“So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.” (Nehemiah 6:15 NASB2020)

At first glance perhaps this doesn’t have much impact on us. But when we consider what they were doing, we realize what a great achievement this statement represents. In under two months the Jews who had returned from exile to Jerusalem had rebuilt the wall that surrounded the city.

This was not a one-stone wide wall. For me, one of the impressive sights in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem today is seeing the foundation of the wall that Hezekiah had built for Jerusalem’s defense. It is seven meters (23 feet) thick and at places preserved to a height of 3.3 meters (almost 11 feet). It is thought that its real height was around 8 meters (26 feet). It may be that this stretch of wall is mentioned in Nehemiah 3:8-9. That is not a wall that could be built in a day or very quickly! It wasn’t just this one section but a rebuilding of the wall that surrounded the entire city of Jerusalem.

This was accomplished through what seems to have been almost constant opposition and threats from those who lived in the area. They tried any means they could to get Nehemiah and the Jews to stop work on the wall – and all without success. Nehemiah was not to be dissuaded from the task before him.

How did a group of people who had been exiles manage to accomplish such a Herculean feat in such a short time? The answer to this question is simple and applicable to us today. This is what was recorded as they were working on the wall.

“So we rebuilt the wall, and the entire wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” (Nehemiah 4:6)

Much can be accomplished when a group of people decide to work together to get it done. I’ve witnessed this over the past week as we moved out of our house. Our house sold much more rapidly than we anticipated (we did not even advertise). The problem we had was that the buyer needed to get out of his house and our new house is not completed. From the offer to purchase to moving out was around four weeks. How were we going to accomplish all that needed to be sorted through, packed, stored, and the house cleaned in such a short time? We had a group of people helping us who had a mind to work. After cleaning years of accumulation, packers came in and packed everything is just over a day. They then moved our belongings to a storage facility in a day. Then a group of Christian friends came to help us and we cleaned the house from top to bottom in a day.

Within a congregation this is what needs to be happening as well. If people have a mind to work much can be accomplished.

From my observation there are at least three types of people in a congregation.

• There are those who complain that nothing is being done – and they are also doing nothing (it is always someone else’s responsibility!).
• There are those who do something but think everyone should be doing exactly what they are doing.
• Then there are those who are willing to use the abilities with which God has blessed them to complement the abilities of others.

It is this latter group that gets the work done. Like those in Nehemiah’s day, all worked but everyone did what they could do best. Like those helping us move, all didn’t do the same thing but by all working together the job was done.

As Solomon looked back over his life when he was old, he reached this conclusion: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). If we would only learn this simple message and develop a mind to work, to do what we can in the Lord’s service, more could be accomplished.

Jon Galloway

It’s been said that there are more stars in the known universe than all of the sand on earth combined. That being said, in just one grain of sand there are more atoms than all of the stars. That’s pretty amazing. Our planet is but a speck in the grandeur of space. Countless stars, planets, galaxies, light years and somehow God is well aware of the happenings of people. Have you stood on the mountain tops? Have you observed the power of the oceans as the waves crash on the shore? Has your heart almost stopped after the vibrating sensation of a thunder clap resonates in your chest? The might of the Creator is everywhere in the world around us and at times it just demands to be noticed.

A section of scripture that is mysterious and fascinating is found in 1 Kings 19:11-13. The Lord of hosts is about to show Himself to a depressed and exhausted Elijah, but in a way that he would never forget. “The Lord said, ‘go out on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out to stand at the mouth of the cave. Then the voice said, ‘what are you doing here Elijah?’” In the solitude of Horeb, Elijah seeks to avoid the troubles of his world.

The acoustics of the mountainous area along with the time spent in silence must have made the shattering rocks, raging fire, splitting hills, and rumbling earth all but deafening and definitely a terrifying display of divine power. Then in sharp contrast, a still whisper comes. This gentleness, no doubt, is the reason Elijah decides to cautiously emerge from his hiding place. God is teaching His worn-out servant a lesson that holds true for us today. The fact is, there is no more God, His wisdom, power, and presence in an earthquake than there is in the sweet breath of a blooming flower. The quiet ticking of a wrist watch reveals just as much intelligence and purpose as does the striking of a clock tower’s bell.

One may walk out into an open field at night and stare up into the vast sky, lit up with numerous twinkling stars and declare, “I’ve found God!” But God is no more in the sky than He is in the blades of grass flattened beneath your feet. The question came to Elijah from that still voice, “What are you doing here?” To the prophet, his problems were too great and too large and his solution was to run and hide. God, in a magnificent way, is trying to remind Elijah of his place.

Our place in life is not to take matters into our own hands or solve life’s many difficulties on our own. The answer is not to run away, but to walk humbly with our awesome God. He is strong enough to lift our burdens, wise enough to counsel us, patient enough to allow us to learn, and loving enough to constantly forgive.

Dale Pollard

Did you know, ladies, that by the time a mother of three rears her children to age eighteen that she will have put in more than 18,000 hours of child-generated work? That’s work you wouldn’t have to do if you had no children.

The mother who invests her time and talents in the rearing of her own children is too often unappreciated by the man and children she tries so desperately to serve. How could a little four-year-old girl or boy understand the importance of what Mommy is trying to do? We can only hope that each passing year and the maturity it brings will help children to understand. And we can only pray that a man who finds himself so fortunate will express his love and appreciation for such a wife,

We wish that every mother could understand how precious the days they invest in child-rearing really are. No job anywhere could be any tougher; no job anywhere could be more important!

Prov 31:27-28 – She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband (also), and he praiseth her, (saying):

– by Mark White

It was 2008, just 20 days shy of his 90^th birthday, when Fred Baur died. On the way to the funeral home, his kids decided to stop at a nearby Walgreens to pick up some salty snacks. They debated for a bit, should it be sour cream and onion, cheddar cheese maybe? Larry and his siblings finally decided on Original.

