old English Sheep Dog: Light bulb? I’m sorry, but I don’t see a light bulb.

Hound Dog: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

It’s obvious that dogs are different. They have different personalities, they excel in different areas. Some have great hunting skills, others have great herding skills, still others are ideal playmates for our children.

It’s also obvious that Christians are different. We have different personalities, we excel in different areas. Some have great leadership skills, others have great communication skills, still others are ideal teachers of our children.

Our goal is not to be exactly like every other Christian. Our goal is to take whatever gifts God has given us and use them to His glory.

“But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.” (I Cor.
12:18-20)

Praise be to God for his ability to use our diversity within the body of Christ!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

     “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:20).

There is an old Scottish legend about a shepherd boy tending sheep on the mountain side.  He saw a beautiful flower and pulled it up.  The side of the mountain opened up and revealed a cave.  In the cave was gold and precious jewels.  He dropped the flower and picked up all the gold and jewels he could carry.  As he was about to leave, he heard a voice say, “Don’t forget the key to the vaults.”  When he walked outside, the doors to the cave closed and the gold and jewels turned to dust in his hands.  It was then he realized the key to the vaults was the flower that he had left inside.

Many are like the shepherd boy.  We become so involved in material wealth, we forget that the true treasure is in heaven.  Material wealth will one day be dissolved.  We forget the key to the real treasures and just leave it lying while the things we live for turn to dust in our hands.

Today I want to talk to you about the key to the vaults where the true treasure is found.  A treasure that will never turn to dust, where not thief will take it from you.  A treasure that will not dissolve when this world is done away.

JESUS THE KEY TO TRUE HAPPINESS.  Millions in the world today are suffering from depression.  Millions of dollars are spent each year by folks going to psychiatrists, counselors, etc., seeking happiness.  People are unhappy and maladjusted because they do not have Jesus in their lives.  Jesus invited: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matt. 11:28-30).  This is not rest from physical labor.  We were created to work, and feel better when involved in productive pursuits.  It is not quiet solitude though this is sometimes restful. This is the inward peace that calms the troubled waters of life’s stormy seas.

JESUS IS THE KEY TO ETERNAL LIFE!  “He that believes on the Son has eternal life; but he that obeys not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”  (John 3:36).  Notice that believe and obey are used interchangeable in this verse.  You cannot say you believe in Jesus and refuse to obey Him.  “This is the will of my Father, that every one that beholds the son, and believes on him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day”  (John 5:24)  Most fear death.  But for the faithful Christian, death is only the door to eternal life.  Jesus overcame death, He is the key, and through him we too, will overcome.

JESUS IS THE KEY TO HEAVEN!  “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).  Christians have an inheritance in the next life.  It is sure.  It cannot be destroyed.  Christians have a reservation in heaven.  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy began us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,”  (I Peter 13-4).

Jesus is the only key to heaven’s gate.  Do you want to be saved?  The key is available….If you leave it until the doors of eternity are closed….it will be too late!

Frank Briscoe

You can ignore God’s warnings; you can refuse his  blessings; you can reject all his wondrous love, but you can’t go to heaven doing so.

You can believe any doctrine you choose; you can belong to the church of your choice; you can worship God as you please, but you can’t please God doing so (2 Jno. 9; Mt. 15:9,13; Rom. 10:1).

It seems that Satan has done a remarkable job of convincing the people that their religion is a matter of their choice, not God’s; that it is a matter of their being pleased,

– by Grover Stevens

When people express a desire to baptize their babies, they might do so for many reasons. The motivation might be to fit in with their family’s religious or cultural traditions. Familial acceptance can provide a powerful force. Or perhaps a priest or preacher might have told them it is necessary. There can also be a concern that their baby is spiritually lost until this is accomplished.

If we are going to allow the Bible to shape our understanding regarding whether babies should be baptized, here is what we discover:

• Within scripture, whenever people are baptized they do so as a result of hearing the gospel, believing it and choosing to rely upon Jesus. Baptism is for those who believe what God has provided for us in Christ (Acts 2:38,41;8:12,35-38;10:44-11:1;16:14-15;16:32-34;18:8-9; Colossians 2:12). If baptism could bestow salvation upon those who do not believe, then other verses like Hebrews 11:6 become nonsensical.
• The New Testament provides no examples of babies receiving baptism.
• There are Bible stories of entire households being baptized. However, those entire households were capable of understanding and believing the message (Acts 16:30-35; 18:8; 10:2,33,47-48; 11:14).
• Some people, believing that their babies are born with sin, want to request it in order to save them. However, babies are not born with sin (Ezekiel 18:20; Matthew 18:3-4).  Rather, we become guilty of sin when we sin and all of us have sinned. Romans 3:23; 5:12

I anticipate the objection, “Does not Psalm 51 teach babies are sinners?” No. Just as poetic hyperbole in texts like Ps. 22:6 and Job 3:1-10 vividly reveal the depths of human emotion, not theological truth, so too David poetically poured out with hyperbole his profound disgust over his sinfulness. We gain access to his turmoil and state of mind, not doctrinal truths about all babies.

