Dr. John's Bible Studies

Does Your Life Please God? - Romans 12

2011-10-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

In the early chapters of Romans Paul emphasized the universal plight of sin in the lives of both Jews and Gentiles. Then he presented the provision of salvation by grace through faith, and not law and works; then [in 9-11] he explained how the Jews had rejected the salvation plan and suggested that their rejection was used by God to reach the Gentile nation. This has been a heart warming theological discussion of God’s plan for man. Beginning in chapter 12, Paul moves from the theological study to the practical use in individual lives.

Paul begins in verse one by making a challenge to all listeners and readers. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” When Paul uses the word sacrifices here he is making reference to the sacrifice of animals in the OT, but God and Christ have made it clear that obedience from the heart is much more important than the sacrifice of bulls and goats. God is looking for a committed life. Are you committed? If your answer is yes; do your actions prove it? Have you become as a little child in your faith and trust?

For some reason it is very difficult for adults [especially men] to think like and emulate children in their daily life. Jesus knew this was the condition of adult hearts and in Matthew 18:2, he was dealing with the problem when he called a child, had him stand in front of the people and said: “Remember this! Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven.” What did he mean? He was simply saying that if we want to please God we must obtain and maintain the attitude of a child that normally has inherited an abiding faith in their parents and a strong desire to be accepted by both parents and others such as teachers, ministers, and anyone in a guardian position.

Children desire to please their parents in order to receive their approval. Young students try to please their teachers not just to make good grades but they crave recognition and respect. A child has an implicit trust in a parent; so much so that they will stand on a high platform and jump into the arms of the father—believing that they will be protected from harm; a child who can not swim will jump from a diving board into a pool of water if dad is there to catch them…that is faith in action. Their action demonstrates their love for the one that will save them. Love at this magnitude has no hypocrisy in it; and it is important that we realize this for in 12:9, Paul tells us that “Love must be without hypocrisy, detest evil; and cling to that which is good.”

God is our Heavenly Father, and he wants us to offer ourselves [not dead animals] but a living soul as a daily sacrifice through our obedience. Do I believe in the “Security of the Believer?” Yes I do. But I also believe that there are some who may believe that they are saved when they may not be. How can one know for sure? DOES YOUR LIFE PLEASE GOD? You are pleasing God when you continually and willingly trying to do what Paul is telling us here that we must do. We must be constantly aware that our obedience must be rendered because of our love for Him, and what Jesus has already done for us. [Christ died for all and saved us when we trusted him] and our constant and willing obedience is the living proof that we are PLEASING GOD.

The acts of obedience are legion; too numerous for me to list all, but Paul listed some in this chapter and there is enough here to help us know whether God is pleased with us or not. We have different gifts: no man has all gifts but each person has a gift that he can use to obey. We are to use the ones we have; if it is prophesying—use it. If your gift is serving others, then you must serve. If you are an encourager, a contributor, a leader, or can show mercy, then you must do what God has enabled you to do. All acts of obedience must be done out of a heart of love and not for gain. I can not think of any other two words in the bible that are more important than the words ‘love’ and ‘obedience.’

Paul tells us that “our love must be sincere.” He said, “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” One gift does apply to all of us, and there is no excuse for our neglect because we can all “Be faithful in our prayer life.”

Do you really care whether or not YOUR LIFE PLEASES GOD? If you do, then you will read the twelfth chapter of Romans. Paul tells us what our personal responsibility entails and it is easy to understand. However, it is not necessarily easy for us to do. You will find the order given in verse 20 to be the most difficult [at times it is for me]. We are to love our enemies, feed them when they are hungry; and give them water when they are thirsty. We are living in a world where people prefer to sue for what they can gain rather than forgive. We are not to be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

It is imperative that you realize that before you can even think about pleasing God through the life that you are living each day—you must first accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior and Lord of your life. If you have been redeemed from a life of sin, I believe that you can read this chapter, obey where you have the gifts to do so and really know that YOUR LIFE IS PLEASING TO GOD. If you are still young—accept Him now while you have time left to lay up many treasures in Heaven; and if you are growing old, surrender your life now, today, because you don’t have much time to spare.

God's Plan - Romans 9 - 12

2011-10-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

You will note that I have entitled this lesson as GOD’S PLAN. Plan is singular by intent; because only God could have organized one plan that could and did cover everything that exists today; or has ever existed, or ever will exist in all of Heaven, earth and in the universe. In previous lessons I have established that God is SOVEREIGN; [has always exited and is the one and only supreme ruler]. God is OMNIPOTENT [has absolutely no limitations] and is OMNIPRESENT [has always been everywhere] and He is IMMUTABLE which means that He has never and will never change.

The one characteristic of God that is especially important in your ability to understand this lesson is that God is OMNISCIENT [knows all things]. God knew a trillion years ago [or when God was] that I would be writing this lesson today and He knew that you would be reading it; and He was then… and still is very concerned about how well you will understand his purpose for your life and the mercy he has shown toward you; and that you never give up, but always remember that He is a patient God. You were given free choice, however, because of his fore-knowledge; you must understand that He has always known what your spiritual condition would be this day—He has always known you! And He has always known where you would spend eternity—because he knew what choices you would make.

Now, please stop for one moment where you are and try [as best you can] to visualize the entire universe including the sun, moon, stars, galaxies and the known world. You live here on earth and know something about what is happening here; so emphasize your study of the earth and all its wondrous beauty and complexities, including the mountains, rivers and oceans, night and day and how the earth hangs in space, held by gravity. Now think about all the living things, plants, animals, and people, with organs, tissues, cells, which have many parts, including a wall, protoplasm, nucleolus, genes, and even DNA]. All of these things that we know about are only a ‘dot’ on the map of His total creation which includes the many galaxies that only the scientists have discovered, and think they know about.

Only God in his total majesty has the ability to design a plan of this magnitude! Therefore, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that God’s plan included the life of each and every human being, from inception to the grave, and encompasses all eternity. In his plan He decided to give each of us the freedom and responsibility to choose our eternal destination. That is, he planned a heaven and a hell, and gave you and me the privilege to choose where we would spend eternity, and He has challenged each of us to “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” There is no gray area; you must either choose God and righteousness or Satin and evil. Jesus says that we are either ‘for’ Him or ‘against’ Him, and that simply means that there is no middle ground; no fence to ride. You must make a choice; if you do not choose him, you automatically choose to stand against him.

God created a perfect world and also man with his help-mate, knowing that man would choose to disobey Him. Therefore, his original plan also included his plan of redemption and salvation, [a way for man to be forgiven and be able to return unto Him in a perfect state, [as though he had never been lost]. The plan resulted because of his grace, free and un-earned, without merit on man’s part, and because of his Mercy which you can learn about in 9: 1-29. We have assurance that we can participate in this plan as explained by Paul in [9:30-10:21]. We know that we are sinners and that we do not please Him throughout much of the life we live, but we can be assured that He will be patient with us and that he is a God of second and third opportunities by studying [Romans 11: 1-36. Our lesson today is ALL ABOUT GOD’S PLAN.

Many of those [especially the Jews] that heard Paul preach opposed him. Because of his message he was rejected and persecuted, run out of town, stoned to near death and actually thought to be dead, because of Jewish opposition [see 2: Cor. 11:22-27]. Please read this passage; it is amazing that the Jews could treat Paul the way they did and for him to still love them and care for their future. One might think that he would seek revenge and either mislead his enemies or withhold the truth from them; but he did not. Paul forgave them and spent his life trying to reach them and bring God’s Plan to them and all posterity [Read 9: 1-5]. Paul seemingly tried to emulate the life of Christ by saying that, if it were possible, he would be willing to be cursed and cut off from Christ if it would save his own race—the people of Israel. In other words, Paul was willing for God to condemn him—if by so doing, that would save his people of Jewish descent. Then in verse five, he reminded them that Jesus became the Messiah [The one and only God over all] and that the Messiah descended from Jewish parents.

Primarily, Paul is dealing with a group of Jews. God had told them that, since Abraham, they were His chosen people. He gave them the law, and made them many promises, and for about six thousand years they had believed in God and trusted him to keep his promises to them. And now Paul is telling them that salvation is by grace through their faith and not of law or works—and it is easy to see why they were upset. His answer starts in verse six: you must read it. He says the word of God has not failed; but some of you have failed because you are not in total obedience…which is required. He said that “Not all of you who are descendants of Israel are Israel.” What does this mean? The word Israel generally applies to the people living there that are doing God’s will; therefore if they are disobedient they are really not considered a part of the recipients of his promises. Then Paul gives examples of what he means; he used Abraham and his sons, Isaac and Ishmael to explain.

God promised Abraham that he would father a great nation. When his wife Sarah could not bear children—they took things into their own hands and tried to help God’s promise come true by having Abraham sire a son, Ishmael, through his maid servant…not his wife. Later Sarah had a son, Isaac, fulfilling God’s promise. Ishmael was the oldest and should, by law, be the one to succeed his father; it was a promise—God changed the rule and declared the younger son Isaac as the seed of Abraham. Thus not physical descent, but the will of God determined the inheritor of the promise. It may not be written anywhere in the bible, [but I personally think that someone may have ask Paul if God did this—[“Could he possibly be honest and fair? And did God go back on his promise?] If they did not ask the question—then Paul just knew what they were thinking, because he answered the question in verse 14. “What should we say then? Is there injustice with God? ABSOLUTELY NOT!”

God did not give the blessing to the firstborn who by ancient tradition should always receive it. God did not include all descendants of Abraham in the covenant. God blessed Jacob, though Jacob had not earned it. Paul is proving that God’s actions grow out of His mercy and grace and not from justice; if this were not true, we would all be damned [see 2 Chron. 19-7].

We find the words predestined and foreknowledge in several scriptures. There is no doubt in my mind that God knew each of us before we were conceived—He has that foreknowledge. At the time He designed his PLAN, He foreknew that many would never accept Him, but he included “freedom of choice” and placed the responsibility on the shoulders of each one to make the choice. Paul explains that responsibility in 10:8-13—you must read this scripture. You must choose; and herein is the decision you must make. Your faith is in your heart and it must be confessed with your mouth. “Jesus is Lord”—when you [must] confess this with your mouth, and believe in your heart [faith] that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead YOU WILL BE SAVED. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. The scripture says, ‘anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile, God is Lord of all, and richly blesses all who call on Him,--for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” You make the choice, God gave you this privilege, however, He has always known which choice you would make.

We owe much to the Jews because God chose them to reveal his coming to the entire world—some of them never believed, or they disobeyed Him. However, He always had a remnant that remained faithful. God never promised that the entire nation would be saved; only those who were faithful to Him [the remnant] were considered true Jews [11:5]. Paul says some were hardened; but this was not punishment for their sin. It was a confirmation of their personal stubbornness and rebellion. The scripture says that God will not always strive with man—and this is an example where God removed their ability to see and hear and repent as the consequences of their rebellion; God did not predestine them to die; they made their own choice.

Verses 8-10 describe the punishment for hardened hearts as predicted by the prophet [Isaiah 6:9-13]. If you [any one] continually refuse to hear the Word, you will eventually not be able to understand it. Paul saw this happening among his people. Do you realize that in God’s plan, he intended for their failures to lead to the salvation of the gentile world? God did not force any Jew to be disobedient; however, in His plan he arranged it so that those that did would make it possible to save Gentiles who would otherwise have never known about the plan of Salvation. God conquered the Jewish spirit and dominant drive in Paul [a devout Jew] on the road to Damascus, and here in this lesson Paul is now trying to get both Jew and Gentile to understand the plan of salvation is by grace through faith and not works and law.

God did not predetermine that any man or woman would go to heaven or hell, but he did predetermine that they would have to choose for themselves, and because of His foreknowledge, God knew which choice they would make.

Note: Predestination is a deep subject; many disagree on its true and total meaning. I pray that I have not misled any one; but if so, that God and you will forgive me. Amen.

The Security of the Believers - Romans 8

2011-10-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

There are some simple truths in God’s word that can not be denied. One of the most important truths is that GOD IS OMNIPOTENT, which simply means that His power is innate; that is, God was not born; He has always been; and there has never been any limitation to the power of God. In Genesis 18:14, the Hebrew language asks the question “Is there anything too hard for the Lord? And the language is so constructed that it means to imply—“Of course not, nothing is too hard for the Lord to do.” Therefore, God has the power to save man from sin and He also has the power to keep him saved. Ask yourself the simple question. Has God ever lost anything that he loved and wanted to keep? He loves you and if you have given your life to Him—He wants to keep it.

All Southern Baptist would like the world to know why we believe in “The security of the believer,” and much of the proof is found in the 8^th chapter of Romans, which we study today. By reading Article II of “The Baptist Faith and Message” you will find that we believe that the triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This means that he is three persons in one; each one has His own personal attributes, but there is no division of nature, essence or being; in other words, God is one in essence [His fundamental nature] but He is three in personality.

God is OMINIPRESENT; He has always been everywhere. He remained in Heaven while His Son came to earth and lived approximately thirty-three years during which time Jesus Christ [The Son] completed the plan of salvation for man-kind; and after this work was completed Jesus sent The Holy Spirit [third person of the God head] to earth to utilize his plan to save the lost by convicting and leading people to Christ. Our study today is dealing with the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all people on earth.

Article II of Baptist Faith further states that The Holy Spirit is the third person in the God Head. He deals with each of us individually and in different ways. He inspired special authors to write the Bible and through its illumination He enables us to understand the truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Savior, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer in the Body of Christ. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption, The Holy Spirit is not one/third of God; neither is He a third God, but he is God, present and active in your life and mine. In order to get the full picture you MUST READ: His Presence in Romans 8:1-11; His Guidance 12-17; His Prayer Life 18-27; and we will expound more on His Assurance found in 8:28-39.

Let me be very frank and to the point. The doctrine of security of the believer does not apply to an unsaved person. Only after you have accepted Christ as your Savior [been born again of the Spirit] are you secure in Christ. As kindly as I know how—allow me to warn you—that if you are still willingly living a sinful life, and enjoying it, you need to re-examine your re-birth experience. If you did not realize that you were a sinner, lost without hope; and if you did not find new hope in The Lord Jesus Christ, believe in Him, trust Him, and repent of your sins, and invite Him to come into your life and save you, and promise to live for Him and through Him—you are not saved! But if you are saved verses 9 through 11 applies to you. Read it.

You are saved now, therefore the outward person that we all can see, touch and talk to is in the flesh, but your soul is not in the flesh, but in the spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. Without the Spirit, you do not belong to God. It is not unusual for the best of us to wonder sometimes if we are really a Christian but we must realize that this is the work of Satin. Some are waiting for a “feeling” to know…and you will never have a feeling that gives complete assurance. How can you know? Believe God. Trust. Faith. You will know The Spirit has come only because Jesus promised he would send His Spirit to us. When he starts working in you, you will know without a doubt that Jesus is the Christ; God’s Son and that eternal life can be obtained only through Him [1: John 6:5]. You will begin to willingly act as The Lord directs you to act [8:5]; your mind will be set on what the Spirit desires of you.

One of the greatest works of the Spirit is his help with our prayer life. Some Christians are so old and ill and this and other family conditions have brought about so many problems that we do not know what or how to pray for the right things. Verses 26-27 are two of my most comforting verses in the bible. I try to think of all my blessings and thank him for the ones I remember and then call on the Holy Spirit to name the rest that I have forgotten. I usually have a special need that is hurting, or that is causing a special concern and I pray for Gods intervention; but what I believe to be even more important is that I ask the Holy Spirit to really decide what my greatest needs are and ask God to provide only what is most important. Do you sometimes have problems wording your prayers? If so, why don’t you place this problem in the hands of the Holy Spirit? He will help you Pray. Ask Him to complete a perfect prayer; one that God can and will honor. Be sure to end each prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ. The Bible directs us to always pray in the name of Christ.

Romans 8:28 is one of [if not] the greatest verses in the Bible. First, you must love God and must have been called by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the purpose that God has for your life. If you meet this condition—then you can be absolutely sure that God will work through all of the things that take place in your life here on earth [good things or terrible experiences] and that He will make the end result something good for you. You may have doubts; you may not always understand; but in God’s time He will work things out for your good. You simply must exercise your faith; you must truly believe that God is faithful, truthful and completely just and will do what he has promised to do for you!!!!

Those who are called are the ones [every one] that the Holy Spirit convinces and enables to receive Christ as their savior and Lord. After their conversion, everyone now has a new mind set and a new perspective on life. They do not trust in self, power, position, money, but in God only. In 1 John we find that God’s ultimate goal for us is to make us more like Christ. As we become more like Christ we can discover our true selves and God’s chosen purpose for us. How can we discover and know that we are in his will? We can learn this by studying His Word and examining the life that he lived as a man on earth [with temptations and trials just as we have] and emulating his life through our lives. When we do good works we prove that our faith is strong. God predestined that we do good works; it was not an after-thought with Him, however we do these works to prove we are saved and not in order to be saved.

Christ loved us and saved us and so we are more than conquerors through him who loved us [v-37]. Paul then says that because we have won the battle [become more than conquerors] we can be sure that we have won our battle against Satin. He said; “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” [v-38]. Christ is in us and we are in Christ—He holds us in his hands—an no one can pluck us out of his hand [John 10:28].

It's All About Victory - Romans 7

2011-10-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

In all history nations [especially the weaker ones] have struggled against the threat of being over run and even destroyed by ungodly governments of the super powers. In our recent studies of Jeremiah. We learned of the demise of Judah and Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians. And then in AD 70, Rome destroyed the city again. It has been over 2000 years now, and the total return of a complete country with specific boundaries has still not been re-established. There are literally hundreds of examples of the rise and fall of nations.

I was 18 years old when I graduated from High School in April of 1943 and had already volunteered for the Air Corps, knowing that we had been at war with the Nazis in Europe and the Japanese in the Pacific since they bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and that I was sure to be drafted soon. At my age, my memory is not as sharp as it once was, but I well remember D-Day, June 6, 1944. Things had not been going well for the US and her allies in Europe, and the successful invasion of Normandy [although very costly in lives lost] was the first real glimmer of Victory over our enemies in WWII. This was the largest invasion effort ever attempted in any war and involved over 150 thousand soldiers and more than 175 thousand Marines and Naval personnel. Although battles continued to rage until the war was over in May, 1945, our hope for VICTORY was never as dim as it had been before the invasion.

All of these examples, both named and referred to, are mere skirmishes in comparison to the greatest threat ever to invade the world and that would be the invasion of sin into the life of each person that would ever live in this sinful world. The price [or result] of sin is death, and therefore man was doomed until God sent his Son to provide a way of escape…a way to VICTORY. The death of Jesus Christ on the Cross overshadows the deaths of all the soldiers in all the wars of all times and provides each of us a door to complete and eternal VICTORY.

When sin entered the world God gave man a right to choose how he would live his life, however, God maintained complete authority to determine what is right or Godly and what is wrong or sinful. It therefore became necessary for God to provide a way for man to decide or know what was righteous and what was evil, and he provided his law and revealed it through His priest and prophets. The Ten Commandments formed the basis, they were carved in stone and written on scrolls and delivered to His people. God’s laws were never meant to save man from sin; but they were given so that man could know right from wrong. God’s people lived under and by these laws for over 4,000 years and dedicated people came to believe that their eternal life depended upon their keeping of the law.

One of, if not the greatest problem, that Paul and the other apostles and teachers of the New Testament age had was to convince the Jews that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ and his grace, through their faith and not of works [and not of keeping the law]. Paul shows that the law is powerless to save the sinner but that the law is not a sin in itself; rather it is the school master that taught him that he was a sinner. He said, “I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, ‘do not covet.’ The sinner is condemned by the law; the law keeper can not live up to it—and the person with the new nature finds his or her obedience to law sabotaged by the effects of the old sinful nature.

Last Sunday our teacher said that he sometimes thinks that many ministers and teachers make the salvation experience sound too easy; just believe on the Lord and be saved…period. Paul surely confirms that belief here because he is saying that we are saved by trusting in Christ but after that there are many things given n law that one must do in order to be obedient to Gods command…Not to be saved; But to be obedient after one is saved. It seems very evident here that ‘keeping the law’ and ‘doing good works’ are both absolutely necessary not to gain salvation but to prove that we are believers.

Paul said that he was a slave to sin. In verse 15 he said, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Then he said that the confusion comes because he still has the sinful nature that he has to deal with each day. The law only tells him what his sins are and reminds him when he is out of line…and that is the purpose of the law. But when he wants forgiveness for those sins, he must go back to Jesus Christ, who is the only source of forgiveness.

In closing of the lesson, I am made to wonder if there is any way to lead people to see sin as an evader of earth and even more devastating that the invasion of France and Belgium by the Nazis. And then even more important, is there any way for Christian people to lead the world to see the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the one battle that brought victory to the world. We emphasize the importance of the lives of our soldiers that have given their lives for America’s freedom [and we should] but so often we forget the sacrifice our Lord made for our souls.

It's All About New Life - Romans 6

2011-10-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

We are fortunate in this country; especially here in the greatest state, Arkansas, to have special caring people who have dedicated their life’s work to programs designed to help people in despair find New Life. The Sheriff’s Ranch at Batesville works with young people that might otherwise be in reform school or prison. Southern Baptist support homes for orphans and otherwise neglected children. There are now two homes in Heber that caters to battered women and unwed mothers. A few years ago Bro. Lloyd Blanton, of Heber Springs, dedicated his life to a work with offenders who are serving time for crime and drug abuse, and First Baptist Church, Heber, furnishes them a building to use as their headquarters for work, counseling and worship services. These programs and many more are in many ways about obtaining a NEW earthly LIFE, the title of our lesson for today deals with one obtaining a NEW SPIRITUAL LIFE. It is ironical but a New Spiritual Life is the best assurance one can have of a NEW earthly LIFE.

In each case referred to above there will always be specific circumstances that differ, but generally speaking these unfortunate citizens at one time lived a human life style that was at least not life-threatening; however, every one of us are born into a flawed life style that mandated us to live under the threat of sin. It is sad but sins such as lust, greed, pride, and abuse of drugs; and finally lying, stealing, spouse abuse and even neglect of children crept in creating an unacceptable life style that has only one remedy—each one must create a NEW LIFE. The new life will only be productive or even acceptable when the individual or family commit themselves to following the Roman Road, as recorded in the gospel of Romans. Please read Romans.

Each one of us was borne of man, and inherited the characteristics of our parents. The first man, Adam, was created perfect, but God chose to give him his choice of choosing good or evil, life or death, heaven or hell, and the Genesis story tells us that man chose to disobey God, and he fell from grace. Sin interred the human race at the Garden of Eden on that day. I contend that was the saddest day in human history for because of it all posterity has been born in sin. By one man, Adam, sin entered the world; and then God provided one Man [Jesus] to pay our sin debt and thereby provided us a way for us to obtain a NEW SPIRITUAL LIFE that, if personally accepted, will redeem, save, convert us and make it as though we had never sinned.

I also contend that the happiest day in all history for mortal beings, as horrible as it had to be, was the day our Lord was crucified. His death gave all men the right of choice to choose to continue in the old and original life of sin and death, or a NEW LIFE of righteousness and glory. This life on earth is like a vapor, here for a moment and then it vanishes away. For many, it is relative plesant, enjoyable and acceptable; for others it is often harsh, negative and hard to accept. However for all it provides the opportunity to make the right choice regarding where we will spend eternity…forever…world without end. Therefore, it is ALL ABOUT LIFE. If you have lived to the age of accountability here on earth—“Choose you this day whom you will serve.”

In order for you to understand why we are talking about the old life, and the new life in this lesson you must study the content in chapter six. The people had just been told that sin was increasing, but that grace abounded and always remained sufficient to cover the sins of man. The first admonition in the sixth chapter is that people must not think that they can continue in sin simply because God’s grace will increase when they do. Yes, God forgives sin, but that does not make sin any less serious. God does love man, and Gave His Son to die on the Cross to forgive our sin; Our Savior enjoys our acceptance of his gift, but he still hates the sin that caused his death. There is no doubt; the availability of God’s mercy must not become an excuse for careless living and moral laxness.

Paul used the picture of baptism to explain what it means to have a NEW LIFE in Christ. In that day, immersion was the usual form of baptism—that is, new Christians were completely ‘buried’ in water. Even in the baptism of Jesus, the bible says that he went down into the water and came up out of the water…He was buried in water. People understood that this form of baptism symbolized the death to an old life and a resurrection up and into a New Life—and it is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the ‘coming up out of the water’ symbolizes Christ ‘coming up out of the grave’—He was dead, but he arose to New Life.

We must think of our old life [life before being saved] as being dead and buried and as a Christian, we must now have a powerful motive to resist any further sin, and there must now be a deep desire to sin no more. A born-again-believer can enjoy a New Life in Christ because we are united with him in his death and resurrection. Our bondage to sin must now be gone, because our evil desires and love for sin died with Christ. Now, by grace, through our faith, we have an unbreakable fellowship with Jesus Christ, our Savior. We may sin, but we do not desire to sin—and if we do sin, his grace is always sufficient to forgive us of our sin when we repent and ask for forgiveness. Dear friends, this chapter in Romans has a powerful message—please take time to read all 23 verses. This chapter conveys the reason why I believe that if anyone still enjoys sin, they need to re-examine their salvation experience—and ask the question: Am I really saved??? Learn more by reading Ephesians 4:21-24 and Colossians 3: 3-15.

Verse six tells us that the power and penalty of sin died with Christ on the cross. When any person accepts Christ their Old Self or sinful desire dies once and for all, so we are now free from its power. The ‘body of sin’ mentioned here is not the human physical body—but it is our rebellious sin-loving nature that we inherited from Adam as recorded in Genesis. We should not think of our body as being sinful even though it sometimes cooperates with our sinful nature. It is not our body that is wrong but the sinful nature in us leads us to do wrong. Verses 8-10 should make the fear of death mute in our earthly life, for we know that Christ died and now lives and will forever, and Christians are alive in Christ and they too will never die.

Since we are saved for sure and forever can we continue to sin at will? Verse 15 says that “By no means”! You can not! When you accept Christ, you become his helper, his hands and feet…He becomes your Master and you become His slave. While you remain in sin, sin is your master and you are a slave to sin. You can not serve two masters? No. You can either serve God and holiness with the end result being eternal life; or, you can serve sin and evil and earn wages for it, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Have you made your choice? Please remember that life, even four-score and ten years, is so short; it is like a vapor or cloud—here now, and momentarily gone. A cloud appears and then with one small shift in the wind it disappears from our view and is gone forever.

It Is All About Grace - Romans 5:1-21

2011-09-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

[See first word in title above] What is ‘IT’? It happens to be ‘salvation’ or ‘being saved’ from eternal damnation and/or eternal separation from God and all that is good. Or the positive picture is one of being forever in Heaven in the presence of God, our creator, His Son Jesus Christ and all of our loved ones who have been saved by Grace, through their faith in His Son. No other inspired writer emphasized this truth more often and more forcefully than the Apostle Paul. There is absolutely no other way to be saved! All mortals who ever become citizens of Heaven will do so because of the Grace of God; and through their active, working faith in Jesus Christ, the Lord. It is not enough to just ‘say’ “I have faith”—faith becomes active and working when you truly believe in the Lord and totally commit your life into his keeping. Example: You can truly believe that a life-raft will save your life from drowning and take you safely to the shore; your belief will only become an active, working faith when you climb on board and fully realize that you are floating safely above the destructive water and breathing life saving oxygen from God’s pure air.

