Whose Life Is Important? - Exodus 20:13; 21:22-25; 22:21-24; Deuteronomy 24:19; Matthew 5:21-22; Luke 20:47

A better question would be is there any life that is not important? It is sad to say that there are some that do not value their life personally, but there is no life that is UNIMPORTANT to our Savior. When I regress to my childhood days, the news of a murder was seldom and usually became the talk among all the neighbors for some time. I have noticed that during the last few months, there is news of a drive by shooting in Little Rock almost every day. Often the person actually murdered is not even the one that is being targeted. Life is so fickle, some just do not care who gets hurt. When life becomes cheap in the mind of a man, I often wonder what has any value at all.

Each year at this time the Baptist Churches all over the country review our study on the sanctity of life. It is sad, but this study seemed to have become a necessity sometime around the middle of the last century after the Row-Wade decision made it legal to take the life of an unborn child. It is really discouraging to a born again Christian to realize that lawyers and judges are so dumb that they do not understand when life begins. If they were asked if a grain of corn with a fresh sprout visible is dead or alive—they would readily admit that it is alive, and if planted in fertile soil, it will grow and reproduce corn.

However, they can not understand that the embryo of a child that has already sprouted arms, legs, and a head is also very much alive. Even though it is as alive as was John the Baptist while kicking in his mother’s womb, they do not understand that if that embryo is not murdered, it will grow into an adult and will be able to reproduce another human being. Where would Christianity be today if Elizabeth had become angry with John for kicking her, and aborted him? Lawyers can be very thankful that Jesus is not revengeful, lest many of them would have been the aborted. Forgive me, but I am not tolerant, even though I realize that I should be. Pray that God will also forgive me.

I wonder sometimes what criteria some people use to devalue life. Men of the Faith Builder’s Class please think about this and prepare to give the rest of us some examples. What has to be crossing the mind of a murderer when he takes the life of another person? Doctors that perform abortions are sensible enough to know that they are killing a live person. How do they justify first degree murder? Are they actually willing to take the life of an innocent child for the price they charge the family or mother who is consenting to the murder of her own child? God said: “YOU SHALL NOT KILL!” I suppose that I can answer my own question—I seem to remember that Judas betrayed our Savior into the hands of murderers for thirty pieces of silver. I wonder if the silver was equal in value to thirty American dollars. If so, that would be about the cost of a Sunday lunch for two at the Red Apple. Would you kill your worst enemy for a meal at the Red Apple? Would the charge be more for the murder of an innocent child?

If America becomes overpopulated and you are ask to compile a hit-list for the liberal courts to recommend for inhalations, who will head your list? Will unborn babies be first because thy can not defend themselves? What would your list look like? Would it include the elderly individuals that are no longer productive that are running up the cost of health services? How about homeless, uneducated and unproductive? How do you feel about the illegal aliens and ethnic groups that are different from you? Would they be on your list?

I realize that I am going to get down and dirty—and there are some who read this that will not appreciate what I am about to ask you. I feel sorry for you having to answer this question. While serving in the Illinois legislature, how did the new president vote regarding the life of a child that survived an attempted abortion? How does he feel about killing the unborn? As a Christian—how could you vote for him? Please, don’t tell me—just explain it to yourself and God.

Surprisingly, but not all Christians accept the view that life begins at conception. How is this possible, when it is clearly a bible teaching? Can you be a Christian and not believe the Bible to be the true word of God? This lesson’s goal is to help us certify that God’s commands and Jesus’ teaching consistently declare human life’s supreme value and to help us plan actions we will take to protect human life. Do you know why so many today are opposed to the Ten Commandments? They can not murder those they want to kill. They can not satisfy their own lust and satisfactions without penalty. They do not want to be told what they can and can not do without repercussions.

My friends, it is not enough that you do not commit murder, steal, and lie. You cannot keep the letter of the law and deny the spirit of the law. Jesus taught us that outward observance is not enough; Christians must give attention to their attitudes, thoughts, and emotions, for these are the origins of our sinful acts. Our behaviors begin within our hearts, and then are acted out overtly—therefore; the heart must be pure and sinless.

Exodus 20: 13 does not list any exceptions that you can claim; nor reasons that you can give—it simply says, “You shall not murder.”

Exodus 21:22 to 25 do not list any exceptions that you can claim; nor reasons that you can give—it simply says, “If you injure a pregnant woman and cause a premature birth, with no injury to the child, you are to be fined according to the demands of her husband with the court’s approval.” “But if there is serious injury, YOU ARE TO TAKE LIFE FOR LIFE, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, and bruise for bruise.” Dear Christian friend, this tells me that if anyone causes the death of an unborn child, they are to be executed.

Look back at the second paragraph on page two of this lesson. Did you list the alien as one that could be considered an undesirable? If you did, then you should read exodus 22: 21-24; and Deuteronomy 24: 17-22.

There will be some that study this lesson that will argue that these references used here are listed back in the Old Testament and are under the Old Covenant, and therefore, they are not relevant to our time in the twenty-first century. If you are one of these, I suggest that you go with me to the New Testament as recorded by Matthew in chapter five starting with the 21st verse. In his own words—Jesus does not agree with you—because He says: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ BUT I TELL YOU THAT ANYONE WHO IS ANGRY WITH HIS BROTHER WITHOUT CAUSE WILL BE SUBJECT TO JUDGMENT [or contempt]. Why would Jesus quote from the OT if he does not think it is relevant for those of us who are under his new covenant?

Christ thinks it relevant, and in fact he does not think the act of overt murder includes all of the reasons we should be concerned. We are not to let the sun go down on our anger toward another person. Gossiping lies can kill the good name of an innocent person. Harsh words, especially untruths will kill the self esteem of an innocent person. What Jesus has told us here is that you do not have to shoot a man, or stick the surgical scissors into the brain of an unborn child in order to commit murder; there are other ways to destroy a person.

