Historical Posts
Dwelling Together In Unity – audio
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The time has finally arrived to begin our local mission work, and so have the brethren from the Wood Avenue Church of Christ in Florence, Alabama. Even though we may all be different individually (or regionally), we have something (or someone) in common: Jesus Christ. David wrote, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1)!”
As Christians, we are connected through the blood of Jesus Christ. We are united in mind, spirit, and purpose.
Text: Ephesians 4:1-6: “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
As Christians, we are all baptized into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). Even though the body is one, it has many different members (1 Corinthians 12:12). We are all different, but can work together to further the cause of Christ. As we go throughout the week (and even throughout our lives), let us use the gifts God gave us and teach others about Him, His Son, and eternal salvation. We must bear with one another in love, remain united in Christ, share our common faith with others, and offer eternal salvation in Christ Jesus.
If we do our part, God will do His. He will help us grow individually, and help us grow numerically (Ephesians 4:11-16). This week, let us do our best to plant the seed or water it, and God will give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Content by Richard Dillon
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More Blessed to Give Than to Receive
It seems as if this congregation has suffered a lot of hardships lately. Sister Jewell fell and broke her ankle in three places, Brother Dillon has had a fever and sore throat, and Brother Van Tassel got injured with a stake ponder. I am sure none of these three individuals wanted to be in his or her situation. Sister Jewell even offered to trade Brother Dillon a stuffy head for a broken ankle!
We would all gladly give away something we do not want. In fact, if someone else has something that we think is better for us, we would trade for it. On the other hand, would we be willing to accept something we may not want but need? Would we be glad to get rid of something that we may not need but want, although it would be a greater benefit to someone else?
The apostle Paul said, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).’”
There are two things to notice about Paul’s statement here. First, he demonstrated how to support the weak. He did so by laboring! If we are to help others, we need to work as Christ worked for us. Second, he recalls that Jesus taught about giving. God gave Jesus to us; Jesus gave Himself for our sins (John 3:16). We need to be more givers than receivers.
Next week the brethren from Wood Avenue will be here to give of themselves to us. They will be laboring by knocking doors, teaching children, and conducting a gospel meeting. What will we give them? May we labor with them by inviting others to the gospel meeting, knocking doors, and working with Sonshine Family Camp. May we also give next week (and always)!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Receive the Word with Meekness – audio
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Introduction
Recently new flowers have been planted around the church building.
In order for the grounds to look as pretty as they do, the weeds must be pulled up. Afterward, the new plants can be put in and the soil fertilized.
The same is true with our spiritual lives (James 1:21).
Body
I. We must lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness.
In order for something beautiful to come from inside of us, we need to clean out all the dirt out.
All the sin that was once inside of us (Romans 3:23) needs to be cleaned out. We can wash away our sins with the blood of Christ (Acts 22:16)!
II. We must receive the implanted word with meekness.
Jesus taught the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9), in which the seed that fell on good ground yielded a crop. As we receive the word of God, we must have meekness in order to inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). It is also a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23).
The word must be implanted in our hearts and minds!
III. The word of God is able to save our souls.
The word of God is very powerful (Hebrews 4:12)! When many people heard it, they were cut to the heart (Acts 2:37; 7:54). On the day of Pentecost, many did what was necessary to save their souls; sadly, when Stephen preached, many did not.
Paul later described this as the word of salvation (Acts 13:26).
Conclusion
Are you cleaning out your hearts?
Take out the bad, and put in the good. God’s word will be at work in you, and you will save your eternal soul!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Commit to Righteous Judgment – audio
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Have you ever wanted to set something straight? Perhaps someone has an impression of you that is distorted. Some things may be true, but others may not be. You feel that you need to prove yourself in some way, so everyone will know who you truly are. Then you pause and reflect: what would be the benefits, or what would be the consequences?
God already knows who we are. We prove it every day by our thoughts, words, and actions. When it comes to people, they may not know what we are thinking. They may not always hear what we say, and may not always see what we do. What would happen if we were to truly express what we think, say, and do? Would it help us or hurt us?
Consider what Jesus did when He was questioned by Pilate. Pilate asked Him, “’Are You the King of the Jews?’ He answered and said to Him, ‘It is as you say.’ And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, ‘Do you answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!’ But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled (Mark 15:1-5).”