There is a HIGHWAY to heaven! To my knowledge no bible has ever been published with a physical map designating the route one must take but the highway does exist. The biblical map consists of verbal instructions, and the best one is called “The Roman Road” which is found in The Book of Romans, it was written by Paul and it tells us how to get from earth to heaven safely. The first thing we must realize is that we need God’s power [and grace] because we have a problem with sin—“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” 3:23]. “Sin” means we have missed the mark; missed God’s intended destination for us—heaven. No one can reach the destination on our own. Your good works will not save you; however as soon as you are saved, you must go to The Book of Peter and learn what he means when he says that “faith without works is dead.”

We can work and earn money, wealth; but sin earns wages as well, the bible tells us that the wages of sin is death. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift [grace] of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6: 23]. A verbal highway to heaven is found in Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” To confess Jesus as Lord involves agreeing with God about your sin and your need for salvation. All must repent of their sin and turn around from the direction they are headed. There is only one highway—it has a destination at each end and your future depends upon the direction you are going. To “believe in your heart” is the act of placing your faith in Jesus, trusting that He died on the cross to pay for your sins. “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” 5: 8].

This lesson covers chapter five in Romans. The first part elaborates on—or offers a conclusion to—the line of truths found in chapters three and four; and there are two leading thoughts found here. 1. It explains the method of induction into the grace of salvation. 2. It discusses the happy estate of the justified person. There is a doubled-barreled question being answered here. First how do we get into Christ? Then, how does Christ get into you? You can find this concept in John 15-4—“I in you…and you in me” This is where we get the doctrines of Justification through faith…we get into Christ by His grace through our faith. Then Regeneration continues daily because Christ lives in and through us gracefully; we are regenerated, grow, become more Christ-like because He is in us.

The first verse tells us about the happy estate of the justified person. It is very simple “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This peace comes only by faith in Christ and not by works lest anyone should boast. I personally can think of no other condition that can ever surpass the position of any man who has Peace with God.

There appears to be two concepts mentioned in these verses that could cause concern to anyone with a weak faith. The Bible teaches that salvation is a one act seen. We are by grace through faith accepted into the family of God, and Christ says that no one, power or principality can pluck us out of his hand or the hand of his Father. On the other hand we must continue to grow in Christ [we are becoming more like Him]. We are in the world but not of the world. We continually feel the presence of Christ and also the daily presence and pressures of sin. We must realize that only through his power are we able to withstand the darts of the evil one.

Paul started the book of Romans telling strangers that they were sinners because of sin’s nature and origin, and not because God had created them that way. Now in verse twelve today he uses Genesis as his source to remind all of us that sin entered the world through one man and that it has now come to all men, for all have sinned. The most wonderful part of this message is that God also sent the remedy for sin through one man, His Son, Jesus Christ. Just as all men fell because of one man…now all can be saved by faith in what one man [Christ] has done for us. He gave his life’s blood on the Cross so that all who believed in him, repented of their sin, and confessed Him as their Lord would be saved.

We become so discouraged when we realize that trespasses and sin has increased even in our lifetime. What we really should do is rejoice because Paul tells us that when sin increases, God’s Grace Increases even more. We do not deserve it. It is unmerited grace. “Just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Paul gives all believers [all saved people] a sincere warning when he tells us that God’s grace increases even more than sin does. He says that this does not give us a license to sin any time we want to. If one is saved, he/she will not have a desire sin. I realize that it is not ‘politically correct’ for me to tell you this—but if you still have within your heart a true desire to sin—you need to re-examine the experience you had that caused you to think that you were save. [If we say that we do not sin, we lie; the truth is not in us.] However, Christians do not rejoice in their sinning ways; therefore if you do, you are still in a lost condition and have never been saved by grace through faith. The bible exhorts us to examine ourselves and determine which road we are traveling on and which direction we are going.

If you are truly interested in your future and want to find your way, and know what your destination will be—please study the Book of Romans, for it is the best road-map to heaven that has ever been written. There has never been a time in all history when it was more important for people to read God’s Word, study the verbal road map, and start following it daily.

Good News to Believe - Romans 3:27 - 4:25

2011-09-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

I will paraphrase a message that is covered well by the author of our lesson for today that appears in “Exploring the Bible” published by LifeWay. It is really sad to know that there are older people that have lived great lives and have been a positive force in the lives of many people and have enjoyed being “good neighbors” to so many and are mistakenly banking on their good-works to get them to heaven. They have built an imaginary scale in their mind that weighs good and evil…it is a simple ‘balance board’…and they have placed all their good deeds on one end and their evil deeds on the other, and since the ‘good’ outweighs the ‘bad’ they visualize this as their ticket to life eternal. They only ‘hope’ the plan works, and they have no bible proof that it will. In fact the Bible teaches that it will not work. In fact, the balance board proves that it will not work…because the heavy end of the board “goes down” and not up toward heaven.

The somewhat new phrase “politically correct” has become so popular and accepted by so many that today there are Preachers, Pastors, Church Leaders and Bible Commentary Writers who are afraid to teach the “Whole Truth” which tells us that there is a Hell to shun just as surely as there is a Heaven to gain. Their argument is that if they, as a Bible witness, condemn wickedness strongly, they will not be able to continue to reach their followers, who may be committing some of the sins mentioned and will be turned off, and will not continue to attend and participate. Paul thought that it was necessary for him to teach the truth and that it was his follower’s responsibility to either accept or reject it. In the end, their ‘lost blood’ will not be on his hands.

Salvation has nothing to do with doing what man thinks is correct, [political correctness] nor does it have anything to do with one being good enough to receive God’s approval. Be careful now and do not miss-quote me when I tell you that personal salvation [being saved] is not attained through your belief that there is a God, and that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to redeem lost man. (The Devil believes this to be true and he will never be saved] The Good News is that we MUST BELIEVE…We have been told the truth and we have the opportunity to accept it. This is “faith” and faith is necessary; however one must realize that he/she is lost, and put their faith to work by personally asking Jesus to forgive their sins and to accept them as his redeemed children because of their faith and not because of any good works they have done.

In our lesson today, what is the GOOD NEWS TO BELIEVE and act upon? This lesson emphasizes the truth that God saves people by grace [freely, no pay, or works in exchange] through their personal faith in Jesus Christ; it becomes a “personal relationship” and is not a business deal, and this is the one and only way to make sure that Heaven is your home. Now, some will say that you should not warn people of their sins, it is politically incorrect, and it may offend them and drive them away from you and away from the church. If this is true, then why did Paul spend practically the entire first chapter to the Romans telling them of their sins? He told them they were sinners first and then told them how to be saved. These are people whom he had never met, did not know personally, and has never written to before; and he finishes the first chapter telling them they have degraded their bodies with one another in homosexuality, and are worshipping false gods. He even goes further and singles out the Jews by warning them that all are saved by grace through faith and not by Jewish law. Salvation comes by trusting in what Christ did for us on the Cross only, and has nothing to do with what we have done to earn it Ephesians 2: 8-10].

You may ask why salvation is by faith only. First, it eliminates the pride of human effort because faith is not a deed we do, but a receptive condition of the human heart. Second, faith exalts what God has already done and not what people can do. Third, our faith causes us to admit that we can not keep the law; that we can not measure up to what God demands; we can not reach His standards on our own, without help from Him. And finally and simply faith is based on our personal relationship with Jesus Christ and not our performance for God.

Paul went to great lengths to explain that God’s laws [including the Ten Commandments] were necessary for all who lived before Christ, setting out the guide for them to go by in their dealings with God, the government and each other. Then he chose Abraham as his example; Abraham was made right because of his belief in God; his faith was credited to him as righteousness. Against all hope, Abraham, in hope believed, and because of his faith, he became the father of many [4: verse 18]. There was no earthly way, at the age of Abraham and his wife that he could become the father of many without God’s intervention. However, Abraham was fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He had promised, and he believed [had faith] that God would do what he said he would do…and it was credited to him as righteousness.

This truth [and it was credited to him as righteousness] was not written for Abraham alone, but it was written for us today to whom God will credit righteousness if we only believe [trust, have faith, accept] the fact that God raised Jesus or Lord from the dead and that Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. For it is by God’s grace that we are saved, only when we have faith in Him and put our personal life in his hands…for we are dead in our trespasses and sin until he raises us to a new spiritual life of justification. {Justification means: “just as though we had never sinned.”} Further good news is that the Lord “Will remember our sins no more”…there is no double-jeopardy in God’s court.

GOOD NEWS TO BELIEVE is not always plesant new to hear because it is GOOD NEWS to know that even though we are lost, and undone God has given us a perfect plan of salvation that has never and will never fail, and that He has given us a free will to choose between eternal life and death. There are only two roads, one narrow and it leads to Heaven, and one wide and it takes you straight to Hell. You are traveling on the road of your choice as of this moment, so make very sure it is leading you to your chosen destinations.

Good News to Hear - Roams 1:18 - 3:26

2011-09-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

As a youngster, living in the country ten miles from the closest town, Des Arc, we had no phone, radio, TV, and our only paper was the GRITT, hand delivered only occasionally, and it never contained any local news, and seldom any Arkansas news. As the communication industry grew, it was always controlled by the party in power and what I did not realize at that time was that the news we received was not always the truth, and has never been the whole truth because the writers are not inspired to perfection.

I know now that the only ‘good news’ is the ‘truth’ and the only publication that has been consistently truthful through all ages is the Holy Bible. It seems to be a paradox; but often good news is not pleasant to hear, however, only the good news will set man free. Very few [if any] realize how fortunate we are to have the ‘truthful Word of God’ authored by inspired authors like Paul. Paul wrote the total news regarding the action of men which were both spiritual and carnal in nature. Those that were spiritual in their actions accepted Paul’s writings, and those who were indulging in sinful actions did not want their history revealed. Times haven’t changed, and this is the cause of the failure of our media sources today.

When you study the bible you can be assured that you are studying both the bad and good sides of human nature. In our lesson today, Paul made sure that his people [the Romans], whom he had never met, understood that they were sinners by nature and that neither the Law nor Works would save them. Then he proceeded to assure them that Jesus Christ died on the Cross to assure them a plan of salvation by which they could be saved; and that it applied to all people, the Jew and the Greek, whether weak or strong, rich or poor, emperor or peasant. This truth is the reason why The Plan of Salvation is called the GOOD NEWS TO HEAR.

I was with a party of lost duck hunters one night in The Raft Creek Bottoms, cut off from high land by the rising back-waters. It was after midnight, cold and raining, black dark and our flash light batteries died. We heard a car horn in the distance…fired our guns to signal our location and soon saw a dim light moving our way. Two men in two boats rescued us and all was well. We knew we were lost. Men cared and came to help. We only had to receive their help and get in the boat. Sinful people who have never studied God’s word do not know they are lost so God sent his Son to rescue them. God also sent Paul to tell them their condition and to tell them that they only had to believe in Christ and his ability to rescue them.

The bible tells us about the sinful conditions in the city of Rome during this period in time [probably the worst around AD 50 to early 60s—Nero died in 64.] History books paint horrid pictures of Emperor Nero and his horrible treatment of Christians in that city. They were thrown to the wild animals in the public arena for the masses to enjoy the carnage. They were burned at stake. Nero personally instructed his soldiers to burn Rome, and then blamed the Christians for the atrocity, turning the public against all Christians. History tells us that Nero sat on his balcony and played his fiddle as he watched the Capitol City of the Roman Empire burn.

The church in Rome was surrounded by a paradox. The empire had conquered the world of that day, and Rome was the capitol. It was the most sophisticated culture the world had ever known. However, it was one of, if not the most, depraved cultures the world has ever known. The people and their leaders portrayed rank humanism at its very worst. No appetite was left unfulfilled, no carnal desire was left un-fulfilled—and the people indulged in every sinful desire of their heart. Paul had heard what was transpiring there and he proceeded to enumerate some of their most hideous sins. He, like Christ, told them of all their sinful ways. His report sounds as though it should have been addressed to Hollywood, California, US of A. with instructions to be opened September 11, 2011.

It is absolutely necessary for you to read chapter 1, verses 18 through 32. Go there now!!!! My concern is that Paul could have written the same scriptures regarding the depraved element of the American society today. Oh God, I pray that Christian people in America will awaken and through their vote for right, stop this very present humanistic element from gaining more power by infiltrating the Federal Government any more than they already have.

True Christians must emulate Paul and his reasons for fighting the humanistic doctoring. We must always remember that Christ loved people, but hated their sins. Christians that are willing to stand against the immoral sins of a depraved society have always, and will always be accused of being anti-minded. We can not afford to succumb to that level. We must agape the sinner but reveal his sin and help him to acknowledge his wrong and be willing to repent. And there is no way that we can please God by joining in or condoning the very sins that Paul has enumerated in this passage.

Many people who want everyone to know that they believe in God will boast of his loving nature and refuse to admit that his wrath against sin is equally as powerful and sure as his love for man. Verse 18 tells us that “The wrath of God [is being revealed] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” {Is being revealed} is in the present perfect tense and states that His wrath—has been revealed—is being revealed now—and will always be revealed. Our God is a “sinless” Super King of Kings who can not even look at sin, therefore certainly can not condone it; He never has and never will.

Verse 21 says that these same people that claim to know God do not glorify him or praise and thank Him. Their thinking is futile and their hearts are foolish and darkened; they claim to be wise but they have become fools. The sinful desire of their hearts includes sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. {I did not make this up…read verse 24} Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. It happened in Sodom and Gomorrah; it was happening in Rome; and it continues to happen throughout the world today. Paul condemns homosexuality and illicit sexual acts specifically in verses 26-27.

Please, as Christians we must be fair minded and we must realize and admit that ‘the pot can not call the skillet black’ and we must go ahead and read verses 28-32…which includes every one of us, saved and unsaved. Just look at this list of sinful acts that are considered the products of depraved minds. Included is “every kind of wickedness” including envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. The list also includes gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful, and disobeying your parents. Not only is it wrong to commit these specific sins personally, but it is wrong for Christians to approve of any others that practice them.

Christian friend…you can not sit on the fence. You must declare your position. If you are not against sin…then you are for it. Please remember that God created man in his own image; and that means that man was perfect. You were not born with a God given tendency to do wrong. You were born with a God given right to make a personal choice, and you choose to sin or not to sin. When Eve chose to eat the forbidden fruit, sinful influence was allowed to enter into the lives of people, and made it necessary to choose between right and wrong. Each individual must do so daily, constantly, and without the aid of the Power of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to please God.

Our lesson today is ‘Good News to Hear” first, because it tells those who do not already know that they are lost; second, for those who have accepted the humanistic lifestyle it warns them of their error, and calls for repentance. However the third reason this is “Good news to Hear” is the greatest news of all times; God loves us so much that he gave His Son, Jesus Christ, who freely died on the Cross to save depraved man from his sins. Repent, trust and believe in Him, commit your life to His keeping, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, obey His commandment to the best of your ability…and you are and will be forever saved.

Good News to Tell - Romans 1:1-17

2011-09-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Following a physical examination by your doctor, there is one announcement that you never want to hear. You never want him/her to say “I have some good news and some bad news” and the question is even worse, “Which do you want to hear first?” Spiritually speaking the Book of Romans has both good and bad news and in a nut-shell the bad news is: “All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God” [3:23]. Then with surprising comfort the good news is “God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ [5:8]. This is even greater news than hearing the doctor say “You had liver or pancreatic cancer but it is in total and permanent remission.”

Paul was converted on the road to Damascus and he became the greatest of all New Testament evangelistic preachers and writers. From the day of his conversion one of his heart’s desires was to witness to the Roman people, and The Roman Letter represents the pinnacle of his labors. All scripture is inspired, all is good and none is bad; however Romans just has to be one of the most loved and often read books because it contains the essence or core of the story of how one is saved. Please, I challenge you right now, [read Romans from 1:1 to 16-27] read the entire book, in one setting, if possible.

This letter is so different from all the other letters written by Paul, because he did not start the church there and had not been to Rome, though he had always wanted to visit there. The bible does not record the founders of the Roman church…we know that visitors from Rome were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost [Acts. 2:10] and we know that many Christians left Jerusalem after Stephen’s martyrdom and fled to other cities [Damascus, Acts 9-2], [Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria Acts 11:19], and it may-have-been that some of these went to Rome and planted the church. Roman history books record that Emperor Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome in AD 49, and it could have been that it was because of the teachings of Christ. By the mid 60’s, the time of Nero, the church had grown and was a danger to Nero who labeled them a subversive element, and blamed them for the burning of Rome. You will remember that Nero actually burned the city himself…and played his fiddle while it burned…he was a nut. Paul wrote this letter to the Roman Church in AD 58, ten years earlier. He was in prison there in about 60 to 64…Paul died there in about 64, during the reign of Nero.

All of Paul’s letters to other churches were written to people he knew, to places he had been, and about problems, opportunities and circumstances that existed. A letter is somewhat like a phone call—it is an answer to a question that another asks or it may ask questions that require answers. In this letter to the Romans—Paul did not know the people on the other end of the line…they had never seen him, and had not written to him. It was his first communication with the Roman Church.

We know Paul had never been to Rome because in 1:9-10 he stated that he had wanted to visit them for a long time, but God had a lot of work for him to do first. Paul was one of the most learned Jews who was taught at the feet of Gamaliel, and was an expert in Jewish law and an avid proponent, but he was also a Roman by birth…his father was a Roman. As a Jew he had persecuted gentiles [his own people by birth] and now as a converted Jew [A Christian] it is easy to see why he wanted to witness to his people in their capitol city, Rome. Because all have sinned he knew that they NEEDED GOD’S MERCY. And, because Christ died for them, he had some GOOD NEWS TO TELL, and this is our lesson for today.

Should you ever need to introduce me to a congregation, the greatest introduction you could make is “Ladies and gentlemen, this is John Vandiver, a SERVANT of Jesus Christ.” I wish it could be totally true. Servants have masters and masters own servants. Paul introduced himself in this letter as the SLAVE of Jesus Christ [1:1]. He recognized his Lord as his master…simply because the word Lord is the opposite of the word slave or servant. Then he immediately proclaimed his right to apostleship by telling us that he “was called to be an apostle.

If you read between lines in the gospels you will find that some did not want to include Paul as an apostle because he was not one of the twelve first personally chosen by Jesus—and even this could have been the thorn in his flesh. Paul, with good reason, knew in his heart that God called him in a very obvious and agonizing way, striking him blind for a time while on the road to Damascus. He was not the first with a personal call; Abraham heard the call of God [Genesis 12: 1- 3]. Moses answered God’s call [Exodus 3: 10]. Jeremiah and Isaiah were prophets, although they did not ask or want to be, but were compelled to answer the call from God in [Jer. 1: 4 & Isa. 6: 8]. Paul saw his life as one compelled to answer God’s call.

Paul realized that he was “set apart by God” and believed that he was called even before he was born to do a special work for his Master. He considered to be set apart by his people when the Holy Spirit told the leaders of the Antioch Church to separate him and Barnabas for the special mission to the Gentiles [Acts 13:2]. In this calling he said he received two things; the first was grace, which is always free and unearned—and he received the task of taking the gospel to the gentiles which he also considered as a special honor and a responsibility; not for his honor but as his toil.

In verses 8 through 15, Paul talks to the Romans as though he is offering a prayer of thanksgiving; he thanks God [in the name of Jesus Christ] for his relatives and friends in Rome for their demonstrated faith and lets them know that he is praying for them. He assures them that they will grow by knowing his faith and that he will prosper by sharing their faith with them and talks of their mutual need for each other. Paul lets them know that he has wanted all along to visit them that he might be able to win souls there among the gentiles. He lets them know that even though he has a Jewish background, he feels his obligation to all people, the civilized and the savage; the educated and the ignorant, Jew and Gentile—“So then, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who live in Rome.”

This lesson closes in verses 16 and 17 when Paul says, “I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God’s power to save all who believe, first the Jews and also the Gentiles. For the gospel reveals how God puts men right with himself: it is through faith, from beginning to end. As the scripture says, ‘He who is put right with God through faith shall live.”’ Here in we find the complete plan of salvation.

God has the power to save the lost. We must repent and believe.

We can know the way to receive salvation by reading the gospel.

Salvation is for every living creature…Jew and Gentile.

The gospel reveals the steps we must take in order for God to save us.

Finally, the gospel assures us that when we follow the plan in faith we shall live forever…in Heaven, a glorious place, so special it is beyond our ability to describe. If you believe in Heaven and Hell…you have a choice; however if your choice is Heaven, it requires you to prepare. If your choice is Hell, live as you desire, do what you want and know you are on the right road.

Good News to Tell - Romans 1:1-17

2011-09-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

God has the power to save the lost. We must repent and believe.

We can know the way to receive salvation by reading the gospel.

Salvation is for every living creature…Jew and Gentile.

The gospel reveals the steps we must take in order for God to save us.

Rely on the Lord's Love - Lamentations 1 - 6

2011-08-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

Most people would agree that experience is a super teacher. Students have their best and easiest opportunity to learn from any great teacher. Learning from any source, results in physical, mental and spiritual growth. Most people would also agree that suffering is an experience that everyone must face at some time in life. Therefore, since suffering is an experience, we grow from suffering and through the suffering believers can grow to be more like Christ. Since older adults usually suffer many aches and pain these truths should help us to be able to accept the discomforts of life as a part of God’s plan. If young people study and believe God’s word, they too can understand and accept the fact that their suffering can be useful in drawing them closer to God. It is another paradox in life, but joy, peace and happiness can sometimes arrive over the bumpy road of suffering. It takes faith and trust to turn a painful problem into a valuable experience.

God loved the people of this world so much that He gave his Only Son to suffer and die for their redemption. Therefore, because of God’s love and the suffering of Christ on the Cross, we have eternal salvation. At the age of accountability and on through life, it is imperative that we learn to RELY ON THE LORD’S LOVE and we must never consider our infirmities and misfortunes as punishment. Instead we should see them as building stones that help form the foundation for our faith in God and growth in service to Him and our fellow man.

Even though you agree with the facts stated above, at some time in life the question will still arise in our minds—“Why does God allow me to suffer?” Have you ever been in a difficult situation and wanted to ask, “Why me Lord?” “What did I do to deserve this?” The truth is—you may not deserve it, but it is just a warning to prevent you from doing something that would cause you to deserve it. The important question is; did you act on the warning? Or, did you react to the situation? Does personal difficulty increase or decrease your faith? I can tell you—that it depends on whether or not you believe God’s Holy Word to be Truth.

This question [“Why me Lord?”] has perplexed people throughout the ages, ever since the early trials of the Jewish people, and reached it’s zenith during the days of Jeremiah when Jerusalem and the country of Judah suffered through their destruction by the Babylonians. We must remember that God did not cause the suffering of his people; He only allowed it to take place because of their sins, especially their rejection of Him and His authority over them. In some ways it is hard to understand this concept; but the truth is that their suffering resulted from the fact that He loved them so much. In just a few hundred years, He proved this paradox by sending his Son to die for man kind, to provide freedom from fear and sorrow and make this freedom everlasting.

There are several reasons why people must suffer. In Hebrews 12: 5-11, we find that God permits suffering in order to discipline His people. In the case of Job, his suffering was a test [Job 2: 3-10]. Peter taught us that suffering will help us to grow in faith [1 Peter 4: 1-2]. It may be hard to grasp and fully understand but sometimes our suffering may benefit others who are watching our reaction to our misfortunes. Then, there is the case of Christ, who had no sin, but suffered for the sins of others [2 Cor. 5:21]. Through it all, we must simply learn to RELY ON THE LORD’S LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS. We should never feel that trials come because of our weakness, and we must always remember that the All-powerful Son of God, The Lord Jesus Christ, was there [right where we are, only worse] and his situation was so difficult that he cried out asking God why He was being forsaken. “Why have You forsaken Me?” God sustained his Son. And because of God’s faithful love for us—He sustains us in the midst of our suffering. He will not leave or forsake us!

Here is a digression in this thought process, but a true to life example of the subject, that is being addressed in this lesson. Just [a moment ago] as I finished the above paragraph, the phone rang, and the news was that two of our dear Christian friends of many years passed away today; one this morning and one early this afternoon. Our church seems to have had more than its share of losses in the last very few years, and my question is why this must happen to First Baptist in Heber?

It is hard for me to understand how a retirement community can possibly grow in numbers. In order to assist my family, I prepared a funeral arrangement document [back in 1994] that listed six honorary pall bearers, six of my best friends, and today they are all deceased. My question is; Lord, why have you honored me with longer life? In comparison to God’s time, life here on earth is like a vapor or fog; we are here for only a moment and then vanish away. Now, redirect your thoughts to Lamentations.

Following the study of the Book of Jeremiah and the fall of Judah, you must now read the short five chapters in the Book of Lamentations. You won’t regret it! In some ways it is a brief look back at what was a long story of troubles. It reviews the destruction of Jerusalem; it proclaims God’s mercy; it tells you again the consequences of sin; and best of all, it gives you a beautiful picture of our HOPE that is found only in Jesus Christ. Please read Lamentations today before you sleep tonight. I only have time to tell you briefly about the hope we have in the midst of our afflictions which is recorded in chapter 3. Our lives are reflected in the life of the author, Jeremiah.

We are people of affliction because of sin and God’s wrath against it. Life is not easy, often cruel, and we start rapidly growing old the moment we are born, and sometimes life is bitter and full of hardship. Jeremiah’s life was no bed of roses; his life rivaled that of Job’s, but he remained faithful and strong. He is a wonderful example of what we should be. But through it all in verse 21, he said that “Therefore I have hope.”…22 and on “Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They [compassions] are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

The bible teaches us that God is ultimate perfection and when he finished each phase of His creation He observed it and said “it is good.” Then sin entered and created a huge debt that was impossible for man to pay. Christ paid that sin-debt for us on the cross, but he chose to let sin continue until Salvation’s plan is completed. We must live in this world and bear our portion of the ravages of sin and remain faithful and trust God for our ultimate deliverance when Christ returns to rescue His own. What a day of rejoicing that will be! There will no longer be the question of “Why me LORD? The question will then become a positive statement…truly an announcement…’IT IS ME LORD! God’s answer will be, “Well done good and faithful servant.” The answer for some will be, “Depart from Me, I never knew you.” “There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

It is sad, but some will receive an answer to their announcement

Recognize the Lord's Authority - Jeremiah 46 - 52

2011-08-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

Anyone must believe the Bible to be The True Word of God in order to recognize the Lord’s authority. By studying the Bible we know that God created the heavens and earth and all that is therein. He is the GREAT I AM and as such He is the owner of all and the authorized director of all activity. He is the Authority whether or not any individual recognizes the fact. It is sad, but some believers either forget or simply fail to recognize that God controls our destiny and this simple neglect causes many of our undesirable circumstances in life. As we grow older and gain valuable experience it becomes obvious that our neglect to place God first [recognize his authority] in our lives never brings acceptable results.

There are no exceptions to the rule of accountability; in this lesson today we find that the powerful are accountable by reading [Jer. 50 & 51]—and the privileged are found accountable in [Jer. 52]—in fact every one of us is said to be accountable in [46 to 50]. I believe the writer discussed the accountability of everyone first and then realized that the powerful and privileged might not get the point, so he singled them out in the later chapters. The lesson we learn here is that God is no respecter of any person because of status or position; he requires, yes, even demands, that each individual must recognize his authority. To do otherwise results in spiritual suicide and eternal death starts with unbelief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If you truly believe in Him, then it is very easy to recognize his authority over you. Christ is the Light of the world, the Salt of the earth, and the only Door to heaven; He said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

The failure to recognize God’s position as our Creator is a form of arrogance or false pride which is a sinful attitude or behavior that ascribes to our selves the glory, honor and power that belongs only to God. This attitude can pervade our thinking so easily that we hardly recognize that it is happening. For example; we often pray for what we want instead of praying for what God knows we need. When we do this we are actually saying that we know better than God knows what we need. Am I saying that you should not pray that a love one that is very ill should not be healed? No indeed, I am not. But I am saying that you should recognize that it must be within God’s desire, His plan, and His purpose for you and your love one. Remember that Christ, realizing that he was facing death on the Cross, prayed for his own life in the Garden, but even He said; “Not My will, but “Your will” [God’s will] be done.” I don’t know about you, but when I think of Christ’s prayer, it makes it much easier for me to pray for my wife and children and say to Him—“This is my desire Lord, but never-the-less, your will is acceptable.” We absolutely must avoid personal arrogance.

