• It is about “bringing” the lost to Jesus.
• It is about “clinging” to God’s Holy Word.
• It is about “flinging” away temptations when they come.
• It is about “ringing” out the gospel message.
• It is about “singing” praises to a wonderful God.
• It is about “springing” forth words and works that encourage others.
• It is about “stringing” together actions that please God and are an example to others.
• It is about “swinging” into action to help others.
• It is about “winging” our way to heaven when Jesus comes back.

  By Edd Sterchi

Dozens of portraits depict Jesus with a crown of thorns crucified on a cross. In all of them, there is the look of pain and sorrow accompanied by such a long and painful death.

What we don’t see in any of these portraits is Jesus’ joy.

Yes, that’s right. Joy.

Humans always equate sorrow with pain and death. Have you ever thought death could bring joy?

The writer of the book of Hebrews wrote, “For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame” (Hebrews 12:2b NET). One may ask the question: “What joy?”

Jesus’ death produced forgiveness of sins. His death made possible the cleansing of the human conscience from sin (Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 3:21). Christ’s suffering and death and the shedding of his blood made our righteousness possible (2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9). All of this resulted from the son of God’s sacrifice on the cross. All these must have given Jesus joy.

There is one other answer. Again from the writer of Hebrews we have this: “For it fitted for him, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (Hebrews 2:10 NET). Jesus’ suffering and death made it possible for him to bring “many sons to glory.”

My wife and I felt such great joy when our children were born. It is a feeling that is unparalleled in human life. How many “sons” has Jesus given the father? By now, the number is in the tens or hundreds of thousands and still growing. Jesus knew his death would make it possible to give God the obedient sons he always wanted.

God loved us so much he wanted us to become his sons. He gave his only son to die to make that a reality! By the inspiration of God, the apostle Paul in the books of Romans and Galatians extolled the will of God in giving Jesus on the cross to make beloved sons of all who obey the gospel. So, there was joy at the cross!

John Henson

I’ve been there. January first, you sit down and read the first five chapters or so of Genesis and you think to yourself, “this will be the year I make it through the entire Bible.” Some time later you find yourself mindlessly scanning the endless genealogies of Numbers. With improbable name pronunciations, repetitive phrases, and mind numbing details, you put your Bible down, scarcely to resume the daily schedule. Reading your Bible is SO important; but why is it hard?

I’d like to address some problems I have had in my studies which have debilitated my daily practice. While doing this, it is my aim that these points can aid you in your personal study of God’s Word.

First, your Bible reading shouldn’t be a checklist item, but a blessing. When practices become part of a checklist rather than a desire, your heart will become distant from the effort. Take driving for example. I drive to work everyday and it’s simply a checklist item of my daily routine. However, I can remember the excitement I had when I first got behind the wheel. I’m guessing my face said it all, because my mom was trying to mash the brake pedal from the passenger seat. When you first begin to drive, it’s a blessing. Once it becomes part of your daily grind, it can sometimes be burdensome. I believe the same can happen with daily Bible reading. So how do we reverse that? Here are some tips to desire the Word:

1. It will benefit your life; guaranteed (Ps. 119:105) – The more of the Word you know, the more your path will be illuminated.
2. It will allow you to hear God (2 Tim. 3:16) – There have been many times where I think, “man I wish I could hear God speak right now.” Not going to lie, I still have that desire from time to time. However, He spoke to the prophets, the fathers, the apostles, and His son. His Son was perhaps the biggest megaphone He used but guess what all those significant figures did with those words? Wrote them down! For us! God decided the totality of scripture was enough that there didn’t need to be another revelation. We’ve got the answers, we just need to start digging.

Second, your Bible reading should be fascinating, not boring. This is unlike any other book (Rev. 1:19) – the Apostle John was given a command to “write the things which you have seen.” I understand that particular passage is speaking about the book of Revelation, but the principle applies to the rest of the Bible. The writers were simply writing down their experiences, and God’s Spirit was helping them to do so with accuracy and significance.

