What is a Christian supposed to be like?

Since last week’s lesson was based upon a great question of the Bible, and I really like this concept of lesson thoughts, I’m going to stick with it for another one today. Plus, I’m going to revert to a lesson format that I like to use, which is called a “type versus antitype” lesson. Our “type” today will be ancient Israel who has served well in the past for many lessons. The “antitype” of course is ourselves - Christians of this dispensation.

 

Our “question” comes from our prefacing passage from 2Pet. 3:11 - “What manner of persons ought we to be?’ Both in “holy conversation and godliness?” Before we get into the body of our lesson, I need to point out that the first part of that verse “Seeing then.........” is referring to what Peter had just written in verse 10 where he’s talking about the earth and everything on it “melting with fervent heat” and that, brethren, is hotter than a firecracker in July. Plus, the word “conversation” in the Greek means “behavior.”

 

But, isn’t this a great question? Keep this question in mind as we continue on and get to looking at the “type vs. antitype” portion of our lesson and see some things about ancient Israel that correlate to us today. In Deut. 14:2 we see what God says about them. That they are “children of God (vs. 1) and then says that, as such, they are a “holy and chosen people” and that they are a “peculiar people unto himself.” He further says that they are “above all others on earth.”

 

Being such as described there, we know from our studies of old Israel, that they benefitted greatly by the blessings they received from God. They were “saved” from bondage, protected, fed and clothed for 40 years in the wilderness and then they inherited a land of “milk and honey.” There are many other blessings we could list here, but probably the best scriptural description of their blessings can be read in Lev. 26:3-13.

 

But, after you read that passage, I want you to take notice of the starting of verse 14 and its beginning words - “But if ye will not hearken unto me....” Basically He tells them that His blessings will not be there. What we’re seeing there is that Israel had an obligation to God. This can be pointed out by also reading Deut. 6:1-2 and then Deut. 7:11. 

 

In a nutshell, that obligation was obedience to His law, His commands. The purpose of their obedience was so that God would be glorified and honored. They received their blessings because of that. So do we.

 

At this point of the lesson, do you see the resemblance between us today and Israel of old? The description of both they and us? The purpose of us being obedient to His commands now? The reason for the receipt of our blessings? It’s the same precept and reasoning by which Israel was blessed - that by our obedience, we honor and glorify God.

 

While remembering how Israel was blessed by following God, IE: protected, fed, saved etc. let’s look at a few passages that relate to our blessings. In 2Pet. 1:4 we see that we have the promise of sharing in the “divine nature” of God. In Col. 1:12-14 we see that we have the “inheritance” with other saints, “delivered” from the power of Satan and placed into the “kingdom” of Christ. Plus, we have “forgiveness of sins.”

 

Also, you can turn back to Christ’s sermon on the mount and read in Matt. 6:25-34 where we’ll be blessed with the necessities of life. (Isn’t this another connection to our “type” Israel?) While reading this, I’m sure that some of you may be thinking about another verse you’ve often heard cited: “I have been young and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” (Psa. 37:25)

 

But, just as Israel’s blessings were conditional to their obedience, so are ours. When Israel did not live according to God’s commands, his blessings (like maybe “protection”) were withdrawn. If we don’t live according to the commands we’re given or cease to be obedient, ours too will be withdrawn. Or, withheld if we’ve never been obedient in the first place.

 

Now let’s look at some thoughts I have that relate to our lesson question - “What manner...” Or, “What kind of people should we be?” Lets look first at 1Pet. 2:9 for a passage that relates to us - the “antitype.” We read there that we also are a “chosen” people. That we’re a “royal priesthood, a holy nation” and a “peculiar people.” Do you know what “peculiar” means? It means “special” or “beyond the usual.” (Here’s an interesting thought. Did you ever consider that it’s the “usual” of the world that will be lost?)

 

First off, we should be people who are determined to do what’s right according to God’s Word. 1Cor. 16:13 says that we are to be “standing in the faith.” The inference there is “always” or “unwavering.” In Acts 4:19 and 5:29 we see that we are to always be “obedient to God” and not men. Then in 1Thess. 5:22 we see that we are to “abstain from all appearance of evil.”

 

Israel was a “peculiar people” too and as such they weren’t supposed to do things like the other people around them practiced. They had a different diet and different hygienic laws than everyone else about them. In other words, they weren’t the “usual.” They were different or better yet, “beyond the usual.” Christians are also “peculiar” for the same reasons. They are “beyond the usual.”

 

Well, why are we a “chosen generation, a “royal priesthood, a holy nation and a peculiar people?” For the purpose of doing this: “Show forth the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1Pet. 2:9) Just like Israel, to honor and glorify God. And also, like Israel was supposed to do, we are to “keep ourselves pure.” (1Tim. 5:22). So that we’ll be “unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27)

 

In speaking of our secular life, we’re told in Col. 3:8-9 that there are things that a Christian won’t do or be. Rom. 12:17 says that Christians are not vengeful and are to be honest towards all. Then Rom. 13:12-14 sort of wraps up the “manner” of persons Christians should be in their secular life.

 

I’m running out of space so let’s just condense some of the “manners” that we’re supposed to present to the world. Christians are to be “dependable people” (1Cor. 15:58). Please read Eph. 4:21-32 and see how we are to be towards our fellow man. How we are to be different from the “usual.” We’re to be good examples to others (Heb. 10:24-25). We’re to exemplify the “Christian graces” listed in 2Pet. 1:5-11.

