What is heaven like?

You may have seen the following list of things that people are reported to have said to a travel agent. The list is bogus, but still humorous!

* A woman called, wanting to go to Capetown. I started to explain the length of the flight and the passport information then she interrupted me with, "I'm not trying to make you look stupid, but Capetown is in Massachusetts." Without trying to make her look like the stupid one, I calmly explained, "Cape Cod is in Massachusetts. Capetown is in Africa." Her response? Click.

* A man called, furious about a Florida package we did. I asked what was wrong with the vacation in Orlando. He said he was expecting an ocean view room. I tried to explain that is not possible, since Orlando is in the middle of the state. He replied, "Don't lie to me. I looked on the map, and Florida is a very thin state!"

* A woman asked, "Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know whose luggage belongs to whom?" I said, "No, why do you ask?" She replied, "Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said "FAT." I'm overweight and I think that's very rude!" After putting her on hold so I could "look into it" (I was actually laughing), I came back to her and explained the city code for Fresno, CA is "FAT," and that the label was only a destination tag.

* A man inquired about a trip package to Hawaii. After going over all the cost info, he asked, "Would it be cheaper to fly to California and then take the train to Hawaii?"

* A woman called and said, "I need to fly to Pepsi-Cola, FL. Do I have to get on one of those little computer planes?" I asked her if she meant "fly to Pensacola, FL on a commuter plane"? She said, "Yeah, whatever!"

* A man had a question about the documents he needed in order to fly to China. After a lengthy discussion about passports, I reminded him he needed a visa. "Oh, no I don't. I've been to China many times and never had one." I double-checked and, sure enough, his stay required a visa. When I told him this he said, "Look, I've been to China four times. Every time they've accepted my American Express!"

* A man called to make reservations. "I want to go from Chicago to Rhino, New York." The agent was at a loss for words. Finally, the agent: "Are you sure that's the name of the town?" "Yes, what flights do you have?" she replied. After some searching, the agent came back with, "I'm sorry, ma'am. I've looked up every airport code in the country and can't find a Rhino anywhere." The lady retorted, "Oh, don't be silly! Everyone knows where it is. Check your map!" The agent pulled out a map of New York state and finally asked, "You don't mean 'Buffalo,' do you?" "That's it! I knew it was a big animal!"

(thanks to Dale Jenkins for sharing)

While the list is bogus, it is true that there are some people in this world who are -- shall we say -- geography-challenged (I won't mention any of my family members' names to keep from embarrassing them). But it seems to me that it is important when you are taking a trip that you know where you are going.

The same thing is true spiritually. Jesus spoke with his disciples in John 14 about his "Father's house". He said that he was going to "prepare a place" for them, then he said, "You know the way to the place where I am going." (John 14:4, NIV). The apostles were all ignorant about this destination, but Thomas was the only one honest enough to speak up and say, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" (John 14:5).

And, when it comes to the topic of heaven, we are all ignorant to a great degree. We all have our views of what heaven is like. Some picture it as a palace floating in the clouds. Others picture in literal terms of a pearly gate and streets of gold. Others picture a world very much like our own. But I'm sure that most of the concepts of our destination are as laughable as the examples above. And if we're ignorant about the destination, how can we ever hope to get there? Jesus said to Thomas, "I am the way..." (John 14:6).

You see, in the end, it's not all that important that I know where a place is located that I am traveling. As long as I'm boarding an airplane and its pilot knows where that place is located, I'll arrive safely. And as long as we remain close to Jesus, we'll arrive at the proper destination!

Enjoy your travels!

Alan Smith

How to fix a bad decision

Have you ever done something and realized (sometimes immediately) that you made the wrong decision? Most probably you have, I think it is part of being human.

Sometimes the bad decisions are obvious, glaring things that stand out for all to see, sometimes, they are things of which only you are aware.

I started thinking about this when I read an article that told that bubble pack was originally marked at wall paper. I honestly can't see how they ever thought that would work, but then I'm looking at it from a background that says, "bubble pack is used to pack stuff."

As I do a quick review of my life, I can quickly find many things that I made the wrong decisions about. Now, I could dwell on those things and worry about them and let them control my life and make me miserable, but I'm not going to do that. I choose to focus on the good stuff.

I've known some folks in my life, who have done nothing but remember their wrong decisions. They worry about them to the point that they come to believe that they have no worth; no value even to God. How could God possibly forgive them if they can't forgive themselves?

If you are a fan of the Anne of Green Gables books and movies, you may remember one scene where Anne comments that "Everyday is brand new, free of mistakes." What a wonderful concept and one that is so true.

In 1 John 1: 8-9 we read, "If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." (NLT)

Honestly, this is my favorite (at least one of them) scripture in the Bible. In this scripture we find hope when we make the wrong decisions. We find promise that we can start over fresh with each new day. What does it take? Admitting we messed up and believing what God says, when he says he will "cleanse" us.

It seems sometimes that I work overtime at getting it wrong in my life; I think the wrong things, say the wrong things and do the wrong things. But our God "is faithful and just to forgive us our sins."

You see, it's God's love that brings us forgiveness when we get it wrong in life; it's our responsibility to accept that forgiveness and get on with living for him.

Russ Lawson

Harold Walls

"It happens to restore a lot of faith that there are still some good people out there." So said Harold Walls recently, according to a story carried earlier this week on DelawareOnline.com. Harold works as a "trash thrower", the guy on the back of one of Milford, Delaware's garbage trucks. When he lost his wallet three years ago, he figured the wallet and the $800 cash inside were gone for good.

 

Earlier this month, Walls' supervisor called him into the office, saying he had something for him. His wallet had been mailed in with all the cash still inside. The truck on which he had worked the day he lost his wallet had since been sold in auction. A farmer in Maine (his identity is unknown) purchased the truck. In working on the cab of the truck, he found the wallet wedged in the seat.

 

How easy would it have been for the farmer to simply keep the money? Would anyone have ever known? Even if they knew about his find, wouldn't they agree with the old adage - "Finders keepers, losers weepers"? But here was one honest farmer. Not only has Harold Walls been reunited with his wallet and his money, but his faith in the goodness of people has been bolstered.