Why didn’t Jesus answer all the accusations against Him? How many of the accusations were true? Did Jesus really have to prove anything to anyone, other than what He already had? He certainly could have set the record straight right then and there, but He didn’t. He had a good reason. Peter says of Him “who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).”
Jesus completely committed Himself to God. God judges with righteous judgment! Jesus did the will of God, and as a result will spend an eternity in Heaven (less the time to return to receive the faithful).
What about you?
Are you doing the will of God? How will God judge you? Are you committing yourself to Him who judges righteously?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Effectively Sharing Your Faith – audio
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Have you ever felt like you were not being as effective as you could at something? Teachers may wonder if their students really grasp the lesson; employees may wonder how their company is doing; athletes may wonder how to be a game changer. Have you ever wondered how effective you can be in the kingdom of God?
Paul told Philemon: “I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may be effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother (Philemon 4-7).”
Philemon can be effective sharing his faith! Paul says this can be done by acknowledging all good things in Christ Jesus. After all, God is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). Perhaps the greatest gift is His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Therefore, all spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), and we need to share Him with others!
When we come together as the Lord’s church, we are to “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).” By encouraging one another, living faithfully, and doing good works, the sharing of our faith may be most effective!
What are you doing to help the Lord’s kingdom grow? Can others acknowledge what you are doing for the cause of Christ? Let us work together, that we may be effective for Christ!
Content by Richard Dillon
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God Does Forever – audio
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Have you ever done something and felt very proud of yourself? You wanted that special moment to last forever, but instead it only lasted a little while. Things in our house don’t last very long at all. Whatever we build (train tracks, tower of blocks, Lego creations, etc.) seems to last for just a short time, and then is destroyed. Can you imagine someone building something that would never be destroyed?
Ecclesiastes 3:14-15: “I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of what is past.” What is this referencing? The book of Genesis explains that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. But, later we learn that they will pass away (Matthew 24:35). However, Jesus said that His words will never pass away. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
If we do what the eternal words of God command us to do, we will be in a place forever with Him! We must not add to God’s word, nor take anything from it (Revelation 22:18-19). If we stay within God’s boundaries, we will be forever in Heaven with Him; on the other hand, if we do not we will be in Hell and without Him forever.
As the wise man said, we must fear before God. As he concluded the book of Ecclesiastes, he wrote: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: ‘Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).’” The Bible describes God’s love and power. We must believe Him, respect Him and obey Him. After all, we must all eventually give account of ourselves to our God (Romans 14:12; 1 Peter 4:5).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Reap What is Sown – Galatians 06:06-10 – audio
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Text: Galatians 6:6-10
Here the apostle Paul explains that whatever a man sows, that he also will reap. We often hear the saying, “you reap what you sow;” that is very true! As it is now spring and nearing summer, many people are out sowing seeds. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, and the like are popping up everywhere. Whatever seed one plants, that is what one expects to grow.
The parable of the sower is a good example of this (Matthew 13:1-9). The seed that fell on good ground reaped plenty; all other seed did not. As Christians, it is our job to sow the seed! Jesus later explained that the seed represented the Word of God (Matthew 13:19ff.). Different types of soil represented different types of hearts. We must have a receptive heart to the gospel, and share it with others.
Not only do we sow the seed of the Word of God, but we also sow the seed of the Spirit. A chapter earlier, Paul wrote that the fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).” If we do these things as God commands us, in the end we will reap everlasting life.
What are you sowing?
If it is for the flesh, it will reap corruption! If it is for the Spirit, it will reap everlasting life!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Anointing at Bethany
Text: Mark 14:3-9.
Jesus entered the town of Bethany, and was encountered by a woman who poured costly oil on his head. Some people thought she had done a foolish thing; after all, the costly oil could have been sold for a lot of money and given to the poor. However, Jesus taught us a few lessons that we need to bear in mind.
1. She did a good work! This shows us that she had faith. James wrote, “…show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works (James 2:18).” God expects us to do good works also! Today His word prepares us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. They would always have the poor, but not always have Jesus, with them. Soon Jesus was going to return to His Father who sent Him (John 7:33). At other times, it is good to give to the poor (Matthew 19:21).
