Historical Posts
The Wrong Questions
Are We Asking The Wrong Questions?
When disaster strikes, we ask, “Why?” When suffering comes into our lives, we ask, “Why me?” These are the wrong questions. We should be asking, “What can I learn from this?” Or, “How do I deal with it?” No life is free from adversity. It is foolish to think that we can go through life unscathed. Troubles come into life as surely “as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). No one should be surprised by adversity. It is inevitable! How we deal with it is another issue altogether. It can make us or break us, and we really do determine which it will be.
When troubles enter a marriage the first question often raised is, “Should we get a divorce?” But, again, that is the wrong question. What should be asked is, “How do we fix it?” There are no broken marriages which cannot be fixed if both parties want to resolve the problems. At the root of nearly every broken marriage is a communication problem. And frankly, at the heart of this problem is a failure not to talk but to listen. It is not by accident that James admonished, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). When we focus on the symptoms we are asking the wrong questions. If you find yourself in a troubled marriage, start looking for solutions, not an escape!
When religious controversy arises, the question is raised: “Who is right?” That’s another example of asking the wrong questions! The correct question ought to be, “What is right?” If truth is to triumph in the hearts of men there must be a constant pursuit of the truth. After all, it was Jesus who said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). We cannot close our eyes to the message because we dislike the messenger. We must not reject the truth because it conflicts with our traditions. We must not let the messenger have more sway over us than the message. This is, however, exactly what happens when we allow “smooth words and flattering speech” to triumph over truth (Romans 16:17-18).
When someone dies the inevitable question is, “How did they die?” Was it an accident? Had they been sick? Did they have a heart attack? But, the more important question to be raised is, “How did they live?” Death is inevitable, and judgment follows (Hebrews 9:27). The verdict rendered at Judgment is not based on how we died, but how we lived? Perhaps we would all benefit from an honest appraisal of how we are living, and whether or not we are prepared for death and what follows!
Don’t get mired in asking the wrong questions. Let’s ask the right questions. Let’s consult the Bible for the right answers.
Threats to the Family
The Demise of Home and Family
The children of a prominent family decided to give their father a book of the family’s history for a birthday present. They commissioned a professional biographer to do the work, carefully warning him of the family’s “black sheep” problem: Uncle George had been executed in the electric chair for murder. The biographer assured the children he could handle that situation. He would record complete truthfulness and without any embarrassment to their father. He later wrote: “Uncle George occupied a chair of applied electronics at an important government institution. He was attached to his position by the strongest of ties and his death came as a real shock.”
It has been said that there is a skeleton in every closet, and a black sheep in every family. Just so you know, I’m not interested in uncovering either. But, I do want to address a real problem and that is the demise of homes and families.
Who could dispute the fact that homes are under attack in this nation?
Families are facing real threats, and we ignore them at our peril. The church is not immune. Whatever is in the world will creep into the church!
A recent Pew Study revealed that 38% of births in the U.S. in 2006 were to unwed mothers. In 1960 it was 5%. That same study found that nearly ½ of those in their 30’s and 40’s in 2005 had lived with a partner outside of marriage.
Not only are divorce and immorality rampant, but there is a concerted effort underway in this nation to redefine marriage. A few states now allow same sex marriages. Behind the scenes efforts have been underway for some time to make it the law of the land.
Marriage is under assault, but the words of Jesus still ring true: “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together let not man separate” (Matthew 19:4-6).
Motherhood is devalued. But the reality is that the greatest fulfillment in life will never come from the nine-to-five world of the women’s libbers! A woman’s greatest influence is in the home and family (Proverbs 31:10-31). The world has gotten it wrong!
Fathers are assailed. The media generally presents men (fathers) as bungling idiots routinely rescued from the brink of disaster by a strong woman (think Ray Romano, Tim Taylor, Homer Simpson). The Bible challenges men to lead the family and home. Fathers must be active in child care and training, and make a positive impact on home and family (Ephesians 5:25-6:4).
Return To A Biblical Family Framework
Family and the home will not only survive, but thrive when we adhere to Biblical principles for marriage and the family. We invite disaster when those principles are ignored. The church must be the voice of reason (1 Timothy 3:15). We must rise to the challenge! The threats to the family are real, but they are not insurmountable if we will only return to a Biblical framework for home and family.
Sober Facts About Sin
Think on these sobering facts about sin.