The nature of David’s language in Psalm 51 becomes clear when we consider his statement, “I am forever conscious of my sin” (Ps. 51:3). Really? David never had a moment of distraction when he forgot his sin? To press this language as being literal would distort his message.

We understand what someone means when they say, “I have been a failure my whole life. I have never done anything right.” We realize what they are communicating. We do not force their words into conveying a literalness that would be untrue.

• Water baptism within the New Testament involves a burial and raising up from water (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12; John 3:23), is based upon the authority of Christ (Acts 2:38; 19:5) and from the earliest of times has been performed invoking the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Within scripture, baptism is for those who desire to respond to the good news about Jesus. Babies are incapable of believing the message. Babies have not committed any sins, so they do not need forgiveness. Baptism was not intended for babies.

Barry Newton

“But Jesus said to her, ‘Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.’ And she answered and said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs’” (Mark 7:27-28, NKJV).

Khulna Bible College replaced an outside cooking shelter because the tin was rusted and full of holes so that it leaked to the point of making it difficult to keep the wood fires going as they cooked in rainy weather. Members of a local congregation saw the pile of discarded metal and asked if they could have it to build a meeting place in which to worship. As a church building, it is much less than perfect but certainly better than nothing.

One of the most difficult virtues to obtain is contentment. James taught about the vicious cycle of desire and sin:

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:1-3).

In contrast to that very human tendency, a Gentile woman from Syro-Phoenicia showed a willingness to settle for the very crumbs of God’s blessings. When Jesus stated that he was not there to help the Gentiles, but had come to minister among the Jews, she asked only for what might fall from his table. Such faith impressed the Lord and he gladly granted her wish.

A friend told of having an offered tip refused by a waiter who demanded a higher percentage of the bill. Originally conceived as a voluntary gift in response to good service, “gratuities” are now viewed as the server’s rightful due. Frequently gratitude for them is no longer felt, much less expressed to the giver.

The fact is that most of us can survive and prosper on much less than we want. A less expensive car or home or wardrobe would serve us adequately, yet we set our hopes and aspirations on things of greater cost than we can easily afford. The inability to live at a higher standard creates discontent. Discontent often leads to envy, covetousness, and other sins.

How much happier we will be if we can only learn, like Paul, to be content in whatever conditions we find ourselves (Philippians 4:11). Whether hungry or filled, in abundance or want, the Apostle was satisfied and comforted, knowing that he was within the shelter of God’s love. Let us seek always to do God’s will and leave to him the task of providing for our needs (Matthew 6:33).

Michael Brooks

What some will pay for a moment’s reckless folly is recorded again and again in the Book of Ages. Do you think these people got their “money’s worth?”

1. Adam and Eve, for one bit of luscious fruit when they may not have been hungry, brought sin, suffering, shame, and death upon themselves and the human race (Genesis 3).

2. Lot’s wife, revealing her longing for the things that pertain to earth, took one look back at Sodom and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19).

3. Esau, to satisfy one day’s fleshly appetite, lightly esteemed his birthright and forfeited his right to the ancestry of Christ (Genesis 25).

4. Achan, for a garment he could not wear, and silver and gold he could not spend, paid with all his possessions, his family, and his life (Joshua 7).

5. Samson, for the caress of a hypocritical woman, lost his eyes, and finally his life (Judges 16).

6. David, to enjoy another man’s wife, hands to posterity a tale of his life with adultery, shame, and tears, boldly written for all to read (2 Samuel 11).

7. Ahab, coveting another’s little vineyard, permitted his wife to have its owner killed, claimed it for his own, and heard his own funeral preached in these words, “In the place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth, shall the dogs lick thy blood, even thine” (I Kings 21).

– Selected

Some people make it almost a life’s goal to avoid or remove any type of discomfort in their lives. They live by a dangerous misconception that happiness depends upon the absence of suffering and pain. Jesus’ gave us the supreme example of humility and also the supreme example of suffering. Following him is the key to joy and meaning.

