When we were young, many of us heard the refrain, “Excuses, excuses, excuses,” from those disappointed in us, whether a teacher, a parent, an older sibling or another person of importance in our lives. After we honestly evaluated the situation, they were right—our excuses were lame! As we reflect upon the much more important work of the Lord, many of us are still making excuses as to why we cannot do what the Lord expects. If we honestly evaluate our excuses, we will find, as with the excuses in our younger days, that they are still lame. Moses was a classic excuse maker. God told him at the burning bush, “Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10). As we look at Moses’ excuses, we find that they were basically the same as ours. We can overcome them the same way Moses should have (and eventually did)—by trusting in the Lord! I Am Not Important Moses’ first excuse was, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). In this excuse, Moses tried to convince God that he was not important enough to lead God’s people out of Egypt. After all, he was only a keeper of his father-in-law’s flock (Exodus 3:1). God answered Moses’ excuse, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to …

It happened yesterday, and it will happen again today. There will be people around you that you don’t even notice. It happens to us all. We get so busy going through our daily routines that we usually don’t pay much attention to our surroundings—especially to people. It could be the cashier at Wal-Mart, the person pumping gas across from you, the guy who works down the hall or the lonely neighbor down the street. There are people all around us who want to be noticed, but we usually don’t notice them. I wonder what it would mean for the Wal-Mart cashier if we started taking an interest in her. Would it brighten her day if we noticed her, talked with her and encouraged her? What about the guy down the hall or the neighbor down the street? Would it mean something to them if we went out of our way to let them know that we notice them, appreciate them and care for them? Would it open doors to Gospel-centered conversations? Would we learn about them so we could find ways to share the Gospel? I think so. Today, what will you do to notice more people? “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them…” (Matthew 7:12 NKJV).

Don’t we all harbor regrets in our lives? We all make mistakes. We all flounder in a world of doubts and the misdirection of poor human advice. Oh, to put our sorrows and regrets behind us and to push forward! Doing what is right in the sight of God Almighty must be our goal. As we ponder regrets, we can imagine that even the illustrious apostle Paul must have had inner regrets. Yet few men, young or old, have been so furious in persecution as was Saul of Tarsus; and the fact that he, so young, entered on the work of persecution in the manner he did. He “made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and, haling men and women,” he tore them from their homes, and “committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3)… He “punished” that is, scourged them “in every synagogue.” (Albert Barnes, Life of the Apostle Paul 30) With zeal that few men can muster, Saul of Tarsus, later the fearless, matchless apostle Paul, performed many acts against the church. How did he overcome past negative feelings and actions to finally prevail? “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul, while in the flesh, did not fully possess (apprehend) his final reward. He put his past behind. He …

In the study of situational ethics, an action is deemed right or wrong based on the conditions and situation surrounding such action. A decision is made. An action is performed. What will the verdict be? In 2 Samuel 6, David brought the Ark of the Covenant back to the people of Israel. The Ark was placed on a new cart and pulled by oxen. When the Ark came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzza, who was one of the men that was driving the cart, stretched out his hand and touched the Ark to keep it from falling. The anger of the Lord came upon Uzza, and he was struck dead by the Lord. Some people will look at this situation based on the knowledge they have and conclude that Uzza was not guilty of anything warranting death. However, before we jump to any conclusions, let us consider all of the facts. In Numbers 4, we read that special care was given to covering the items in the tabernacle, and they were not to be touched. The punishment for touching a holy item from the tabernacle was death (Numbers 4:15). We can also read in Exodus 25:12-15 that the Ark of the Covenant was to be carried on poles. The Ark was not to be carried on a cart. In Deuteronomy 10:8, we can read that the Levites were the only ones allowed to carry the Ark of the Covenant. Now, looking at this situation, we can see that numerous things …

I am busy, Lord, I know that You can see,That I am as busy as I feel that I can be;Responsibilities from here to there,It seems I am constantly running everywhere.Help me as I traverse these busy days,Help me as I travel so many ways;Keep me on the path that is good and right,Help me lay my head down in peace at night. I am busy, Lord, I know that You can see,That I am as busy as I feel that I can be;Responsibilities from here to there,It seems I am constantly running everywhere.It is not to be less busy that I pray,I want to fill each moment of every day;My prayer is to never be so busy in my life,That I forget about You, my family, or my wife.Help me to juggle every responsibility,To do my very best at whatever my task may be;But to always hold Your light before my eyes,In all of those moments, as each one flies. I am busy, Lord, I know that You can see,That I am as busy as I feel that I can be;Responsibilities from here to there,It seems I am constantly running everywhere.But for now, O Lord, if it is your holy will,Just give me strength to climb each hill,To keep my eyes focused, sharp and clear;To bear the loads of life as they appear.Till I’m not busy, Lord, as you will see,That there’s a place with You, for me,Responsibilities will have all gone away,And I will get to rest through …