 

I'll add another story to this, found on Yahoo News today. Evie identified herself in a letter to officials at Yosemite National Park as a junior ranger. Her letter goes on to say this: "I went to Yosemite recently and accidentally brought home two sticks. I know I'm not supposed to take things from the park, so I am sending them back. Please put them in nature." The letter so impressed authorities with Yosemite that they posted the letter on their official Facebook page.

 

In both these instances - the Maine farmer and little Evie - people did something they didn't have to do, and something no one likely would have found out about. But consider what they achieved through their determination to do the right thing.

 

The Bible places honesty in the category of a virtue. The wise man gave this counsel: "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight" (Proverbs 11:1). Who would know if the grocer's scales are 5% off (to his advantage)? Many have undoubtedly chosen this method of bringing in greater profits. But we know when we've "fudged". And the Lord knows.

 

The apostle Paul gave a similar admonition: "Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things" (Titus 2:9,10). "Bondservants" might today be replaced with the word "employees". God's will is that all workers demonstrate absolute honesty on the job.

 

And don't overlook the latter part of Paul's teaching: "that they may adorn the doctrine of God". My actions will have an effect on how others view God and His people. It may help to restore someone's faith in the goodness of people. Which was more valuable to Harold Walls: his $800 or his view of people in general?

 

Living righteously has ripple effects. Not only do we benefit those in our direct path, but others may hear of our deeds, too. It could be said of us as it was once said of Paul, formerly a persecutor of Christians: "And they glorified God in me" (Galatians 1:24).

 

Timothy D. Hall

The claims of the Catholic Pope

Introduction:

 

For more than 40 years now, ever since the close of the Vatican 2 Council in 1965, Roman Catholic and Protestant theologians and church officials have been cautiously engaging in dialogue at a scholarly level.  This is not a bad thing, since both sides claim to follow the same Lord, and isolation only perpetuates and reinforces the religious division that Jesus and the apostles condemned (John 17:20-23; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13).  We should be willing to study the Scriptures with anyone, anytime, anywhere, so that together we may determine the will of God.

 

On a personal, grass roots level, lay people on both sides of the Catholic/Protestant divide have gone much further, enthusiastically ignoring the long-standing doctrinal differences of their respective religions and increasingly cooperating in a widening array of social projects, Christian concerts, service ministries, etc.  Even though much that is beneficial has been accomplished, and many personal relationships have been fostered, I am convinced this has not entirely been a good thing, because for the most part this rapprochement was based on an ignorance of, or even willful disregard for, the significant doctrinal differences between the groups.  Many of those participating in such cooperative endeavors had been lulled into thinking that personal friendships and shared ministry projects had ushered in a new era of reconciliation and reunion.

 

Well, just a few weeks ago they received a rude awakening. Last July the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which Benedict XVI headed before becoming the current reigning pope, signaled it has had enough of such fuzzy, feel-good thinking.  The agency issued a statement saying that any Christian community which does not recognize the supreme authority of the Pope, and which does not recognize that the Catholic Church is the one, true path to salvation, is "defective" and is "not a true church."

 

After a generation of ecumenical celebrations, this harsh statement comes as a disappointment to many liberal Catholics who have long been hoping for a reformation of their church's ecclesiastical hierarchy.  For Protestants it had a much more painful impact – it was the religious equivalent of a slap in the face to many of the clergy who assumed the "bad old days" of religious disagreement were long gone.

 

In reality, this development may providentially prove positive, by forcefully reminding everyone involved of the "D" word – the continuing importance of DOCTRINE.  For a generation now I have watched with concern as church leaders tried to fudge and finesse their way around significant doctrinal differences, rather than address them honestly and forthrightly.

 

READ Acts 20:26-31      It is the sacred obligation of any preacher to speak TRUTH, without fear or favor, compromise or cowardice. In particular, the question of authority is an especially important issue in religion – it is one of the fundamental issues that must be addressed before any meaningful discussions can be held between different religious groups.

 

And, despite all the friendly overtures of the past, last July's statement by the Vatican makes it clear that the official view of authority in the Catholic church has not changed:  Benedict truly believes that the Pope is the Vicar of Christ, Summus Pontifex, Pontifex Maximus, the prince of the apostles, the Head of the church, the supreme authority to which all true believers must submit. 

 

Throughout my ministry I have attempted to avoid the extreme of sectarianism:  after all, those of us in the churches of Christ know what happens when any group attempts to set itself up as the "one true church" and casually condemns all others to perdition.  We fervently believe that Christ and the teachings of his appointed apostles are the only standard, not any man or ecclesiastical bureaucracy.  Moreover, our church has been willing to cooperate with a wide variety of religious groups when such collaboration can help us more effectively address community concerns (I am the program director for the Union County Marriage Enrichment Campaign; cf. school supply campaign).

 

There is, however, another extreme that also must be rejected:  abandoning all attempts to preach and practice what the New Testament calls "sound doctrine."

 

PLEASE TURN to 1 Timothy Chapter 4.

 

In recent years I have occasionally encountered, from among some of my own preaching colleagues, a strong reaction, sometimes bordering on outright hostility, whenever doctrinal issues are raised. There seems to be a feeling that it is sectarian, narrow-minded, and in bad taste to point out doctrinal differences.  Evidently the apostle Paul failed to get that memo, because he says in Verse 16:

 

"Watch your life and DOCTRINE closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourselves and your listeners."

 

Why is doctrine important?  Go back to the beginning of this chapter and READ Verses 1-5.

 

• When the Holy Spirit warns that one mark of apostasy is "forbidding people to marry" (1 Timothy 4:3), and one requirement for a church leader is that he demonstrate effectiveness as a husband and father (1 Timothy 3:2-4) does it matter that the Catholic hierarchy has steadfastly and repeatedly refused the entreaties of many bishops to allow the priests to marry? 

 

• When Jesus condemned the imposition of religious traditions, giving them the authority that is reserved for Scripture, does it matter that the Catholic Church makes their church's traditions authoritative?

 

• When Jesus commands us to "do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven" (Matthew 23:9), does it matter that the Catholic church elevates one man to be the "Pope" (from the Latin poppa, or "father")?

 

Either the Bible is true or the Pope is correct – but they cannot both be right, because they are teaching contradictory doctrines.