You see, Fred adored his kids, but his passion was snacks. His accomplishments included a variety of frying oils and freeze-dried ice cream.

Fred was an American organic Chemist that had received both his masters and PhD at The Ohio State University, and it was 1966 when P&G came calling. Evidently, in the 1960s, there was a problem with the packaging and shipping of potato chips. By the time the consumer would pick up potato chips at a store, well, they were merely in pieces. This is where P&G thought Fred could help solve this problem.

After two years of experimentation, Fred developed a chip of dried potato flakes, added a bunch of unpronounceable ingredients, and cut them into thin hyperbolic paraboloids. With this shape, Fred could neatly stack his chips into his vacuum sealed tube.

By this time, you know that I am referring to Fred’s invention of Pringles, but the story doesn’t end there. Fred still wasn’t done with his invention.

There were problems:

First and foremost, they tasted like sawdust, so Fred spent another 2 years to improve the taste. Then, another issue. Frito-Lay sent lawyers because they said Fred’s chips weren’t potato chips at all because they were just 42% potato.

After some time and haggling, they decided to call them potato crisps.

Fred persevered.

He gave birth to an iconic brand that many of us still enjoy today. Through years of experimentation, development, and disappointments, lawyers-at one point P&G wanted to trash the idea.

But Fred persevered.

He was able to see his brand break 100 million in sales. He was able to see it break 500 million in sales. However, he wasn’t there in 2011 when P&G sold Pringles for almost 2.5 Billion Dollars.

That brings us back to 2008 when Fred’s children showed up to the funeral home with the Original flavored can of pringles. Fred’s wish was to have his ashes be placed in a Pringles can when he passed.

Fred got his wish.

As great as this story is, we wouldn’t have this story if it wasn’t for Fred’s perseverance. And as great as Fred’s perseverance was, we have so many examples of greater perseverance in the Bible.

Consider Joshua, Job, Jeremiah, Nehemiah and our greatest example of perseverance, Jesus. These are just a few of the many examples the Bible gives us.

Two points I want to quickly make about Perseverance, and the lesson is yours.

Number 1. WE HAVE A NEED FOR PERSEVERANCE.

It’s not a matter of if, but when…Christians Will Face Tribulations in Life. Jesus says in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Christ never promised us that this life would be a bed of roses. The Gospel never said we’d go to Heaven on “flowery beds of ease.” Rather, we are promised that we shall have hardships and tribulations in this life, especially if we are faithful Children of God.

Only those who persevere receive the reward. Revelation 2:10-11 tells us, “ Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Number 2. PERSEVERANCE IS DEVELOPED IN TRIBULATION.

Romans 8: 18-28 can be summarized as this: Viewed in faith, tribulation is a friend rather than an enemy. I don’t know a lot of adversity that is necessarily fun, but we can learn from it, and we can grow from it.

In Deuteronomy 8, the Israelites failed to see the benefits of their trials.

In Numbers, we see there was an Exodus of over one Million Israelites.

We later see that only two Persevered and reached the promised land.

In 1 Corinthians and Hebrews, Paul admonishes us not to imitate the Israelites.

Rather than complain, rejoice in God’s work in your life.

Difficulties and trials would not normally be considered an occasion for joy but think about James and Paul and how they exhort us to look beyond the immediate pain and discomforts of trials to the lasting effect they have on the character of the Christian.

It is the development of our character, that should cause us to rejoice in adversity. Always remember who wins in the end.

We all have mountains to climb and sometimes holes to dig ourselves out of. Perhaps you want to begin to persevere and put on the armor of God through Baptism. There is no better time than now. Perhaps you’ve been baptized, and you’re currently trying so hard to climb the mountain that you’re on and you’ve had setbacks. We would love to help you reach the peak.

There is an old adage, “If you live in a graveyard too long, you will stop crying when someone dies.” The idea behind this saying is less about someone literally living in a graveyard and more about how we can become desensitized. This is why funeral directors don’t typically become emotional during memorial services. Death becomes common. This is why so many marriages end in divorce. The newness has worn off and the couple doesn’t have the mushy feelings they first did. This is why old toys sit in children’s closets for months without attention. The newness is gone.

Tragically, this can happen on a sin level as well. If we aren’t careful, we can become so used to sin that we become desensitized.

This is exactly what happened to the people in Jeremiah’s time. Listen to God’s frightening description of these people, “Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; they did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be cast down,’ says the Lord” (6:15; 8:12).

We can bring ourselves to a point where we are no longer embarrassed (i.e. blushing) by sinful and detestable things. We can become so desensitized that we are no longer bothered by wickedness. We can develop heart calluses, just as Pharaoh did (Exodus 7:13, 22, 8:15, 19, 32, etc). The more we rub up against the world, the more heart calluses we will develop (Romans 12:1-2). The more time we spend in the weeds, the less we will notice the thorns (Proverbs 22:5).

The good thing about calluses is they fade with time, but only if the activity that was causing them is stopped. Let’s distance ourselves from spiritual callous causers and keep our minds, hearts, and bodies focused on what is right before God (Philippians 4:8).

Brett Petrillo

What would it be like to be taken as a captive to a different country? You are forced to leave behind quite a good life – you are well-educated and your family is part of the nobility of your country. Because of your background you are selected to enter the service of the conquering king. It will take three years of training to learn the language, court etiquette and anything else you need to know to enter the service of the foreign government. But you are a captive. You can’t return home. You must do what your captors tell you.

Then comes the challenge: the king has given those being trained food from what he himself eats. But to eat this food would defile you in some way. Yet you have been told to eat it. What do you do? Do you remain true to what you believe? Or do you go ahead and eat, after all (you reason) you really don’t have much of a choice.

