Believing the Truth - John 20:1-9,14-18

The most of us are sports fans, and have played or had loved ones that played in games. Many games have ‘one particular play’ that either won or lost the game. Think about it! Was it a home-run in the last of the 9^th; or a strike-out? Maybe it was A 3-pointer, when 2 down in the last seconds; or a steal when ahead by only one point with a few seconds to go. Or it may have been a kick-off return all the way when the game was tied with only seconds left. Were you excited? We should be excited about the greatest and least expected play ever made. The game was LIFE, and man had definitely lost—until Jesus arose as winner over death, hell and the grave. DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE THAT JESUS AROSE FROM THE DEAD?

Last Sunday our lesson was entitled ‘Knowing the Truth’ and I did not think to tell you that although that was a very important recommendation, it only contained one third of the necessary ingredients to make life everlasting and glorious. Today we will examine the second step in the process of performing a miracle; which is ‘Believing the Truth.’ To complete this process, I would entitle the final step by saying that you must also; ‘Act on the Truth’ or ‘Personally Accept the Truth.” What is the subject? Salvation. How is one saved? It is so simple that many will overlook the importance of; 1. Know the truth. 2. Believe the truth. And three is to receive or act on the truth. You see; it is as simple as one, two, three. Please do not be one of those that miss the way. I often wonder why more people will go to hell than heaven; you see, the bible says that wide is the way that leads to hell and many will enter; but narrow is the way to heaven and few there be who will enter therein.

You may never have thought about it, but I really believe that it is very difficult for some people to believe the bible to be total truth. Here are some of the stumpers that cause people to doubt.

1. God always has been. 2. God created everything that is from nothing. 3. He made man from dust. 4. He made woman from a rib. 5. The flood. 6. Sin entered the world and all have sinned. 7. God loves unconditionally. 8. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a virgin. 9. The many miracles such as water turning to blood, Noah’s three days in the seminary—‘what a lesson he learned,’ and many others like the resurrection. 11. The ascension. 12. A hell that burns with fire and brimstone forever and that people will be there. I would list thirteen, but still wonder if it is an unlucky number.

I have close friends [and relatives] that I love very much that have expressed doubts that cause them problems. I think that we would really be surprised if we knew how many of our neighbors have some serious doubts about things that true believers take for granted. Some just don’t believe that Balaam’s donkey talked to him; or that a pile of wood soaked in water can create spontaneous combustion as it did when Elijah challenged Baal. The bible says that Elijah called fire down from heaven…well, that’s much like spontaneous combustion, isn’t it? You would think that people exposed to extensive bible teachings would have no problems, but this is not so. Should you be disturbed or bothered by this? Yes, but don’t despair because, if you will remember, the disciples that had walked and talked with Jesus for three and one half years, and seen Him perform miracles were all skeptical when they heard of His resurrection, and one, Thomas, just did not believe it had happened. Believing the truth is not always easy—even for an eye-witness.

Do you realize that not a single one of the disciples stuck with Jesus all the way to the Cross? Ever wonder why? I think it was because they sincerely believed very strongly that he was truly the promised and real Messiah. They were all Jews, and they thought the Messiah would be the ‘Super Human’ ‘New King of Israel” and that no man or nation would be able to destroy him. When He died, they were dumfounded; disappointed, gave up and went fishing. Even though they had observed all of his miracles, they were not able to comprehend his having the ability to die and, being physically dead, still have the spiritual life and power to restore his own life. The truth is that he did.

The author of our commentary on this date tells us that “The good news for any who doubt the resurrection or who are looking for effective ways to share the story of Jesus’ resurrection, is that Scripture provides sound answers and guidance. First-person accounts of Jesus’ resurrection appearances provide a firm and trustworthy foundation for believing this central truth of our faith.” Unfortunately, some just do not believe; and true belief can only come through your simple faith. I believe the reporters [writers of scripture] told the truth. However personally, I can and do, just view the wondrous universe and all of the handy work of God and see enough to believe that God is real and completely in charge. How can you watch the changes that take place as the four seasons come and go; as you watch plants borne anew each spring; grow, mature and furnish food during the summer; wither and die in the fall and winter; only to arise and repeat the cycle the following year—and not believe in a Higher Power? God and His handy-work are so obvious that even the most infantile mind has no problem seeing Him at work every day of our lives.

