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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?