Follow Orders - Jeremiah 40 - 45

2011-08-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

If you are a parent, then you know that children are rebellious at an early age and really find it difficult to follow orders. Most adults can remember the day when it was difficult for them to follow orders especially when they did not fully agree with the orders being given…and in some cases that wasn’t too long ago. May be it is not so hard to understand why God’s People, [the Jews] were reluctant to follow the orders of God whom they had never seen or heard, but only knew about through the Priest and Prophets who proclaimed that they got their orders from God in a vision or dream.

I will be first to admit that God has never spoken to me in an audible voice; and, to my knowledge and remembrance, never in a dream or vision. However, I truly believe that He has given us His Word [in Holly Writ] so that we know what His orders are for us in 2011. It is imperative that we read His Word, study it and know what He would have us say and do. In a nut-shell, that is to BELIEVE, REPENT and OBEY HIM.

I must divert from the bible lesson for a moment to say that I have always thought that officials who are elected by the people are supposed to listen to the orders that the people give them. However, it is very obvious that the house, senate and president of the USA have refused to hear the public cry for them to cut spending and balance the federal budget. As a result, it seems to be imperative that the American people are about to find out, first hand, what it is like when the elected officials refuse to FOLLOW ORDERS. In government [just as it has always been in spiritual matters] there will always be a PAY DAY SOMEDAY. Now that leaders have refused to FOLLOW ORDERS again, our ‘pay day’ may come before 2011 is completed. The legislation that has just been adopted is only ‘patch work’ and will not solve our problems. It is only a beginning, and we have no assurance that things will change for the better.

The leaders, including the kings, and many of the priests, refused to FOLLOW THE ORDERS given by God, through the prophet Jeremiah, in about 627 to 586 BC. We are now studying the effects of their refusal in chapters 40 to 45, even after they have already seen God’s hand at work for several years. One would think that after the invasion by Babylon, loosing the battle, many being taken captive and even more starving from lack of food, that there would no longer be any resistance to the ORDERS OF GOD. However, it is just not human nature to submit to Spiritual guidance. It has always been almost impossible to get political leaders to admit they have failed when their ideas are no longer working in a positive way.

“The Northern Kingdom of Israel had fallen to the Assyrians in 722 BC. The Lord had announced through such prophets as Isaiah, Micah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah that He would send a similar disaster on the Southern Kingdom of Judah if the people did not turn from their sins and return to Him. In the late 600s BC, Assyria fell to the Babylonians or Chaldeans. The Lord repeatedly warned that He would use the Babylonians as His instrument of judgment on His people’s sins if they did not change their ways.” See footnote [1].

The Bible tells us that “All have sinned’ and that we must “Repent and turn from our wicked ways” or suffer the consequences. He tells us in [Jer. 40: 1-41:18] that failure or refusing to learn from past failures will be devastating. He also says in [Jer. 42:1-43:7] that we must request and follow the Lord’s guidance. And we know that persistent rebellion will bring spiritual sorrow and physical devastation when we study [Jer. 43:8-44:30]. Since God is a loving and just Heavenly Father we can always feel secure and know that He will reward our faithful service [Jer.45: 1-5]. The question keeps arising—why will we not FOLLOW ORDERS? The answer must be either ‘disbelief’ or out-right ‘rebellion.’ Do you believe what God tells you in his Word? I do, and that is why I know that we must trust Him.

The number one sin has always been, and is now, the worship of ‘other gods’ instead of the True God—and that is idolatry. Stated in another way, it has always been man’s failure to accept Jesus Christ as the One and Only Savior. Ancient people are noted for their devotion to other things such as a golden calf, the sun, moon and stars, and various graven images. I believe that some people dream up or think about an imagined God. He is not a god in our head, but must be the God of our heart [soul]. Finally, there is no doubt that accepting or holding a false doctrine of God is a form of idolatry. One can not commit idolatry and receive salvation from it. When we create a mental image of God we have created an idol. Idolatry is much more prevalent today than many of us realize. Even though the common sins like greed, gossip, and hatred are most grievous; and adultery, stealing and misuse of drugs are common—the sins of idolatry and unbelief are still even more important.

Idolatry is commonplace and must be identified and removed from our lives. The Lord has declared judgment on those who engage in idol worship. Do you play golf, go fishing, or visit Aunt May on the Lord’s Day—instead of going to church to Worship God. There is nothing wrong with any of these activities—unless they replace God in your life, and then they become idols. Oh yes—you can even worship God while you fish, hunt or play; but remember he warned us “Not to forsake the gatherings of his people to-gather in His temple to worship.”

I feel compelled to talk to parents of children and teen-agers for a moment. Do you take your children with you to worship? Do you insist that your teen-agers attend Sunday school and adult church, hear the Sunday message and gain the knowledge and background they will need to take our place when we are too old to lead? Where are the teen-agers on Sunday mornings at the eleven o’clock service? Are they sleeping in, playing ball or skiing on the lake?

And one more personal question: do you miss church to go watch them play ball? Do you accompany them to the lake on Sunday morning, share their fun-time, drive the boat, and feel that you are needed to help them stay safe. If you do—you are worshipping a very serious idol. You are putting your own children before God. What a shame because God loves children, before he loves adults; and it is imperative that you love and support them. You just can not afford to do it and leave God out. I plead with you to make sure that you have your priorities in the right order—the order that Christ would use. If you are not in Sunday school and Church, how can you expect your children to believe it is important?

I plead with you to study chapters 40 through 45, and see for yourself what happened to a people that that refused to put God in first place in their lives.

[1] Explore The Bible, Adult Commentary Summer 20111, LifeWay

Stay True to God's Word - Jeremiah 34 - 40

2011-08-07T18:30:00.000-07:00

Is it reasonable or even possible for you to believe that a vast majority of the people in the world actually detest the Holly Bible? You should believe because it is sorrowfully true. It is even harder to believe that there are a large percentage of American citizens that reject it; especially since our country was founded as ONE NATION UNDER GOD. One of the best proofs that the Bible is the inspired Word of God is the fact that many prophets, like Jeremiah, foretold, in detail, events that would happen hundreds of years in advance of their happening. How could they have known the future events without God’s revelation to them? Rejection of the Bible has always been a problem, because people just do not want to be reminded of their sins. Jeremiah wrote God’s message to Judah on a scroll and when King Jehoiakim heard it read, he cut the scroll into pieces and burned it in his wintertime fireplace [36:23].

There are at least three ways that rejection takes place. 1. Some refuse to honor the Bible; they attack it instead. Many who proclaimed the Word were attacked or even killed. Some trivialize, mock and ridicule the Bible; and others have burned or otherwise destroyed it. William Tyndale’s version of the English bible was burned in England in A.D. 1526 by the Bishop in London. 2. Some simply ignore the Bible, refuse to read and study the Word and their rejection is through ignorance. 3. Probably the most common rejection of the Bible today is simply by disobeying it. Many have studied the Holly Writ and are able to tell you much about it; however they still reject the message and refuse to be guided by God’s Word.

There seems to be no doubt that God expects his people to read, honor and obey his Word and acknowledge his authority, and STAY TRUE, that is heed his word. He is grieved when anyone fails to accept his word, and for sure there will be a penalty to pay for those that refuse, or even neglect to study. I thank the Lord every day for the privilege I have of studying and sharing His Word with you. I praise Him for making it possible for it to appear in two papers; The Sun Times and the White River Journal. If you read this commentary, please complement the papers for publishing it without charge. The Word tells us to study to show ourselves approved by Him. It is a commandment and is imperative. Do you have a set plan or system to follow that provides regular Bible study?

The lesson today tells us that we must STAY TRUE to God’s Word. Ask yourself the question; how can I stay true to the Word when I do not read and study what it says? In chapter 34, God’s judgment arrived. Jeremiah was directed to remind Judah’s King Zedekiah that following the Exodus from Egyptian bondage, God directed that all Jewish slaves, men and women, be set free after six years of service to their owner. Slaves were set free under this king, and then almost immediately, they were again enslaved. This was repulsive to God and Zedekiah was told that he and his subjects would be taken bondage by the Babylonians.

In chapter 35, the Recabite family was chosen by God to be an example to all people showing that the tribe that followed Jonadab son of Recab was more dedicated to their leaders than the Jews were to Almighty God. The Recabites were a nomadic tribe of Jews; Jonadab, their leader, set forth a rule that the Recabites were never to drink wine, live in houses, or farm fruits and vegetables and they STAYED TRUE to his teaching. Even when Jeremiah set wine before them and told them that God had given them the order to drink, they still refused. God did not approve of the drinking of wine; he used this as a test to prove that the Recabites would remain true to their leader. God directed Jeremiah to tell Judah that they were told to have no other gods, not to marry aliens, to be honest, not to practice extortion, to release their slaves and etc. etc. and since they had refused to STAY TRUE TO HIS TEACHING, He would allow them to go into captivity.

God is a patient and loving God and has never damned any person or people without first giving more than one warning; and I want to remind you that all of these warnings were written for the benefit of all posterity, including the USA. His patience was being tested too far by King Jehoiakim and the people of Judah. Jeremiah dictated and Baruch wrote a scroll demanding their obedience and in chapter 36 we find that God was still patiently waiting for His people to repent. He said; “Perhaps they will bring their petition before the Lord, and each will turn from his wicked ways…” However, even though warned by three of his leaders not to destroy the scroll, the King cut it into shreds and burned it in his fireplace. The Supreme Court has ordered God’s Law, The Ten Commandments, removed from the view of the public—“Because they might read it and could become defiled.”

In chapter 37 & 38, we find that Jeremiah remained true to God, but was taken prisoner and punished and accused of deserting to the Babylonians. He was finally thrown in a cistern with no water, just mud, where he was left to die from starvation. A Cushite official pleaded his case to the King and got permission to rescue Jeremiah. He sent thirty men who used ropes to draw him from the cistern. God will always use his tremendous power to rescue his own when they choose to STAY TRUE to Him in time of need.

God’s patients were frayed to the breaking point in chapter 39, and the fall of Jerusalem was great and disastrous. Space and time prohibits me from telling you the story, so please go there and read what happened. It is both interesting reading and a very definite warning to all who are disobedient. And, what do you think King Nebuchadnezzar did to Jeremiah? Did he take him captive? Or, did he allow him to return home to his own people? You will find the answer if you read all eighteen verses. Now, I ask you, have you paid the price that was paid by Jeremiah for the privilege of worshiping and telling others what the Word of God says to them? Will you STAY TRUE TO GOD, no matter what happens?

Check Your Direction - Jeremiah 30 - 34

2011-07-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

The first eighteen years of my life were at home, on the bank of Raft Creek on the east side of a wilderness that was several miles wide and even longer; about 120 square miles where only one house and one old miser lived alone. Many times hunters would get lost and need help to find their way out of the woods. I was an avid hunter, and at an early age, when an experienced woodsman taught me how to find my direction while I was in the Raft Creek Bottoms. At the age of accountability, I became lost in the wilderness of sin and my Christian parents taught me how to find my way out. At age twenty-two, I finally used their advice, checked my direction, and found the way home, by way of the Cross. My compass that never fails was the Word of God. Have you CHECKED YOUR DIRECTION lately.

Under the Old Covenant, God sometimes appeared to man in a vision, dream, or even in a personal audible voice. He chose His leaders like Moses, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, and King David and sent them to His people to warn them of danger, to give them directions to live by, and even to lead them into the Promised Land. Some listened, obeyed and were blessed; but some refused to follow His leadership and suffered as did Judah in its Babylonian captivity. However, under the New Covenant, each individual has the responsibility of finding his own way. Our highway map is the Holly Bible and our counselor is the Holly Spirit. We were created with a soul; and an inner spirit that causes man to seek a higher power. There are many gods, but only one omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and sovereign God—He is in three persons; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holly Spirit.

Man must personally choose his destination; it will be either Heaven or hell. The bible says there are two roads, one wide and one narrow. The road to hell is wide and well marked along the way with signs that are easy to read and many will travel this way. The road to heaven is narrow and the only signs you will have is the bible, and sadly, only a few will travel this road. We have the individual responsibility of finding our own way, and that is why we need to CHECK OUR DIRECTION.

For the past seventy years the Jewish people have been in bondage, and as God had promised they are now returning home. In chapter 31 he told them to: “Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to your towns.” Then He asked them; “How long will you wander, O unfaithful daughter?” They needed to check their direction to make sure they all followed the right road back to Jerusalem.

In verse 27 God said: “The days are coming when I will plant the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the offspring of men and of animals. Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, and to overthrow, destroy and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant.

Then in verse 31-34 the Lord declared: “The time is coming when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant though I was a husband to them.

This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time; I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least to the greatest, for I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

The people in the days of Jeremiah learned that there would be a new covenant, and the news traveled down through time until John The Baptist came preaching that there was One coming soon who would save man from his sin. The new covenant was born in a manger in Bethlehem.

From the first day of Christ’s ministry until his ascension back to Heaven, He dealt with the minds and hearts of the people. He explained who he was, and proclaimed his mission to seek and save the lost, and expected people to understand with their minds. He proved himself by his actions, his miracles, and caring nature and expected people to accept Him into their hearts as Savior and Lord. This transformation is possible only when each individual experiences a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and for this reason we are personally responsible and must CHECK OUR DIRECTION.

The word “sin” must be the ugliest word in Webster’s dictionary. We don’t like to hear about it and ministers don’t enjoy preaching about it. There are so many sins that it is impossible for us to name them here, but for those who have studied the Word—God has provided a red flag that pops up, like a road sign in our minds and hearts, as our warning. We all have sinned and come short of God’s glory, but he is faithful and just and will forgive all who will repent and call on Him for forgiveness. However, there is one sin that will not be forgiven and that is the sin of personally rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord. There is no neutral zone; you have either “accepted Him” or you are “rejecting” Him. What choice have you made?

Settle Down - Jeremiah 26 -29

2011-07-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in a car wreck or witnessed one as it was happening? You may have spent your last dollar and did not know how you would obtain food for tomorrow. Try to imagine what was going through the minds of the survivors during the recent tornado in Joplin, Missouri and the first few minutes after. The most of us have had at least one experience that caused a torturous fear; an unreal nervous attack that plunged us into a condition of total despair. The first response necessary to regain normalcy is to SETTLE DOWN. Fear and worry, like anger, will destroy all ability to reason.

The Jewish people of Judah and especially the city of Jerusalem were awakened from a normal night of rest to find that they were being conquered by the Babylonian army and were being taken captive to live as prisoners and slaves in a foreign land. They must have been kicking and screaming and fighting back to no avail. In this lesson, Jeremiah is attempting to console these people and assure them that God would not forsake them or leave them and that they would fair better if they would just SETTLE DOWN and prepare to pay for the sins that had brought this devastation, and he gave them a direct order to pray for their enemies that conquered them.

Christians who have studied God’s word and believe it to be truth understand with their heart that they can trust the Lord and know that He has a plan for them in life’s unsettling experiences. The captives that surrendered and went peacefully and maintained their faith in God not only lived through it, but many prospered and actually assumed positions of prominence in Babylon. These were the leaders that brought the Jews back home some seventy years later…as God had promised.

This lesson starts with the 26^th chapter that states that these events took place under King Jehoiakim and that indicates that it was in 609-608 B.C. and just before the exile. God sent Jeremiah to the “courtyard” of the temple with the same kind of message that he preached in his temple sermon recorded in chapter seven. God told Jeremiah that just maybe the people would listen this time, and if they would repent He would spare them from destruction. Leaders, including priest, were angered and threatened to kill the prophet. God interceded on his behalf and his life was saved but the people were plunged into total despair. All the wealthy, educated, talented and skillful people were driven as slaves into Babylon. Only the weak, unskilled and poor were left behind without leadership, and subjected to foreign occupation. When the Jewish elite arrived in Babylon many were given a territory where they could build a new life, others were worked into the economy where their skills were needed. They were traumatized, a broken and distraught reminant under foreign rule, and they began to grumble and complain. [See 28, and 29: 1-14]

Jeremiah wrote these people a letter and said this is what the Lord God says to all that were carried away into bondage. SETTLE DOWN. “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat the produce. Marry and have children, direct your children to marry and multiply, increase, do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”[Paraphrasing] In other words, get back to normal as best you can…and depend upon God for the results.

Why were they given these instructions? Just like Christ has promised us that He will never place more on us than we are able to bare, God would give them a way out if they would only settle down and trust Him. They were told that in seventy years God would come to them and fulfill His promise to return them to their homeland. “Vengeance is mine and I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore their captors would be punished for taking them captive. In the following chapters the bible tells us that God kept his promise and the people and their nation was restored.

The conditions in Jerusalem became so catastrophic in the last days of the siege that the people were starving, actually became cannibalistic. Could this happen in America? I say to you that unless our government stops spending more than the taxes collected, the day will come when there will be no more credit available, and paper money without anything to back it up will be worthless. In my opinion, there has never been a time in our history when there was a greater need than now for God’s people to return to Jesus Christ, pray, and trust God for leadership.

Regardless of whether the American economy fails or prospers, many individuals will continue to experience difficult times. Earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods will increase in the latter days [the bible says so] and we see it happening all over this earth. Accidents and illness will continue, and at some point in the life of each reader of this lesson, a day of reckoning will come. Only the strong in spirit, mind and body will survive. The only way to surmount tragedy is to place your faith in our Lord, and truly believe in your heart that “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Just remember that he had a purpose in mind for each one of us when he made us and He will provide a way if we will “Only trust and obey.”

Keep Your Behavior In Line - Jeremiah 22 - 26

2011-07-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

I believe that it is fair to say that most Christians, really deep down in their hearts, want to “Keep Their Behavior in Line” with what God would have them to do. If you are one of those, I suggest that you study the life of King Josiah in 2 Kings. The writer of 2 Kings says that “Before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with his entire mind and with all his heart and with all his strength according to all the Law of Moses, and no one like him arose after him. His sons followed him as King of Judah, and unfortunately they did not follow in their father’s footsteps. The nation forgot God and became so sinful, worshipped other gods, and brought about the wrath of God who sent Jeremiah to warn them of their condition.

Young people in our day should study this lesson and learn that failure to follow Godley advice given by parents and grand parents can and will bring disaster in their future. The breaking of man’s laws will bring a fine, a jail sentence or even prison. The breaking of God’s law will just as surely bring disaster, and it may far exceed a prison sentence. Judah’s failure to worship the True God carried them into Babylonian bondage. Read again the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah and you will find that the political life and military issues involved in the life of this nation were very complex; however, the spiritual issues were very simple. When the nation was faithful to God, He blessed them; when they rebelled against Him, he judged them and allowed their enemies to destroy them. America—heed this warning! Awaken, listen and learn from Judah’s mistake.

The most important thing to remember is that if the sons of Josiah, who succeeded him, had kept their ‘Behavior in line with that of their father’s Judah would have been spared from total destruction. Just as surely, if the government leaders of America will follow in the footsteps of Josiah, and trust God for their wisdom and ability to govern fairly, God will continue to bless America.

The first 21 chapters of this book have emphasized the fact that God is a jealous Creator who will not tolerate any person or nation that worships false gods. However, the emphasis has now switched to include man’s personal relationships with each other and tells us that He will not tolerate those who treat their fellow man unfairly and without compassion. The examples given here refer to the ungodly kings that followed Josiah and their treatment of their subjects.

The word ‘woe’ means misfortune or excessive suffering, and the following verses introduce a pronouncement of divine judgment against King Jehoiakim because of the tactics he used to build his royal palace. Verse 13 “Woe for the one who builds his palace through unrighteousness, his upper rooms through injustice, who makes his fellow man serve without pay and will not give him his wages, 14 who says: ‘I will build myself a massive palace, with spacious upper rooms.’ He will cut windows in it, and it will be paneled with cedar and painted with vermilion……..17 But you have eyes and heart for nothing except your own dishonest profit, shedding innocent blood and committing extortion and oppression.” [Emphasis mine.]

The good king, Josiah died in war at the battle of Megiddo in 1609 B.C. His son, Jehoahaz, followed him and reigned for only three months before he was captured by a Pharaoh in Egypt, where he remained until his death. Jehoiakim succeeded his brother as king of Judah and was in power during the time of Jeremiah’s warnings, for he was evil and oppressive during his reign. Neither son imitated his father. God’s judgment was on them and they could not claim their father’s blessings because they had not inherited his faith in God. It is so with us today, we may inherit the wealth of our parents but we cannot inherit their faith. Each person must acquire their own relationship with the Heavenly Father. Christ said that YOU must be born again.

In verse 21, God said, “I warned you when you felt secure, but you said, ‘I will not listen!’ This has been your way from your youth; you have not obeyed me.” Evidently this man had been hardheaded and hardhearted since his youth and surely did not follow his parent’s advice. Wealth and power became his God, and meant more to him than his right relationship with the Almighty. There is a terrible price to pay anytime any of us becomes so satisfied with our position, wealth, home, cars and things than we have no time for God.

It does not stretch our imagination to see that this pronouncement of divine judgment would apply to any king, president, politician or any employer that has the position or power to force people to work underpaid or under oppression. The first thing that comes to my mind is the fact that many [if not most] of our elected officials all the way from county judges to the president of the United States are able to live lavishly for the rest of their lives; some after serving only one or two terms of less than ten years. It is without doubt that their excessive gain resulted from dishonest gain at the expense of the citizenry. No doubt, many have lived and died with this sin over their head, but one thing is sure and that is that there will be a pay-day—some day.

This lesson teaches us that we must first fear God and trust him for guidance. It teaches the young that they must honor their parents and follow good parental advice. It teaches all of us that a good reputation and Godly character is always much more important than riches. And finally, it teaches us the ‘Golden Rule’ is a very clear way; that we should treat others as we would have them treat us—so we must “KEEP OUR BEHAVIOR IN LINE.” May God bless you, real good!

Submit to Divine Discipline - Jeremiah 19 - 22

2011-07-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

Many of you who are reading this lesson will be either parents or grand parents and a Christian. Have you ever wondered why your children are or were prone to be disobedient? Have you ever instructed your children in matters that would be very obviously of benefit; instructions that, if followed, would actually bring joy, peace and maybe financial or other types of gain—and they still refused your advice? Do you want at least one possible answer? Just look in the mirror. Why don’t you “Submit to Divine Discipline?” I think it is because your children and you inherited a sinful nature. Your divine nature was forfeited in the Garden of Eden. You and your children may have been ‘born again’ spiritually speaking, but you still maintain the human nature to sin: and that includes a tendency to rebel against both Divine, and parental Discipline? It is sad and often costly, but we usually must undergo disciplinary action before we will submit. Ask yourself, why do I disobey God when I know there will be a price to pay?

Biblical history was recorded by divinely inspired prophets to give all posterity important information regarding God’s approval or disapproval of the action of His people. We have the opportunity to profit by the mistakes of our forefathers. Read chapter 19 and you will learn that Israel had reached low ebb in human history. As you read this scripture, it will help you to know that the Valley of Ben Hinnom was a place where the people of Jerusalem dumped their garbage; and Topheth was located in the valley. The word Topheth means ‘fire-place” and is probably where their children were burned as a sacrifice to other gods.

Jeremiah wrote this warning during his ministry somewhere between 627 and 586 B.C. and it came true, the first time, about 100 years later, in 586 B.C. during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon—and again in A. D. 70 when Titus destroyed Jerusalem. During the siege, food became so scarce that the people became cannibalistic, actually eating their own children. You can find that not just Jeremiah, but others too, had prophesied that these things would happen, by reading Moses in Leviticus 26 and again in Deuteronomy 28. The actual accounts where these predictions came true are found in 2 Kings, 6 and Lamentations 2 and 4: 10. Listen to me now, today; John Vandiver is telling you that these things happened because the people were stiff-necked and would not listen to God’s words [19:14]. Do you think…do you honestly believe…that God will turn his head the other way while Americans do the same things that these people were doing?

We must not blame God. He loves us, [everyone] but He will not condone our sins. Read in 20: 4 and on where He tells us that we are a terror to ourselves and He will hand us and all our wealth over to another nation who will conquer and kill, plunder our land and enslave us. I realize that He was talking about Judah, but He is talking to America too. We must hear [listen attentively] and believe that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Some of you may want to discredit me for writing this, but just remember that Jeremiah was also discredited, beaten and put in stocks because he told the truth, and the people did not want to hear the truth of God’s Word.

The first six verses make a sad statement regarding the fact that a priest [church official] whose name was PASHhur was the one that heard Jeremiah’s condemnation of the sins of the people and condemned him. He ordered Jeremiah to be beaten and put in stocks overnight. Sadly, I tell you that we have Baptist ministers today that feel that it is more important to be ‘politically correct’ than it is to preach the real truth. Just recently, one told me personally that this is necessary in order to maintain his ability to deal with people today, and not be rejected. His feelings seem to be that it is not advisable for Christians to condemn the Islamic threat and other ‘cult’ religions for fear of hurting the feelings of others who may not agree. He said that his job was to win people to Christ…and I agree. However, I believe that people also need to know the dangers that lurk as “Sheep in the skin of lions” and Islam is definitely a threat to Christianity.

The Gospel Ministry is not an easy job, and has never been, and Jeremiah is a perfect example [Read 20: 7-18]. He was so disappointed and distressed that he accused God of deception and even cursed the day he was born; and it was all because he had preached the truth as God had instructed him—and was persecuted for it. The New Testament warns us that the people have itching ears—they want to be told what they want to hear rather than be warned of their errors. Preachers today are not beaten and placed in stocks, but they get fired when they step on too many toes. No wonder we do not hear more messages condemning the sins of our people.

You must read chapter 21 to find that blaming the preacher and persecuting [firing] him will not atone for our sins. And ministers must learn that they cannot compromise the gospel messages because they are not pleasing to their congregation. Jeremiah’s prophesies became real, Jerusalem was attacked by Babylon…the siege started and the same man that put Jeremiah in stocks, Pashur, was sent to Jeremiah by the Jewish King Zedekiah to ask him to beseech God to come to their rescue. He said, “Perhaps the Lord will perform wonders for us as in times past so that he [Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon] will withdraw from us.”

What was the result? In verse 3 we read that Jeremiah told him; “Tell Zedekiah, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I am about to turn against you the weapons of war that are in your hands, which you are using to fight the…and the Babylonians who are outside the wall besieging you.” This simply means that their weapons will not be sufficient to protect them and God goes on to tell them that they will even suffer from a plague [probably something like, a flew epidemic or typhoid fever]. Not only that, but their food supply will play out and people will suffer famine; then those that survive will be taken into captivity by Babylon. Finally, before they leave Jerusalem, their soldiers will destroy the city by burning it to the ground.

God always has a limit beyond which he will not tolerate our sins. His greatest wrath has always been toward those who deny Him, forsake Him for other gods. God is good, and gracious, [by his grace we are saved] but He is also a jealous God. Please try to imagine how displeased he must be with our government that is allowing His Name to be removed from our money, our pledge, and all public places! Our time and opportunity must be drawing close to the end of his patience. Am I an alarmist? Was Jeremiah an Alarmist? No. We are more like Paul Revere who road at night, just warning you that the British [in this case God] is on his way and there is danger ahead. Even the Communist has warned America that we would perish from within. Our presidents and congress have failed to heed His warnings ever since Rowe vs. Wade; don’t show, don’t tell, and especially since the ugly 1960’s.