Probably the greatest “manner” which we can both show the world and honor God is seen by our “love.” (1John 4:12) When we love God and one another, we are obedient to His commands. In other words, we yield our will to His and let Him direct our lives. (Rom. 12:1) That’s the “manner of persons ought we to be” in the totality of our lives.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Ron Covey

Sermon outline I HAVE SINNED

1)      An interesting expression:  “I HAVE SINNED.”

2)      Who in the Bible has said (publicly or privately):  I have sinned?

3)      Ex. 9:27 is the verse I want to read – READ  

4)      Verse 30 – READ  

5)      Ex. 9:34 – READ 

6)      If this ruler had been sincere, one might think he would have been more specific.

7)      Rather than say “I have sinned,” this man could have said, “I have sinned against God and His people.”

a)      In our time and culture a person may try to dance around sin.

b)      Rather than tell admit, “I sinned against you by this or that,” something like this might be said:

c)      “If I have offended you in some way” – this is said avoid acknowledging a specific act of wrongdoing.

8)      Ex. 10:15 –READ 

9)      Verses 16-17 of Ex. 10 – READ 

BALAAM.

a)      We have some information about this man in Num. 22.

b)      The people of Israel were encamped at the plains of Moab – a place where the Moabites lived

c)      A Moabite king knew what the Israelites had done to another nation – the Amorites.

d)     The Moabites were scared – terrified – of what Israel could or would do to them.

2)      When Balaam realized God’s displeasure with him he said, “I HAVE SINNED” – Num. 22:34.

ACHAN – JOSH. 7 WHEN IT COMES TO SIN, WE ARE DEALING WITH SOMETHING SO SERIOUS A PERSON MIGHT COME RIGHT OUT AND SAY, “I HAVE SINNED!”

1)      Josh 7:11 – READ 

2)      Verse 15 – READ  

3)      Josh. 7:20 – READ  

4)      Of all the people looked this morning who said “I have sinned” not one of them fared very well.

5)      What about us?  Are we able to say, “I have sinned”?

6)      If we are old enough to be accountable for our actions, this is what we need to say.

7)      Because we are guilty of sin, what will our reaction to sin be?

a)      Will we try to hide it like Achan?

b)      Will we be stubborn about it like Balaam?

c)      Will we follow the path of Pharaoh?

8)      Will we be honest about and truly deal with it as the Bible describes?

 Jesus – Lord Over Waves, Wind, Women, and Men!

Recently (Wednesday, August 20, 2014) I stood on the west side of the church building where I preach most Sundays and watched what weather reports said was a severe and dangerous thunderstorm bearing down on our community. A mighty wind soon roared in at around 70 miles per hour. As it bent trees and howled around me, many thoughts crowded my anxious mind – but this one never did – “I’ll just stay outside and stare this storm down! I can order it to stop and it will just disappear!”

 I confess I'’m a little wimpish – no, make that I’m a lot wimpish when it comes to staying outside and in a raging thunderstorm. Good thing I didn’t. The storm proved to be very severe. High winds damaged homes and other buildings and knocked down power lines and countless trees (some very large) all over town with the ease of a bowling ball mowing down pins. The storm damage reminded me, “You don’t tug on Superman’s cape, you don’t spit into the wind, you don’t pull the mask off the Lone Ranger ” – and you don’t mouth off to a raging thunderstorm! As William Hendriksen observed, “Much that is wrong on earth can be corrected . . . But it takes deity to change the weather” (quoted in The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 1, by James Montgomery Boice; p 140).

But wait a minute – that is exactly what we see Jesus doing in Matthew 8:23-27! The Bible says He was in a boat with His disciples on the Sea of Galilee when “suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves” (vs 24a). The Greek word for “tempest” indicates a violent, tornado-like whirlwind. It quickly stirred the calm, peaceful sea into a churning, angry monster trying to drag the boat and the men in it down into a watery grave!

 Amazingly, we read that Jesus was asleep (vs 24b)! The disciples did what any disciple of Jesus ought to do when the storms of life threaten to undo us – they quickly awakened Him and pleaded for Him to save them. The Bible said, “He arose, and rebuked the winds and sea. And there was a great calm” (vs 26). Matthew closes his report of the incident with this brief statement in vs 27 – “And the men marveled, saying, ‘What sort of Man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’”

 This incident is one of five miraculous events recorded in Matthew chapter 8. They decisively demonstrate that Jesus was Lord over diseases, demons, and even over the wind and waves. Matthew is preaching that Jesus Christ was Deity, God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9). Christ was not subject to the power of storms or the sea – they were subject to Him! He did things only God can do. But wait a minute. What is Matthew’s point in showing us Jesus is Lord over demons and diseases, and that in a showdown between Jesus and a howling storm on the sea, Jesus wins out? His point is precisely this – if Jesus Christ had the authority and power to command and tell a raging storm what to do, He certainly has that same authority over you and me. Don’t be misled by preaching that pleads with you to “make” Jesus Lord, as if somehow Jesus does not have authority over you unless you let Him. He is Lord – over waves, winds, women, and men – that issue was settled long ago! The question is will you obey His commands and be saved, or reject Him and be lost (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46; Acts 2:36-38. If the winds and the waves obeyed His word, dare we do any less? Think about it.