 

Way back in 1302 A.D., Pope Boniface VIII decreed in the Unam Sanctam "for every human creature it is necessary for salvation to be subject to the authority of the Roman pontiff" (Catholic Encyclopedia, "Unam Sanctam").   The Catholic church has continued to assert this authority, based on five interlocking claims:

 

a)      That Jesus intended for his church to have a Pope;

b)      That this earthly head of the church was to serve in Rome;

c)      That Jesus installed Simon Peter as the first Pope;

d)     That Peter traveled to Rome as served there for the last 25 years of his life;

e)      That there has been an unbroken line of succession ever since, maintaining the authority of the Catholic church as the one and only true church. 

 

Since, according to the Pope, you and I belong to a "defective" church, I think it only appropriate that we use this as a case study in the importance of doctrine. Allow me to provide, from the Bible, seven reasons why I reject the authority of the Catholic Pope.

 

MY TOP SEVEN REASONS TO REJECT PETER AS THE FIRST POPE*

 

7.  Peter was a married man.  The Gospels speak of Peter's mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14;  Mark 1:30;  Luke 4:38) and generally that indicates a wife is somewhere in the picture – wives and mothers-in-law usually go together in a package deal.  I've known a number of individuals who wanted a wife without a mother-in-law, but I've never met a man who wanted a mother-in-law without a wife!

 

Paul asked in 1 Corinthians 9:5, "Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?"   Paul said in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6-7 that an overseer [episkopos or bishop] must be the husband of one wife.

 

It was the Spanish Council of Elvira (A.D. 295-302), canon 33, that imposed celibacy upon bishops, priests and deacons.  "If they continue to live with their wives and beget children after their ordination, they are to be deposed" (Catholic Encyclopedia, "Celibacy of Clergy").  Still later, in A.D. 1123, the Council of Lateran imposed celibacy on all clergy.  By continuing to enforce this man-made religious law, the Pope is forbidding precisely what God commanded and, I believe, contributing to a very unhealthy situation!

 

6.  The silence of the Scriptures is overwhelming:  NO apostle or inspired writer EVER hinted that Peter was supreme.  If Peter were the first pope, you'd think the Scriptures would have mentioned it!  After all, inspired men were obligated to reveal the truth – the whole truth and the whole counsel of God (John 16:13; Acts 20:27).  Yet one finds no evidence that Peter regarded himself as supreme or that others taught he was supreme.  One finds no evidence that Peter regarded himself as supreme or that others taught he was supreme.  One finds no evidence of Peter being treated like a god or being the final answer to questions.

 

If Peter were a pope, one would expect him to act like popes do.  Peter never celebrated mass, prayed to Mary or to "saints," used beads to pray, used "holy water," practiced celibacy, or presented his ring or foot to be kissed.  There is not one word in the New Testament – not even a hint – of anything resembling the institution of the papacy.

 

5.  Peter did not accept worship.  When Peter entered his house, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him.  But Peter raised him up, saying, "Stand up; I am just a man" (Acts 10:26).  Peter demonstrated no pretensions of divinity.  Catholics require bowing before and displaying acts of worship to a man, the Pope.  In presumption, popes have proclaimed themselves "God on earth" for all Catholics to adore.  "The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, he is Jesus Christ himself" (Catholic National, July 1895).  Leo XVIII said, "We [popes] hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty." The difference between the Peter of the Bible and the arrogance of popes is astonishing.

 

4.  Peter did not render the decision at the Jerusalem council.   Peter helped introduce the problem at the Jerusalem council in Acts 15, and if he was the Pope, the head of the church, this should have been a perfect opportunity to demonstrate his primacy!  Instead, it is James who actually rendered the decision.  James said, "Therefore it is my judgment" (Acts 15:19) and attributed his authority to the Holy Spirit (v. 28).  If Peter were pope, he should have had the final word.

 

3.  Paul rebuked Peter for hypocrisy.  "But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.  For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision" (Galatians 2:11-12).  If the pope indeed stands as a substitute for Christ, how is it that he could be rebuked for his behavior?

 

The apostle Paul argued that he ranked equally with Peter.  Never once does he indicate he is subject to Peter in any way.  Paul never reported to Peter in any way.  Paul never reported to Peter about his mission trips.  Paul said those of "high reputation," James, Cephas and John (Galatians 2:6-9), whom he calls "pillars," not the foundation (v. 9), contributed nothing to him (v. 6).  The impartial God assigned Peter to be the apostle to the circumcised, and Paul would be the apostle to the Gentiles.  Thus the doctrine that Peter was responsible for all the churches is a myth.

 

When Paul writes to the church in Rome he sends personal greeting to 26 different individuals, but the name of Simon Peter is not on the list.  If Peter had been the bishop of Rome for 25 years prior to his death, as the tradition claims, why did Paul not even mention Peter in his epistle?  If Peter is Pontifex Maximus and "prince of the apostles," why would Paul neglect to greet him or acknowledge him?

 

2.  There was to be equality among the apostles.  In Matthew 20:20-28, the mother of James and John requested, "Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left" (v. 21).  This is an odd request if Peter is supreme.  If the Lord had given the chief place to Peter in Matthew 16:18-19, why would James and John even ask this question in chapter 20?  Upon hearing the brother's request, the 10 became indignant with the two brothers.  Jesus did not want to create supreme pontiffs but rather servants.  In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.  It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

 

The papacy, with its pomp, politics, and power, is the antithesis of the humble fellowship Jesus describes!

 

1.  Simon Peter himself regarded JESUS as the Rock & Head of the church.  Catholics point to Matthew 16 for proof that Jesus founded the church on Peter himself.  Jesus said to Peter, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.  And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven"  (Matthew 16:17-19).

 

I have visited the Vatican in Rome, and there have seen, inscribed in gold letters four feet high on St. Peter's Basilica, the words "On this rock I will build my church."  They reflect the Catholic interpretation of this passage:  that Jesus is saying he would build his church upon PETER and give the keys (authority) of the kingdom uniquely to him.  The original Greek, however, distinguishes Peter from the rock.  While the Lord gives Simon the name "Peter" (petros, masculine), Jesus goes on to speak of the rock (petra)  with a feminine word.  Petros refers to a stone that a man might carry; whereas petra refers to a huge rock, cliff or ledge.  The distinctions between masculine and feminine and between large and small are obvious.

