The Importance of Creation

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. (Genesis 1:1-5 NKJV) With these words, the greatest of all books begins. These words are the foundation upon which everything else in the book is based. If these words are true, then everything else stands on its foundation. If these words are false, then nothing else said in the book matters because it begins with a lie. There are many today who want to claim the opening sections of Genesis are nothing more than legend, bearing no more sense of reality than any other origin story out there. Many, even while stating that they believe in God, will argue that these opening chapters aren’t all that important, can’t be trusted, and what we should really focus on is Jesus. However, what they don’t understand is without this account, the rest of the Bible falls apart. Without the creation, there is no Creator of all things to come and save us from our sins (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17). Without the creation, it is Jesus, not Satan who was …

When I Made the Mistake

“I just tell it like it is” I would oft say with pride,When others around me started to slide.I was always the first to level the blameAnd lay before others the story of shame. I remember the time where a fellow servant of mineAt a time of great stress, in anger crossed the line.I told everyone the flaws he had shown,How he could not be trusted for his stack he had blown. Then there was the time where a new sister slipped,Committing a sin as over a stumbling block she tripped.It was not that she did not love her God,But only through ignorance that path she had trod. But I with great bombast proclaimed before allThe shame and indiscretion that brought forth her fall.I brought her to shame before all that did countAnd showed her we all knew she would give account. However, the day came when it was my turn.I made the mistake and I knew it would burn.I knew how others would respond to my plight,Because I had done the same and it left me in fright. I never would have thought to receive the reactionThat my brothers and sisters returned for my actions.Instead of returning my own spite to me,With love and compassion they set me free. Their reaction to me caused more shame than the error,For I had so often rebuked them with furor.When I made the mistake I forevermore foundThat life is incomplete until mercy and truth abound. Let us always remember the values of …

What Would Nehemiah Say about Us?

The Book of Nehemiah is one of my personal favorites in the Old Testament. It is the inspired diary of the man who oversaw the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem after the return from captivity. The rebuilding of the wall was a feat not often seen because of the ways and means by which it was accomplished. People from all walks of life were working on the project. In Chapter 3 there is an extensive list of the builders of the wall. They were rulers and common men, priests and craftsmen, people of Jerusalem and families from the outlying towns and villages, men and women. All came together to work on this great project, and the whole wall was built in a mere 52 days because the people had a mind to work (Nehemiah 4:6; 6:15). However, within that list of workers in Nehemiah 3 there is one very interesting statement made by the author. He recorded in verse 5, “And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.” Of all the people in the region, and of all of those listed as physically assisting with this project, the Tekoite nobles are the only ones stated to have refused the work of building the wall. The reasons for their actions could be many, but the excuses are not enumerated in the text. What is important is that when the time came for the work to be done, they …

Is “Jesus Loves Me” a Song for Children?

The song titling this article, written by Anna Warner in 1860, has been a favorite of children for generations. Because of the beauty of its tune and the ease of its words, it has often been the first song learned by a child. Unfortunately, there is a problem with the perception of this song. The song itself is wonderful, and its message to children is precious. It is with adult responses to the song where the problem lies. I have heard song leaders get up to lead this song and make the disclaimer that they are going to “sing one for the kids,” as though for an adult to sing the song would be somehow silly or beneath one. I have seen adults who will belt out the words to their favorite songs but barely open their mouths when this song is sung, apparently embarrassed to be seen singing a “kids song” in public. Such attitudes and approaches show a terrible lack of understanding of both the song and the purpose of singing. This beautiful song is a wonderful tool to teach children about the love of Christ, but this is not a song for children only. Though the words are simple, the concepts of this song are deep and should be loved and bring joy to the faces of all who sing them. Consider the words of this song as they are found in our songbook, Church Gospel Songs and Hymns. Note the depth of emphasis the words present for the …

Jotham’s Fable

Within the confines of Judges 9 is one of the most imaginative fables told by man. It reminds one of Aesop’s Fables in its vivid depictions and moral lessons. It is a wonderful example of the diversity of the Scriptures and their ability to connect with man on many different levels and through many different styles. It is the fable of Jotham, but before considering the fable, understand the background of it. Abimelech, the son of the great judge Gideon, sought to be the King of Shechem. When approached with the possibility, the men of Shechem were more than willing to provide him with the arrogantly desired crown (Judges 9:3-4). To secure his throne, Abimelech went and killed all 70 of his brothers, with the exception of Jotham who hid during the slaughter (vs. 5). When Abimelech formally became king, Jotham went to Mount Gerizim on the outskirts of Shechem and cried out to the men of Shechem: Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you. The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us. But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us. But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and …