Clarence Macartney called it the “saddest word in the Bible and in human speech.” He was talking about the little word “sin.” Sin is the fountain of woe, the mother of sorrows, as universal as human nature and as eternal as human history. It can be labeled as “the cause of all war and violence and hatred and sorrow and pain.” Sin alienates from God, establishes fellowship with the devil, brings moral perversion, sears the conscience, and ultimately issues in death (Romans 6:23). There are some things that we all need to know about sin.
First of the facts about sin: it made to look attractive.
When Eve beheld the “forbidden fruit” she saw that it was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desired to make one wise (Genesis 3:6). What she did not see was sin’s true nature. It brought pain, suffering, death, and separation from God. Sins true colors are seldom seen until it is too late.
Second of the facts about sin: it is fun.
The writer of Hebrews commended Moses because he turned his back on the “pleasures” of sin (Hebrews 11:25). Anyone who would suggest that sin is not enjoyable simply does not understand how Satan works. Sin is not only made to look good, but brings some pleasure when pursued.
Third of the facts about sin: sin never produces everything it promises.
Sin may be enjoyable, but the pleasure is always short lived. In the words of the Hebrews’ writer, the pleasure last only for a “season.” A few minutes of “euphoria” may result in a lifetime of misery and pain.
Fourth of the facts about sin: sin is destructive.
The destructive effects of sin may be experienced both now and throughout eternity. Solomon observed that “the way of the transgressor is hard” (Proverbs 13:15). Life is made more difficult because of sin in our lives. If it not dealt with, it will lead to eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23).
Fifth of the facts about sin: there is forgiveness of sin in Christ, but the scars of sin still remain.
Jesus died to save men from the eternal consequences of sin. We never want to downplay the importance of His role. He is the giver of life. Through Him forgiveness is available to every man. But, though forgiven in Christ, the ghosts of a former life of sin may often linger to haunt us. The best advice for life was offered by the apostle Paul when he wrote: “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
Have you experienced forgiveness through Jesus Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Acceptable Worship
Acceptable Worship in God’s Eyes
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
To suggest that all worship is acceptable and approved by God would be contradictory to the teaching of Jesus. He accused the Pharisees of drawing near to God with their lips, but having their hearts removed from Him. He then charged them with “vain worship,” accusing them of teaching for doctrine the commandments of men (Matthew 15:8-9). Obviously, their worship was unacceptable to God.
There are three essential elements to acceptable worship according to the Lord (John 4:24).
First, acceptable worship must be directed to the right object – GOD. As the object of worship, He alone has the right to dictate what should be done as worship. Worship is not a spectator sport. We are all to be participants, and our worship is to be directed heavenward.
Second, acceptable worship must be in spirit. That is, it must be prompted by the right motives, and done with the right attitude. Our heart must be in it.
Third, our worship must be done in truth. Therefore, it must be authorized and approved by God in His word. We must come to God on His terms, not ours. We can be sincere and still not worship in truth. Should that happen, our worship is unacceptable to God. We must always seek to discover what God has revealed in His book and do it.
All three ingredients are essential for acceptable worship. Though directed at the right object (God), the Pharisees’ worship was unacceptable. It lacked both spirit and truth. Worship directed toward the right object and offered in the right spirit is also unacceptable if not governed by the dictates of God’s word. It is not a question of what is pleasing to men, but what is pleasing to God?
Is your worship acceptable to God? Is your worship directed toward Him? Are you prompted by the right motives? Are you guided by God’s word?
Facing the Future
Are you facing the future with confidence?
Over the years I have learned to expect the unexpected in facing the future. Many a family outing, vacation, or dinner out has been interrupted by some unexpected development.
James, the brother of our Lord, addressed the matter of facing the future when he wrote: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:13-14).
We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but that is not to say that we should not look beyond today. Every farmer plants in spring with an eye to fall. It is not only all right to be looking to and facing the future, it is essential. James, however, did go on to advise his readers to preface their plans with the acknowledgment that all is subject to the Lord’s will (James 4:15).
Why do we need be facing the future? As parents, we need to plan for our children’s education. As fathers, we need to plan for our families in case of our untimely death. We need to plan for retirement. At some point in our lives our bodies will no longer function to the extent that we can continue to work and support ourselves. We would like to retire while we can still enjoy retirement. That requires planning and facing the future. The fact is, no one plans to fail, but far too many fail to plan. And, as a result, their dreams don’t come true.