One of the frustrations experienced by preachers is knowing that the Gospel has been taught, and yet, there have been no responses of obedience by the hearers. This may occur when sinners refuse to obey the Gospel of Christ or when members of the church fail to comply with the teaching of Christ to mature in the faith. There can also be puzzlement in the teacher’s heart when one family obeys and another family rejects the same teaching, while being instructed privately in their homes. The same Gospel is being taught, but it results in different responses. It is easy to become discouraged, blaming oneself for the failure to convert all the people being taught the way of salvation. We must understand and come to realize that not all who hear will believe and obey the Gospel. The hearer has a responsibility in the process of conversion. This principle is clearly taught in the Parable of the Soils presented by our Lord and recorded in Matthew 13:1-23. In the usage of the words of Isaiah, Jesus mentioned that there were those who would hear but not understand. The apostle Paul referred to this prophecy of Isaiah on various occasions in his work when the Jews would not respond to the teaching of this inspired man (Acts 28:25-29; Romans 10:16-21). While it is true that faith is produced by the hearing of the Word of God (Romans 10:17), there are times when the Gospel is heard but obedience to Christ is …

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life” (1 John 1:1 ESV). It is not uncommon for people to want to see and touch things. “Seeing is believing” we are told. Even if someone plans on purchasing something online he might go to a store and see if he can handle the product. One wants to make sure that it looks and feels right. He wants to make sure it is the right size. The same is often true for other areas of life. If you hear about some strange story, the first thing you want is either to see it yourself or to have some eyewitness whom you trust tell you what he saw. In our justice system, an eyewitness is always preferable to hearsay. In fact, hearsay is not even admitted as evidence. “I heard so and so say that he saw Bob take the cookie.” That’s different than someone saying, “I saw Bob take the cookie.” Eyewitness accounts are important and are, for the most part, seen as reliable. What we have in the opening verses of John’s letter is a clear declaration by John, the beloved disciple, that what he preached and taught came from firsthand experience; he was an eyewitness. The reason that John made this point was because there were some false teachers going around who were saying that John’s …

Have you ever noticed the various words used to describe or give value to the idea of faith in the Bible? Some folks had “little” faith, while others had “great” faith. Others had a faith that “had not been seen in all Israel,” while others had “no” faith. Some had a faith that “made them well” or “saved,” while others’ faith was bound by “doubt.” No matter what the designation is, one’s perspective about faith and the process that it is will be the determinate factor in the various designations of faith. In other words, what you bring to the process of faith will often determine the ability of your faith to grow and produce great fruit. Recently, my children and I went to Joshua Tree National Park in California. Inside the park is a place called Hidden Valley, which promises great views, unique wildlife and beautiful vegetation. It was also one of the few places in the park where one had to park his car and hike in, which makes sense. It wouldn’t rightly be “Hidden Valley” if you could drive through it. We definitely wanted to see it, but that meant we had to hike, which would not have been a problem had we not hiked four other national parts in the three previous days. As we got out of the car and looked at the trailhead and at the trail that led up, up and up through rugged and rocky terrain, the kids let out a sigh …

How many times have you been told, “One of these days I’m gonna…“ or “When I get around to it…”? I know I have done so more times than I should have. One lady in Oklahoma crocheted me a “round to-it.” In matters of everyday things, we don’t get too upset when someone tells us this. However, following the vocation I have chosen, that of a preacher of the Gospel, it is heartbreaking to hear someone who has been taught the truth, has learned that truth and even admits that he understands his condition and what God requires of him to make the statement, “One of these days…” In my forty-nine years of preaching, I have had the sad responsibility to conduct the funeral of at least seven persons who had previously told me personally, “One of these days…” This means that there are seven lost souls who need not have been lost, and this by their own admission. What a terrible, terrible waste and loss. James said, “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Do you need to obey God, and know what you need to do? Then do it!