by Dan Gulley

Standardization

Since the advent of the world wide web and the invention of the internet by 'Joe Bidden' (I say that tongue-in-cheek of course), there has been an ongoing struggle between software and hardware companies to gain the advantage over their competitors as to what format would be best for the consumer (not to mention their pocket books). Standardization is the process by which various companies standardize their products in any particular field of endeavor. Webster says that "standardize" means "to change (things) so that they are similar and consistent and agree with rules about what is proper and acceptable" (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standardize). Some of us can remember how Betamax lost out to VHS format for tape recording in a struggle that left the consumer confused and often bewildered, and asking, "Why can't we get a common standard and make things simpler?" From time to time I have receive a note from one of our subscribers that my weekly article did not come through clearly; that somehow, "Tom's Pen" did not transmit across the world wide internet in clear form. In other words, the words are garbled, mixed with crazy looking characters and symbols that make deciphering the message a formidable task, if not an impossibility. Though I have managed to correct the problem for the most part, it remains a thorn in the flesh in my efforts to get the message out by electronic means. I have been told that computer languages consists of "zeros" and "ones" arranged in code so as to produce the desired program (or is it "ones" and "twos"?). Evidently in the process of transmitting the original into the format your computer might be able to read, some of those "zeroes" and "ones" produce odd looking characters. When that happens the message on your end is "garbled." Microsoft Word provides a "Thesaurus" and gives the following synonyms for "garbled": "mangled; distorted; confused." The "on line Webster Dictionary" provides the following definition of "garbled": "To so alter or distort as to create a wrong impression or change the meaning; to introduce textual error into a message by inaccurate encipherment [sic], transmission or decipherment." Precisely how those wacky looking characters get intermixed in the transmission is a mystery to me, but I think it has something to do with the binary code that is hidden within the word processor that I use to write my article or the service you use to receive the message. Whatever the cause, the end result is the same - a message that is either difficult or even impossible to understand. The world wide web, texting, the internet, emails et al are not the only area in which messages can be garbled. The devil has been garbling the truth for centuries. No doubt he rejoices when truth is distorted, whether by computer malfunctions or by intentional lies and fabrications on the part of his agents. After all, the devil is a liar and the father thereof (John 8:44). Let me give you just a sampling of the way the devil can "garble" the text of God's word so that the message that is "received" is not even remotely akin to what the Holy Spirit intended to convey. Let us, for example, take the simple sentence spoken by our Lord and so recorded in Mark 16:16: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Permit me to take the very words of this verse and "garble" them - distort them, mangle them, if you will - so as to communicate one of the favorite false doctrines of the devil. "He that believeth and is saved shall be baptized." I have used ALL of the words of our LORD, and ONLY the words of our Lord to construct this sentence. And yet, the message that is conveyed is so distorted by the rearrangement of the words that the truth has been perverted and the hearer confused. If you place the sentences one on top the others here is what you have: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" "He that believeth and is saved shall be baptized" Arranging the sentences thus, you can immediately recognize the difference. Secondly, any reasonable person will conclude that both sentences cannot be true; either the first is true and the second is false, or visa versa. Third, you can discern, can you not, that no sane person would attempt to defend the message that is communicated in both sentences, for to do so would make him a hypocrite of the rankest sort. And yet, theologians will tell you they love and respect the word of God (which includes Mark 16:16), admit that such words are truth, and then turn right around and preach the second sentence and tell you THAT is truth as well! Such preachers have "garbled" the word of God, produced a false doctrine, and pawned it off on the ignorant masses to the destruction of both the blind leader and those who would follow. What, then, is the solution for the multitude of "garbled" messages being preached in thousands of pulpits across our land, and throughout the world? Standardization! So long as a person follows human doctrine contained within the various manuals or passed along by oral preaching and teaching, the truth is going to be "garbled." "I like" (Jer. 10:23), "I want" (Acts 8:18-24), "I think" (2 Kings 5:1-15), "I don't see why not" (Acts 5:1-11), "God didn't say not to do it" (Lev. 10:1-2), and "My parents did it that way" (Gal. 6:5) are only a few of the standards that men use, none of which will bring about unity or harmony in spiritual matters. If men would appeal to the Bible, and only the Bible, for their authority in spiritual matters, we would have the "same mind" (Phil. 2:5) and "same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10-12)intended by our Lord. Is that not precisely what is meant by "standardization"? Bobby Key once made this observation: Success is usually the measuring rod used by the world. "We will measure this movement by the success of it. Time will tell, and nothing succeeds like success," cries the world. However, the earth's yardstick does not apply to Jesus Christ. According to the viewpoint of His time, Jesus was a failure. He died in disgrace the death of a criminal, and His followers were scattered. Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today it still looks like Caesar, not Christ is on the throne and the devil pretty well has his own way. The Lord asked, "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8). That certainly is not success as the world measures it, nor is it true in the things of Christ that "time will tell." My friend, eternity will tell and we await the verdict of eternity. Let us never grow weary in our efforts to preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. While progress may outpace our present technology, the ancient gospel is the only hope for lost humanity. Therein is the only means of spiritual standardization.    by Tom Wacaster

Unlimited Lifespans?