John is not the only reporter that wrote about the resurrection, all four gospels tell the same story and with no contradictions; Paul and many others confirmed the fact. If you believe God’s Word—and you must—it happened as it is written. Oh, dear friends, please believe! Your faith does not have to be great. If it is only the size of a mustard seed, it is big. You can use it and move mountains; you can move anything that stands in your way as you seek to live and die in Christ.

Verses one through 8 tell us that He arose on the first day of the week, Sunday to us because the Sabbath ended at sundown on Saturday. Mary Magdalene visited the tomb early while it was dark but she was able to see that the grave was open and that Christ was missing. Devastated at her finding, she immediately reported to others who hurriedly went to see for themselves and they verified this great truth. John and all of the other writers told the same story and about how hundreds of others saw Him, talked to Him, ate with him, even felt of his scars left from the nails in his hands and spear that pierced his body. For forty days they listened to his final message to mankind and then stood in amazement and watched Him disappear from physical sight into the heavens.

There is no doubt that his death on the Old Rugged Cross is the one and only sacrifices that substituted for our sins—by his stripes we are healed—but neither death, hell nor the grave could defeat Him. His resurrection is the one and only event that separates him from others that have claimed to be God. They died and are still in their graves. He arose! He lives! Christians trust in a risen Savior who is alive, sitting at the right hand of God, on the throne in heaven today, and is now interceding for each one of us. What does this mean? It means that He is the one that will be present at our death and tell God to either accept us into heaven or reject us forever—depending on whether or not we believed in Him. Surely by now you can understand that your belief in Christ and acceptance of Him is the most important thing in your life. I hope you can understand why I have discussed the importance of your faith; why I have listed things that may cause you to doubt; and assured you that the bible is true. Here again are the three essentials to gain heaven and shun hell. 1. Know the truth. 2. Believe the truth. 3. ACCEPT THE TRUTH. HALLELUJAH, CHRIST AROSE FROM THE DEAD!

Knowing the Truth - Colossians 1:3-20

We have just completed a series of lessons based on the Philippians Letter that emphasized different ways to “Advance the Gospel” throughout the world. I enjoyed the study and thank you for studying along with me. You can not advance something that you do not have or know just as you can not drink when your cup is empty. For this reason, it is imperative that we KNOW THE TRUTH and remain willing and ready to advance the Gospel to as many as will hear, then pray that God will help them to head the message.

Ladies are sometimes resentful when they are asked their age; and I know that; but now I ask you and the men too, just how old are you? Don’t tell me, just think about it. Do not think about when you were born, or when you became a Christian; my challenge is for you to decide what stage of Christian maturity have you accomplished? Think of the biological maturing process as infant, child, adolescence, young adult, middle or older adulthood. Now use these stages as a spiritual measuring stick to determine where you are in Christian maturity. How well do you know the biblical truth and to what extent do you live by it?

We have a birthday once each year automatically but Christian maturity does not depend upon the passing of time. It depends on your personal faith expressed by your obedience to God and the observable work of the Holly Spirit in your life. Age comes with passing of time, steadily year after year, but spiritual growth comes at any time; as you learn the bible and practice its teachings. Far too often our spiritual growth is guided by what we believe society expects of us and not what the bible teaches. If you are drawing social security, you are an older adult, but you can be a Christian sixty-five years and still be infantile. The bible says that pastors [and teachers] must feed ‘these babes in Christ’ because of their spiritual infancy. If you are not a Christian, you must first be born into the Kingdom of God; then you can gain maturity at any rate, depending on your commitment. If you are still an infant or even a child spiritually speaking, you should be ashamed and you will start now to grow in KNOWING THE TRUTH, and practicing it. Paul is a wonderful teacher.