1. Layout, layout, layout (John 20:30,31) – each book has its purpose. For example, why do we need four gospels? They each serve their purpose and their aim. For example, Matthew lays his gospel out in a way that would appeal to the Jewish mind and prove to them the Jesus is Lord, and His Kingdom is coming. Perhaps before diving into a study of a book, it would be of great benefit to look at how it is laid out. This will help you maintain a grip on what section of the book you’re in. You can’t always rely on chapters and verses to make appropriate section breaks.
2. Timeline – One must keep in mind that the Bible is not in chronological order. This goes back to each book having its own purpose. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming to try and keep up with all the names and events. A couple tools can help you keep track of this. A journal is a great friend to your bible in your daily readings. For example, when going through the Kings, you can write down “King Ahab – coward, spoiled brat, always wants his way. Married to the wicked Jezebel.” Second, I have found some benefit of looking at chronological Bibles. We in western culture love when things are in order and this can help aid that preference.
3. Find the point – That genealogy you’re reading? It serves a purpose. Often times, genealogies can help us see God’s providence. For example, take 2 Kings 11. Joash was in the warpath of his crazy grandma, Athaliah. She was making an attempt to wipe out the royal family in order for her to keep her status as queen. If Joash died in this massacre of hers, the lineage of David would’ve stopped. So what? Well, without David’s lineage, Christ couldn’t be the Messiah (2 Sam. 7; Matt. 1).

At this point, this article is 768 words long. I wish I could continue talking about why reading your Bible is more than a cliche you hear in Sunday morning class. Rather than polluting your mind with my thoughts, I want to challenge you to begin reading your Bible more adamantly and to keep track of how it influences your life. This article is partially inspired by a friend of mine who reads God’s Word every morning. They’ve explained to me there is no better way to start the day and have gone on to show me several things that I hadn’t seen before. God has blessed us with a little piece of His mind that we call the Bible. What an opportunity it is to dive deeper into it!

Tyler King

Start Right 

    Many times a young couple makes the decision to marry shortly after college days are over. Along with that extremely important decision, other decisions are made. The couple may decide to buy a home. They also may make decisions pertaining to furniture and automobiles.

What I especially want to emphasize is that if a young couple bites off more than they can chew, a lifetime of giving is nearly squashed from the very beginning. Young people need to understand the importance of giving before they enter the work force and they marry. Young people must be taught that some things are more important than things! They need to understand that they do not have to begin their new life at or above the level of mom and dad.

Julie (my wife) and I have fond memories of the tiny one bedroom house we rented when we first got married. (It set us back $150 per month!) That residence was a blessing to us. We have such fond memories and look back on it now and see that it was perfect for the occasion.

If we, and especially young people, aren’t careful, a few bad decisions can cripple giving for a lifetime. When we get ourselves in a situation where we struggle to meet our obligations, it is very doubtful that we will give as we should. May we have the wisdom to understand that happiness and faithfulness to God are not dependent on what we have. In fact, many times, “less is more.”

Daren Schroeder

• We’d socially distance from those who might expose us to it (1 Cor. 15:33)
• We’d understand its potentially deadly nature (Jas. 1:14; Rom. 6:23)
• We’d want to do what we could to be protected from it (Acts 2:38)
• We’d try to warn everyone to take precautions against it (Luke 24:46-47)
• We’d listen to the experts (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
• We would avoid its “hot spots” (Rom. 13:12-14)
• We wouldn’t want to expose those we care about to it (Luke 17:1)
• It would completely affect our habits and routine (1 Pet. 2:11)

–Neal Pollard

–Teddy Roosevelt and compare Rom. 12:6; 2 Cor. 10:12; Phil. 4:11-12

Dear Gideon,

I see you, hands pressed on the glass door of your house, gazing at the passing trash truck. The truck driver is your little boy hero. And so he should be. You are obsessed with planes, cars and trucks as only a three-year-old boy would be. I see how gentle you are with your little sister. And I see the spark of mischief in your eyes.

Did you know that your great, great grandfather was a rancher not far from where you live in Oklahoma? He and his wife began a search for a church that would teach what they read in the Bible. When they found that church, they served it for the rest of their lives. He was a quiet man, a man strong in convictions and faith. His name was Ross, your great, great grandmother was Grace. The church referred to them as “Amazing Grace and Old Rugged Ross.” I remember them, well into their 70s going out and visiting “elderly people” and shut ins.

Did you know that your great-grandfather and grandmother were missionaries? You will learn this in time. They went to Africa, braving snakes and droughts and dictators. Grandmother Donna cooked on a wood stove (I know, I had to split wood to fit the stove). Loy Mitchell, your great-grandfather was a powerful preacher. He could have preached for an American congregation of a thousand, but he preached to tribesmen instead, on a rock, under a tree. But you should know that over the decades those tribesmen multiplied until several Zimbabwean churches numbered several hundred, too. I wish you could have heard his rich bass voice singing hymns in the Shona language.

You already know that your father is a preacher. You see him proclaim the gospel every Sunday. You probably think that is normal. It is not. Many men do not stand for Jesus, do not speak on his behalf. You’re lucky to have a father like that.

But did you know that his father, your grandfather, was a missionary to Canada? You will know that, too, one day. And that his father, Bill Watts, was a missionary in New Zealand? Young missionaries looked up to him and sought his counsel, his wisdom. I know, because men well into their 70s now have told me so.

