Historical Posts
Removing the Glass of the Mirror
For now we see in a mirror dimly…
For a lot of people, it is customary to get up in the morning, look in the glass of the mirror, and take care of personal grooming and looks. You want to see for yourself what others see, and then take care of any flaws that you might have. Once you walk away from the mirror and head out the door, you are exposing yourself to the world.
The same thing happens with us spiritually. Paul wrote, “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known (1 Corinthians 13:12).” James also describes one that hears the words of God but does not do them like “a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does (James 1:23-25).” Every day we need to examine ourselves spiritually, for we are always exposed to God.
We want to be with God, and see Him face to face. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8).” The Hebrew writer says, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).”
If we want to see God and let Him see us, we need to look in the spiritual mirror (God’s Word) and fix our flaws. By looking in the Word of God, we can see the kind of people God wants us to be and find and take care of our spiritual flaws. He wants us to be pure, holy, and peaceable. We need to allow His Word to change ourselves so we can see Him. Remember, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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What Precedes Your Judgment?
Judgment is coming. Prepare now and be ready.
The Bible clearly gives us all a warning: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many (Hebrews 9:27-28).” Unless the Lord should come back first, we are all going to die. After death, we will all be judged based on the things done in the body, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Paul tells Timothy, “some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden (1 Timothy 5:24-25).” He says there are two main categories, sin and good works.
Sin is something that we have all done, we have all committed (Romans 3:23). Some sins are evident to men, and others are not. Paul described the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, noting that those who practice them will not inherit the kingdom of God. However, even what man does not see God sees. The hidden sins will follow us to the Day of Judgment.
On the other hand, God prepares us for every good work through the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). There are many good works that men may see, and they all should glorify our Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16). However, there are also things that may be done in secret; God will reward us for them openly (Matthew 6:6).
Whether in secret, or out in the open, God sees. Are you walking in sin, or are you doing good works? Either will precede your judgment. Let us choose to “do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased (Hebrews 13:16).” Have you accepted Christ as Saviour?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Words to the Righteous – audio
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One often feels discouraged when he tries to do what is right, and no one else does. Elijah felt discouraged at the words of Jezebel, and fled for his life. When the LORD asked him what he was doing there, he replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life (1 Kings 19:10).”
Because of his discouragement, Elijah would not be a prophet much longer; rather, Elisha would soon take his place. The LORD did tell him, however, that He had reserved seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18).
Later, the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law: do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but My righteousness will be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation (Isaiah 51:7-8).”
Christians are to practice righteousness as God is righteous (1 John 3:7). In so doing, we quickly learn that not everyone will act like we do. However, we should not be afraid of what men may do to us, for they can only destroy the body; rather, we must fear God who has power over both body and soul (Matthew 10:28; Hebrews 13:6; Psalm 27:1; 118:6). He has the power to destroy and to save! He will destroy those that do not obey Him, and those that hinder others from coming to Him. He will also extend His righteousness forever, and be willing to save anyone and everyone who is willing to come to Him.
Content by Richard Dillon
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FOF – What Do I Do About My Faith Getting Weak? audio
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Foundations of Faith |
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· Why Should I Have Faith When Evil And Suffering Are In The World? |
What Do I Do About My Faith Getting Weak?
Introduction
1. Now and again we sing a song: ”Revive us again: Fill each heart with Thy love; May each soul be rekindled, With fire from above.” Just because we sing it doesn’t mean we believe it!
2. Revival is Biblical! Isaiah 57:15. Revival is God’s will!
3. We are considering the question: What Do I Do About My Faith Getting Weak?
4. Revival is the answer to faith getting weak because weak faith is a reversal of God’s will for our faith. God wants faith to grow and thrive. If your faith is getting weak, then we want to interrupt and reverse that process.