The letter to the Colossians was written by Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome. Please note that the city of Colossae was not listed as one of Paul’s missionary stops. While he was at Ephesus he ministered to a man named Epaphras pronounced as [EP-uh-fras] and it is believed that he took the gospel news back to his fellow citizens there. This was not one of the major cities and we know less about it; but we do know that it had a mixed population composed of native Phrygians, Greek settlers, Jewish migrants, and since it was Roman territory there were some Roman citizens; and Roman officials controlling the city. It was a city of commerce and some citizens were there because of their interest in commercial trading. Theologians believe that the membership of the church was made up of a composite of these people. Archeologists have discovered artifacts [especially coins] that indicate that the earlier settlers there worshiped numerous pagan gods. That means that they had not been exposed to the Old Testament, knew little or nothing about the Jewish religion and had never heard of Christianity. Many of the old coins tell us about the gods; wonder how long our money will be engraved with “In God we Trust?”

Notice in verse one that Paul introduces himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus. There must have been a large Greek influence connected with the church at Colossi because the word ‘Christ” is the Greek name for Jesus, The Son of God. These people may have heard of some of the other apostles [those called-out by Jesus] and this is the reason Paul emphasizes the fact the he too is an apostle. He wants them to know that this is a message from God, and that he has been called to deliver it to them. He introduces Timothy as a brother because of his participation in Paul’s ministry. He was with Paul in Ephesus [Acts 19:22] and Paul assigned him responsibilities in that area which may have included Colossi [1 Tim. 1:3]. Being a brother indicates a warm relationship but he was also a brother in service [1 Cor.4:17; Phil. 2:19; and 1 Thess. 3:2].

There must have been some problems with the worship of other Gods, but Paul chooses to address believers first, so he writes to the saints and faithful. The word ‘saints’ is used as one of his favorite ways of describing fellow believers, see [Rom.1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 1: 1 and Phil. 1: 1]. Paul makes it clear that anyone “set apart” or “redeemed” is a saint. The word ‘faithful’ as he uses it, can mean ‘believing’ {in the sense of having received Christ} or it may indicate dependability and reliability. Paul uses the term “in Christ’ to remind you and me that we always have two addresses; mine is Heber Springs and Christ. Insert your addresses here and try to live wisely and productively in both homes each day.

Notice in verse 3 Paul returns to the use of the name Lord Jesus Christ, [I like this] because He is the Lord over my life; He is Jesus; He is also Christ, meaning over other nationalities and always the Son of God. God is his Father; however, He is God…because He tells us that He and his Father are one. When he ascended He sent himself back to earth as the Holly Spirit to be our counselor daily. So God is three: Father, Son, and Holly Spirit. The Triune! The God head! We are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holly Spirit; descended in water to ascend into a new life of love and service.

Verse 4 indicates that Paul had never visited Colossi, because he says that he has only ‘heard’ of their faith and their love for each other. All faith has an object; you have faith in your boat, so you step in and shove off-shore. Many of these people must have had faith in the “false gods” or their coins would not have indicated so. But Paul is careful to say that he had heard of “their faith in Christ” which is the Greek word for the trinity, the God Head, and not Mohammed, Confucius, a graven image, or the moon or stars. The word agape is also a Greek word for our word love which describes the deeper feelings that Christ had when he gave his life for us because of His agape. Paul uses this way to express his knowledge of their true devotion to each other.

What is your greatest hope? If you could be granted one wish, what would it be? Does it have anything to do with Heaven? The word ‘reserved’ as used in verse five indicates that their hope is ‘stored’ ‘already there’ established in heaven. Do you KNOW THE TRUTH that your future is secured? Paul speaks to the Gospel [good news] because he thinks they have experienced the life-changing power of the Gospel or Word of God. Then in verse six he assures them that it is bearing fruit and growing all over the world.

Verse seven explains why we believe that Epaphras was the messenger to this church. Brother Dana Whitfield, was my first messenger at Heber, he was followed by C. Ray Cruse and Jerry Kirkpatrick, all different but very sincere. We had three interim messengers in Gordon, Swihart and Jerome that blessed my family and witnessed just before our present stalwart, Bro. J. R. DeBusk came on the scene. Since his early school days, he has loved this church and has a special reason for giving his all to help it prosper in the Lord. His KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH and ability to teach us is a blessing straight from the hand of God. Let him know personally that you appreciate him and his dedication to God and us. Where ever you worship, let your leaders know. Look at verse eight. I have just re-written this verse to say: “And [they have] told us about [God’s agape love] in the Spirit. [Thank all of them by mail, phone or in person.]