You ladies and gentlemen, who are sitting on my jury, have every right to judge me regarding my interpretation of God’s word. And if you find that I am in error according to the scriptures, I invite you to let me know. I beg you to let me know! Bring your bible, with the scriptures that prove me wrong marked, and let us reason together. God’s word teaches me that as a teacher, I will be held accountable for any false or inaccurate teaching of the word. I pray every time I attempt to interpret the meanings of scriptures that I will not fail to please Jesus Christ. Oh, how I wish that I could have attended one of the best seminaries, so that I could have set under the teachings of the greatest bible teachers of today—or any day. I wish I could have been a great bible scholar. May God forgive me when I fail, and judge me only on my desire to be right!
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INVITATION: The lesson next week asks you the most important question that anyone can ever propose. ARE YOU READY? Please study the 5th chapter of Thessalonians and join us as we prepare to be ready.

What Hope Do You Have? - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

There are a lot of grey heads in our Faith Builder’s Class in Heber Springs. I do not know about other members and their feelings, but I have attended too many funerals already. [In jest, I have said that I have no enemies any more since I have outlived all of them.] To be honest I have never completely enjoyed my responsibility to honor, even my best friends, by attending this solemn occasion. It has been my experience that some funerals are much more beautiful and actually have inspiring influences on those present, while others are very depressing. [You already know where I am going with this.] No funeral can emit any happiness unless the deceased has lived a life of Christian HOPE. What hope do you have?

I have never had a pastor that I did not love and appreciate, and pray for more—than at the time he has to conduct the services at the passing of an unsaved person. No pastor, [or anyone else] can change the life that has now deceased; he cannot preach anyone into the grace of God. His only hope is that he can be of some comfort and a witness of warning to relatives left behind. It seems to me that this would be one of the most difficult chores that any minister could face. When there is no hope—what is left? On the other hand, the tears of the relatives of a deceased saint of God are the first expressions of a wonderful paradox; tears of sorrow at the loss, followed by great joy in knowing the mother, father, son or daughter is now at home in Heaven with the Heavenly Father.

Christians must have a strong faith in the promises of God. This brings us hope and encouragement throughout life and especially and particularly as death approaches. God wants Christian hope to comfort believers no matter their circumstances. In this lesson, my desire is to offer hope to people facing their own demise and also to bring peace of mind to family members and friends.

I realize that some who study this lesson may not believe, and for some reason have never repented of their sins and accepted Christ as Savior. My question to them is: “Why take the chance of being forever separated from God and miss heaven?” If Paul [and many other writers of the scriptures] are right and you take their advice, and repent and accept Jesus as your Savior—you are assured eternal life with Christ in heaven. You have no way to lose because, if they are wrong—and what you believe is right—you still will spend the hereafter just as if you had not believed on the only begotten Son of God. Accept Christ and you are certainly no worse off and you have eliminated the possibility that you may be wrong in your thinking.

Believing in Christ and trusting Him for your salvation eliminates the chance taken that you are wrong. It is a win, win situation and you can’t lose. The possibility of enjoying ever-lasting life with Jesus Christ in heaven is too important for anyone to gamble away. The process of being saved is so simple that many have failed to accept it. What does one have to do to be saved? Just pray this simple prayer in your own words.

Dear Jesus, I realize that I am a sinner and there is nothing that I can do myself that will save me. I believe that you died on the cross to save me. I believe that the wages of sin is death, and that your death paid my sin debt. I place my faith and trust in you, and ask you to come into my heart and save me now. Amen.

You now have been saved through God’s grace [which is His unmerited favor] by your faith in Him. Then you must acknowledge to others that you have trusted him. Why this acknowledgement? It is necessary because he has told believers that; [“If you will not acknowledge me before men, then I will not acknowledge you before my Father, God.”]

Now please read and study for the deep meaning that is revealed in our scripture lesson for today [1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18]. Paul is explaining to these young converts what he means about the coming of the Lord.

Paul had only been with these people for three weeks preaching, teaching and establishing this new church in Thessalonica—before the protesting Jewish leadership forced him to move on to another place. He accomplished much in this short time, but the limit in his time with them made it impossible for him to answer all of their questions. [You can read about this in the first three chapters.] They were concerned about their friends that had ‘fallen asleep’ [died] and what would happen to them. They did not fully understand what the resurrection of Christ had to do with their lives after death and he addresses this in [4:1-2]. Paul wanted them to understand that death is not the end of the story. Because Christ arose from the dead, believers would do likewise. He said that when Christ returns all believers—dead and alive—will be reunited never to suffer or die again. To emphasize this point, Paul said that it was according to the Lord’s own words. Since it is a personal promise from the mouth of our Lord, it has to be an absolute truth. It is not based upon some assumption, or man’s word.

Paul did not try to explain step by step, moment by moment, what would happen at Christ’s second coming, but he said that he believed that God would send Jesus back to earth and that He would bring with him all of the Christians that had fallen asleep up until that moment. All of the dead in Christ will be alive with him, and those that are still alive on earth will be caught up into the air [clouds] to be with Him. This 15th verse says that all that are still alive on earth “Will not precede those who have fallen asleep.” This includes all believers of all ages.

Paul wrote these explanations to comfort those that did not understand and were worried about the hereafter. Today we are to use these promises to encourage those who are old and ill and realize that they will be deceased before the second coming of Christ. We are also to use these promises to encourage one another that are living and losing our loved ones. Why should we use these promises and remind each other of them and what they mean? You must go back to 4:9 for this answer. The answer is—because we have been taught to love each other—this is a brotherly love. This term is used because the scriptures teach that believers are the Sons of God. Believers are the ‘children’ of God—therefore they are brothers and sisters in Christ.