Even when we consider the conditions during the days of Jeremiah, there has never been a time in all of history when it was more important for a people to SUBMTI TO DIVINE DISCIPILINE. You and I may not be able to control what politicians do; however, we are responsible and can control what we do as individuals. Have you surrendered to God?

Never Say It's Hopeless - Jeremiah 16 - 20

2011-07-03T03:50:00.000-07:00

Just after Katrina hit New Orleans, thousands thought things for them was hopeless. The city is thriving today even more than it was before the flood and many people are better off than they were before the hurricane. In the early 1940’s the Germans had become so successful that most of the citizens in England and France [Europe] thought their countries were doomed; then American troops landed on the Normandy Beach Head, and the rest is history. Twelve disciples gave up their home life, their jobs and professions, and followed Christ to the Garden where he prayed with them and explained that he would be crucified; He hung on the cross the next day and they suddenly felt hopeless and went fishing. They thought their hopes were gone; life became hopeless, only to become revived again three days later. Our American way of life is in jeopardy but you and I still have the freedom to vote for NEW MANAGEMENT. We must never say that life is hopeless; Christ gave his life to prevent that from happening. As long as we are alive there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Have you ever battled the feelings of hopelessness? If so, what was the change factor that helped you to enjoy a better day? I have been there; done that; and can tell you that it sometimes takes a huge effort and much time to be able to look back and see that God had a hand in establishing peace and confidence in the future. Time and experience makes it possible for us to see that there were many incidents, many of which were unpleasant, that God use to change hopelessness to an optimistic attitude regarding the future. His unfailing promise to “Never leave or forsake me” was one of my greatest spiritual catalysts.

Have you thought about the great number of ‘makeover’ programs that are popular on television today? Some have to do with ‘a new home,’ ‘remodeling of present home,’ ‘new furniture’, ‘hair style for women,’ ‘skin care,” ‘losing weight,” and I like the one that answers the wishes of some fatally ill child with a ‘trip to Disney World.’ Why are these programs so popular? In most cases it is because these programs represent a ‘dream come true’ to a hopeless person or persons that had actually given up their dream of ever being what they wanted to be, owning things they desired to have, or going places they wanted to go. There is good news; God wants to help us move beyond our past failures into a useful life for Him. A broken life in God’s pottery house can become a new vessel. Broken and failing hope can be renewed; however it requires repentance and rededication. It definitely requires the inclusion of God in the lives of both men and in any nation. The government’s present plan to remove the name of God from our money, our pledge of allegiance, and from public view is a sure way to invoke God’s wrath upon a wayward nation. Please God, help us to pray and work to keep You in our personal lives and the life of the United States.

America is a land of broken lives today, extremely indicative of the people of Judah that Jeremiah wrote about in these five chapters in our lesson today. He both warned and encouraged the people of Judah to return to the Lord. I hope and pray that as a teacher of the Word, I will be able to do the same for those that read and think upon these writings. Let us pray that God will replace our complacency with overt action; and renew our dependency on our Creator, Friend and Savior.

You who are older will remember that before the typewriter and computer when people wrote a document that they did not want to fade, they would use an indelible pencil whose markings were difficult to erase. In chapter 17, God stated that Judah’s sins were indelibly “Written with an iron stylus, on the tablet of their hearts and on the horns of their altars.” God knew that it would be difficult for them to erase their mistakes, because of their unwillingness to repent and become humble. We must repent, humble ourselves and pray in order for God to hear and answer our prayers and heal our land, restoring America to one nation Under-God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

The last nine verses of chapter 17 are dealing with sins that God considered to be of great importance. Judah was guilty. America is guilty today. Two commandments were being broken. They were instructed again to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy, and were told that their failure to comply would bring sure destruction. The Sabbath was set aside to be used in worship and praise and failure to comply always breaks the first commandment which is to “Have no other Gods before Me.” Many of our church pews are empty at Sunday morning worship, while professing Christians exhibit their love for rest, recreation and other preferred activities.

There is no doubt; living a Christian life has never been easy, and has always required some sacrifice. God is a loving deity; but He is also a jealous God, and because of his monumental sacrifice for us, He expects our commitment to Him to precede any other love or concerns we have. Regular attendance at your church indicates your commitment to Him. Your frequent and continued absence indicates that you have other Gods [interests] that come before your creator, The Lord, Jesus Christ. Allow me to be very specific; young people you must not put pleasure first, before God in your life—first attend church and then go play. Parents and grand parents if you truly love your children take them to church first and then go watch them water-skiing, playing ball, or competing in their favorite game or sport. “Bring your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and then you have God’s promise “In their latter years they will not depart from God.”

Young people; think and remember—your teachers, deacons, pastor, and other leaders in the church are growing older and will soon leave these positions to you. You soon will be expected to accept these responsibilities and therefore you need to be in church and Sunday school where you study God’s Word and learn how to be a Christian leader. Think again, you attend school six to eight hours a day, five days a week to learn how to live, work and pursue your chosen profession—and you only have two to five or six hours each week to learn how to handle your Christian obligations. Man’s law says you must attend school; but only YOU are responsible for your Christian education.

There are great lessons for all of us being taught at the Potter’s House in {Jer. 18: 1-25}. Read about it now. The first lesson concerns judgment and repentance, and the other deals with the relationship between God and man; His sovereignty and our freedom. God sent Jeremiah to the Potter’s house where he was taught a lesson that he never forgot; and where he received his instructions to pass on to us. It is obvious that in this story the potter represents God and the clay represents people. We are in the hands of God being molded each day of our lives. The noun “potter” comes from a verb called “yatsar” which means ‘to shape’ ‘to form’ or ‘to fashion’ and this is what God does with all willing people whom he created.

In this story the clay being used became flawed and the vessel being made became useless so the potter reclaimed the clay from the wheel and he re-made the vessel into a beautiful and usable container. Jeremiah reminds us that this is what God does for each of us on a regular basis when we are willing to submit our lives into his hands. We are His creation, he made us and therefore He has the sovereign right to re-mold our flawed lives into a useful vessel for Him.

Israel was in the hands of God, just like the clay in the potter’s hand. They were ‘flawed’ and sin abounded and so God told them that they could both repent and yield their lives to Him or be destroyed. Please note in verses 7 to 10 that his order extends to other nations…even America. Please remember that man’s history repeats itself and often throughout Biblical history God has allowed evil nations to prevail over his people when they became disobedient and failed to repent and turn to Him. God has limits that only He knows, beyond which he will not go. Farmers reap what they sow. Both Christians and nonbelievers will do the same, and wild oats sometimes multiply rapidly. What kind of crop will you gather

Rise Above the Tide - Jeremiah 11 - 15

2011-06-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

For the introduction I quote the author of the lesson in the Life Way Commentary for summer 2011. “We all have days of conflict, weakness, sadness, grief, regret, or confusion. Sometimes such days of distress and discouragement stretch into months, even years. How do we relate to God during those stormy times? Does knowing God help us? Do our difficulties motivate us to question God? During such times, does he have anything to say to us?” For those of us with experiences like these, Jeremiah wrote about the way God dealt with the wayward people of Judah; and I believe it is a warning to Americans today, even those of us who live in Heber Springs or have friends or relatives here.

The prophet, Jeremiah was not different, he had his bad days and they stretched into at least forty years. Allow me to digress momentarily and remind everyone that our ministers [or yours, wherever you worship] fits this mold also. Our pastors of the Word and ministers of song, youth and children, and even Bible study teachers are no different. They seek and need the encouragement from those Christians that are strong in the Lord, and they deserve their support. Christians are obligated to lift their leaders up in prayer often; and we should support them in our conversations with others. Even when you are displeased with their work, there is never an excuse for open criticism that may cause them even more problems. If you are unhappy, tell them personally, and don’t gossip about it to others. When or if you feel a change is needed—just remember that the next one you call may have more problems than the one you have. An open stand against God’s chosen workers is a dangerous position to be in. Sincere prayer may help most.

I do not know your views regarding the study of history, but, to me, the study of biblical history is not only exciting but essential in the life of a Christian. When younger, I preferred the study of the New Testament to the Old one, but after extended study of God’s word, I find that knowledge of the early history of God’s people is paramount and essential to the understanding of the New Covenant established by the blood of Jesus Christ.

We can learn that God is real, in charge and unchanging through the study of history. He has always allowed people the freedom to make choices [and to experience the consequences of those choices] and this is recorded as biblical history. We can and should learn from the mistakes made by others. We can know God’s plan for his people, established in the beginning, and unchanging, and we can learn that He is moving forward to accomplish His goal; and we learn that He uses people like you and me to accomplish his goal of redeeming the lost.

We have always heard it said that history repeats itself; and that is true in the history of man; but this is not so in the history of God. People change, and repeat, and try for the new, then change again; but not so with God. He is the same yesterday today and tomorrow. Man’s history repeats; but the history of God and his plan for man is headed to a destination, leading history to a final conclusion which is the great judgment conducted by His Son, Jesus Christ—and it predicts and provides us with the hope of our salvation.

Since I write lessons weekly, there is fear that some statements and suggestions will sound repetitious. One statement that seems so important is that Christ-like obedience is just as important for the Christian as repentance is to the non-believer. Do you try daily to obey the Word of the Lord? In this lesson, 11: 1-17, you will find that the people of Judah forgot the importance of obedience to their own determent. They falsely presumed that God would keep His part of the covenant agreement, even when they were unfaithful. They either did not know or forgot that a covenant is an agreement between two or more people and that both parties must keep their end of the bargain. God made thousands of promises to us and He will keep each one; however in every case we have an obligation to keep. Some great examples are: “I will heal your land—but—you must first repent of your sins, humble yourself, and make your request in prayer.” “I will save you from your sins—but—you first must repent of your sins and call Me by My name to come and live in your heart.” “Your children will be saved—but—you must bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” And then there is the one that applies heavily in Judah’s case; “I will be your God—but—you shall have no other gods before Me.”

The Hebrew word [shama’] appears six times in the first eight verses. This word [shama’] translated into English can mean either “listen” and/or “obey” God sent Jeremiah to Judah and they were admonished to “listen” to the warnings regarding their disobedience, and in this case they were also told that they must “obey” God or suffer annihilation. Note: In this case God did not kill and destroy these people and their country but he allowed a heathen nation to conquer and take them captive. God will not kill Americans! But if you will only listen and look you can see that he is allowing Satin to send floods, tornadoes and hurricanes; even a terrorist group to destroy the twin towers, pentagon and probably the White House or Capitol which was saved by the heroes that destroyed the plane in an open field in the mid-west. Jeremiah’s warning applies to us too.

You have probably said to one of your children—“listen, did your hear me? Or, you have heard others ask the question. Was the question asked because the child had a hearing problem? No. The question was asked because the child was disobeying a command. This is exactly what was happening in Judah when Jeremiah told the people six times to listen to his warning and obey what God was telling them to do. The prophet was obedient to God in relaying this message and giving them the possibility of two results that could come. Disobedience would result in curses that would be allowed by God; and obedience would bring blessings [including a personal relationship with God] and a fertile land [see 11: 4-5].

In verses 6-8, Jeremiah reminded the people in Jerusalem and Judah that they had examples in history that they could look back on and see what happens when disobedience prevails. God said that ever since He brought their forefathers out of bondage in Egypt he had continually warned the people regarding the different results that come from obedience and disobedience. They had the history of their nation that they could have used as a warning—just as we have an even more complete history of the subject. They did not listen/obey. Will America listen and obey? A better question and even more personal—are you listening to the warnings you are receiving? If not, would you like to know why you don’t? Find the answer in verse eight. You are stubborn and you have an evil heart. Harsh? God said it.

On any given week-end this summer you can find many more people on the beaches, lakes, parks, at games, in gambling houses, and in bed asleep at home than you can find in the house of God. In verses 9-10 you can see that God calls this a refusal to obey his words and following other gods to worship them. His promise for this follows in 11-14, where He says that ‘I am about to bring on them disaster that they cannot escape. They will cry out to me but I will not hear.” I have told you readers that God has a limit—that his spirit will not always strive with men, and we do not know in advance when He will say enough. It happened to Judah [see 14] He told the prophet not to pray for Judah—“For I will not be listening when they call out to Me at the time of their disaster.”

Time and space is so limited. God’s Word is so great and expansive that at one time the writer said that if it all was written down there would not be enough books to hold it. Not finished, and incomplete I must close this session by simply reminding you one more time that it is imperative for all of us to: “RISE ABOVE THE TIDE” AND LEARN TO OBEY THE LORD. OR GET PREPARED TO SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES. Please remember that history repeats itself where sinful people are concerned; but the history of God is not repetitive but always the same and continuous, and will be until his goal has been reached…known as the end of the age, when Christ returns to claim His own.

Live Above Board - Jeremiah 7:1 - 10:25

2011-06-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

Disguised as laws to protect personal confidentiality there are many questions that an employer is not allowed to ask a prospective employee; questions regarding political and religious preferences are examples. If you had moved to Heber Springs a couple of years ago and gone to work at one of the local industries, would anyone know by now whether you are a Christian or not? Assuming you were a member of a church would you have joined one here by now? If you had united with a church here, would you have told your buddies at the factory about the experience? Would you have invited any of your friends to attend with you? More importantly, would you have spoken to anyone about their relationship with God?

Would you participate in telling or even listening to the ‘dirty joke’ sessions that take place at break time? Would there still be some, if not all, that did not even know that you profess to be a Christian? The questions that you need to ask yourself are: “Do I demonstrate my trust in God? DO I LIVE ABOVE BOARD? Note: the title of this lesson is DO I LIVE ABOVE BOARD. Does your life really count for Christ? Remember that only you and God need to be fully satisfied; however it is rewarding to please others.

Since God can not condone sin, surely one of His greatest concerns is the fact that his people who claim to be believers are practicing life styles that are no different from those who have never claimed Him as their Lord. This is nothing new. In the Old Testament, God chose Israel as His special people and established His covenant with them. The basis for this covenant was the Ten Commandments. His people continually broke the covenant yet they blindly continued to believe that they were still under His protection. If you will study His word, you will find that, in many cases, they paid a horrible price for their sins while they were still living; and the unsaved will continue paying. It is no wonder that people who claim to be Christian seem to have so many problems confronting them daily. Sometimes God allows Satin to have his way in the lives of sinful Christians; and often they learn the hard way—experience is a good teacher but her lessons usually cost much more than we would like to pay.

Our covenant with God is something like a contract with a company to provide a service. We agree to pay and the company agrees to provide the service and if either fails to live up to the contract there is always a problem. There is one main difference though…because God is the company, the provider, and He never fails to keep his end of the bargain, Christians are the ones who fail. The bible teaches that ‘all have sinned and come short’ of God’s expectations, and many times we come short of his commands.

In our lesson today, Jeremiah prophesied that in the future, following the impending judgment on the nation, Judah, God would make a new covenant with Israel and Judah. Unlike the old one which was so severe that man could not keep it…the new one would enable people to uphold it. Under the new one, His law would be written on our hearts. We now have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and when our lives are dedicated [in our daily living] we receive forgiveness for our daily sins. In Ezekiel we find that he prophesied that we could keep the new covenant because of God’s Spirit that is within Christians, [Ezek.36: 26]. This prophesies came true as recorded in [Hebrews 8-9]. And it was sealed with the blood of Christ [Matt. 26: 28].

In the early verses of this lesson God instructed Jeremiah to stand in the gate of the Lord and warn the people that visiting the temple regularly [going to church] does not fulfill the requirements made by God. The example that matters continues seven days a week, and twenty four hours each day. How does your life demonstrate that your faith is genuine? How do your day-to-day actions differ from those of unbelievers around you? Jeremiah warned the Jews; your pastor, Sunday school teachers, and the bible warn you today.

It is imperative that you read this lesson in order to get the total message, but I insist that you re-read verses 9 through 11; “Do you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house…and say “we are safe” safe to do these detestable things? Has my house become a den of robbers to you? “I have been watching! Declares the Lord. The soldier standing guard may fall asleep on his watch; however, we can be assured that God never sleeps, and is watching our every move…both good and bad.

It is easy for us to say that we do not do these specific sins that are named above…but do we? Ever cheat a little on income tax? Stealing. Ever gossip about another’s actions? Murdering reputation. Ever look, see and lust? Adultery already in your heart. Miss represent the truth in anyway? Lying. Ever partook in Lord’s Supper without first confessing sin and asking forgiveness? Burning incense. Ever preferred a great home; a new car: a vacation; or even your family to being with, or trusting in God? Following other gods. Folks, it is not easy to totally trust God and live righteous daily…in fact it is impossible, but we must endeavor to do our best and trust God to forgive us when we fail…and we must not fail intentionally and continually. God has promised to forgive 7X70; however he has also told us that his spirit will not always strive with men. There is a limit to God’s patients; I do not know where it is, no one does, but I fear for America today. Too many have forgotten God; too many are carrying their luck far beyond safe bounds.

In verses 12-15 God told these people to take a look at Shiloh, use it as an example to see what their fate would be. You should remember that God established his headquarters at Shiloh and placed the arc of the covenant there. Eli was high priest and Samuel was called to serve there, but because of the people’s wickedness, the Lord allowed the Philistines to capture the ark [which symbolized God’s presence] and He departed from the people there. God will not live where sin prevails and that includes the heart of his people. Jerusalem and Judah have now become as the people were in Shiloh, and God is warning that there will be a pay day. America has moved into Shiloh territory, and God will not allow his Holy Spirit to be trampled under the feet of undeserving, un-Godly, and non-repenting sinners or Christians.

This lesson contains what was known as Jeremiah’s temple sermon and it warned the people that they were involved in deceptive worship. It is deceptive when we practice our religion on Sundays and at church and live as the world lives throughout the rest of the week. We are not to be deceived, and we must remember that what so ever we sow, that shall we also reap. God will not be mocked and he is watching to determine what seed we are sowing.

In closing, you must read 7: 30 and 31 about the Valley of Slaughter. These people built one or more alters called ‘high places’ in the Valley of Ben Hinnom on which to sacrifice their sons and daughters in fire. How terrible!! Americans would never do that!! No. The law would not allow it…yet. However it is acceptable for butchers to use a grinding instrument and bore their brains out while still in the womb, then allow them to birth as a glob of dead flesh and blood that was only a few moments ago…a living sole.

God saw these American babies just before they were killed, and He said that they were alive, and that he already knew what they were to accomplish is the life which is taken from them. Is there any difference in what the people of Judah was doing and what the Americans are allowing to be done?

There are viable organizations at work today trying to stop this hellish devastation of human life; I have signed several petitions lately, asking, begging, and demanding that Congress put a stop to our ‘Valleys of Slaughter that are operating in almost every community. Have you taken your stand against the murder of the unborn? I urge you to speak out at every opportunity, let God know that this is not one of your un-forgiven sins. Some Christians will argue that there are exceptions; that conditions can exist that justifies abortion. That may be so; but, personally, I prefer to let God decide, rather than some quack doctor. Let God have his way and the outcome will be acceptable in the sight of Jesus Christ, our Savior. I prefer to please Him, rather than abide by a man-made permissible abortion [murder] law. If you disagree with me regarding the sin of abortion—then my hope is that I have at least drawn your attention long enough to reconsider your stand. Every Christian should continue daily to LIVE ABOVE BOARD and be proud of the example their life sets before others.

Get Back on Track - Jeremiah 2:1 - 6:30

2011-06-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

I have already tried to formulate in my mind just how I will attempt to make this lesson pertain to the United States of America and the perilous times we are experiencing today. In my opinion, God inspired the writers to include this lesson as America’s warning. The question in my mind is: Will our leaders heed this warning in time to save America? The Jews did not heed and their Pay-Day came soon and lasted 70 years. God Help Us!

In fact, and the truth is that the Jewish nation is still paying today, over 3000 years later for sins that are related directly to those committed during this the days of Jeremiah. They were in bondage in Egypt prior to this occasion and were rescued by God, and were denied their home in Jerusalem for their continued failure to trust God, and their worship of idols instead of Him. Christ came and they rejected him as the Messiah, and they will never find peace on this earth until they do.

You must read through these five chapters to get the picture of Jewish life as it had become in Judah, the Southern Kingdom, and the one that really had been shown more of God’s patience than Israel, the Northern Kingdom. The reading is not easy to fully understand because it is reported as a vision that came to the Prophet and it uses allegories [stories in which figures and actions are symbols of general truths]. I will attempt to generalize what appears to be the meaning to me.

This was a fruitful land; a land of plenty, as had been promised, a land of milk and honey. People were well off, living in much the same circumstances in that day and could be compared to America following WWII. Because God planned it that way, the land was fertile, the weather was conducive, and the expansive array of crops, including all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and other produce was abundant. Their industrial abilities, with far less machinery to work with than we have, were amazing. Their buildings were enormous and absolutely beautiful with the temple, as described in the bible was unbelievable. Their water and waste systems were a marvel, hidden underground and effective. Motes and walls surrounded cities for protection. They were blessed by God.

Now follow through and look at the problems that arose and while you study please watch the parallel with the same kinds of action and reactions that have occurred in America during the last hundred years. I digress a moment to say that I believe this story is in the bible to allow us to look back at their mistakes and profit by them. It is not an enjoyable read, in many ways it is a boring piece of literature and as far as I am concerned, any literature that deals with sin, immorality, deceit, deception, anti-Godliness, adultery, idol worship, and cult religions are boring. We do not read to enjoy; we must read to learn from the mistakes of others.

We must go back into the history of this nation briefly to explain why judgment is being brought upon Judah. Let us just start with Solomon, wise in head knowledge, but so lacking in spiritual commitment. God had told his people ‘I am the I am, there is no other, you can put no other gods before Me, you must obey my laws, I have given you commandments to live by and you must obey Me. God demanded that they not intermarry with heathen nations because that would introduce other gods to his people and one of Solomon’s first mistakes was to marry an Egyptian. Things started down hill soon, and culminated with parts of the Holy Temple being desecrated by allowing idol worship there. This is probably the greatest of their sins, because it defies the very first commandment. But all sin is simply sin and wrong in the sight of God.

As governmental power grew, certain people, especially the poor, were discriminated against in many ways but the one that fits us is that they were overtaxed unfairly and had to beg for mercy that did not come. Examples of multiple marriages, prostitution, [and even legal temple prostitutes] set the tone for the people to follow and it became one of the greatest sins of their day. They built their own idols with their own hands and called them gods and worshipped them. We have done the same thing. Think about it. You do not have to bow down, and pray to an object to worship it…you only have to put your greatest interest there, and forget God while you do it. Some of our gods are great, and would be acceptable to God, if we would only put Him first and thank him for them.

As I write, next Monday is Memorial Day and [if gas wasn’t so high] where would millions be? Thousands will be even with high gas prices. Let us start with River Fest in Little Rock, with expensive trucks, motor homes, and expensive boats on all the lakes. Las Vegas will be alive with gamblers, and the beaches crowded on both coasts. To many their home is their castle, a new car is their most cherished item, diamonds shine brighter than God ever can in their lives. Then there is the immoral issue with government even passing laws to make many legal. God’s plan for the family is being ignored, same sex marriages, are now able to adopt and raise homeless children in homes that are damned by God’s law. There is a tragic history of laws being passed that demands that the name of God be removed from all public places and documents. I must limit examples, but you get the picture, surely you can see the parallel with our lesson on the destruction of Judah.

Judah had gone too far. God rebelled against them. He gave them one more chance when he sent Jeremiah, just a lad, to warn them—and the story you read today tells you that he has had enough. Jeremiah told them what they had done and what God was about to do. They were going to be destroyed by armies that would bear down and run over their land like oil that would run down the mountains and cover them. The results were that Babylon, a cruel and ungodly nation, was permitted to conquer Judah and they were taken into captivity for 70 years. God save a remnant as he always will, but the nation has never regained their original position.

You can agree with me…or disagree…that is your privilege, but I truly believe that unless America returns to at least the Christian status we held in the early part of the last century, this nation is doomed to fall just as Judah did. Many, with more knowledge about nation failures than I have, have predicted that our downfall will come from within. Linen and Stolen both predicted that we would rot from within. The Islamic nations have determined to kill all infidels and convert the world to Islam. And in many ways we are playing straight into their hands. We need to GET BACK ON TRACK. And the only way is for us to guard against sin.

This lesson can be summed up by saying that it tells us the consequences of unfaithfulness [2: 1-37]. Jeremiah gave the call to repentance [3:1-4: 4] and I humbly tell you that I am trying to do the same thing. In 4:5-31, he told them that judgment was certain. The fifth chapter spells out the corruption of Judah and it is parallel to our day. And finally the Calamity came from the North just as he predicted in the sixth chapter.

Please go to 5: 3-6 and read NOW. The people were the first to fail, then you would expect the leaders to bring us back, but they are even worse. I do not know who the lion, leopard and wolf are but they are crouched and ready to strike America. I am truly glad that I do not know the day and hour. But unless we repent of our sinful ways, and pray for forgiveness, and be humble about it—God will not protect America while it delves deeper and deeper into an immoral state that has forgotten who God is and that He is in power, and will have the last word. GOD BLESS AMERICA, IS MY PRAYER! Sadly, I know that the people of America must return to God before he will answer in the affirmative.

Accept Your Commission - Jeremiah 1:1-19

2011-06-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

Do you consider yourself as a successful person? Have you read the life of Jeremiah and do you vision this great prophet as a successful man? Will you be happy with your life if it emulates anything near the success he had? How do you define the word success? The most of the answers to this last question will look something like this—“I will be successful if I can acquire a reasonable amount of wealth; at least enough to live comfortably and care for my family—and in so doing can obtain a level of prestige, favor and power to be financially and emotionally secure. I must obtain and hold a good number of friends and admirers and enjoy the fruits of my labor. I know who I am and where I am going and will work confidently to meet my goals and in the process I will be a success.” In a few words, this seems to be an admirable ambition…BUT

By these standards, Jeremiah was a miserable failure. He witnessed for God and to His people in Judah for forty years—but no one would listen and his work seemed doomed to failure. He acquired no material success either; he lived a deprived life; was thrown into prison, and once was even tossed into a cistern. He was taken to Egypt against his will; he was rejected by his family and friends, his audience, and even by the Kings. He stood alone throughout his life. In the eyes of his world, and especially our world today, he was a failure—and by our definition given above, Jeremiah was definitely a failure; he was very unsuccessful…BUT

In the eyes of God—Jeremiah was one of the most successful people in all of bible history. Why? He was successful “Because he ACCEPTED HIS COMMISSION FROM GOD.” As a member of God’s church, [a Christian] have you accepted your commission? Do you attempt daily to do what you can to answer the call? One important command was for you to study the word to show yourself approved. Have you studied the portion of scripture that reveals the last command He gave to you and me just before his ascension? His bodily work was finished on the cross; He was on his way back to heaven and He charged his church to remain diligent in their preaching and teaching about what He had done for man. He said, “Go into all the world, preach and teach unbelievers;…feed My sheep, pray, lift the fallen, do good to others as you would that they do for you,” on and on our commission is a great one. It is not a burden; but very demanding, time consuming but enjoyable; and rewarding beyond your deepest imagination.