Disciples Like Jason

When reading the Book of Acts, there are many names that are well known from Paul’s journeys. Men such as Paul, Silas, Barnabas, Timothy, Apollos and others are easily recognized and their exploits remembered. However, there are also a number of disciples whose lives are not as elaborately detailed in Scripture, but they serve just as much a lesson to us today. Tucked away in a few verses of Acts 17 is the mention of one such disciple by the name of Jason. We know nothing about this man’s background, occupation or personal connection with any of the apostles. He is not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture other than a possible mention by Paul in Romans 16:21. Yet in a few short verses of Acts 17, his actions have a lasting impact and bear an eternal reminder of the type of disciples God needs. Consider the text about this disciple. But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. And …

Reacting to Restorations

We have seen it happen many times. The invitation song is sung and during that last verse, a struggling or wayward Christian comes forward. In some instances it is because of sins he or she has committed for which that one is ashamed and repentant; other times, it is that Christians have been out of duty for a period of time, doing nothing to serve the Lord, and they want to rededicate their lives to God and His service. How do we react to those individuals? You see, when it comes to an individual obeying the Gospel and being immersed in water, the response is unanimous – there is joy and happiness and thanksgiving. Unfortunately, sometimes the reaction is not the same when an individual comes forward seeking forgiveness and restoration. Sometimes it is because there have been problems and sins committed within the congregation and among individuals, and injured feelings are still present. Sometimes there is the feeling of judgment as to the sincerity of the individual who is seeking restoration; are they serious, or will this be occurring again in a few weeks or months? So people go up, shake their hand or give them a quick hug, exchange some pleasantries and that is the end of it. Brethren, such a response ignores the tenor of Scripture as to the magnitude of what occurs when one seeks restoration to God. Consider the Scriptures. James wrote, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert …

What about My Rights?

American society has become obsessed with the idea of “rights.” Everybody is always talking about his or her right to this or that. We hear of everything from human rights to animal rights, the right to health care to the right to broadband Internet access. We talk about our “rights” in such broad terms that most people do not even know what the word means anymore, much less the far greater underlying admission of such a declaration. Consider the meaning of the word “right.” If you were to look in a recent edition of Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, you would find 62 different definitions for the word. Some of them are old definitions not commonly used today; some are specific to certain fields of study or practice. However, in our discussion, the 20th of these definitions is the pertinent one; there the term is defined as, “that which is due to anyone by just claim, legal guarantees, moral principles, etc.” The definition continues with the example of freedom of speech in America being a right. A right is something that is due someone, something they are owed for any number of reasons. When most people talk about a right, they mean that they are owed or deserve whatever is under discussion because of whom and what they are. However, have you ever considered the declaration that is being made with such an argument? On one hand, we are being taught and force-fed the idea that there is no God, and that we …

Why Do We Serve God?

This morning, my two oldest sons (ages 5 and 3) began having a tiff. It had not yet translated into a full-blown war, and I wanted to squelch it while it was still in its primary stages. My boys love the computer and are enamored with every facet of it. So on top of the rebuke they received was a warning that if this back and forth continued there would be no computer privileges offered today. Though that warning seemed to sink in rather quickly, what happened a short time later set another thought whirling into my mind. A little while after my rebuke, I was preparing to leave for the office. As I left, I admonished my sons to be good and helpful for their mother today (as I do almost every morning), and then my oldest son piped up with a statement akin to, “Because otherwise we will not get any computer time today.” That statement stopped me in my tracks. I sat down for a few moments and spoke to my boys about the reasons we do things. I do not want my boys to be good so they can have privileges; I want my sons to do what is right because it is the right thing to do, because they love their mother and because they love God – regardless of whether any reward comes of it. As I was talking to my sons about this, the impact of my statements was drawing my mind into …

A Most Misapplied “Word”

All of my life I have heard preachers proclaim lessons about the value of the Scriptures and point to Hebrews 4:12 as a proof text. Most people familiar with the New Testament are at least vaguely familiar with this verse as the writer proclaims, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” We have often heard lessons revealing what the writer meant when writing these things about the Scriptures and how they impact us. However, the more I have read and studied this passage, the more I am convinced we have been misapplying the emphasis of the passage and the one to whom it really relates. Let us make a deeper examination of the text, and I believe you may come to a different conclusion than we have generally heard. Consider the Context The context for the statement in Hebrews 4:12 goes all the way back to Chapter 3:1-3. There the writer proclaims, “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.” The …

Have You Been Transfigured?