 Sakari Momoi made the headlines yesterday. Not because of anything he did, but because he is alive. At age 111 Momoi, who lives in Japan was declared to be the world's oldest man. How long he will hold that honor is, of course, unknown.

Note that he is the world's oldest "man". The world's oldest person is another resident of Japan, Misao Okawa, age 116. Two years ago the title of world's oldest living person belonged to a woman with ties to the area in which I live. Besse Cooper passed away on December 12, 2012 at the age of 116.

Supercentenarians (people who live past the age of 110) are a novelty. Interviews with these folks will almost always include the question, "To what do you attribute your long life?" The answers given are entertaining, if not entirely scientific.

Katie Couric today quotes David Sinclair, researcher with the Harvard Medical School, as saying, "I wouldn't begin to put a limit on the human lifespan." He has long been involved in a search for molecules that not only slow down the aging process, but can actually reverse it. He believes we will one day see people living to be 150.

I've learned to be careful with my predictions. I won't say that people will never live to be 150 years old. But I'm quite certain that living to the age of 150 is not anywhere close to having unlimited lifespans. Whether sooner or later, an end will come.

Moses' observations about aging have become famous: "The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away" (Psalm 90:10). In his day a life of seventy years was considered normal. Eighty-year- olds were occasionally seen. But everyone in his day eventually finished their course.

Lifespans may be a bit longer today than they were then, but the terminus is still a certainty. James wrote words to which most of us will quickly say "Amen": "Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14).

And then what? That's the real question, isn't it? Does our existence come to an end at death? The Bible says there is more ahead. "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). "Nothing is certain except death and taxes," we've often heard. Add one more item to that list: Judgment Day.

If death is certain, followed by judgment, shouldn't we be making preparations? That's why God gave us the Bible. Let's give it serious attention.

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 D. Hall.

Barriers To Growth

The Bible has a lot to say about growth. There are two passages from the pen of Peter that come to mind that are representative: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 3:18). "as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation" (1 Pet. 2:2). I wonder how many of you reading this article have thought to yourself, "Why can't I seem to grow? What keeps me from becoming what I want to be? Why do I seem to dwell on the lower plains instead of soaring to the mountain top?"

The shelves of book stores are literally filled to overflowing with "self help" books, "How To" manuals, and a long running series of "You-Name-It for Dummies." I came across one some time back that was titled, "Catholicism for Dummies." Really! So, what is it about all these "self-improvement" books that makes them so popular? And what is it that stands between you and your determination to be better? Unfortunately, many a person looks for the answers to growth and personal development in the fluff on the book store shelf but bypass the one book that can help them grow so as to reach their full potential. Of course I speak of the Bible. Some time back I came across this interesting tidbit regarding personal growth and development:

It's so easy to treat personal development as 'optional' and so few people ever take the time to actively improve themselves. Your personal growth and self development is arguably one of  the most important thing you can do with your time. You can even argue that to actualize your true potential is the purpose of being here. In many ways all your actions are geared towards 'self improvement'. Everything you do, you do with a positive intent. This, however is mostly unconscious and for the majority of people it's a case of pursuing 'things' and 'stuff' with the (all to common) assumption that when they get enough stuff they will be happy.

You don't have to search too far to find just how wrong this theory really is. Every day we read about 'extremely successful' people who end up in rehab or who kill themselves. Why? To return to Charles Atlas - true success is but the development of your 'self'. At no point in your life can you just stop and say 'now I am successful - I think I'll take the next 10 years off'. Unfortunately this is 'the dream' that so many people aspire to [author not provided].

Those who have studied the Bible know that the key to a lifetime of happiness lies in spiritual growth, not in the increase of the abundance of the things he might possess. They also know that life has to keep moving. If you are not growing, you are dying. We know this to be true. So why is it that so many of us, perhaps even some of you reading this article, fail to actively participate in the development of their lives? Why is it that so many simply fail to grow? May I suggest at least three barriers to growth.

Growth Barrier #1: Procrastination - One has said that "Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday" (Don Marquis). Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying, "You may delay, but time will not." Another has noted, "Procrastination is the irrational delay of tasks, especially important ones." Some of those areas in which procrastination delays, dampens, and even destroys spiritual growth have to do with Bible study, prayer, and active involvement with our fellow human being.

Growth Barrier #2: Indecision - We are not the first to note that every single action is preceded by a decision. In the final analysis, a failure to act can be traced back to the failure to make decisions. On a recent road trip I stood in line behind a middle aged couple at Arby's as they tried to decide what they wanted to order. I took the moment to go into the bathroom and wash my hands and when I came out they were still there, looking at the menu board and asking one another, "What do you want?" Thankfully, they allowed me to go ahead of them. Believe it or not, I gave my order, picked it up, and was at my table and half finished with my meal by the time they finally ordered. Someone has noted, "It doesn't matter which side of the fence you get off on sometimes. What matters most is getting off. You cannot make progress without making decisions." The ironic thing is that not making a decision is a decision. Why do so many weak Christians remain immobile because they simply cannot decide when to study the Bible? Why do so many weak Christians refuse to make a decision well in advance of Sunday morning that they are going to be at services - Bible classes AND worship? Their indecision bars them from growth and in their indecision they die on the vine of good intentions. The late Gus Nichols was once asked why he had missed only one assembly of the Lord's church is 35 years. He simply said that he had decided long ago to attend. Period.