In order to emphasize the importance of the resurrection of Christ, Paul tells us that “Because Christ arose all believers who are asleep will also arise, because death has no dominion over the believer. On the cross, Christ conquered both hell and the grave. If it was important for Paul to explain this to the Thessalonians, it is now necessary for true witnesses to comfort people today with the same promises.

The bible teaches that every eye shall see the Lord when he returns and every knee shall bow. The bowing indicates that every eye that sees Him will know that he is Jesus; every one will recognize him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and bow down to him. Believers will bow in joy and adoration and great anticipation; and sadly, the nonbelievers will bow in adoration, but also with fear and desperation, gritting their teeth and praying for the rocks to fall on them.
There are many paradoxes in the Word of God, but the moment of the second coming of Christ is one of the greatest. When he appears there will be a host of the happiest people ever assembled in any one place. His same appearance will cause the greatest fear, sorrow, and desperation that have ever been experienced. Which of these groups do you want to join? You can make your choice now, while you have time and opportunity. After death there will be no opportunity to change your mind and accept him. It is now [in this life] or never.

What Is Your Goal in Life? - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Judging from a recent photograph, the author of Life Way literature, Eli Landrum, Jr., must be in his mid 60s; and since he is writing to adult Christians, there is only one valid answer to his question. However, since there may be some of all ages studying the lesson today, it may be ambiguous. There is a truism that applies here: Time changes everything! Let us mention a few of the times in life when the answer to this question will vary greatly.

I have a brand new great grandson who seems to have only a very few goals in his life. He simply wants something that taste good and will quench his hunger and thirst. He feels uncomfortable and wants his diaper changed. He is spoiled rotten and wants someone to hold him that will stand and continue moving, up, down and sideways, so he can continually enjoy a bouncing, swaying, roller-coaster-ride.

My second great grandson is sixteen months old and his first three goals are the same regarding food, drink, and clean pants, but the third is very different. His goal is to move around so fast that no one can keep up with him and interfere with his desire to punch every button, turn every knob, and personally investigate everything that is in his reach—especially those that are delicate and breakable.

Now watch this. As they move through the stages of development, their goals will continue to change. From three to five, they will want to please their parents and others they love. When they start to school, their goal will be to please their teachers. As they enter their early teens their greatest goals will be to please their peers. In high school their goal will be to excel in sports, to please their coaches, and be popular with all the queens and their maids. This won’t change much as they enter college—but at some time along life’s way, if their parents do their job well, they will realize that the most important question facing them is: “What is my goal in life?” Any one beyond the age of accountability without goals for life is like a ship without a rudder; they are being guided by winds that are constantly changing direction. Or, they may be like a ship with no propeller, going no where.

Far too many of our young people today set their goals early in life without leadership and Christian counseling, and the focus is on pleasing themselves. They want to start at the top without the experiences needed and gained by working their way up. Any man that wants to start out as the CEO, and desires to retire as a millionaire at 30, is ego-centered and everything else—and everybody else is of no real importance in their life. Selfishness is an evil spirit used by Satan to lead God’s people to go for the things in life that gives them a false sense of pleasure, satisfaction, and fulfillment. They lose all desire to please even their families or any person that has befriended them along the way; and surely have no desire to please God.

I hope that you have the right mind set by this time to see that our lesson today is designed to encourage all Christians, regardless of age, that our number one goal in this life is to please God, by doing his will, keeping his commandments, and expressing our love for him as we live our lives with others in mind. He has told us that; “If you do it unto one of these, my little ones, you have done it unto me.”

Paul and his helpers spent about three weeks in Thessalonica preaching and teaching how to become Christians, and then how to live to please God. He was forced to move on before he was ready, but continued to be very interested in how well his message had been received. He made arrangements and tried to get back to see them, but Satan interfered, and so he sent Timothy back to check on the new church. Timothy came back with a glowing report on the successful growth of the church, and Paul was pleased and wrote and told the so. However, Timothy must have found that there was some immorality being practiced; otherwise why would Paul have written this 4th chapter of Thessalonians? In the second verse Paul reminds them that they had instructions from the Lord Jesus to live a life of purity.

In the verses through eight, we find that sexual standards were very low in the Roman Empire. From my reading and studying the practices of sexual promiscuity among the American people today, there is a close parallel. I worry about the possibility that this ungodly practice is even more prevalent today than it was then; and we know that Rome was destroyed because of their sin sicken, ungodly lives, supported and even encouraged by the leaders of that day. The sexual attraction that leads to overt sin has always been one of the strongest forces that have tempted man to sin against his fellow man and also against God. Succumbing to this temptation almost always brings a disastrous result. Sadly, we find that it usually reverberates through the family, the church and many times even the business community. These physical consequences are devastating, but are never more harmful than the spiritual consequences that follow. Do you understand that your body is the spiritual temple of the Holy Spirit? Do you understand that the Holy Spirit and Christ are one and the same? Do you realize that Christ will not, can not, live in a sinful surrounding? For confirmation you should read [1 Cor. 6: 18-20].

We must remember that sexual desires were created by God as a means to ensure reproduction among his people and it is spiritual pure and blessed by God when it is kept within the confines of a growing Godly family; only between the man and wife.

Verse 4 tells us that we must be sanctified—which starts with salvation and continues through life. Salvation is a single process that occurs instantly at the time you accept Christ as your Savior. It is a one time experience that never changes, never grows nor diminishes. Once saved, always saved—and you will never be any more saved than that first moment when you accept Jesus as Lord of you life. The event of salvation starts your sanctification process in motion but does not assure it to be complete. As Christians, we are being sanctified daily. That means that we are becoming more holy… [We become more like Christ]…in the process of living the Christian life. Unlike salvation, sanctification is not a single event; it is an ongoing process that includes every act, or thought, and it can change. Never forget that it is easier to loose your right relationship with Christ than it is to gain it back. It takes years to slowly build your reputation, but it can be lost in a moment’s time while committing a blatant sin. Thankfully Christ will forgive the sin of a Christian and remember it against you no more—but people are not nearly so forgiving…should be…but are not.