5. Years ago, the apostle Paul addressed the problem of spiritual weakness in texts like Hebrews 5:12-14 and 1 Corinthians 2:14, 3:1-4. I am highlighting these texts deliberately because they show the connection between spiritual weakness and weak spiritual thinking. I want to capitalize on this relationship in this sermon.
Body
I. When our faith is weak, these are not the best moments (times) of our lives.
A. We want to limit these times and prevent them if we can. The result of a sustained, weakened faith is the loss of our souls.
B. Perhaps it would be best to have this conversation one-on-one.
C. Where you are in your relationship with God is the most important thing in your life. We know this because Heaven has made a considerable investment to save you from Hell (1 Tim.1:15; John 3:16; 3:36).
II. Why do we sometimes find ourselves in a condition of spiritual weakness (of complacency, of doubt, of discouragement, of disobedience) and in need of revival?
A. I will venture an explanation: The missing ingredient in so much of our faith is our own ”do-or-die” commitment to live seriously for Christ! We have simply failed to make up our minds to be thoroughly His.
B. Consider the ultimatum of Jesus in Luke 9:23 and Luke 14:27. What is discipleship but the daily yielding of my faith and life to His Lordship?
C. Consider John’s explanation of spiritual maturity: 1 John 3:9. Think of this statement in light of 1 Thessalonians 2:13. As long as we know the Word and as long as we yield ourselves to it we will be spiritually mature (Psa.119:11; 1 John 1:5-9).
1. We have the means to be spiritually strong. We must not allow our faith to enter into a state of habitual weakness (in which is failure and loss of interest in the things of God; in which is discouragement; in which is sin and rebellion).
2. The difference between weak faith (that excuses weakness and is moving away from God) and mature faith (that overcomes weakness and is moving closer to God) is a mind that is fully decided in following Christ.
III. So let’s talk about revival! Six simple steps you need to take in order to get your life back on track with God (six things to do when your faith is getting weak):
A. STEP # 1: You need some time to think!
- If your faith has been weakening, then you need to be alarmed because of the potential danger. So get off by yourself, and do some thinking.
- Paul said: “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Cor.13:5).
- Test yourself against the measure of God’s Word!
- Peter told us that we don’t grow spiritually because we don’t use the mind properly: 2 Peter 1:2-11.
- The first remedy to spiritual lethargy is to turn your mind back to God. Example: The prodigal son (Luke 15).
B. STEP # 2: Decide once and for all that personal sin (all personal sin) is going to be taken seriously!
- Sin is what makes revival necessary. You must stop flirting with sin – period!
- Sin is ugly! Sin is slavery! Sin will kill your soul! Sin will rob you of Heaven (Rom.6:23)!
- Jesus said that one of the things that’s going to condemn people is the fact that “their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed” (Mat.13:15; eyes and ears are simply metaphors for the mind).
- Revival comes when we open our minds to the reality of sin.
C. STEP # 3: Be thorough when it comes to repentance!
- This is how the mind properly reacts to sin. “Repentance” is the toughest word in the dictionary of Christianity. See Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30-31.
- Repentance is about making up your mind to walk in a different direction. Re-pentance is about making up your mind to be done with sin (and to serve God).
- Repentance requires thought and deliberation.
- Review your life! Acknowledge your sins (1 John 1:9)! Chart a new course!
- Let godly sorrow do its work (Psa.51:17; Isa.57:15).
- Contrition is an inherent component of repentance. Repentance requires the abhorence of sin (Rom.12:9). Learn to hate personal sin!
D. STEP # 4: Eliminate the negative and accentuate the positive!
- Again, this is mind-work.
- Jesus spoke about purging our lives and foregoing any pleasure in order to avoid going to Hell (Matt.5:29-30). This includes change in our relationships and our exposure to the influences of the world (1 Cor.15:33; Psa.101:3).
- This means protecting and sanctifying the mind for the glory of God (2 Cor.10:5), and gravitating toward those things that are going to be positive forces in our lives (Phil.4:8-9).