The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Rome: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). The word in this text translated “transformed” comes from the Greek word metamorphoo (from which we get the word “metamorphosis”). It means “to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure” (Thayer). The import of the use of the word in this context is quite interesting. As Christians, we are to be those who are not conformed to or cut out of the pattern of the world. We have come out of the world through obedience to the Gospel; consequently, our lives are to be transfigured into something else. Certainly the greatest example of transfiguration was given by the Lord Himself. This same word is used in Matthew 17 and Mark 9 concerning Jesus’ transfiguration before Peter, James and John. As one notices that account, it is evident that Jesus did not just appear to be different, but He was actually changed during this event. The same is expected of our transfiguration; it is not to simply be a supposed transformation, but an actual one. Additionally, this metamorphosis has an originating point—the mind. Paul taught that one becomes transfigured “by the renewing of your mind.” The word “renewing” comes from the Greek word anakainosis, which means “to renovate.” As Christians, the first thing that must change is our mindset. When …

What Matthew 19 Teaches about Marriage

When Matthew 19 is referenced, it is almost always with regard to verse nine, and it is generally regarding the subject of divorce and remarriage. However, in all of our discussions on this very important context, we often overlook the most important aspect of the first nine verses of the chapter, what Jesus says about marriage itself. I honestly believe that if men understood and enacted Jesus’ teachings on marriage in Matthew 19, the questions about the acceptability in areas of divorce and remarriage would largely die away because marriages would be as God intended. Consider what this great passage imparts concerning marriage. Marriage is between a man and a woman (vs. 4-5). It is deeply troubling that this conversation even has to take place in our society today, for in generations past any other notion would have been proclaimed ludicrous, and rightfully so. However, in today’s society where down is up, up is down, and truth non-existent, the question regarding for whom marriage is intended is at a fever pitch. However, the answer from Scripture is immediate and unwavering. Jesus stated, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:4b-6). God created man and …

The Mythical God

Americans live in a society that overwhelmingly believes in the existence of God (over 80% according to numerous polls); nevertheless, there is constant bemoaning of those who do not believe in God. Questions are asked wondering how someone can believe such a thing, why will they not view the facts and come to a logical conclusion, etcetera. However, there is another question that is just as important, but is rarely ever asked: “Which is worse, not believing in God, or believing in a mythical God?” The word “myth” is defined as an idealized conception, a false belief or something that is fictitious. In other words, a mythical God is one that does not exist. There may be some things about this God that are based in reality, but the central core of what is believed about him is simply a work of fiction. Friends, it is just as bad, wrong and dangerous to believe in a mythical God as it is to believe in no God at all; yet, much of the religious world does exactly that. Consider some of the things people believe about the mythical god. The mythical god will save everyone… well, almost everyone. Those who believe in such doctrines as “faith only,” “grace only” and “once saved, always saved” have a hard time reconciling many of their teachings with Scripture. Their God is all-inclusive, as long as you believe in him. Once you have believed in him and been saved, there is nothing you can do to …

The Parable of the Siblings

There once were two siblings: a brother and sister. The brother was older and more knowledgeable than the sister. The sister was pretty, but not flawlessly so. She had a birthmark underneath her chin, a mole beside one ear and hair that always looked messy no matter what she tried to do with it. Yet, she had a beautiful heart and worked very hard at being the best she could be. Nevertheless, the brother was merciless toward his sister. He constantly told others, both family and strangers, about her flaws and shortcomings. She wasn’t really as pretty as people thought, according to him, for she was far too flawed for anyone to be truly pleased. The derogatory statements began as whispers behind her back, but soon they became constant statements that were before the sister on a daily basis. She tried to make changes, to cover the blemishes with makeup, to keep the hair as others thought it should be and to appear less “ugly.” However, no matter what she did, the brother never changed his opinion of her. She was always going to be his ugly sister, and he was not afraid to let anyone know the truth about her. Finally one day, after a great deal of time taking the berating words from her brother, the sister decided she could not take it anymore. One night she ran away from home, leaving a note stating that she could not take the brother’s criticism any longer. While she was …