Verses 11 and twelve reminds us that there is more to sanctification [or Christian living] than just loving other Christians and being good. Evidently some of these people had gotten the idea that they were not obligated to work, and they could depend on others for handouts. Some of the converted Greeks actually looked down on those that did manual work. [This sounds like that several million of them are still living here in America, and voted in the last election.] Paul rebutted. He told them to work hard and live a quiet life. It was so then and it is in America today: you cannot be effective in you witness, [in sharing your faith with others] if they do not respect you. You can not live in negativity and grow in sanctification. What ever you do, you must live faithfully, guard against the sins that so easily beset you, and be a positive force in society. Nothing less pleases God.

Verse 13 indicates that the Thessalonians were not sure about the resurrection of the believers. Many of their friends had fallen asleep and they wondered about what happens to a Christian between death and the return of the Lord. He did not complicate his answer. We have nothing to worry about—because when Christ returns, all believers both dead and alive, will be with him never to be separated again.

Verse 15 refers to a fact that is according to “The Lord’s own word,” and there is no reference that indicates where this is to be found in the bible. I searched “feebly” and did not find this exact statement. I believe that this was a direct revelation that Christ gave to Paul—or it may have been a teaching of Jesus that did not get into print, but was heard by those that followed him daily and passed it along orally to or through the apostles. The truth is that those of us who are still alive will not be treated any differently from those who have died in Christ. We will be here and know what is happening, but the dead in Christ will be called first, when they arise, we will be caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air. It reads like it will be a cloudy day. But there will be no cloudy minds, for we will be with the Lord forever.

To Paul, the exact order of things were not as important as it was for them to believe that there will be a resurrection, and that their loved ones will all be present to participate. It is meant to assure us of preferred treatment by God; and to comfort those that lose those that they love. We can use this passage to assure our love ones that they should have no dread for death. Death is a natural process just as living. Death is one of God’s blessings bestowed upon his people. Do you agree? If not, just think about how it would be to live 2000 more years on this earth with the illnesses and deformities that some have to bear. Paul thought that it would be better for him to be with the Lord than to have to continue as he was being persecuted.

Verses 15 to 18 teach that our new life totally depends on the fact that Christ Arose! The Archangel with the trumpet is an angel with leadership and authority. He will be God’s bandmaster blowing the last call to worship.

When Others Cared for You - I Thessalonians 2:17 - 3:13

I realize that there are dysfunctional families where unfortunate children find that there is actually no one that really cares for them. I believe that this proves to be one of the most unfortunate circumstances that exist in our world of moral decay. I hope that I am wrong, but it appears to me that this is a problem that is growing at a rapid pace. Hopefully, this conception is in error; and may be the problem only appears to be increasing because of the growth of our telecommunication system. We are able to view the news of children being abandoned by parents, neglected by society, kidnapped and murdered by perverts almost daily. One of my first and most precocious memories is that my parents cared for me.

Two other occasions come to my memory when others cared for me. When I returned home from over seas after WWII, I felt successful and was living my life as though I had no need to depend on others. My wife and her mother became concerned and went to our pastor and the church for help. Because of the intercessory prayers that went up in my behalf, I soon realized my need for Christ; who also cared for me, and I accepted Him as my Savior. Over sixty years have come and gone since my conversion and there have been literally thousands of reasons for me to be grateful for those who cared for me.

The other example that I will relate has to do with my success as a Superintendent of public Schools. When I entered the University of Arkansas to work on my doctor’s degree, I was fortunate to be assigned to the guidance and care of Dr. Roy B. Allen, Dean of the Department of Higher Education. It soon became obvious that he cared about his pupils and that he cared for me. He guided me successfully through the newly organized Doctoral Program that proved to be extensive and difficult. Then, because of his reputation in the state, he was able to help me secure my first superintendence in the Russellville Public School District. I felt very fortunate to obtain his position in one of the strongest school districts in the state. Four and a half years later I moved to the best Position I held as Superintendent of the Waynesville School District in Missouri. Again, this job would have never been offered to me had Dr. Allen not made the recommendation. Dr. Allen cared for me. Hopefully, those who cared and helped me in times of crises has made me a more sensitive, caring person.

Sadly, our churches today have many Christians who have become angry about circumstances surrounding them. They may feel that others have mistreated them; or maybe they just think of others as being hateful to them or difficult to like. It is not unlikely that they feel that their situation is so bad that they cannot be expected to demonstrate a caring concern for others. These Christians, as well as the people at whom they lash out, need someone to demonstrate concern for them. If we approach such people positively, we can discover their needs and the reasons they present such challenges. It is possible for us to become concerned and actually show that we also care about them.

The central theme in this lesson is to teach us how to select ways that we can demonstrate our concern for other Christians.

Paul is defending himself because he must have been accused of preaching for pay. He must have been accused of preaching for the people’s approval because he insisted that his motive was pure; he sought to please God, and not the people. He reminded these people that he had paid his own way and had not been a burden to them in any way. The Christians in Thessalonica did believe Paul and had received his message as God’s good news. Because of their belief, they were being persecuted by the general public. They became a part of a fellowship that was suffering for Christ’s cause [2:13-16].