Paul began the second epistle to Timothy by encouraging Timothy to boldly declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul encouraged Timothy by reminding Him that God had equipped him with all of the tools necessary to be an effective evangelist (2 Timothy 1:6-7). Still, in order to be a good minister, Timothy would have to be willing to endure suffering for the Gospel’s sake (2 Timothy 1:8). What should compel Timothy to endure suffering for the Gospel? What should cause Christians today to endure suffering for the Gospel? In 2 Timothy 2:9-10, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, provided a compelling argument for the Christian’s unwavering dispersion of the Gospel. First, Christians should be bold evangelists who are willing to endure suffering because God “saved us, and called us with a holy calling” (9a). God calls men to Him by the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14), and when men obey God’s call to obedience, He saves them (Romans 1:16). The calling is “holy” because God is holy and requires His people to be holy—sanctified from sin (1 Peter 1:14-16). With such a blessing bestowed upon us, about what is there to be embarrassed or timid? If a man sacrificed his life to save your physical life, would you be timid to mention his name? Would you be shy about sharing what he had done for you? It seems unlikely. God has done something much greater for us; He saved us from spiritual death! Let us boldly share the good news. Second, …

The ideal congregation appreciates the biblical work of elders, even though a congregation may presently lack qualified men to serve as elders in the body of Christ. Their many labors make them worthy of double honor (1 Timothy 5:17). They function as overseers or bishops (Acts 20:28) as they watch and protect the flock and as they exercise administrative oversight. This oversight should be received submissively by each member of the Lord’s church. They function as shepherds or pastors (1 Peter 2:25) as they care for the well-being of those under their charge. Thus a body of elders functions as a presbytery (1 Timothy 4:14) and deserves respect for their maturity and experience. Elders face challenges that are weighty and consequential. May we have the courage to stand by their side, assisting them in the challenges they face and spiritually embrace these men and their work. Let us, as men of old, lift up the arms of “Moses” so that we may change the destiny of God’s people in a positive manner. May the Lord richly bless faithful elders, and may the Lord bless us with men who will arise and be able to so serve in a qualified and effective manner.

True story. One time when I was a kid, my mom and dad took my sister and me camping and fishing on the backwaters of the Tygart Lake. When it was time to go fishing, I rigged my fishing line and decided that since it was a big lake, I was going to cast my line as far as I could. So, I put all the fishing sinkers on the end of the line that it could hold, along with my bait. Once I did this, I was ready to cast and to catch that elusive, giant fish in this large lake. As I cast my fishing pole, the line kept going, going and going up into the air. About that time my sister said, “Hey Mark, that is pretty cool, how did you do that?” I said, “Do what?” She said, “How did you put all those spirals in your fishing line?” I replied, “I didn’t put any spirals in my line.” Then it was at that moment I realized my fishing line was so weighted with sinkers that it took all the line off my reel and the knot that I had tied was not tied tightly enough. This allowed my hook, bait, sinkers and line to go flying out in to the lake—lost and never to be seen again. Needless to say, the fishing for that day was over. I learned a very valuable lesson that day; when using a knot, one must make sure the knot …

The apostle Paul is well-known for his rejoicing in sufferings. From Roman imprisonment, he wrote to a place where he had been previously imprisoned and beaten, Philippi. He told those “beloved and longed-for brethren” (4:1) to “rejoice in the Lord always” (4:4). He spoke in some detail of his rejoicing and contentment in any situation (4:10-13). We rightly admire his brave outlook in the face of dire circumstances. Yet, he called the whole of the situation his “distress” (4:14). Then, also, there is a verse back in Chapter 3 that gives this author pause. In the midst of an encouragement to walk rightly and seek heavenly things, Paul acknowledged that some have not done so. He said, “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ” (3:18). Did you catch that? As Paul was writing the inspired letter that we know for his rejoicing, he was, at some point weeping. The letter arguably best-remembered for its focus on Christian joy may well have been tear-stained. It would serve our psyches well to remember that Paul’s joy was not an external giddiness and frivolity, but it was an inner confidence that he was doing the right thing, even in the face of many heartbreaks. There is a hint of more heartbreak in some of Paul’s final words. “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged …

The 911 system is a work of art. Dial three simple numbers and a call comes into a center full of dispatchers, unknown to the caller. The dispatcher has a readout on a computer screen with number, address and name of occupant. Often, the caller is hysterical and can only scream into the phone, or too sick to make any sound at all. That is of no consequence to the dispatcher’s ability to do his job; police, fire and rescue are sent to the location simultaneously. The ability of the caller to make his condition known is inconsequential to the 911 center, the source of rescue for the one making the plea for help. In Romans 8:26 we find, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Prayer is our 911; we can call for help. God is the dispatcher, and His Spirit understands what we need. We may not be able to say it for our spiritual despondency or our inability to understand the problem. Yet, when we make the call, God understands the situation and works to rescue us. God is the Christian’s 911 system, and our rescue lies just a call away.