- How do we do this? You must to prioritize personal Bible study and prayer, worship and church attendance, involvement in good works (like benevolence, and evangelism, and visitation, and encouragement).
E. STEP # 5: Focus on Christ and be committed to Him (“Do-or-die!”)!
- Be all in! Belong completely to Him!
- He is the object and foundation of our faith. Faith will only be as strong as our focus. But focus is an action of the mind!
- Focus on Jesus as our example of perfect, robust faith. The writer of Hebrews exhorted us to “look unto Jesus” (literally: turning away from all others; Heb.12:2).
- But also this: Jesus Christ calls us to the highest and best that we’re capable of (Luke 9:23; Matt.5:41; Matt.6:33).
- Here is where you begin your focus: “Search the Scriptures: for in them you think you have etemal life; and they are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39). See also John 15:14.
F. STEP # 6: Let your motivation be the beauty of the grace of God!
- There is no substitute for being thoroughly taken (emotionally and mentally) with the grace of God (1 John 4:19). Let the beauty and wonder of God’s grace move you to decision, action, and praise.
- Be on guard against the wrong ideas about grace. Sometimes sin, failure, indifference, and weakness are excused on the basis that God has done all the heavy-lifting by sending His Son to be our sacrifice for sin – and therefore there is nothing for you to do.
- • Grace doesn’t lead to spiritual weakness, but to careful and joyful obedience (Titus 2:11-14). God’s grace is the reason to grow, and mature, and be strong in the faith.
- • You will never find an excuse for sin or weakness in grace (Rom.6:1-4). God’s love and grace is the provocation to a more complete, enjoyable, useful, and sanctified life in the service of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
1. What do I do about my faith getting weak? The answer is REVIVAL!
2. Revival begins with the mind being restored to God.
3. Jesus died so you wouldn’t have to live another day (or die someday) in sin.
4. The Son of God is offering to save you from eternal catastrophe. Today is the day to have a change of heart and mind, and set your life on a new course.
5. Accept His offer of salvation by trusting in His grace, confessing your faith in Jesus Christ (Rom.10:10), turning from your sins (Luke 13:3), and then dying to your sins in baptism (Rom.6:3-4; and being united with Christ).
6. This is where all of us make our start. If we’ve turned our back on Him (and allowed our faith to get weak), let’s turn back to Him at once (1 John 1:9).
Content by Brian Giselbach
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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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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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No Cause for Stumbling
Do you know of anyone that is clumsy?
Perhaps at one time or another we have bumped into something. Even though the coffee table has been there as long as we can remember, we still bump into it occasionally.
Do we stumble spiritually?
Peter told Christians, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:10-11).”
Physically, we are careful where we step.
We keep a close eye out or something that may impede our path, and carefully remove any obstruction.
Spiritually, we must do the same thing.
If we are diligent concerning our salvation, we will study God’s word and remove anything and everything that hinders our path to heaven.
By taking the necessary precautions and actions, we can never stumble! Instead, we have that abundant entrance into the kingdom of Christ.
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Corinthians 05:14-17 All Things Become New – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 05:14-17
Introduction
The apostle Paul summarizes what the Christian life is all about. He begins telling the Corinthians that as Christ died for everyone, we should all live for Him and not ourselves. To be a Christian, we must:
1) Be in Christ
2) Allow the former things to pass away
3) Let all things become new
(2 Corinthians 5:14-17)
Body
I. We must be in Christ.
A. There is only one way to get into Christ: baptism.
(Galatians 3:26-27)
B. One must be in Christ in order to receive all spiritual blessings.
(Ephesians 1:3)
C. Being in Christ means that one must wear the name of Christ.
(Acts 11:26)
II. The former things have passed away.
A. We must die to sin in order to live a new life in Christ.
(Romans 6:1-11)