I don’t believe that I am sponsoring a pity-party for me and other believers as I complete this lesson that closes our 2008 studies. Rather, I believe that you and I are in the same boat that the Thessalonica Christians were in as Paul wrote this letter. Because of my beliefs…and your beliefs…that our God and our Savior Jesus Christ are the only deity—we are being persecuted by the general public in America. We have become a part of a fellowship that is suffering for the cause of Christ. I truly believe that we were a larger majority in America until the Liberal Courts re-wrote our constitution. We may be loosing in numbers, but the minorities that have infiltrated America with the anti-God, anti-American and anti-Christian beliefs have managed to infiltrate our offices of power in America to the point that the liberals are allowing them to gain the power that makes it possible for them to destroy our rights and freedom to worship the one and only God. [See 2:13-16].
2: 17-20: Some wonder why so many were opposed to the growth of the early church and the rise of Christianity throughout the bible belt of that day, especially in Thessalonica. As best I can, in a broad general way, I will try to give you some of the answers—first you must realize there were many.

The Jewish religion had maintained relative freedom to exist unmolested by the Roman government which was in power; however they realized that the least disturbance could change that status at any time. They wanted to retain the status-quo.
Christianity was viewed as a sect of Judaism, and the Jewish leadership was afraid that the reprisals aimed against the church might be expanded to include them.
The Jewish leadership, [the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Sanhedrin Court], believed that Jesus was a false prophet and they did not want his teachings to spread. They killed him on the cross and wanted to make sure that his philosophy and teachings died with him.
Many of the common Jewish people were joining the church and the leadership was afraid that this would continue to weaken their strong position in the Roman world.
Jews were selfishly proud of their position as ‘chosen people’ and resented the fact that gentiles were accepted as equal peers in the Christian church.
They were adamant about being the Jewish I—Jewish ME—and the Jewish MINE. Gentiles were unacceptable to them.

Paul was an exceptional Jew. He is the one referred to in this lesson as one of ‘THE OTHERS THAT CARED FOR YOU’ because you are a gentile just as many in the new church were also gentiles. Remember that there may be many others out there that care for you, and would like to show it, but they are prevented by Satan, just as he was. They may not let you know for one reason or another. Paul let these people know that he was forced to leave them before he was ready to depart. He also let them know that he had tried to make arrangements to get back to visit with them but that Satan had prevented his return.

We must realize that Satan has influence and power over this earth—he did then and he does now. He is called [god of the age in 2 Cor. 4: 4] and [the ruler of the kingdom of the air] in Eph. 2:2. I believe ‘age’ means the time of man’s life on earth; and “kingdom of the air” means the world where people can live only as they are able to breathe life sustaining air.
We do not know, because the Book does not say specifically why Paul was prevented from visiting the Thessalonians. Some possibilities are:

There may have been local opposition by Jewish sympathizers.
It could have been an injury, or illness.
It could have been travel complications; after all he did not have a personal jet and a private pilot.
It may have been a direct personal attack by Satan.

We just know that Satan worked in some way to prevent him from serving as he wanted to at that time. I don’t think time has changed because many of the things that prevent us from serving obediently and accomplishing God’s work can be attributed to Satan: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” [Ephesians 6: 12]. In this passage, ‘the powers of the dark world’ and ‘spiritual forces of evil’ are both satanic forces.

The last verse in the chapter tells us that the ultimate reward for Paul’ ministry was not money, prestige or fame, but he only want more new believers whose lives had been changed by God through the preaching of the gospel. This is why he longed to visit them. Now I close by asking you what ministry has God given you? It doesn’t matter what it is, great or small, strong or weak, your highest award and greatest joy should be to see the lost saved and to be able to observe them as they grow in the knowledge and understanding of a true Christian.

Christmas 2008 - Luke 1

Luke may not have had a first row seat in the opening seen of the drama that brought Jesus Christ to our attention, but no other gospel character had as much exposure to the declaration of His coming, His life on earth, and His ascension into heaven. Paul was a learned man, physician by training, and close follower of Christ through personal dedication. Luke traveled extensively with Paul and watched first hand the church planting process as it progressed. He was able to discuss the events in the life of Christ with many different witnesses that had been with Him. Luke literally gave his life that you and I might know the ultimate truth about the Son of God; the Savior of the world, from His birth, all the way to eternity.

I do not know about the other members of our class, but one statement early in Luke intrigues me greatly. “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us—I too made up my mind to carry out a careful investigation of all things from the beginning and to write to you an orderly account of them, so that you might have a full and reliable account of the things in which you have been instructed.” He was telling his friend, Theophilus, and all of us who read his account that we can be sure that Christ Jesus is the Son of God, born of a Virgin girl that submitted her life to the will of the Holy Spirit.

Because Luke was a learned man, the biblical historians that have produced some of the best commentaries available agree that his writings are the best bit of Greek used by the writers of the New Testament. It seems significant to me that Luke was not satisfied with the other Gospels that had been written—and he had to write one of his own. Think about it; salvation is like that—it is a personal thing between you and Christ and no matter what anyone else has experienced—our own personal experience is the one that is important. Luke proclaims an inspired scripture. God’s inspiration comes when the seeking mind of man joins the revealing Spirit of God. His word is given freely—but only to those who seek for it. “Seek and you shall find Mat. 7:7—knock and the door will open.

Luke 1:5-25, a priest by the name of Zacharias is the central character in this scene. He was a descendant of Aaron and there by was automatically a priest. He was married to Elizabeth who was also a descendant of Aaron. They were old and had no children and that was a real problem in the Jewish culture. On the day when Zacharias was in charge of the Temple—he went in to the Holy of Holies and did not return as was the custom. His delay caused the people to believe that something special was happening—and then he returned with out the ability to speak. God had promised him a son and told him that he would remain speechless until the day he should declare the name of his son to be John. And so it was.