Originally, man was created to enjoy life with God without suffering or pain. (Perhaps the deep-seated aversion to them and attempts to avoid them rise from this truth.) The Garden of Eden was the perfect place for man’s fellowship (relationship) with God. He had all he wanted or needed. Nothing lacked. Everything abounded in supply and variety. In the Garden, Adam and Eve had no worries, no cares, no difficulties. This was God’s eternal design.

The human decision to sin changed everything in his earthly condition. He was deprived of God’s presence, expelled from the Garden. He experienced death, both spiritual and physical. He came to know every type of physical, emotional, and relational pain. God had also made a decision: He would not remove man nor undo his sin or its consequences upon earth. Rather, he would use this experience for good — for present and eternal benefit.

So at the right time, several millennia later, actually, God sent his Son to become a man and to submit himself to the cruelest possible death. In so doing, God provided the highest possible benefit for man, by restoring to him that original fellowship. Suffering had become, in the profoundest sense, redemptive.

Suffering now, after the Messiah’s sacrifice, continues to be redemptive. His death continues to save and sanctify. Also, our own suffering in Christ complements (Paul said it completes) the Master’s, because the sovereign God has overpowered its negative effects and now causes it to produce what he determines, the salvation and sanctification of people distanced from himself.

Jesus is the only Lord and Savior. But we, through our own suffering, enter into, and participate in, his blessed work. In a secondary sense, we actually do save others. But if we recoil from suffering and pain, if we seek to avoid it, if we run from it as if it brought no one any benefit, we will frustrate the purpose of God, as much, or more, as those Pharisees and scribes of old who refused John’s immersion and thereby rejected God’s purpose for themselves, Luke 7.30.

Jesus, then, becomes our example in suffering and pain. It now has positive purpose. It now has the potential to produce eternal good. But we must accept the price of suffering in order to participate in his mission.

So many Christians and congregations close down the work of God in their lives because they have missed this connection. Nothing happens because we want our comfort, and we prefer to avoid distress, inconvenience, or hardship. We wear out our recliners and our remote controls and lose the sense that God brings to suffering. It again becomes meaningless, and despair recovers its victims.

Please note the first words of Peter as he urges us to follow the example of Christ in suffering: For to this you were called.

For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps. He committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth. When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we may cease from sinning and live for righteousness. By his wounds you were healed. For you were going astray like sheep but now you have turned back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls, 1 Peter 2.21-25.

What ought we to do, then? This question is as appropriate to Christians as to those outside of Christ. What must we do?

“… do good and suffer and so endure, [for] this finds favor with God” 1 Peter 2.20. In this action is redemption, for ourselves and for all those whom God desires to reach.

J. Randal Matheny

“Love” is a key word in the first letter of John… It is, in fact, a key word in the whole Bible. The word “love” is found 484 times in the Bible: 250 in the OT and 234 in the NT, so you can see that there is a greater concentration in the NT. The word “love” is used in every single book of the NT, one of the very few words that is used in every single book. I decided to see which book in the NT has the most dense concentration of the word “love.” So, I took the number of times “love” was found in a book and divided it into the number of chapters a book has:

Matthew 28; 13 uses; a total of 0.46 times per chpt
Mark 16; 5 uses; a total of 0.31 times per chpt
Luke 24; 15 uses; a total of 0.62 times per chpt
John 21; 57 uses; a total of 2.71 times per chpt
Acts 28; 1 uses; a total of 0.03 times per chpt
Romans 16; 16 uses; a total of 1 time per chpt
1 Corinthians 16; 17 uses; a total of 1.06 times per chpt
2 Corinthians 13; 13 uses; a total of 1 time per chpt
Galatians 6; 5 uses; a total of 0.83 times per chpt
Ephesians 6; 20 uses; a total of 3.33 times per chpt
Philippians 4; 5 uses; a total of 1.25 times per chpt
Colossians 4; 5 uses; a total of 1.25 times per chpt
1 Thessalonians 5; 7 uses; a total of 1.40 times per chpt
2 Thessalonians 3; 4 uses; a total of 1.33 times per chpt
1 Timothy 6; 7 uses; a total of 1.16 times per chpt
2 Timothy 4; 6 uses; a total of 1.5 times per chpt
Titus 3; 6 uses; a total of 2 times per chpt
Philemon 1; 3 uses; a total of 3 times per chpt
Hebrews 13; 6 uses; a total of 0.46 times per chpt
James 5; 3 uses; a total of 0.60 times per chpt
1 Peter 5; 8 uses; a total of 1.60 times per chpt
2 Peter 3; 2 uses; a total of 0.66 times per chpt
1 John 5; 46 uses; a total of 9.20 times per chpt
2 John 1; 4 uses; a total of 4 times per chpt
3 John 1; 3 uses; a total of 3 times per chpt
Jude 1; 3 uses; a total of 3 times per chpt
Revelation 22; 7 uses; a total of 0.31 times per chpt