B. The Corinthians were living in sin, but did not have to any longer.
(1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
C. Paul died to the law, being crucified to Christ.
(Galatians 2:19-20)
D. Paul was crucified to the world, and the world to him.
(Galatians 6:14; Colossians 2:20-22)
III. All things have become new.
A. We no longer think like the world; rather, we are transformed by renewing our minds.
(Romans 12:2)
B. The old man is put off with his deeds, and we put on the new man.
(Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:5-15)
C. We no longer follow after fleshly things; now we walk after the Spirit.
(Romans 7:4-6; 8:1-11)
Conclusion
As the new year unfolds, so should the Christian! The old man is gone, and now we must wear the name of Christ.
Let us put on the new man every day, and lead many souls to Christ!
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Word of God is not Bound
The ball and chain pictured above is how many people view God’s Word.
Like the ball and chain, it remains near, but is not useful. They leave it on the table or on the church pew. However, this was never God’s intention!
Paul told Timothy, “…I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:9-10).” Even though Paul was often in chains, the Word of God has never been and is not chained!
As with Paul, it is our duty to spread the Word of God wherever we go.
Carry it with you! Keep it in the forefront of your mind. After all, it should be “very near you, in your mouth and in your heart (Deuteronomy 30:14)…”
Your words and actions are not chained!
Let others see the gospel of Christ in your life, and always teach the plan of salvation through the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16).
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Do as I Say, Not as I Do – audio
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While doing errands last week, one employee said, “no cell phones allowed.” Soon after uttering these very words, she pulled out a cell phone and proceeded to check her own facebook. In other words, she seemed to say, “do as I say not as I do.”
Jesus described the scribes and Pharisees in the same way. “Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do (Matthew 23:3).
In contrast, Jesus is always consistent!
Luke told Theophilus the things that Jesus “began both to do and teach (Acts 1:1).”
What Jesus told others to do, He did Himself.
He set an example for us to follow (1 Peter 2:21).
Are we following Jesus’ example? Are we consistent?
Are we showing the world the pattern of Christian living?
Let us put into practice every day of the week what we teach on Sunday and Wednesday.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Salt – audio
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We’ve all probably engaged in a little hand-wringing about the future of our country.
What will happen, we ask, if we continue heading down a path that ignores God, flaunts rebellion, and mocks righteousness? What will it look like when our kids or grandkids become adults? Will God turn his back on us?
Those questions, though unavoidable, do little good.
What Jesus said about anxiety applies here.
Worrying about the future accomplishes nothing. But thankfully, there’s something we can do, and Jesus refers to it here:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” (Matthew 5:13, NKJV)
When we think of salt, we probably think of the flavor it adds to our meals, but in Jesus’ world its most basic function was to preserve food. And that seems to fit the context here best as well.
Jesus is calling us to slow down the decay and corruption of the world around us.
Abraham once had a fascinating conversation with God in Genesis 18:16-33 about how many righteous people it would take to save Sodom. “Will you spare the city if it has 50 righteous souls living there?” Abraham asked. God said yes. “Forty-five?” Again, God said yes. So Abraham asked about 40, 30, 20, and finally 10. God would withhold his destruction if only a handful of righteous people could be found.
I have often thought that God has blessed America because we have honored him in many ways. We have protected religious freedoms and maintained conservative morals. Our leaders have listened to Christian voices, and we have preserved many aspects of the Judeo-Christian ethic. Is there a connection between those facts and our country’s prosperity?
A strong argument could be made that those things are changing, of course. Recent trends seem to reflect an increasingly secular, anti-God mindset. Even so, it still does no good to wring our hands and decry the loss of our country’s Christian foundation.
What Jesus tells us to do is keep being the salt.
None of us have any idea how long God will spare our nation, but what we must do is to follow Jesus and model him to the people around us. We need to sanctify him in our homes. We need to teach our children and grandchildren to love him more than anything in the world. We need to adore him, worship him, serve him.