3. She did what she could! James wrote, “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to him, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2:15-17).” Similarly, the poor widow put in the treasury all she had; Jesus commended her (Mark 12:41-44). Peter and John did not have silver and gold to help the lame man, but gave him the ability to walk again in the name of Christ (Acts 3:1-7).
4. Wherever the gospel is to be preached (in all the world), this woman’s action is a testimonial to her. Luke records the words of Jesus: “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:46-47).” Remember how she did this for His burial (Mark 14:8)? It was important!
Just as this woman’s action is a testimonial to her, our actions are a testimonial to us. What will others say about us? More importantly, what will God say as we appear before Him in the Day of Judgment?
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on…that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them (Revelation 14:13).”
“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works (Revelation 20:12-13).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Will the Righteous Rule? audio
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Yesterday many voted on local issues. Candidates ran for office, state and local issues were debated, and the results affected everyone locally, state-wide, and perhaps nationally. It will not be long until another election is held, and people will be chosen to head certain offices. We all need wisdom to put the right person in the right place at the right time. Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, received his wisdom from God (1 Kings 3:5-12). He made an observation a long time ago that is still evident today.
Proverbs 29:2: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” Also, we read in Proverbs 28:12: “When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.”
The Book of Esther is a good example. As Esther, a Jew, became queen, Haman wanted to have all the Jews killed. Mordecai found out about this plan, and soon “there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:3).” Mordecai told Esther, who risked her life to appear before the king and save the lives of her people. As a result, Mordecai was honored and “the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor (Esther 8:15-16).”
In our country today, many have ruled over cities, states, and the entire nation. When a righteous person is elected, the people rejoice! Similarly, if a wicked person is elected, many people groan. We should all do our best to be godly citizens, and choose wisely who shall rule over us. We need to keep God in charge, not man. Israel demanded a king in the days of Samuel, and he was displeased. The LORD told him, “they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them (1 Samuel 8:7).”
Let us not be ashamed of the outcome, but let us rejoice in knowing we did what God would want us to do. Remember the words of Joshua: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Live Fast or Slow – audio
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Are you a planner? Do you look ahead at goals, and strive to find a way to achieve them? Do you lay out a plan and stick to it, perhaps for a very long time? On the other hand, do you just live for today? Are you only concerned with what you can get out of this very moment? Well, both perspectives have some Biblical insight.James 4:13-15: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy, and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’”
In one sense, we do need to be concerned with the here and now. We are not guaranteed a tomorrow; things can happen in the blink of an eye. Job learned this very well: all of a sudden his health diminished, his family and livestock were taken away, and his friends turned against him. He lamented, “Oh, remember that my life is a breath! My eye will never again see good (Job 7:7).” On the other hand, today can be a good day! The Psalmist wrote, “This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).”
Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah knows the importance of patience, and allowing God to work in His way and in His time.
By following God’s plan, we can become the kind of people He would have us to be, and can become stronger to do His will. This takes time! It took time for a King to come and rule over Israel; it took time for Saul of Tarsus to see the light; it took time for members of the Lord’s church to qualify for certain offices (elder, deacon, etc.).
Since our lives are so short as James describes, we need to take care of our souls now! We may not get another opportunity! Once we are in the right relationship with God, we must plan to be His people.
It takes time studying His Word and adjusting our lives to follow Christ’s example. Everything will work out for good, though (Romans 8:28). Remember the words of Jesus: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matthew 6:33-34).”
Become a child of God now; God will take care of you now and later on, for eternity.
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Faithful House – audio
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The Faithful House is Built Upon the Rock.
There are many types of houses, and many people build them. However, each house must have a foundation.
For the faithful house, the perfect foundation is Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), and the perfect builder is God (Text: Hebrews 3:1-6).
Christ was faithful to God, who appointed Him (Hebrews 3:1-2).
Christ had a purpose, and fulfilled it. God put Him in the right place at the right time for the right purpose; He will do the same with us!
Christ is counted worthy of more glory, as He who built the house has more glory than the house itself (Hebrews 3:3).
Jesus said that a servant is not greater than his master, nor one who is sent greater than one that sent him (John 13:16).
The apostle Paul never gave credit to himself as He served the Lord; rather, all glory goes to God!