When God Loses a Child

I have six children – three that I am blessed to be able to hold today, two that were lost in the womb, and one I look forward to holding in November. I have experienced some of the joys and sorrows of being a parent, and I am sure I will experience many more as the years pass. This morning, it was through watery eyes that I read of a family who lost their infant child last night because of health complications with his heart. The sorrow and pain they are enduring cannot be described nor explained with mere words, but at the same time, there is also hope in the opportunity in eternity to see that child again. As I was contemplating these things this morning, another thought entered the mix. We are made in the image of God. Mankind was created with a soul, with cognitive abilities and emotional spectrums similar to our Creator. He has given us reason and logic, love, anger, compassion, desire and many other processes that are similar in nature to His own. That being the case, I believe we often overlook the means by which we can see how God feels when He loses a child. When we lose a child, someone we created, someone we loved and cherished, for whom we sought to provide and care, who we would give anything to protect, even if it meant our own lives, what does it do to us? It causes grief and agony, sorrow …

Do We Bless God?

It does not take a deep expedition into the pages of Scripture to find the promises of God’s blessings for obedience. Whether one is considering the life of Abraham, the promises to David or the writings of Paul, the blessings of God are a consistent theme of the Bible. God blesses man in many ways, both physically and spiritually. His concern for our lives and welfare is amply demonstrated in every aspect of the commands that are given, so that we might live long, peaceable lives in his service (1 Timothy 2:2; Ephesians 6:3). Recognizing the blessings of God, there is a question that should follow in our minds: Do we bless God? The word “bless” is defined by Webster as, “To make happy; to make successful; to prosper in temporal concerns; to set apart or consecrate to holy purposes; to make and pronounce holy; to praise; to glorify, for benefits received; etc.” In other words, to bless one means to give praise, to make happy and successful, and to separate from others. As Christians, we give great attention to the blessings God has given us, but are we giving equal attention to the blessings we give God? Abraham is described as the friend of God (James 2:23), David as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), and others are related in Hebrews 11. These men and women blessed God by their lives and deeds; they served Him acceptably, devoted their lives to His commandments and willingly engaged in …

Are You a Practical Atheist?

Recent polls have shown that over 85% of Americans believe God exists. Many consider that to be proof the majority of Americans are godly and righteous people. However, it does not take much observation and consideration of American life and culture to recognize that many people in this country believe in the existence of God, but they live their lives as practical atheists. What is a practical atheist? The term “atheist” is one who is “against theism” (i.e., he or she does not believe in Deity). The term “practical” has a number of meanings, among them: “practicing, suitable for everyday use, virtual.” Therefore, a practical atheist is one who verbally promotes the existence of God, but practices an everyday lifestyle that denies the admission. Consider some ways one can be a practical atheist. Practical Atheists are Unconcerned with God’s Word If one were to believe that a Supreme Being created all things and is responsible for my very existence, and that He has taken the time to communicate to me information about who He is and what He expects, one would be considered wise and prudent to take the time to read and understand what has been given. Yet, most people do not have even a primitive understanding of the Bible. Their admission of belief in God is worthless because they do not know why they believe in Him, what He has commanded them to do or what He has said to mankind. There are many atheists who know more facts …

He Said, “I Want To Die”

Recently my oldest son (who is four-years-old) came into the room and told my wife, “I want to die so that I can see Jesus and God.” My son does not have a debilitating illness, he is not in any pain, he is perfectly healthy and (God willing) has many years to grow to be the man God would have him to be. However, in many ways his childhood innocence should be a heartfelt lesson to us all. He does not fear death, nor is he worried about what death would bring. He sees it as another adventure, an opportunity to get to see the ones he hears and studies about every day of his life. To some, such an idea may be strange. Yet, to the Christian, such an attitude should be understood and appreciated. It is very much the attitude that the apostle Paul had when he wrote, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is needful for you. And having that confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith” (Philippians 1:23-25). Paul wanted to die so that he could be with Christ, at the same time he knew he still had work to do here before that could happen. There is a beautiful revelation in the statement, “I want to die,” when the reasons for …

What Does the Bible Say about Truth?

There are many in the world around us that do not believe there is anything called “absolute truth,” but the Bible emphatically states that such does exist. Jesus stated, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). He also stated that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). Additionally, the Bible teaches that we must know the truth and we can all see it the same way. Paul teaches that we should be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). The only way we can know the truth of God’s Word is through study of it (2 Timothy 2:15). It cannot be obtained by creeds or traditions of men. Do you know the truth?