The word “better” means, “stronger, nobler and best.” Paul said, “…having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better…” (Philippians 1:23). Though it will take more than desire to get to Heaven, a desire is certainly the starting point. Let’s gain more and more knowledge of what Heaven will be like, increasing our desire to go there. As our desire for Heaven grows, we will see it as did the writer of Hebrews—“a better country” (Hebrews 11:16). Let’s see why Heaven is “better” by far. In Heaven, there will be a better multitude (Revelation 7:9-10). Richard Baxter said, “My knowledge of that life is small, the eye of faith is dim, but it’s enough that Christ knows all, and I shall be with him.” Heaven will contain a wonderful multitude (Hebrews 12:22-24). In Heaven, there will be a better mansion (John 14:1-3). If I find in myself a desire that no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. This world is not our home. Paul said, “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). Solomon said, “Man goeth to his long home” (Ecclesiastes 12:5). In Heaven, there will be a better mortality (1 Corinthians 15:53-58). One day our mortal will put on immortality and corruptible will put on incorruption. You’ve heard the old adage that says, “All good things must come to an end.” Well, Heaven will be the exception to that; it will have no end. In Heaven, there will be better …

There is no doubt that some women in the Lord’s church could serve and do a much better job in the eldership and pulpit than some of the men now occupying those positions! However, it is not a question of talent and ability; it is a question of authority. We have in our midst today some feminists who have been caught up with movements in denominationalism, thinking that leadership roles in the church of Christ are for them. They seemingly have overlooked the central question concerning their desires. Does the Bible teach that women can serve as elders and preachers in the New Testament church? The answer is no it does not (1 Timothy 2:11-12). Those who reject Bible teaching on this or any other scriptural matter hold to a doctrine of doubt, a creed of compromise and brotherhood politics! It is indeed sad when some preachers and elders among us today are afraid to teach the truth on this pressing issue for the fear of raising the scorn of a few feminists in the church (2 Timothy 4:1-5). In 1 Timothy 2:12, Paul discussed the question of women’s teaching. He said, “But I suffer [permit] not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” Over the man modifies both infinitives, to teach and to usurp. She cannot teach over the man; she cannot usurp authority over the man. Let me illustrate the point this way. A policeman is placed at a bridge needing repair. He informs a motorist, “I do not allow …

The cap of the doctrinal section of the Book of Romans ends Chapter 11. Through Romans, the apostle Paul argued that the Gentiles of old were in sin by their amoral Godlessness (Chapter 1), the Jews were in sin by their hypocrisy (Chapter 2), and that, therefore, all were in sin (Chapter 3). He set forth that the only hope comes in Christ through faith, as opposed to the nailed-to-the-cross works of the law (cf. Colossians 2:14). This message begins in Chapter 3 and runs through Chapter 4. He pointed out, quite cleverly, that even revered Abraham was not justified by the works of the Law, since he obeyed God before the Law, and even before the covenant of circumcision (Chapter 4). Therefore, faith (obedient faith) saved Abraham, not the works of the Law. Likewise, “obedience to the faith” (Romans 1:5; 16:26) is what provides justification and reconciliation in the era of Christ (Chapter 5). In Chapter 6, the difference between the sinful lifestyle and the new life in Christ is elucidated. Chapter 7 tells of the codification of the Old Law and how it brought about guilt (by people’s disobedience), sin and death. Chapter 8, then, is refreshing, as opposed to that hopeless view: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” (8:1). Some twist this verse into a once-saved, always-saved doctrine. In context, it is rather a statement of hope once one puts himself in the right place—in Christ rather than under a “law of …