The remainder of this chapter is devoted to the omnipotent power and presence of Jesus Christ, reminding us that He created heaven and earth and all that is therein. We are reminded that he is the head of our church and demands first place in our work and play. We must know that redemption comes by way of the cross; and that true belief in and acceptance of Jesus, and the cross, is the only way to heaven. All of this tells us that unless we KNOW THE TRUTH we can not live by it; and that we are held responsible to STUDY THE TRUTH and practice it or suffer the consequence.

This lesson is also a personal message to individuals. It tells you that you have a leader and should be proud and supportive of him. It tells you that you must know right and do it. It admonishes you to love your leaders and helpers and let it be know that you are doing all in your power to assist and promote the spread of the gospel. You must know the truth, [it alone and nothing else] will set you free.

Never Let Up - Philippians 4:1-19

There is a saying that “If you don’t use it you will lose it” and I can attest to this being a fact when it comes to the need to exercise the human body; and I truly believe that it will stand true in regard to spiritual activities such as prayer, worship, and praise; and especially true regarding witnessing and services rendered for others. There is no way for a Christian to retire from his work for God; in fact, his last days of effective work will probably take place on his death bed. So long as God gives us a sound mind, we are TO NEVER LET UP. In the past few years there have been several members of our church who have suffered many long days of physical illness, but they have continued to grow in spiritual strength and personal witness. Their legacy is great, beautiful and will be remembered by great numbers who have been blessed because they never let up.

It is not an easy matter to live like Christ, and that is what the word Christian means. New Christians face the struggle of breaking old habits that they have developed, and sometimes this is hard to do. All of us must continue to live in this world that is sinful by nature, but we are admonished not to still have a part in it. This requires us to be different, and sometimes it is very difficult not to go along with the crowd. Let us face it, Christian living is a struggle for all of us, but we must remember that the stakes are high.

A faltering Christian is a stumbling block and never a stepping stone, and the bible tells us that it would be better for us to have a rock about our neck and be cast in the sea rather than mislead others and cause them to fall. We must never let up because our daily lives are continually witnessing for either good or bad. It seems unfair, but it is inevitable that one slip [in just a moment of time] we can create distrust in others that they can and will use as an excuse not to believe in Christ and his church.

This lesson will survey at least four areas of our life that we can use to help us maintain a positive witness. The first assumption is that we are talking to dedicated people that are committed to keeping the “do right” rule. Then the first seven verses deal with the fact that we must be able to get along with other people. Verses eight and nine tell us to live a virtues life. Then verses ten to fourteen tells us that we must learn to be contented at all times and in all ways, and Paul says that he has learned how it is done; so we should follow his lead. Finally, and most important of all, we must continually trust in Jesus Christ to give us the knowledge and strength to do what we must do.

In the last two lessons we have studied, Paul has warned us that we should be aware that false teachers are at work continually and that we must never allow them to mislead us. Last Sunday we learned that we live here in the USA, but we are already citizens of heaven and our treasurers are being stored there each day as we earn them. Now, today, in the first verse his exhortation is embedded in a series of terms expressing his affection for his friends and he urges them and us to stand firm…and never let up.

In the second verse two ladies are mentioned that evidently are having some problems getting along and we are not sure what the problem was. Both were workers in the church and indications are that their problem was not one of disbelief or false teaching, but something personal and causing some problems. Other members were admonished to help them to be reconciled. It can happen, it did here, two Christians can and do disagree, but the indication is that they should not continue to disagree openly because of the way others will react. Paul says that they must become reconciled. Do you have a problem worshipping along side of one of your Christian friends? Have you thought about the importance of working out your problem?

Paul commends these women by saying they have worked by his side in the cause of the gospel along with Clement and the other workers whose names are written in the book of life. Here he is referring back to the fact that they are all citizens of heaven—one in Christ. There is to be no animosity toward disagreeing Christians, or anxiety, but they should always act with patience and gentleness, remembering that God is always near and that He will guard our hearts and minds.