But, the most important planning we do is for eternity. Yet, this is the area folks seem to put off longest. In fact, many never get around to it at all. They just don’t want to be facing the future that awaits. However, when life is over, and it can end for us at any time, it will be too late.
We can confidently face the future only when we live in the present! Someone has written: “Today is the day I have been looking for. All my life has been spent in preparation for it. Yesterday and tomorrow are faraway nothings – the one a faint memory, the other a vague promise. But this is my day. It offers all that God has to give, and I’m a laggard or a coward if I fail to make the most of it.”
Too many of us spend so much time reliving yesterday or daydreaming about tomorrow that we forget about today. The past cannot be undone, and the future is forever unknown. But today, that’s a different story. It is in our grasp and we must not waste it! Please understand, I am not implying that we forget the past or fail to look to the future. I am suggesting that we give more attention to the present. If we do, the past will be remembered with greater fondness, and the future will hold greater promise.
Stop fretting about yesterday and tomorrow, and focus on today. Today is all we have. What are we going to do with it?
- Today is the day to mend a broken relationship.
- Today is the day to speak an encouraging word or write a hope filled note.
- Today is the day to let your mate, your children, and your grandchildren know how much they are loved.
- Today is the day to put your best foot forward at home, at school, at work.
- Today is the day to put your life right with God (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Take care of today and tomorrow will take care of itself. Take the action you need to in order to be facing the future with confidence.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
A Voice from the Past
What can the voice from the past teach us?
Isaiah, a prophet of Israel and a voice from the past for us, seven centuries before Christ, warned his nation of impending disaster. The moral foundations of Israel were crumbling, and without a strong moral foundation no nation can long survive. As I read Isaiah, I am struck by the similarities between his society and our own.
First, this voice from the past described a people who loved alcohol and sought escape through the bottle.
He wrote, “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them” (Isaiah 5:11). In a culture where alcohol and drug abuse have reached epidemic proportions, his words are hauntingly familiar. People are still looking for escape, but are not finding it. The voice from the past is still applicable today. Misery is the companion of those who turn to drugs and alcohol.
Second, Israel had forgotten God.
They would go into captivity because they had no knowledge of God (Isaiah 5:13). Today, parents do everything in their power to see that their children have the best toys, the latest fashions, the nicest home, and the finest education money can buy. But, that which every parent needs to pass on to their offspring is neglected. Children are growing up without a spiritual foundation. The voice from the past teaches that only in God can we find the answers to the great questions of life. If God is left out, it matters little what kind of education we provide our children, for they will grow up spiritually ignorant and without meaning and purpose for their existence.
Third, he spoke of a nation with warped values.
Good had become evil, and evil had become good in the eyes of the people (Isaiah 5:20). Again, the voice of the past applies to our culture today. Many of those things which our parents and grandparents recognized as sinful are now embraced and endorsed by society. Adultery, abortion, homosexuality, gambling and a number of other immoral and ungodly activities are no longer frowned upon. In fact, those who oppose these things are now considered the bad guys! Good is again evil, and evil is good.
It is not too late, yet, but soon it will be.
It is imperative that harken again to the voice of the past. That we begin again to build a society on the moral and ethical foundations of God’s word. Unless we change directions soon, the America many of us know and love will no longer exist.
Do you want to make a difference?
Build your life on the solid foundation of Christ and then teach others.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Citizens of the Kingdom
You are a citizen of a kingdom, not an island affecting only yourself.
There was a time, not that long ago, when news traveled slowly. That time is no more. Now we are inundated with information almost instantly about anything that happens anywhere in our world. It drives home the very real nature of our global environment. And, it reaffirms the validity of Paul’s statement: “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself” (Romans 14:7). Truly, each of us is a citizen of one kingdom or another.
John Donne may have been thinking of that very passage when he wrote: “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
In the sixteenth century Francis Bacon observed: “If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world, and that his heart is no island cut off from other lands, but a continent that joins to them.” We would do well to remember our interconnectedness!
The premise of the Bible is that we share a common origin, and thus a common ancestry. We are all the offspring of God. One blood flows through all our veins (Acts 17:24-29). We may live in different parts of the world, speak different languages, and differ in color and size, but we are still one family, one humanity.