Growth Barrier #3: Comfort Zones - Our "comfort zone" is that situation where we are, oddly enough, "comfortable." You are familiar with the situation, at ease with your surroundings. There is not all that much to challenge you; or threaten you. Many of us have become "comfortable" sitting in front of the television, limiting our circle of friends and acquaintances, and remaining silent when someone challenges our beliefs and ideas. Consequently we do not grow. Instead we stagnate; and that is just another word for "die." Oliver Wendell Holmes once said "Man's mind, once stretched to new idea never goes back to it's original dimensions." Perhaps one reason why you are not growing is because you have entered your comfort zone and you do not want to leave. I'll warn you ahead of time: once you leave your comfort zone you sacrifice your comfort for the good of others. But the reward that goes with it far outweighs any disadvantage that may come our way.

The choice is yours. Don't let these barriers to growth hinder your spiritual development. 

 

--by Tom Wacaster

Is Jesus really God?

In John 5 Jesus offered "five witnesses" for who He is: 

·         John the Baptizer (Verses 31-35)

·         The “works” done by Jesus (Verse 36)

·         The Father Himself (Verses 37-38)

·         The Scriptures (Verses 38-40)

·         And especially Moses (45-47).

I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself

 And the Lord God called unto Adam and said unto him, where art thou? (Genesis 3:9)

The first question recorded in God’s word is a very searching, provoking question. Adam had just sinned and conscious of his guilt was attempting to hide from God. Adam responds by saying, “I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. Even though I cannot give a definitive answer to this, I have often wondered why Adam thought he could hide from God. I know that he discovered very quickly that that all things are open and naked unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (Heb. 4:13). Incidentally, this is a lesson each of us should ever remember. Adam could not hide himself away where God could not find or see him nor could he evade his responsibility. He had to face God and give an account for what he had done and ever remember, so shall we (Rom. 14:12, 2 Cor. 5:10, Acts 17:31). What a sobering, soul searching thought this is for you and I to think about. We can (and often do) talk about Adam’s answer to God’s question but the most important answer is the one you and I give to this question.

At this very moment, are you with Christ or against Christ (Matt. 12:30). You must understand that there is no middle ground, no half in and half out. You are either walking in the narrow way that leads to life everlasting or in the broad way that leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13-14). To be in Christ, you must be baptized into him (Gal. 3:27). Being in Christ is preceded by hearing him, believing him, repenting, and confessing him (Mk. 16:16, Acts 2:38, Rom. 10:10-11). This will put you in the strait and narrow but you must strive to remain on that path which requires being faithful by standing fast on every command, example, or inference that God has given to us in his word (Heb. 4:14, 10:23, 2 Tim. 1:13-14, Phil. 4:1). Isn’t it amazing how firm we are on hearing, believing, repenting, confessing and being baptized but slip so much on being steadfastly committed to our faith? Take note of the following passages—Matt. 5:16, 6:33, 1 Cor. 15:58, Col. 3:1-2, 1 Tim. 4:12, 1 John 2:15-15, 2 Pet. 2:5-9. Now carefully consider what they say: Let your light…, Seek ye first…, Be ye steadfast…, Be an example…, Love not…., Add to… Every one of these is a personal duty enjoined upon you and I by God in order to remain faithful. Being faithful will require that you hold on to your faith for dear life and never for any reason let go of it (Heb. 2:1-3, 4:1, 12:1-2). It will not be easy (1 Pet. 5:8) but it can be done (James 4:6-10).

 I can think of nothing that would be more dire, desolate or heart rendering than to be in this world without Christ, without God, and then to leave this world without hope (Eph. 2:12) Now, WHERE ARE YOU? Your eternal destiny depends on the answer you now give.

Charles Hicks

Rahab: A Jewel In The Midst Of Corruption

Following the death of Moses, the mantle of leadership fell on Joshua's shoulders. It would be his responsibility to lead Israel across the Jordan, engage the enemies of God, and conquer the land promised to Israel. Like any wise military leader, Joshua sent out spies to investigate, determine the lay of the land, and assess the strength of the enemy. "And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men as spies secretly, saying, Go, view the land, and Jericho. And they went and came into the house of a harlot whose name was Rahab, and lay there" (Joshua 2:1). The remainder of that chapter provides us with the details of this woman Rahab along with her remarkable faith in God. Two dozen verses record the story. In comparison to other giants of faith such as Abraham, Joseph, Moses and Paul, little is said of this woman. But what we have is enough to encourage and enlighten us, and then motivate us to greater faith in our Lord. So strong was her faith that the Holy Spirit saw fit to make mention of her faith; not just once, but twice. "By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, having received the spies with peace" (Heb. 11:31). "And in like manner was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?" (James 2:25). The story of Rahab has thrilled the hearts of Christians seeking to maintain faith in God in the midst of an evil generation. Who would doubt that the Israelites spoke of Rahab on numerous occasions after settling the land? The story of Rahab, the conquering of Jericho, and the victory of Israel all stand as a testimony of the value and necessity of great faith in God. Let's take a closer look.

