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.

Considering Matters of Life and Death - II Samuel 21 - 24

Life is so fragile and death so permanent; one wonders why people live so haphazardly through the extremely few moments we have while here on earth. The few moments we have should be used to prepare for the eons of time we will have in life [somewhere] after death. Yes, there will be life after death for each and every person on earth. Today, fortunately we live in America, either by birth or some fortunate circumstance. Others live in other nations, even on other continents for the same reasons. After death there will only be two places, continents, or worlds. Those two places of life existence are Heaven and Hell. You and I will live in one or the other, and it will be by choice! I repeat. “Life is so fragile and death so permanent” and I am made to wonder why we waste the little time we have to choose our future home. David probably wasted less of his young life than any other man that has ever lived, Christ withstanding.

The Bible teaches us that life is as a vapor that appears for a moment and then evaporates away. Life is as a flower that blooms and is for a moment of time so beautiful to behold—and then it is cut down. I tell you that you are the flower mentioned here—and in the few moments of your life while here on earth, you will plant your roots in the moist fertile soil of heaven where you will enjoy eternity; or you will cast your roots out on the hot rocky soil of hell where they will wither and burn continually and forever. Just think about a world without a fuel shortage.

The lesson title today directs our consideration to the study of matters that deal with life and death. I want you to stop now and realize that these two conditions only exist in our time, in this present world. In our present state we will all live until we die, and there are no exceptions. After death, the resurrection and the judgment will come. Every soul that has ever lived will be resurrected and all…all…absolutely every one will be alive again. Each one will be judged by the God head and found either accepted or rejected and there will be no more death. All will remain alive forever more…SOME IN HEAVEN! SOME IN HELL! Where will you spend the last eons of your time? I have great difficulty thinking about $700,000.000.000. The amount of the bail out. Try this: an eon=999,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, and more years.


David is the greatest example we have in the Bible of any man that has ever lived a normal life that was challenged each day by the sins of the flesh who held on to the more important necessity of his constant dependence on his lord and savior. David got his first impressions of God being his foundation stone by using field stone for a pillow each night as he slept under the moon at night always available and ready to protect his herd of sheep. David spent untarnished days caring for and studying the life and needs of his animals; and by learning the lay of the land and how to use its food and water to best meet the needs of his herd. He spent as many nights in calm meditation studying the Milky Way and the arrangement and movement of the stars. Out of this dedicated life we have proof through the music he authored and played, and out of the Psalms he wrote that he believed in the one and only God without any reservation. From my study of his young life he may be one of the few; if not the only young man that lived to be sixteen years or older that had not committed a known sin.

There were two facets of David’s life that led God to proclaim that he was a “Man after God’s own heart.” First, he had a young life that was almost if not perfect. He performed God’s will each day. Secondly, from the day that he traded his shepherd’s staff for the warrior’s sling and rock and triumphed over the Philistines—he never committed on sin that he did not acknowledge that he was a sinner…and repent from the sin…and call on his heavenly father to forgive him. He truly and deeply wanted God’s will to be supreme.

His life had not been free of danger since he and his flock had been attacked by wild animals and he had been able to defeat a charging lion in a one on one fight. His success in protecting his flock as he lived through the frequent pearls led him to know without any doubt that God was on his side. It was this inward dependence on God that gave David courage and ability far beyond any other man of his time. Even at the early age of seventeen or eighteen years old, when he was called into his master’s service, he already was able to believe in and depend upon God more than any other man I can remember.

David knew how to live this life fully and completely without fault or defeat. Life to David had been positive in every way… it was definitely that period of his life that afforded him the necessary time to choose his destiny, plan and set his goals for this life that was to be used to prepare for death and eternity. David did not walk into the valley alone and face the giant Philistine, Goliath; he brought with him the same power that had overcome the lions that had threatened his flocks. More important, David did not let this success go to his teen-aged head, but he remained humble and knew in his heart that God was with him all the way. David’s respect for God’s sovereignty never diminished; in fact it grew even stronger during the perilous days of life under the reign of King Saul.

I will now summarize the portion of history that teaches us most about David’s dependence on Almighty God. While Saul was still the anointed king of Israel, David appeared and successfully defeated the philistines and won the heart of the people who began to sing songs about David’s success and insinuated that he had triumphed over King Saul. Saul became very jealous. His son, Jonathan and David became life long best friends. For a short time Saul made friends with David and called him into special personal service to sing and play the harp which seemed to sooth his broken and tormented nerves. Later David was given assignments against some of Israel’s many enemies. He was successful and always without exception gave credit to his superiors. This seemed to make no difference in Saul’s continued effort to do away with David.

There are numerous occasions where even though David was successfully defending his country, Saul seemed more interested in killing David than winning the war. His jealousy grew until it was destroying him. David and Jonathan loved and trusted each other as brothers, and Jonathan had tried in many ways to win his father over and have him trust David also…but to no avail.