This is the position that Daniel and his three friends – Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah – found themselves (see Daniel 1). The easier course of action would be to just go along with what they were told. The more difficult path, especially since they were captives, was to refuse the food. They made up their minds that they would take a stand.

As you read through Daniel chapter 1 we can see that Daniel was not obstinate and unreasonable. Rather than just refusing to eat the king’s food he approached the overseer of the court officials, the one in charge, to explain his predicament and ask permission not to defile himself.

The official was fearful that they would end up being malnourished – after all, this was the king’s food – so Daniel suggested a short trial period. For ten days he and his three friends would eat vegetables and drink water. After the ten days they could be compared with the other young men and then an informed decision could be made. This was agreeable to the warden.

“At the end of the 10 days their appearance was better and their bodies were healthier than all the young men who had been eating the royal delicacies. So the warden removed the delicacies and the wine from their diet and gave them a diet of vegetables instead. Now as for these four young men, God endowed them with knowledge and skill in all sorts of literature and wisdom—and Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.” (Daniel 1:15-17 NET)

Today we can easily understand why they would have been healthier eating a vegetable diet as opposed to eating a rich diet. They were so much healthier that they influenced the diet of all those being trained – they were all given a vegetable diet.

Whatever the problem was with the king’s food, they had not been promised that all would work out as it did. Yet they still were determined not to defile themselves. It was a matter of remaining faithful to God, even though they were far from home and no one would really know what they were doing. The result was that God blessed them.

What about us? Are there situations when we are on our own and have to make a choice whether remain faithful to God or give in and do something we know isn’t right? What do we do? Do we reason that it is easier just to go along with everyone else and not ‘rock the boat’? Or do we choose to remain faithful to God no matter what the consequences are?

There was an incident in Scotland many years ago when a Christian young man stood up for what he believed in. The result for him was that he was tarred and feathered and walked through the town. His mother went behind him, encouraging him to “Dare to be a Daniel”.

May we ‘dare to be a Daniel’ when we are faced with difficult choices in our lives.

by Jon Galloway

In Mark 9, when Jesus returns from his mountaintop transfiguration, a somewhat peculiar scene unfolds before him. At the end of the trail a group of people was crowded around his disciples, with no small amount of commotion. A man had brought his young demon-possessed son to be healed. Despite their valiant efforts, the disciples simply could not command this demon’s exit. And so, Jesus gets involved.

In verse twenty-two the father desperately cries, “If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus’ response is one that tends to contradict many of our mental pictures of him. “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”Now, the text does not specifically say it, but it’s logical to see a sense of indignance and annoyance in Jesus’ words. It seems unusual because its an emotion that is often left out of our depictions of Jesus, as though his usually unflappable demeanor meant that he could never be aggravated. Yet, you don’t get mistaken for Elijah or John the Baptist without possessing a fiery disposition at times (see Matt. 16:14). It is completely in line with Jesus’ character to express a justified annoyance. The big question is, “What is he upset about?”

Consider his response again. “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”Despite all the evidence visible in Jesus’ ministry, this man had the audacity to question both Jesus’ power and willingness to help. This is why he came! This is what he does! “Why are ALL of you lacking faith?” The father lacked it, the disciples lacked it, and (presumably) the surrounding crowd lacked it. Is it any wonder the Son of God would become agitated at this obvious failure to trust his power and goodness?

The father’s next words still stand as a refreshing response to such a rebuke. “I believe; help my unbelief!”  There is no further scolding, but an immediate answer by healing the boy.

Sometimes, I wonder if God does not feel the same frustration with me. I see the evidence. I have his word. And yet, somehow, I have the audacity to question if God is able and willing to intervene. I seek out the experts without consulting him in prayer. I run myself ragged trying to learn more and be stronger, instead of letting his strength carry me. I allow my mind to become overwhelmed with anxiety over what to do next, and yet fail to seek his guidance. I maintain a white-knuckled grip on the situation instead of laying it down at Jesus’ feet. Maybe, I’m alone in this. But I doubt it.

Oh Lord, I do believe. Help my unbelief!

Cory Waddell

Solomon cautioned, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling” (Proverbs 16.18 NASB1995). I am sure we can think of many examples of this truth we have witnessed in our own lives. However, one that comes to my geeky mind is the downfall of Atari.

Atari was the video gaming console every child had to have from the late 1970s into the early 1980s. But then came along a glitchy game that nearly killed the video gaming console industry: “E.T. The Extraterrestrial.” Of course, we know of the movie by the same name. The film was a commercial success. “E.T.’s” director, Stephen Spielberg, wanted to capitalize on his movie’s success with a video game based on the titular character.

In addition, Spielberg wanted Atari to have the game ready for the Christmas season. Unfortunately, that timeframe only gave the developer requested by Spielberg about five months to complete the game. Spielberg’s request was not without precedent. The developer had previously worked on another game adapted from a Spielberg movie (Raiders of the Lost Ark). Nevertheless, the developer flying high atop Atari’s past success assured Spielberg that he could develop the game quickly.

The game did sell well, at first. But then the reviews came back from players. The game was confusing, tedious, and E.T. would routinely get stuck in a hole from which he could not extricate himself. Therefore, a quarter-million users returned the game to Atari, and Atari was stuck with over two million units that they could not move. This failure created a meltdown resulting in the breakup of Atari. Atari had lost over 500 million dollars. If not for the arrival of Nintendo’s video game console in the mid-1980s, introducing us to the lovable Italian plumber, Mario, one wonders if the gaming industry would be a billion-dollar industry today.

It may be that we can boast of many successes in life. Paul certainly could. Paul called himself a “Hebrew of Hebrews” (Philippians 3.4-6). Yet, Paul said he counted all his gains as loss, even rubbish, for the sake of Christ (Philippians 3.7-8). If you keep reading Philippians 3, you’ll note that Paul admits that he had not arrived at his destination but pressed onward so he could attain his eternal prize (Philippians 3.12-14). Paul then exhorts us to have a similar mindset (Philippians 3.15-16).