The first chapter of this book records Jeremiah’s personal call from God and indicates that the assignment would be difficult. He said in verses 4 and 5 that “The word of the Lord came to me:” ‘I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born,…”’. Without thinking, some, if not most, of us would say that we have never had an experience like that. Think about it for a moment. We were all created individually and specifically for God’s purpose. Though not audibly, God has spoken to us through his inspired and divine written word, which is now complete and contains all promises that came as a result of the new covenant. We know more about what God expects of us than Jeremiah ever could have known. If we fail to follow His orders, what excuse will we give on the Day of Judgment?

Parenthetically, let me say that this passage should challenge all who believe in abortion. God said that He recognized Jeremiah, chose him and set him apart as a prophet before he was born. If an unborn fetus is not a person, then how could God have known his destiny? And to whom or what was He talking and assigning this responsibility? Would he have chosen a glob of useless protoplasm? No. He spoke of an unborn fetus in the mother’s womb as a person.

For those of you [if there are any] who doubt the call of God on the life of man, I ask you how you explain the conversation between God and Jeremiah? Read through these first verses, listen to the call of God, and then note that Jeremiah rejected the call and even protested saying, “Oh, no, Lord God! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am [only] a youth.” {Emphasis mine] Then note God’s answer or response. God told him not to make the excuse of being young, go where I tell you and say what I want you to say. And then the promise was “Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to deliver you.” We have two serious problems as rebellious sinners. First we fail to read His word to see what he has told us to do. Then when we read and learn his commands, we fail to follow; either out of fear of failure or maybe just because we are not willing to follow Him. The reason can only be neglect, unbelief, or laziness, all are serious sins.

I jut cannot complete this lesson without begging you to read chapter one and REREAD verses 7-19. God spoke to Jeremiah through this vision; He speaks to us through his Word.

Jeremiah was called by God to prophesy to Judah [the southern kingdom] who had rebelled and were serving idols made by their hands. He told them that they would be in captivity for 70 years in Babylon and that they would eventually return from exile. Jeremiah survived the fall, but was forcefully sent to Egypt. He remained faithful in spite of Jerusalem’s destruction. He was totally ignored and despised but because of his determined obedience he remained strong and courageous.

There are many other examples in the bible that show us how we must persevere in the Lord in order to be SUCCESSFUL; however, this one is all you need to tell and show you how God measures success in our lives. No matter how you and I define success, if it does not lead to a right relationship with God—it is the wrong definition. Then how can you get it right? First, read God’s word and follow the plan of salvation that leads you to surrender your life to Christ. Then study the word and see what God has commissioned you to do. The title of the lesson today explains the rest of the plan.—it says: ACCEPT YOUR COMMISSION. Have you?

Please pray for me that I may be able to honestly, and sincerely, keep in practice the admonitions that are recorded in His word; and please pray that readers will react more favorable than the hearers of Jeremiah the Prophet. Then remember. It is a fact. If they don’t believe and act accordingly, “There will be a pay-day some-day. {Note: This is the title to a wonderful message preached by Robert G. Lee at Belleview Baptist in Memphis before his untimely death.}

Be Forgiving - Philemon 1: 1-25

2011-05-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest blights in American history was caused by the introduction of slavery into our new country. Slavery has been practiced in one form or another since the earliest biblical times, and there are still forms of slavery even in our country today. The general concept was that a slave was collateral property of his/her owner and could be bought and sold as such; and could be treated or mistreated as the owner wished. I am assuming from my study of the bible that this was the general practice in the Roman Empire at the time of Paul’s writing. In one commentary I found that there was a population of just over a million people in Rome and about one third were slaves. This is a very personal letter written in [about 60 A.D.] while Paul was in prison in Rome, to his friend in Christ, Philemon.

Philemon was probably a very rich person, with land and property, and could use the slave labor to promote… and increase his standing. He may have owned many slaves; but we know that he did own Onesimus, a slave, maybe a black man, [I am not sure]; but this is not the point; he was a man with a soul; and God loves all of his creation regardless of color or creed. This is the backdrop for our lesson today; but the lesson is not about slavery it is regarding forgiveness. The reason it is so important for you to know the setting is that we must be humble enough to forgive even those people we might consider as being of lesser importance than we are; even our slaves, if we were still owners of slaves. God forbid this evil to continue. The bible specifically states that we are to forgive others; even our enemies.

Philemon was converted earlier under Paul’s preaching and was now a member of the young church which was meeting in his house, as was the custom in those days. Onesimus, his slave, had probably heard him speak well of Paul, and when he decided to run away—he sought Paul’s help; who was a prisoner in Rome at the time. As a prisoner Paul still had the privilege of writing and witnessing and stayed active in his church ministry. Paul befriended Onesimus, witnessed to him and Onesimus became a believer under Paul’s teaching.

Paul convinced Onesimus, now that he was saved; it was his Christian duty to go back to his legal master and settle what ever debt he owed. This letter to Philemon is Paul’s effort to also convince Philemon that as a Christian he must forgive his former slave for running away and for his prior theft of property. Paul states that both have a responsibility to do what is right as relates to the renewing of this partnership and now friendship as brothers in Christ.

It was customary for owners to treat run-away slave harshly and sometimes even cruelly, and it must have taken a great deal of faith on the part of Onesimus to be willing to return to his master voluntarily. It also must have taken much faith on the part of Philemon to believe the glowing report Paul gave regarding this slave that had become a Christian, and wanted to return to his master and make things right. This incident required a mutual faith on the part of both men; and under the circumstances that can be hard to comprehend. Only those of us that know about the forgiving spirit of Jesus Christ will believe it to be both possible and necessary.

Paul starts this letter by stating that he is a prisoner because his affiliation with the Lord and his church; he further states that Timothy is there in Rome with Paul and is a brother in Christ; also that they are writing directly to Philemon whom they consider a dear friend and coworker in the spread of the gospel. Note that Paul salutes Apphia and Archippus [who are probably the wife and son of Philemon] and the members of the body that were meeting in his house. It was necessary for all to know about the conversion of the slave, Onesimus, and to know that he is now a converted soul and a member of the body of Christ; therefore is worthy of the forgiveness being requested. Paul prayed that they would experience the grace and peace of God. Grace represents the unmerited favor that Christ gave us and peace represents the state of total satisfaction and comfort that can come only from the God they serve. Together these two words represent all that is indispensable in the Christian faith in their church family—as well as in our church family today.

I think that it is sad that the telephone and email of today has replaced the letters people once used to communicate personally. I hope the readers of this lesson are among the few left of this vanishing breed of letter writers. I personally have received several personal letters commending me for writing “My Life Story on Raft Creek;” and how they were able to relate to my story. Some have written to thank me for preparing these lessons each week. These personal letters have been a special blessing to me. Hopefully, you will take the time to write to your Christian friends when they are hit with hard times or bad health; or when they have accomplished something notable, especially if they have accepted Christ as their Savior. Your complements are as ointment to a wound; they make the recipient feel good. Paul congratulated Philemon for his care and concern for his Christian friends.

Note that in verses 8 through 11, Paul had always claimed to be God’s spokesman with the right to direct new Christians to do what was right. In this letter he did not direct Philemon to accept Onesimus back as his equal—instead he simply requested that he do so in the name of Christ. Paul said that he would really prefer to keep Onesimus there in Rome to help him, but felt that it was only right to give him up, that he might return to his owner and make things right.

In verse 15, Paul indicates that he believes that it was in God’s plan for the slave to run away from his owner so that he could return in this new capacity as the owner’s coworker in Christ. Remember in another scripture it is stated that “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord….” Then Paul told Philemon “If you considered me as your partner, then you should accept Onesimus as you would me.” Paul even offered to pay anything that Onesimus may owe his owner. This reminds us of the man that found a victim who had been robbed, beaten and left for dead—who rescued him and took him to an inn…instructed the innkeeper to treat him, and care for him and that he would return and pay the bill.

We are reminded that it is not position of prominence, name, or background that makes a Christian our brother; neither does it matter who we are or what position we hold that causes us to be responsible for our brother. We are to befriend others and always forgive because of The One we believe in for our salvation. Always give Jesus Christ credit for any good deed you do. God forbid that I ever write one lesson for personal credit; I pray that my Lord will be praised and glorified, and that some soul may be saved. Please pray that I may remain humble and forgiving and that Christ and others may gain.

Be Faithful - Colossians 3:23-25; 4:2-13,17

2011-05-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

Being faithful is not always easy or convenient. During the last few years it has become more apparent to me that being faithful and obedient to God’s will is as important for a Christian as ‘being saved’ is to a nonbeliever. The Christian’s responsibilities in faithful living extend to the family and friends as well as to observers who judge a Christian by their works. Faithful obedience is a command from God to all believers, and is just as important as the conversion experience; not in order to be saved; but because we are saved. Writers in the New Testament spent more time instructing Christians on how they should live their life, obey God, and treat others than they did on the simple plan of salvation. I truly believe that the most pressing problems that we face each day in our personal lives, in the life of the church and even the problems of the nation, and world can be attributed to people’s disobedience to God.

In our lesson today, 3:18 to 4:18, Paul continues to make practical applications of the spiritual truths he had set forth in the first two chapters. Last Sunday, we dealt with our focus on holy living in general as we were instructed to set our goals on living a righteous life with Heaven as our final destination. Today, Paul has narrowed our focus to the Christian behavior to include the people we interact with each day, wives, husbands, children, friends, employees and employers. You can not, and you will not understand this commentary unless you read the lesson text. Please read now.

There are two dangers that can become a problem as we study this lesson and we must be aware. First, we must be aware that exceptional circumstances do not negate the principals that are revealed in the Word, and second these passages must not be taken out of context.

The very first verses cause us to ask some ‘what if’ questions. What if the husband of a submissive wife is abusive? Should she steal if he commands her to do so? What if the parents abuse a child? Do you comply if your employer directs you to lie to customers, or to cheat on weights and measures, short change every opportunity? The husband is directed to love his wife. What if she is unfaithful, or mistreats his children? You must know the overall message of the bible, which teaches obedience and honesty are both important virtues. It is so easy to see how these commands are to be handled by just going back to chapter 3: 1 through 17, and read how we are to conduct our lives regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves.

In Ephesians 5:25-32 Paul states that God has assigned husbands a leadership role in marriage and he has the responsibility of being the ‘head of the family.’ Man’s position is one of servant-leader modeled after the way Christ relates in love toward those of us that make up His church. Both wife and husband should emulate Christ—think about this, Jesus is our Lord, the Head of our household, but He never forces us to do anything; our obedience is always voluntary. Jesus is patient with us when we fail to follow his requests and continues to love us and to act in our best interest. Wives are not submissive to their husband; neither does husbands love wives because either deserves it, but because it is in obedience to Christ.

Verses 20 and 21 should not be taken out of context. Remember that Paul is writing this letter to the church, whose members [including parents] should be living as explained in 3: 1-7. One of the greatest tragedies of our day is that many children do not obey parental instructions when they are given; and in many cases parents do not offer the instructions. There is an age of accountability—and until that age is reached, children are not responsible. They may think they know everything, but in fact the parents must demand obedience. Children can not always see or understand the validity of some parental restrictions because they do not have adult minds. They too are to obey their parents because it is pleasing to the Lord.

The bible teaches that fathers, as head of the family, have a special responsibility toward their children, but children are to obey parents which also includes the mother. Parents should work as a team [agreeing together] and they must teach their children in the right way [see Prov. 22:6]. It is not easy to be a good parent, and it is easy to forget that you are dealing with an immature person. All instruction should be reasonable; nagging or failing to acknowledge commendable efforts may become habitual. Parents can exasperate children with undesirable demands, and Paul is warning us here. By the way, did you ever wonder why the bible does not teach children not to exasperate their parents? He did not instruct them because he realized that they were immature and would not understand or misunderstand the direction.

In verses 22-23, Paul changes from our responsibilities as family members to the responsibilities of slaves and their masters. We think of slavery as being cruel and unjust but it has always been around, and was very prevalent in Paul’s day. I have often wondered why I have never found in the bible where slavery was either approved or condemned. It must have been condoned, as it seems, that was Paul’s position; at least he gave instructions as to how owners and slaves should treat each other. I wish to take the principles he laid down and apply them to management and labor today.

There should always be an understanding between the person that hires and the person that agrees to work; the time, and expectations should be explained by the employer and the wages should be stated. The employee can either accept or reject; however, if he accepts the offer, he is obligated to carry out his part of the bargain. This would take pages to cover completely, but allow me to just mention a few little things that are just not right. Cell phones and cigarettes steal an hour or more each day from the employer. At ten dollars an hour, this means the employer is paying ten dollars a day for the worker to smoke and talk. The employee should work as diligently when left alone as while being supervised.

Management has a responsibility to recompense good and honest effort. When profits go up, salaries should follow and favoritism has no part in the market place. Expensive unions would never have existed, and would never be needed if management would treat labor with respect. The other side of this coin says that when unions gain power they should not use it to force management to continue to keep and pay for inferior workmanship. Paul summed this up better than I can when he indicates that the worker should work as if he is employed by Christ; and I will add that the employer should treat his employee as Christ would treat him. Just think; with this arrangement we would have no labor/management problems in America.

The bible teaches that we are to ‘Work out our salvation in fear and trembling’—this does not mean that we work ‘for’ salvation. It pertains to our daily lives and includes the work place. Whether we are supervised or not, we should work as though we are working for Christ. Our actions in the work place are a part of our daily testimony. Those that see you at work may never see you in church; therefore the only chance you have to influence them is through your attitude toward your job. Failure to do right, is costly; “Wrongdoers will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done.”

The lesson winds to a close by suggesting that Christians have a responsibility to remain faithful to the Church and its leadership. Christ built his church upon a rock and promised that the gates of hell should not prevail against it. The church is His bride and He loves it; and He charged it with the responsibility of witnessing to the world. All ministers, in word or music, child or adult, are called into the ministry and the bible teaches that they are worthy of their calling. Individual members are viewed by God as if each member is a part of the body of Christ, an arm, leg, eye or hand; therefore when you fail to function properly you are actually making it impossible for Christ to reach his full potential.

Be Focused - Colossians 3:1-17

2011-05-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

You can not return from a place where you have never been. True? Well, neither can you ever arrive at a place of your choice, when you do not know where it is located. Have you focused on your future? Do you ever wonder why so many young people fail to set specific goals for their lives? Did you? I am not sure that I deeply considered early in life just where I wanted to go or what I wanted to be. I know now that it was a terrible mistake to leave God out of my plans. I thought I knew, when on returning from the service, and was well on the way to being a trader in live stock, and a trucker, but God put a sudden halt to these plans by requiring me to suffer through a six month stay in the hospital. That was a terrible price to pay just for being out of the will of God. Believe it when I tell you that He has ways to get your attention, and sometimes it is very unpleasant, and may not be necessary. Study the Word; it contains the way to enjoy a happy life and a secured future.

A new year usually begins with people making resolutions. When you are older, you can look back and know that very few of your resolutions ever materialized. That is because they were ‘man-made’ without ever thinking about asking God what He would have you do. One of the greatest resolutions ever made was made by the man that said “Next year, I want to be more like Jesus.” There are no specifics mentioned in this resolution, but if you will study your bible, you can find a complete plan for a successful life both here, and hereafter. Just remember that you have two separate lives to prepare for and to live; you need goals for this earthly life of about four score and twenty years and then it is even more important that you ‘focus in’ on where you will spend eternity.

Thus far in Colossians students have studied the foundation of spiritual truth first laid by Paul, the apostle, and then he set forth the ethical implications in chapter two. In this chapter we will be looking at no less than three goals on which every Christian should set their focus. This study will lay the foundation for holiness in the first four verses. In verses five to eleven the Word will establish that holy living is a result of being saved and not the means by which one is saved. And through the last verses of this lesson we will examine our responsibilities to other people. Jesus surely thought ‘service to others’ was very important because he told Peter three times that he could prove his love by feeding His sheep. He said; “If you love me, feed my sheep.”

Verse 1-4: “So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is…” If you are a Christian reading this lesson, please change the first word ‘so’ to “Since,” because the fact that He has saved you, obligates you to continually keep his gift in mind and heart. The word ‘seek’ simply means that you are searching for something desired and the verse plainly says that our goal is located in heaven, “Where Jesus and God are located.” You were spiritually dead. “You have been raised” means that you are now ‘born again,’ you arose from a sinful death into spiritual life. In this verse, Paul is talking to Christian people. [If you are not presently a true believer, you must seek salvation first and then follow these instructions.] “Set your minds on what is above, not…earth.” “You are now dead to sin and in Christ.” This truth should reinforce your belief in ‘the security of the believer’ because Christ will never die again, and you are in Him. How can you die while you are living in Christ?

On one glorious day Jesus will be revealed; this means that He will stand out and everyone will know who He is, and worship Him. Christians will know and be known, they too will be revealed. When The Lord is revealed [appears in a cloud just as he went away to Glory] all Christians will be revealed [will appear with him] in glory! Notice that Paul refers to the ‘Messiah’ four times in these verses—Christ is the Greek word for the Jewish word Messiah, and Paul was writing to a congregation that did not speak the Jewish language and he wanted them to fully understand.

There may be some who think that idol worship was practiced primarily by Old Testament Jews, but when you read verse five you will find that idol worship may be more prominent even today. The idols of today are what ever you worship, or even desire, that is worldly, such as sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed—“Which is idolatry.” Paul says that these idols must be put to death and the term [“put to death”] is consistent with his terminology used in explaining the meaning of baptism. Your sins must die, and when you go down into the baptismal water they are buried there. Sin is sin, be it big or small; and it is somewhat dangerous for anyone to try to categorize it, but of those mentioned here, lust and greed seems to cover them all. Idolatry occurs at any time that any person seeks for a god [money, prestige, person or thing] to serve him rather than for him/her to serve God.

The answers to most of the problems found in the church today are found in verses 6 through 9, please read them. Read again, all of verses 1 through 17. The “Wrath of God” refers to God’s judgment on these kinds of worldly behavior. Pay Day will come Some Day, so just remember everyone [both saved and unsaved] must One Day stand before God, in judgment. There are only two responses that will be given, either “Enter in” or “depart from Me, ye workers of iniquity.”

Christians are to rid themselves of the old way of life and “put on” the new way of living given by Jesus and guided and strengthened by the Holly Spirit. Ask yourself: ‘am I living true to my commitment?’ Truth is so important. Lying to one another disrupts unity among friends, especially in the church, by destroying trust. It tears down relationships and often leads to serious conflict. Lies are often camouflaged in exaggeration, rumors, gossip and by attempts to build up your own image. True Christians do not lie; they tell the truth, even if or when it hurts.

We should never think of Americans as being a blessed or special people in God’s sight when it pertains to salvation. We have been blessed immensely by our prosperity and freedoms, but He died for all people. Paul made this very clear in verse eleven when he tells us that in the life of Christians—“Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all.” Verse 12 says that since this is true, Christian believers must have compassion, show kindness and humility, be gentle and patient toward our fellow man. Here is the hard part! We must learn to forgive others [even enemies] as the Lord forgave us. You can fulfill all these commands with one virtue—LOVE. Paul says that love is over all of these virtues and it is the one cord that binds them all together.

It is of grave importance for everyone to know the specific and precise teachings of our Lord, and that is why we study the Word verse by verse. However, this lesson can be summed up in one simple statement that we know as the golden rule; “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Unfortunately Satin has his own rusty tin ruler that tells people to “get the other guy, before he gets you.”

Now, please study the rest of the chapter because it pertains to the family, and the powers of darkness are trying very hard to destroy the Christian family in America today. As the families go, so goes America. The family is the basic hub that holds the Christian wheel together, and Satin knows this. One of the candidates that spoke during the first presidential debate this week, and may be a strong runner, has taken a disappointing stand regarding his beliefs pertaining to the immoral elements who are threatening God’s plan for Christian marriage. The breakdown of the Christian home in America is just as important as the problems with jobs, national debt, or any of the other problems we face. God bless you AND AMERICA.

Keeping the Truth - Colossians 2:8-23

2011-05-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

The word faith is easy to define; but it is very difficult to know that you know whether your faith is weak or strong. The bible defines it as the substance of things hoped for when the evidence is not in view. When more evidence is present it is stronger. It is like the wind; we know its substance is present because the leaves are moving but we can not see it; we simply know it is there and the more the limbs and leaves bend to its pressure the stronger the wind. We must, through our faith, know that God is; and know that the Bible is His Word to us—and that it is His only worded message to mankind. I am troubled daily because of some who think they can accept only the part of God’s Word that appeals to them, and that they have found other teachings that will better prepare them to meet God.

There is only one God! There is only one Word, [true message] The Holy Bible! There is only one way to heaven and that way is found only by KEEPING THE TRUTH. “Narrow minded,” you say; but Christ said, “I am the WAY the truth and life and no one can come to the Father except THROUGH ME.” Once we have found the way to Christ…by His Grace, through our faith in Him and His teachings, it is very difficult for me to understand why anyone will try to find an alternate man made plan in which they can be more comfortable. Many young minds are being contaminated in our colleges and universities by professors that are swayed by the New Life movement that places great emphasis on man’s ability to control his own life that has no need for a Higher Power. These atheistic thinkers feel so insecure that they strive daily to gain strength through the numbers they can persuade to join them in their unbelief. We find the greatest culprits in the fields of biology, psychology, sociology and especially philosophy. [If you are in college or the university, be aware.]

Most children who grow up in a Christian home know the truth, even when they have not accepted Christ personally. Their falling away from truth often begins with what, to them, seems to be a new idea or a better way even though they can see clearly that it is a man-made philosophy and in truth it has no basis that can be found in the Holly Word. And, of course, we know that the bible is not even allowed to be mentioned as a source of truth in our public educational institutions. Keeping the Truth about Jesus Christ and salvation is increasingly more difficult in our society today, but it has always been a problem, just as it was when Paul wrote this letter. The sheer numbers of false teachers have grown since his day and the problems have multiplied immensely. Students, every one, please be aware! Don’t be misled.

In verse 8, Paul wrote: “Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ.” False teachers were present and at work in the church at Colossi and Paul is referring here to their erroneous teachings. If you are taken ‘captive’ it simply means that you are being carried away from the truth…you are being kidnapped away from your family of believers. The key to identifying whether spiritual teachings are valid or not is found only in the Holy Bible—they must be based on the teachings of Christ. Paul confirms this is verses 9 and 10 when he says “For in Him the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily and you have been filled by Him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” If the author of the word you believe is not one of the inspired writers of Holly Writ…he/she is a false witness.

False teachings, other religions, cults, and antireligious movements are based on the elemental forces of this world; usually some erroneous religious leader that wants to become the head or ruler over a group of followers. Any teaching that rejects the truths based on God’s revelation through Christ can only have a human [not spiritual] origin. The human mind can devise or establish a logical, appealing philosophy; but it can not devise or establish truth because God is the only truth, and he already exists. Man’s mind can only ‘know’ the truth, and it will make him free. The truth is found in God’s word, and not in a philosophy.

One of the false teachings of that day was that circumcision [removing bodily flesh] was a requirement for salvation. The Jewish law required circumcision on the eighth day after birth as a sign of the covenant between God and His people. False prophets were teaching that it was still a necessary part of the salvation plan. Paul makes it clear both here and in Galatians 5: 1-6, [read it] that man’s law was superseded by God’s grace.

In verse 11, Paul uses the surgical process to explain that Christ uses the same procedure, only it is not done by using the doctor’s scalpel, but it is done personally by Christ when he supernaturally removes the sinful body of flesh and replaces it with a spiritual mind set of a belief in God.

Today there are differences of opinion regarding the need and mode regarding baptism; and evidently there must have been questions concerning the ritual at the church in Colossi. In verse twelve Paul changes the though process to baptism and we can see that under the new covenant, baptism by immersion was the symbol of cleansing and proof of a new relationship with Christ. Paul explains to his readers that baptism is a picture of being dead to sin and spiritually risen to live a new life in Christ. The unbeliever is dead spiritually and must arise from this death in order to live in Christ. Baptism is a beautiful picture of this resurrection. It is not mandatory for salvation but it is absolutely necessary in order to follow the instructions give by Christ.

Paul told us in verses 13 and 14 that when we were dead in our sin [we were spiritually [uncircumcised] but now that we believe we are forgiven of all of our trespasses. Christ erased the certificate of death that was against us and He nailed it to the cross. [It died on the cross with Him.]

In 16 and 17 Paul is referring to the practices of that day that were being promoted which required rituals said to be still necessary under grace. Certain foods and drink were condemned, others said to be necessary and rituals were held where reverence was given to the stars and the moon. He was referring to observances such as the ones called for in Lev. 23:5 and Num. 10: 10. He did not condemn them, but he said that they were only shadows of what was to come…which was the Messiah. And now that Jesus [the Messiah] has already come, reverence is now due to Him only. Angels are real, great and necessary but not the object of worship for any Christian. We are not to be disqualified or misled by the earthly [fleshly mind] of anyone that promotes the worship of any thing, any object or person, other than Jesus Christ [v. 18].

In verse 20, Paul asked the church at Colossi the question that I wish to use to end this lesson because it applies to every member of the Church of the Living God. “If you died with Christ to the elemental forces of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why?

Expressing the Truth - Colossians 1:21–2:7

2011-05-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

In the recent previous lesions we have revisited the empty tomb and studied about the complete plan of salvation in its three simple steps, knowing the truth, believing the truth and accepting or acting upon the truth. Now think about this. If you will be satisfied in remaining a babe in Christ, ‘being saved only as by fire,’ you may stop here; but if you want to please Christ, live for Him, and obey Him you must complete your journey by serving Him daily. Obedience to Jesus comes through a Christian’s growth and service. It is difficult to understand any Christian that can enjoy the assurance of salvation and be unwilling, or neglect, to share it with others. The last command given to the church was for all members to go into the entire world and “Express the Truth; we were instructed to go, witness, teach, preach and baptize new believers. This is known to be the great commission and applies to all believers.

Salvation is the greatest gift of all times but Jesus never intended that anyone selfishly keep and enjoy the benefits of salvation and not be willing to share it with others in order that they too may me saved. New Christians are expected to grow in grace; and one of the greatest ways to grow is to share the truth with others and plant the seed that will grow the Kingdom of God. I try to practice what I teach, so please allow me to insert two paragraphs to this lesson parenthetically, [insert a brief change in the subject.]

I realize that Easter 4/24/11, has already come and gone; however in order for me to share one more important message about the resurrection, I would like to add other thoughts for you to ponder. Why did Jesus wait three days to visit a distressed family when their brother Lazarus died? Here is what I believe. Jesus was only about on day’s journey away from the ill man, and He loved the family and could have gone there immediately, but He chose to wait until the man’s body had the look and smell of death. There could be no doubt; the Romans in control of government and the Jewish opposition would both know that He resurrected Lazarus after everyone realized that he was definitely dead. He wanted to infuriate the Jewish leaders; and give them a final and vital reason to condemn Him—and it worked. The hostility that grew during the remaining days, of His life before the cross, drove the Jewish Sanhedrin opposition into a maddening furry and they chose to do everything possible and necessary to bring about His destruction. Roman leaders desperately tried to convince them that Jesus had done nothing legally wrong, but the Jews refused to listen. They did not realize that He would be dead and in the tomb for three days and then arise—and I believe the story of Lazarus was to be a picture of Christ’s successful resurrection after the third day. Raising Lazarus was the final straw that guaranteed his death, burial and resurrection—and it was not ‘just another miracle’ along His life’s way as a human being. Thank you, and now the rest of the lesson.