 

Catholic scholars say Jesus did not speak Greek here but Aramaic, and the word "Cephas" is the same whether masculine or feminine.  The Scriptures we have, however, are only in Greek; and Matthew, an apostle and eyewitness to this event, made the distinction.  Jesus had already noted that wise men build upon the rock (petra) of His word (Matthew 7:24-27).  Jesus built His church on Peter's revealed confession that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God, not on Peter.

 

If Peter himself were the rock upon which the church is founded, he did not know it.  He pointed to Jesus as the chief cornerstone; there is salvation in no one else (Acts 4:10-12).  Peter said, "Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, And he who believes in Him shall not be disappointed"  (1 Peter 2:6).  JESUS was "A stone of stumbling and a rock (petra) of offense" (v. 8).

 

Peter introduced himself as "an apostle of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:1) but never the "prince of the apostles" or the rock on which the church is built.  In 1 Peter 5:1, Peter says, "Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your FELLOW ELDER." (Note his attitude of humility!)  In verse 4, he speaks of JESUS as the "Chief Shepherd."  Nowhere does he argue for supremacy, claim to be Christ's vicar, or exalt himself above his fellow elders.

 

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul points to Jesus as the foundation of the church.  In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul says God's household is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit."

 

Paul clearly said that God put JESUS "far above all rule and authority and ….. gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Ephesians 1:21-23).

 

I don't reject the authority of the Pope because I am prejudiced against Catholics; I reject it because I love JESUS.  He is my Lord, my Savior, and the only head of his church!

 

Conclusion:

 

Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, responded to this restatement by the Catholic church of its claim to primacy by writing that basic differences are often forgotten "in this era of confusion and moral laxity.  We should together realize and admit that this is an issue worthy of division.  The Roman Catholic Church is willing to go so far as to assert that any church that denies the papacy is no true church.  Evangelicals should be equally candid in asserting that any church defined by the papacy is no true church.  This is not a theological game for children, it is the honest recognition of the importance of the question."  [Source: "Baptist:  Document invites challenge to papal authority," El Dorado News-Times, July 21, 2007, p. 8-A]

 

As Dr. Mohler correctly points out, serious issues between believers cannot be wishfully waved away, as though they did not matter.  Doctrine does matter:  it mattered in the first century, and it continues to be important today.

In conclusion, we find our identity – legitimacy – spiritual life in our relationship with Jesus Christ!  Thus our mission statement to truly be a church "of Christ"!

 

Any doctrine – or institution – or denominational structure that detracts from the supremacy of Christ – is ultimately defective!

 

 

*SOURCE:  The section on the "Seven Reasons" is substantially reworked (and re-ordered) from "Was Peter the First Pope?" by Phil Sanders, Gospel Advocate, June 2005, p. 20-23.

 

Dan Williams

 El Dorado, Arkansas

 

Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering

 

From the moment in time that we become a child of God through our obedience to him, we must strive to hold fast to our faith. One of the vital duties incumbent upon each one of us is that of ever making sure that we are strong in the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:13, Ephesians 6:10). Satan is constantly confronting us with all kinds of problems, temptations and inducements in an effort to weaken our faith and cause us to leave or forsake our God (1 Peter 5:8, 2 Corinthians 2:11,Ephesians 6:11, 16). In order to defeat the evil one, we need to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, we need to strive each day to become better informed of God's will for us. Do not err here. This will only happen if we put forth the effort to become stronger by feeding on the word of God (Hebrews 5:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Peter 1:5-11).

 

In order to make our faith sure and steadfast, we must set our affections on heavenly things (Colossians 3:1-2). When we come forth from that watery grave of baptism, we come forth in newness of life, a new creature in Christ ( Romans 6:4, 2 Corinthians 5:17). As new creature in Christ, our thoughts, our desires are to be directed toward those things that are pure spiritually. Minds that are focused on things honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report will enable us to become stronger in our faith and result in a faith that is secure and not wavering (Philippians 4:8, Proverbs 4:23, Proverbs 23:7, Matthew 15:19).

 

Holding fast to our faith will result in our fulfilling our personal responsibilities in the church. We are a branch in Christ the vine (John15:1-8) and must bear fruit. We are a stone in the building)

1 Peter 2:5) and must do our part in supporting the truth by our example (1 Timothy 2:12). We are a  candlestick and must shine (Matthew 5:14-16, Philippians 2:15-16).

 

As a young man, my high school years were spent at a small private school in which the entire student body was divided into two groups. These two groups competed against each other in various games throughout the year. The highlight of the year was the annual tug-o-war across the Harpeth River. I still recall my first tug-o-war.  The rope was stretched out across the river, two groups of young men waiting nervously to start pulling. Prior to that start, one of our professors was walking up and down the line with words of encouragement. Someone shouted out, "What do we do". I will never forget his answer, "You hold on for dear life and do not let go of that rope!!" My friends, spiritually, that is what I am shouting out to one and all today, "HOLD ON TO YOUR FATIH FOR DEAR LIFE AND NEVER, NEVER LET GO OF IT". Your eternal destiny is at stake.

 

Charles Hicks

 

Free Bible study on the poor widow (Mark 12:35-44)

 Topic:  "This Poor Widow"

Text:  Mark 12:35-44             [Parallel accounts are in Matthew 22:41—23:12 and Luke 20:41—21:4]

Aim:  to examine what the contrast between first-century religious leaders and a poor widow teaches us about the priorities of Jesus and about his definition of genuine religion.

 

ICEBREAKER QUESTION:  As we go around the circle and tell our name, I would also like to know:   If you were walking down the street, and saw a penny on the sidewalk, would you stop and pick it up?   I'll begin:  my name is _____, and if I spotted a penny on the ground, I would_______.

 

DISCUSSION QUESTION:   Canada recently announced that it would no longer mint Canadian pennies, because that coin costs more than a penny to make.  Many people have argued that the United States Treasury should take the same action, since it costs 2.4 cents to make one American penny.  Do you agree, or disagree, that the American penny should be eliminated?

 

TRIVIA QUESTION:  Who can complete this statement:  "A penny saved is…."?   ANSWER:  "…..a penny earned."  DISCUSSION QUESTION:  Today Benjamin Franklin might update that proverb to say, "A penny saved….is not much!"  In fact, just what CAN you do with a penny?