Yes, pride causes us to become blind to things like temptation. We become so full of ourselves that we have no room for the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. The Hebrews’ writer warns us about how easy it is to drift away (Hebrews 2.1-3). Therefore, we must be vigilant to watch our location relative to the Gospel. Paul writes: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1 Corinthians 10.12 NASB1995).

As we turn our attention back to Atari, we note that it was, at least, partly resurrected. It reported earnings of about 21 million in the fiscal year 2018. But what is 21 million compared to the half a billion dollars they lost in the early 1980s? Moreover, in the early twenty-teens, Atari filed for bankruptcy. Thus, Atari demonstrates that you cannot always get back on your feet after you stumble.

Fortunately, as Christians, we are showered by the riches of God’s grace (cf. Ephesians 1.7-8). Thus, if we will but “walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1.7 NASB1995). So, watch your feet and remember that pride goes before destruction.

Brent Pollard

A stranger entered the church in the middle of the sermon and seated himself in the back pew. After a while he began to fidget. Leaning over to an older white-haired man at his side, evidently an older member of the congregation, the visitor whispered, “How long has he been preaching?” The old man answered, “Thirty or forty years I think.” The stranger decided, “I’ll stay then. He must be nearly done.” As of this past July 2024, I have been preaching 50 years. If my math and memory are correct, I have written / taught / preached somewhere around 9,000 articles / classes and sermons in worship services and other means and places. When will I be “done”? If the Lord wills, I’ll be slowing the pace soon, but I hope and pray to not be done sharing God’s love and “preaching Christ crucified” publicly and privately until God is done with me and my life here is over. Like Jeremiah, I still feel a fire in my bones (Jeremiah 20:9). Preaching Christ’s gospel has been the greatest challenge, joy and privilege of my life. A special word of thanks to the elders and members, past and present, of the Smithville (Tennessee) church of Christ for allowing me the privilege of being their pulpit minister these past 29 years! Following is but a few of the things I have learned in 50 years of preaching:

* I have learned there is a God, and that no preacher, no not one and starting with me, is Him!

* I have learned preachers plant and water, but it is God who must give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).

* The preacher’s life is a life of tears (Acts 20:19) — at times tears of triumph and joy and others tears of tests and trials.

* The preacher’s wife is his most important asset except for the Lord!  Donna is my greatest friend, fan, critic and helper.

* There are a few “expert” armchair quarterbacks in the pews who should do the preaching since (they think) they know more about preaching and how it ought to be done than the man in the pulpit, though they never preached a single sermon.

* The best people on earth are in the church of our Lord, but the best people in the church are sinners in need of God’s grace

* Just about any problem (in individual lives or the congregation) can be “fixed” if we all have the mind of Christ.

* Not even slight problems (in individual lives or the congregation) can be “fixed” if we don’t submit to Jesus and His word.

* The great majority of people who come to church are there to worship God, but not everybody.

* Preaching has power to change people’s lives when people allow it to.

* Preaching is powerless to change anybody’s life until they allow it to.

* I am one of the best preachers some people have ever heard … and one of if not the worst preacher others ever heard!

* I have learned I can please God but not all people, but it’s okay — Jesus Himself didn’t please everybody (John 15:25).

* People can take “hard preaching” if it comes from God’s Word through a preacher with a “soft” heart.

* Preachers, elders and members sometimes fail, but God never does.

* I have learned that the church (the old ship of Zion) sometimes springs a leak and lets in some of the world’s water!

* I have learned that the devil and all the demons in hell and on earth cannot sink the old ship of Zion!

* Problems and offenses and “hatchets” between some members of Christ’s church won’t be buried until those members are.

* Some people in the church seem unwilling to tolerate any kind of sin.

* Some people in the church seen willing to tolerate any kind of sin.

* I have learned that nothing is too hard for God (Genesis 18:14 <> Jeremiah 32:17).

* I have learned that God works through His people to do great things (Ephesians 3:20-21 <> Acts 14:27).

* I have learned that God is good all the time . . . all the time God is good!

* I have learned in fifty years of preaching that while times and things and people change, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

I have been and continue to be blessed to be a preacher — by God and by His people!  To God be all the thanks and glory.

“And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel …” — Romans 15:20

by: Dan Gulley, Smithville, TN

Many Christians struggle with the concept of divine providence. We understand that the period of miracles served a specific purpose which has now passed. Through His Word, God continues to testify and confirm His historic saving acts.

While God no longer utilizes supernatural acts performed by human hands, we believe He still works in our world. Verses like Gen. 50:20 and Rom. 8:28 plainly teach us to expect God’s providential care.

As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. (BSB)

And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. (BSB)

When my grandmother was a child (she was the third of eleven surviving children), her family did not own an automobile. With no other means of transportation, my great-grandmother Marie rode a horse to worship services. Since she couldn’t haul them, she left the children, including my grandmother, with my great-grandfather Ricey, who refused to attend.

In early 1942, the family went West because Great-Grandma Marie had tuberculosis. They initially settled in Garden City, Kansas, where Ricey worked the wheat harvest. Afterward, they went to Colorado to work the peach harvest. Finally, they migrated to Wyoming. Ricey couldn’t find suitable work in Wyoming. Marie’s lungs had cleared, so they returned to Kentucky around the first of October.

The travels west meant the family now had a truck. When they returned to Kentucky, Ricey drove them all to worship. While Marie and the children went inside, Ricey visited with other husbands under the trees. In hindsight, one of the reasons my grandmother was able to attend church as a child was that her mother suffered from tuberculosis. Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face, indeed!