We must go back to chapter 24 to find the scripture that truly proves that David had total belief in kingdom sovereignty. Saul returned from war and was told that David was in the area. Saul took three thousand men and set out to look for David in the Crags of the Wild Goats. A large cave was near and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were hidden deep in the same cave and the moment was right—and David’s men urged him to make his move on his sworn enemy, Saul. They insisted, telling him “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

“David was conscience-stricken for having cut the robe.” He said, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a ting to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is anointed of the Lord.” David rebuked his own men and allowed Saul to walk away. And now comes the moment of absolute proof that David was totally committed to sovereign authority.


As Saul walked away, David called out to him “My Lord the King!” Saul turned and saw David bowing down before him. David prostrated himself with his face in the dust and he asked Saul this question. “Why do you listen when men say, “David is bent on harming you”? This day you have seen with your own eyes that I could have killed you…and I did not. My people urged me to kill you but I spared your life. I said. “I will not lift my hand against my master because he is the Lord’s anointed.” David continued to explain that God would be the judge between the two and would be the one to make the final decision as to who should be the anointed king of Israel. There is no other place in the scripture that teaches us any more absolute the necessity of being submissive to the authority over us. Man’s rebellion against God‘s dominion over the earth and all that is within is one of our greatest problems on earth.

I believe the law of dominion authority applies to our lives as American citizens. God has given us the power of the ballot box and freedom to vote and when it is used fairly, the elected official has dominion authority and is worthy of his/her office. Laws based on Christ like principals, anointed by God are to be supported and obeyed even at times when they may seem to be against what we would prefer. David had the situation that makes it difficult. Saul did not deserve to be honored, but he was serving in a kingship that was a form of government accepted or allowed by God and had been anointed to serve therein. No man had the authority to personally kill Saul in order to gain better rule. Any change could be made only under and by the authority of God.

You may not be an elected official, but you are surely a chosen person. You have been chosen by God to perform a work, fill a space, be of service, even just to provide for your family. How effective are you in your chosen field? If you enjoy life here on earth, love your family and would like to spend the last eons of your time with conditions even better there are preparations that must be made. These are the matters of life that need your consideration and these are the very last chances you have to properly prepare for death that is sure to come—and very soon for many of us. HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2008.

When Family Bonds Shatter - II Samuel 13 - 21

A child without food is hungry and this is a terrible situation to exist especially in America, the land of plenty. A child without shoes or a winter coat will be miserable in cold weather especially in America where many have more than is needed. These problems will never be completely solved, but there are numerous programs world wide that are sending ships literally loaded with what would equal hundreds of box cars of not only necessities but also toys, dolls, and Christmas gifts. Caring people are making a dent in the realm of personal needs. However little is being done anywhere in the world to take care of an abandoned child without a family member who cares; and these children have a need that will never be fulfilled or replaced.

You can ask any minister, law enforcement officer, school administrator or teacher and they will tell you that the greatest problem facing the church, school, or even the governments today are the broken homes where family bonds are shattered. Caring Christians can replace worn shoes and tattered clothing and they can furnish meals on wheals to feed the hungry, but it impossible restore a broken family that has been devastated by the deviated minds of parents that will stoop to the depths of incest, and even murder.

The world has shrunk in regard to extended knowledge of news both good and bad—radio and TV breaks the stories in moments after incidents happen, and the press expands on the stories the next day. It sometimes appears that the world is gong to pot, and that practically nothing is uplifting any more. Some want to infer that things are worse than they have ever been. We need to consider the fact that we have only this one book…the bible…that reveals what God wants us to know about families in OT days, and it is loaded with examples of family problems like David had in his family and the warped minds of the twelve brothers in Joseph’s family.

I have heard bible students wondering out loud how David was able to live the sinful life as he did and seemingly come through it all on the good side of God’s heart. If you will study carefully the seven chapters in today’s lesson, you will find that he paid a terrible price for many of his most notable sins. The greatest price came as a result of his family, sons in particular, using their father as a model to live by. His life is a perfect example of one that led his whole family to commit sins just as Dad did because they accepted his life as a pattern for them to follow. I have never completely understood why God permitted good men to practice polygamy while under the old covenant. To the best of my knowledge, there has never been a mixed family where several wives and their children by the same man have lived happily together without conflict. Jealousy is the number one culprit, and it is easy to see why it would be.

David must have had an uncontrollable sex drive. He had several wives, many concubines, and still desired the wife of another man of God and a great soldier. This one mistake led to most of the severe problems that tormented David for the most of his life. Amon and Absalom were the sons of David by different wives. Tamar was the sister of Absalom and half sister of Amon and she was a beautiful young lady. The bible says that Amon fell in love with Tamar…I prefer to think that he simply lusted for her as his father had looked at Bathsheba and wanted her. [Read the early verses in chapter 13 for information regarding this tragedy] Why would he consider it the wrong thing to do, when it was just as his father had felt toward Bathsheba?