It was a tragedy that even 10 righteous souls could not be found in Sodom, and God destroyed the city. What about us? Is there enough righteousness for God to keep his protective arms around us?
That’s his decision, of course, but regardless, he’s challenged us to be those righteous souls, to be the preservative in our spheres of influence.
He’s calling us to be salt.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Light of the World – audio
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One of the things the Pharisees couldn’t stand about Jesus was the crowd he hung around with. They didn’t know what to do with someone who claimed to be a Rabbi yet spent his time with undesirables. Tax collectors. Drunks. Adulterers. Prostitutes.
How could he? Here’s his answer: “I’m the light of the world” (John 8:12).
It is hard for light to affect something it doesn’t touch. He came to call sinners to repentance, but they never would have heard about it if he had not walked the streets on their side of town.
We don’t have a problem with that, though, because we like the idea of Jesus associating with outcasts. After all, he’s the Son of God, so he’s perfect, blameless. Their sin couldn’t rub off on him.
But notice the huge change in pronoun here:
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14–16)
Sometimes he said, “I’m the light of the world,” but here he says “You” are.
As in me. As in you.
We are the light of the world.
It’s a reflected light, of course, because we can’t generate any on our own. We reflect his light to a dark world so that they may see it and glorify him.
But there’s an important point that we shouldn’t miss. In order for us to light up the world, we’ve got to be in the world. We’ve got to be intentional about spending time with people who don’t know Christ so that they might see him in us.
I might be tempted to schedule my days so that I spend time with people who look, think, and talk like me. You might be tempted just to go to work or school and do what you’ve got to do so you can get back home to your safe place.
But Jesus calls us to do more than that. He calls us to walk their streets. He asks us to get to know them, understand them and really see them.
Thousands of people in our communities live in a very dark world, and they might never see the light if you and I seclude ourselves, either physically or emotionally, and connect only with people just like us.
You are the light of the world.
To be honest, that scares me, because it pulls me out of my comfort zone, away from my safe place. But discipleship has never really been about being comfortable, has it?
If we follow Jesus, we’ll go where he goes, and that means we’ll intentionally spend quite a bit of time with messed up people. They’re the ones who really need his light.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Squeezed into the World’s Mold
My parents bought an antique butter mold at an auction several years ago. For those of you my age, or younger, I may need to point out that those molds came from an era when people made their butter rather than purchasing it from the local “IGA.” Butter was placed into the mold and pressure was applied to a plunger which forced the butter into the shape of the mold and left a decorative imprint on the top of the finished product. By using the mold, the finished product was the same each time.
The New Testament in Modern English by J. B. Phillips reads: “With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God remold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves toward the goal of true maturity” (Romans 12:1-2).
In a sense, all of us have been placed into a mold and are being formed and shaped. We choose the mold and the mold determines the end product. Paul warns us not to let the world squeeze us into its mold. It is a terrible mistake to let society mold and shape us. The finished product will not be pleasing to God nor beneficial to man, and we will have the imprint of the devil upon us.
The challenge of New Testament Christianity is to let God mold and shape us by his word. When that happens He, and not the world, will determine how we dress, speak, and conduct our lives, and the imprint of his Son will be upon us. Paul wrote to Timothy, “…the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness’” (2 Timothy 2:19).
Are you being molded and shaped by God?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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John 02:13-17 – Zeal for God – audio
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Text: John 2:13-17 (Reading by Don Treadway) and Mark 11:15-17
Introduction
As the Passover Feast drew near, Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem. What He found caused Him to be angry! Instead of people reading the Law and praying, they were selling oxen, sheep, and doves! Thus, they made His Father’s house a “den of thieves.”
He quickly turned the tables on them, and drove them out. His disciples then remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” Jesus was obviously passionate about His Father’s house. They were not using it for its intended purpose!