However, though we are one humanity, sin divided God’s creation. Christ came to repaire and reunite it in a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:14-21). The Scriptures do not call us to embrace a one world government and be a citizen of a single earthly kingdom, but they do call us to be an active citizen in the spiritual kingdom of Jesus Christ (John 18:36). That kingdom knows no borders, in space or time. It is a brotherhood of believers sent forth to conquer, not with the sword, but with the sword of the Spirit – the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). The battle of today is for the hearts and minds of men. Truth is our only weapon. Satan our only enemy! Victory in Christ our certain end!
Are you a citizen in the kingdom of Jesus Christ? Are you part of the brotherhood of believers? Are you wielding the sword of the Spirit in the fight for the hearts of men? Salvation is in Christ’s kingdom and nowhere else. It is for those who choose to be a citizen, and no one else. Where do you choose to be a citizen?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Why I Am a Believer
Why am I a Believer?
When it comes to the great questions of life regarding origin, purpose and destiny, each of us chooses to be a believer in one of two explanations:
- We are the product of divine intervention, or
- We owe our existence to a freak accident of nature sometime in the distant past.
It is universally accepted that our universe has not always existed. It had a beginning. Who or what began it? I am convinced that it is more reasonable and logical to be a believer in a divine Creator than to embrace the idea that life got its start by some accident of nature. I am compelled to exclaim with the Psalmist, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).
When it comes to life and how it ought to be lived, we must conclude either:
- Every human being is left to his own devices, or
- There is an instruction manual from the Maker to guide our steps
I am convinced that the Bible is the Creator’s instruction manual for His creation and His believers. It is often call THE GOOD BOOK. If that is an accurate portrayal, then it is fair to inquire as to who wrote it. It obviously did not write itself. I think we could all agree that a good book would not be the work of bad men. But, if it is merely the work of good men, could those men still be considered good if they attributed their work to God? That would be true only if God was the ultimate source. This is the claim the Bible makes (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The evidence supports the assertion. I am a believer!
When I look at Jesus several questions arise. Who was He? Was He a good man? Would a good man allow others to think him something he was not? As others have argued, only three possibilities exist. Each of us chooses to be a believer of one of the three:
- Jesus was a lunatic, or
- Jesus was a liar, or
- Jesus is Lord.
Peter proclaimed Him the Son of God (Matthew 16:18). The evidence supports his confession. I am a believer!
Two choices are before us.
- We are believers, or
- We are unbelievers.
If I have nothing to gain as an unbeliever, and nothing to lose as a believer, which makes the most sense? Or, if I have everything to lose as an unbeliever, and everything to gain as a believer, which choice is reasonable? I choose to believe, and the evidence supports my faith (1 Peter 3:15).
You are a believer in something. What do you choose to believe?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Sound Familiar?
Pay attention to the warnings form the past. They should sound familiar and we should learn from them.
Isaiah, a prophet of Israel, seven centuries before Christ, warned his nation of impending disaster. The warning should sound familiar. The moral foundations of Israel were crumbling, and without a strong moral foundation, no nation can long survive. As I read Isaiah, I am struck by the similarities between that society and our own.
First, Isaiah described a people who loved alcohol and sought escape in the bottle. He wrote: “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them” (Isaiah 5:11). In a culture where alcohol and drug abuse have reached epidemic proportions, his words hauntingly sound familiar. People are still looking for escape, but are not finding it. Misery is the companion of those who turn to drugs and alcohol.
Second, Israel had forgotten God. They would go into captivity because they had no knowledge of God (Isaiah 5:13). Today, parents do everything in their power to see that their children have the best toys, the latest fashions, the nicest houses, and the finest education money can buy. But, that which every parent needs to pass on to their offspring is neglected. Does this sound familiar? Children are growing up without a spiritual foundation. Only in God can we find answers to the great questions of life. If God is left out, it matters little what kind of education we provide our children, for they will grow up spiritually ignorant and without meaning and purpose for their existence.
Third, he spoke of a nation with warped values. Good had become evil, and evil had become good (Isaiah 5:20). That surely does sound familiar. Many of those things which our parents and grandparents recognized as sinful are now embraced and endorsed by society. Adultery, abortion, homosexuality, gambling, and a number of other immoral and ungodly activities are no longer frowned upon. In fact, those who oppose these things are now the bad guys! Good is again evil, and evil is good.
It is not too late, yet, but soon it will be. It is imperative that we begin again to build a society on the moral and ethical foundations of God’s word. Unless we change directions soon, the America many of us know and love will no longer exist.