Think on These Things

As Paul concluded the letter to the Philippians, he exhorted them to “Rejoice in the Lord alway” (Philippians 4:4). In order to do that, an individual must first set his mind to have the proper outlook, allowing one to rejoice in any situation. Because of that, Paul gave these brethren a list of things they needed to think on (Philippians 4:8). The word translated “think” comes from a word that means “to reckon, weigh the reasons, deliberate” (Thayer). Therefore, Paul called upon the Philippians to reckon on and weigh the following things. Whatsoever Things Are True These are things that are proven to be true. They are not assumptions, suppositions or wishes; instead, they are facts based upon evidence. More problems and sins have entered the body of Christ because people have stopped contemplating truth and instead followed their own suppositions than from any other cause. If we are to continue to be able to rejoice in the Lord, we must continue to think on truth. Whatsoever Things Are Honest Literally, Paul was emphasizing the need to think on the things that are honorable. There are people who seem to spend all of their time focusing on people and actions that are disreputable instead of those things that are honorable. We should not be concerned with all the celebrity gossip and worrying about all the bad things that others are doing, but instead we should focus on those things that are right and honorable in the sight of God. Whatsoever Things Are …

What Does the Bible Say about Mercy?

Mercy is defined by Webster as: “That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves… It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders.” Mercy is not a common attribute to be found in the world, nor is it as common as it should be in the church. An individual’s general inclination is to repay a wrong by making sure the offender gets “what he deserves.” Yet, the child of God is required to be a merciful individual. Solomon wrote, “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart” (Proverbs 3:3). The attribute of mercy is one that is required by God if one is to be found faithful. The importance of mercy is further emphasized by Jesus when He stated, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). In order for us to obtain the forgiveness of God, we must be willing to show mercy (the attribute that leads to forgiveness) in our own lives. Jesus illustrated this with the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant in Matthew 18:23-35. He concluded that parable by stating: “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses” (vs. 35). May we understand and implement the attribute of mercy in our lives, enabling us to present …

Thank God for Believers

A short time ago, my son Daniel said his own prayer for the first time. It was of his own volition as he asked his mother at bedtime if he could say his own. In that prayer he thanked God for all the things little children do (and big adults should). He thanked God for everyone from Mommy to Grandpa to baby brother and the dog. However, the point that got Shea tickled and me thinking was when he thanked God for Jonah, David and Daniel. These are the men he has been studying in Bible class both on Sunday and Wednesday. It was, as it is often said, “out of the mouths of babes” that an important question came to mind. My question is this: “How often do we thank God for the believers of the past?” God could have very easily given a list of commands and requirements a mile long and left it at that. Yet, He chose not to do so. Instead, He gave us a series of examples, both right and wrong, good and evil, of how others throughout history have dealt with various situations and commands of God. He then, through the apostle Paul, relayed to us the reason for this. Paul states, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). We have numerous examples that show us the quality of life God makes available to man, …

The Role of Submission in Righteousness

We live in a culture that devalues, on a daily basis, the idea of submission. The word “submit” is defined as, “to give over or yield to the power or authority of another” (Webster). The humanistic mentality of “do whatever feels good to you” has so integrated itself into our society that submission is now considered a bad word in many ideological circles. This has been especially true within the realm of American “religion.” The approach of most of the religious community is to find something one likes, regardless of what is taught or practiced, and stay there until in the mood for something else. There is no hint of a necessity to submit to anyone or anything; it is completely self-serving. However, the Bible paints a very different picture of the attributes our attitude must incorporate to be pleasing to God. There is an emphasis placed in Scripture upon the need for one to be willing to submit before he or she can be acceptable to God. Consider the words of Paul when he wrote to the Romans: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:1-3). Paul indicated that the people of Israel as a whole had not …

What Does the Bible Say about Mercy?

Mercy is defined by Webster as: “That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves… It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders.” Mercy is not a common attribute to be found in the world, nor is it as common as it should be in the church. An individual’s general inclination is to repay a wrong by making sure the offender gets “what he deserves.” Yet, the child of God is required to be a merciful individual. Solomon wrote, “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart” (Proverbs 3:3). The attribute of mercy is one that is required by God if one is to be found faithful. The importance of mercy is further emphasized by Jesus when He stated, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). In order for us to obtain the forgiveness of God, we must be willing to show mercy (the attribute that leads to forgiveness) in our own lives. Jesus illustrated this with the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant in Matthew 18:23-35. He concluded that parable by stating: “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses” (vs. 35). May we understand and implement the attribute of mercy in our lives, enabling us to present …

Does God Answer Prayers?