Many biblical passages warn us to be careful in the paths we choose to walk. There are many Satanic-placed traps. Yet, Solomon in Ecclesiastes 5:1 warned each to guard his steps “when you go to the house of God.” When we come to worship, we’d better give careful consideration and make sure we know what we are doing. When dealing with worship, we need to do the following: First, we come to listen. Worship is our opportunity to listen to the voice of God. Thus, we need to “keep silent before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20). James reminds us that we need to be “quick to hear and slow to speak” in regard to God’s word (James 1:19). It is a fact that the one talking is not the one learning. Second, we must be aware lest we offer the sacrifice of fools. What are these kind of sacrifices? (1) When we make promises we do not keep. Solomon warned about making hasty vows that were not well thought out. We ask God to do things all the time in the songs we sing and the prayers we pray. Have we really thought about the words of those songs and prayers? (2) When we say things we do not mean or are not true. When God challenges our words we don’t want to say “they were a mistake” (v. 6). So, when we sing, “Have Thine own way, Lord,” are we truly living like we belong to Him? (3) When we do not offer …

During the Gulf war we heard of several occasions where several men from our armed forces were killed by “friendly fire.” This to many of us seems even worse than being killed by enemy fire, but of course the ultimate end is the same—they are dead. As I thought about that, the realization came to me that it has a tragic application in the Lord’s church. We are all supposed to be on the same side, fighting the enemy, but many times it seems that we are killed or wounded by what might be termed “friendly fire” inasmuch as it comes from those who are supposed to be in the same army. As in the case of the armed forces, it does not seem too friendly, and the consequences may be the same as, or in some cases worse than, if it had been the enemy fire. For example, a person speaks or writes something about the teaching of the Bible with which I disagree, or think I disagree. Instead of first finding out if I understood his meaning properly, or if it was merely a matter of misusing the English language, I write him up as a false teacher and advocate withdrawal of fellowship from him. I do it under the guise of “contending for the faith once delivered to the saints,” and slashing around with the sword of the Spirit, I bring division, heartache and confusion to the Lord’s family. A specific example of this in a minor …

At some time, we’ve all witnessed a baby taking his or her first steps. Is there anything more dismaying than to see the face of that “toddler-to-be” trying to take that first step? I say “tries to” because most often the first attempt at that first step is not successful. Oftentimes, it ends with a verbal reaction which lets everyone know that it didn’t work out. Yet, the victory comes when with repeated trials the infant is able to take that first step and stay upright, though sometimes only for a moment. However, that’s usually enough to encourage the infant to try again. Likewise, just as there is often a verbal response of crying to the failure of the first attempt to walk, when the very first step is successful, the infant giggles or has a happy smile. It’s a confidence builder! How like Christianity that is. When a person accepts Christ as Lord of his or her life, he or she might soon stumble and fall. Just as other successful ventures in our lives, Christianity has to be accepted and learned, and with the learning comes better obedience, comparable to the walking infant’s better success. Neither the infant who wants to walk nor the person who desires to practice Christianity will succeed instantly. In both cases, the one involved must be active in acquiring the desired result. Just because the infant falls doesn’t mean that he will stay down. He’ll get up and try again and again until he …

A bit out of the ordinary, but even in modern times, it can still happen. A shepherd in Spain fell asleep, and his flock of sheep numbering 1,300 decided to see the sites of the city Huesca without him. The large flock was running around, trying to navigate the streets, causing a huge commotion. The shepherd was supposed to be guiding the sheep past the city to the nearby hills where the animals could graze during the warm summer months. Police found the herder—who was still dozing—and with his help were able to move the sheep away from the city. The video that accompanied the story was somewhat amusing as the sheep stayed together, but they wandered in a circular fashion around the town’s traffic circle, all the while the bells around their necks were ringing. They obviously had no clue as to where they were, where they were going or where they needed to be. It reminded me of Peter’s statement in 1 Peter 2:25 of how we are like sheep continually straying. On our own, we may like to think we are competent to make our own decisions and navigate life as we think best, but how often does God look on us and see sheep wandering aimlessly, headed in the wrong direction, unable to figure out where to be? Through the prophet Isaiah, who spoke of the coming Christ, He said, “We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the …

Peter wrote to Christians scattered abroad urging them to live godly lives despite the persecution they were enduring. They were to be aided in this through the work of men selected to serve in the various churches as shepherds watching out for the flock. He said: The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. (1 Peter 5:1-4) The writer to the Hebrews seemed to be speaking in regard to the same group of men when he instructed, “Remember those who rule over you who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct” (13:7). A few verses later, he also stated, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (13:17). The combination of these verses makes it clear that shepherds lead (the real meaning of the word “rule”) by example. …