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:  1.  Despite the high cost of making pennies, many Americans are resisting their elimination.  Why do you think people want to hold on to this particular coin?

 

2.  It costs a whopping 11.18 cents to make a nickel, so some have argued that the nickel should also be discontinued.   Do you think as many Americans would be opposed to eliminating the nickel as are opposed to doing away with the penny?  Why, or why not?

 

 

We all recognize that a penny is not worth very much, but in today's conversation we will learn that Jesus once called two little pennies the greatest gift he witnessed being given!   Please TURN to the gospel of Mark (second book of the New Testament), Chapter 12.    READ Verses 38-40   

 

DISCUSSION QUESTION:  Jesus obviously was angry at the self-serving behavior of these first-century religious leaders.  Based on this passage, of what SINS would you say they were guilty?  

 

Possible Answers:  Pride;  Vanity; Greed;  Hypocrisy;  "Using" God and religion;  Wanting the attention of themselves, rather than focusing on God.

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:   1.  Jesus says these teachers would "devour widow's houses."  That is a striking phrase.   What would you guess it means, and why did it make Jesus so angry?                2.  Why do you suppose these religious leaders were able to get away with their bad behavior?      

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:   1.   Every age has had its proud and pompous preachers and religious racketeers, but how would you know when you have encountered one of these individuals?   What would be the first sign to you that a particular religious leader today should not be trusted?        2.  History books confirm that many of the first-century rabbis were indeed like this.  The last half of Verse 37 says the crowd was "delighted" to hear Jesus take on these pompous religious leaders.  Why do you suppose the "ordinary" folks in the crowd were so happy to hear what Jesus was saying?                       3.  When individuals in positions of religious responsibility act like this, it can cause some people to lose their faith.  What can WE do to protect our faith?  How can we be CAREFUL without becoming CYNICAL?                 4.  What would you say is the difference between FAITH and GULLIBILITY?

 

Background Note:  For similar attacks by Jesus on the religious leaders of his day, see Matthew 23:1-36;  Luke 20:45-47.

READ Verses 41-44     LEADER'S INSIGHT:  These coins were called lepta, which literally means "peeled" or "fine," indicating just how small they were.  In today's terms each lepton was actually worth about one-eighth of a cent, so this was even less valuable than a modern penny!  

 

DISCUSSION QUESTION:  We shouldn't be surprised that Jesus was watching the worshippers present their offerings, because the Lord is ALWAYS interested in what we do with our money!  But, in your opinion, WHY does the Lord keep track of our giving?  What are some of the connections between our GIVING and our relationship with GOD?

DISCUSSION QUESTION:  Since this poor widow had given "ALL she had to live on," why do you suppose Jesus didn't intervene, chase her down, and persuade her to take the money back? 

 

Possible Answers:  To do so would be to insult her faith, since she was evidently counting on God to take care of her;  Because we don't "give away" our money when we give it to God – he always blesses us with more (READ 2 Corinthians 9:6-11);   Because what an individual gives should be decided in their own heart, between themselves and God (See 2 Corinthians 9:7).

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:  1.  It isn't clear whether the poor widow heard Jesus' commendation of her gift or not.  Suppose she didn't.   What would you guess what HER opinion of her gift?  How do you think she felt about offering two little pennies? 2.  Now suppose she did hear what Jesus said about her gift.  How do you think it would have made the poor widow feel?

 

DISCUSSION QUESTION:  In what ways could we say this woman's faith is different from the religion of the teachers Jesus has just described in Verses 38-40? 

 

Possible Answers:  They used their religion in order to turn a profit, while her religion was sacrificial;  They received their reward (applause and recognition) now, while the poor widow would receive hers later on;   Their religion was hypocritical, while hers was obviously sincere!;   Her religion was focused totally on GOD, while they were more concerned with the effect their actions had on OTHERS;   God was pleased with her faith, while he condemned theirs.

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:   1.  The gospels reveal that Jesus often commented upon money – in fact, it was one of the most frequent topics he addressed.  People today sometimes accuse preachers of talking about money too much.  Do you think that is a fair criticism?  Why, or why not?  2.  Suppose you were a preacher, and you decided to prepare a series of sermons about money.  How would you go about it, and what are some topics you believe need to be addressed? 3.  If you were preaching a series on giving, and you preached on the story of the poor widow, what would be the title of your sermon? 4.  What points would you make in your sermon?   What conclusions would you draw from this story?    

 

SUMMARY STATEMENT:  The generosity of this poor widow teaches us that God judges our giving by how much we love and trust God, and not by how much we are able to put in the collection plate! 

 [CLOSE WITH PRAYER]

 

©  Dan Williams El Dorado, Arkansas                 

 

For more free Bible studies visit www.lordletmegrow.com today!

Old hymn entitled For Me He Careth

    "Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come with singing unto Zion;      and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away." Isaiah 51:11

The above verse immediately follows something Isaiah said about it being God that "dried the sea" so that the "ransomed" could pass over. That of course is referring to the saving of Israel from certain death at the hands of the Egyptian army. The lesson point that I'm attempting to make by using this is - that the "ransomed," the "redeemed" sang all the way to "Zion" for the "everlasting joy" received from God.

I'd like to take that scriptural reference and use it as a basis for our lesson today. The operative word from that passage that ties in to this lesson is "singing." I'd like to offer a few short thoughts regarding our "singing" and perhaps we can look at this topic in sort of a question form, as in, Why do we sing?

Now of course we can divide these thoughts into our "singing" either individually or collectively. And, of course, I'm speaking here of "spiritual singing" and not the contemporary music of the world. As far as the "world's music" is concerned, I'm not sure how much of it can be classified as music as a lot of it is just profane chanting and the rest sounds like a collision between two trucks loaded with ducks and wash tubs.

If you run a reference on "singing" in a Bible concordance you'll find many, many scriptures relating to individuals "singing" praises to God for His benevolent care for them in some way. But, for our lesson here, I'm going to concentrate more on the collective aspects of "singing" rather than the individual. As, stated earlier, "Why do we sing" as part of our congregational worship service?