Clay Leonard

Now for the rest of the story. Several weeks ago as a Bible study on covenants drew to a close, someone asked about the thief on the cross. This was followed up with a question about Cornelius. Having apparently received acceptable answers, a final objection was raised. “But what about John 3:16? It only mentions believing.”

The class was encouraged to wholeheartedly endorse and agree 100% with John 3:16. I too agree 100% with John 3:16.

After a brief pause, they were presented with a challenge. Had they considered how we use the word “believe” today?

Take for example a small boy who climbs up and gets stuck in a tree. He calls out for his dad to rescue him. Upon arriving at the tree, the dad lifts his arms up toward his son saying, “Believe in me.” We all understand what the Father is asking of his son.

“Believe in me” is the father’s call for his son to trust in him by dropping down into his arms. Believe summarizes the faith response of believing some truths (dad can catch me, I will be OK if I let go) and acting upon that conviction (dropping from the branch).

In this scenario we know that if the boy were to just sit on that branch filled with confidence that his dad could catch him, this would not constitute believing in his dad. In this context to believe in dad required relying upon him by letting go of the branch.  We understand this. This is how we use language today.

Today, we intuitively realize that each context determines what is required in order for us to believe in someone. It might require dropping the family’s car keys into our teenager’s hands. To believe in someone might only require believing someone’s promise. Or it might demand showing up at a restaurant at a set time. This is how we use language every day and we understand this.

The class then heard a suggestion. Scripture also uses believe in this same way.

For example for Abram to have faith in God when God had made him a promise only required believing the promise (Genesis 15:5-6). However, for Abram to possess faith in God when God commanded him to go to a place God would show him demanded obedience (Hebrews 11:8).

In other words, to believe in God summarizes whatever particular faith response might be required in a specific situation. From building an ark to crossing the Red Sea, Hebrews 11 as well as all of scripture is chock full of such examples. Thus to grasp how scripture is calling for us to trust in Jesus, we must listen to the gospel story.

What we discover is that to “believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved” along with its parallels summarizes conversion by emphasizing the necessity of trusting in Christ (Acts 16:30-31; 4:4; Romans 1:16). Yet, when those same authors provide more details about relying upon Christ crucified they always include baptism (Acts 16:32-34; Romans 6:3-6; 6:17-18).

Scripture presents one harmonious message regarding salvation. Sometimes it summarizes our need to rely upon Jesus with statements like “believe” or “became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). At other times it offers more detail. And when it does, baptism is always mentioned (Acts 8:12; 8:35-39).

A week after our study, one participant remarked, “I’m still chewing on these things.” We would all do well to chew carefully and test our assumptions against scripture.

Writing perhaps in the A.D. 90’s for a church in which the gospel had been transforming lives for decades, the aged John penned his account of the gospel. He emphasized the need for people to believe in Jesus. We need Jesus! After repeating Jesus’ teachings about being born from above of water and spirit, John wrote:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

by Barry Newton

Google Maps has a project, called Street View, through which they intend to photograph routes throughout the world for diving. This street view came in handy when the Italian police were looking for an Italian mobster.

    Gioacchino Gammino had escaped from an Italian prison a decade ago. But in December of last year, some was looking at Street View of a street in Galapagar, Spain when the person thought they recognized Gammino. Police were alerted and Gammino was correctly identified and re-incarcerated.

    God knew what was happening in the Garden of Eden. God knew what was happening at the Tower of Babel. God knew what was happening in Sodom and Gomorrah. God knew what was happening in Egypt and God cared.

    God knew what was happening during the life of Gideon. God knew what was happening in the life of Saul. God knew what was happening in the life of David. God knew what was happening in the life of Solomon. God knew what was happening in the life of Jeremiah.

    “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take up the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will take hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,” Even darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You” (Psalm 139:7-12).

    David wrote these words as words of hope and assurance, confidence, and trust. God is a better guide than Google Maps. Since He knows all and sees all, He always knows how to get us from where we are to where we need to be. Wherever you are, right now, the Bible has a message for you to get you where He wants you to be. The last statement in Psalm 139 reads: “lead me in the everlasting way.”

Paul Holland

How can we know that we truly are disciples of Christ? In the Gospel according to John, Jesus gives three simple tests so that we can know for certain that we are disciples.

The first test is given in John 8:31-32 where Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” The test is – are we continuing or abiding in the Word of God? This is a test to prove to ourselves that we are disciples. One does not know he or she is a disciple by the way one feels, nor because someone declares one a disciple. One only knows that he or she is a disciple by being obedient to the word. Jesus also adds that if one continues or abides in Christ’s word, one will be made free. If we are made free, then the logical conclusion is that we had been slaves of something before that time, sin in particular. But abiding in the word can also set us free from several other forms of slavery.

The second test is given in John 13:34-35 where Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” This test proves to all who are around us, that we are a disciple of Christ. The world is watching and if they see us loving each other and caring for each other they know we truly belong to Jesus as one of His disciples. Acts 2:47 records that those first disciples found “favor with all the people” (Acts 2:47). Just prior to that statement Luke recorded “and all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need” (Acts 2:44-45). No doubt, the world was watching those early disciples. Therefore, Luke was able to write, “And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). When those who are not disciples of Christ see the love Christians have for one another, they desire to become a disciple. Sometimes we don’t think that the world even notices us, but they do. Does the way we treat our brethren convey the kind of love that Jesus had and has for us? If not, then we fail the test and are not truly a disciple of Christ.