If you combine all of John’s works, he wrote a total of 50 chapters and used “love” a total of 117 times, for a grand total of 2.34 uses per chapter. In all of Paul’s works, we have a total of 100 chapters with a total of 120 uses of “love,” for a total of 1.2 uses per chapter. Without a doubt, John wrote of love more frequently than any other NT writer!

The word “love” slowly picks up its intensity as we move through 1 John. It is not found in chapter 1. In chapter 2, three times. Chapter 3: eight times. Chapter 4: 27 times. Chapter 5: 4 times. Clearly, chapter 4 has the highest density of the word in the letter.

Paul Holland

Facebook says I have 715 “friends.” Some are casual friends and others are good friends.  A good friend is one you can share your life with -your feelings, thoughts and frustrations. A good friend is one you can work with, share time with, and is patient with you. I cannot imagine living without good friends.

Everyone needs good friends. We need the positive influence they provide and the help and support in our troubling times. Proverbs 17:17a says, “A friend loves at all times” and will make sacrifices for you. Jesus is the perfect example of that (John 15:13).

Yes, we have to be careful about the influences around us (1 Corinthians 15:33).  We want good influences from a good friend. A good friend will be honest with you and not tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear (Proverbs 27:6,9).  Here again, Jesus does that for us.

As the song says, “What a friend we have in Jesus.”

– Rob Albright

Typically, when the doctrine of God’s providence is discussed, a handful of well-known Scriptures are used to illustrate his protective care and blessings. For example, we frequently reference Joseph (Genesis 50:19-20), Esther (Esther 4:14), and Onesimus (Philemon 15), but rarely have we referenced the following passage I want you to consider.

When Israel crossed the Jordan to take possession of the “promised land,” the nations in Canaan took up arms against them and did what they could to destroy them. The Philistines, Amalekites, Moabites, and others were constantly at war with Israel. They continually sought out ways to destroy Israel and exploit any weakness they could find. (Numbers 30:16).

With their environment understood, consider one of the commands God gave Israel.  God commanded all the men in Israel to travel to Jerusalem three times a year to worship (Deuteronomy 16:16). Have you ever considered how vulnerable that would have left Israel? With all the men gone from all the villages, Israel’s enemies could have easily overrun these cities and villages occupied only by women and children? Three times a year, Israel made themselves vulnerable to their enemies who wanted to destroy them. Yet, there is not a single example of which I am aware, of any raid by Israel’s enemies during these times when the men were gone from their cities.

The question that begs to be asked is, “Why not?” Why didn’t Israel’s enemies take advantage of this vulnerability? The Bible gives us the answer.  God said, “Three times a year all your men shall appear before the Lord, the God of Israel. For I will cast out the nations before you and enlarge your borders; neither will any man covet your land when you go up to appear before the Lord your God three times in the year” (Exodus 34:23-24).

Did you see that? The reason Israel didn’t suffer during a period of extreme vulnerability is because of God’s providence and protection. He promised that the enemies of Israel would not covet Israel’s land when the men were on their pilgrimage three times a year. Don’t you find that interesting? Doesn’t that impress you with the power of God and the control he wields in the affairs of men?

Next time you feel overwhelmed and defeated, you need to remember that you serve a powerful God who answers prayer and promises to work on our behalf for our good.

by Steve Higginbotham

Psalm 46:10 has delivered peace to innumerable souls. It is a passage that many go to in times of heartache, confusion, and loneliness. But what exactly does it mean to be “still” as the Lord demands in the Psalm?

The Hebrew language is quite peculiar because a word can have a variety of different uses. For example, Samuel uses the word “still” in 1 Samuel 15:16 when he tells Saul to “stop” or “wait.” This was Samuel’s way of getting Saul to cease whatever he was doing or thinking; it was a time of correction.

     The  Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains defines this word as being slack, waiting, no movement, and remaining alone. Literally speaking, it means to be liberated from any activity.

When looking at the LXX (Greek Old Testament), the word is translated to skole. This is the origin of our English word, “school.” When modified, the word means “to be without occupants, to stand empty” (Greek-English Lexicon). This can be seen in something like an empty lecture hall (Acts 19:9).