My first thought on this subject stems from a statement I heard in an interview with a noted person. He had, in talking about himself, said that he loved to sing in church because "it gives you a feeling of teamwork." Like a group of individuals joining together in a common effort with that effort being giving "praise to God."

And, at the same time "teaching and admonishing" each other by the "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" being sung. In other words: fulfilling the command to Christians (the "ransomed/redeemed" of the New Covenant) found in Col. 3:16.

In discussing our congregational "singing," have you ever considered the thought that this is the only thing that we "collectively" do in our worship service? Think about it a moment. All of the other parts of the service are really and "individual" effort. Let me enlarge on that a bit further.

Only one "preaches" or "teaches" at a time, don't they? Only one offers "prayer" at a time. Even the "Lord's Supper," when you think about it, is done as individuals, seen in that we "examine ourselves" (1Cor. 11:28). We don't collectively "examine" each other. That's an interesting lesson topic in of itself, but we'll save that for a future editorial.

But "singing" is a whole different story, isn't it? It's a collective effort. It is not an individual or solo endeavor. Nor is it a worship effort to only be performed (and I use that term specifically) by the "good" voices of the congregation. I find nothing in the New Testament that authorizes or even infers that the "individual Christian" can subordinate their duties to a proxy.

Wouldn't it be true that, if we can have "others" sing for us, we might as well have "others" pray, give or even attend for us. To go back to the words of our interviewee, it's a "team effort" and all members, all Christians, are on the team.

When we consider the "Why" of our question, there's really a simple answer to it. With a couple of rare exceptions, all of the references to "singing" in the Bible are referring to praising God. That is first and foremost "why" we sing in our worship service. We're His "team" and we're recognizing His leadership and thanking Him for His benevolence.

But, our question has a two-phased answer, doesn't it? At the same time that we're "singing" praises to the Lord, we're teaching and encouraging each other by these songs. Our collective "singing" has an effect on us, doesn't it? Our spirits are lifted by the words and the tempo of the song, especially if it's a "spiritual song." On the other hand, when we sing "psalms and hymns" aren't our spirits reminded to be humble and penitent?

I don't see it to be a mistake on the part of Paul who penned the words of the Holy Spirit in Col. 3:16 and Eph. 5:19 where it mentions the three different styles of songs that we sing. The "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs." These three types of songs have a different tempo and meter to them thus, as mentioned before, should have different effects upon us, the singers.

Rather, I see those verses as corresponding with some other words of Paul in 1 Cor. 14:15 - "I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." There is a "spirit," if you will, in each of the songs that we sing and we should offer our songs with the "understanding" of the proper "spirit" of the song. I also believe that a song leader's first duty is to recognize the "spirit" of the song he's chosen and lead it accordingly.

Before we close this lesson, I'd like you to consider one last thought: of all the things that we do in our worship service while on this earth, "singing" is the only one that carries over into heaven. Not going to be anymore preaching. Not going to be anymore teaching. Won't even be anymore observing of the Lord's Supper because that memorial has a scriptural time limit: "Ye do show forth the Lord's death til He come." (1Cor. 11:26)

But, when you read the passages in Revelation 5:9, 14:3 and 15:3 you'll see that we'll still be "collectively singing" before the throne of God. In other words, the Lord's "team" will be together in this effort.

There's an old hymn entitled "For Me He Careth" and the closing words of the last verse take me back to the words of Isaiah and the "redeemed of the Lord." "Thus I wait for His returning, singing all the way to heav'n; such the joyful song of morning, such tranquil song of ev'n."

Ron Covey

Washington National Airport,

One of the worst snowstorms to hit Washington, D.C. in decades buffeted the
city on January 13, 1982. Storm conditions delayed the departure of Air
Florida Flight 90 by an hour and forty-five minutes. When the Boeing 737
took off from Washington National Airport, it was unable to stay aloft and
crashed into the 14th Street Bridge, which spans the Potomac River, just two
minutes after leaving the runway. The plane vanished into the river except
for the tail section, which had separated from the body of the aircraft and
floated. When emergency services arrived, they discovered 5 passengers and
one flight attendant had survived the crash, and they were clinging to the
tail section in the icy waters.

The waters of the Potomac were extremely cold, just one degree above
freezing. A person can only manage to stay alive in this frigid water for
about 30 minutes. Rescuers were frantically trying to get to the surviving
passengers as quickly as possible. When their inflatable boats could not
navigate through the ice-filled waters, a U.S. Park Police Helicopter Unit
was called. Many onlookers, including a television news camera man,
witnessed the amazing rescue efforts of pilot Don Usher and paramedic Gene
Windsor.

After successfully retrieving a passenger (Bert Hamilton) and the flight
attendant (Kelly Duncan), Usher and Windsor went back and lowered two
lifelines from the helicopter to the remaining surviving passengers. One of
the passengers, Arland D. Williams, Jr., caught one of the lines and passed
it on to Joe Stiley, the most severely injured survivor. Stiley slipped the
line around his waist and grabbed Priscilla Tirado, who was hysterical,
having lost her husband and baby. Nikki Felch took the second line. As
they were being dragged to shore, Tirado and Felch lost their grip and fell
back into the water. Felch was wearing a lifejacket, so Tirado became the
immediate priority of the rescue efforts.

Tirado was slashing in the icy water, eyes wide and wild-looking; she was
going into shock. After several attempts, she was unable to cling to the
life-ring that was lowered to her. By this time, she was traumatized,
exhausted, and temporarily blinded from aviation fuel. She began to drown.

Martin "Lennie" Scutnik, a low-level manager at the U.S. Congressional
Budget office, was observing the situation. At this point, he decided that
he could watch no more. "I absolutely thought she was going to die if I
didn't go in and get her." Scutnik removed his coat and boots and jumped
into the icy waters, swam out to Tirado, and dragged her to safety.

Nikki Felch was rescued by the helicopter unit. Unfortunately, when the
unit went back to rescue Arland D. Williams, he could not be found. He,
along with the tail of the jet, had sunk beneath the waters. (See A Heroic
Sacrifice, Living Water, 9/15/06).

Less than a month later, President Ronald Reagan invited Lennie Scutnik to
attend the 1982 State of the Union Address, where he was seated next to the
First Lady. When President Reagan recognized Scutnik, he received a long
standing ovation. Heroes like Scutnik are now celebrated at nearly every
State of the Union Address. The Washington Press Corps often refers to them
as 'Scutniks'.

