A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on opposite ends of a pole he carried across his neck. One pot had a crack in it; the other was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house. The cracked pot arrived only half full. For two years the bearer delivered one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house daily. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. The cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfection, and miserable that it was only able to accomplish half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.” “Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?” “I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side allows water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said. The water bearer said noting to the old cracked pot, except, seeming to change the subject, replied, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers …
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Who Is A Good Candidate?
Since this an election year, we are hearing the word “candidate” more than usual. We’re being urged to vote for this man or that woman and this party or that position. The point of this article has nothing to do with American politics. It’s about another “election.” The New Testament uses the words elect, elected and election twenty times as synonyms for salvation. Peter was no politician, but he taught us the importance of elections — our own! He wrote, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for it ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10). Jesus said only a few will ‘get elected’ (make it to heaven) (Matthew 7:13-14). More than 70% of Americans believe they will go to heaven, according to one poll, but who is actually on the invitation list to the Lamb’s marriage feast? The disciples once marveled when Jesus explained how hard it is to make it to heaven (Matthew 19:23-26; cf. Luke 13:24). They asked, “Who then can be saved?” — a good question. He said it would be impossible for any to be saved by man, but with God all things are possible. Let us look at several ‘elections’ in the Bible’s book of conversions (Acts) to find what people made good candidates. (The answers may surprise you!) Those Devout in False Religion (Acts 2:1-47). Those gathered in Jerusalem for the A.D. 33 Feast of Pentecost were devout men from every nation under heaven (2:5). Many had traveled quite a distance and sacrificed a great deal to be …
Make a New Friend Out of an Old Enemy
The Bible calls death “the last enemy” (1 Corinthians 15:26), and most people view death as the enemy. They don’t like to talk about it; they don’t even like to think about it. They go to expensive extremes to postpone it — even for a few months. But Jesus came so we can make a friend out of this old enemy. Jesus told Martha that “. . . whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die . . .,” then asked if she believed it (John 11:11-15). He did not mean believers never die physically. A Christian’s body dies like everybody else’s. Jesus was inviting her to see the old enemy, death, as a new friend that opened the door for the spirit to eternal life. Paul looked forward to dying because he knew he would then be with God (Philippians 1:22). Jesus wants us to look at death from God’s perspective. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalms 116:15; Revelation 14:13). Why? God Sees Deathas Just Going to Sleep To Jesus, Lazarus had just “gone to sleep” (John 11:11). Parents do not fear their children going to sleep; rather they plan for it. They work family schedules so there will be plenty of hours for naps and sleeping. Jesus saw raising a dead man as no more difficult than for us to wake someone from sleep (cf. Matthew 9:24). On resurrection morning, Jesus will wake all those in the grave with the angel’s “alarm clock” …
Building a House of Prayer, Part 2
A praying church begins in a single closet in a single home. We can make the church a house of prayer by making our houses “churches” of prayer. No one can keep us from praying. The devil can’t. The atheists and evolutionists can’t. The ACLU can’t. A hypocrite or a hypercritic can’t. The liberals and the radicals can’t. Do you remember how Daniel responded when “all the king’s men” told him he could not pray for thirty days? “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God” (Daniel 6:10-11). Nobody could stop Daniel from praying, and his prayers were powerful enough to shut the mouths of the king of beasts. Our prayers can keep another “lion” at bay (cf. 1 Peter 5:8). The Church of Christ MustPray to be Like Its Ancestors. The Bible’s history book, Acts of Apostles, tells us why the Jerusalem church of Christ was great,1 a growing church. Even a casual reading of Acts reveals that the early church relied heavily upon prayer. They “continued steadfastly . . . in prayers” (2:42). This phrase (proskartereo) means, “to be earnest towards, to attend assiduously, be instant in.” This they did! Prayer, prayers, prayed, praying and pray are …
Building a House of Prayer, Part 1
Is the congregation you attend a “praying church?” “We always have an opening and closing prayer,” you say. That’s good, but is it enough to qualify us as a “praying church?” Do we have special periods of prayer set aside for members to get together and pray? Does anyone go to them? Are there opportunities for members to make prayer requests and lists kept and distributed to them? How many Bible classes, sermons and bulletin articles in the past twelve months emphasized prayer? What percentage of the membership prays daily beyond offering thanksgiving for meals? God’s house is many things, but it is nothing if it is not a house of prayer. Many congregations would benefit from giving more emphasis to prayer. One said, “To pray without action is hypocrisy. To act without prayer is pagan.” It’s easy for a Christian to be guilty of both. Do you remember what the Lord said the day he cleaned house at the Temple (Matthew 21:12-13)? Try to picture him standing to one side of the Court of the Gentiles and watching the Jews buying and selling sacrificial animals. His anger grew as their profits amassed. One historian tries to paint the scene: Money was changed from foreign currency into the half shekel used to pay the Temple tax. These actions were seldom quiet and not always honest. As He watched the buying and selling, the haggling and cheating, His displeasure grew. If those who passed Him by had noticed, they might have …
A Decent Devil?