All of His life, Jesus helped ensure God’s business was done properly in His own house. As He was growing up, He reminded His earthly parents that He must be about His Father’s business (Luke 2:49). Where was He? He was in the same place, same time of year, but just a little earlier in life. He was then listening and asking questions regarding the Law. He knew what its purpose was! It was also His custom to read in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16).
Body
I. David’s zeal.
A. The disciples remember what David wrote in Psalm 69:9:
“Because zeal for Your house has eaten Me up, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.”
1) Just as Jesus was passionate about working in His Father’s house, David was passionate about sin and its effect on his relationship with God.
2) Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), and David longed to be back in His presence.
3) Later God would send Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, which Jesus would point out to the Jews that questioned Him regarding His actions in the temple (John 2:18-22).
4) Jesus had a zeal for the physical and spiritual well-being of God’s people; do we?
B. In Psalm 122:1, David said:
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the LORD.’”
1) Later in Psalm 122:9 he added, “Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek Your good.”
2) He had a zeal to be where God is; therefore, he wanted to do all he could for Him.
3) Are we the same way? Do we long to assemble with the saints on the first day of the week to worship God? Do we look forward to our midweek Bible study? Do we share that zeal with others and invite them? Do we proclaim the gospel of Christ?
II. The Psalmist’s zeal. Psalm 119:139-141:
“My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words. Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it. I am small and despised, yet I do not forget Your precepts.”
A. Do we have the same zeal for the Word of God?
1) Do we read and study it as we should?
2) Do we teach it to others?
3) Do we live it every day?
III. Zeal for God’s temple.
A. King David wanted to build a house for God, but could not for he was a man of war and had shed blood (I Chronicles 22:8; 28:3).
B. Therefore, he assembled the people together and gave them instructions.
1) Solomon helped build it.
2) Everyone worked diligently. T
3) They all gave what they had zealously for God (1 Chronicles 29:1-6).
C. Do we do that today?
1) Are the elders zealously overseeing the Lord’s church (1 Peter 5:2)?
2) Are we as Christians giving zealously to God (2 Corinthians 9:7-13; 8:2-7)?
IV. Zeal for God’s tabernacle.
A. God’s message through Moses stirred the hearts of the Israelites. Many were willing to bring what they had (materials, skills, etc.) to aid in the construction of the tabernacle.
B. Do we have a zealous heart for God?
1) We should give our entire selves to the Lord (Romans 12:1) every day!
2) If we have a great zeal, it must also have knowledge (Romans 10:2).
3) If we do not have knowledge yet, God can supply it as He did to Paul (Acts 23:1).
Conclusion
A. Do we have a zeal for God?
B. Are we willing to carry on His will in our lives?
C. Others did, and so can we!
Content by Richard Dillon
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As Good As I Can Do
My grandchildren (they’re seven now) recently had friends over for a play date. As they sat down to dinner that evening Andy said to their guests, “We have to have a prayer before we eat. I’ll say it.” He proceeded to thank God for their food, for their friends, and even prayed for the sick. When he had said “Amen,” he looked up and exclaimed, “That’s as good as I can do!”
What an attitude! That’s all God wants from any of us. Just give it our best shot.
If we do the best we can, He will not ask more of us. When it comes to prayer, He really is not interested in our grammar, nor whether or not we use those oft repeated phrases that have become too common in public prayer. He wants us to speak from the heart. It does not have to be long or follow a prescribed pattern, as long as it is according to His will and in the name of Jesus.
When it comes to living the Christian life, He knows our limitations and weaknesses.
He doesn’t demand perfection, but He does expect faithfulness. Even Christians sin, but we must not be slaves to sin. We wake up each morning determined to make the most of the day. We want to serve Him, not in order to be saved, but because we are saved. Some days are harder than others. Sometimes we fail miserably, but our goal ought to be, because we are His children, to do as good as we can do.
Worship involves the same approach. We want to bring to the assembly the best we have to offer.