The selflessness and sacrifice of the "Scutniks" provide a glimpse of the
Greatest Hero of all: JESUS CHRIST.

When WE were "drowning" in sin and doomed to eternal destruction, God sent
His Son Jesus to rescue us. Jesus gave His life so that we might have
forgiveness of our sins and so that we "should not perish but have eternal
life" (John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7).

Jesus will save those who cling to the Lifeline (Jesus Himself) by....
placing their faith and trust in Him (Acts 16:30-31), turning from their
sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confessing Jesus before men (Romans
10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of
sins (Acts 2:38). He will continue to cleanse those who continue to trust
Him and follow Him as a way of life (1 John 1:7).

Won't YOU cling to the Lifeline through your trusting obedience?

David Sargent

Acts 20:28

Acts 20:28 "Take heed unto yourselves and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood."

As I read this passage, I take note that Paul emphasizes that the church was purchased with the blood of Christ The words of 1 John 3:1 seem to leap out at me for it is there that John admonishes us to be impressed with the love God has for us. John 3:16 is a most beloved passage, quoted often, "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son….." The companion passage to that is found in Rom. 5:8, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." There should be a great swell of emotion sweeping over us we go back to that day in the garden when our Lord prayed so fervently (Luke 22:39-44). As we behold him being betrayed into the hands of a mob by one of his own, our hearts should be touched with grief (Matt.26:46-50). Looking on as Jesus is being tried as a common criminal, mocked, ridiculed, tormented and mistreated unmercifully, that grief should become a great swelling tide within us (Mark 14:53-65). And now, as we stand outside the judgment hall of Pilate and listen as the mob cries out, "crucify him, crucify him", our hearts should be in agony (Mark 15:1-14). All too soon we are on a hill outside Jerusalem and now we watch as our Lord is nailed to the cross, we see him suspended in mid air and hear him cry out as the blood flows freely from him (Marl 15:15-37). At this point, our grief has turned to tears and we cry out ,"Why". The answer comes ringing into our ears, 'For Me", "For Me" (Heb. 5:7-9, Rom. 5:8).

We should be so grateful that Jesus died for us, shedding his precious blood in order that we might have redemption, even the forgiveness of our sins (Col. 1:12-14). Because Jesus was willing to go to that cross, you and I can, through obedience to him, be called the sons of God. What a wonderful day it is when we become that new creature in Christ with our sins washed away in the blood of the Lamb (Rom. 6:3-6, Gal. 3:27, Acts 22:16, 1 John 1:7).

It is a great privilege and blessing to be a part of the Lord's church and considering what Jesus did to make that possible, I wonder, are we indebted to the Lord in any way and if so, how do we respond to that debt? From God's word, I have reached the conclusion that we owe him the very best of our love (Mark 12:28-31, John 14:15). We owe him the best of our gifts (2 Cor. 8:1-5, Rom. 12:1, 2 Cor. 9:7, Col. 3:1-2, Matt. 6:19-21). We owe him the best of our labors (Luke 10:7, 1 Cor. 15:58, Matt. 5:13-16). We owe him total commitment (Matt. 6:33, Rev. 2:10, Matt. 25:14-30).

This writer is convinced that our love for Jesus is summed up in our love for his church. He loved the church enough to die for it. How much do we love the church? Make no mistake here, our love for Jesus and his church is shown not only by the words we speak but also by the life we live.

He gave his life for us. What have we given to him? He brings to us exceedingly precious gifts and promises (James 1:17, 2 Peter 1:4). What do we bring to him? Truly, Jesus paid it all and all to him we owe.


Charles Hicks

Peek-a-poo dogs

I'm convinced that God must know how to smile, maybe even laugh right out
loud. I think that's one of the reasons he gave us puppies.

I enjoy snow, even though I view it with the realization that there is
always work connected with it, shoveling, etc. I think it is wonderful to
look at and thoroughly enjoy its beauty, in fact this morning Melody and I
enjoyed a beautiful sunrise over the snow covered countryside.

This week we had an unusually deep snow for us and our little, black
Peek-a-poo dog had to struggle to get through it. It brought back memories
of her and her experience with her first snow.

I remember very clearly that as she went outside, we watched curiously as
she ventured out into snow for the first time. At first somewhat tentatively
putting down her feet, but after about ten minutes she decided that she
loved it. She began bounding around in the deepest snowdrifts she could find
and in moments she was completely covered with snow. All we could do is just
laugh at her sheer joy in discovering snow.

When was the last time you had that much-uninhibited joy in life? When is
the last time you appreciated some gift of God as common as snow? When is
the last time your heart was so filled with joy that you bounced up and down
with enthusiasm? When was the last time you counted your blessings?

The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always:
and again I say, rejoice." James 1:17 tells us, "Every good gift and every
perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with
whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

Now you may not bounce around like a puppy (but then you might too), but
start today to try and appreciate some of the good things our God has given
us!

May God grant each of us the ability to find something to "rejoice" about
today.

Russ Lawson

Proverbs 20:7

"A righteous man who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after
him" (Proverbs 20:7). If you want to start your children off on the right
foot in life, live a life of integrity. Integrity will serve them better
than a Ivy League college degree and benefit them more than inheriting
millions of dollars. This all starts with you. Their life of integrity
starts with your life of integrity. Set an example by doing the right thing
regardless of who is watching over your shoulder. By telling the truth even
when its difficult. By sincerely apologizing when you have made a mistake.
Such godly examples will give them an advantage in life.

Jeremy Sprouse

Sketch of "Mickey's Toothache"

 Of all our beloved cartoon characters, Mickey Mouse may be the most famous. For more than 80 years he has entertained the world with his antics, demonstrating human-like qualities in fantasy situations. I suppose there are some who would say they've seen every one of his cartoons.

 

Such claims, if they've been made, were disproven earlier this week when discovery of a sketch of "Mickey's Toothache" was announced on Yahoo News. The sketch, made by illustrator Ferdinand Horvath, is from 1938, the time when Mickey was finally becoming the character that has made him so beloved. The sketch is part of a never-finished animated short, but Disney spokesmen say a finished version may be in the works.