In verse 15, we read that Jesus Christ is the visible image of our Spiritual God, whom we cannot see. While on earth Christ could be seen, walking and talking, eating and sleeping as any other man; but he was also God. The word image has two possible meanings. 1. It can mean a ‘representation’ of something such as the Indian’s head on a nickel; or your reflection that you see in the mirror. 2. It also can mean the ‘manifestation’ of anything or anyone you see with your eyes and mind and know it to have a vital connection with a subject, thing, or person. In this letter, Paul probably has the second meaning in mind; he tells us that Christ, in human flesh, manifested God to us so that we could see him with our physical eyes and accept him with our human, spiritual understanding. Therefore God became visible to all who have spiritual faith. As I have told you before; I see him every day, all the time in and through His total and wonderful creation. The expressed truth is; we see God through Christ. They are one and the same. Christ said, “I and my father are one.”

In verse 21, Paul says that man is alienated from Jesus and hostile toward Him in his mind because of evil. That was the condition of the Colossian church [any church or any person] before they believed. However, hope looms brightly in verse 22, when he tells us that Christ reconciled us by his physical body through His death on the cross. Christians are reconciled, which means that they are now fully pleasing and accepted by God as being holy, faultless, and blameless. The bible does not say sinless, because we still sin, but our sins are now covered by the physical blood shed by Christ on the cross; covered only when we earnestly repent and try not to sin. We will sin; but if we intentionally sin it is as if we are crucifying Christ anew. If you can sin and enjoy it, thinking that you only have to ask for forgiveness, then you should re-examine your conversion.

In verse 23, Paul gets to the point that introduces our subject for this lesson today. If you are saved and are grounded in the gospel—it is the same gospel that has been proclaimed to all creation. He does not say that every creature has heard it yet…but it is meant for all—which means that every Christian is obligated to tell anyone who has not already heard. [Remember the parting words of Jesus, “Go into the entire world—and tell.” Then you will be “Expressing the Truth,” as you obey the ‘great commission.’ Paul says that he is a servant of the gospel, which means that he is ‘expressing the truth,’ and I hope that I can be just a bit like Paul.

After reading verse 24, I can not believe that Paul indicates in any way that the death of Jesus did not fully pay for our sins; the plan of salvation was made complete on the cross—and He told us that the plan was complete when he said “It” [the plan of salvation] “is finished.” The thing that was lacking was the witnessing that would be necessary for all posterity. Christ paid the price; however his witnesses would now be responsible for telling all who did not know Him. Paul did not rejoice because Christ had to suffer; Paul rejoiced because Christ chose to suffer. No other man has ever suffered more for the cause of Christ than did Paul. Paul was not happy that he had suffered because of his stand for Christ, but he was happy that he chose to suffer if necessary to be able to preach to others. In the term, “For the sake of his body”—“his body” is the church.

In verse 25, Paul said “I have become its servant by the commission God gave me. The word “its” refers to the church; and the word “commission” refers to the great commission given by Christ just prior to His ascension. Jesus suffered in securing our salvation, and Christians suffer at times in order to proclaim the gospel. We can be assured that when we are made to suffer because of our stand for Christ—He knows about it and is with us in our suffering. He will never will forsake us or leave us; neither will He place more on us than we are able to endure.

Jesus did not desire to suffer and die; in his prayer in the Garden just before He was arrested, He prayed that the Father would “take the cup from him” [meaning that He would prefer some other way]. After the ordeal was over [God’s will was accomplished] He was and will forever be happy that He was able to fulfill his mission. Christ rejoices daily that he was able to complete all that He had predicted which includes his death, resurrection, and ascension.

Paul calls the ‘good news’ a mystery that had been hidden from all until Christ came on the scene. However, now through Christ, all can know, understand and be saved. However, they must first hear the truth and the bible says that someone must be sent to witness. Who has this responsibility? The body of Christ. The Church. Are you a member of His church? If so, your responsibility is to “Express the Truth.” And that is the title of your lesson for today.

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

2011-04-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-04-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Light Up the World - Philippians 2:12-30

2011-03-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

We are not saved by our works; however, others are sometimes encouraged to be saved because of our works. Our instruction is to “Let our lights so shine before others so that they can see our good works” and the implication is that by so doing they will improve their ways. Just be honest, how often do you see a person that claims to be a Christian acting or talking in a way that you know is a hindrance to the cause of Christ? If you have made this observance, then you should always remember that someone is watching you. Your friends are happy to see you serving God in your daily walk; those that don’t particularly care for you are happy when they see you falter—it gives them a needed excuse not to go to church or even profess Christianity. In fact, they will tell you that they are just as good as you; and the truth is—they may be. They simply judge a tree by its fruit.

James tells us that faith without works is dead. That simply tells us that if we say that we have faith unto salvation, and continue to work in the devil’s vineyard, our observers will judge us by our fruit and not by the fact that we are church members or claim to be Christian: therefore our faith will no longer have convicting power. The work of a Christian can assuredly be to ‘LIGHT UP THE WORLD.’ Just in case you did not immediately understand why this is the title of our lesson today, let me make it very clear, Paul is giving us instructions regarding what CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR should be. We are to positive examples for Christ and not detractors or inhibitors; catalyst and not dilutors. Positive discipline of a Christian is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.

This will not be a popular study because most people do not like for anyone to tell them how they should conduct their lives. My life is not my own! It was bought at Calvary and I belong to Jesus Christ who died that I might live. The least I can do is work for Him—and by all means, not against Him, and if I am not doing that someone should remind me. Paul, in Philippians 2; 12-30, gives us three positive examples of believers whose behavior demonstrates commitment to Christ. I hope this study will help those who study it to determine how they will better demonstrate their own commitment to the Lord. I will learn with you as we study His Word.

This morning I heard Charles Stanley [a great bible teacher] say that when you see the word ‘therefore’ at the beginning of a verse, you should ask yourself what the word is ‘there for.” So, since verse twelve starts with the word ‘therefore’ let us examine why he used it. In this case it ties this verse to the previous section of study which told us to “Work out your salvation” and pertains to his exhortation to unity, and it probably means that the entire church should work together to rid themselves of some divisions and discord that he had observed. The Philippians needed to obey Christ even when he was not there with them to remind them and instruct them in things that were right. Christians today need to be careful about what we believe and how we live, especially how we conduct ourselves in the workplace or on the playground when the pastor, a teacher or parent is not present to observe and instruct us. We often forget that Jesus is present and watching every move we make, every thought we think.

Do you live a double life? Are you the same person when you are in the world of work and play, or at home or in church? Verse thirteen tells us that we are never alone and that Christ is always with us to guide us and help us to will and work according to his good purpose. There is really no secret to living a changed life at any time and in any place—when anyone wants to. It simply means that we must get our “wantto” fixed. Do you deliberately want to disobey God at all times? Most Christians do not. Therefore, make it easy to do right by submitting to His control and let him work his will through you. Your prayer should be, “Lord, help me to want to do your will” and mean it. We do only the things that we really want to do.

In order to be like Christ, requires us to train ourselves to think as he thinks—and you can learn how he thinks by reading his Word. The power of sin causes people to want to live as the world lives and to change your desire to be more like Christ requires the power of the Holly Spirit, the influence of faithful Christians, and obedience to God’s Word. I have found that ‘doing his will’ builds a desire to do more. As an example, why do you think I continue to prepare this lesson week after week, since I no longer teach a class each Sunday or get paid? It is not easy and requires self discipline. Very simply, I do it because I believe that it is God’s will. I have faith to believe that someone will read it, maybe enjoy it, and more important, a reader might let it change his/her life. I challenge you to do what He wants and trust him to change your desires in a positive way.

I really enjoyed reading verses 14 through 16 because it reinforces what I have just told you. I hope that I can “…Shine like a star in the universe because I have held out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing” [read these verses]. Paul started by telling the Philippians and us that complaining and arguing is harmful to His cause. When people observe Christians argue, complain and gossip it gives them a false impression about Christ and the gospel [Good News]. A sincere belief in Christ, trusting Him should unite those that believe and trust, and it will surely have a positive effect on those that observe. A Christian’s life is characterized by moral purity, patience and peace and when it is so we can “Shine like stars” in a dark world. You are reminded again that Christians are commanded to “Let their light shine” so others can observe and take note that you are different.

In seventeen Paul is referring either to the sacrificial system of the Jews [see Numbers 28:7] or the wine used to worship pagan deities prior to important public events in the Roman world during those days. Anyway, Paul had a perfect right to consider his life as a sacrifice for Christ, after all that he had gone through. He was content and acclaimed that even if he died, it would be his gain. One thing is assured, when any Christian is committed to serving Christ, any sacrifice that builds the faith of others is rewarding and brings joy to the believer. If you want to have a good day, just work for Christ and others. Selfishness breeds boredom.

Beginning in verse nineteen, Paul pays a beautiful tribute to Timothy who was still young in the ministry. Paul was in prison at Rome awaiting trial, and would send Timothy to them with news of the verdict. He talked about most believers being preoccupied with their own needs and not being willing to spend time doing the work of Christ. This is a challenge to Christians today to never let their schedule get so heavy that there is no time left to serve others. Just as a new beginner works under a master plumber, or another under a licensed electrician, Timothy was an apprentice under Paul. This is written that we may ask ourselves who we are apprenticing for God’s work. Or, are we failing in this work? Teaching the young to love the Lord and to work for him is a worthy calling; try it and learn to enjoy life.

Epaphroditus was a member of the church at Philippi and was sent as a messenger to deliver a gift to Paul in Rome and then delivered this letter back to the church. He became ill while in Rome and must have been detained for some time, because his church had heard of his illness before he returned. He and Timothy are certainly two of the great examples of men who helped to “Light up the world.” In conclusion, it must be said that of the three examples given of men who gave much for the cause of Christ, Paul must be considered the greatest of the three. If you will study the life of the Apostle Paul, you will find him to be one of, if not, the greatest men that ever went on any mission for the cause of Christ. Oh, what a blessing it would be to walk in the shoes of any of these three men. God; help us to try.

Live Up to the Gospel - Philippians 1:27–2:11

2011-03-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday the title of our lesson was “Lift up the Gospel” and if I had chosen the titles, we would have studied the lesson for today first, because I believe that one must practice what they preach; and the practice should come before the preaching. I once heard it said that “A person can not teach that which they do not know any more than they can return from a place where they have never been.” Think about that fact for a moment. Since our actions speak louder than our words, it behooves each one of us to live our lives so that others see Christ through what we do and how we act. It may seem like a paradox at times because none of us are perfect as Christ is, and for that reason the bible plainly tells us that we should judge not, lest we be judged in the same way, or by the same judgment. However, the same book tells us that we shall know a tree by the fruit that it bears.

The Gospel is the Good News that Christ has made a way for sinners to be reconciled to God, by our faith in his Omnipotent Grace. The first step of a Christian is to study His word for approval and then to live the Gospel daily. Christ’s last command was for Christians to go and teach his truth and teaching requires both action and words. We should never be ashamed of the gospel, because Paul tells us that it is the power of God that leads to the salvation of others who hear our words and watch our lives.

The conversations that I hear among neighbors and friends amaze me at times. We greet each other with hello or good morning; then we express our interest in their health; how are you today? We must be vitally interested in their activity because we invariably inquire about what they have been doing, how the fish are biting or the number of ducks they bagged in yesterday’s hunt; even ask the sometimes embarrassing question—what score did you shoot in golf Saturday? Even at church on Sunday morning, if you appear a bit gloomy, or are not smiling, someone may suggest that your wife must have burned the biscuits this morning. Does the opportunity never appear for us to ask our friends why they were not in church last Sunday, or Wednesday evening? Or, what special blessing they received this week? Maybe, even ask a stranger if they have accepted Christ as their Savior? Neither of these examples should dominate our conversation; however neither should be totally neglected. What we do and say tells others who we really are.

Last Tuesday a stranger stopped me in the isle at the grocery store and asked if I was the Dr. Vandiver that writes a bible lesson that is published in the Sun Times. I thanked her for asking and enjoyed our brief conversation. When I asked her if she reads the lesson, her reply was: “Sometimes, if it is not too long.” My reply was, “I guess I am a little windy” and she agreed in a pleasant way. To you and to her, I simply say that I much prefer to talk often and long about God and his goodness than to neglect my opportunity and responsibility to tell others of his love and grace. Live the Gospel, and tell others of its merits. Please pray for me; pray that I will always explore every opportunity to witness about and for Jesus Christ.

Paul is my hero, and I would be overjoyed to know that I emulate his actions and conversations. In the early chapters of Philippines he was unwilling to simply review his life; he was more interested in guiding the church to specifically live and teach the gospel. In the last part of the first chapter Paul is emphasizing exhortation and giving instructions; He was also attempting to encourage his fellow Christians. He did not feel that he was out of place and he was never reluctant to tell Christians what they were expected to do in order to be more effective witnesses. Paul was happy with this church and had many good things to say to them and about them; however, just as it is with many of our churches today, there were some underlying problems that dealt with unity, or lack of it, and doctrinal purity that could be corrected if the members would commit themselves to the mind of Christ.

The first exhortation he gave in verse 27 was for all Christians to live their life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Can one always be worthy of what Christ did for us on the Cross? The answer is no, because we are not perfect; but we can be continually repentant and we can always try. We can always stand together in one spirit, and one mind, and work together for the faith that we have learned from the gospel’s teaching. This does not mean that everyone will totally agree with every word, action or reaction of all other members. But it does mean that there are certain basic truths in the bible that are absolute and cannot be compromised.

The 27^th verse tells us to never be afraid of those who oppose our true witness. Any time a Christian or the church takes seriously its God-given assignment, there will be some opposition but we should feel no terror. Paul had experienced problems with the Gentile authorities on his first trip to Philippi [Acts 16: 22] and may have been referring to this incident, or he may have been referring to the Judaizers that continually wanted to keep some of the law as a requirement.

In the 29^th verse he says “it” has been given to you. The “it” refers to opposition or persecution and he says that God gave it to them. Paul is saying that “it” is just a part of the Christian life and that God lets it happen. In fact “it” is to be considered a blessing. Look at Matthew 5: 10-12, it is red letters in my bible and plainly states that we are blessed when men insult us and say all manners of evil things about us. It does not say that we must enjoy these things but we are not to be afraid, or allow it to be a hindrance to our witness. It simply denotes that the suffering was due to commitment to Jesus and identification with Him.

As you read on through verse 30 you will hear him say that their struggle at Philippi is something like his struggles have been. He is encouraging them by reminding them that he had been there and suffered that: and is suggesting that they should follow his example. He had lived and was living what he preached. We are fortunate in Arkansas, in Heber Springs that we do not physically suffer because of our belief and teaching; but even here there are things sometimes said or implied that hurt mentally and spiritually.

In chapter two Paul continues his emphasis on unity by pointing to the basis of church harmony. In verse two he says that harmony will result from Christian “Thinking the same way.” We define ‘thinking’ as an intellectual effort, or what we personally think; but here it also indicates a mental inclination or tendency toward a right direction. We Christians should have the same mental orientation and this does not prevent us from having varying opinions which will always exist. Because of varying opinions we have a great number of different churches and I believe that there are save people in most of them. However there are some basic absolutes taught in the bible that all Christians must be “like minded about” or they are simply lost church members.

In verse three Paul admonishes Christians not to practice their beliefs in rivalry which means in competition with others. We should not compete but cooperate and we should never practice conceit [which means to have a high opinion of oneself] or deceit [which simply means deception or misleading]. Our labor for Christ should never be for pay or personal gain of any kind, but for the good of all concerned; this requires that we consider others as equally as important as ourselves. Then he says that we will be as concerned about the interest of others as we are about our own interest.

Paul gives us a great passage in 2: 6-11, referring to Christ attitude regarding his leaving His glory in heaven and coming to earth as a human to ultimately die on the cross. These verses present the ultimate model for the kind of humility and selfless service that should characterize each one of us individually and the church body as a whole. Verse five “Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus.” The word ‘attitude; indicates our mind-set or our way of thinking—and if we are genuine it will result in more than just a fuzzy feeling—it will bring about overt actions that are Christ-like. Paul was writing to the church and is explaining what it takes to bring about unity in the body of Christ.

Christ emptied himself—he willingly gave up the glories in Heaven and assumed the form of a slave; He was humble and obedient even unto death on the cross. In my opinion, and according to God’ word, I believe His death on the cross is the most important event recorded in the bible. You absolutely must believe that he died on the cross for you and you must accept him as your savior, otherwise you are lost and cannot be saved. Of course, you can change your mind-set, and believe and be saved at any time. This is one of, and probably the most important truths recorded in word.

Christ was humble and God exalted Him. When we become humble and submit our lives to Him, He will exalt us. Some may not believe, will not humble themselves here and now, but everyone will [verse 10]. The day of the Lord will come and regardless of your location, whether you are alive on earth, already in heaven, or living under the earth which refers to hell, you will know assuredly that he is the Living, Saving, Son of God and will bow to Him. My last plea is that you confess Him now. Admit you are lost, ask Jesus Christ to save you, submit your life to his keeping, and live for him, obey him and you will be saved that moment.

Lift Up the Gospel - Philippians 1:12-26

2011-03-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

Christ arose from the dead and literally hundreds of people attested to this truth.

Many of you who are studying this lesson were not yet born when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. All you know about WWII is what you have read and heard from others who were eye witnesses. However, I dare say that not one person doubts that the war was fought and America and her allies won the war. You have only read about it in books and papers and heard friends and press reporters discuss it; but you have no doubts in your mind that the incident really happened. It is depressing to me to know that some people do not believe in the virgin birth, death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

After the resurrection, a large gathering saw him miraculously enter the room where they were gathered and herd Him explain the last forty days of his ministry. Others met him on the roads as he traveled again preaching and teaching. Doubting Thomas put his had on his side and felt the scar where the sword pierced his body and saw the scars in his hands, where nails were driven through by the Roman Guardsmen. Many dined at the table with him; a large crowd was with him when he made his departing comments and saw him lifted up and disappear into the heavens. Spiritually inspired writers recorded these truths in the Holly Word and all men who will ever be saved must believe these truths. The last command that he gave his people, just prior to his resurrection, was “Go into the entire world and preach the gospel.” The title of our lesson today is another way of saying the same thing—LIFT UP THE GOSPEL—all over the world.

The Apostle Paul was an eye witness of many of the happenings during the life of Christ. He was a Jew by birth, Jewish blood ran in his veins; but fortunately for him, because of where he was born, he was also a Roman citizen. As a Sanhedrin Jew, he hated Christians and he was employed by the Roman government to track down and arrest any Christian that was actively participating in the new Christian church movement—because they were believed to be a threat to the Roman government. Paul held the coat for one of the attackers who stoned Stephen to death. Yes, he was an eyewitness and wrote about what he knew personally; it was not hearsay with him.

Paul became a converted Jew while on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians. On this road he met Christ and underwent the most miraculous conversion of any other man. He was spiritually blind, but physically saw and heard Christ as he spoke to him personally—“Paul, why are you persecuting Me?” He became physically blind and did not regain his sight until he was willing to see Christ as the spiritual being that He was. You have heard the story—you know the story. Well, this is the Godly inspired author that wrote the scripture we study today. Believe him. Believe what he tells us. God is true. His inspired word is true. Remember again—you believe the news reporters and history writers of today; so why do you doubt Paul? Don’t do it if you want to live a joyful life here and a long life in Heaven.

Before anyone can “Lift up the Gospel” they must know it and believe it. As a Christian believer, you have no excuse for not practicing its teaching and proclaiming it to others daily in your daily walk with Christ. Why do so many fail so miserably much of the time? It is because of the sin-nature in which we are born. The very young child can make-up some of the most outrageous excuses for breaking the rules, or for not following instructions. By the time we reach the age of accountability, we are experts at making excuses. It is too hot. It is too cold. I cannot preach or teach. I can’t. I don’t know enough. I have to work. I have other more pressing obligations. I feel embarrassed. People would make fun of me. My friends don’t. My friends would look down on me. My work is hard and requires long hours, I need time for rest and recreation—and the list goes on. The truth is that for many it is simply not a top priority. We are disobeying the last command that Jesus Christ made just prior to his ascension.

Let us look back in the study of this lesson and see Paul in prison! Why did he not use his imprisonment as an excuse not to serve? Most of the time in America, when a person [regardless of profession] is committed to prison he has been found guilty of a crime against society. He is not in a position where he can expect the general public to have any confidence in him. Any Godly ministry has very little chance of success unless there is a believable confession of sin and a complete change in the life of the prisoner. In verse twelve Paul tells us that the horrible times that have overtaken him have actually resulted in the advance of the gospel. From his prison cell he is able to preach to the royal guard and members of the Roman prison employees that no other evangelist could reach.

Before Paul was converted he was a Roman bounty hunter, searching for practicing Christians and putting them in jail for breaking Roman law. He is now a Christian practicing his faith, and has been arrested and placed in jail because he is a Christian. His people know this and believe in him. Because of his steadfastness, the Roman soldiers that deal with him are persuaded that He is really a man of God, and they listen to him. His position in prison has become an asset to him. This situation would be possible today only if a prisoner had been falsely accused and convicted of a crime that he was not guilty of committing.

The life of a prisoner is difficult and demanding; and when the end result has the possibility of a death penalty the strain must be almost unbearable. Paul found himself in this position. Even though in prison, Paul said that he should never be ashamed but that he should honor Christ with the utmost boldness by the way he lived. He said that it did not matter whether he was to face death or go on living in this world. He said that if I live I have Christ—with me and for me, protecting me and guiding me; and it may be that Christ has a reason and I may be able to do some good by staying here. Then he proclaimed something beautiful…he said if I die… I just have more of Christ…All of Christ…I will be there with him always. Paul was so sincere that he was torn between these two possibilities. He could not make up his mind which he would prefer. It seemed best for his friends if he lives longer; but it seemed best for him if he could die now and be immediately with his Lord.

Then Paul said something that should mean a great deal to you and me as we study this lesson and make our commitment to Christ.

He then told the Philippians that they should not be distracted by what happened to him. He said, “What ever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Jesus Christ died on the Cross for our sins. We must live a life that is worthy of such a sacrifice. We must realize that we have the privilege of being in Christ Jesus, saved by his blood; but we must also realize that we have as great a privilege to suffer for the cause of Christ, and we must be willing to suffer if we are called on to do so. If things continue to go in America as they seem to be headed now, it could be that we will soon have to suffer as Paul did, even by imprisonment because of our belief. I pray this day will not come in America...but this could be one of my prayers that God chooses to ignore for a season. The prayers of God’s people were never needed more than they are today. How often do you pray that America will return to God and become worthy of being called a Godly nation once more

Link Up with Others - Philippians 1:1-11

2011-03-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

We have just successfully completed the study of the reign of the Kings during the last years of history of the period that was just before the period known as the Dark Ages. I have learned anew to appreciate this phase of biblical history and hope you feel the same. There were some wonderful times of worship and prosperity while God fearing kings reigned; however, there were many more years of failure, strife, destruction and bondage brought about because of the people’s dedication to and worship of heathen idols; they broke the first commandment—they were disobedient.

The study closed with Jerusalem and the Holly temple destroyed and Judah in slavery. However, out of bondage came one last glimmer of hope that assured the people that a new and righteous King would be crowned to reign over them forever. About 600 years later Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was born in a manger in Bethlehem. He is the Promised Messiah! And through Him we all have hope. This has been a wonderful study, from which we all should have learned that God demands our obedience, and that the disobedient always pay a heavy price.

Our study from March through May will survey the gospels of Philippians, Colossians and Philemon, all written by the Apostle Paul, the most prolific writer of the New Testament. You must get to know Paul, who, by his own admission was “The greatest of all sinners”, and who had the most miraculous conversion of any other man while traveling on the road to Damascus. He suffered more for the cause of Christ than any other human being, and he grew stronger in his faith each day of his life after his conversion. You can learn more about Paul and Timothy; Paul in Acts 9; and Timothy in first Timothy, chapter 6. Please study God’s word and the men who preserved it for us.

The setting for our study today is in the church established by Paul while on his second missionary journey to the city of Philippi. Philippi was one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire, next to Rome in military and economic influence. The city was located in Antioch in Syria, and it was established and it grew under the leadership of Philip II, who was the father of Alexander, the Great. Philippi was established in about 360 BC.

Paul wrote this joyful letter to the Philippians while he was in prison in Rome in about 61 AD. Notice I used joyful to describe this letter and not happy. There is a difference. The word happiness evokes the seen on Christmas morning with your children unwrapping gifts; having dinner with the one you love most; or winning the big game. We make happiness a life long pursuit; we are always chasing this elusive dream; but success always depends upon our circumstances. When things are going well, we are happy; when we are loosing, ill, or gas prices go up—we become unhappy.

What happens when the party is over—when we are broke—when our girl/boy friend finds another; or our best friend dies? Then despair immediately replaces our happiness. In contrast, joy runs deeper and stronger—it is like having the assurance that Christ loves us and is always there no matter what the circumstance may be. Happiness depends on what happens but Joy always depends on Christ. Christ is love; and joy; and He wants us to be joyfully happy for the right reasons.

Paul established the Philippians’ Church and loved it; the Philippines appreciated what Paul meant to them and they supported him with their gifts to prove it. He wrote this letter to them to let them know his appreciation for their support and to encourage them in their continued obedience to God and their continuance in the faith. The concept of “joy” appears at least sixteen times in four chapters and culminates in his exhortation for them to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” The key verse is 4:4. The Philippines needed Paul…and Paul needed them. People need people! We must just think about how dull life would be without friends.

Paul was at home in Antioch in Syria, and on his first missionary journey he visited towns close by like Philippi; later he visited towns further away. The members of the church there were mostly non Jewish. They were Gentiles and were not familiar with the Old Testament and that is the reason he did not quote from the OT when writing this letter to them. Transportation was slow; evangelist walked by land and used sail-boats by sea, and because of this he had to use letters to revisit his converts in his early churches to encourage and preach anew the gospel. He had friends like Timothy, Mark and Epaphras that delivered the letters for him. Just think about the extent his witness could have reached with just one radio or TV station! When I was young on the farm and in timber work I needed a tractor, chain saw and outboard motor—Paul needed a 4-wheeled drive Jeep, and a powerful radio station.

The overseers of the church he mentions in verse one were the bishops, pastors, and deacons and the saints were the members of the church. You can learn about the overseers and their duties in first Timothy 3: 1-7 and Titus 1: 5-9. You can find the qualifications and duties of deacons in first Timothy 3: 8-13. He mentioned the word joy the first time in verse 3, and it was because his converts had been faithful and were continuing to support him in preaching the gospel—which he intended to do until the day of Christ Jesus. When these people supported Paul, they were actually helping Christ’s cause. Theirs was a lasting service that would extend into infinity; a work that would live forever. We should be forever grateful to Paul because he recorded much [more than any other writer] of the New Testament for our benefit, as well as for his beloved Philippians.

Bar owners exploit their “happy hour” advertisement, and that means it will only last for an hour or two, and then the sorrow it brings sets in. Think about your life. Will you be remembered with “joy” by others? Do your acts of kindness lift others up when they are down or need a helping hand? Or do you just tell them a good “clean” joke and bring them happiness for a fleeting moment? We will account for every word we speak, every work we accomplish; the good and positive will bring joy and the lose and inappropriate words and deeds will bring woe! Are you pleasing God?

Paul rejoiced in his Phillippian partners who were helping him share the gospel message; they helped him by supporting him with prayers and financial support. By being an active and participating member of our church you are supporting the local pastor, and through the Cooperative Program you are in partnership with thousands of others that spread the gospel throughout the world [Verse 5]. Some think they can stay home, live a Christian life and don’t need the church. You can go solo if you want to live selfishly and don’t care for others, but the bible plainly teaches that God does not approve of selfishness in any man. Christ said that if we love him—we will feed his sheep! Help others.