A Time to Die?
There will be a time to die for each of us.
None of us like to think about it, but we know there is no escape. Someday we are all going to die, and we have no way of knowing when that day will come. Death is both certain and uncertain. In a way, I am glad that is the case.
The Bible simply states: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Regarding the brevity of life the Psalmist wrote: “…we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:9-10). We will all come to our time to die.
I enjoy life. It’s great to be alive. But, as a Christian, I should not be afraid of my time to die. Death is not foreboding, frightening, or final. Paul wrote near the end of his life, “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me in that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). In another of his letters he observed, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). No, for the Christian, death is not the end, but the beginning of eternity with God. The time to die offers release from the shackles of the body and freedom to soar into the presence of the Almighty. Heaven awaits the redeemed.
But, if we are not Christians, death and not knowing our time to die are the most frightening thoughts our minds can entertain. Apart from Christ there is no hope beyond the grave, only the certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation (Hebrews 10:26-31).
The good news is that Jesus died for all men. We can all be prepared for death and eternity. We can be ready when it is time to die. We can escape hell and enjoy heaven, but we must prepare. It matters little whether our life is long or short as men measure things. What matters is whether or not we have made preparation for death and judgment. Have you accepted salvation in Christ? Are you ready to face your time to die?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
He’s Coming Again!
Jesus Christ is coming again. Be ready.
Christians find great comfort in the promise that Jesus Christ is coming again. His return is either stated or implied more than three hundred times in the New Testament. For almost two thousand years gospel preachers have been proclaiming the coming of Jesus.
From the beginning, it was understood that this message would not be well received by all. Peter warned of scoffers who would ask, “Where is the promise of his coming, for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation?” (2 Peter 3:4).
The apostle answered their question saying, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God hasn’t forgotten His promise. Jesus is coming again. But, each day His return is delayed additional souls will have opportunity to prepare for His arrival (2 Peter 3:15).
When will He come? In spite of the many predictions which have been, and continue to be, made, no one knows the answer to that question. His coming is to be like the “thief in the night” (2 Peter 3:10). Thieves do not make appointments. At least the ones who broke into our home several years ago didn’t let us know when they were coming. He’s coming! That’s certain! When? God only knows!
Am I ready? That is the crucial question we must each answer for ourselves. According to the Scriptures, when He comes the world will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10-12). Opportunity will be lost forever at that time. If we are not ready then, we never will be. For those who are prepared, God has something better planned (2 Peter 3:12).
He is coming again. Are you ready? Have you accepted His salvation?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Don’t Be Ashamed!
Don’t be ashamed of being a Christian.
Christianity is under assault. Prayer has been banned from the classroom. Religious symbols have been prohibited on public property. The Ten Commandments have been removed from public display. Christians are regularly maligned. Michael Weisskopf wrote in the Washington Post that conservative Christians are “largely poor, uneducated and easy to command.” The world is trying to make us ashamed of Christianity.
What should be the Christian response to these attacks on our faith? Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what rewards have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:43-48).
That Christianity is under assault comes as no surprise to Bible students. Jesus warned His disciples of the cost of discipleship on more than one occasion (Matthew 10:16-39; Luke 14:26-33). The real test of discipleship is our willingness to let our lights shine in the face of adversity and persecution. It’s not hard to be a Christian when life is easy and burdens are light. The challenge is to live our faith in the face of ridicule and persecution without being ashamed. The enemies of Christ have no defense against the power of an upright life and a committed faith.
Take comfort in the words of Peter: “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Peter 4:14-16).
I Did a Terrible Thing
Everyone has done a terrible thing at some point. We are all guilty.
Are there skeletons in your closet? Is there a terrible thing, or more than one, in your past which you want to keep in the past? Have you done things for which you are deeply ashamed? If we live long enough to discover the difference between right and wrong. Then, sin comes to be a plague on the soul of every man. The only exception I am aware of is Jesus. “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). Only He never did a terrible thing to anyone.
No one can honestly say, “I have never sinned!” We all have regrets. There are things in our past which we would undo if we could. I’m not interested in dredging them up, but I do want to acknowledge that the Lord has a remedy for them. It is His blood. It can forgive and wash away the guilt of every terrible thing we have ever done. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7).