Living in Mississippi, everyone knows that once the summer months come, rain gets harder to come by. This year, we have had a particularly dry end of spring and early summer, with very little rain in our corner of Mississippi during that stretch. It has been highly bemoaned by many people that the lack of rain is starting to ruin the crops because the farmers and gardeners cannot keep enough water in the soil. Our garden was no exception. My sons have been helping in the garden every day this spring. This week, my four year old began praying with every prayer that God would send rain for our garden. Mind you, this is with a weather forecast that had no real chance of rain coming for the next week and a half. Yet, undeterred, my son continued to pray for rain at every meal, every prayer before bed and every other occasion he thought of it during the day. By the middle of the week, something happened. One day when there was to be no rain, suddenly we had a thirty percent chance, then fifty, then eighty. That night we had some thunderstorms roll through and give us a nice dousing rain for about an hour. Last night, we received the same thing. This morning, as I wrote this, the thunder was rolling and the rain was about to begin again. My son has also not ceased to thank God for the rain in every prayer since it began. …

What Does the Bible Say about Selfishness?

I once knew someone who often made the statement, “Sometimes you just have to be selfish.” We live in a country that encourages and glorifies selfishness in every aspect of life. Often, people feel that they have an obligation to look out for themselves first and everyone else if they feel like it. However, God has a very different view of selfishness. If we desire to be acceptable to him, we must instead be selfless. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Paul admonished: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). We need to be those who love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). That does not mean that we never take a thought or care for ourselves, but that we care about others just as much as we do ourselves.

What Does the Bible Say about Division?

People look at the religious world, see all of the division, and wonder why it exists. If we all worship the same God and claim to follow the same book, why are there so many different groups? Paul said there were to “be no divisions among you [the people of God],” but Christians are to be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). The reason there is so much division is because many have stopped allowing the Bible to do the talking and have turned to their own ideas and philosophies. Should there be all of these divisions? No. But there also cannot be unity without a unity of beliefs. Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” The answer, of course, is “No.” God does not desire division, and we should not either, but the only way to dissolve division is to use God’s Word, and it alone, as the standard.

In the Beginning

There are two books of the Bible that begin with this particular phrase, “In the beginning.” The very first words laid out in Scripture bear these words: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). In the New Testament, John begins his epistle, by inspiration, with these words: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Both of these books introduce themselves by going back to the beginning. Yet, they both deal with very different facets of that beginning. When you put these two statements concerning the beginning of time together, they lead to a beautiful conclusion of the might and majesty of the creation. John, in his writing, deals with the spiritual presence at the beginning of time. Unlike many in the modern world would have us to believe, there was “someone” or “something” present in the beginning. It was not simply an accidental “big bang,” but there was an intentional cause behind it. John wrote that the Word both “was with God,” and “was God.” This statement shows emphatically that there were multiple persons, but one being, present at the Creation: God. John continues by stating: “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3). John shows, in the first fourteen verses of the book, Who was responsible for the creation. It was the one Who was, “made flesh and dwelt among us” (John …

A Spiritual Cup of Coffee

There are millions of people in this country who begin every morning with a cup of coffee. Without it they feel as though something is missing in their morning routine, and the day is left incomplete, or certainly more difficult. From a spiritual perspective, the same should hold true for the Christian when it comes to our lives. Our study of the Scriptures, prayer lives and time spent meditating on the things of God should be such an integrated part of our lives to the point that a day where any of those things does not occur is considered an incomplete day. On Sunday mornings at the congregation here, we have a forty-five minute devotional of songs, prayers and Scripture reading to start off the day. My wife recently commented that this devotional was her cup of coffee on Sunday mornings to get her mind focused and ready for what the rest of the day would bring. In pondering it, I found that it holds the same effect for me. I wish more congregations of the Lord’s church would consider what a powerful asset such a program could be to the attitude and mindset of the Lord’s people beginning each Lord’s Day. However, should such a “cup of coffee” be confined to only the Lord’s Day? Certainly, if time spent with the Word of God and giving honor and praise to Him on the first day of the week is beneficial to the mentality of the Christian, doing the same …