We will immerse ourselves in every aspect of worship with the desire to do our best. Every note we sing will not be flawless, our mind will tend to drift, and we may even lose sight of the fact that we assemble to worship Him, not entertain ourselves, but if we seek to give Him our best, He will not demand more than that from us.
The prophet Malachi indicted his contemporaries when he wrote for God: “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord’s table may be despised. When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 1:6-8). God deserved and demanded the best, but they gave Him the blind, lame and sick. He was not pleased, nor is He pleased when we offer anything less than our best today.
What a difference it would make if we resolved each day to do our best in prayer, in worship, and in service to our Lord!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Living Epistles – audio
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Be a Living Epistle – 2 Corinthians 3:1-3
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Daily Struggle
I think I have a pretty good grasp of how a Christian ought to live. And, if I know my heart, I really do try to live by His standards. Yet, there are occasions when, like everyone else, I fall short. There are times when I struggle. Knowing what to do, and wanting to do it are two entirely different things. There are times when I know exactly what I ought to do or say, but find it a struggle to follow through.
A few weeks ago I was on the other end of a conservation in which someone was calling to urge me to do something for which I had neither the authority nor desire to do. The conversation went something like this. “Christians ought to be able to work their differences out. We are supposed to get along, aren’t we? My father was a member of the church of Christ. I’m a Christian. I assume you are a Christian. Are you?” The implication was simple, if I didn’t do what he wanted me to do, then I wasn’t really a Christian. I probably should point out that the issue under discussion really had nothing to do with me. It was an effort to drag me into something that I had no intentions of being drug into.
Again, what I was being asked to do I had no authority to do. Even if I had had the authority to do it, I would not have done it, for what I was being asked to do I considered highly unethical. Be that as it may, my Christianity was under attack. I truly wanted to unload on the caller. I could have said some very unkind, but true things about him, but I didn’t. I simply responded to his question by saying, “I strive to be a faithful Christian every day.” Then I referred him to someone else who was in a position to respond authoritatively, and I knew would tell him exactly what I would have told him if I had the authority to do so.
By now I’m sure you have a number of questions. Who called you? What did they want you to do? Why did they question your Christianity? They are all valid questions, but it serves no real purpose to answer them. What I want you to understand is that all of us encounter situations in which our instinct is to lash out, but our Christianity prohibits doing so. As Jesus famously advocated: “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you” (Matthew 7:12).
Living our faith every day is a real challenge, and some days we all struggle. The key to success is a commitment to do what we know is right, even when instinctively we may want to do something else.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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A Little Bird Told Me
Have you ever been surprised when somebody fond out something you said or did, even though you thought no one else knew? When asked how they knew, their response usually is: “A little bird told me.” Obviously a bird cannot talk in English, but word gets around somehow!
One day Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. After looking around and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. The next day, two Hebrew men were fighting and Moses approached them. One of them asked, “Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-14)?” Perhaps a little bird told him.
Believe it or not, this saying is Bible-based! “Do not curse the king, even in your thought; do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; for a bird of the air may carry your voice, and a bird in flight may tell the matter (Ecclesiastes 10:20).”
What might a little bird tell on us?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Ask and Ye Shall Receive
Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you (Luke 11:9).” There are a lot of things in this world we ask for, but do we get all of them? Is there something you wanted and asked for and didn’t receive? When you didn’t get what you asked for, did you think Jesus lied to you?
Well, there may be a reason we don’t get what we ask for. John writes, “and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight (1 John 3:22).” Next time you don’t get what you asked for, ask yourself: Am I doing what Christ commands me to do? Is He pleased with what I’m doing?
Maybe it’s not the fault of Christ if we don’t get what we asked for; maybe it’s ours! So, let’s always keep His commandments to show Him we love Him (John 14:15), and do that which is pleasing in His sight!
Content by Richard Dillon
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I Have A Part – audio
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God has done his part. Now we have to do ours – James 1:21-25
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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