First, consider her background. She was a prostitute. Don't try to cover that up, don't ignore it, and don't try to soften it by telling me the word means she was actually an "innkeeper." I'll trust the ASV, KJV and NKJV here. But there is more. She was part of a culture whose sin had exhausted the patience of God. She was a Canaanite, raised in a civilization whose idolatrous practices included the sacrifice of innocent children to the false god Moloch.

Second, consider her actions. No, she is not to be excused for lying. Situation ethics cannot find a foothold here. She is not commended for her lies; she is commended for her faith in God by hiding the spies. With the exception of the lie she told the king's servants, her actions speak volumes about her character. When the spies came she welcomed them into her house. That in and of itself was quite extraordinary. These men were strangers; they no doubt looked different, talked differently, and acted differently than she and those with whom she was acquainted. She also hid these two men from the authorities. There was a reason she did this, and I'll expand on that momentarily. The very fact that she hid these spies indicates that she recognized there is a higher authority to which she must answer. Finally, when the time came, she followed explicitly and immediately the instructions of those two men. "And the men said unto her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business...Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by" (Joshua 2:14, 18). No sooner had the two spies left when "she bound the scarlet line in the window" (Joshua 2:21). Finally, against all reason, when the time came for the complete fall of Jericho, she, at the command of these two men, gathered her family into the house-her father, mother, brethren-and she stayed there while all around her was collapsing.

Third, she demonstrated her faith in God. Is this not the lesson in James? "Was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?" Evidently she was not of the mind set that mental assent is sufficient for salvation.

The story of Rahab is both interesting and instructive. Without application to our life, however, the story is nothing more than that-a story. So, consider if you will, some lessons to be learned.

First, we should never discount the possibility that someone like Rahab would be good soil for the gospel. Do we prejudge someone worthy of our time and effort and conclude they are bad soil because of some external trait or practice? Raised in paganism and engaged in common prostitution, who would have ever imagined she could have faith in God? Oh, to be certain it was a crude faith, based only on what she had heard. But the spark was there that could be fanned into a mighty flame of unswerving faith in Jehovah. Let us not turn our backs on anyone whom we might be tempted to prejudge as not being worthy of the gospel.

Second, we learn that it is possible to be faithful to God even in the midst of a corrupt society. Indeed, Rahab was a jewel in the midst of corruption. With the rapid decline of morals and belief in God in our own country, we might be inclined to wring our hands in despair as we contemplate the prospects of what our children and grandchildren will face in their lifetime. My parents, their parents, and no doubt even their parents, all had a deep concern of what the next generation had to face. As the world has sunk deeper in sin, and the darkness about us seems at times to overwhelm us, we must never forget that it is possible to serve God regardless of how bad the world around us may become. We need to be reminded that this world is not our home; but we also need to be reminded that we are to let our light shine even in the midst of this darkness. Alexander Papaderos, a doctor of philosophy, worked for many years trying to bring peace between the bitterly divided countries of Europe after WWII. His motivation for doing so stems from his childhood and a very odd event which took place. "When I was a small child," he said, "during the war we were poor and lived in a remote village. One day, on the road, I found the broken pieces of a mirror. A German motorcycle had been wrecked in that place.... I kept one, the largest piece.... By scratching it on a stone, I made it round. I began to play with it as a toy and became fascinated by the fact that I could reflect light into dark places where the sun would never shine - in deep holes and crevices and dark closets. It became a game for me to get light into the most inaccessible places I could find. I kept the little mirror, and as I went about my growing up, I would take it out in idle moments and continue the challenge of the game. As I became mature, I grew to understand that this was a metaphor for what I might do with my life. I came to understand that I am not the light or the source of light. The light [or truth] is there, and it will shine in many dark places only if I reflect it." He concluded: "I am a fragment of a mirror whose whole design and shape I do not know. Nevertheless, with what I have, I can reflect light into the dark places of the world...and change some things in some people. Perhaps others may see and do likewise."

Finally, let us learn that faith in God, even in the midst of corruption, will open the door for great blessings. Rahab and her family were saved from the destruction of Jericho. But more than that, she received a blessing that she never dreamed possible. As it turns out Rahab was the great-great-grandmother of David, from whom came the Christ (Matthew 1:5). We tend to measure things by the here and now; God measures things by the there and then. Who would have ever imagined that a common harlot, with a crude faith in God, would ever play such an important role in history? Like Rahab, you and I can, through faith in God, be a jewel even in the midst of corruption.

by Tom Wacaster

84-year-old Gavin "Scotty" Falconer

A Life-Saving Encounter

"A weekend traffic stop in Kennebunk turns into a life-saving encounter," said WMTW-TV News 8 (Portland, Maine) anchor, Tracy Sabol.

84-year-old Gavin "Scotty" Falconer and his wife were driving to get some ice cream when they were stopped for speeding in a 25 MPH speed limit zone by Officer Matthew Harrington.  As Officer Harrington was writing a warning, Falconer slumped over his steering wheel lifeless - with no breathing and no pulse.  Shortly after handing over his license and registration, Falconer suffered an apparent heart attack.

Officer Harrington sprung into action.  From what his wife told him, Falconer relayed what happened: "He came running back, saw me there, yanked me out of the car, ripped my beautiful pink shirt (but that's alright; it was old anyway), and, I guess, I was gone -- no pulse, nothing.  And he started giving me CPR."  A second officer arrived on the scene with a defibrillator.  It is believed that CPR and a shock from the defibrillator brought Falconer back to life.