Dear Gideon, I don’t know if you will grow up to be a preacher, president or policeman. But I do hope, I hope with all my heart, that you grow up to be a Christian, that you will stand tall for what God desires. It will not be easy. I can already tell that our society is growing antagonistic to Christian convictions. You will have to be brave and strong as these other men in your life were brave and strong. You have a rich heritage. That heritage is a blessing beyond price. One day, Gideon, when you put away your matchbox cars and toy fire truck, you will know.

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers” (Proverbs 17:6).

Dear Gideon, I love you,
Your grandfather.

Stan Mitchell

When Jesus was invited to a meal, the whole neighborhood might come. The common people wanted to see and hear Jesus, a rabbi who was often in conflict with the Pharisees. When Jesus was invited to dine with a Pharisee, it was one part evening entertainment and one part religious instruction.

When Jesus came to dine at Simon’s house (Luke 7:36-50), word spread. A woman who is identified as “a sinner” comes to see Jesus. But she is not content with standing on the periphery, or peering in to get a fleeting glimpse. She moves through the crowd to the feet of the Savior. Weeping, she wipes the tears off his feet with her hair, kisses his feet, and pours over them expensive ointment.

The reaction by Simon was one of disgust and rejection. He rejects Jesus as a prophet because he certainly doesn’t know who is touching him for she is a sinner (Luke 7:39).

Jesus was not adverse to eating with Pharisees (see Luke 11:37; 14:1), nor with so-called “sinners” (see Matthew 9:10). It was his willingness to dine with others that served as an excuse to reject him (Luke 7:34). Yet these false allegations did not cause Jesus to abandon those who needed him. When questioned, Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:30-32 ESV).

The meal with Simon displays the vast chasm between those who think themselves righteous, and the sinners whom Jesus calls to himself. The difference between Simon and this sinful woman was not in how God saw them (for they were both sinners in need of a Savior), but in how they saw themselves.

After a simple parable, where Jesus illustrates the power of appreciation for sin and forgiveness, Jesus asks Simon if he sees the woman. Of course Simon had seen her! The whole dinner party had seen her. The whole crowd had seen her. In Simon’s mind she has both ruined his dinner party and exposed Jesus as a fraud.

But that is the problem. He doesn’t really see her, not as Jesus does. Simon sees a nuisance, a sinner to be dismissed and discarded. Jesus sees a penitent heart who is full of remorse for her past sins and gratitude for the forgiveness she has been granted.

“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which were many, are forgiven, thus she loved much; but the one who is forgiven little loves little” (Luke 7:47 NET).

While Simon treated Jesus with great disrespect, this woman has done what she could for the incarnate God. She has been forgiven much and she has loved much.

What Simon did not realize is that if we have been forgiven at all, we have been forgiven much.

There is only one Savior, and there are only two types of people: Those like Simon, and those like the sinful woman. The former are self-righteous and see nothing of their own sinfulness nor their need for forgiveness. The later recognize the greatness of God and the depth of their inadequacies before him. They grasp the damage that sin has done, and the healing that forgiveness brings.

Which person are you?

May we all see ourselves as Jesus does. May we all see Jesus as this woman does.

Lee Parish

Crucifixion was Rome’s way of dealing with people it didn’t like. Crucifixion was Rome’s way of dealing with enemies. Its gruesome nature was a part of Rome telling people they’d best behave or they might find themselves hanging from a cross one day.

Jesus had a discussion with his disciples that put the figure of the cross front and center. In Luke 9, Jesus told the men following him that if they were his disciples, they must deny self and take up a cross. The condemned was required to carry his own cross to the place of execution. The figure is clear.

Risk has always been a part of following Jesus. Roman disciples of Jesus were taken to the Coliseum where they were torn apart by lions or crucified or burned. The apostle Paul was arrested by the Jews in Jerusalem at the Temple, sent to the Roman governor in Caesarea and appealed to Caesar. Later, he was arrested again and was killed. Most of Jesus’ apostles met their deaths while serving God.

Yet today many people are convinced that becoming a member of a church is more like a rite of passage for a social club than carrying a cross. But there are still places in the world where serving Jesus could bring one a jail sentence or even a beating.

Yes, there is still opposition to the truth of God’s word. In the United States, it may not manifest itself in imprisonment or beatings, but there are other ways true disciples can suffer for believing and teaching the truth of God’s word. There are economic and social pressures that are as devastating as physical punishment.

Following Jesus as a faithful disciple is worth the cost. It is worth it because inside of every person is an immortal soul. Carrying a cross is every bit as daunting now as it was in the days of Roman crucifixion but “heaven will surely be worth

John Henson

To encourage us with the knowledge that, even though we are “strangers” to the present world-system, we are eternally-loved friends of God.