“It is notable that nearly all the poisonous fungi are scarlet or speckled and the wholesome ones brown or grey, as if to show us that things rising out of darkness and decay are always most deadly when they are well dressed.” ~ Ruskin Some people think that if you believe in the devil, you never really graduated from childhood. Or as one put it, “Belief in a personal Satan is part of mankind’s nursery furniture.” Others believe in a quasi-devil who is really not as bad as everybody makes him out to be. He’s pictured as a red-suited, pointed-horned, long-tailed, fun-loving cartoon character in Hollywood films and Saturday Night Live skits. The Bible, however, is not unclear about his existence or evil intentions. It should be enough to say that Jesus acknowledged Satan and talked often of him (e.g., Matthew 25:41; John 8:44). Satan is found in the Bible 55 times (19 times in the Old Testament; 36 in the New Testament). Devil is found 59 times (all in the New Testament). Analyzing these texts gives us much detail about our enemy. Nature: What is Satan like? He is a slanderer (Job 1:7-8; Psalms 109:6). Devil means “slanderer” or “accuser.” He slandered Job, but take heart, God defended him. When Satan accuses us as Christians before God (or to ourselves), we should remember that Jesus defends us as our Advocate in heaven. A faithful Christian’s case is in good hands (1 John 2:1-2; Romans 8:31-39; Revelation 12:10)! He is a counterfeiter of God (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43; 2 Corinthians …
A Study of Satan, 2 of 2
Works: What Does Satan Do? Ø He deceives (Genesis 3:1ff; Matthew 16:21-23; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 11:3, 14; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 2:9). Think! Ø He insinuates doubt (Genesis 3:1). Does God really mean what he says? Surely not, he says. Believe! Ø He snatches away God’s Word (Matthew 13:19; Mark 4:15) and turns men from the Truth (1 Timothy 5:15). He often does this by misusing Scripture (Matthew 4:6). He is present whenever the Word is being preached and is ready to turn our attention from it by the crying of a baby or the color of the preacher’s tie. Concentrate! Ø He traps (1 Timothy 3:7). Paul speaks of his snare (pagis) which literally is a “trap fastened by a noose or notch” (2 Timothy 2:26). Metaphorically, it refers to “a trick or stratagem.” An alcoholic is a classic example of one snared and held in one of his traps. Watch! Ø He wants to control the mind (1 Chronicles 21:1ff; Acts 5:3). Books, magazines, radio, television, the internet and conversation are all used as tools. Discern! Ø He attacks bodies. He did Job’s (2:4-7). In the New Testament, Paul called his “thorn in the flesh” a “messenger of Satan to buffet me” (2 Corinthians 12:7; cf. Matthew 17:5-18; Luke 13:16; Acts 10:38). At least we may safely say that he uses normal body afflictions to tempt us. Interestingly, Satan disputed with Michael over Moses’ body (Jude 9). What he wanted with it we cannot tell, but we can be assured that it was not just to give it a decent burial! Endure! …
A Study of Satan, 1 of 2
Some people think that if you believe in the devil, you never really graduated from childhood. Or as one put it, “belief in a personal Satan is part of mankind’s nursery furniture.” The Bible, however, is not unclear about the existence or work of our adversary. It should be enough to say that Jesus believed in Satan and talked often of him (e.g., Matthew 25:41; John 8:44). Satan is found in the Bible 55 times (19 times in the Old Testament; 36 in the New Testament). Devil is found 59 times (all in the New Testament). An analysis of these texts gives us much detail about our enemy. Origin: From wheredid the devil come? Satan was on the scene as early as the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1). But