The third test is given in John 15:8 where Jesus said, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” This is a test to prove to God, the Father that we are disciples. God knows everything, but He wants us to prove to Him that we truly are one of His disciples. Notice that the text said we must bear “much fruit.” Are we just barely bearing fruit or are we truly bearing much fruit? In the context of 15:1-11, Jesus does not tell us what kind of fruit we are to bear, but He does tell us how to bear fruit. The New Testament speaks of different kinds of fruit a disciple ought to bear. Here are a few of them: (1) Fruit of righteousness (Philippians 1:11), (2) Fruit of every good work and knowledge (Colossians 1:10), (3) Fruit of soul winning (Romans 1:13), and (4) Fruit of giving (Romans 15:28). The question is are we bearing much fruit to prove to God that we truly are one of His disciples?

(The idea of these three tests comes from William Barclay’s commentary on John) 

Wayne Burger

There’s the story told of an elderly lady that was amazed at how nice the young man next door was. Everyday he would help her gather things from her car or help her in her yard. One day the old lady finally asked the young man, “Son, how did you become such a fine person?” The young man replied, “Well, when I was a boy, I had a drug problem.” The old lady was shocked and said, “I can’t believe that.” The young man replied, “It’s true, my parents drug me to church on Sunday morning, drug me to church on Sunday night, and drug me to church on Wednesday night.”
Have you ever paused and thought about why you go to church? What reason causes you to bring your kids to worship? What’s the point? Contained in the pages of God’s Word we can find at least three reasons why we go to church.

A Past Example

God is a God of remembrance. He would repeatedly instruct, comfort, and encourage the Israelites by reminding them of things He had done in the past. He used reminders of past instances to help motivate His people. God’s Word continues to do that for us today. It is filled with past examples to help remind us why we come together each week. We go to church because of a past example (Acts 2:41-47; Acts 20:7).

A Present Encouragement 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Hebrews 3:13 says, “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
Each week in the world we may feel outnumbered trying to live a godly life. When we come together we’re reminded that we aren’t the only ones that are trying to be like Christ. William Ward once said, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.” Our present encouragement comes from unity and the sharing we all have with each other. We’re encouraged through fellowship, but also praise. Worship is a time to reflect on God and what He has done for us. We focus on His nature and His love and we praise Him because we are blessed beyond belief. Our present encouragement comes from our time spent praising God our Father. We come to worship to receive our present encouragement.

A Future Event

On February 3, 2018, Robert Meilhammer, 51, of Crapo, Maryland, was struck in the head by a dead Canada goose. The bird that hit him was 14 pounds and had a nearly 6 foot wingspan. It plunged from the sky after a fellow waterfowl hunter fired a blind shot on a flock overhead. The goose fell about 90 feet, knocking the hunter out instantly and causing head and facial injuries. If you could see what was coming you would prepare. If Robert Meilhammer would’ve known about the goose coming he could’ve taken a step forward to keep from getting knocked out. If we knew what was coming, we would prepare. God in his love and grace has revealed what is coming and what needs to be done in order to prepare. We come together to remind each other of the day that is coming in the future. We come together to encourage our church family to fight the good fight, keep the faith, and to stay the course. Mark 16:16 says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” The judgement day is coming and God is clear on what we should be doing. Get prepared and stay prepared by going to church.
We assemble as a family on the first day of the week because of a past example, a present encouragement, and a future event.

Carl Pollard

John Castillo Kennedy writes a riveting account of the fire that swept through San Francisco in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake that struck on April 18, 1906. The earthquake and resulting fires, which killed 3000 people, destroyed 80% of the city. Among the dead was the city fire chief. Firefighters, unaccustomed to using dynamite to create firebreaks, caused several of the fires.

At one point early in the fires, according to Castillo, the spread of the flames surprised people living along Pine, Bush, and Sutter Streets, forcing them to flee immediately. They had been confident that the flames would not reach them there. The author says,

“Quickly filled trunks grated up the hills. Wagons, mostly pulled by men, rattled over the rough cobblestones. Baby carriages and toy express wagons rolled along packed full with the ‘things’ people had snatched up in the flight. Pianos were bumped along the sidewalks–some went to pieces in the process. Sewing machines slipped along on their rollers with stacks of bedding and the like lashed to them. Women had their valuables on their person, or carried trinkets Gypsywise in handkerchiefs. Men wore columns of hats five-high. Some carried only a book. Parrots jabbered and scolded from many cages. Some people had blankets. Girls usually had bandboxes. Boys stretched poles between them and carried, suspended there, bundles of clothing and provisions. Once it was only a ham” (83).

These panic-stricken people, with no time to prepare, reached for the thing that had the most practical or sentimental value to them. Something made people faced with total loss and threat of life to lug heavy items or pets or food. Many of the choices seem irrational. Perhaps they were in shock or acting in impulse. In essays and contests asking people what they would grab if their house was on fire and they could only grab one thing, they have cited passports, wills, legal documents, insurance policies, personal papers, portable hard drives, phones, etc.

I’m trying to put myself in their shoes. If I was in one of the many neighborhoods forced to flee my home with no time to spare, what would I have been sure to grab? How long would it take my mind to settle on sentimental family items like old photos, my wedding video, or the boys’ baby books? Would I be relieved if I could make it out with my Bible, though I saved nothing else?

I do not judge those folks with their bizarre, split-second decisions. For some reason, it just made me do some introspection. What does my priority list look like? What do I value most in my life and in my home? What would I try to be sure to preserve?

Perhaps the answers to those questions is best provided by my choices in ordinary, every-day actions. I want my wife, children, fellow-Christians, and, most of all, my God to see from my life that they come before the things of this world. The things will all ultimately burn (2 Pet. 3:10). It is the relationships that will outlast the final, global conflagration. I pray that my influence and example will save them from the fire (Jude 23).

Reference: Kennedy, John Castillo. The Great Earthquake And Fire: San Francisco, 1906 (New York: William Morrow and Co., 1963).