Read verse 6. God’s work for man kind began on the cross—when Christ died to save us from sin. Our work began the day we accepted Christ as our Savior, and in order to please Him, it must continue until the day of Christ—which will either be at our death or His return, whichever comes first. This process [confession, repentance, praying, giving and working for others] is known as Christian growth and we receive our power to continue through the Holy Spirit which lives in and through us. Do you sometimes feel that your progress is too slow? I do. I think the devil is the reason, and we must put him behind us and remember that when God starts a good work in and/or through us—He completes it. It is sometimes hard to comprehend, but God has never failed—never made even one mistake, and He is not the cause for our mistakes; the Devil is our demon and he loves to exploit our sin nature. We must learn to shun every appearance of evil. If it looks bad, don’t touch it.

Through faith, trust, prayer and perseverance—even though discouraged at times, we will prevail because God will never forsake us; and will never give up on us. Never let your present condition rob you of the joy of knowing Christ and claiming his promises and provisions. He even feeds the birds in wintertime—do you think He cares less for us? Paul was in chains, in a Roman prison and was joyful, still preaching, doing God’s bidding, setting an example for us to follow. Study the life of Paul and compare it with your present life—you will be able to appreciate you’re present situation more—even if you are experiencing some difficult days.

Many of my best friends have passed over the threshold and I miss them and long to see members of their family to visit and reminisce about the good old days. You probably have had a similar experience. It is right for us to feel this way about them. Paul had such a longing to see his old friends at Philippi and he said it was right because he had them in his heart [verse 7].

You will notice that his prayers for them in verses 9 through 11 were that his people would continue in love for each other and have discernment, which means that they should be able to differentiate between right and wrong. They should continue until the day of Christ. The term ‘day of Christ’ refers to time when God will judge the world through Jesus Christ. Christ could return any moment—if he returns during your lifetime, what will you be doing? His return will occur in a moment—“in the twinkling of an eye” and you will have no time left to make any needed changes! Trust him now!

Got to Have Hope - 2 Kings 18:28-32; 19:5-7,15-19

2011-02-20T17:22:00.000-08:00

I do not like the word hopeless and only remember a couple of times in life when things really seemed that way to me. In 1943, the war was raging and I volunteered for the Air Corps, knowing that as a graduating senior I would have to go. I was turned down and placed in classification 4-F, and really thought that I was safe from the draft. Juanita and I got married in April of 44. In August, 44, I got my summoned to appear for the Infantry, and was drafted, and ordered to report for duty in 30 days. That was my first hopeless day.

In October, 1946, I sustained a back injury and entered Kennedy Hospital in Memphis. In April, 6 months and 5 days later I returned home to a wife and one daughter, unable to work, and was sitting in a swing on my front porch watching traffic pass by. I felt hopeless. Within the next two years every thing changed. God chose to reveal his love to me in a personal way. For the first time in my life I walked into the presence of God, not as a boy brought up in a Christian home, but I had become a Christian, Joined First Baptist Church, finished 72 hr. of college work, and had my first teaching job. When you have no hope, Christ is the answer.

The lesson this week is intended to help us rely on the saving power of Almighty God even when we are in what appears to be a seemingly hopeless situation. Jesus Christ has packed the New Testament with a bundle of promises that are ours for the asking—if we will only believe. I HOPE that I can show you just how easy it is to place your HOPE in Christ the Lord who never fails you. He even knows the number of hairs on your head.

U-Turn Here—and Now! - 2 Kings 17:5-9a,13-15,18-20

2011-02-13T17:18:00.000-08:00

In recent lessons we have discussed the problem in America concerning homosexuality, same sex marriages, and abortion, all are sinful in the sight of God. All are sinful because they defy the will of God regarding the family and God’s reason for creating both man and woman and establishing the proper relationships they should maintain. We must realize that it is just as sinful and also hypocritical for anyone to condemn these people, while they are married and at the same time are involved in extra-marital relationships; committing adultery, and causing their partner to be adulators as well.

Our lesson this Sunday is regarding the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Because God loved these people He sent his prophets to warn them, but they adamantly refused to repent of their sins; and it ultimately resulted in the demise of the entre kingdom. Had they repented of their sins, God would have protected them against their enemies and the nation would have been saved. It was their refusal to repent and serve Him that brought His final judgment. Our goal in the lesson today is to examine our own attitudes and actions that are against God’s will and seek forgiveness before His judgment falls on us. No lesson has ever had a title that fit America any better than this one does. This country needs to make a quick U-TURN HERE AND NOW.

Space and time prevents the listing of all related scripture; however, it is necessary for you to know what God says in his word regarding sin and its consequences. Just remember that there is always a pay-day some-day. Please read the background and lesson passages as listed above in the heading. The Israelites refused to listen to the priest sent to warn them and persisted in their sins, and the punishment included the total destruction of their country. This lesson is a warning that is applicable to us today in America and in my opinion we are following the same destructive path that they traveled.

The central story related throughout both first and second Kings has always been regarding the one important issue; God’s claim for loyalty. The list of their sins is long and regarding many things but the cause for God’s indictment was basically the breaking of the first commandment; “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me” [Exod. 20: 2-3].

We have come to the third and final invasion of Assyria into Israel [The first two are recorded in the 15^th chapter, verses 19 and 29, and the people should have learned from them—but didn’t.] This time they were taken captive and moved to other nations, and replaced by foreigners. God did what he had warned that he would do in Deuteronomy 28. He had given Israel ample warning, but they still ignored God and went their own way. Their challenge was to honor God and be a light to the world. Their failure resulted in the birth of Christ and his redemptive power nearly 6000 years later.

Israel’s judgment came because the people copied the evil customs of the other evil nations surrounding them, worshiping false gods, accommodating pagan customs, and following their own selfish desires. It is not safe to create your own religion because it creates selfishness. Living selfishly always brings serious consequences from God. It is not easy to always put God and others first; however you can either live for God or die for yourself. What God thinks is much more important than what others think of you—see: Romans 12: 1-2, and 1 John 2: 15-17.

See 2 Kings 17: 9-15, sins are both public and private, wickedness and idolatry in public, and private sins that people do not want others to know about. God always knows what people believe and what they are doing. God’s mercy and patience are always beyond our ability to understand. He will constantly pursue us until we respond or by our own choice [each person must accept or reject God’s mercy], become unreachable. His judgment is swift and sure. My choice, your choice, America’s choice is to do a U-TURN to God before our sinful ways and stubbornness puts us out of His reach. The bible teaches us that “God’s spirit will NOT always strive with man.” He does have a limit, beyond which He will not hear our prayers.

Far too many Americans are willing to compromise their faith by participating in interfaith worship where it is admissible to pray to God, but the name of Christ cannot be mentioned. There are some religious leaders today that say that our belief that Jesus Christ is the Only Way can be compared to the terrorist of September 11, who believe that their religion is the only way. I sense a movement in America [to my sorrow condoned by the main-stream media] to embrace a pervasive tolerance that would finally rule our belief in one God as being arrogant and even oppressive. It is our place as Christians not to condemn or oppress, but to present an open invitation, to all that will believe, to come to Christ. Those who support the “one church” idea must remember that God demands exclusive loyalty, and Jesus Christ plainly told us that He alone—“is the Only Way to the Father.

I realize that there is a need for Christians to accept and extend a helping hand to others, because there will always be diversity, and we must share Christ with the world. We also must be carefully aware that the religious confusion in our society today bears a close resemblance to the conditions in Samaria 600 years BC, as described in the lesson for today. They paid a price, and it was the complete loss of their country. A corrupt view of God and corrupted practice of worship will lead any nation to destruction.

How did early America, the weakest nation on earth, sustain against some of the strongest nations, England, France, and Spain? I know! Our soldiers with bare feet, wrapped in paper and cloth, bleeding as they crossed the Delaware, were successful because of a profound belief in God and conviction that they were right. The founders of this nation called on God for His protection and help in every document that was written including our constitution. We need a U-TURN back to those same beliefs and practices.

We can not afford to compromise our faith because it leads to further compromise and corruption. God will not accept, or even tolerate, anything less than exclusive loyalty to Him; and there is no doubt that we become what we worship. We must guard our hearts against anything that compromises the truth of God, and our biblically based convictions. I truly believe that our greatest threat in America today is the temptation of the masses to syncretism—a combination of different forms of beliefs and practices, many of which have ignored our Creator. God bless America!

I invite you to worship in my church next Sunday. Make sure that you go to the church of your choice and worship regularly. Even more importantly, make sure that the teachings of the church you attend is that there is only one God, one faith, and one baptism; and that salvation is by grace, through faith in Christ Jesus. Christianity is not a religion; it is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In order to be born again, you must believe in Jesus, repent of your sins, and invite Him to come into your heart and live through you.

Danger! Unbridled Passion - 2 Kings 9 -10

2011-02-06T17:14:00.000-08:00

There are two unbridled passions in our country today that would require a nation-wide poll directed by competent and unbiased experts, to determine which is the most deadly; is it sex or religion? These are not new problems. For example, uncontrolled sexual desire cost King David his reputation and came back to haunt him the rest of his life. His son, Saul, followed in his father’s foot steps; his desire for foreign women resulted in his worship of other gods. His example illustrates both of the problems, sex and religion. Jezebel’s religion [worship of false gods] cost the earthly lives of many who refused to bow to her gods; and also condemned for eternity those that worshipped along with her.

In America today, the growing passion for sexually oriented activity is no longer restricted to late night television. Even the advertising of necessities like food and clothing now exploit the minds of young people during prime time. There are only a very few movies made, or modern music written that does not use explicit sexual references. There may be as many false religions in our country today as there were false gods worshipped in the days of the Kings.

The numbers of cult leaders have grown rapidly, many during my life time. Their congregations have a sincere passion to follow the leader; their passion is so great that some have taken their own lives. We are made to wonder; and it is a question we do not desire to answer—would we give up our life rather than to deny Christ? We, all must realize that Christianity is a relationship and is not a religion.

The nature of man is somewhat like that of the animal cat family. They seek out a dominant leader and follow him until he is old, weak and replaced by a new lion king, and their mind is never aware that there is a higher power. Man develops a zeal or passion to follow the leader and not the will of God. We must remember that zeal or passion—even for the Lord is not an acceptable substitute for obedience of the Lord. I am very concerned that some Baptist relies too heavily on their sincere belief in the security of the believer. The doctrine is biblically sound and I believe it. However, I also know that Christ said that any man that loves him will keep his commandments. That simply means that a believer will obey God. If man could have kept all of the commandments, using his own power, the death of Christ on the Cross would not have been necessary. I am so glad that Christians who are disobedient can repent and Christ will forgive—70 x 70.

[NOTE: One of the greatest sermons I have ever heard—“PAY-DAY SOME-DAY,” by Dr. R.G. Lee, former pastor of Bell-View Baptist, in Memphis, was based on the passage of scripture in our study today. It was taped and I have a copy, and will be happy to share it.] Unbelievers, be aware! Your pay day will come. You can either dine with Christ, at his expense—the price he paid on the cross—or pay the bill yourself!]

Our lesson today proclaims the great danger of unbridled passion. Pharaoh, king of Egypt ruled his kingdom with an unbridled passion for the people to be submissive to him and see him as their god. Both he and his people paid a terrible price before he was convinced to let God’s people go free. A historical review of the Old Testament reveals many other examples, but none surpass the passion of Jezebel and King Ahab in their zeal to promote Baal [idol] worship and show no mercy for anyone that did not follow their wishes. Their pay day was coming. There is always a limit beyond which God will not allow disobedience to continue. They did not just break—they shattered—the commandment that states “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

Perhaps the straw that broke the back of God’s tolerance came when Jezebel had Naboth [a good and Godly man] and his boys murdered because he would not sell them his vineyard. It was in Jezreel, near their palace, and she was determined to take it for her husband. She had Naboth killed because he would not sell; and she had his sons murdered to prevent them from inheriting the land. God’s judgment came and the penalty seems very harsh. Many would die as a result.

God commissioned Elisha to carry out his instructions to eliminate Idol worshipers. Elisha summoned a man from the company of prophets told him to anoint Jehu, son of Jehoshaphat, and instruct him to attack and kill King Ahab and all of his followers, including Jezebel. Prophets had predicted that the dogs would lick the blood of Ahab and dogs would eat the body of Jezebel, and it happened just as had been prophesied. This is a vivid story that reveals the wrath of God, and the extreme, but just, punishment that was pronounced, and this very interesting and detailed story is recorded in the ninth chapter of 2 Kings— our lesson for today—and I hope you will read it.

I must remind you again that the bible is true. This detailed story does not paint a pretty picture. It was not included in the Word for our enjoyment—but as a warning that God does not condone sin in the lives of his people and there is no escape except through the acceptance of Christ as our Savior. The wheels of justice grind slowly at times but there will be a ‘pay day someday.’

Two years passed before Ahab shed his blood in the chariot in which he was riding, and before he could be removed the dogs had licked his blood clean. It was twenty years before Jehu drove his chariot under the palace window and demanded that Jezebel be thrown to the ground. Because she was a queen, Jehu instructed his men to take her body and bury it, and they reported back and said that the dogs had eaten all of her except her head, hands and feet. No doubt the dogs rejected the head that had connived against God, the hands that had worked her ungodly scheme and her feet that had trod in Naboth’s holy vineyard.

The question of the day is which passion is most prevalent—is it sex or false religions? Fifty million babies have been aborted, murdered, since Roe vs. Wade and a majority of these were conceived because of sexual passion. In my opinion there are more false religions, some bearing the names of prominent denominations, than there are churches that preach Christ who was crucified for the salvation of man kind. You alone are responsible to know the difference. You can find the truth in God’s word. You can find a Christ centered church if you try.

There are churches that preach and teach the truth; and that is that, salvation comes through the Grace of Jesus Christ [it is free, unearned and not deserved]. His grace must be accepted by faith—you just simply must ‘believe’ and call on the name of Jesus to save you.

Right Not to Remain Silent - 2 Kings 6:1 - 8:29

2011-01-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

Christians have the right not to remain silent on any occasion when God has expressed his love and care for His people, especially when it is a personal experience. My experience tells me that we Baptist are reluctant to show our appreciation at times when our applause, a heart felt amen, or a personal testimony would be a profound witness for God. Our New Testament Commission is to “Go, and teach others” about God’s love for people. It is not only our right, but also our obligation to express our personal God-related experiences and individual dependency upon the Lord and Savior that we worship.

God has always expressed his individual and personal love and care, and used different ways to intervene in the lives of his people. Many times his blessings come in disguise, hidden from those who do not know Him personally, and even at times, the recipient does not realize the significance, or even the presence, of his actions. Many do not know about the promise Christ made in Romans 8: 28; and some know what it says, but are unable to relate this passage to what is happening in their own lives. Please remember that “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

From the day Christ started his worldly ministry along the banks of the Jordan, he used a plan of intervention in the lives of people he met; he called the disciples, invited the lost to believe, healed the sick, and raised the dead. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever; therefore He is in the same business today. Some of the time when Christ intervenes in our lives today, it is not only obvious to the recipient, but also to others that are present who can recognize His intervening presence. At other times the recipient knows that God is present and working, but for him to tell others, or openly show his approval and happiness, is very difficult for fear of what others will think. Miracles still happen! And any Christian who has experienced a miracle from God not only has the right to tell others of his experience, but is obligated to speak out for the cause of Christ.

I can recall numerous times in my life when I am absolutely sure that Jesus has worked things out for my good. However, since I could not prove this to someone who may have a doubting mind, I have remained silent. This is not so any more, and I can proudly give examples of God’s intervention. In October of 1947, I sustained a back injury that required what was then a new procedure in back surgery. I was in the Kennedy Hospital, in Memphis for six months and five days in traction, surgery, re-hab, and physical therapy. I know, the skeptic will ask, ‘how could this possibly be for your good?” I now know that God called me to be a teacher and this was his way to have me give up a lucrative business and start to college, and that is why I chose education as a profession. Actually God chose my profession for me!

In our lesson today, there are what would appears to be ‘unbelievable miracles’ sent by God through Elijah and Elisha, that worked for good to the recipients of that day and as a witness to the observers. However, I truly believe that they were recorded in God’s word as lessons meant to strengthen the faith of 21^st century Christians and also grow faith in unbelievers. In 2 Kings 2: 9, Elisha requested a double portion of Elijah’s faith and spiritual power; and it was granted. Elisha performed twice as many miracles during his life. Floating a steel ax head is just one of these.

The house where Elisha and his company of prophets lived was too small, and the prophets volunteered to cut the timber and build a larger one. They had to borrow the tools to work with, and while one was cutting a tree near the Jordan River, the ax head disengaged and dropped into the river. The prophet cried out “Oh my Lord, it was borrowed” for he was worried about how he could return the ax. God, through Elisha and a limb of wood caused the ax to float and it was retrieved. Unbelievable, you say? Then how can man make a ship float when it is built from hundreds of tons of steel? How can man make a submarine made of steel, both sink and float?

The real lesson behind this story lies in the fact that there was a famine in the land [they happened often] and during difficult times people borrows a cup of oil, a bag of meal or some other necessity, and it was to be returned or replaced. It was the honest and important thing to do. This prophet was very concerned in that he would not be able to return the borrowed ax. God met a great need allowing him to return the ax. I can remember during the Great Depression when my parents had to borrow, a cup of flower, meal, salt or sugar, and the same amount or a little more was always returned with gratitude. Be ware: it could happen again, if the economy does not turn around soon. If you borrow anything, make sure you return it, as soon as possible—if it is a car; be sure you fill the tank to replace his gas you used.

The army of King Ben-Hadad of Aram besieged Samaria, cut off all supplies and the people were starving to death inside the walls. Times were so bad they had started practicing cannibalism. The price of smuggled food was so high no one could afford to buy; the head of an ass, the most undesirable part of the most undesirable animal sold for 80 shekels, or about $50 dollars. The king of Israel blamed Elisha for the famine and proposed a remedy—that was that the head of Elisha be taken from his shoulders even though beheading was against Jewish law. God protected Elisha by giving him a vision of how food would come soon.

In chapter seven, verse one, Elisha announced that God would come to their rescue. “About this time tomorrow, a seah’ of flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria.” The King and his officers doubted, and said it could not happen—but it did. How? It came through a miracle that most people do not understand. Here are my thoughts, using the Word. The fulfillment of this prediction is found in the incident of the lepers which you can read in the bible record.

Four leprous men stood at the city’s gate in a dilemma as they were facing death. They knew the people inside the city were out of food, and even if they could gain admittance they would surely die from starvation. If they stayed outside, with no help they would die. So they decided to go over to the enemy’s camp [Ben-Hadad’s soldiers] as a last resort; it was their only chance and they thought it was a slim one at that.

During the previous night, God had arranged for a mighty wind to blow. It made the sound of a rushing army that awakened the soldiers in the camp, and they were startled and ran for their lives. They left all their food, bedding, and other needs behind in the camp. When the four leprous men arrived at the camp, there were no soldiers to hinder them from walking in unharmed. They were very surprised, and began immediately to eat and take care of their other needs. After acquiring plenty for the time, they decided to loot the place and hide the stolen food and supplies for their own use in the future, just in case the army would return.

God’s spirit intervened [the leprous men realized their selfishness and that they were doing wrong] and they decided to take extra food back to the gate of Samaria and share it and the good news with the starving people inside who did not realize that the enemy army had vanished. When the starving inhabitants learned about the available food, they also went and confiscated food and the famine was broken, food sold cheap just as the prophet had predicted.

To me, this lesson of this incident is illustrative of the condition of the sinner today. Spiritually starved souls, when convicted of their sin, will ask: “Why sit we here until we die?” Their present condition and position means eternal death. They have no other choice but to go to the great provider, redeemer, and seek spiritual food.

This lesson is for the redeemed who have just found the spiritual food needed for the soul of man. They should be anxious to go and share the good news with others that are on spiritual starvation, thus obeying the Great Commission that tells us to go preach, teach and baptize the lost.

I keep repeating; you must believe God’s word to be total truth. The bible is by writers who were men, yes; but ever word was inspired by The Holy Spirit [God], and is meant for our good. God appeared, unseen by man, but most assuredly in his spiritual person, two specific times in this lesson. The steel ax head floated! And the mighty rushing wind that sounded like an army of soldiers appeared at the right time to frighten Ben-Hadad’s army causing them to leave camp and all the food and supplies that the starving people inside the city walls needed for survival.

God sent his Son, who died on the cross to pay your sin debt, the price for your sins; and all it will take for you to be saved is a little faith—the size of a mustard seed. The leprous men had only a little faith, but it saved them and the whole city that believed their good news.

Building a Culture of Life - 2 Kings 22 & 23

2011-01-16T17:09:00.000-08:00

I write these lessons as my labor of love for the Lord; it is published weekly in two newspapers and is sent to about two hundred e-mail addresses that I refer to as my computer Sunday School Class. I receive no compensation and so I sometimes use material written by other bible scholars. Today I want to give Dr. Wayne VanHorn credit for the introduction, since it is taken from his writings in the Explore the Bible Commentary from LifeWay, winter edition, 2010-2011. Southern Baptist have adopted the practice of dedicating one lesson each year to the sanctity of life movement, and this commentary regarding the abortion problem is one of the best I have ever read.

Dr. Vanhorn says that there is a house built of steel framing and thick glass walls in Jackson, Mississippi, about ten miles from his home. It is in a family neighborhood, but was not built for family living. Over the years the “glass house” has been filled with 50 million pennies, worth at least $500,000. It was built by the Baptist people of Mississippi, and dedicated as the “Memorial to the Missing.” The Baptist Church families, and others interested in helping, have donated the pennies “To fill the glass house as a symbolic way of remembering babies who never had the privilege of enjoying even one moment of God’s warm sun caressing their sweet cheeks.”

Dr. VanHorn says that he saw the house when it was only a few inches deep in pennies, but the pennies: “Kept rolling in and piling up. The reinforced glass bulged under the weight of the so many pennies. The weight of the memorial is equivalent to at least 150 tons or 100 automobiles [3,000 pounds each] piled on top of another…One penny for every [each] baby aborted since Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion on demand in 1973. Fifty million voices never heard; 50 million lives never lived. The pennies are an endowment for pro-life issues; their silent but effective witness represents the voices of 50 million [dead] babies.” These babies were intentionally and deliberately murdered. If the parents did not want the child, they could have been placed for adoption into a loving family who wanted and needed children.

The author says that Osama bin Laden [the terrorist] is quoted as saying, “We love death. The US loves life. That is the big difference between the two.” As I ponder this quote today—and based on the fact that Americans have killed 50 million babies since 1973; my question is “do Americans really love life?” How can 100 million parents choose to kill their child and still claim to love life? We know that an uncontrolled passion, usually out of wedlock, is the primary reason for the birth of these babies; sin breeds more sin.

The movie industry and even the prime time-day time TV programs are, more often than not, loaded with sexually-explicit scenes and even the best programs use sexually suggestive images. The popular bent in society today is toward sexual promiscuousness; sadly it is happening among the very young. I contend that we have a different culture of life to what it was prior to the Great Depression and WWII. Unwanted pregnancies were far fewer then than they are today and most of the babies were allowed to live, even during the Great Depression when parents were unable to afford the cost.

During the days following WWII and especially during the 1960’s to 1980’s America adopted a horrible culture of life, and Rowe vs. Wade made it legal by man’s law to murder. The rotten courts and heathen judges have added several other decisions that have added other unacceptable conditions. Gay rights and same-sex marriages now threaten the sanctity of the home. The legal support and promotion of homosexuality spits in God’s eyes because He said that homosexuality was an abomination in the sight of God. Evidently there is far too many who do not believe that Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed because of this practice. The city was destroyed as a warning to all that read the record of this historical truth.

The murder of innocent children is not new. Sometime during the 7^th century B.C. Manasseh, King of Judah, sacrificed his own son to the fire god, Molech, also known as Milcon. People, including the king, worshipped as their children were consumed by flames. This carnage took place in the Southern Kingdom [Judah] which was not considered to be as carnal- minded as the nation of Israel. [This story is recorded in 2 Kings 21 to 24.] Seven hundred years later, Christ came along and posed a threat to the Roman King Herod who ordered that all boy babies in the country two years and under be murdered to protect his political hold on the people. In those days Kings [government] ordered babies killed. Today government simply makes it lawful for those that do not want the child to murder it. I doubt seriously that God sees much difference; I don’t.

Chapter 21: 16 says: “Moreover, Manasseh also shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end—besides the sin that he had caused Judah to commit, so that they did evil in the eyes of the Lord.” Manasseh [one of, if not the most evil of all kings] died and his son, Amon, succeeded him. He was twenty-two years old and reigned for two years. “He did evil in the sight of the Lord, as his father Manasseh had done. He walked in all the ways of his father; he worshiped the idols his father had worshiped, and bowed down to them—he did not walk in the way of the Lord.” Amon was murdered and his son Josiah, his eight year old son, became king, and reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-one years. “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the ways of his [spiritual] father David, not turning aside to the right or left.”

You must read chapters 22 and 23 to find all the things Josiah did to compensate for the evils his father and grandfather had done. God had announced his wrath and made known that there would be total destruction because of their sinful ways. Josiah was protected and the country was saved because he openly repented by tearing his robe and promising God that he would obey. He declared a personal war against all the gods, and idols that represented them. Every thing connected with the idol worship, including those who had sacrificed their children, were dealt with during his reign. Sin has a price; and the guilty will pay the penalty. God will see to it!

Rowe vs. Wade is an evil law; it has a price and someone will pay the penalty. America needs another man like Josiah, elected to be President, who will demand that God fearing judges interpret the law in favor of innocent unborn babies. Our constitution was written by the people and for the people—and babies are people! Amon was king for only two years, simply because he did not choose to correct the errors made by his predecessor. History repeats itself. Today we are witnessing the demise of many elected officials because of their approval of un-fair and some un-godly laws which they have supported, even against the will of the people. These officials should be concerned about the rejection of the people who elected them; however they should be much more concerned about the penalties that come from the hand of God.

Being Respectful - Ephesians 6:1-9

2010-11-21T07:28:00.000-08:00

My mother and father tried. Juanita and I have tried as best we knew how and I realize that many of your parents and you have done all the right things you knew to do—but for some reason we [at least many of us] have failed to reach the goal that I believe we should have attained. To my regret and for some very devastating reason we have erased some of the most important words from our children’s vocabulary.

Yes. Yes-ma’am. Yes sir. Yes, please. No-ma’am. No sir. Thank you. You are excused. Excuse me. Please excuse me. Pardon me. Mr. Mrs. Good morning sir. Forgive me. These are just some of the greetings and responses that seem to have gone into oblivion. I am really worried now; for I have just now checked my electronic dictionary for the spelling of “ma’am” and find that it is not in the dictionary. In fact it is underlined in red on this computer as being misspelled.

When I started teaching school in 1949, most of the children in my classroom addressed me with an appropriate greeting or response. I took these courtesies for granted and never realized how important they were until the courtesy was lost. Since I have been out of the classroom for over twenty years and have continued to have a very limited presence among the younger generation. I realize that the new vocabulary has extended far beyond my knowledge but some that are familiar are such as: Ha. Ha dad. Ha Doc. Naw. Aint. A sheepish grin—and say nothing. A shrug-of-the- shoulders—with no comment. What’s smoking? What’s going down? I am not naive, and fully realize that many of you will not agree with me, but that does not change my mind. I may not have made my thoughts clear to you, and/or there may be a better way to express how disrespect actually appears, but there still is no reason for any person of any age not to be RESPECTFUL toward others, especially parents, superiors, and their elders.