As every house is built by someone, God is the builder of all things (Hebrews 3:4).
God created you and me, He built the heavens and the earth and everything in it, and He even built the church upon Christ.
As Moses was faithful in His house as a servant, Christ was faithful as a Son over His own house (Hebrews 3:5-6)!
Christ was appointed heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2), and we can inherit the things of God through Christ (Galatians 3:26-4:7).
We are of the house of God if we “hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end (Hebrews 3:6).”
We must have faith to come to God (Hebrews 11:6), and our faith must work (James 2:17). By becoming obedient to the gospel of Christ, we become members of His house, the church!
By living faithful to Him, we can receive an eternal home in Heaven (Revelation 2:10).
Are you a faithful member of the house of God?
If not, you can become one right now.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Observations of a Centurion – audio
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As Jesus was dying on the cross, a centurion made a couple of important observations about Him.
First, he confessed that “Truly this was the Son of God (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39). Also, Luke records, “Certainly this was a righteous Man (Luke 23:47)!”
We too must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; otherwise we will die in our sins (John 8:24). John also exhorts us by reminding us that “if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world (1 John 2:1-2).”
As Jesus was the Son of God, so can we become sons of God. Paul told the Galatians that we are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26). John adds, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13).
As Christ was righteous, so can we become righteous. As Christ was obedient to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8), we can be made righteous through that obedience (Romans 5:19).
God’s righteous children.
Doesn’t that sound promising? There are befits if we live righteous lives as God’s dear children. John wrote, “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous (1 John 3:7). Jesus Himself promised that the righteous will enter into eternal life (Matthew 25:46).
Are you a child of God?
Are you living righteously? If so, you may enter into eternal life. If you have not become a child of God, why not do so now? If you are not living the righteous life as you should, why not start?
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Lord’s Security – Psalm 121 – audio
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Text: Psalm 121
Today has been a very dreary day. No doubt several of us have wanted to stay in the bed and sleep. I admit that I tried, but due to circumstances beyond my control I had to get up. I would not get anything accomplished had I slept the whole time. On the other hand, God never sleeps. He always has a watchful eye on us.
Psalm 121:3-4 tell us that God will “not slumber…neither slumber nor sleep.” This gives me confidence, knowing that when I am asleep that God is awake, watching over me. Psalm 121:5 tells us that He is our “keeper!” He protects us from things that we may not even be aware of.
The Psalmist goes on to describe Him as “your shade at your right hand.” Similarly, Isaiah describes Him as “a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat (Isaiah 25:4).”
David wrote another Psalm in which he says, “I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved (Psalm 16:8).”
The author of this Psalm then reminds us of God’s power as He created the sun and moon (Psalm 121:6).
If God keeps the sun and moon in their respective places, will He not also keep us secure? The sun watches over us by day and the moon by night, but God watches over us all the time.
Finally, the Psalmist says that He “shall preserve your soul (Psalm 121:7).” What a comfort, to know our soul is in God’s safe hands.
Are you comforted and secure knowing that God has your soul? Or, does He not have your soul? You can give it to Him right now by obeying the gospel. He is watching over you, and pleading you to come to Him.
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Brief Word on Fasting – audio
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Fasting is Abstaining from Food.
Have you ever gone a while without eating? I can remember fasting, going just one full day without eating a bite. This was several years ago, but that was the one and only time I attempted to fast. That was just to see if I could do it, and I did.
Why do people want to go without eating? Some want to lose weight, and others are usually mourning about something. However, some people may decide to fast for religious significance.
Why Did They Fast?
The LORD asked Zechariah the same question. Those who were fasted, why did they fast? Did they do that to benefit themselves, or to seek God (Zechariah 7:1-6)? What would we say? Do we do things because we want to do something, or because we want to draw closer to God?
Fasting is Exercising Christian Liberty.
Fasting is a good example of exercising Christian liberty. The apostle Paul explained to the Romans that we should not do things for ourselves, but unto God (Romans 14:1-8). It doesn’t matter if we fast or not; what matters is that we truly belong to the LORD.
Christian Should Fast in Secret.