Neal Pollard

“During a BRUTAL study at Harvard in the 1950s, Dr. Curt Richter placed rats in a pool of water to test how long they could tread water. On average they’d give up and sink after 15 minutes. But right before they gave up due to exhaustion, the researchers would pluck them out, dry them off, let them rest for a few minutes – and put them back in for a second round.

In this second try – how long do you think they lasted? Remember – they had just swam until failure only a few short minutes ago…How long do you think? Another 15 minutes? 10 minutes? 5 minutes? 60 hours! These rats swam for another 60 hours before they gave up. The conclusion drawn was that since the rats BELIEVED that they would eventually be rescued, they could push their bodies way past what they previously thought impossible.

If hope can cause exhausted rats to swim for that long, what could a belief in yourself and your abilities, do for you?”

While this illustration was made to show the value of believing in yourself, as Christians it’s more than just a belief in yourself!  How much more could we endure if we hoped in the Almighty God?

As a Christian, remember what you’re capable of. Remember why you’re here. Remember the hope that is placed within us. Never give up. When you face ridicule for the godly choices you make, don’t give up. When you start to lose zeal and the fire begins to die. Don’t let it go out.

When life seems overwhelming and you’re drowning in stress, don’t quit. When health issues plague your body, don’t give up. Never give out, never give in, and NEVER give up. Remember the cross, remember the hope, remember the eternal home that will soon replace this temporary dwelling.

As a wise fish once said in a cartoon movie, “just keep swimming.” And we are given a beautiful reason why. In Philippians 3, Paul gives every Christian our motivation. Our reason why we should never give up. We stay motivated by pressing on (14).

What lies ahead? The goal, the prize, the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

We press on by holding fast (16). Once you’ve got it, don’t let go. Look to those who have set the example (17).

Imitate the mindset of Paul and ignoring the enemies of the Cross. Paul pleads to them with tears (18).

Don’t get distracted and don’t follow the wrong example. Finally we never give up by letting go (20).

Let go of this world and what ties you to it. Our true home is in heaven. We can find motivation and comfort in recognizing what we can accomplish and endure through Christ.

Carl Pollard

Many years ago, I was commissioned a US Army lieutenant and trained as an infantry soldier. It was not easy; the training was tough and deliberately so. The intent was to instill confidence that we could overcome and win no matter how hard the task or difficult the conditions. I learned to enjoy strenuous training and realized it was preparing me for my upcoming role as a platoon leader. Although I did not particularly enjoy being cold, wet, and hungry for days, it wasn’t just meaningless hardship I was being subjected to. It made me a better officer and soldier.

Living as Christians in this world is remarkably similar. Our lives, while full and rewarding, also have periods of unpleasant and trying times that we must face. As James 1: 2-4 explains, these episodes are part of our Christian development: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

We become stronger and more resilient Christians because of the adversity we overcome. Even failing something gives an opportunity to get back up and try again. These are tough times that we are living through, and we certainly aren’t enjoying all of our experiences. However, by keeping our faith in Christ and focusing on His ability to help us work through our challenges we will one day look back with thankful hearts knowing that our faith endured. Looking forward, we can be confident about facing the next challenge.

Bill Rose

Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Off the coast of Greece, since the days of Plato, free divers have been plunging to depths of 50-100 meters with no breathing apparatus at all to harvest sea sponges. Others do this kind of diving for sport.

But it is extremely dangerous.

In 2013, Nicholas Mevoli died after performing a dive. He resurfaced, signaled “OK,” then lost consciousness, and died. In 2015, Russian free-diver, Natalia Molchanova, who held 41 world records and earned 23 gold medals, plunged into the Mediterranean darkness off the coast of Spain for a recreational dive, and failed to resurface. After a few days, rescue efforts ceased.

Free-divers must learn not only the physical techniques of free-diving, but also how to switch off their primal instincts. They do this through rigorous physical and mental training. They learn to silence their primal responses when breathing slows and oxygen levels decrease.  However, this switch off, while necessary for the task, can also be the reason for failure. Learning to ignore one’s fears can and does result in serious injury, or even fatality.

This is true of our spiritual selves. We are spiritual beings. Some overcome spiritual fear by ignoring or denying that they are spiritual beings at all. Though it be ignored, the soul of man is quite real (see: 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12; James 2:26).

The spiritual self can, like the diver’s primal instinct, be switched off through sheer will power. The conscience can become numb (1 Timothy 4:2).

When Jesus said, “Fear not,” he meant for us to find peace and hope for our soul through obeying his gospel (Romans 1:16). He did not intend for us to switch off our soul in hopes that it would go away.

Unfortunately, many are free-diving, having shut off the spiritual intuition with which they were endowed by their Creator. They are sinking. The longer they stay submerged, the less likely it is they will resurface.

Rick Kelley

    We often ask ourselves these types of questions:

    Wouldn’t I like to be in relationship with someone else? 

    Don’t I deserve a person who loves me? 

    Aren’t I worth much more pay? 

    Don’t I deserve a salary much more rewarding?

    During the temptations, Satan wanted to find where Jesus may be dissatisfied because that would signal where He was most vulnerable. Dissatisfaction in all three of the temptations, the overarching theme was to locate where Jesus may be discontent, and that would determine the archenemy’s starting point. 

    In 1965, a hit song came out by the Rolling Stones, that’s still played on classic radio stations today: “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” It became one of the top hits of all time. It’s almost prophetic. 

    The devil’s bottom line to tempt you and me is to get us to feel dissatisfied with who we are and what we have. 

    Disappointed with our marriage. 

    Discontented with our salary. 

    Bored with our church. 

    Dissatisfied with our car. 

    Displeased with our house. 

    Dissatisfied with our faith. 

    It’s time to get back to Jesus! 