The depth of God’s forgiveness is one of the hardest lessons in life to grasp, and one of the most important. God loves us! Christ died for us! His blood can cleanse us! He is no respecter of persons. His forgiveness is accessible to all, but on His terms, not ours. If we truly believe in Him, will repent of our sins, confess His name, and be baptized, His blood will cleanse, and He will add us to His church. As long as we walk in the light (are faithful to our commitment), His blood continues to provide cleansing. And, when we sin, doing another terrible thing, if we will confess those sins and seek His forgiveness, we will find it (1 John 1:7-10).
We are all guilty, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But, we all have access to the same remedy, His blood, and we can share in the forgiveness He came to provide. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
God’s love, mercy and grace are sufficient to save. Three names immediately come to mind – David, Peter, and Paul.
- King David, though called “a man after God’s own heart,” committed adultery, tried to cover it up, and then conspired to have the woman’s husband murdered. Yet, when he sought forgiveness, God granted it. Of course that did not mean that David avoided the consequences of his sin. He had to live with his mistakes, but God still forgave him.
- In a moment of weakness, Peter denied his Lord three times, but when he recognized his sin, he repented in tears. Christ forgave him, and did not remove the “keys of the kingdom” from his hands.
- As Saul of Tarsus, Paul was an ardent persecutor of Christians. He operated under the misguided belief that he was serving God when he hunted down, arrested, and brought to trial men and women whose only crime was believing in Jesus. When he discovered the truth and turned to Christ, he also found forgiveness (1 Timothy 1:12-16).
They each did a terrible thing, but God forgave them. If they could be forgiven, then so can we. Will you accept His forgiveness?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Come and Go Christians
Come and Go Christians are Indefensible.
I have real trouble understanding the “revolving door mentality” which seems to pervade the thinking of so many. I refer to these people as “come and go Christians”. I see it all the time, and everywhere I go. The “turnover” in congregational membership is astonishing. Please know that I do not have in mind those who, after much thought and prayer, leave one congregation for another for just cause. I’m more concerned with those who move from congregation to congregation (or sometimes church to church), always critical of the last place they were, and soon to be critical of where they are now.
I’m just as puzzled by those who seem to be conscientious, but then over time fade to the sidelines and eventually are altogether gone. These folks no longer have an interest in spiritual matters and the salvation of their souls. To what do we attribute this mindset of “come and go Christians”?
Some folks have an unrealistic and hypercritical attitude! They are looking for the perfect church, but given that the church is made up of imperfect people, their search is never satisfied. Even if a perfect church existed, she would cease to be such the moment these hypercritical Christians identified with her!
Some folks have a mistaken view of what the church ought to be. They are searching for someone to raise their kids, plan their social calendar, tickle their ears, and satisfy their desirers. Rather than nourish the soul, they want the church to cater to their personal desires. When they don’t find what they want, they become “come and go Christians”.
Some folks make up their mind about what the church should be and do, how God ought to be worshiped, and what ought to be taught and practiced from the pulpit, without ever consulting the word of God. “I think” carries greater weight with them than “God says.” Yet, God is to be worshiped in “spirit and truth” (John 4:24). The word (Bible) is to be preached (2 Timothy 4:2). God, not men, is to be pleased (Galatians 1:10).
Some folks are not converted to start with. They go through the motions as long as mom and dad, or grandma and grandpa are around, but as soon as they are out of the picture, they are gone, too! Demas is not the only one whose attraction to the world caused him to forsake the church (2 Timothy 4:9).
The Bible is very clear regarding the need for faithfulness. Faithful does not mean sinless. We are not perfect, but we can be faithful. Paul charged the Christians at Corinth: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The attitude of “come and go christians” seen so often in religion is indefensible. That same philosophy, if adopted at work would soon lead to the loss of employment. In the church, it can lead to the loss of the soul!
He Cares About Me
God Cares About Me
“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:5-7).
There are approximately six billion people in our world, and that number is growing daily. Frankly, I have trouble comprehending the great sea of humanity and my place in it. Who am I among so many? There are others who are smarter, stronger, better looking, and more talented than me. Yet, in God’s eyes I am special!
HE KNOWS ME AND STILL HE CARES ABOUT ME!
Paul warned the churches of Galatia about the dangers of returning to their formal sinful ways. He asked how they could contemplate doing that now that they had come to know God, or rather, God had come to know them (Galatians 4:9). God also knows me, down to the number of hairs on my head (Matthew 10:30). He knows me intimately and still He cares for me, in spite of all my flaws and failings.