In v.3, it says that Amon had a friend named Jonadab…read carefully and see that he was his cousin, and a shrewd man. Amon was not ill and did not need help. He had an uncontrolled sex drive toward his half sister and Jonadab simply advised him to play sick, and ask David to send Tamar to love with him and care for him while he was ill. David sent Tamar to care for Amon and he violated her and then hated her so much that he sent her away to live in dishonor. She was devastated.

Her full brother, Absalom, soon learned about the rape of his sister, and vowed to kill his half brother. It is already clearly evident that the family bonds in David’s family are beginning to shatter. Tamar lived with her brother Absalom during the next two years, a secluded life, in shame for she was unclean and according to Jewish law actually deserved death because of what she had done… [Actually because of what Amon had done to her].

Two years passed during which time Absalom did not speak to Amon. The time arrived to shear the sheep. Evidently it was a custom to throw a big party while the sheepshearers were working, and so Absalom invited his father, David and his other brothers to join them for a family reunion. David declined, but allowed the other sons to attend the celebration. Absalom arranged to have Amon served much strong wine and while he was drunk he ordered his men to kill his brother. The rest of the brothers escaped on their mules and for a short time it was falsely reported that Absalom had killed all of them.

Absalom continued to grow in power until he felt like it was time to overthrow his own father and take over the king ship. Actually Absalom was the favorite of all of David’s sons and David’s heart was broken because of the betrayal of his favorite son. When Absalom was killed in battle, and word reached David, he was distraught. He became depressed, and was loosing the power to rule his men. No one had his favor and none were willing to follow him because of his depression and lack of leadership.

All through the ages the family ties have been the strongest bonds that hold men together. In numerous examples given for our direction and role model, there have been increased problems and broken hearts as a result of disobedient children and wayward and over powering parents. The signs of the time in which we live leads me to believe that we will soon face the repercussions that will surely come from the increase in broken homes, the abandonment of dependent children, and the destruction of Godly homes. As the homes go, so goes our nation.

The increase in free-thinking immorality, fired by the gay movement in America is the greatest threat that has ever come against the Christian Home. Parents, how much of your time is spent in Christian teaching and in presenting examples of Christian living that can and will guide your children as they grow up and assume the responsibility for their own families?

Parents, do you have a favorite son or daughter? Yes! Well, get ready because you are sure to have some family problems ahead.

When Tangled in Sin - II Samuel 9 - 12

I pondered a moment as the lesson title stood out before us today, just wondering why the author used the word “when” and not just “Tangled in Sin.” One answer seems clear and appropriate, we all will sin and there is no question about that. The only question about the matter of our sinning is when will it happen? It is not whether you will mess up or not. You will make mistakes. The course of your life after you sin depends entirely on your attitude toward your guilt and your willingness to repent.

The theme for the next three-month study is “Finding Stability in a Turbulent World.” It sounds as if we will be starting our study about the conditions of America on Election Day in November 2008. But for sure the date is slightly prior to that time—how about the days when King David reigned in Israel. During several hundred years of reign under the Judges and Kings it actually appears that each one that came to power tried to out do his predecessor in graft, greed, corruption, war, murder and immorality. Only three or four of these many leaders were considered to be Godly men. Even though David was deeply involved in many of the ungodly procedures, he was one of the few that were considered Godly—not because he was without sin…but because of his repentant spirit.

Our lesson this week is focused on the lowest period of David’s life. The first episode of this story occurred because David had an uncontrolled sexual drive that led him into an extramarital affair with Bathsheba. There is a legion of sad and destructive results of this immoral act that was culminated in the cover-up attempt that led to the murder of an innocent, honest, and dedicated soldier. I hope and pray that the wayward government servants in America today can and will discover from David’s experience that when God’s people confess their sins, God will respond by graciously forgiving their sins and giving them a new beginning.

For a period of about forty-years prior to November 2008, those of us who are older have stood by and watched America become publicly anti-Christ, socially immoral, and spiritually dead. This is not a problem of political parties…it is a personal people problem—Republicans and Democrats are both guilty. I wish my memory was better and I could name the long and much extended list of criminal and otherwise unacceptable public servants. There is a list floating around that I have recently seen, and it is unbelievable.

This notorious list includes people who were/are Representatives, Senators, Judges, Governors, CEO’s and Presidents of large banks and huge cooperation’s, as well as State Officials, County Officials, and at least two United States Presidents. You will remember enough about these scandals to know many of whom I speak. This notorious gang contains liars, thieves, adulterous, homosexuals, extortionist, most of them are actually capable of committing any crime that can be named—and they are unworthy of the office they hold while they render the office entrusted to them to be of absolutely no use to the people it was established to serve.