When he was interviewed in the hospital by WMTW news reporter Paul Merrill, Falconer had not seen Officer Harrington but was looking forward to meeting him under different circumstances.  "The first thing I would say to him is, 'Thank you.'" *

It may be that being stopped for a speeding infraction saved Falconer's life.

No one likes receiving a traffic ticket because none of us likes to be told that we've done something wrong.  But, just as in Falconer's case, being told to stop when we're committing an infraction may save our lives!

ALL of us have made many infractions against God!  "For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).  "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23); that's what earn by these "infractions" (sins). 

Being stopped and told to repent (turn from) our sins - and we heed the warning -- is the best thing that could happen to us!

The Good News (the Gospel) is that even though we have committed many infractions, God loves us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10).

God will forgive those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).

He will continue to cleanse those who continue to follow Him by "walking in the light" of His Word (1 John 1:7).

We need to hear the bad news (we have sinned and sin leads to eternal destruction, Matthew 7:13-14), so that we can hear, understand, appreciate, and accept the GOOD NEWS: Jesus came to save us from our sins!

And when we accept God's offer of salvation and eternal life through Jesus, the first thing we'll want to say is, "Thank You!"

Won't YOU turn from sin and accept God's offer on His terms?

David A. Sargent

The American Heart Association and salt

"Salt Is Salt"

Beach season is winding down. Here where I live, schools are getting back in session, and families have returned from their coastal vacations. Who doesn't enjoy a few days on the beach, savoring the taste of salt water on our lips?

Perhaps that sensation of vacations on the beach is one factor behind the surge in popularity of sea salt in food preparation. One web site noted that in 2010 alone more than 1,300 food products containing sea salt were introduced, and that several restaurants and fast food chains touted the addition of this "all natural" mineral to their lineup. There is clearly a mystique surrounding sea salt.

The American Heart Association, however, attempts to educate us on the topic of salt. Though 61% of Americans in 2011 said they believed sea salt to have less sodium than common table salt, the facts say otherwise: salt is salt. The difference is that sea salt goes through very little processing, leaving a few trace minerals. Table salt is mined and then processed, stripping most of those minerals. But sodium content is the same.

One thing most of us can agree on is that salt is desirable. Not too much, please, but when food is lacking salt we know it and we don't like it. Who would pay money for hot french fries - with no salt?!

Jesus used salt, a commonly desired mineral throughout the ages, as the basis for a vital lesson: "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men" (Matthew 5:13).

We know when food has been salted, and when it hasn't. Have you ever been to a restaurant that had no salt shakers on the tables? A doctor's order that we all fear is to be told, "Eliminate salt from your diet!" A bland diet is a serious verdict to be handed.

What constitutes the "saltiness" of Jesus' followers? In general it is living the life that Jesus modeled when He lived on earth. It was different from the norm, distinctive. He loved, forgave, helped, showed compassion. It is a flavor that few find distasteful.

Of the aforementioned list, love stands out most. Jesus taught that: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

Even the words we speak should show this influence: "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Colossians 4:6). Christ's influence in our lives will result in a "salty taste". And it's a flavor that most will appreciate.

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 D. Hall

Why good people instead of bad people seem to die

WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS DIE

We had a very dear sister, part of our church family die this past week. Everyone loved her. She seemed the picture of the perfect older Christian woman. Yet, with all of the prayers on her behalf, she still died.

When we are faced with death, especially the death of a loved one, someone dear to us, we often ask the questions, "Why did this person die?" or "Why did God not preserve their life?"

We struggle with questions that I believe are often beyond our ability to really understand, yet, God answers these questions through the prophet Isaiah for us. Listen to what God Says...

Isaiah 57:1-2, "Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die." (NLT)

Did you catch what Isaiah said here? "No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come." Have you ever thought about death in that way? That God who knows all things, God who sees the future, knew it would be better, for them to be with him than with us! Now understand, I am not saying that God Killed them or that "God Called Them Home," (which is the saying often heard). But don't we as Christians believe that our God is all powerful? Don't we believe that he could have stopped them from dying if he really wanted to? Yes, of course we do!

But can we believe also, that just possibly God knows more than we do? That his answer of "Yes" or "NO," just might be because he can see the future and really does know what is best?

Yet, after understanding this concept, it's still hard to let that one go. We grieve for their loss from our lives. That's normal, that's how it should be when one who touched your heart is separated from you. However, did you notice that Isaiah also said, "For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die."

How many of those who die are given rest from pain, sorrow, illness, disabilities and so many other things. Yes, sometimes "good people pass away and are gone before their time," it seems to us. But we are not God! We don't know everything about everything like he does.

After all, Jesus did say in Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". Maybe it's time we look at death in a different way, God's way!

 Russ Lawson

Georges Clemenceau, Prime Minister of France

Making and Erasing Nations

    The year was 1919. The season was spring. The country was France. The four most powerful men in the world, at that time, were crawling across a map spread out on the floor. Dr. Grayson commented, “It had every appearance of four boys playing some kind of a game.”