With this in mind, one can approach Psalm 43 in a new light. The song is composed of three strophes and a central idea of God being a reliable source of shelter. The first strophe (46:1-3) focuses on the confidence spawned from God’s presence. The second strophe (46:4-7) hones in on God’s power over all creation. The third and final strophe (46:8-11) is an invitation to observe God’s hand in all wars.

Battles come in all shapes and sizes. People fight with grief, fear, guilt, anxiety, hatred, resentment, and most prominent of all is the battle with self. God very plainly and simply says, “be still.” Stop, cease your activity, empty yourself, be as an open lecture hall – and know that He is.

One more interesting thing to note about this word “still,” is the idea of bringing down. As mentioned earlier, Hebrew words can be used in different ways. This particular word can be used to denote. Passages like Isaiah 5:24, Ezekiel 1:24, Nehemiah 6:9, and Judges 8:3 all use the word in order to dictate a “letting down” or a “lowering” action. This seems to fit the Psalm as well. It seems that everyone knows the first part of Psalm 46:10, “be still and know that I am God,” but forgets to mention the following two statements: “I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”

Our only opportunity to lower ourselves is when we are still. And when we lower ourselves, we can then lift God up and know His power to conquer all.

I can’t help but remember when Jesus spoke, “peace, be still” to the violent waves. What powerful words from an almighty King to stop the raging sea. God, in the midst of your storm, demands you to be still and allow Him to be exalted.

Tyler King

Covenant 

“And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.” Hebrews 9:15-17 

About a month ago now I bought a new computer to install in my office. The fact is my old computer has become obsolete. According to definition the word obsolete means “no longer produced or used, out of date.” I still have the old XP operating system on the old computer and have been receiving repeated messages that this system is no longer supported and that I need to update my system. I experience crashes quite often and things run very slowly. I cannot update my browsers because my operating system is obsolete. I hope to complete a transition to the new computer soon. 

The writer of Hebrews refers to the Old Testament, or Old Covenant, as being obsolete, “In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away” (Heb. 8:13). The entire book of Hebrews is a contrast between the Old Covenant given to Israel through Moses and the New Covenant given to spiritual Israel (the church) through Jesus Christ. Jesus is set forth as superior to Moses, “For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house” (Heb. 3:3).

Jesus comes as the mediator of the new and better covenant, “Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man” (Heb. 8:1-2). The Hebrew writer explains to us that the earthly tabernacle was just a copy of the true tabernacle in heaven, “For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, ‘See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.’ But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises” (Heb. 8:4-6).

There was a progression of covenants in the Old Testament that culminated in the Mosaic Covenant (Gen. 19) and the Davidic Covenant (2 Sam. 7). However, both of these covenants were only copies or shadows. They prefigured and pointed to the new and better covenant which God would establish through his son Jesus Christ. Jesus ministers in the tabernacle not made with hands, “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation” (Heb.9:11). Jesus has entered into heaven itself where he appears in the presence of God, “For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Heb. 9:24).

“But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God…” Heb.10:12

-Scott Gag

    Though no one can predict the future of our nation, we can say with confidence that God is in control, His cause will triumph, and He judges nations.  ‘The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17). ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Gibbon’s famous work, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, lists five reasons for the fall of Rome. There are several parallels between ancient Israel and Rome, and even more disturbing, between Rome and America.

1. The rapid increase of divorce; the undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home, which is the basis of human society. American families are under attack by humanists, homosexuals, and Hollywood. Some don’t even know what a family is any more (Matthew 19:4-9).

2.  Higher and higher taxes: the spending of public monies for free bread and circuses or the populace. America is on the greatest spending binge in history. Many have forgotten how to work; they expect the government to support them (2 Thessalonians 3:10; I Timothy 5:8).

3.  The mad craze for pleasure: sports becoming every year more exciting and more brutal. Many Americans are so obsessed with sports that they have no time for Bible studies (2 Tim. 3:4; Hebrews 11:25).

4.  The building of gigantic armaments when the real enemy was within – the decadence of the people. Babylon’s wall, water, and wealth could not prevent the Persian invasion (Daniel 5). No armament can protect a nation that has rotted from within – not even America’s.

5.  The decay of religion: faith fading into mere form; losing touch with life and becoming impotent to warn and guide the people. Most churches have become social clubs, pursuing entertainment to attract bigger crowds.  Many audiences no longer expect to hear book, chapter, and verse (2 Timothy 4:1-4). They have replaced the house of prayer with food, fun, and frolic (Matthew 2 1:12-14).

Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.  – by Rick Duggin