Sacrifice

One of the central principles of the entire Bible is sacrifice. It is the foundation upon which all service and godliness is built and fastened. Nevertheless, many people have many different ideas about what sacrifice is and what role it plays in the lives of the servants of God. Some define sacrifice as being forced to do something you do not want or prefer to do. Others will define sacrifice, as it is seen in the Scriptures, as nothing more than a biblical description of ancient cruelty to animals. The true significance and purpose to be found in sacrifice is utterly lost in such concepts. Therefore, it is worth our time and effort to understand what it means to sacrifice, and how the Bible uses this particular concept. The term “sacrifice” is used over two hundred times in the Bible. Though the majority of the passages are found in the Old Testament, there are twenty-four uses of the term in the New Testament as well.  Webster defines this word as: the offering of animal, plant, or human life or of some material possession to a deity, as in propitiation or homage; the person, animal, or thing so offered; the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim; to surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something else. It is obvious that there are a number of different ways this …

Moses: A True Leader

Outside of the Lord Himself, there is no other individual within the pages of Scripture about whom we know more than Moses. There are four books of the Old Testament dedicated to his leadership (Exodus), his role as lawgiver (Leviticus), his “survival skills” (Numbers) and his speeches (Deuteronomy). Within the pages of these four books, God reveals to man an individual who did not seek fame or personal glory. Yet, Moses was exactly the type of leader the children of Israel needed. It is interesting to note that one of the greatest leaders of biblical record was not, at first, a willing participant. When God called Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-10), Moses responded by giving every possible excuse he could find as to why God had made a mistake. However, his caution and fear in taking the job showed that he was exactly the type of leader Israel needed. God found in Moses an individual who understood that he could not lead these people by himself. Rather, he needed help, not just from God, but from those around him as well. Without the assistance of men such as Jethro, Aaron and Joshua, Moses’ life would have been far more difficult than it already was! Moses was not self-centered, but instead was willing on a number of occasions to sacrifice himself for the people he led. It is, therefore, obvious that as Moses led the people of Israel, he placed his trust, not in himself, but in God. There …

What Does the Bible Say about Looking in the Mirror?

In James 1:22-25, the writer gives a very appropriate analogy showing two different types of people, those who hear God’s Word and ignore it, and those who hear it and obey it. The first group is compared to a person who looks in the mirror, sees his/her unkempt reflection and simply walks away not caring about their appearance. Such individuals are not considered to be wise or to care about themselves and their image before others. Yet, how many people fall into this category spiritually? They see what the Bible says about their deeds, but they walk away as though they saw nothing. On the other hand, the second group of people is the one that looks into the mirror, sees the changes that need to be made, and takes the time to make them. Spiritually, we need to be like this example. When we look to God’s Word and see the changes that need to be made, we ensure they are accomplished in our lives. How do you look in the mirror?

Which Hope Is Yours?

Generally, when people speak of hope, they define it in the sense of wishful thinking, stating that they hope a certain thing occurs or that they receive a particular thing. Unfortunately, that mentality also bleeds over into their philosophy about biblical hope. They, then, will state that they “hope” to go to heaven or they “hope” that God will answer their prayers. These statements are also made as nothing more than wishful thinking with no certainty involved. Thankfully, this is not the biblical teaching about “hope.” The term in the New Testament that is translated “hope” comes from the Greek word “elpis” and literally means “expectation or confidence in someone or something” (Strong’s). This is by no means similar to the earlier connotations discussed. Biblical hope lies in confidence that something will occur, not a wish that something might occur. There is a vast difference between the two. The writer of the Book of Hebrews shows in chapters six and seven that we have a better hope available through Christ than any who had come before. This confident hope comes from the understanding that God always keeps His promises (Hebrews 6:11-19), has raised His Son from the dead to be our High Priest (Hebrews 6:20-7:18) and makes available the perfection of full salvation through our Lord (7:19). When we understand that God, through His Word, has laid at our feet all that we need in order to have a biblical hope, there is no reason for us to be as …

Testing Preachers

There are many preachers in the religious world proclaiming that, because of their position and level of education, their teachings concerning God and the Bible should not be questioned by their hearers. However, what does the Bible say? John wrote in 1 John 4:1, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” John argued that we are to try (test) the words of every man to see whether they match the teachings of the Bible or not. We are not to take any man’s word that what he is teaching is true. During the missionary journeys of Paul, he preached to the Bereans and they exemplified this principle perfectly. As the apostle was preaching it is stated that they “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). Let us always be ones who test what we hear by the Word of God to ensure it is the truth.

What Does the Bible Say about the Golden Rule?