As New Testament Christians faithfully serve God, we often find ourselves at odds with the world. Peter wrote this letter to encourage Christians undergoing just such struggles, and he began it by noting that, while they were strangers in the world, they were God’s special friends. These two themes run through his letter.

“To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.”

STRANGERS IN THE WORLD – 1:1:

The term “aliens” was a familiar term to the Jews. The Jews outside Palestine where known as the Dispersion or Diaspora (scattered) Jews. In most places, they were outcasts to their neighbors, closely bound to each other, and under severe pressure to sacrifice their faith for peace with their environment.

Peter applies “aliens” here to Christians. Christians are also strangers in the world but not without purpose. They are commissioned strangers: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (2:9). They have a mission in their hostile environment, and they should be aware of that mission at all times.

Christians are to be holy strangers in carrying out their mission (2:11-15; 4:1-5). The holy life, even under stress, is an important attraction to others who are disposed to receive the gospel.

Christians are to be ready strangers: “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong” (3:13-17).

When Christians suffer, yet do right, they are often given opportunity to bear witness to their hope in Christ. When God gives such an opportunity, believers are to be ready to speak – with gentleness toward their hearers, and reverence toward God.

Christians may have to be suffering strangers (4:12-19). If it comes to this, they are to entrust their souls to God, the faithful Creator, and persevere in well-doing.

FRIENDS KNOWN ETERNALLY AND WELL-LOVED BY GOD:

Although Christians are strangers in the world, they may take courage in the fact that they were known and loved by God from eternity, and that all aspects of their faith and life are under His benevolent control.

God planned and foreknew the way of their salvation (1:9-12).

God planned and foreknew their conversion from among the Gentiles (2:9-10).

God knew and planned before their begetting (1:3).

God planned before and knew their preservation by His power through faith (1:4-9).

God planned and foreknew their full maturity or perfection (5:9-10).

God planned and foreknew their final inheritance in heaven (1:3-5).

God’s people are not at home in this world. They are outsiders to its values, goals, and systems. But they are not the losers, for they are friends of God known and loved by him. Let us be strong therefore to serve God well, no matter what the cost! With God on our side, we will be eternal winners.

late Wayne E. Holland
a sermon preached in:
Hayesville, NC 7/25/82
Roxboro, NC 11/16/88
Henderson, NC 6/28/98

In the know

“Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have you not known the things which happened there in those days?’ ” (Luke 24:18 NKJV).

Tourists and travelers often do not read the local newspapers, nor watch local news on television. Even if they want to know what is going on in their present location they may not speak the language or have access to dependable sources. For one who rises to watch a national news program and goes to bed with the local broadcast, it is something of a shock to have no idea of just what is happening where he or she is.

I have always been fascinated by the disciple’s reaction to Jesus’ apparent lack of knowledge of the events which were so important to the twelve and their associates (Luke 24:13-17). Cleopas’ response reveals truths which apply to us as well. Consider the following.

First, we recognize that my important news may have little meaning to others. The Palestinian Jews of the first century were consumed with Messianic Expectations. Those centered on their belief that God would send his Anointed King, from the Davidic lineage, to win independence for the people of Israel and establish his great kingdom. Even Hellenistic Jews (those living elsewhere in the Greco- Roman world) were not nearly so concerned with Judean or Palestinian independence. Cleopas could not comprehend that “everybody did not know” about the crucifixion of Christ. The fact was that at the moment, from a purely secular viewpoint, it just was not that big a deal except in Palestine. (Obviously, with the resurrection, it became a huge deal to everyone, everywhere). When I go to Asia during an American election year, for example, I find that others are not nearly so interested in talking about it as I may be. That is my news, but it is not so much theirs.

Second, we learn that ignorance of local events may handicap us while we are among them. Jesus seemed to them to be confused by their conversation. Sometimes the problem is much more severe than just the inability to join the talk of others. I was in Kathmandu, Nepal when eleven members of the Royal family were assassinated in 2001. There were soon demonstrations escalating to near riots. Curfews were imposed, sometimes effective within only an hour or so of the announcement. Needless to say, I made sure to stay in constant touch with those who could update me on the state of affairs. When in another place, what is important to me may not matter to them, but what matters to them is likely to affect me in important ways.

Third, one’s knowledge of local matters, or lack thereof, is revealing of his identity. If I belong in a certain culture, I am expected to know pertinent facts about that culture. Its history, values, conventions, and manners are necessary to smooth relationships and interactions. Lack of knowledge of those things will identify us as a stranger or one who is uninformed. However, it may also cause us to commit breaches of etiquette or even crimes. Consequences can range from mild embarrassment to fines or imprisonment.