since he is not introduced and no account of his birth or creation is given, how are we to know his origin? Consider that there are only three kinds of beings: Deity, angels and human. Satan is not divine since he is obviously subject to God (cf. Job 1). He is not human because he possesses powers superior to humans (cf. Matthew 4). Therefore, he must belong to the class of angels. God does not create evil (James 1:17[1]), so he must have been created good and became evil (like man). It follows then that Satan is a rebellious angel who was judged by God and fell from holiness to wickedness. Jesus indicated this when he said, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven” (Luke 10:18). Peter adds to our understanding when he wrote, “For if God …
The Treasurer Finds the Treasure
Dr. Williamson, a Canadian geologist, had been slipping along a rain-soaked road that led through Tanzania’s backcountry when suddenly his Land Rover sunk to its axles in sticky mire. Pulling out a shovel, he began to dig his four-wheel drive out. After some time he uncovered some sort of pink-like stone. Being a geologist and naturally curious about rock formations, he picked it up. The more mud he removed, the more excited he became, but hardly believed what he saw. At last the stone was clean, and Dr. Williamson had found a diamond! Any diamond would be a surprise in that situation, but he had found the now famous giant pink diamond of Tanzania. That muddy stone sparkles today in the royal scepter of Britain, and Williamson is world renowned for this find – accidental though it was. Interestingly, the geologist found the diamond. Similarly, the Bible tells of a treasurer who found treasure. Jesus compared a sinner who learns the Gospel to one who finds great treasure (Matthew 13:44-46). This is illustrated by an Ethiopian treasurer who found the Gospel treasure on a lonely road leading back to Africa from Jerusalem (Acts 8:26-40). Why did he – of all the people in the world – find the treasure that day? The treasurer was willing to look for something more. This Ethiopian had traveled fifteen hundred miles to worship (one way), but was still reading his Bible (Isaiah 53) on the way home! Because he was an eunuch, he had not even been allowed into the temple proper during the ceremonies (cf. Deuteronomy 23:1). He rode 3,000 miles to sit …
Some Things You’ll Never Do in Heaven
You probably did not realize it, but likely today you’ve been involved in activities that would be inappropriate in heaven. Not sinful things (hopefully), but little things that remind us we are not at home in this world. What are some of these things? You’ll never go to the medicine cabinet. Here we have to deal with headaches, arthritis and a million other pains. There are no drug stores in heaven! John wrote, “. . . neither shall there be any more pain . . .” (Revelation 21:4). You’ll never attend a funeral. Thee are no hillsides dotted with the markers of loved ones “across Jordan.” You won’t find silent cities of the dead in heaven, for no one ever dies there! John wrote, “. . . there shall be no more death . . .” (Revelation 21:4). You’ll never turn on a light switch. There is no darkness there “. . . for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof” (Revelation 21:23). “There shall be no night there” (Revelation 21:25b), so there will be no street lamps, no nightlights and no light switches. You’ll never face a temptation. We face temptations daily in this life because the devil and his workers are very busy (1 Peter 5:8). Oh how we wish we could lay our armor aside and just rest from the constant battle of faith (Ephesians 6:13-18). That day is coming! In the land where we are staking our claim, the devil has no passport! In fact, he will have been cast down into the …
Do You Still Believe in God?