Even Jesus has a word of caution. We should not appear to men to be fasting; rather we should do it in secret. The people in the day of Zechariah had the same problem; they wanted to be seen doing it (to appear religious), and he wondered whether it was necessary to continue doing it. Jesus says do not fast to be seen by men, but fasting in secret will give a hidden reward (Matthew 6:16-18).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Been in a fuss lately?
Maybe it was with your spouse or kids. Could’ve been a coworker or neighbor. Maybe even someone at church.
It doesn’t really matter what it was about, or who the person was, but I can predict a couple of things: One, it was unpleasant, and two, somebody was being selfish. Those two facts are amazingly consistent.
Something pretty bad was going on in the church James was writing to, and he gives us several hints. It’s also amazing how much things haven’t changed in the last two thousand years:
“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” (James 4:1–3, NKJV)
“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” (James 4:1–3, ESV)
Those of you who are married know what it’s like to argue, at least occasionally. If you’ve got a sibling, you’ve been in a few dozen (or hundred?). If you’ve got more than one kid, you’ve refereed a quarrel or two. If you’ve ever had a job or interacted with other human beings closely, you’ve had a disagreement.
In other words, if you’re alive you know what James is talking about.
But it’s interesting to hear what he says about the cause of quarrels. It’s usually not just a difference of opinion, and often it’s not about right and wrong.
It’s about the sinful stuff inside of us. It’s about selfishness and lust and covetousness. It’s about our being very concerned about getting what we want.
So let’s pray about this today. Ask God to remove your selfishness. Ask him to use your desires to seek him, not things that hurt you and others. Ask him to address your pride.
We can’t fix other people, and it’s frustrating and futile even to try. But we can submit to God as he works on our flaws, and whatever he does in us will improve all our relationships.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Exercise Yourself Toward Godliness – audio
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Text: 1 Timothy 4:6-11
The apostle Paul charges the young man Timothy to instruct Christians in rejecting profane and old wives’ fables, and rather to exercise themselves unto godliness.
There are many false religions in the world today, but only one can stand true. We must not be “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ (Ephesians 4:14-15).” We get such exercise toward godliness through and studying and doing God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:22).
Just as bodily exercise helps a little, spiritual exercise leading to godliness helps a whole lot! Paul later told Timothy “godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).” We may gain a little temporarily from physical exercise, but imagine what there is to gain eternally by living the life that God has called us to live!
In order to receive an eternal reward, we must work hard. Sometimes a person needs motivation to work hard. God gives us such motivation! Paul says here, “we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10).” God is our Savior, who has sent His Son Jesus to die for us. Because Christ died, was buried, and rose again, we have the hope of eternal life through Him. This should motivate us to live godly lives in Christ Jesus.
This is good news for you, me, and everyone else in this world. Paul finally charges Timothy to “command and teach (1 Timothy 4:11)” these things. Let us share this good news with others with our words, but also our godly lives.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Requirement for Service and Stewardship
Have you noticed that if you are really good at something, you are in high demand? An athlete who is strong, agile, and skilled is wanted by everybody’s team. An artist who can make beautiful pictures or sculptures may create something exquisite to be displayed in a popular tourist spot. A mechanic or handyman is always being asked to fix something.
Members of the Lord’s church are in high demand! Gospel preachers may be asked to conduct gospel meetings, lectureships, weddings, funerals, or other special events. Others may be asked to fix a car, improve the grounds of a house, provide transportation to a hospital or doctor’s office, sit with a patient, or do something else that person is good at doing. Jesus said, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more (Luke 12:48).”
We are often called upon by other members of the Lord’s church, but remember that we are especially called by God to work in His kingdom! We all have something we can do, and by doing it for others we do it unto Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:40). It is our purpose to serve God, and we can all do so in some way. There is one thing that God does require of us: “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).”
God has provided good gifts and abilities (James 1:17). Let us use them in faithful service to one another, and in service unto God, showing good stewardship of these blessings. Let us be faithful in our Bible study, prayer, Christian living, preaching and teaching the gospel, and service to Him and one another. When we are asked to do something for someone, this should encourage us to remain faithful.
What have good gifts and abilities you been given? What can you give as a result?