The obvious stranger may be excused for some of the milder offenses, but the fact is that if one plans to spend much time in a different culture, he or she is well advised to learn as much about its laws and customs as is possible. Such knowledge may save the traveler from trouble. Many of us remember the American teenager who thought it would be funny to scratch cars in a major Asian city but received a caning as punishment. What was a joke to him was serious vandalism to local authorities.

Perhaps of even more importance, local knowledge equips the visitor for a more productive and enjoyable experience. When we can converse meaningfully with our hosts about things that matter to them we quickly form better relationships. When we know at least a little of local geography, political/legal conditions, and culture we can appreciate what we see and hear more completely. Basic knowledge helps us know how to pack, what clothes to wear, and what accessories to take.

All of this has a direct spiritual application as well. Christians have their own customs, laws, values, and habits. Those of the world often do not know or understand these things. Peter remarked, “In regard to these (people of the world), they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:4). What we sometimes forget is that new disciples come from that strange foreign (to Spiritual matters) world. They are no longer strangers; now they belong to God’s people, bound by the same principles. Let those who are more mature recognize their need to be gently and patiently taught those things that we have long known. Their continued growth and faithfulness may depend upon such teaching.

Michael Brooks

Changing the “Norms”

A while back we pulled into an “old-fashioned” gas station in a small town. An attendant was waiting at the pump to serve us. He took our order, and while the gas was being pumped, he busied himself cleaning our windshield. The kids were shocked and kept saying, “He’s actually cleaning our windows!”  What used to be the “norm” is now so rare that it seems shocking!

The same sort of thing happens in religion. Over a period of time gradual and minor changes can lead folks far away from where they used to be. It finally gets to the point that what used to be the “norm” now seems odd, even shocking. Things that never would have been tolerated year’s ago were allowed to “creep in,” and now they have become totally accepted.

A good example of this gradual shift of “norms” can be seen in the matter of instrumental music. Few people realize that there was a great fight over this issue years ago – even among the denominations where it is now common. For instance, William Posey in his history entitled The Baptist Church in the Lower Mississippi Valley writes: “For years the Baptists fought the introduction of instrumental music into the churches … Installation of the organ brought serious difficulties in many churches.” But, if you talk to a Baptist today, he would think it very odd to even suggest a religious service without instrumental music. You see, the “norms” have changed!

It can happen to us, too – and it is. Simply observe how brethren talk and dress, where they go and what they do. Try to call them back to what used to be the “norm,” and they will treat you as if you are crazy! It is apparent that many are allowing gradual changes to take them farther and farther away from the absolutes that God has stated in His Word.

We need to “ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein” (Jer. 6:1 6) – and stop drifting from God’s “norms.” Think!

– by Greg Gwin

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live (Deuteronomy 30:19 ESV).

This choice, presented thousands of years ago to a nascent nation about to enter an unknown land, is still ours today.

God has always given us choices. We can choose between that which is of God and that which is of the world (Joshua 24:15-22). We can choose the way of faithfulness (Psalm 119:30) or the way of darkness. We can choose the better, timelier things (Luke 10:42) or be allured by lesser, flashier things (Genesis 13:11).

What we cannot be is neutral. We might choose to be agnostic, but our choice leads us away from truth. We may choose to not think on spiritual things, but our choice leads us to the world.

Neil Peart once wrote, “If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.”/1 The fundamental power of choice was given to us by God, yet so many go through life essentially ignoring this great gift.

Even in their indifference, these directionless people still are choosing. They are choosing to walk through life blind. They are choosing death. Indecision is dangerous. Life-long purposeful indecision is deadly.

Choices have consequences. Some choices have small consequences. If you have tea instead of water for lunch today it may not matter much for eternity. Some choices have larger consequences. Choosing to be more like Christ today could echo through eternity. Being Christ-like throughout your life could have generational consequences. You may impact the lives of countless people that you will never meet.

The ultimate choice, as presented to the Israelites, is between life and death. As the New Testament makes clear, the choice is between heaven and hell.

• This choice is personal. We cannot enter the heavenly realm on the goodness of our spouse, parents, children, or friends (2 Corinthians 5:10).
• This choice is pressing. We know not what tomorrow may bring (James 4:13, 14).
• This choice is permanent. Once our lives are completed, there will be no time for edits, no rewrites (Luke 16:19-31). The choice we make will stay with us for all eternity (Matthew 25:46).

Choice is inescapable and powerful. Choose carefully, prayerfully, and faithfully.