The Golden Rule is often referenced as one of the most basic principles in the New Testament. Jesus said, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). The principle of this verse is one that is often stated, but rarely done. Jesus says we are to treat others the way we wish to be treated. Unfortunately, we more often adhere to The Wicked Man’s Golden Rule: “Do unto others before they can do unto you.” If we are to adhere to Jesus’ statement, we must be willing to look out for others first. We must replace selfishness with selflessness and be willing to give the same respect and courtesy to others we desire for ourselves. Are you living by The Golden Rule of Matthew 7:12?

The Plague of Singing

The beauty of singing as a means of praise to God is something that truly cannot be paralleled by any of man’s inventions. Beyond the fact of its commandment by God and His statements that this is what He wants to hear, there are few things that can bring the wonderful sentiments of God’s graciousness and glory to bear like singing. Unfortunately, we seem to have a plague among the congregations in American society today. It seems that many congregations are filled with individuals who are afraid to sing out or unwilling to sing at all. These individuals, many times, do not understand the situation in which they are placing themselves with their actions. Singing is a command of God (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). As such, when we fail to fulfill that command, we are sinning because sin, by definition is going against God’s laws and commands (1 John 3:4). We must take very seriously the things that are stated in Scripture concerning this topic. They are not suggestions, but are commands that must be upheld. When one does not sing as God has commanded, there are a couple of things which that individual cannot complete as commanded. That individual cannot make melody in/with his or her heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). There is a direct correlation made between “singing” and making melody in/with the heart. The degree to which we sing is the degree to which the melody of the heart is made to the Lord. It is …

An Ambiguous God?

We live in a world that revels in ambiguity. Webster defines “ambiguous” as: “Having two or more meanings; doubtful; being of uncertain signification; susceptible of different interpretations; hence, obscure. It is applied to words and expressions.” Ambiguity revolves around uncertainty, making someone unsure of what should be done or why something is being done. It is specifically described as being applied to words and expressions, the things that we write and say. Ambiguity has long been the politician’s best friend. Politicians are able to make promises about anything they want, but never have to explain what they mean or how they intend to pay for all of these glorious additions to life and luxury. Unfortunately, many times, those who are ambiguous make things sound so good that many people do not even pick up on the ambiguity. They are happy to go along, thinking they are following one thing, when in reality they are swallowing something else entirely. The most exasperating aspects of ambiguity are found in another area – religion. It has become commonplace in our religious society, today, to make everything biblical ambiguous. There is no way truly to understand what God wanted to say to us because He wasn’t intelligent enough to be able to give it in a way that we could understand it, or at least so the perceived argument goes. Yet, is God really ambiguous in the Bible? Has God really given us doubletalk and unclear terminology of which we cannot come to a …

What Does the Bible Say About the Greatest Command?

In Matthew 22:34-40, Jesus was asked by a lawyer of his day, “Master, which is the great commandment of the law?” Jesus responded, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Jesus tells this man that the greatest commandment is for one to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind. This involves far more than simply saying that we love God, but requires of us the willingness to do all that God commands in the way He commands it to be done. It is unfortunate that many who say they love God believe they can then do whatever they desire and God will approve. Such is not the case. Part of showing that we love God is also seen in our treatment of one another (Vs. 39). If we love God, we will look out for the welfare of others as much as our own. Are we fulfilling the greatest command in our lives?

What Does the Bible Say about the Purpose of the Bible?

Many people misunderstand the Bible because they do not understand its purpose. Some see it as a history book, some as a book of stories and mythology. However, such ideas are not accurate representations of what the Bible is, or of its purpose. John wrote, “But these things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). John states that there are two reasons for the writing of the Scriptures. First, it was so that man would believe in whom Jesus was. The Old Testament prophesies of the coming of Christ and shows what God did to pave the way for His coming. The New Testament tells of His life and teachings, proclaiming the new covenant under which we live today. The second reason is that we might have life through his name. The New Testament teaches us how to get to Christ, and how to remain in Christ. This is the purpose of the Bible.

What Does the Bible Say About Possessions?

It is not uncommon in our country for people to judge their position in life by their possessions. Whether it is the kind of car they drive, the size houses they have, or the size of the televisions in their living rooms, many people use these things as signs of their prosperity and blessings. However, what does the Bible say? Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Jesus says our treasures, those things that we value most, are to be in Heaven. We are not to base our value or success on the level of possessions we have accumulated on this earth, but instead on how we have prepared ourselves to serve the Lord. With what are we more concerned, physical possessions or eternal blessings?