    One man was Georges Clemenceau, age 77, Prime Minister of France. Another man was David Lloyd George, the youngest at age 56. He was the Prime Minister of Great Britain. A third man was Vittorio Orlando, Prime Minister of Italy. The fourth man on his knees, playing the “game,” was the President of our own United States, Woodrow Wilson.

    With the Great War just behind them, on that occasion, these four men obliterated more national boundaries and formed new nations by their own will than had ever been drawn up at any one time. America had entered the war late but her entrance was decisive for victory for the Allies. During the ensuring conference, President Wilson commented that of all the nations present, the United States alone was considered “the only nation represented in this great conference whose motives are entirely unselfish.”

    Out of that floor “game,” came a break up of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Czechs and Slovaks were merged. Serbia and Montenegro were joined to the Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs as well as Dalmatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina to form the country of Yugoslavia. Bessarabia, Bukovina, and Transylvania were combined to form my dearly-beloved adopted country, the Kingdom of Romania.

    The Ottoman Empire was broken up and new nations built on the sands of Arabia: Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Cyprus, Iran. The world was forever changed following that “game” on the floor. This war “to end all wars” and the subsequent Covenant were intended to be the beginning of a new pacem in terris, peace on earth. We all know how that turned out as Adolf Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia eighteen years later and set off round two. That was not the end of it either as many of those countries formed in 1919 eventually were to go on to break apart.

    A work by Thomas a Kempis (said to be the second most read “Christian” text after the Bible) is Of the Imitation of Christ. In that work, a Kempis wrote: “For the resolutions of the just depend rather on the grace of God than on their own wisdom; and in Him they always put their trust, whatever they take in hand. For man proposes, but God disposes; neither is the way of man in his own hands.”

    I rehearse this bit of history for this purpose. Only God knows the boundaries and limitations of man. The great prophet, Daniel, in the heart of a world empire that no longer exists, said, “The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men” (4:17). The great apostle Paul, also in the heart of a long-deceased empire, said, “He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation” (Acts 17:26).

    Do not trust man for your peace and happiness. Do not trust the United Nations. Do not trust Washington, D. C. Do not trust Republicans. Do not trust Democrats. God alone can be trusted and when the boundaries of this great empire are one day erased, only the church of Christ will be left standing (Dan. 2:44; Matt. 16:18).

--Paul Holland

George Washing Gale Ferris, Jr., a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

All Aboard!

In 1891, the directors of the World's Columbian Exposition issued a challenge to American engineers to design a monument for the Exposition that would rival the Eiffel Tower, the centerpiece of the 1889 Paris Exposition.  The planners wanted something "original, daring and unique."

George Washing Gale Ferris, Jr., a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, bridge-builder, had an idea that he shared with the directors of the Exposition which was to be held in Chicago, Illinois, in 1893.  Ferris, who also founded G.W.G. Ferris & Co. - a firm that tested and inspected metals for railroads and bridges, wanted to build a giant steel wheel from which passengers would be able to view the entire exhibition.  The Exhibition planners feared that his design for a huge rotating wheel towering over the grounds would not be safe.

But Ferris persisted.  He was able to obtain some endorsements from several established engineers.  He also secured the backing of several local investors to cover the $400,000 cost of construction.  The committee agreed to allow Ferris to construct the wheel.

When construction was completed, the Ferris Wheel stood with a height of 264 ft.  It had 36 cars, each fitted with 40 revolving chairs and able to accommodate up to 60 people.  This gave the Wheel a total capacity of 2,160. Now it was ready for passengers.  But who would be the first to ride the monstrous rotating wheel of steel?

Ferris invited a newspaper reporter to accompany him and his wife for the inaugural ride. It was a windy July day and a stiff breeze struck the wheel with great force as it slowly began its rotation. Despite the wind, the wheel turned flawlessly. After one revolution, Ferris called for the machine to be stopped so that he, his wife, and the reporter could step out.  The evidence was in: the Ferris Wheel was safe for passengers.

The Ferris Wheel was opened to the public on June 21, 1893.  In its operation, the Wheel carried some 38,000 passengers daily and took 20 minutes (including stops) to complete two revolutions.  Passengers paid 50 cents to ride the wheel. *

Consider the following application:  In braving that one revolution on the windblown Ferris wheel, the initial occupants demonstrated genuine faith. Mr. Ferris began with the scientific knowledge that the machine would work and that it would be safe.  What motivated the reporter and Mrs. Ferris to ride the Wheel?  It must have been that they trusted in what the inventor had said.  And, they trusted him enough to put their faith into action and ride and the reporter believed the machine would work on the basis of what the inventor had said.  Perhaps Mrs. Ferris also knew that because of her husband's love for her that he would never allow her to do something that was unsafe.

God is looking for that kind of faith!  He has stated that He wants all people to be saved from sin and the destruction to which it leads (1 Timothy 2:4).  He has made provision for our salvation and demonstrated His great love for us by giving His own Son to die on the cross for our sins so that we might have forgiveness and receive the gift of eternal life (John 3:16). 

He has promised that if we will place our faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ, that He will forgive us and give us an eternal home in heaven.  He has promised that if we will continue to follow His Word faithfully, that He will continue to cleanse us from sin (1 John 1:7).

Will YOU believe what He says in His Word?  Will YOU trust that He loves you dearly?  Will YOU trust His promises? 

Will YOU trust Him enough to "get on board" and do what He says?

David A. Sargent