Chapter 1:26-38, when John the Baptist was six months old (still in the womb) the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth to Mary [a maiden] who was betrothed to a man called Joseph. He explained how the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that she would bear a child that would be the Son of God. For some reason, I have always been able to accept the fact that Christ is the son of God, and that he was born to Mary, who had never been with a man. However, there are several passages of scripture that have made me wonder just how this all took place.

I wonder why the genealogies listed in Luke 3:23-38; and in Matthew 1:1-17 both trace the genealogy of Jesus through Joseph, which seems strange if Joseph was not the earthly father. In Luke 2:48, Jesus’ parents had lost him and returned to the temple to find him. Mary and Joseph are together and as they approached Jesus, his mother said “Your father and I have been looking for you.” It appears that she is saying that Joseph—your father—and I have been looking for you. In Matt. 13:55 and John 6:42, Jesus is referred to as Joseph’s son. And then I wonder why the rest of the New Testament does not mention the Virgin birth. In Galatians 4:4, Paul speaks about Jesus as one “born of a woman” but this would be a natural birth for any child.

It is necessary for us to know the meanings of the two words, betrothed and married which are similar but not the same. Jewish law required that a man and woman be betrothed for one year prior to marriage. It was a time for getting acquainted and was not consummated until after the marriage took place a year later. However, a betrothal could be dissolved only by the granting of a divorce which charged infidelity. If the man dies, according to Jewish law, he leaves “a virgin who is a widow.” So, we see that being betrothed to Joseph meant something more than just being engaged. Mary understood the law regarding abstinence during betrothal and was willing to face the consequences in order to do the will of God. We can understand the Godly nature of Joseph, who did not know the whole truth—but was willing to find a way to solve the problem without hurting Mary. Later God spoke to him—and he too believed.

Luke 1: 39-45, explains how a paradox can happen. A paradox is a statement that seems contrary to common sense but turns out to be true. There is no explanation as to why Mary went to Judah to visit Elisabeth and Zacharias. My guess is that she knew that if she stayed home, the gossip line would soon be open. She probably knew of the blessing that had come to Elizabeth in her old age and somewhat unbelievable to the normal mind. She felt that Elizabeth would understand and even believe her when she explained that she was with child but had never known a man. I can imagine how relieved they both were when Elizabeth recognized the presence of the Christ Child even as Mary spoke.

I had always thought that John The Baptist was the first man to recognize Christ as the Son of God that takes away the sin of the world at the time when Jesus approached him at the river for baptism. I see here in this passage that John was the first to recognize Him—but it was about thirty years before the Jordan River scene. John is a six-month old fetus, and has never heard Mary’s voice before—but as she greeted Elizabeth—John recognized Christ’s presence, and kicked his mother hard enough to get her attention and let her know that he was aware of the presence of Christ in the room.

Not only did John leap with joy in her womb, but Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit which caused her to pronounce a blessing on Mary among women and a blessing on the fruit of her womb—the embryonic Lord. This is perhaps the greatest example of the paradox of blessedness found anywhere in literature or life. Undoubtedly we will never know the joy and happiness of this woman when she learned from God that she was to be the mother of Christ. Maybe somewhat doubtful or just dumbfounded at first, but by this time she must fully realize that she is a virgin with child. What a great privilege it was for her to be chosen to be the mother of Christ. No greater blessing has ever been bestowed upon any person. And then from this greatest of all blessings—comes the arrow that pierced her heart! It meant that her life would never be normal again and that with in thirty-three years she would observe Him falsely accused, beaten and spit upon, and nailed to that old Rugged Cross.

Paul’s life was also a paradox. He was chosen by God, received crowns of joy and happiness in many ways but at the same time he had to continually bear his cross. The disciples where all chosen by Christ and from this call they felt happy and blessed but they were told that they would have to take up their cross in order to follow Him. Most of them were martyred. Do you know how they looked at the paradox? Paul answered this question when he said “to die for Christ is gain.”

God has no need for an unfruitful man—he may be saved but as by fire. The truth is that God has never called a man to him to wear a crown and rest and wait. He chooses a man in order to use him in his kingdom work. We must realize that when God chooses us it means at one and the same time that we will enjoy the crown of life but we may suffer our cross of sorrow, pain and rejection from our friends and the world.

Just for a change in the ending of this lesson I have read again the entire chapter and will try to summarize it in one paragraph.

Luke, a physician, and historian, not an apostle, but an avid follower of Christ tells us the story of how the angels announced the birth of both John The Baptist and Jesus Christ. He shows the hand of God at work in the temple and at the home of Zechariah. He enforces the truth of the virgin birth of Christ and leaves no doubt that it happened as told. He includes the prophecy of Zechariah regarding the work of his son John and of the Christ. And finally he emphasizes the blessedness placed on Mary as the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ. I also see a great emphasis on the fact that God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary task—Elizabeth was too old and Mary was too young neither of the families appear to be the kind of people that would have been chosen for such an important job.

When Others Helped You - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

When we compare the early growth and learning patterns of all creation it is somewhat revealing to find that dumb animals learn faster at an earlier age than does the human being. In fact no other in the chain requires as long to learn to stand erect and walk without training and assistance. Animals of the forest and beast of the fields learn to obtain their food and become independent of the parent at an earlier age. However it is important that all living creatures be taught how to survive and this always requires a teaching process to take place in the life of the animal as well as for man who was created in the image of God.

I am excited about the theme of the lesson for this Sunday’s Bible Study. It deals with the importance of TEACHING in the life of a Christian. My prayer is that some of you who read and study with us will realize the importance of TEACHING God’s Word and will commit the rest of your lives to the task of spreading and explaining the Gospel of our Lord. The introductory paragraph was placed here to dispel the usual excuses for not teaching in our churches. The parents of all living creatures are blessed by God with the ability to teach their young. Just think about this for a moment! Wild animals of the forest are excellent teachers. Are you not superior to them? Are you willing to admit that domesticated animals such as cats, dogs, horses and hogs and animals of the wild such as turtles, rabbits, lions and elephants are more able to teach than you are? No. Please don’t take that attitude because we are all teachers.