 

Discoveries like this are not uncommon. In August of 2012 the world was informed that a lost painting of Leonardo da Vinci had been found. If proven to be authentic, the painting of Madonna and Child may be worth as much as $150 million at auction. Wouldn't that be something to discover in our grandparents attic?!

 

Another discovery was announced in 2006 in which I was more interested. A 62- page leather codex (book) had been obtained which claimed to be "The Gospel of Judas". Though few believe the book was actually written by the apostle who betrayed Christ, many trumpet the book as one of many examples of "the lost books of the Bible".

 

If it is true that some books of the Bible have been "lost" for centuries, what does this mean? Have we been told only part of what God wants us to hear? Is there something lacking in my faith that these new finds can now supply? What other Bible books remain to be discovered?

 

Personally, I reject the notion that certain books have been omitted from the Bible which should have been included. I base my conviction upon certain truths that are clearly stated in God's word. One of these is found in 2 Timothy 3:16,17: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

 

"Inspiration of God" is the key concept here. It means that God intended to give to mankind a record of His will, so we might all know what He expects and what He promises to the faithful. If God was able to reveal that information to human writers, would He not also be able to preserve that record?

 

Peter stated the same truth: "As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who has called us by glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3). Was Peter right? Was God able to give us "all things" we need, but not able to keep it all together?

 

Some may call me naive, but I consider it a conviction based on faith in God. "Is anything too hard for the Lord?", God asked Abraham in Genesis 18:14. On that occasion He enabled a 90-year-old woman to bear a son. Is it too much to believe that He could also preserve intact the body of writings He revealed to His servants long ago? Yes, I absolutely believe we have "all things that pertain to life and godliness" today within the covers of this Holy Bible.

 

Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss these ideas further.

 

Timothy Hall

 

Curious Facts About the Bible

House to House issue #1, Volume #18, had an article setting forth some interesting Bible facts.
Of particular interest were the numbers associated with certain facts about, though not necessarily in, the Bible.
There are 1260 promises in the Bible, 6,468 commands, 3,294 questions, 31,102 verses, and 773,692 words.
No information is given as to who actually counted all of these various notes of interest, and I can assure you that
I have no immediate (or long range plans) to authenticate the accuracy of these figures.

Digging a little deeper, I found some interesting triplets that appear in God's word. Jude was evidently fond of using triplets and even a causal reading of that short epistle will reveal the following groups of three: "Mercy, peace, love"(verse 2); three examples of punishment seen in Egypt, disobedient angels, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (verses 5-7); manifestations of rebellion seen in "defile the flesh, set at nought dominion, and rail at dignities"(verse 8). Jude also refers to "the way of Cain...the error of Balaam, and the gainsaying of Korah"(verse 11). Each of the three members of the Godhead are mentioned in verses 20-21, and the epistle closes three words that span the entirety of our existence: "all time, now, and forever."

On a wider scale, there are various triplets that most of us are aware of, but likely we have never considered them as belonging
in groups of three. Here are a few examples: (1) The Jewish people are referred to as Hebrews (Gen. 14:13),
Israelites (Ex. 4:22) and Jews (Esther 2:5). There were three God-appointed offices, namely the prophet (Jud. 6:8),
the priest (Mal. 2:7) and the king. Of course we are aware that God has dealt with man in three distinct and identifiable law systems:
Patriarchal, Mosaic, and Christian. Moving to the New Testament, there are various triads that surround the life of Jesus our Lord.
He raised three persons from the dead: the twelve year old daughter of Jairus, the young man of Nain, and Lazarus.
The time Jonah spent in the belly of the whale is symbolic of our Lord's burial in the tomb (cf. Matt. 12:39-40).
Jesus prophesied that after His death He would be raised in three days (Matt. 27:40).
It was the third hour that our Lord was crucified, and there were three hours of darkness while He hung upon the cross.
No doubt all of us are aware of the "three crosses"at Calvary. Paul referred to the essence of the gospel with these words:
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures"(1 Cor. 15:3-4).
We could go on, perhaps without end, in examining the various triads contained in God's word. But there is one more which I want you to consider.

Returning to the passage in 1 Corinthians 15, will you notice verses 1-2. Paul recalls that moment in his association with the Corinthians when he made "known...the gospel"(verse 1a). He also warned of the futility of his preaching and their obedience should they fail to "hold fast the word which I preached unto you"(verse 2). Sandwiched between these two thoughts are the following words regarding the Corinthians and their relationship to the word of God: "which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, by which also ye are saved"(15:1-2). Notice there important truths from these verses.

First, the gospel was something they had "received." Literally, the Corinthians had "joined themselves"to the gospel, and like the Thessalonians had "received from us [the apostles] the word of the message, even the word of God, ye accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God"(1 Thess. 2:13). Unless a man receives the word, i.e. joins himself to that word, it will remain powerless to change his life. After more than 40 years of preaching I can attest to the fact that multitudes of souls simply refuse to receive the word, marching on toward eternity refusing to embrace the only thing that will matter once they have passed into eternity. While men are anxious to receive and embrace the things of this world, they sadly reject, ignore, and often ridicule the only thing that will take them safely into eternity.

Second, in order for the gospel to benefit those who might have, at one time or another, received the gospel, it must be something "wherein ye also stand"(1 Cor. 15:1b). Imagine if you will a soldier standing guard. He is vigilant, watchful, dedicated, and determined to fulfill his responsibility, even at the point of giving his own life. Such is the soldier of God. Provided with the armor for spiritual battle (Eph. 6:10-17), he stands firm, unwavering, seeking the favor of his Father in heaven rather than the favor of men. All of this and more is what it means to stand in the gospel.

Finally, the word of God saves! It is the "power of God unto salvation"(Rom. 1:16-17). Another inspired writer stated, "For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart"(Heb. 4:12). When preached, the word of God is like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces (Jer. 23:29). It is precisely because the Corinthians and Thessalonians believed in the power of the word to save their souls that they were willing and anxious to receive it, stand in it, and preach it regardless of the cost to their physical well being.

While the "facts"about the Bible referred to in the first three paragraphs of this article may not have a direct bearing upon your eternal destiny, be assured that what you do with the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 most definitely will.


Tom Wacaster