It really does not matter what you and I think is important, or whether we agree or disagree—the bible teaches us we are to treat people with respect because God created all humans in His image. Parents are to respect each other and also their children—and this sets the example for the respect that young people should show their parents, teachers, clergy, and elderly people especially.

Time and space will not permit a detailed explanation of a recent incident that I personally observed at the local Wall Mart that depicts what is happening in young families. A mother, father and two small children, eight to ten years of age actually had a verbal outburst that broke into jerking, pushing, shoving and throwing incident that disrupted the whole grocery department. These children had not been properly disciplined at home, and the reaction of the parents let me know that they either had not tried or did not know how to discipline children. In this situation it was obvious that the children did not respect the parents, and it is my guess that it was primarily because the parents did not respect each other and the children even at home.

If you will read the first verses of this letter that Paul wrote to the believers at Ephesus and abide by his admonition to them you will never have to be embarrassed with an incident like the one mentioned above. I realize that this first commandment is short and to the point and requires further explanation and directions, but the fact that it is a commandment with a promised good result makes it very important. READ AND PRACTICE IT!

Because we have immediate access to the news of the day, world wide; and because the news media explodes and projects horror stories because they sell; we hear about many gruesome examples of child molestations and mistreatment. It sometimes appears that mistreatment of children is the worst it has ever been—but the truth is that it has always been a problem—it was in Paul’s day, and that is his reason for his writing these verses.

When Ephesians was written, the world was under the control of the Roman Empire. The Roman law condoned a condition of power known as the patria protests which gave the Roman father absolute power over his family. The father could punish at will and to any extreme including, forcing them to work for him, even in chains. He could sell them as slaves and even inflect the death penalty for disobedience. This power extended so long as the father lived, so that the child never actually became of age until the death of his father, even if the sibling became and elected official with powers of his own.

There was a common custom under patria potestas, in the Roman world, when a child was born, it was placed before the father who could accept or reject the new born. He could accept or reject the child, and if it was rejected it could be literally thrown out of the family. Unwanted children were usually discarded in the Roman forum and were usually collected by anyone that made their living by raising the child to sell as a slave or stock the brothels of Rome.

Seneca, a Roman historian wrote; “We slaughter a fierce ox; we strangle a mad dog; we plunge the knife into sickly cattle lest they taint the heard; children who are born weakly and deformed we drown.” Normal children could be mistreated, but weaklings or deformed children had little hope of survival. We think child abuse is terrible today, but just think how it must have been when Paul wrote this advice to children and parents. Christianity brought a great improvement to the status of both women and children—and it is only because of the teachings of Christ that the laws of man improved to their present day status, which is a significant improvement. My greatest regret is that I believe we are loosing ground and have been ever since the completion of WWII.

The degree of honor and respect that we have for each other came from the teachings of Christ through the gospel, as recorded here in Ephesians. Therefore, if our faith in Christ is real, it will usually prove itself at home first, in our family relationships with those who know us best. Children and parents have a mutual responsibility to each other that they [each individual] must learn by knowing how Christ expects us to treat each other. [There is no professional hand book written by any author that tells us how to treat each other. Spock may have tried, but he sure failed.] The bible does!

I can assure parents of one thing and that is that parents should care, gently and prayerfully for their children even when the child is disobedient and unpleasant. Discipline is absolutely necessary but it must be done in love and concern and not in wrath. Do not discipline your child while you are exhibiting a fit of anger—wait until you can look them in the eye and let them know you love them. Remember the bible tells us that we should never let the sun go down on our anger—therefore you should never have to wait more that 24 hours to discipline. The delay will enhance the benefit.

I can assure children of one thing, they should honor their parents even if the parents are demanding and unfair. I am sorry that I have no specific advice that will always work when your parents are unfair, but there are some things you can do that will usually improve the situation. Never lie. Do not be deceitful. Never slip around and try to hide your misbehavior. Always be responsible! Show your appreciation for what they do for you every time. Do not act and or be selfish. Ask yourself why they respond as they do…it may be your fault and if it is make the correction necessary and let them know that you have changed. If all fails, you should seek council from your pastor, a Christian counselor, a trusted teacher or friend. You are not alone and unloved, someone cares and will help you. God cares and will guide you, but you must seek his help by first showing that you trust Him.

Jesus Christ is the best counselor for both parents and children, and He tells you that your are to love each other with the same agape love that he has for his bride, the church—that is with the same love He has for you and He died on the cross because he love you so much. There can be peace in the family; and it will happen if both parents and children put the others’ interest first. It is not easy but—you must submit one to the other. Remember the promise in verse three—“Things will go well with you and you will enjoy a long life on earth.”

Parents, remember the purpose of discipline is to help children grow mentally and spiritually and discipline is not to be exasperating and provoking, driving them to anger or discouragement. The bible teaches in Colossians 3:21, “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” Dad, Mom, you need to stop and realize that your child did not choose you as their parent—you forced yourself upon them. If you did not rally want a child in your life, you should have acted responsively. Now that you have each other, you should take the first responsibility of making this a happy time together.

Parents, your greatest promise is that if you will bring your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, in their latter days they will not depart from it. That means you will experience a happy ending. My God bless your family is my prayer.

Being Married - Ephesians 5:22-33

2010-11-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

The majority of us who have grown older do not mind being asked our age. It is usually one of our prized moments when we are able to tell our inquiries that we have lived four scour and six years and that we have also been married to one precocious spouse for the last sixty-six of those years. When both are still living fairly normal, healthy lives, assisting each other over the troubling spots each day, the joy is compounded. As one qualified to write from personal experience I can attest that being happily married is one of the most important accomplishments of my life.

I have personally known several families that seemed to have everything going right, and all were happy in their family fellowship and relationship so long as they practiced the teachings held forth in this lesson today. But a time came when they failed to love and honor God as he loved his church, and difficulties arose and the family life was destroyed. Nothing has ever brought more unhappiness into the lives of the family or a nation than for us to ignore God’s teaching regarding the family and church. I doubt that anyone reading this passage of scripture regarding the importance of a Godly home can fully realize how great it really is. Literally stated, only the mind of God knows the spiritual value of the family unit.

We are living in evil times just as the Ephesians did in the days of Paul’s writings to them approximately 2055 years ago. Whether we survive and prosper and live to enjoy our lives today or meet total failure all depends upon our being willing to depend upon the plans that God has established for us to live by. Paul was faced with the dangers being taught by the Jewish faith regarding the condition or place that women held in their Jewish society. Very simply, women were looked down upon to the point that one of their prayers thanked God that the Jewish man was created as neither a slave, a gentile, nor a woman. Paul and other writers faced these teachings when they started teaching that all men and women were alike in the sight of God.

As a result of the early teachings of the church and its leaders, throughout the years the Christian view of marriage has come to be widely accepted. I hope and pray that it is still recognized as the ideal family relationship even in these permissive days in which we live. Since we live in the days of mass communication instantly available we immediately know about the perverted practices regarding sex and marriage that sometimes appear as something new. We must realize that the sins against the family started as early as the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, as recorded in the Old Testament, and even where practice has fallen short of the ideal, marriage has always been in the minds and hearts of Christian men and women.

In 5: 22 and beyond, Paul talks about the submission of the wife to the husband. He states that the woman must be submissive to her husband as she is to Christ. This is true because they have promised to love each other and it is not based on any fact that says the husband should be in control. He goes on to explain some of the things about the love that a husband must bear, show, share with his wife.

1. Man’s love for his wife must be a sacrificial love. Paul says that the husband must love his wife just as Christ loved the church, and gave himself for the church. This must not be a selfish love. One must love his wife not for what she can do for him but because of the ways he can serve her.

2. The love between husband and wife must be a purifying love…just as the agape love of Christ for man.

3. The love for a woman must be caring love. Love her as you love yourself and take care that both are equally served, equally blessed. The relationship of marriage always involves three people…a man, a woman and Jesus Christ as the unseen guest who is always present.

It is not difficult for Christian people to understand why so many marriages are failing today. I do not know the percentage of marriages that occur between believers, but my guess would be that that they are in the minority. Therefore since many [maybe most] marriages occur between two people who have not accepted Christ, they do not realized the sacredness of the marriage union. These marriages are selfish in nature and generally speaking, they are marriages to get rather than to give. I only wish I had the ability to explain to unbelievers the dangers they are facing—for the bible strictly teaches that we should not be un-equally yoked together.

Are you contemplating marriage in your near future? The best advice that I have for you is that you consider the great number of people that will eventually be affected by your decision. Study the bible until you understand fully what your obligations will be to all concerned. Remember that it is a lifelong commitment to your wife and many others. Above all—look up the meaning of DIVORCE, and realize that it is not a biblically accepted reason to end a marriage. Do not establish a divorce as an acceptable way to end your relationship just in case it does not work. When this occurs, it is a selfish decision that does not take in to consideration the horrors of a broken home that usually destroys the happy lives of children and families.

Being Careful - Ephesians 5:15-21

2010-11-07T06:03:00.000-08:00

Beginning on the day we learn to talk and listen with understanding, the most common admonition we have ever experienced is the phrase “You be careful now! Do you hear?” Parents realize that children are constantly faced with dangers with which they are not familiar and are warned of the problems that can arise. Playing or running over rough ground can cause a dangerous fall. When swimming, water runs deep and there are dangerous undercurrents. Some animals and bugs are poisonous and will sting or bite. You never know what the oncoming driver will do, so you must drive defensively: and remember that a speeding car is more likely to cause a serious wreck. Be careful now! And please do not attempt to cross the rails of a speeding train when the warning lights are flashing and the bar is down.

The book of Ephesians has two distinctive parts. The first three chapters teach biblical doctoring with many themes including God’s blessings to man, God’s power, believers’ unity in Christ, and God’s wonderful salvation plan that comes only through faith and by God’s grace to man. Then the last three chapters deal with man’s responsibility to practice what he knows to be truth in his daily life. The Christian has grown up and now is the one that must learn to be careful. In these last chapters Paul uses the term WALK six times to refer to our duties that come as a result of the teaching of Christian doctrines. Paul uses the word WALK as a metaphor for living the Christian life and includes positive ways that we should walk and dangerous ways we should not walk.

The very first verse in today’s lesson makes it seem like Paul is thinking much as our parents did when he tells us to “Be VERY CAREFUL how you live.” I learned from my educational supervisory experiences that master teachers use a certain amount of repetition in their teaching. They will review what they taught yesterday as a way to introduce today’s theme. Paul did that very thing here. Look back to verse 8 and following. They were once unenlightened and living in darkness because their deeds were evil. The men of light were wise and the dark were unwise. Now, “Do not live as unwise men, but like wise men. Use your time with all economy for these are evil days.” This sounds like 2010. I do not know where 2009 went or how it went by so soon. But I do know that it passed so swiftly that we need to rescue every good day we can from the workers of evil that are trying to steal our Christian way from us. Our lives operate as a vacuum and are constantly being filled with something [either good or bad]. The heathen has always and will always find his happiness in filling himself with wine and with worldly pleasures; the Christian found his happiness in being filled with the spirit. In this passage Paul relates some facts about how the early church spent its time in worship during its days of worship.

The early church was a singing church. People used psalms and hymns and songs that made worshipers happy and made men sing. The early church was a thankful church and its instinct was to give thanks for all things coming from God. They were still dazzled with the fact that God’s love had stooped to save them. Members of the early church honored and respected each other. We must do likewise; therefore we must be very careful how we live life each day at a time.

Paul refers to the evil days as a reminder that evil is always present, and that there is always an urgency to deal with it. We must keep our standards high, act wisely and do right at all times. Following the admonition of Paul is just as the heeding of parental directions to always be careful what we do, or say or be careful to whom we listen and heed.

Paul compares the high one gets from drinking too much wine which is temporary and connected with the fulfillment of selfish desires to being filled with the Holy Spirit—which is long lasting, producing good fruit, and proving love for others. The problem we face here is that we must be careful that we not expect to have more of God’s grace—but we must desire that God’s grace owns and controls more of us. We must daily submit to His leading and we must constantly draw on his power.

The general theme changes at verse 21. The idea of complete submission of one person to another is a hard concept to grasp. It is often misunderstood. One thing for sure this submission does not mean becoming as a doormat. Think of what Christ did. He was in complete submission to his Father, even to the cross—but he could be thought of as the ‘open door’ to the Father rather than the door mat in front of heavens door.

Instructions given for women to always be submissive to their husbands are always limited by what is right in the sight of God. If the demands of a husband are wrong or sinful, the wife is not expected to commit sin in order to remain submissive.

In closing these remarks let me remind you again that you must be very careful how you interpret a passage of scripture. Any person with great knowledge regarding the wordage used in the scripture can use many deferent verses to prove or disapprove the same fact. We must be careful and never take the scripture out of its context in order to prove a point that was never intended by the writer.

Being Pure - Ephesians 5:1-14

2010-10-31T05:12:00.000-07:00

Nothing should ever be more important to us than to be known as a Christian. Any Christian that attempts to be a ‘Teacher of the Word’ will be held accountable by God for the things we teach. The bible says that a false-teacher would be better off if he had a stone weight attached to his neck and then he be cast into the sea. We must recognize that we must be doers of His Word as well as teachers of the Word. Our lives must be so lived that we are known as teachers that practice what we teach. Above all any Christian teacher must imitate the love and forgiveness of God. We must be imitators of God and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Paul establishes the pathway of Christians in chapter five and encourages the Ephesians Christians and us to be imitators of God, and walk in love—the life of PURITY. Each person is responsible for their actions and should not revert into a life of sin. We must stand against sin; and always do our best to expose it as our enemy and the enemy of God’s plan and purpose for our lives. We must use our time wisely and follow God’s will for our lives. This is possible only when we let the Holy Spirit influence and direct our behavior.

In verse 3 Paul starts looking at different matters that directly hinder in the lives of purity. By the way he shifts to examples of impurity; there must have been a problem of sexual immorality in Ephesus. He tells them that there should not be even a hint of sexual immorality or any kind of impurity, or greed, because they are improper for God’s holy people. Then he adds other examples of impurities such as obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place. Then the list grows by adding some sins that could easily be found in the lives of many of our so-called Christians in the churches of our day.

For this you may be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such as an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

You can be your own judge, as you listen to the conversations of Christian people today, do you ever hear yarns, or course joking that have shades of foolish talk. We are taught that we should avoid the very appearance of evil. Paul says here that improper language should have no place in the Christian’s conversation because it does not reflect God’s gracious presence in us. Do the words you use reflect the presence of God in you? There is no doubt that foul language is a sin but an unsaved soul should not expect the conversations at church to sound so similar to what he hears at the pool hall, bar or cattle barn. Our actions and conversations should reflect purity of heart.

At some time around Christmas we are often privileged to see a snow scene with a child who loves their parents walking in the indented footsteps of their father walking in the snow covered pathway to the front door of their home. No painted picture has ever expressed a better example of how we should feel toward our Godly parents, God the father and Jesus Christ his only begotten Son. It is also true that no better example of a Godly life will ever be lived than the one that depicts a Christian walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ who loved us so much that he died on the old rugged cross to save us from our sins.

It is important to avoid the “Fruitless deeds of darkness” [any pleasure or activity that results in sin] but Paul says that we must go even further and expose these deeds, because our silence may be interpreted as approval. God needs people who will take a stand for what is right and prove their sincerity by the example they set. The conditions of immoral America have reached a high during the last half of the last century because of the way we have lived. The Christians of this area have allowed these unacceptable trends to grow simply by failing to speak out against the ungodly teaching and false practices of the so called New Age movement.

Paul told his converts that they must not allow themselves to be deceived with empty words. How and why did this happen? There were voices in the ancient world, especially the Greek and Roman teachers that taught everyone to think lightly of bodily sin. One line of such thought was called Gnosticism. They believed and taught others to accept a false doctrine which contended that spirit alone is good and matter is always evil. Men are composed of both spirit and matter. God created both man and matter. He did not create evil. In Genesis He tells us that he looked upon each part of his creation and declared it to be good…not evil. Genesis also tells us that the evil came when sin entered the garden through the evil one, the devil. Man is both spirit and matter. We have a spiritual soul and a body made of stuff…matter such as bone, flesh and blood and/or iron, oxygen, nitrogen and etc. The Gnostic taught that the spirit only was good, but that the matter was evil. And therefore it does not matter what we do with or to our body…it is evil anyway. They taught that Bodily and sexual sins were of no importance because they were of the body and not of the spirit. The Christian teaching was that both spirit and soul were God’s creation and so they are equally important. This Gnostic teaching came from without the church.

However, there was a teaching from within the church that was equally as important and just as wrong. Some were perverting the teaching of grace. You will find this teaching expounded in the sixth chapter of Romans. They said that grace was so important and powerful that it could cover every sin and that is true. But they also said that since grace was so powerful, then a sinner saved by grace could go on sinning, living as they desired, and grace would abound over all these sins. They went so far as to teach that our sinning was acceptable by God because it gave grace more opportunities to do its work. Paul simply said…God forbid this kind of teaching.

The gravest sin a false teacher can show toward man kind is to teach him that he can think lightly of sin and get by with it. Why? Simply because the wages of sin is death and the debt must be paid. Man can not pay the sin debt. The debt was paid on our behalf by the sinless Son of God when he bled and died on the cross. We are saved by God’s free grace through our faith in Him and there is no other way. If for any reason you live a life that brings any doubt into the heart of any unsaved person, you will be held accountable. The bible clearly teaches that we are either the light of the world because of our belief in Christ and acceptance of his grace, and the life we live; or we are still in the dark, because sinners prefer darkness that does not reveal their sinful ways.

Being Different - Ephesians 4:17-32

2010-10-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

It will be reasonably difficult for any teacher to teach this lesson without hurting the feelings of a friend, or making someone mad because of what they will feel are false accusations. Let me just say up front that what ever I say that offends you also confronts me with the same problems. I believe that sinful church members are the biggest stumbling blocks in the church today. There is no doubt that Christians are called-out people. After they are called, they must continue to live in the world, but they must no longer be of the world—like the world. If you are no different from what you were and who you were before your call or [conversion]—then you are not a Christian. If you are a Christian—you are different and that is a complement.

If you are of the age of accountability and have never accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior you are a sinner on the broad road to hell. If you have acknowledged your sinful state and ask God to forgive you—that means that you have accepted God’s call to Holiness and you are now a different person—traveling the high and narrow road to heaven. The bible teaches that there is a difference in an unsaved person and a saved sinner and in many circumstances that difference is quite obvious to another Christian observer. People are known by the fruit they bear. Christians are known by their works—not saved by works, but known by their works.

Paul is addressing the new converts at Ephesus and he is admonishing them to leave their old way of life and to turn to the new way of life taught by Christ. Far too many of the new members in this new church had verbally accepted Christ as Savior but had not made the changes in their way of life that testifies to the new change.

Ephesus was considered to be one of the greatest cities of the day, known for its commerce, culture, and trade and known for its art, music and theatre. It was one of the richest cities in the Roman Empire and the home of the pagan temple of Diana and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Diana was the god of sexual cravings and was worshipped in the temple of Diana, a worship center that practiced different acts of sexual sin as a part of the daily worship service. Paul describes Ephesus and the lives of those who lived there as the norm and then tells the Christians who have been called out that they must now be different. “Don’t live like that any longer!”

There is a paradox here that is hard for me to understand. Ephesus is described here as a great city. However, I am forced to ask you and Paul what you used as criteria to make this judgment. Some of the things named such as the temple of Diana would prevent a high rating on the city. Paul says that we can no loner live the life that the Gentiles in Ephesus live. In order to be different we must change. He says that “you must be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” This tells me that Christian people must have a different mind set. Our thinking pattern must change so that the things that we eat, drink or participate in will put us on a different minus.

Living and leading a sinful life on a daily basis has a destructive effect on man’s inter spirit. If one knows Christ as Savior then he also will recognize sinful acts and thoughts as they contaminate the body. You did not become a hardened sinner all at one time [no one does]. A born-again man will feel sorrow and horror when they commit a wanton sin. But if he continues to sin without feeling guilty he is approaching a time when he will sin without feeling anything at all. His conscience will petrify like wood in a hot desert. Paul uses two other terrible Greek words to describe the heathen way of life. He says that they have abandoned themselves to every kind of unclean conduct in the insatiable lust of their desires.

We are directed to judge not—lest we be judged by the same judgment. I can be your daily window to what is right and light unto God. I can use opportune times to make you aware of thing you do or say that seems wrong to me. However, God serves as your daily judge and you are being tried in his court as you face daily sins. Get to know your judge well, and predetermine what his verdict will be. If you are a new Christian your life will be different from what it was before conversion. If you are an old established Christian and not living a more Christ-like life than you did a few years [even months] ago, you can expect to receive a harsh verdict in you daily-life curt. If you think that you are a Christian of any age or length of time and still living life as the Ephesians were—you need to reconsider whether you are saved or still lost.

As your teacher, I can not tell you when you are right and when you are wrong. The bible does tell you, and through the study of His word you can know when you are in the will of God. Do you agape God? Christ has told you that without exception, “if you agape me, you will keep my commandments.”

Which do you enjoy the most—the fruit of the spirit or the daily desires of your lustful flesh? What kind of buildings can you enter and feel completely comfortable no matter whom you meet there? If you knew that Christ would return tomorrow at ten AM, where would you be tomorrow at ten AM? I would guess that here might be two or three choices such as my home, my church, or any wonderful setting so long as my family was with me.

If you knew that Christ would return tomorrow at ten AM, is there any place any where that you would definitely NOT WANT TO BE? If your answer to this question is no—then you need to take a good look in the mirror. Ask yourself where your priorities lie.

On the day of your conversion you must leave the old life and enter the new—put off the old coat that you no longer need because it either does not fit any more or it is too worn and tattered and needs to be renewed. What are some of the things that must be banished from the new Christian life? The first on Paul’s list was falsehood. Without exception the only reason for anyone to lie is to protect them selves or punish the innocent.

A Christian can not live peaceably and in truth if he is unable to control his temper. There will always be anger in life, at some time. Even Christ demonstrated the rightful use of anger…but anger must be controlled. We are told that we must not let the sun set before our expressed anger has been placed under spiritual control. A foul-mouth must be controlled. Thievery is unacceptable. Paul leads us to believe that it is a horrible sin for a Christian to grieve the Holy Spirit. He is our counselor and helper here on earth and we owe Him our love and gratitude.

I don’t like to be misjudged, even by good men and so I try to avoid it when possible. The one thing that will prevent being misjudged is that I use the kinds of evidence that God will use when he sits to judge me. Did I repent of my sins and accept Christ as my Savior? Yes! Am I trying to keep His commandments? Yes. How do I want others to judge my life? Am I living in accordance with the worldly daily desires of most of the good people around me or in accord with God’s will for my life? I pray that others will see me as one trying hard each day to live God’s Holy way.

Being in Step - Ephesians 4:1-16

2010-10-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

Any one that has served in the Infantry has done a lot of walking. Regardless of whether the group marching was a squad or a company of soldiers, it was the rule of the Army that the troupes always be IN STEP. This rule became so impacted in our minds that it was very obvious when one or more of the soldiers was out-of-step. When some of the musicians in a marching band are out-of-step the band loses its power of showmanship. A major part of the Christian message is lost anytime members of the church fail to serve in unity—that is, when they fail to walk-in-step.

The first three verses of this fourth chapter of Ephesians introduces a new and major division of the book to the church at Ephesus. There are six chapters in the Epistle that can be divided into two divisions. We have completed the first division which dealt with the doctrinal message of the church—helping us understand the essential doctrines of our faith that are central and vital to our understanding of the plan of salvation. We move now to the second division of the book which deals with the application of this doctrine as we live it out in our daily lives.

The church has always suffered most because its members fail to walk the walk of the Christian way. Some are more faithful than others. Others differ in what they believe to be the right way. Still others strongly believe that they are right more often in their interpretation of what the bible teaches to be the absolute essentials. I believe that a long life of study and prayer has helped me to be more tolerant of those with whom I sometimes disagree.

Before we go any further in this chapter, let me remind you that the central thought in Paul’s letter to this church was to let them know they were disunited as Jews and Gentiles and Jesus is trying to bring this disunited world into a way of unity. A company of soldiers lived separately in many parts of the country and were disunited. When they arrived at Camp Robinson they moved into the barracks, lived together, and leaned to march to the same drummer. Band members may have not known each other until they started to school and joined the band and now the director has molded them into a unit of performing arts specialists. So it is with Christians, who are in the world but not of the world, but are now a unit of Christ like people through their faith in Him—who believe that it is the task of the Church to proclaim the message of good news to the entire world.

Think about this simple illustration. When you join the army, enroll in band, join the Rotary Club, or become a member of the church you take upon yourself the obligation to live a certain kind of life, act or perform in a certain way of life, and if you fail in your obligation you hinder the aims of your society and bring discredit on its name. In our lesson today, Paul paints the picture of the kind of life that a person must live when they enter the fellowship of the Christian Church. In the first three verses we find five of the basic words of the Christian Faith.

The first of these great words is humility. A knee that will not bend in prayer will never allow the prayer to be heard, much less answered. The OT says we must humble ourselves and pray for our land. Before the teachings of Jesus this word was thought of as qualities like cowering, cringing, servile qualities in a person. Humility comes from self-knowledge. Humility allows us to become conscious of our unworthiness. It allows us to place our life beside the life of Christ and fully understand our worthlessness without Him.

When people look at your life do they see one of meekness or gentleness? Or do they see a person with extreme anger. Anger is an absolute necessity of a strong parent or leader. God expects us to believe in ourselves and to be willing to respond to undeserved treatment. But uncontrolled anger is a potential time bomb. So, when we think of a meek or gentleman, I think it should be very complementary. Here is a man that is always angry at the right time but able to control himself—and never angry at the wrong time. The Greek word for meekness is praus. Prau is the Greek word for an animal that has been trained and domesticated until it is under control. A praus man then is a God-controlled man.

Paul’s third great word is long-suffering; in Greek it is makrothumia and really has a two pronged meaning. A long-suffering man will never give up and will always endure in a manly fashion to the end and reap the reward. On the other hand the same Greek word means “patience with other people;” some of which are hard to live with. The best example we have of the use of the word long-suffering is when it is applied to God and his patience with man kind.

Well here comes the biggie…the most important of all—LOVE. The Greek word for love as used here is agape. It is sometimes translated as charity. In the Greek language there are four different words used for the one English word love. 1] eros refers to the sexual feelings existing in and between a man and woman. 2] philia reflects a strong feeling of care between friends.
3] storge, which is characteristically the word used to describe the affection between family members. And then the biggie 4] agape, which refers to the love of God…Christian love…sometimes translated as charity because it is so strong that it will encourage us to be charitable toward each other.

Agape love is always toward others and not inwardly. It develops our desires for the good of others and is not self sustaining in any way. It is so deep that we must love God for who he is and what he has done for others and not just because we were included in his love.

These four great virtues in the life of a Christian—HUMILITY—GENTLENESS—PATIENCE—AND LOVE are our virtues extended to others to bring back to us our greatest possession—PEACE. Peace of mind and heart is what we get for what we have given. Paul’s urgent request is for us to preserve this sacred oneness that characterizes the true Church of Christ and our Living God. The best definition of the word peace is that it is the right relationship between man and man and man and Almighty God. Pride and selfishness have to go—first; our fellow man and God will come in—and then our personal peace is our reward.

The greatest soldier will fall out of step. A member of the super band will miss-step and detract from a perfect performance. The most sincere member of the Lord’s Church must try hard to always be in-step with God’s will.

Paul tells us that there is one body. Christ is the head and the Church is the body. There is one Spirit and one hope in our calling, one baptism which is a picture of the confession of faith, and finally only one God—the FATHER OF ALL.