Jesus models contentment for us: 

    When Jesus was sleeping in the boat, during the storm, it was because He was content in the protection of His Father. The disciples panicked and awakened Him from sleep with the words, “Don’t you care that we are perishing!?” Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea became calm. He turned to His disciples and said, “Why are you afraid? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Notice the words “No faith.” 

    Dissatisfaction reflects disappointment in God; He’s not treating us right.

THE SOLUTION TO DISSATISFACTION:

    What’s the solution? How can we combat dissatisfaction?

    Look for the good in every situation and be thankful for the blessings God has given. We do not need a drawer full of bling or a bank account of millions in order to be content. “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:8). 

    Practice looking for Jesus. If you look for what’s bad in your spouse, you’ll find that you married a bad spouse! If you look for what is bad in your life, you’ll see that you’re in a mess. If you look for what’s out of date in your car, you’ll be dissatisfied with it. If you compare your smartphone, monthly payment plan, interest rate, with someone else’s, you’ll want something better. Bad news is everywhere.

    Practice looking at Jesus (Heb. 12:2). You’ll see Him everywhere. Look for what’s good and you’ll find that the way God is treating you is better than you deserve!

Paul Holland

Some of Jesus’ statements are quite attractive: statements like, “God so loved the world…” and “Judge not…” are generally beloved by most people.

His actions draw crowds still today. He called out hypocrites and spent time with outcasts. He upheld the little guy and pulled down the crooked establishment.

But this is where the admiration should end. So Jesus defied some conventions and said some pretty things, does that make him special?

Hitler is attributed with the saying, “Anyone can deal with victory. Only the mighty can bear defeat.” That sounds like something to put on a motivational poster with a sun setting behind a snow-capped mountain overlooking a lake of glass.

The Belgian priest known as “Father Damien” defied conventional medicine and wisdom. He moved to an isolated leper (Hansen’s Disease) colony in Kalaupapa, Molokai, and served there for 16 years. He did what no one else would do: he lived in their environment, advocated for them, taught them, gave them fellowship and sacrificial love. He eventually contracted the disease and died at the age of 49.

Many people have defied conventions and said inspiring things.

What makes Jesus so different? Moreover, what makes him any better?

Jesus did not just do unconventional things and say inspiring things, he said downright crazy things.

Like, “I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Um, excuse me?

Or, “Not everyone that says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Mt. 7:21).

I’m sorry, what?

How does Jesus get a pass here? Why do people follow him? Because Jesus said and did inspiring things, should we just overlook all the crazy things?

Imagine if I began this article this way:

“Just a reminder to all my readers that I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Thank you.”

You’d have me sedated, picked up in a wagon, and probably admitted to an institution.

And this isn’t the only statement like this that Jesus makes. Not by far. Repeatedly throughout the gospels Jesus states explicitly or implies that he is God. In the flesh. That he was alive before Abraham was born (John 8:58). That he came from heaven (John 3:13; 4:10). That he is – basically – God’s favorite person ever. That he is going back to heaven and that no one can come with him unless they bow down and worship him.

What??

In the gospel of John alone, there are hundreds of such references. In fact, the gospel seems to have been written just to highlight these kinds of statements (John 20:30-31).

Some years ago this author studied the first 17 chapters of John specifically for this purpose: to determine just how often the deity of Jesus was spoken of specifically or implied, by him, by a friend, or a by an enemy. Of all the verses – over 700 of them – nearly 3 out of every 4 verses was a statement about him being God.

You’d have to be blind not to see it.

It’s crazy talk.

C.S. Lewis came to this same realization when he said that Jesus did not leave us the option that he was just some great moral teacher. Not at all. He claims to be so much more than that. Over and over and over he claims to be something else, something more. And that makes the gospels about as crazy as anything you have ever read or will ever read.

It also makes the gospels easy to dismiss. There are those who believe the gospels were written by amateurs well after the life of the man purported to be Jesus, and then it was elaborated on and edited in the ensuing centuries.

But I must say, what a terrible job they all did. They have succeeding in giving humanity the most ridiculous character in all of literary history.

Jesus is worse than the deities of the pantheon – much worse. From Rome to Greece and back through history to Mesopotamia, to African and South American legends, to Aboriginal legends. These gods made no pretense of perfection. They are just grandiose expressions of humanity, at best, full of vice and caprice and inconsistency. They were all just placeholders for our lack of understanding about the natural world.

Jesus is surely far worse than Mohammed. Mohammed made no claim to be God, he just claimed to receive a vision or visions from an angel. Delusional? Deceptive? Likely. But at least he didn’t claim to be Allah.

Jesus is worse than all the mystic religious leaders, none of whom claimed to be the one true God of the universe. They have merely suggested that following the path they have followed will bring an ultimate state of mind.

Perhaps I should revise my opinion of the gospel writers then: what an amazing job they did. They have succeeded in giving humanity the most ridiculous character in all of literary history.

But why? Why would they do this? What motivation would they have to take a person, who may or may not have lived, and preserve some scant few of his words and then add hundreds – thousands of others, the combination of which would make him out to be the most ridiculously self-aggrandizing, condescending, arrogant person who ever lived?

Oh, and while we’re at it: how did they convince the world that he was meek and gentle and loving and just and kind and good? How did they inspire people – literally hundreds if not thousands of years after the fact – to write beautiful songs like “Jesus Loves Me,” compose unparalleled symphonies, like Handel’s “Messiah,” and craft some of the world’s most breathtaking art, like Pieta?

Why are we giving this obviously crazy person – or the crazy people who concocted him – any attention AT ALL?

And why would the authors – the original propagators of the nonsense – all die for it?

And why, why would the subsequent followers of that phony nonsense go to their graves, brutally, as martyrs, and consistently for over 250 years with that name – the name of this crazy, deranged, whatever he was, charlatan? literary invention? – on their tongues?

Unless, in fact, he was telling the truth.

Do you have a better explanation?

Rick Kelley