It has been said that no one can teach that which he does not know—just as he can not return from a place where he has never been. We learn from our experiences and our teaching ability improves when we practice what we preach. The life we live speaks louder than the words we speak. This simply tells us that if we live, work and act like a Christian we will learn enough about Christ to be able to tell others. Others, especially the lost, will not only hear our voices as we teach—but they will also see our actions that will help convince them of their need of a Savior.

Look at the title of this lesson which is WHEN OTHERS HELPED YOU. If you have been saved, someone taught you that you were a sinner in need of a Savior. You did not reach your present standing with the Lord without the help of someone who cared enough to teach you about God’s plan and purpose for your life. The bible asked the question, “How can you learn without a preacher?” Then it states that the messenger [teacher] can not go unless he is sent. If you will go back and read about what happened in the upper room on the day of Pentecost you will find that all believers were sent by Christ; He told them to go into the entire world and preach, and teach others. That commission was given to believers. Are you a believer? Then you are a teacher. Others have helped you and you are your brother’s keeper, you are obligated to teach others when the privilege and opportunity occurs.

As Paul opened chapter two he told the Thessalonians that they already know that their three week visit to Thessalonica was successful. [Paul was referring to Paul, Silas and Timothy’s first visit as recorded in Acts 17:1-9.] Paul and his helpers had been imprisoned in Philippi, and had to be smuggled out of town to prevent serious harm—see Acts 16. The team went directly to Thessalonica and started a four week revival in the town, preaching in the Jewish Synagogue three Sabbaths in a row. A group of Jews had followed them from Philippi and led a mob that grew to be more dangerous during their stay there. Fear of imprisonment did not prevent Paul from preaching and teaching. If you and I submit to God’s will in our lives he will give us the strength and courage to do his will despite any obstacles that may come our way.

Verse 3 contains a pointed statement in response to his Jewish critics as given in Acts 17: 5. Paul did not seek money, praise or position, as he paid his own way as a ten-maker and always gave more than he expected to receive. My sideline thought is this. There are dozens of mega churches that advertise regularly on TV, begging for money, when their CEOs are drawing fat salaries, living high on the hog, and traveling in personal jets. They are surely not emulating the two greatest teachers of all times—Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul. In my opinion, teaching and preaching only for personal financial gain is a grave sin against God’s church.

Read verses 4-11. It is possible; it may actually be human nature, for us to want to succeed so much that we may be tempted to alter our position just enough to make our message more palatable to liberal thinkers. We may even try using flattery and praise to gain strength in numbers. Paul never changed his messages even to his critics, when it may have made life more plesant for him. The truth of the gospel must never be compromised.
The members of the church that received this letter read it with great anticipation because they knew that was the word of God as it applied to them. They did not see it as a message from Paul and his men, but personally from God. Their faith had been generated not only through the message Paul brought but also through the lives that believers lived before them. Although Paul had the right to expect financial help from the Thessalonians during the time he was there, he did not seek help, but paid his own way see 18: 3. He did not expect pay. He did not even want to be thought of as a burden on the people during his stay in their country.

This was a free city, made up of many nationalities and therefore with many beliefs that required the worship of idols and false gods. In verse 11, we hear Paul referring to them as his children, and he thought of them all as if they were his children. By his word and example Paul encouraged them to live in such a way that they would be worthy of God. Would Jesus Christ be welcome in your home today for lunch? Would you prefer that he be in your living room waiting on you to arrive—or do you need to arrive first? Are there any books, magazines, or bottles out in the open that you would like to hide away before he arrives? If so, you are too late.

These people accepted the Word of God that Paul taught, and they did not think of it as being the teaching of Paul. They not only accepted it as the Word of God but they understood what that meant. I ask you—what is the Word of God? The bible? Yes. The law? Yes. The New Covenant? Yes. The personal teachings of Christ…red letters? Yes. Now read verse 13. Paul says they really understood what the Word of God was. Christ told you emphatically: “I am the Word.” Paul then clarifies it here by telling them that The Word of God is Christ working in them.

In 14 we find that these people are being persecuted by their own people just as the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were being persecuted by other non believing Jews. Persecution for being Christian has been practiced ever since Jesus was born and will continue as long s the earth remains. The feeling of hurt will never cease and will always smart more when it comes from those whom we love and from those who should love and appreciate us. The prime example of all rejection came the day Jesus arrived among his people the Jews and those in power rejected Him. It is important that you note that I said “those in power rejected Him.” Some did not and for these [including Paul] we owe a great debt of gratitude.

We will close this study today by looking closely at 2; 15-16, and trying to answer the question as to why so many Jews rejected Christ as their Messiah.
The Roman government had conquered the world and still allowed the Jews to practice their own religion without a great deal of interference. They feared loosing this privilege.
It appeared to everyone that Christianity was being brought in under the umbrella of the Jewish Church, and Jews were afraid that Rome would consider it a sect of Judaism. If at any time Rome felt threatened by Christianity, the Jews would be blamed for their plight.
Many Jews, especially the Pharisees and Sadducees thought that Jesus was a false prophet and they did not want his teachings to spread.
They were afraid that if many of their faith were drawn away into the Christian faith it would weaken their political position in the world.
The Jews had always considered themselves to be God’s chosen people, and they resented the fact that the Gentile could become a member of this chose group by accepting Christ as Savior. *

*On one or more occasions before, our class has discussed the fact that God does not show favoritism of people regardless of race, creed or color. The Jew was not said to be God’s chosen people because God loved them more than any other race. The Jewish race was chosen by God to father the coming Messiah and to be responsible to see that Christ was preached throughout all nations. They succeeded in bringing the Messiah into the world from Abraham on through the house of David as had been prophesied, but then the Jews rejected Him as their Messiah. It became necessary for Christ to select apostles that would be willing to include all people in His plan, and since the Jews had rejected Christ it became the responsibility of Gentiles to spread the gospel to all nations. Do you fit the mold? Are you a gentile believer? If so, then you are a teacher. Have you accepted this fact? Are you practicing your profession and are you continually trying to improve? God Bless All—and MERRY CHRISTMAS.