Some imply it subtly. A few come right out and say it. You won’t get through your freshman year of college without noticing it in some class. Belief in God is for the back-woodsy, uneducated – though perhaps well-meaning – folks back home. It belongs to those who still use typewriters and think CDs are something you put in a bank. It is not for a person worthy of a college degree. Is this the case? Don’t be intimidated by unbelieving philosophers, professors or scientists. An intelligent, educated, up-to-date person can believe in God and in the Bible as his Word. Some of the world’s greatest men – whose intelligence is indisputable – were believers. Consider these quotations: Sir Isaac Newton: This most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being. This Being governs all things, not as the soul of the world, but as Lord God . . . I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history whatever. George Washington: It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible . . . He is worse than an infidel who does not read his Bible and acknowledge his obligation to God. John Adams: The Bible is the best Book in the world. Thomas Jefferson: I have always said and always will say that the studious perusal of the Scared Volume will make better citizens, better fathers, …
Why Caleb Lived On A Mountain, Part 2
Some live on mountains to be isolated. Others like the view. A few (who moved from lower elevations) like it because “the basement never floods.” In Old Testament times, mountain property was popular for a reason that might escape our modern notice. Living for the most part in what we could call a “military state” in days of hand-to-hand fighting, they found that the high ground was much easier to defend than a valley. Jerusalem, for instance, made an ideal capital for David because it is located on top of a mountain (cf., Isaiah 2:2-3). Caleb received one of the mountains of Canaan as his family’s inheritance. Why, of all the Israelites, did Caleb receive such a choice location? Caleb Lived On A Mountain Because He Refused To Hedge. In a time when it was popular to diversify, Caleb put all his eggs in the same basket. He wholly followed the Lord (Deuteronomy 1:36; Joshua 14:8-10). Every ounce, every inch, every nerve, every fiber belonged to God (Psalms 119:145). Jesus did not pour out his blood at Calvary so we could be half-hearted (John 6:27; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 2:3; 4:11; 2 Peter 1:101) or lukewarm (Revelation 3:16). The house of Stephanas “addicted2 themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1 Corinthians 16:15) and the Macedonians “first gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5). Paul wrote, “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the …
Why Caleb Lived On A Mountain
Mountaintop property brings a premium price on the current market. Real estate in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge or Blue Ridge always has, but now people want a lot overlooking town no matter what town it is. Caleb was ahead of the curve and picked a mountain lot years ago. His Realtor was God – who just happened to own a thousand hills (Psalms 50:10). His friends wanted pastureland in the valley or a ready-made house on a city street, but Caleb looked up to see his future. A little background helps us appreciate the scene. The twelve spies Moses sent on a forty-day mission to infiltrate Canaan came back with a report of a rich, prosperous land. They even brought back fruit samples – clusters of grapes so large it took two men to carry them. But ten of them did not think Israel could get over the walls of the cities or oust the giants who lived within them. The other two, Joshua and Caleb, were men of faith “. . .Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (13:30). How did God’s people reward such faith? They decided to silence them with stones (but God intervened, 14:10). The faithless people were doomed to wander for forty years where all over age twenty died except Moses, Joshua, Caleb and some Levites. Joshua eventually led the new generation across Jordan, where they won …
When “Doing Good” Is Bad
Thesis: There is a time for serving others in material tasks, and a time when we shouldn’t. Once Martha became aggravated at Mary and said to the Lord, “. . . dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?” (Luke 10:40). Jesus reprimanded her for serving! He said, “. . . Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (10:41-42). It was good to fix a meal for the Lord; it was better to listen to him teach. This applies today to someone who misses the Bible class to fix a dish for the noon fellowship meal or to someone who forsakes worshipping the Lord to mow a widow’s lawn. It’s good to fix a dish or mow a lawn, but it should be done at a different time. Families who have to sit with the sick should schedule the shifts during church services to family members who do not attend (if you can’t get them to go) so all God’s saints can join in worship. It is also overkill for a whole family to stay home with one sick person. Let all those who can, go. (Incidentally, on another occasion Martha’s service was appropriate, John 12:2.) The elder brother shows that reward for service can be cancelled out by a bad attitude. He answered his father, “Lo, these many years do I …