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Church in Smyrna
As Christians, we often need encouragement. A kind word, pat on the back, handshake, hug, or some other token of appreciation is needed once in a while. That is one good thing about the Lord’s church meeting not only on the first day of the week, but during the middle of the week as well. We need to “recharge our batteries” to be able to keep working during the rest of the week. Consider the Lord’s words to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11). It is easy to be encouraged as A-B-C.
Admonition.
The church in Smyrna is praised for doing good things! The Lord knows their works, tribulation, and poverty (even though they are rich). Last week we talked about being poor in the world but being rich toward Christ. Sometimes we need to be encouraged to keep doing what we’re doing, even though it may seem difficult. There were those who opposed those in Smyrna, and were called a synagogue of Satan. The Lord would reprimand them (Revelation 3:9-10), yet encourage those who were faithful.
Be faithful.
Following praise for what they have already done, those in Smyrna were encouraged to keep doing what they were doing! As they were faithful in the past, they must continue to be. Jesus said earlier, “He who endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 24:13).” Do not worry what others may do to you; rather, be concerned about pleasing God.
Crown of life.
Finally a reward is mentioned for being faithful. Those that endure will be saved; those that are faithful until death will receive a crown of life; those that overcome shall not be hurt by the second death! It is always good to be rewarded for good behavior. That should be the last bit of encouragement! We will be rewarded for doing good!
Do you know your ABCs? Accept admonition! Be faithful! Receive the crown of life!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Stir Up Your Gift
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Do you have a “hidden talent?” There are things that people may do that no one knows about. Those things can be good, beneficial, or even just odd. Perhaps they do not use them because they are shy, or understand how it can be beneficial.
Do we have special gifts that are being unused for the kingdom of God? Paul told Timothy, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands (2 Timothy 1:6).” Also, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership (1 Timothy 4:14).” Timothy had a gift, yet should not neglect it. We all have some special gift to use in God’s kingdom (see 1 Corinthians 12), and therefore must not neglect it. Instead, we should stir it up!
As Paul gave Timothy this gift, he laid his hands on him. Comparably, in Acts 6 seven men were chosen to see about the work regarding neglected widows. When the disciples came together, they prayed for them and laid their hands on them (Acts 6:6). Similarly, Paul prayed for Timothy and laid his hands on him, blessing him in the work that he was about to do.
We will be blessed if we do the work of God, and others are praying for us. Do we have the courage to stir up our gift? We must not neglect it, but use it to glorify God and edify the body of Christ. By each of us using our talents that God gave us, the Lord’s church will grow. After all, He gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Content by Richard Dillon
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I Like Forgiveness Quite a Bit – audio
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I like forgiveness quite a bit, don’t you?
I like for my wife to forgive me when I have been rude or unkind. I like for my kids to forgive my impatience. I like others to extend heaps of forgiveness to me when I need it. I especially like God’s forgiveness. As believers, we revel in the fact that God does not hold sin against us… that he removes our sins from us “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).
We like that.
But there’s a part of forgiveness that’s not as easy to enjoy. Jesus mentions it near the end of his model prayer: “and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). And to make sure we didn’t miss that little phrase, he adds this postscript: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).
“Forgive us our debts” – we like that.
“…as we also have forgiven our debtors” – not so much.
I’m not sure why it’s so hard to forgive others, but it might be that withholding it gives us a little power over them. We can use it against them at some point – “Do you remember when you…?”
Or maybe it’s that we think they do not really deserve it. They might not be completely genuine in their repentance. Maybe they will do it again. They ought to get what they deserve.
But Jesus calls us to a higher road, of course. He asks us to forgive as we’ve been forgiven, which means that we can’t forgive only those who deserve it. Remember, we do not deserve God’s forgiveness either.
It means we can’t be concerned about their getting properly punished, because we don’t get the punishment we deserve. And it means we can’t hold a grudge over their heads, because when the Lord forgives us, he never brings it up again.
Are you holding something against your spouse? Are you nursing a grudge against a friend? Do you have something against someone at church? Is your relationship with one of your kids strained?
Relationships are always complicated, but the first step you might take is to forgive, to let the past go, to drop the grudge. It probably won’t be the easiest part about your walk with Christ, but it’s crucial.
We forgive because we have been forgiven, and we forgive so that we will be forgiven.
(Thanks to Chuck Webster for these thoughts!)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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