There is an element of people today that believe that there is always a shady area between right and wrong in which one can live and be right. They do not believe that anything is totally right or wrong, or true or false, but the scripture does not support this belief. Paul plainly teaches in verse eight that truth does exist. Things can be right. Some things are pure. And the way he states this admonition leaves no doubt that somethings are false, wrong, or impure. He also indicates that Christians are supposed to be able to know the difference. When truth is present, right is being done, and things are noble, lovely, admirable and praiseworthy Christians are to take note and think on these things. We are what we think. Our minds control our actions and our actions produce our work either for or against the will of the Lord.

In verses ten to fourteen Paul reminds us that he has been on top and also trodden down, he has been rich and poor, he has been loved and admired and stoned and thrown in prison—he has the experience to know what he is talking about. Then he tells us that our action and reaction should never be based on our circumstances. We must learn to be content in the Lord, to love, praise, and trust him regardless of our condition or position. He concludes this admonition by telling us that he not only has learned to be content but that he has found that he can do everything using the strength he receives from Jesus Christ.

Paul closes this chapter by showing his gratitude for all the Philippians have done for him and leaves no doubt that he is not asking for more. He has no hidden motives hidden in this letter to them, but considers their help as their sacrifice, which is acceptable to him and God who will bless them.

If we have listened to Paul we have learned that he has instructed all Christians to learn to get along with each other and help others when they have problems. He has told us that there are some true virtues in life and that we are to think about them and live accordingly. We know that living in misery and or discontent will lead us into undesirable actions; therefore we must learn to be content whatever our circumstance. And finally, we must learn to trust God and give him all the glory. Amen and Amen.

Look Up to Heaven - Philippians 3:1-21

If you would ask the next ten people you meet to explain their greatest desire, the chances are you would get ten different answers. I ask you now; what is your greatest desire? Mine is—I desire heaven over hell; want to be in God’s will; want to do right and want to treat others as I want to be treated. Nothing else really matters if we are not prepared to meet Jesus. If heaven is really that important, then why do we not think more about it; and more often than we do?

Kids like to play and have fun and they think about it every well day of their life. Heaven should be more important to adults than play is to children. Someone has said that “We should not be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good,” and that is a truism. However, we do well when we prepare for heaven; and we do ‘good’ when we continually remind our neighbors and ourselves that Heaven is a real place and that we only have a few days, full of trouble, to prepare to make the trip. Think of heaven as your destination and make sure to use good driving habits while you are traveling.

I have enjoyed living in Heber Springs for the past thirty six years, and my drive to church almost every Sunday morning is one of the highlights. Many times I have mentioned my observations to the men in our class. Sights range from the river’s reflecting shadows and the running, riffling water; from the blooming of the Bradford Pear and Tulip trees, the majesty of Sugar Loaf Mountain, the color combinations on Round Mountain, herds of deer crossing the highway, to the beauty of new life in spring and the glorious colors of fall. My faith has always soared with the clouds as I always associate this beauty with a loving, caring God who created everything that is; and then I think of heaven that will surpass all that I have seen. As we study this lesson will you please—Look Up To Heaven!

Another good title for this lesson would be “Serve Him Here and Now” because that is the evidence needed to prove that we are looking forward to heaven. In fact, the title of the lesson, Look Up To Heaven is found in the last two verses where we read that our citizenship is in heaven. The first part of the chapter tells us that we are just sojourners here and that every day should be lived in preparation to occupy heaven when our day arrives.

Verse one starts with the word ‘finally’ which does not mean that Paul is concluding and ready to leave or close his letter, but in Greek, it means ‘something remaining’ and like Paul Harvey on TV, Paul is prepared to “Tell you the rest of the story.” His first admonishment was a warning that along our way we are to watch out for the dogs [men who do evil], and he was referring to the Judaizers that argued that one must keep the law first, in order to become a Christian. This also refers to the false teachers of today who teach that there are other things more important than accepting Christ—being born again. The reference to people being as ‘dogs’ is heavy, and indicates Paul’s disgust for false teachers. In his day dogs ran in packs, killing and eating as scavengers therefore this is a vivid, but true, picture of anyone that adheres to a life and teaching that will ultimately lead their piers to spiritual death. Who are the Judaizers today? They are those who say that people must add something else to simple faith. No person should add anything to Christ’s offer of salvation by grace through faith.