1/ “Freewill,” Rush, Permanent Waves, Mercury, 1980

Lee Parish

A young man was helping his dad build a wood fence. The teenager’s job was to cut pieces to serve as spacers between the boards. His dad told him to cut an 8’ 2×4 into 4” sections and he needed about 200 of them. His dad told him to cut the initial 4” section and then use it to serve as the pattern for each of the other 199 sections.

But, just to save a little time and because he was a little lazy at the idea, the teenager used block #2 to serve as the pattern for block #3 and then used the third block to measure and cut block #4 and so on. Do you know what happened? Because he wasn’t using the original 4” block, each block after that was actually a smidgeon longer, at least the width of the pencil lead.

So after about fifty blocks, the pieces had grown to about 4 1/4” and then 4 1/2” and then up to 4 3/4”. Eventually, the dad took a step back from his work and noticed that the fence was not even! He got a little perturbed at the son for not following the pattern, the original. “ALWAYS go back to the original,” he told his now-educated son. “If you don’t, you’ll slowly go off.”

If we want authentic Christianity, then we need to get back to Jesus Himself, the real Jesus, the authentic Jesus. We must let Jesus reveal Himself to us as He is and not turn Him into something that He is not, something that we might want Him to be rather than Who He is. Of course, to turn Jesus into somebody He is not and then worship and serve the figment of our imagination is idolatry.

So, how do we return to the authentic Jesus?

1. Let Jesus reveal Himself through the Gospel message. When John opens his Gospel account, he begins with these words: “The darkness did not comprehend” the light (1:5). Drop down to verse 11: “He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.”

Why did the Jews, Jesus’ own people, not receive Him? Because He did not meet their expectations. Why did the Pharisees reject Jesus’ miracles? Because He was not who they wanted Him to be. Why did the apostles, after Jesus was crucified, go back to fishing? Because the death of their friend was not expected and they did not anticipate a resurrection. In short, Jesus was not who they thought He was, in a real sense.

We absolutely must allow Jesus to be Who He is. We’ve got to accept Him for Who He is and love Him for Who He is and follow Him for Who He is. Isn’t that how you and I want to be treated by our family and friends?

2. Listen to Jesus’ message through His specially-guided followers. Jesus chose twelve men on whom to send the Holy Spirit to guide them to teach exactly what Jesus wants us to know in order to follow Him (Matthew 10:16-20).

For people who need to be built up spiritually, I frequently say, “Read one of the Gospel accounts. Just read Matthew, Mark, Luke or John.” But you will not, you cannot, get all the story if you only read about the life of Jesus. Jesus Himself told us that His disciples, His apostles, were guided by the Holy Spirit and we are to listen to them too. So, authentic Christianity, Christianity that is centered on Jesus Christ is going to take seriously the book of Acts and all the letters that were written by Jesus’ apostles from Romans through Revelation.

3. Enforce the laws Jesus has set down (Luke 13:22-30). The point I want to draw to your attention is that word “evildoers,” the word that is used here in place of “lawlessness” in other contexts. To be an “evil doer” is to do something that is without Christ’s permission. Authentic Christianity is Christianity that enforces the laws that Christ lays down. To do things in the name of Christianity that is without His permission is to be an evildoer. So, in seeking to enforce the laws of Christ, we are particularly interested in what did Christ command of Christians in the first century that is a part of His pattern for Christianity?
4. Do not make laws where Jesus has not made them (Mark 7:1-13). Jesus clearly teaches here that only He has the right, the authority, to design Christianity, making rules, regulations, and laws. If we want to have authentic Christianity, we do not need to make laws where Christ has not made them. That is the real Jesus – the one with all authority.

It is time to return to the real, authentic Jesus.

Paul Holland

Recently, I heard someone make the claim that “Satan” isn’t the name of the devil.  Their argument is that “Satan” is just the Hebrew word for “adversary,” and can refer to any adversary.

While that might sound good to some, it runs into some problems, especially when we get to the New Testament.

In the New Testament, the word “Satan” is still used, even though the writers wrote in Greek–not Hebrew.  Greek had its own words for “adversary,” and it wasn’t “Satan.”  Those Greek words are used multiple times in the New Testament, so it isn’t like the biblical writers were unaware of it.

Now some will say that the New Testament was written by Jews (except for Luke/Acts), and most of the original readers were Jewish, and so the use of “Satan” to describe the devil was just using a common word that they already knew–sort of like how Americans can say “adios” without needing to explain its meaning.

So how can we know for certain?  If you read through the gospel of Mark, you’ll see “Satan” mentioned multiple times.  And that settles the matter.

Wait, what?

Mark wrote to a Roman audience, not a Jewish one.  We know this because he took pains to explain every Hebrew phrase that he used–showing the readers weren’t Jews–and used several Latin words instead of the Greek counterparts (without feeling any need to explain the Latin).  So if “Satan,” which is a Hebrew word, is used by Mark to simply mean “adversary,” then he would have explained to his Roman readers what that meant.