Communion on Sunday Night
Most, if not all, congregations give those who are “providentially hindered” on Sunday mornings an opportunity to partake of the communion and give of their means at the evening service. “Providentially hindered” refers to: Those who were unable to attend the morning service because of sickness (but felt better by Sunday night) Those who had to work (but got off) Those who needed to sit with someone who was sick (but were relieved by someone) Those who had “ought” against brethren, “left the gift at the altar” and went to correct it (Matthew 5:24) [and did] The practice has an Old Testament precedent. Eating the Lord’s Supper is the New Testament equivalent of eating the Passover in the Old Testament. Israel was commanded to eat the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, but God made arrangements for them to “make it up” on the fourteenth day of the second month under certain circumstances. He commanded, “If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the Passover unto the Lord. The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs . . .” (Numbers 9:10-11). So under these special circumstances, God still wanted them to eat the Passover. This is parallel to being unable to be at the morning service and then partaking of it on …
The World’s Greatest Monument
Honest Abe sits on his stone throne; Washington mans a silent portal; Vietnam’s heroes are etched in stone; JFK’s flame is eternal; MLK’s birthday is a holiday; MJ’s jersey is retired. Statues are raised to honor great men; calendars date the world’s important events; scenes of outstanding battles are forever marked. Colleges and hospitals name buildings in honor of beneficiaries; streets are called after the famous who travel them. Everybody who is anybody has a biography lining a library shelf. How could one choose the greatest monument? Is it the tallest? Most read? Widest known? Most expensive? The world’s greatest monument neither originated in man’s mind nor was designed by a renowned artist. It is not even recognized by most historians. Its picture is not regularly taken nor is it mentioned in travel magazines. It originated in the mind of God and was set up in honor of his crucified Son. For about ten minutes each first day of the week, Christians keep a feast in honor of the One who lived and died for them. They remember his life, lessons and especially his death. Consider what makes the Lord’s Supper so unique. It Is Indestructible Though Destroyed. Marble slowly crumbles, bronze defaces, dates drop from calendars, biographies go out-of-print; streets are renamed after new heroes. Men’s monuments do not last, but God’s memorial remains. It is two thousand years old now and will last until the Lord returns. At the same time, its component parts deteriorate with a few …
Make Today Count!
A plaque marking Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace near Hodgenville, Kentucky, records this scrap of conversation:“Any news down t’ the village, Ezry?” “Well, Squire McLain’s gone t’ Washington t’ see Madison swore in, and ol’ Spellman tells me this Bonaparte fella has captured most o’ Spain. What’s new out here, neighbor?” “Nuthin,’ nuthin’ a’tall, ‘cept fer a new baby born t’ Tom Lincoln’s. Nuthin’ ever happens out here.”Life’s great moments rarely receive a glance from the world. Positive things go unnoticed by the masses while negative events make the news. If you want to make the most of life, try this: Aim High George Bernard Shaw once said, “Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream things that never were and say, why not?” Paul strove to preach the Gospel where Christ was not named (Romans 15:20) – and he did! Caleb heard them talk about giants and walls, but though of God and winning. When he finally got them to stop whining long enough for him to speak, he said, “Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30). Oscar Wilde’s last words were, “I am dying as I’ve lived, beyond my means.” When God is in a thing, we can do more than we thought possible – Gideon’s three hundred should have never defeated the 135,000, but they did (Judges 6). Lord Chesterfield (1694-1773) said, “Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is …
A Day in the Life of a Sluggard, Part 2