Paul continued by telling the church that he had ‘been there and done that.’ He told them that he was an Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, and was circumcised eight days after his birth. He was a zealous Pharisee that persecuted the church and legalistically he was “Faultless.” He said, “If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more.” At another time he told us that he was ‘the greatest of sinners.’ This should get the attention of everyone in the Philippians church because the tribe of Benjamin was a heritage greatly esteemed among the Jews. The first king of Israel, King Saul, was from the tribe of Benjamin, and Judah and Israel were the only two tribes that returned to Israel after the exile as recorded in [Ezra 4:1]. The Pharisees were overly devout; keeping their own strenuous rules as well as the Mosaic Law. Paul fully understood what Jews believed.

In verse seven Paul spoke of his profits and was referring to his Jewish credentials, credits and successes before his conversion; and now as a Christian he counts those profits as a loss because they were against Christ. Paul is in no way bragging about what he had done but is simply showing them that he had more to brag about than they as Judaizers—but that it was the wrong game. Today, we must be very careful not to rely on the great things we have done in the past and not let our works stand in the way of a true relationship with Christ. All that Paul had done was considered as loss when compared with the greatness of knowing Christ personally. A personal relationship with Christ is the most valuable asset anyone can have.

Read again verses 3 through 9 and you will find that no amount of “keeping the law, self improvement, self discipline, or any other religious effort,” can make us right with Christ. If one is righteous he must be in the ‘right standing’ with the will of God’ because righteousness comes only from God. If you want to know how one becomes righteous read 2 Corinthians 5: 21.

Paul gave up everything precious to him—his heritage, family, friends and freedom and is now in prison; he sacrificed all just to know the resurrection power of Christ. We too have this knowledge, but we should remember that it is never free and may cost us in a sacrificial way. How willing are you to sacrifice where there is a need? Will you give up a few hours of work or play time each week to study, pray and attend worship services? From your limited budget, are you willing to share in the cost of spreading the gospel? Here is the hard question—if we loose our freedom of worship in America, will you sacrifice your life and refuse to deny Jesus Christ?

Do you have a desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection? To be a Christian means to be like Christ. Now ask yourself do I really want to fellowship with him and share in his suffering on the cross? Are you willing to die for your belief, for your goal—to be like him in his death? Paul did. See verse ten and you will find that this is the only way to attain to the resurrection from the dead. This was Paul’s goal.

In verse twelve you will find that your goal can be a costly one, and you may not have fully reached the optimum level at this time but you should be able to identify it and be willing to press on and forward. Paul admitted that even he had not fully attained but that he was trying each day. He said, “But one thing I do; Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal—to win the prize.” That prize was to be in heaven with Jesus Christ. The NCAA tournament was two weeks ago, I watched several games. Very few players hit more than 70% of their free throws. I was a referee for over fifteen years, and have studied the game and can tell you with confidence that there are two main reasons why a player misses free throws. They fail to practice a known and proven routine but the number one reason is that they take their eye off of the goal. You can not watch the other players and see your goal, in either the ball game or the game of life. Please remember that if you are allowing some hypocrite to stand between you and Christ—the hypocrite is closer to Him than you.

Paul had a reason for forgetting the things he had done. Remember he was present and viewed Stephen as he fell in martyrdom; he actually participated by holding the coats of those that threw the stones, he was Saul at the time [see Acts 7: 57 and 58]. All of us have some bad memories, but we gain strength by knowing that God forgave Paul—and few if any have a past so blighted as his. Never dwell on your past but realize that you are forgiven and then move on to live a life of faith and obedience. Yes, both faith and obedience. Faith is an act of the spirit; obedience is an act of the flesh—it is works. James says that spiritual faith is of no avail without physical works, and that means that you must work for God to prove that you believe in Him.

I am now closing with a sad statement and a wonderful promise. “For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction…” [Verse 18]. You are physically a citizen of your state and your town at address USA. But if you are a born again believer you are a spiritual citizen of Heaven beyond. Your name has already been written on the Lambs Book of Life and your taxes [good works] are being recorded to your account. Verse 20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven.” And we can eagerly await his return to transform our bodies into a glorious body like His. His word is Truth.