Instead, Mark says “THE SATAN” (Mark 1:13, 3:23,  3:26, 4:15). By the way, in Greek, you will quite frequently find the word “the” in front of proper names.  It isn’t ever translated in English, because it would just read horribly weird to see “The Jesus said to the Peter and the James and the John,” but it happens A LOT in Greek.

A Roman reader would have no clue that “Satan” was a Hebrew word that meant adversary.  So if Mark meant “adversary,” he would have used the Greek (or Latin) word for it–or else, he would have explained what the word meant, like he did with every other Hebrew word/phrase he used.

The only reasonable explanation for Mark referring to “Satan” by that name is that the devil’s name is actually “Satan.”

-Bradley S. Cobb

Respect For God’s Authority

The standard of what is acceptable in religion for many is whether it satisfies the individual. Many “shop” for a religion that meets their personal preferences, treating the Scriptures as a salad bar– picking things they like and passing over others. Many declare satisfaction with the course they have chosen in religion without ever considering the question, “Is God satisfied with my religion?” The whole conclusion is not, serve God as you please, but “Fear God and keep His commandments” (Eccl. 12:13). Our purpose in daily activities and in worship should be to strive to please God. Those who truly seek to serve God will not be satisfied until they do this. We must be willing to test our practices and beliefs to see if they agree with the Scriptures. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2Cor. 13:5).

The only way to please God in all that we do is to follow His revealed will– to simply read and study the Scriptures and follow them in all we do, not adding to them or taking away (2Jn. 9; Deut. 4:2). Those who fail to do this lack respect for the authority of God as Lord and Master. The inspired apostle declared, “And whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord” (Col.3:17). To “do all in the name of the Lord” means to respect the authority of the Lord in everything. We must have God’s authority for all that we do and that authority must be established from the Scriptures; f or it is there that God has revealed His will for us.

So, our personal morality, conduct, religious beliefs, and things practiced in worship must be based on book, chapter, and verse. One may be satisfied with the manner in which they live and worship, while God may not be, making life and worship worthless before the Lord. As Jesus warned, “This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:8,9).

Therefore, let us search the Scriptures to establish authority for all that we believe and practice showing respect God’s authority.

– by Paul Smithson

“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3).

This question is meant to be answered. Someone once told me, “We see ourselves with rose-colored glasses; we see others with magnifying glasses.”

Why DO we so easily see the faults of others, but not our own?

With our eyes, we drink in the world around us. We think we see so clearly. In fact, we do not see as clearly as we think we do (cf. John 7:24). Appearances are often deceiving.

• The guy coming out of the bar may have just been servicing the cooler.
  • The girl who always takes the lead may just be overcompensating for deep insecurity.
  • The highly-successful star athlete may just want his dad to notice him.

The only person we really can see is the self. Even then, we have the ability to deceive.

We can erect interior walls in this house. We may even build a maze. We most certainly build closets.

We are not our body or our feelings. We are not our inclinations or experiences. We are the person watching them in the theater of the mind.

• We are connected, yet separate from those things.
  • We are observing our decisions, our thoughts, our memories.
  • That is who we really are.

The degree to which we know ourselves is the degree to which we can answer Jesus’ question. If we spend all our time in “outer” space, we won’t even hear the question. We’ll think its rhetorical.

Superficiality is like eating candy. It’s cheap. It’s accessible. It tastes good. This is how most people live.

Living introspectively is a challenge. It takes time and effort to be honest, to clean our own house.

• It humbles us.
  • It makes us less quick to judge.
  • It makes us quicker to extend mercy.
  • It makes us compassionate and vulnerable.

How many people do you work with who are like this? Family members? Fellow Christians?

You can sense who introspective people are by their humility, patience, mercy, compassion and unconventional honesty.

Why do we see the speck? Because logs are harder to move.

Rick Kelley

A decision we must make

The congregation stood to sing an invitation song when a young woman stepped away from the pew and walked down the aisle toward the preacher.

“I want to be baptized for the remission of sins,” she told him, “I want to become a Christian.”

She was so very happy when she walked from the waters of baptism that morning. She was a new child of God. She rejoiced before us as she pledged to give her life to her Savior.

Three hours later, after a meeting with her mother-in-law, she decided never to return to the church. She had been convinced her husband and his family would disown her and take her child. The burden was too difficult to bear. She let the church know of her decision through a relative.

The Lord Christ unites people, but he also divides them. Jesus should have been accepted as Lord and Christ by the Jews. He should have been adored and worshiped by them, but many rejected him. The scribes and Pharisees opposed him and wanted him killed. Jesus told his apostles they would be handed over to the courts and beaten (Matthew 10:17).