A lazy man’s life is more complicated than a working man’s. The harder he tries to escape difficulty, the more it chases him. The problems he avoids are replaced by bigger ones. A Sluggard Has Problems With “Lions” “The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets” (Proverbs 22:13). He is as good at making excuses as the high school sophomore who was assigned a term paper. When due day came the teacher went to collect it, he said, “My dog ate it.” The teacher, who knew he had not worked much on his paper, still at least expected a better excuse. She gave him a hard stare. He persisted, “It’s true. I had to force him, but he ate it.” “The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain” (Proverbs 15:19). This is saying that to those who do not want to work, the work always looks too hard (thorns), but once a man gets into it, it sorts itself out and was not as hard as it looked (plain). It is foolish to frighten ourselves from real duties by fancied difficulties. The French say, “With enough ‘ifs’ we could put Paris into a bottle.” A farmer sat in front of his shack in July. A friend asked, “How’s your cotton coming?” “Ain’t got none,” he answered. “Didn’t plant none. ‘Fraid of the boll weevil.” Well, how’s your corn?” “Didn’t …
Stops on the Way to Calvary
Few of us know which of our days will be our last, but when one does, it changes the complexity of that day and those leading up to it. To a man on death row, for instance, every event leading up to his last breath takes on new significance. The last meal, the last visit with loved ones, the last change of clothes, the last words—are all more significant than they would be under any other circumstances. Death did not sneak up on Jesus. He laid down his life at the time appointed (John 10:18). In light of this, it is interesting to note the stops he made as he walked toward a hill called Calvary. Across the River. “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron . . .” (John 18:1). As Jesus and the disciples left the upper room and proceeded to the eastern gate, they doubtlessly had to negotiate their way through crowds of pilgrims who were preparing to celebrate the Passover the following day, according to the prevailing custom in Judah. They went down the steep valley and crossed the channel of the brook Cedron (Kidron), which was located east of Jerusalem between the city wall and the Mount of Olives. (Though it dries up at certain times of the year, it was still flowing at this season from the late winter rains.) The name Kidron means “murky” or “dark” and refers to the type water that flowed in it. …
A Day in the Life of a Sluggard, Part 1
We’re all against laziness, in theory, but how can we tell if we fit the category? A Sluggard . . . Has Problems With His Alarm Clock A Danish proverb says, “A lazy boy and a warm bed are difficult to part.” The Bible says, “How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep . . .” (Proverbs 6:9-11). How much sleep is enough? the comedian quipped, “For the average person–about an hour more.” The Italians say, “Five hours of sleep a traveler, seven a scholar, eight a merchant, and eleven every knave.” Truthfully, it varies from person to person. Children need more sleep than adults; young adults often more than older adults. Some on medication or with health problems require nine or ten hours. Others with strong constitutions require only four to five. Each can experiment for a week at a time at different amounts (it takes time to adjust) to find where he or she feels best and is most productive. Once this is determined, don’t spend more time between the sheets than needed. . . . Eats the Wrong Kind of Toast The worthy woman “. . . looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27). You may like Flowers, Merita, Sunbeam, Peppridge Farm or Dixie Darling, but don’t eat the bread called, “Idleness.” Parents should not feed …
Voluntry Inertia
One father told his little son that he couldn’t go to worship because he was suffering from a severe case of voluntary inertia. “I bet you ain’t,” the little boy answered, “I bet you’re just lazy.” Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest, always has positions available for workers. No one has an excuse to stand “idle in the marketplace” (Matthew 20:3), for there is “work to do, work on every hand.” As long as there is a lost soul on earth (Luke 19:10; Mark 16:15-16), as long as there is one needy person (James 1:27), as long as there is breath in our lungs to praise the Father (Isaiah 38:18; 1 Peter 2:5, 9), our work is not done. To cut away the nice verbiage and get to the truth, some Christians are going to be lost on Judgment Day because they are lazy. Some are standing on the promises, others only sitting on the premises. No Christian should be satisfied to just be a name on a roll. Each should be a hand in the work. Fill a place–not just a space. The Book says, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11; Hebrews 6:12). Martin Luther said, “If I rest, I rust.” Leonardo da Vinci observed, “Iron rust from disuse, stagnant water loses its purity and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so inaction saps the vigor of the mind.” George Whitefield quipped, “It is better to wear out than to rust out.” [Editor’s …
Can You Sleep at Night?