When You Started Out - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

It is a known fact that Paul established the church at Thessalonica during his second missionary journey that started in AD 50. Jewish history and the 17th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles both indicate that Paul and his helpers were only allowed about three weeks to preach, teach and establish the young church before they were forced to leave under pressure. [They preached three Sundays in a row in the Jewish Synagogue before the Jews became angry and organized a plot against them.] They left under pressure without time and opportunity to know how well the church was established. When Paul and Silas reached Corinth, Paul sent Silas back to check on the young church at Thessalonica; he wanted to know how successful they had been SINCE THEY STARTED OUT.

When Silas arrived he found the church growing. A few Jews had been converted to Christianity but there was a larger number of Greek, including women, who now belonged to the new church. They were doing great and growing, but had run into some problems regarding the question of death, and the return of the Lord. Silas rejoined Paul with the good news of growth and the need for instruction. So, about two to three years after the establishment of the church, Paul wrote this letter back to the church. His main intention was to encourage them and to help them know the truth about the return of Christ.

1:1 gives us the legal name of the church and the fact that it was originally established in the name of the Godhead, God, Father and Lord Jesus Christ. There were three men involved with the writing of this letter…on this missionary journey…they were Paul, Silas and Timothy.

The city of Thessalonica was the capital and largest city in the Roman Province of Macedonia. The population was about 200,000 at the time of this writing. Just as today, the life of any city depends upon its access to major transportation routes. Thessalonica was blessed with a thriving sea port and the most important Roman highway [The Egnatian Way] which extended all the way from Rome to the Orient in the East. The city was wealthy and kept their taxes paid to Rome and in turn they were left alone by the Roman Government. They were considered a free city with their own local government and were exempted from most of the restrictions that were place on other foreign cities under Roman rule. The people who lived there had come from many other countries and it had a foreign flavor, and that meant that there were many religions being practiced there that included many of the pagan gods. This foreign influence placed a major burden on the young church—and in the two years just passed they had already undergone dire persecution because of their stand for Christ. Silas reported this to Paul, and then Paul makes it one of his first priorities to encourage them and lift them up here in the first verses of his letter.

In v. 3, Paul commends these young Christians for their work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope. We should note that this is the same pattern for our productive service today.

Paul felt sure that these people had been chosen by God. Look closely at the thing that proved this to him. The gospel came with power because when they had heard, believed, and obeyed there was a change that took place in the new church. I sometimes wonder about the slow progress in our church and why we don’t see progress like this early church realized.

People [nearly 300 of us] are present on Sunday after Sunday, and we listen to our choir, hear or pastor preach, and we go home empty. The bible says that the Holy Spirit changes people when they believe the gospel. When we tell others abut Christ we must depend on the Holy Spirit to open their eyes and convince them that they need salvation. God’s power changes people—not our cleverness or persuasion. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, the messages in our songs and the pastor’s message are meaningless. The Holy Spirit not only convicts the lost of their sin but it also is the one that assures unbelievers of the truth of the gospel.

While the choir is singing and the pastor is preaching—WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Where is your mind and thoughts? I really wonder how few of us ever take time to become concerned with those present without Christ. How often do you ask the Holy Spirit to do his work in the hearts of lost people now as the pastor speaks the word of God to them? Fellow class members…let me ask you a question. Why is the Holy Spirit not working in our world today as He once did? What can you and I do about it? Then, may I also ask what we will do about it?

In the 5th verse Paul reminded the Thessalonians “You know how we have lived among you for your sake.” This is to remind us how important it is for us to set the example of a true Christian before our children, families, and especially around the saved and unsaved people in our church and community. There is no doubt that these people could tell a difference in the lives of Paul, Silas and Timothy while they were among them. Their life confirmed the truth of the message they were preaching. Does your life confirm or contradict what you say you believe?

This lesson surely brings us to a time of personal questioning about our Christian lives. Look at verse six. Paul says that the new members of the church at Thessalonica became imitators of us [Paul, Silas, and Timothy] AND OF THE LORD. What does he mean? Or, to what does he refer?

The message of salvation was welcomed by the new church with great joy and thanksgiving—but it brought the membership severe suffering because of misery and persecution even unto death for some perpetrated by both the Jews and Gentiles. The new church had somehow gotten the idea that they would not be put to death here for their belief—therefore when some actually began to die for their faith it caused others to start questioning their faith If you will study carefully the rest of this letter, you will find that Paul continues to address this misunderstanding as he explains what happens when believers die.

Read slowly and watch closely and you will find that much of gospel throughout this book has to do with the second coming of Jesus Christ simply because this early church was being persecuted. Paul emphasized the fact that they must look forward to the deliverance that Christ will bring at His second coming. We are believers and our only hope is in the return of Jesus Christ our Great God and Savior Titus 2: 13.

Our perspective on life remains incomplete without this great hope that we have…that we believe…through our faith. We know that if Christ died; if Christ was resurrected; if Christ ascended back into heaven; if he is in heaven at the right hand of the throne of God; then with all assurance we know that he will return to claim his own. See Acts 1: 11.