HE LOVES ME AND HE CARES ABOUT ME!
He loved me so much that He gave His Son for me (John 3:16). It was an inexpressible gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). I have done nothing worthy of His love, yet He still loves me. Even when I am unloving, rebellious, and sinful, He still cares (Romans 8:31-39). Nothing can separate me from His love through Jesus. Yet, His love will not protect me from my bad choices, nor will it save me if I will not save myself.
HE HEARS ME BECAUSE HE CARES ABOUT ME!
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer (1 Peter 3:12). “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). I don’t know how He does it, but I know He does. He hears and answers my prayers. The answer may not always be the one I seek, but it will always be the right answer.
HE PROVIDES FOR ME IN HIS CARE FOR ME!
He has not promised to satisfy my every desire, but He has promised to meet my every need, but not unconditionally. Just as surely as He clothes the lilies and feeds the birds, He provides for His own. If I will seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, He will always meet my needs. (Matthew 6:25-33). David observed: “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread” (Psalm 37:25). He has not promised to do for me what I can do for myself, but He will sustain, strengthen, and never disappoint!
BECAUSE HE CARES ABOUT ME HE SAVES ME!
I can’t do it on my own. It’s only because of His grace that my salvation is possible (Ephesians 2:5-10). That doesn’t mean that I have no obligation to Him. He gave His Son for me, but I must accept Him as my Savior, and do so on His terms and not my own. After all, He is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).
HE CARES ABOUT ME!
Choose to See the Good
I choose to see the good stuff!
The prophets of doom and gloom are everywhere. The economy is in the tank. Hundreds of thousands have lost their jobs. Every day we face the threat of another terrorist attack. Crime is on the rise. Drug and alcohol abuse is an increasing blight on society. Political scandals are a daily occurrence. Newspapers are filled with stories of man’s inhumanity to man. Is there nothing good to report? Yes, but we have to choose to see the good.
Realistically, there are a lot of good things taking place in our world, but they don’t get reported. Sadly, the good stuff doesn’t sell papers or attract viewers, so it’s ignored. Most of us have experiences every day which reaffirm our faith in God and restore our confidence in mankind. Good things are happening, they just aren’t being reported. I, for one, choose to see the good and refuse to let the purveyors of doom and gloom rule my day.
I know that God is still in charge (Daniel 4:17, 25, 34-35). I know that the Lamb of God rules the universe, and those who trust in Him will overcome (1 John 4:4; 5:4). I know that God’s ears are open to the prayers of His saints. He hears and answers (1 John 5:14-15). I know that “all things work together for good” for those who love God (Romans 8:28). And, I know that no matter what happens here, He has something better awaiting us on the other side (2 Corinthians 5:1).
I don’t deny that there are a lot of bad things taking place in our world, but I refuse to let them rule my day. The writer of Proverbs offers the following insights regarding life and the attitude we bring to each day. We would do well to hear and heed those admonitions. Here are but a few examples of what he wrote as an inspired author. “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it” (Proverbs 15:13-17). “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25). “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). It is hard to have a glad heart unless you choose to see the good around you.
I can only speak for myself, but I choose to see the glass as half full, not half empty. I choose to see the good and to dwell on the good and not the bad. I choose to thank God each day for His blessings, and not to complain about my minor inconveniences. I choose to let the Lord and not the world direct my steps. I choose to see the good news over the bad stuff. And, I choose to see the day as the Psalmist did: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). I choose to see the good! What are you choosing?
Politics and Religion
Are politics and religion compatible?
There are some who believe that religious conviction and political involvement are incompatible. In fact, there are those who believe that deeply held religious convictions disqualify one from political office. Any reference to faith, it is argued, should be removed from political rhetoric on constitutional grounds. Yet, the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. Politics and religion can mix.
I would adamantly oppose a state religion, but I strongly support the notion that we need more men and women of faith in political leadership roles. And, we need more people of faith speaking out against sin and speaking up in favor of righteousness. Religious leaders should lead in this regard. I’m not talking about the nonsense that often came from the mouths of men like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, but rather a plea that men and women of honesty, integrity and truth be elected to political office. We should be more concerned with character and less concerned with political affiliation.