Each and every violation against their public trust is the result of a personal character defect that is immoral in nature and their uncontrolled love of money and power. The thing that stands out in my memory is that I do not remember a single one that has been arrested and charged that has admitted their guilt and ask for forgiveness.

The lesson today and the materials connected with the problems during the rule of the priest, judges and Kings illustrate how God blessed and rewarded obedience and faith, while judging the righteous and disciplining disobedient. At this time in history, David had successfully united all of the twelve divided tribes into one nation, Israel. The stronger leaders of what had been the Northern Kingdom were never satisfied and for the next seventy years there were numerous conflicts and wars frequently cropping up somewhere in the nation that caused David to need to be constantly aware and prepared.

Note: In my minds eye it is easy for me to compare this period in Israel’s history to the last seventy years of our U. S. History. There are many similarities to be found between the two nations. We have been frequently involved in an actual war, or the settling of some on-going conflict between other countries. As recorded above, many of our officials have failed in one way or another to do their best in pleasing God and man with their decisions, administrations and even their lifestyles. There is one major difference in the final results of major decisions that are made today. In bible days it was customary for the King to personally go to battle. Today, neither the President nor members of congress have to report for active duty in the service. If America had a policy that the President and all congressmen under the age of 62 would be the first ones called to active duty I doubt that we would have gone to war in Vietnam, Korea, Kuwait, Iraqi, and several of the more minor conflicts in which we have been involved.

The eleventh chapter warns us about the power of lust that can control the strongest of men. It was the time of year—and the custom of the day—for Kings to go into battle. Uriah and Bathsheba were King David’s close neighbors; and many times he had seen her less than fully dressed on the veranda, through the windows, and sun-bathing on their roof. David had developed a lustful urge to be with her. Since David longed for her in his heart, he made sure that Uriah was sent into battle, and he stayed in his castle. While Uriah was away serving his country, David used the opportunity to seduce Bathsheba and she was with his child. King David sent special orders to Joab, the commanding officer, directing him to assign Uriah in a harm’s way that would assure his death.

[David intentionally gave this order to kill an innocent man, which was equivalent to First Degree Murder. His intent was to cover all the other sins in which he had been involved which included at least, jealousy, coveting, lying, stealing, deceitfulness, lust, and adultery.]

When Uriah did not return home Bathsheba mourned for him according to Jewish custom. After the mourning was over, David took her into his house as his bride and she bore his son. God was displeased.

I have often wondered what was on David’s mind during this nine month period. We know that he was not unaware of his horrible mistakes and that he had already started his process of repenting, but he must have been very concerned about what the final consequence would be. God had not told him and did not tell him until he sent the prophet Nathan to him in 12: 01.

Can you imagine the difficulty that a Priest would have in confronting the King of his nation to charge him as being the rich man that had just taken advantage of a lonely soldier, robbing him of his wife and then ordering that the husband be killed? It was difficult enough for the Priest to preach God’s word to His people and face them with their daily sins and accusations that would make most men mad. But, just to walk up to the King and say; “Ha! David, I just dropped by to remind you that you are an adulterer, and a murderer.” That would have been bad news.

Now read and study the story of the two men that lived in the same town. One was rich and one poor. One had much wealth and many animals while the poor man had only one animal and it was a household pet. The Priest cleverly put a lot of hair on his story and made it sound so real that David’s wrath was stirred against anyone that would commit such an evil deed. It is obvious that David had not recognized that the story was all about him and his evil deed. In fact, David was angry and demanded that the traveler that did this cruel deed should be killed. David must have been shocked to the toe of his boots when Nathan said, “That man is you!” Or, “You are the man!” According to the title of the lesson, “David was Tangled in Sin.” “When?” Was it at the moment David looked at Bathsheba with lust in his heart? NO! It started there but entanglement occurred when David first failed to seek forgiveness.

“All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God.” We do not become entangled in sin when we sin—not at the very moment we commit the sin. No. However that is just the beginning of our entanglement. The very moment that a Christian realizes that he has sinned—he/she must repent and seek forgiveness in order to avoid a devastating entanglement in sin that will require that a penalty be paid.

Let us take this incident to establish God’s law regarding sin and forgiveness. David would have to go back to the very first time…the moment that he looked at Bathsheba with lust in his heart. He sinned. He was already a sinner. He could not help it, it just happened. He could not prevent it, it happened before he realized it was happening. However, he was not at this moment entangled in sin…for if he had realized what had just happened, and immediately repented to God, and ordered Satan out of his thoughts and life—God would have immediately forgiven him and there would have been no further payment for or punishment of sin.

David allowed a known sin to grow for at least nine months before he sincerely repented and ask God to forgive him. As a result of his entanglement, two people died, two families were broken, and many lost faith and confidence in David, and he kept paying for his sins for the rest of his life.