The rejection of Jesus would extend into families. Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on Earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34).

The sword of God’s truth can unite or divide people. It isn’t how Jesus preached the gospel that was the cause; it was the decision that makes the determination.

For the young woman who was so excited to be baptized, the cost of discipleship was just too high. But, if one loves father, mother, son, daughter, or even husband or wife more than Jesus, then one is not worthy of the Lord (Matthew 10:37).

Yes, Jesus brings a hard choice with him. Basically, however, the decision is either salvation or condemnation. Such is a decision we all must make.

John Henson

Loneliness

“Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun: there is one alone, without companion; he has neither son, nor brother . . . This also is vanity and a grave misfortune” (Ecclesiastes 4:7-8 NKJV).

I have traveled often both with and without companions from the U.S. Thankfully, I have never had to travel in other countries completely by myself. Whether or not there are other Americans in the party, I always am accompanied by Christians native to the countries which I visit. I would never say that I could or would not go alone; however, I certainly prefer the fellowship of others whenever it is available.

Solomon discussed the advantages of companionship:

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

Summarized briefly the wise King argues that companionship is beneficial because:

1. Two (or more) can accomplish more than one alone.
2. If problems arise, there is help immediately available.
3. A companion offers additional warmth (this may be emotional and/or spiritual as well as physical).
4. Two or three are stronger than one and thus are able to provide greater security in threatening situations.

The New Testament speaks often of the blessing of Christian fellowship. As soon as the Church was established, disciples began to spend much time together (Acts 2:41-47). Their activities included having meals together, studying God’s word, praying, evangelizing, and doing good works for others. The key to this whole paragraph, however, is found in verse 44: “Now all who believed were together.” That is a statement not only of how things were in the first days of the Church but of how they should always be.

I have often been told by others, “I believe in God, but I don’t see any need for attending church.” The idea seems to be that one can read the Bible, pray, and maintain a personal relationship with God without any need for fellowship with other Christians. This concept is foreign to Scripture (See for example Hebrews 10:23-25).

In great contrast, we are commanded to love and prefer each other (Romans 12:10), to help one another (Galatians 6:1-10), and to seek the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). Jesus taught that we serve him as we serve people in need (Matthew 25:31-46). There is no provision for solitary relationships with God or with Christ. The very definition of Christianity involves fellowship with others: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

Spiritual loneliness is a great threat to faith. The good news is that it is almost never necessary. Jesus provided his Church as a constant source of comfort, encouragement, and security. Every Christian is, immediately upon conversion, added to the Church. Its fellowship is a great and essential blessing to which every believer has access, and for which every believer has need. Let us never neglect such company.

Invite a young person to services this weekend.  And a free lunch!

Michael Brooks

Imagine the following scenario: You came up with an amazing ministry idea for your church. It was your “brain child,” so you set up a meeting with the bishops of your congregation and just as you thought, they too, loved your idea!  In fact, they are elated with it.  “Yes, absolutely, yes!” they said. “We want to implement your ministry idea as soon as possible.  However,  we don’t want you to do it because, in our judgment, we don’t think you’re the right person for the job. Instead, we’re going to select someone else to implement this great idea.”

Okay, so what are the words that would best describe your feelings if the above scenario happened to you?  Angry? Hurt? Resentful? Shocked?

Am I at least close in those guesses? Would this be enough to make you want to start attending the church across town? Or if you stayed, at the same church, would you withdraw and have nothing to do with your idea since your leaders didn’t want you to do it?

I don’t know what you would do, but I do know what David did when he faced a similar situation. David had it “in his mind” to build a house to the name of the Lord (1 Chronicles 22:7). It was David’s idea.  It was his “brain child.”  But note what the Lord said, “You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for my name…Behold, a son shall be born to you…he shall build a house for my name…” (1 Chronicles 22:8-10).

We know the story, but don’t remove the human element! This had to hurt. God basically said, “Good idea, David, but you’re not the right kind of man to do this. I’m going to pick someone more qualified than you.”

So what did  David do?  Did he get angry and pout?  Did he withdraw? Did he wash his hands of the project?  Did he set stumbling blocks in the way of his successor? No, listen to how he responded, “David prepared iron in abundance for the nails of the doors of the gates and for the joints, and bronze in abundance beyond measure, and cedar trees in abundance…So David made abundant preparations before his death” (1 Chronicles 22:1-6).  Although David was rejected, his idea wasn’t, and he worked to make sure his idea succeeded.

Does David’s attitude challenge you as much as it does me? No wonder he was called a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

–Source unknown