The prophets of the Old Testament did not hesitate to take on their political leaders. Elijah, Elisha, Micaiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Hosea immediately come to mind as mixers of politics and religion. Nathan, a prophet of God in Israel during the period of the United Kingdom did not hesitate to expose David’s sin with Bathsheba and call the king to repentance (2 Samuel 12:7-11). In the New Testament John the Baptist rebuked Herod and Herodias for their adulterous relationship (Matthew 14:1-12). Paul preached to governor Felix of “righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come” (Acts 24:25). The message of Scripture is that God’s laws are for all men, and those who openly flaunt those laws must be held accountable, even when they hold high office.
However, more is required of God’s servants than just an indictment of sin. The apostle Paul admonished: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
I’d like to see more religion in politics, but don’t get me wrong. By that I simply mean that I’d like to see more honesty and integrity out of our politicians. And, I like to see more of our citizens praying for those in government that we might “lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” Politics and religion need to be together.
A New Man
The concept of being a new man has spiritual connotations.
“He started an exercise program a few months ago, and now he is a new man.” “He had by-pass surgery two years ago, and he’s been a new man ever since.” “Since he met her he’s a new man.” I’m sure you’ve heard those, or similar statements, many times. They reflect the change brought about in the life of an individual by some special act or set of circumstances. In each case the new man is better than the old. The concept also has spiritual connotations.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:9-10). It was also Paul who wrote, “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When one becomes a Christian, he becomes a new man. The change should be evident to all. The old life with all of its sin and folly must be forgotten, and a new life, patterned after that of the Lord, must begin. We must rid ourselves of anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language and lying (to name a few), and in their place add compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:8-17). Our success in the Christian endeavor is measured by how well we conform to the life and example of our Lord.
Too many people want the benefits of Christianity without any of the responsibilities. Becoming a new man is not optional. When we believe, repent of our sins, and confess our faith in Christ, we must be baptized, buried with him that we might rise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Have you become a new man?
Our Plea
Our plea is for Biblical unity.
It has been suggested that America is the most religiously divided nation in the world. Whether or not that is, in fact, true, is hard to say. But, if it isn’t completely accurate, it is close. In addition to the non-Christian religions in this country, there are more than 2,500 different churches claiming to be the church we read about in the Scriptures. Though some would argue to the contrary, all this religious diversity is not good. Our plea is for a return to Biblical unity.
Jesus said, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21 ESV). The intent of that prayer is obvious. Jesus desired unity on the part of believers. Only a united Christendom will bring the world to Christ. Division leads to unbelief. Therefore, if the lost are to learn of Jesus, those who follow Him must be united.
The apostle Paul, appealing to the church at Corinth for unity, pleaded with them to agree and stand as one (1 Corinthians 1:10). It is still a valid plea and remains our plea for Biblical unity today.
We believe that great harm has befallen the cause of Christ in this world because those who claim to follow Him are so divided. But, we also believe that unity is still possible. It is our desire to cast aside all manmade religious trappings and come to Christ solely on the basis of what the Bible teaches. Our plea is a simple one. “In matters of faith let us have unity. In matters of opinion let us have liberty. And, in all things let us have charity (love).”
We ask you neither to accept what the Bible does not teach, nor to reject what it does teach. This is our plea. We extend to you an invitation to join us as we seek to worship and serve the Lord according to the dictates of His word. Upon that basis we can all be one in Christ.
Pleasing Men, or God?
Is it more important to be pleasing men, or God?
Someone, when asked the secret to success, replied: “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” He was right on target. Those of us who seek to preach and teach Jesus would be wise to keep those words in mind and be aware of whether we are pleasing men, or God.
The apostle Paul warned the churches of Galatia: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-10). It’s clear that Paul was more interested in pleasing God than men!
Jesus was far more interested in pleasing His Father than in pleasing men. The Pharisees (a sect of Judaism) found His message terribly offensive. The disciples came to their Lord and said, “Do you not know that the Pharisees were offended…” (Matthew 15:12). The Lord responded: “Let them alone, they be blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14). Jesus clearly demonstrated whether He would please men, or God. Jesus had not come to court the favor of men. His aim was to please His Father (John 5:30).
We will never succeed in our service to Christ until we are more concerned with pleasing God than men. Our message must not be determined by what people want to hear, but what God wants us to say. The charge to Timothy is still valid. “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside unto myths” (2 Timothy 4:2-4). In essence, you know whether you should seek to be pleasing men, or God. Don’t be a people pleaser. There is no success when we seek to please men. There can be no failure when we please God. Who do we seek to please? Have you started seeking to please Him by accepting His salvation?