It takes more than a soft pillow to insure sound sleep. Americans live in gated communities, under radar surveillance, with patrolmen circling at all hours and still can’t sleep for fear. Ancient cities were encircled with impenetrable walls. The pioneers circled their wagons to protect themselves from surprise, dawn Indian attacks. Modern countries line their borders with nuclear arms. Today’s homes are equipped with alarms, motion sensors and sprinkler systems, but we still fear the worst. We are covered by life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance and fire insurance, but are still not too sure of the future. Even our pets reflect our fears. In 1975, cuddly poodles were the most popular purebred dog in America, with 139,750 registered. There were only 952 registered Rottweilers, a fierce breed often used as a guard dog. By 1994, the poodle population was cut in half to 61,775, while Rottweilers had increased 100 times to 102,596. (American Kennel Club. “To Verify,” Leadership Magazine.) A Christian’s best defense is none of these things. It’s a child-like trust in a Father-like God. “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7; cf. Isaiah 31:1). “And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, …
“. . . and scourged him . . .”
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5).Just three words . . . the mind absorbs them in a second and passes to the next sentence. The Bible gives no further explanation. There is no parenthetical statement or footnote explaining what it means. Most of us read over it for years without really contemplating that word . . . scourged. It was somehow a part of the crucifixion. Maybe we heard a preacher say it was some sort of a whipping. Oh, but it was so much more. Governor Pilate knew the Jews delivered Jesus out of envy (Matthew 27:18), and that He had committed no real crime, certainly not one worthy of death (Luke 23:15). This cagey politician also knew that something had to be done. These folks were too worked up to go home without any action, so he decided a scourging might satisfy their lust for vengeance (John 19:1, cf. 19:5). DEFINITION AND LIMITATIONS. These were not civilized people by modern standards. Today’s Humane Society would not allow a dog to be treated the way our Lord was. Scourging (or “examination by scourging,” Acts 22:24, 29) was a legal preliminary to every Roman Execution. It was a brutal flogging or whipping. It was called the “little death” and …
The Biggest Word In The English Language Only Has Two Letters
Do you find certain words hard to pronounce? Sometimes the funny names in the Bible give us a hard time. The longest name in the Bible is Mahershalalhashbaz (Isaiah 8:1) (try to say that three times fast!). But that’s not the hardest word to say. The hardest word in the English language has only two letters? NO! It is especially hard to pronounce when everyone is looking at us and wanting us to say “Yes.” It is tough to face temptation (something that would, admittedly, be fun to do), and give a firm “no.” The word seems to get stuck. The lips won’t cooperate. The tongue is suddenly, strangely, rendered mute. This is not a new disease. It is a sickness as old as man. Adam and Eve had it! They were too weak to say “no” to the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:1-14). Many teenagers are too weak to say “no” to forbidden “fruit juice” (wine coolers, beer). In contrast, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (Shadrach, Meshech, Abednego) refused the forbidden food and drink of the Babylonians (Daniel 1:11). The Israelites were too weak to say “no” to the lust of the flesh in the wilderness (2 Corinthians 11:1-3). Many teenagers find it hard to say “no” to the lust of immodest dress and dancing. Vashti, though, had courage enough to refuse both (Esther 1:1-22) and there are thousands of your brothers and sisters who have not given in to the world’s pressures. David couldn’t “pronounce” this tough little word when …
Asleep In The Storm
Some people can sleep through anything. Others wake up at the sound of a bird. The Bible records only one instance when Jesus was asleep–and it was in a storm. “And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:37-38). The apostles were not novices at traveling the Sea of Galilee. Some had previously earned their living fishing on it and the Bible mentions numerous occasions when they traveled across it. But something happened this night that scared seasoned fisherman. The word for storm here (lailaps) means “whirlwind, hurricane” (Arndt/Gingrich, p. 462). The boat filled with water and they were in danger of drowning. It is at this point that they decided to wake Jesus. That’s right, He is still asleep! How could Jesus sleep in a storm? This May Indicate Mental Peace. Often insomnia is caused by mental distress. When the mind is agitated, the body finds little rest. Jesus did not have this problem. His mind was at ease. This incident is a living example of “peace passing understanding.” Paul wrote, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Asleep in a boat in such a storm is a little hard to believe, but the peace of God ruled …